Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a buffer in a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) communication system. An audio encoder marks a frame as “dropped” whenever a buffer overflow might occur. Only a small number of bits are utilized to process a lost frame, thereby preventing the buffer from overflowing and allowing the encoder buffer-level to quickly recover from the potential overflow condition. The audio encoder optionally sets a flag that provides an indication to the receivers that a frame has been lost. If a “frame lost” condition is detected by a receiver, the receiver can optionally employ mitigation techniques to reduce the impact of the lost frame(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is an interpolation procedure for channel estimation that is based on minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) estimates over comb-type pilot signals. The time domain (TD) interpolated channel estimation suppresses, by the use of an advanced noise suppression scheme, the noise jitter that spreads over all or substantially all of the bandwidth of interest. The original channel estimates in the frequency domain (FD) are transformed into the TD by an IFFT function, where in one embodiment a predefined threshold on actual power or accumulative power is used to minimize the noise jitter over the bandwidth. In a further embodiment the channel estimates in the FD are transformed into the TD and the noise jitter is suppressed by preserving the channel estimates at the actual tap delays and setting the others to zeroes. In either embodiment the noise suppressed channel estimates are then transformed into the FD for FD equalization.

Abstract: A method includes performing a search method to determine a pair of receiver path correction signals, performing the search method to determine a pair of transmitter path correction signals, and using the pairs of receiver path and transmitter path correction signals to suppress a carrier signal. An apparatus includes a first pair of summers, an upconverter circuit coupled to the first pair of summers, a multiplexer coupled to the upconverter circuit, to a ground, and to an RF front end, a downconverter circuit coupled to the multiplexer, a second pair of summers coupled to the downconverter circuit, and a correction circuit coupled to the first and second pairs of summers.

Abstract: A method and system to produce a spectrally filtered ultra wideband (UWB) signal preferably utilizing a singly terminated filter having an input section and a current switching device directly coupled to the input section. The switching device is operated in a highly nonlinear manner such that an impulse of energy excites the filter in such a way that a vast majority of impulse energy is transmitted to an antenna after spectral filtering thereby yielding a highly efficient, broadband (e.g., ultra wideband) transmission. A substantial fraction of the current switched into the filter passes directly to the antenna. Optionally, the input section of the filter possesses a secondary resonance and the current switching device has a conduction time chosen to be compatible with the secondary resonance.

Abstract: A modulator (10) and method provides a programmable phase rotation for supporting different modulation formats and different phase rotations. The modulator (10) includes a programmable symbol counter (32) and symbol phase rotation logic (31) operatively responsive to programmable phase rotation size data (36) and programmable counter size data (30). The modulator (10) can be used to communicate with different modulation formats employing different phase rotation conventions as used in different communication systems. The symbol phase rotation logic (31) produces rotated in-phase data (20) and rotated quadrature data (22) in response to receiving at least received symbol data (24), programmable phase rotation size data (36), and symbol count data (32) based on programmable counter size data (30). According to another embodiment, the phase rotations of the modulator (10) may be dynamically selectable such that the phase rotations may be selected to accommodate changes in channel characteristics in real time.

Abstract: In digital radio technology, information channels describing the properties of the associated performance channel(s) are included in the broadcast band. The digital radio determines when selected signal groups are present in the information channels. Upon identification of a selected signal group, the digital radio automatically reconfigures itself into a user-determined configuration for processing the performance channel. By way of specific example, the user can determine that the equalization of the performance channel for selected musical formats and/or selected artists.

Abstract: A mobile communication system is provided with a system for frequency correction in a reception apparatus which has a first control system, device or loop for detecting a frequency discrepancy in received signals and for appropriate correction of the frequency supplied to a mixer stage, and a second control system, device or loop for detecting a frequency discrepancy in received signals and for subsequent computerized correction thereof on the basis of the CORDIC algorithm.

Abstract: A communications device configured to extract weighting factors from incoming signals received from two or more antennas while estimating a channel ratio for the signals. The device includes at least one antenna and a digital signal processor. The method includes receiving two signals and extracting the weighting factors while estimating the channel ratio.

Abstract: A synchronization that includes a pattern sequence. In the synchronization, symbols of a first pattern sequence are usually correlated, the symbols commonly including amplitude and/or phase information, thereby routinely obtaining a first differential phase information sequence, symbols of a second pattern sequence are correlated, the symbols generally including amplitude and/or phase information, thereby typically obtaining a second differential phase information sequence, and then the first and second differential phase information sequences are usually correlated, thereby obtaining a correlation result. Then, a synchronization between the first and second pattern sequences is often determined on the basis of the obtained correlation result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in connection with wireless communication to adjust the frequency of an oscillator to synchronize with a received signal by correlating a synchronization code channel with training sequences to estimate positive and negative offsets which are employed to estimate an error, which is then filtered. The filtered output preferably provides a voltage controlling a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The same technique may be employed to control a numeric controlled oscillator (NCO).

Abstract: An A-D conversion unit performs analog-to-digital conversions on baseband signals. A correlation processing unit carries out a correlation processing. A power computing unit computes the power of correlation values. An inter-signal condition determining unit compares a relationship between the peak of a main signal and the peak of sub-signals to a first condition, and excludes, from combining diversity, baseband signals corresponding to the sub-signals if the relationship does not satisfy the first condition. An intra-signal condition determining unit 30 compares the main signals and sub-signals to a second condition, respectively, and excludes signals from combining diversity if the signals do not satisfy the second condition. A timing adjusting unit adjusts the timing of sub-signals so that the timing thereof comes close to the timing of the main signal. A shift unit shifts the timing of sampled signals corresponding to the sub-signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating desired signals from a mixed signal. A preferred method includes identifying the frequencies associated with the independent signals within the mixed signal and sampling the mixed signal once for each of the identified frequencies. Using the identified frequencies, a set of constant coefficients is determined and applied to the samples to separate at least one of the independent signals from the mixed signal. The other independent signals may then be suppressed. A signal processing system is also supplied that includes memory and a circuit. The memory stores samples of the mixed signal for the circuit to process. The circuit identifies the frequencies of the independent signals, determines a set of coefficients, and applies the coefficients to the mixed signal. Thus, the system separates a desired signal from the mixed signal.

Abstract: A circuit for adjusting the phase of a clock signal. A first sampling circuit generates a sequence of data samples in response to transitions of the clock signal, each of the data samples having either a first state or a second state according to whether an incoming signal exceeds a first threshold. An second sampling circuit generates an error sample in response to one of the transitions of the clock signal, the error sample having either the first state or the second state according to whether the incoming signal exceeds a second threshold. A phase adjust circuit adjusts the phase of the clock signal if the sequence of data samples matches a predetermined pattern and based, at least in part, on whether the error sample has the first state or the second state.

Abstract: An over-sampled sequence detector operates on sampled data and tracks the detection reliability of the sampled data. The detector separately analyzes sample sequences for different sampling phases and then picks a sample sequence that allows for the most reliable detection. For the different sampling phases, the detector inspects some amount of look-behind and look-ahead information in order to improve upon simple symbol-by-symbol detection. The over-sampled information is used to further improve detection performance.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system which includes a synchronization signal generator which generates a synchronization sequence, an RF transmitter which transmits the synchronization signal, and one or more receiver that receives the signal, where the synchronization sequence employs M PN codes of the same length that are repeated in a pseudo-random fashion for N code periods. Each receiver incorporates M filters matched to the M PN codes whose outputs are post detection combined in a manner consistent with the pseudo-random code transmission sequence to provide signal detection and synchronization. In another aspect, the synchronization sequence employs M time-shifted versions of a PN code that are repeated in a pseudo-random fashion for N code periods and each receiver incorporates a filter matched to the unshifted PN code and whose output samples are post detection combined in a manner consistent with the pseudo-random code transmission sequence to provide signal detection and synchronization.

Abstract: A spread spectrum clock generator comprising a phase-locked loop circuit and a modulation circuit. The phase-locked loop circuit receives a reference signal at a reference frequency and outputs an output signal at an output frequency periodically varying in a range between upper predetermined boundary and lower predetermined boundary frequencies. The modulation circuit receives the reference and the output signals, controls a period of the output frequency according to the reference frequency, and modulates a variation rate of the output frequency according to the reference frequency, and the output frequency, and the predetermined integers.

Abstract: The optimal allocation of resources—power and bandwidth—between training and data transmissions is considered for time-selective Rayleigh flat-fading channels under the cutoff rate criterion. The transmitter, assumed to have statistical channel state information (CSI) in the form of the channel Doppler spectrum, embeds known pilots symbols into the transmission stream. At the receiver, instantaneous, though imperfect, CSI is acquired through minimum mean square estimation of the channel based on some subset of pilot observations. The cutoff rate is computed and the optimal resource allocation is developed using, for example, a Gauss-Markov correlation model of a communication channel or a Jakes model.

Abstract: An advanced gray rod control assembly (GRCA) is for a nuclear reactor. The reactor has a plurality of fuel assemblies each including numerous elongated fuel rods supported in an organized array by substantially transverse support grids, and a plurality of guide thimbles disposed through the support grids and along the fuel rods. The GRCA includes a spider assembly structured to provide controlled insertion of gray rod assemblies within the thimbles of the fuel assembly, thereby controlling the rate of power produced by the reactor. Each gray rod assembly includes an elongated tubular member, a first end plug, a second end plug, a substantially pure silver neutron-absorber disposed within the tubular member, and a support tube surrounding the neutron-absorber within the tubular member to resist silver-swelling. Delta-power of the reactor is improved by minimizing the exposed surface area of the absorber and distributing it among all of the rods of the GRCA.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image-generating device is an inspection system incorporating three components: a radiation source, a modulating unit, and a radiation detector. All three components of the inspection system may be stationary. The radiation source irradiates an external inspected object with mono-energetic gamma rays. The modulating unit, used in conjunction with the unique energy-angle characteristics of the Compton scattering process, by encoding the gamma rays, enables the identification of the spatial origin of single-scattered gamma fluxes as they pass through the inspected object enroute to the detector. The radiation detector and the computerized processor identify gamma fluxes scattered from various locations within the inspected object. The three-dimensional distribution of scattering locations within the inspected object that produce the detected single-scattered gamma fluxes and their intensity is converted to a three-dimensional mass distribution as an image within the inspected object.

Abstract: A X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detecting unit to generate an X-ray image, an image generating unit generating a 3D non-blood vessel image and a 3D blood vessel image from an original 3D image generated by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus or an X-ray CT apparatus, a projection image generating unit generating a non-blood vessel projection image from the 3D non-blood vessel image and generating a blood vessel projection image from the 3D blood vessel image, a positional shift identifying unit identifying a positional shift between the X-ray image and the non-blood vessel projection image, a correcting unit correcting a positional shift of the blood vessel projection image on the basis of the positional shift, and a display unit which displays the X-ray image and the corrected blood vessel projection image.

Abstract: A digital x-ray phase contrast soft tissue imaging and mammography system offers significant cancer detection sensitivity and a significant improvement in accurate detection and interpretation of mammograms. In addition, the proposed system produces digital mammograms and thus has the advantages of digital mammography. The system overcomes the limitation of the current approaches to mammography using phase contrast effects and offers substantially higher performance than the current mammography used in hospitals and clinics. The proposed system uses the phase contrast imaging, in a breast and other soft tissue structures, instead of absorption contrast employed in the current x-ray mammography, allowing detection of smaller disease structures with substantial reduction in radiation dose.

Abstract: A system for imaging in a structure may include an energy beam source to direct an energy beam at the structure and a detector to detect a backscatter of the energy beam from any object in the structure. The system may also include a time-resolved function to generate an image of any object in the structure using the backscatter of the energy beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates systems and methods for phase-contrast x-ray imaging of an object. In one embodiment, the system includes an x-ray source, a detector, and an object-map generator. The x-ray source transmits x-rays, and the detector is positioned so as to receive at least a portion of the x-rays transmitted by the x-ray source and output an image signal indicative of an intensity measurement of the x-rays received. The object is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector. The detector is then used to acquire intensity measurements at two different positions and output the same to the object-map generator. The object-map generator then utilizes the image signals of the detector, along with algorithms, including phase-retrieval algorithms to generate an attenuation-map and a phase-map for the object. The present invention also include systems and methods utilizing a dual-detector arrangement, a multi-source arrangement, and a mosaic source-detector arrangement.

Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes aligning a patient table with a first examination axis, imaging a patient utilizing a first imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the first examination axis, aligning a patient table with a second examination axis, the second examination axis being different than the first examination axis, and imaging a patient utilizing a second separate imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the second examination axis.

Abstract: A method for multi-modality imaging is provided. The method includes receiving a first signal from a detector operating in a first imaging modality, and receiving a second signal from the detector operating in a second imaging modality, wherein the first and second signals are received sequentially.

Abstract: A treatment planning, simulation, and verification system is described. According to one embodiment, a treatment plan and a fluoroscopy data image of a treatment volume are received and the treatment plan is automatically adjusted based on the movement of the fluoroscopy data image. According to another embodiment, a system includes a treatment planning component to generate a treatment plan and a simulation component to simulate the execution of the treatment plan.

Abstract: An apparatus directing x-rays along a predetermined axis includes an x-ray optic having one or more nested x-ray reflector rings positioned relative to a source generating broad spectrum x-rays so that generated x-rays moving away from the predetermined axis are collected by the reflector incident at or close to a Bragg angle to thereby reflect the collected x-rays into a conically parallel beam. A first diffractor is positioned relative to the x-ray optic to receive incident thereon the conically parallel beam, the first diffractor selected from a truncated cone and a cylinder and diffracting the conically parallel beam toward the predetermined axis. A second diffractor is positioned relative to the first diffractor and having a geometry effective to receive incident thereon and redirect the conically parallel beam along the predetermined axis as a collimated beam of substantially parallel x-rays.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium is encoded with a computer program for operating a computer to control a radiation detector and a display apparatus. The computer is operated to derive a processed image by subtraction processing of a first image derived by a first energy radiation having a first energy and transmitting through an object and a second image derived successively to the first image by a second energy radiation having a second energy different from the first energy and transmitting through the same object, among a plurality of images of successive frames detected by the radiation detector detecting as an electric signal the radiation transmitted through the object. The display is operated to display on the display apparatus successively a plurality of the processed images derived thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 for a liquid-metal anode 1 of an X-ray source. It is provided according to the invention that it can be operated in at least two modes, wherein the first mode is a thawing mode in which the liquid metal 2 is melted in a line 3 of the liquid-metal anode 1, the second mode is an operating mode in which the liquid metal 2 is pumped through the line 3 and X-ray beams are produced. In addition, the invention relates to a liquid-metal anode 1 for an X-ray source with a liquid metal 2 which is located in a line 3, wherein an anode module 15 is inserted into the line 3 in the region of focus 4, with a pump 5 for circulating the liquid metal 2 in the line 3 and with a cooling system 6 for the liquid metal 2. According to the invention, such a liquid-metal anode 1 has a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 as described above.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a vacuum housing that can rotate around an axis, a cathode that thermionically emits electrons upon irradiation thereof by a laser beam, an anode that emits x-rays upon being struck by the electrons, an insulator that is part of the vacuum housing and that separates the cathode from the anode, electrodes or terminals to apply a high voltage between the anode and the cathode to accelerate the emitted electrons toward the anode to form an electron beam, a drive arrangement for rotation of the vacuum housing around its axis, an arrangement for cooling components of the x-ray radiator, and an arrangement that directs and focuses the laser beam from a stationary source that is arranged outside of the vacuum housing onto a spatially stationary laser focal spot on the cathode.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-interface communications device testing system is disclosed. The system simultaneously controls communication channels of a communications platform though multiple Interface Protocols, such as TDM, IP and Telephony Application Program Interfaces. The system also allows the creation of multi Interface Protocol Test Scenarios, and displays the results of executing the test results from all Protocols Interfaces and records and displays results.

Abstract: Determining whether a call forward busy service is enabled on a telephone line includes placing a first test call across a network to the telephone line. First signaling data is received through the network in response to the first test call. The first signaling data is evaluated to determine whether the first test call is inspiring a ringing condition. A second test call is placed across the network conditioned on whether the first signaling data indicates that the first test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition. The second test call is placed while the first test call remains inspiring ringing. Second signaling data is received through the network in response to the second test call. A call forward busy service is concluded to be enabled on the telephone line based on whether the second test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition.

Abstract: Voice-activated telephone call connection method and corresponding voice server. According to the invention, the voice server (SV) comprises customised directories (A1, A2, A3, . . . ) associated with voice recognition patterns (M1, M2, M3, . . . ). These directories are continually updated. The request from the user (U1, U2, . . . ) is processed, firstly, by the voice server using the customised directory and, if the request is not successful, secondly, using the public directory (30), with the same dialog.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for providing comprehensive facsimile information within a voicemail system. The method includes receiving and storing a facsimile at a voicemail system. The method also includes interpreting elements of a facsimile using an optical character recognition device. Upon receiving a request by a voicemail recipient to access a voice mailbox, the method includes converting interpreted elements of the facsimile into audible speech via a text-to-speech engine, formatting the converted elements resulting in a voicemail facsimile notification, and presenting the voicemail facsimile notification to a communications device associated with the voicemail recipient.

Abstract: A method for providing voice telephony services can include the step of receiving a call via a telephone gateway. The telephone gateway can convey call identifying data to a resource connector. A media port can be responsively established within a media converter that is communicatively linked to the telephone gateway through a port associated with the call. A call description object can be constructed that includes the call identifying data and an identifier for the media port. The call description object can be conveyed to a telephony application server that provides at least one speech service for the call. The telephony application server can initiate at least one programmatic action of a communicatively linked speech engine. The speech engine can convey results of the programmatic action to the media converter through the media port. The media converter can stream speech signals for the call based upon the results.

Abstract: System and method for managing a file attached to an e-mail. Added to a file name of the attached file is an address or derivation of the address from which a voice message associated with the attached file can be accessed. The file name with the address is displayed in the e-mail adjacent to an icon for the attached file. The derivation of the address is formed by identifying character(s) in the address or syntax of the address which are incompatible with file naming rules of a computer to receive the file and replacing the incompatible character(s) or syntax with corresponding character(s) or syntax which are compatible with file naming rules of the computer to receive the file. The address or derivation of the address can be merged with the file name. The voice message can describe a content of the file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing real-time conversation among a plurality of disparate communication devices include receiving a first communication from a first communication device operating in a first communication mode, translating the first communication into a second communication that is suitable for processing by a second communication device operating in a second communication mode, wherein the second communication mode is different from the first communication mode, and providing the second communication to the second communication device.

Abstract: In a telephone terminal an incoming call is detected from a calling entity followed by determining a caller identity of the calling entity. Then it is determined whether the caller identity is associated with a subscription to presence information associated with the calling entity, where the presence information includes media data for output through an output unit in the telephone terminal. If the caller identity was determined to be associated with a subscription to presence information, it is determined whether the media data is present in the terminal, and if the media data is present in the terminal, the media data is output through an output unit in the telephone terminal.

Abstract: A user may access information assistance for a concierge-type service, whereby the user may make restaurant reservations, purchase goods and services, obtain movie listings, etc. with an agent's (or operator's) assistance. In accordance with the invention, the agent may suggest a vendor for providing the goods or services requested by the user, and attempt to fulfill the user request. The suggested vendor may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by the user; it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by a group to which the user belongs; it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by the provider of the concierge-type service; and it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by a telephone carrier to which the user subscribes. The suggested vendor may also be a function of characteristics of the vendors that the user prefers, costs, etc. The invention resolves conflicts of preferences of different parties involved to come up with the suggested vendor.

Abstract: In cases when a called participant is not registered on a packet oriented network, a call-back request made by a calling subscriber is transmitted automatically to a substitutional device which is disposed in a network and assigned to the called subscriber. Preferably, the callback request is stored in a separate database. As soon as the called subscriber is registered in the network, the callback request is transmitted to the called subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a message interfacing agent 224 enables a circuit-switched communication device 106, such as a telephone, to receive and respond to electronic messages and the feature server 228 enables external endpoints to access switch/server functionality using packet-switched communications.

Abstract: A method of deploying a telecommunications service implemented in a service graph formed from a plurality of service independent building blocks includes developing the service graph from a plurality of service independent building blocks interconnected to execute a service process. From the service graph, a service script is generated and the service script is transferred to a customer.

Abstract: Providing customer relationship management (CRM) between a communications service operator and their customers includes obtaining information about a requested communications service requested by a customer, retrieving information about related and/or complimentary communications services to the requested service, and conveying the retrieved information to the customer. The requested service is processed upon a determination that the retrieved information was conveyed to the customer, such that processing of the requested service is contingent upon the retrieved information being conveyed to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention automatically establishes a connection to each participant of a teleconference. Conference call set up and connect information may be provisioned in a variety of ways, including via a menu-based Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) mechanism and via a form or formatted file sent from a subscriber. Additionally, a conference participant is not tied to one telephone number or other such address. The present invention queries a profile database to determine a conference participant's current location before connecting the participant to the conference. Therefore a conference participant who happens to be working from home on a particular day need only update one database, and any conferences in which the telecommuting worker is expected to participate will automatically be connected to the worker's home telephone number, rather than the worker's office telephone number.

Abstract: Phone systems for an integrated chat client service are provided. A representative phone system includes a call processing system operable to check a chat server for accessibility of a calling party chat client associated with a calling party and coupled to the internet, the call processing system being further operable to prompt a called party to select to talk or chat. Methods to connect telephone calls and answer telephone calls are also provided.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a call blocking service to which a user subscribes. The preferred call blocking service includes maintaining an updateable list of calling parties that the user wishes to block from being able to complete telephone calls to the user, maintaining a buffer for storing information associated with the most recent calling party placing a telephone call to the user, and recognizing a signal that the user activates to automatically add the most recent calling party to the list of calling parties blocked from being able to complete telephone calls to the user.

Abstract: Initiating a conference call using a call waiting graphical user interface includes receiving an indication that an incoming telephone call is directed to a telephone number and identifying an account associated with the telephone number to which the incoming call is directed. Configuration data related to the account is accessed. A first online identity and a second online identity associated with the account are identified based on the configuration data accessed. A first electronic communication is sent to the first online identity and a second electronic communication is sent to the second online identity. The first online identity can respond to the first electronic communication and the second online identity can respond to the second electronic communication.

Abstract: A call manager includes a first device process that controls a first telephony device and that receives a call request from the first telephony device. The call request includes a telephone number associated with a second telephony device. The call manager also includes a call control module that receives the call request from the first device process, and the call manager further includes a route list control process that is associated with the telephone number and that receives the call request from the call control module. The route list process accesses a route list to determine a port of a gateway device that can transmit the call request to the second telephony device. The route list process communicates the call request to a second call manager that is coupled to the packet-based network and that controls the gateway device included in the route list.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber from a remote terminal of a telephone network. Included is a first route for delivering a telephone signal to the subscriber, and a second route for passing the telephone signal through a DSL system before delivering the signal to the subscriber. A disrupter is then used to selectively activate either the first or second route.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a cryptographic device in which two key sets are stored: a normal key set (typically unique to the device) and a test key set (typically used by each of a relatively large number of devices). The device uses the normal key set in a normal operating mode and uses the test key set in at least one test mode which can be a built-in self test mode. Alternatively, the device stores test data (e.g., an intermediate result of an authentication exchange) in addition to or instead of the test key set. In other embodiments, the invention is a cryptographic device including a cache memory which caches a portion of a key set for performing an authentication exchange and/or at least one authentication value generated during an authentication exchange. Other embodiments of the invention are systems including devices that embody the invention and methods that can be performed by systems or devices that embody the invention.