Abstract: Each stage of a shift register circuit has a first input (Rn?1) connected to the output of a preceding stage, a drive transistor (Tdrive) for coupling a first clocked power line voltage (Pn) to the output (Rn) of the stage, a compensation capacitor (C1) for compensating for the effects of a parasitic capacitance of the drive transistor, a first bootstrap capacitor (C2) connected between the gate of the drive transistor and the output (Rn) of the stage; and an input transistor (Tin1) for charging the first bootstrap capacitor (C2) and controlled by the first input (Rn?1). Each stage has an input section (10) coupled to the output (Rn?2) of the stage two (or more) stages before the stage having a second bootstrap capacitor (C3) connected between the gate of the input transistor (Tin1) and the first input (Rn?1). The use of two bootstrapping capacitors makes the circuit less sensitive to threshold voltage levels or variations, and enables implementation using amorphous silicon technology.

Abstract: An LCD counter assembly including a housing that houses an LCD display at a first end and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly at a second end opposite the first end. A diffuser is intermediate the PCB assembly and the LCD display, the LCD display and the PCB assembly in electrical contact with a connector that provides electrical signals from the PCB assembly to the LCD. The first end of the housing includes an aperture through which the LCD display is readily visible to an observer. The PCB assembly may include a backlight to improve the visibility of the LCD display. The PCB assembly further includes a PCB having a printed circuit and a plurality of pads, a single piece, double beam, activation and trigger switch combination assembled to the board, the board configured to receive the double beam activation and trigger switch combination and a removable tab to separate the activation switch in the double beam combination from one of the plurality of pads.

Abstract: A pulse extension circuit for extending a pulse signal includes an input unit for receiving the pulse signal, an edge detection unit coupled to the input unit for generating a initiation signal, a pulse initiation unit coupled to the edge detection unit for outputting a control signal and adjusting a voltage level of the control signal, a pulse width control unit coupled to the pulse initiation unit for outputting a termination signal, a reset unit coupled to the edge detection unit, the pulse initiation unit and the pulse width control unit for outputting the first reset signal and the second reset signal to reset the pulse initiation unit and the pulse width control unit, and an output unit coupled to the input unit and the pulse initiation unit for extending a signal period of the pulse signal according to the pulse signal and the control signal.

Abstract: CT scanners have a certain scan-field-of-view defined by the fan-angle of the system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, object points outside the scan-field-of-view may be reconstructed on the basis of a system of linear equations which may be solved iteratively and with reasonable effort. Therefore, explicit regularization techniques may be applied to recover the unknown object function.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) scanner (10), a reconstructor (46), a polychromatic corrector (50), a material classifier (54) and an image processor (60). The scanner provides spectral CT information. The reconstructor (46) reconstructs the data from the CT scanner (10) into a volume space. The material classifier (54) determines a material composition of locations in the volume space as a function of their location in an attenuation space. Information indicative of the material composition is presented on a display (62).

Abstract: A method of imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using X-ray cone beam computed tomography or cone beam digital tomography comprises the step of introducing an effective amount of a contrast agent to the uncompressed region of interest. A system for imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or cone beam digital tomography (CBDT) comprises an X-ray source transmitting an X-ray to the uncompressed region of interest, an image acquisition system acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional projection images data for a CBCT or CBDT data set with at least one of the projection images acquired in 35 milliseconds or less, and a processor generating a three-dimensional computed tomography image data set resolving voxels with dimensions of 0.4 mm or less in at least two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a correction of X-ray intensities measured in an energy-resolved diffraction method may be provided for multiple scattered radiation without any assumptions on the geometry of the object examined. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the characteristic lines of the anode material in the primary spectrum are evaluated, resulting in a component analysis of the detected spectrum which may allow for a correction for its multiple scatter part.

Abstract: Cone-beam CT scanners with large detector arrays suffer from increased scatter radiation. This radiation may cause severe image artefacts. An examination apparatus is provided which directly measures the scatter radiation and uses this measurement for a correction of the contaminated image data. The measurement is performed by utilizing a 1-dimensional anti-scatter-grid and an X-ray tube with an electronic focal spot movement. Image data is detected at a first position of a focal spot and scatter data is detected at a second position of the focal spot. The image data is corrected on the basis of the scatter data.

Abstract: One provides (101) fan-beam data via a translate-rotate computed tomography acquisition process and then reconstructs (102) an image from this data without resampling any pixel positions other than to optionally resample pixel positions to compensate for non-uniform translation intervals. These embodiments also provide for reconstructing this image from this data without interpolating any pixel positions other than to optionally interpolate pixel positions as again may be useful to compensate for non-uniform translation intervals.

Abstract: X-ray transmission data of a specific direction is extracted from X-ray transmission data obtained by rotating an X-ray tube irradiating an X-ray around an object. The outline of the object is calculated based on the X-ray transmission data of the specific direction. Then, based on this outline, the X-ray transmission data is corrected, and an image of the inside of the object is reconstructed from the corrected X-ray transmission data.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes a scanning X-ray source for outputting X-rays, a sensor base which is attached with a plurality of X-ray sensors and which rotates about a rotation axis, and an image acquiring control mechanism for controlling rotation angle of the sensor base and acquisition of image data from the X-ray sensors. With respect to each X-ray sensor, the scanning X-ray source moves the X-ray focal position of the X-ray source to each starting position of the X-ray emission set so that the X-ray transmits through a predetermined examination area of an examination target and enters each X-ray sensor, and emits the X-rays. The image control acquiring control mechanism acquires image data detected by the X-ray sensors, and a calculation unit reconstructs an image of the examination area based on the image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic exposure control of an imaging implemented by electromagnetic radiation, in particular to priorizing and selecting several automatic exposure signals in connection with mammography imaging, to be used in such a way that areas having darkened too little would not be left into the image to be formed, at least not in the area of the breast tissue. A selection process of the signals makes up an essential part of the invention, in which signals are selected for the basis of control of imaging parameters according to signal values, and possibly also according to the physical location of the signal sources, on the grounds of the selection criteria according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the distribution of an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) marker (16) in a body volume (14). The body volume (14) is irradiated with a beam of rays (12) from an X-ray source (10) with a first ray component with a quantum energy just above and a second ray component with a quantum energy just below the K-edge of the XRF marker (16). Secondary radiation emitted from the body volume (14) is detected in a location-resolved way by a detector (30). To separate the X-ray fluorescence components in the secondary radiation from background radiation, the body volume is irradiated for a second time with a beam of rays from which the first ray component has been substantially removed by a filter (22) made from the material of the XRF marker.

Abstract: System and methods for measuring the density, level, or interface position of a fluid or fluids in a vessel using gamma-ray backscatter are disclosed. The gamma-ray instruments disclosed may account for vessel wall buildup or deterioration. Methods disclosed herein include detecting gamma rays backscattered by a fluid from a gamma-ray source positioned proximate to a vessel with at least two gamma-ray detectors positioned proximate to the vessel and to each other; and determining a density, level, or interface value of the fluid based upon intensities of backscattered gamma rays received by the two or more gamma-ray detectors; wherein the vessel wall is subject to at least one of buildup and deterioration. The density, level, or interface may be a function of a ratio of the intensity of backscattered gamma rays received by two or more of the detectors.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic digital radiographic inspection of round aerospace parts (18) and irregularly shaped aerospace parts (19) includes a radiation source (14) and a radiation detector (16) located on opposite sides of the aerospace part to receive the radiation from the radiation source. In operation the radiation source and the radiation detector are manipulated by a robot (10) in six independent axes of motion. The aerospace part is rotated by a part manipulator (20) to provide the seventh axis of motion and the aerospace part is tilted to provide the eighth axis of motion. This allows every portion of the aerospace part to be examined. The radiation detector converts the impinging radiation into electrical signals and the system generates the radiographic images and archives these images.

Abstract: A medical device includes a radiation source assembly having at least two radiation sources, where one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate an imaging beam for use in visualization of a scene and one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate a therapeutic beam for treatment of a medical condition. An optical fiber for directing radiation energy from the radiation source assembly toward a distal end of the medical device in the form of a beam. A reflector that receives the beam from the optical fiber, the reflector configured to direct the beam onto a field-of-view. A receiving system including a detector arranged and configured to receive radiation from the field-of-view to generate a viewable image. The imaging beam and the therapeutic beam are directed to follow a common path from the at least two radiation sources to the reflector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus is provided that stabilizes a dark current, image ghosting, and the sensitivity of the imaging apparatus, reduces the power consumption and the heat generation of a light source, and improves the durability of a conversion element. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a flat panel detector including a conversion unit, where the conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and each of the pixels includes a conversion element capable of converting a radiation ray into electric charge, a light source capable of emitting light to the conversion unit, and a control unit configured to control the flat panel detector and the light source. The control unit controls the emission of light performed by the light source on the basis of a signal output from the flat panel detector.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a two-dimensional detector having a plurality of cells wherein each cell is configured to detect energy or signal passing through an object. The imaging system includes a computer programmed to acquire imaging data for the plurality of cells, identify a cell to be corrected, based on the imaging data, interpolate Ix and Iy for the identified cell based on neighbor cells, and calculate local gradients gx and gy between the identified cell and its neighbor cells based on the interpolation. The computer is further programmed to calculate weighting factors wx and wy based on the local gradients, calculate a corrected final value I(0,0) for the identified cell, and correct the identified cell with the corrected final value.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has at least one radiator module with a sealed vacuum housing and a high voltage connection. The at least one radiator module extends only partially around an examination space and has at least two x-ray sources that can be controlled individually.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a radiation source to generate a beam of radiation, a modulator for modulating the power of the beam of radiation as a function of the position of the beam within a field-of-view to maintain the beam's power within a desired exposure level as the beam scans the field-of-view, and a reflector oscillating in a sinusoidal manner to direct the beam of radiation onto a field-of-view.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus changes a position of each X-ray sensor by rotating a sensor base, and resets a starting position of X-ray emission that becomes a X-ray focal position so that the X-ray enters each X-ray sensor after the position thereof is changed. A scanning X-ray source deflects an electron beam to easily change the position where the electron beam impinges a target of the X-ray source to an arbitrary location. The irradiating position of the electron beam then can be easily moved according to an accumulated irradiation time on the target. Therefore, maintenance can be performed without interrupting the X-ray examination.

Abstract: The invention concerns an X-ray examination device (10) comprising an X-ray source (20), an X-ray detector (18) and a segmented carrier, where the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are rotatable together around an isocentre (32). The segmented carrier includes a main arm (12) on which the X-ray source and X-ray detector are mounted and at least one first auxiliary arm (22) to which the main arm is mounted. The first auxiliary arm is rotatable around a first rotational axis (30) through the isocentre.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a radiation imaging system include a dual use variable thickness radiation filter having a slit in one part thereof such that in a first position a radiation beam passing through is not attenuated and in a second position the radiation beam is attenuated according to the total filter thickness in the path of the radiation beam. The filter may be formed of multiple movable plates or a single piece of stepped high density material.

Abstract: A detector array is disposed relative to a radiation source such that radiation from the radiation source over a predetermined time period is substantially similar across the detector array. The detector array includes radiation detectors operatively coupled to detector electronics. The radiation filter material is disposed at least partially between the radiation source and the detector array such that different portions of the detector array are exposed to radiation from the radiation source through either different radiation filter material thicknesses or different radiation filter material compositions during the predetermined time period. So configured, information regarding the radiation such as beam quality information for radiation pulses is collected and used to confirm the quality of the radiation source or to adjust data collected by the radiation system.

Abstract: A system for processing emergency calls in a telecommunications network includes: receiving a first call at a node (30) of the telecommunications network from a calling party that originated the first call; detecting that the received first call is an emergency call; establishing a conference bridge in response to the detected emergency call; connecting the emergency call over the conference bridge to a designated facility (40) that handles emergency calls; and, automatically originating at least one second call from the node (30) to at least one predetermined third party that is different than the calling party and the facility (40).

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a calling party to save information obtained from an information retrieval system. The caller may select options to save the information to a memory location, e.g., the caller's own network-based voice mail system or a temporary voice mailbox provided for the caller by the information provider, from which the caller can subsequently retrieve and review the information. The information may be saved to an Internet-based website from which the caller may subsequently retrieve the information. The information may be forwarded to a separate telephone directory number for receipt by a third person or for storing on a remote voice mail system. Additionally, the information may be electronically mailed to the caller's electronic mail address for subsequent retrieval. Discussions with a live attendant may be recorded and stored, as audio files or as converted to text, for access by or delivery to the caller.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and media for extracting phone numbers from voice mail messages are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for determining a phone number in a voice mail message that includes analyzing a message and determining phone number(s) associated with the message based on the analysis. Embodiments of the method may also include generating a macro based on the determined phone number(s) and performing a macro action for at least one generated macro. In some embodiments, analyzing the message and determining phone number(s) associated with the message may include detecting a trigger word and parsing words in the message after the detected trigger word. In other embodiments, analyzing the message and determining one or more phone numbers associated with the message may include analyzing a voice-to-number dictionary and determining phone number(s) based on the dictionary. The macro action may include dialing, storing, deleting, etc. a phone number.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for enabling a user to more easily navigate an IVR menu by, for example, displaying to the user a visual representation of the IVR menu.

Abstract: An improved approach to failover voice messaging services is provided. In one example, a method includes detecting a network communication interruption between a branch office and a main office, provisioning a mailbox of a failover voice messaging system of the branch office, and receiving an incoming call at the branch office. The method also includes routing the incoming call to the mailbox, storing a message associated with the incoming call in the mailbox, and detecting a restored network connection between the branch office and the main office. The method further includes synchronizing the message between the mailbox of the failover voice messaging system of the branch office and a corresponding mailbox of a voice messaging system of the main office in response to the restored network connection. Failover voice messaging systems supporting such features are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a telecommunications network and which may let a user monitor and control the user's network telephone services is disclosed. The system may include a CEO Dashboard, a Migration Module, and a Trouble Ticket Wizard. Additionally, the system may include backend processes that periodically run, ensuring that everything is being done to retrieve, and store, the user's available resources on the network. The system may be provided by an integrated platform that is available through online web access and that includes functions such as provisioning, billing, line management, and account management.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the remote request of information stored in telecommunication devices. In operation, an initialization message is transmitted to a telecommunication device, which initiates the remote request of stored information. The initialization message can also be used to notify the telecommunication device of an authorization code authorizing the remote inquiry and dial-in information for providing a transmission address of the requested information. After verifying the authenticating code and evaluating the dial-in information, a telecommunication connection is established to another telecommunication device corresponding to the dial-in information. The stored information is then transmitted to a requester via the telecommunication connection.

Abstract: In a wide-area communication system, users or numbers in the system to be alerted are ranked so to improve the efficiency of the alert calls. Rankings are based on various factors, including whether two or more users are on the same active call, whether a user is on an active call, how recently a user ended a call, and whether a user recently missed a call. Within rankings, there may be multiple callers or numbers. These users may further be ranked, such as by determining which caller is expected to end a call first based on the current elapsed time of the call and the average call duration for that user or number.

Abstract: A caller verification system and method include generating a challenge to be sent to a caller which requires a response from the caller prior to accepting a call. A response or lack thereof is determined from the caller, and the response is analyzed relative to an acceptable response to determine whether the caller is acceptable to communicate with. If the caller is acceptable, the call may be accepted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for temporarily provisioning a telephone service feature. At the request of a calling or called party, a telephone service feature to be temporarily provisioned can be identified. Once identified, the telephone service feature can be provisioned and activated to handle the telephone service feature. Upon completion of the call, the requested telephone service is deactivated. In order to activate the requested telephone service feature, system resources can be allocated to support the identified telephone service feature. The allocation of system resources can include reserving a pool of resources for activating the identified telephone service feature. For example, a pool of line interface circuits may be reserved specifically for providing temporary provisioning of the telephone service feature for subscribers. An available resource capable of processing the identified telephone service feature can be selected from the pool of resources.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of locations associated with a conference system that has a conference server and a mixer, and prioritizing the locations by assigning a first priority to at least a first location and assigning a second priority to a second location. The second priority is lower than the first priority. The method also includes processing received media streams such that media streams received from endpoints associated with the first location are processed as having a higher priority than media streams received from endpoints associated with the second location.

Abstract: A system and method for providing additional information to conference participants with regard to a predefined conference event such as scheduled conference. In various embodiments, outgoing conference indications include an identifier that indicates to a recipient that the conference invitation is being sent due to the occurrence of a scheduled event and/or due to the occurrence of other conditions being met.

Abstract: Techniques for managing a multimedia conference call are described. An apparatus may comprise a wireless device having at least one wireless transceiver and a conference call manager module. The conference call manager module may establish a voice connection and a data connection for a multimedia conference call using the wireless transceiver, the voice connection to communicate media information and the data connection to communicate conference call event information during the multimedia conference call. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for adding a background tone to a call includes: triggering a background tone service, according to a preset triggering mechanism, upon receipt of a call from a calling subscriber to a called subscriber; establishing a three-party call among the calling subscriber, the called subscriber, and the background tone service platform, and playing, by the background tone, a background tone service platform. A system for implementing a background tone service includes an exchange and a background tone service platform. By applying embodiments of the present invention, subscribers can communicate with each other and enjoy the background tone, which is more interesting.

Abstract: When an outgoing call is to be requested on a terminal, the terminal transmits a first outgoing call request containing the priority of outgoing call operation. When the terminal transmits the first outgoing call request, and then receives a second outgoing call request addressed to the terminal before it receives an incoming call response with respect to the first outgoing call request from a destination terminal, the terminal compares the priority contained in the second outgoing call request with the priority contained in the first outgoing call request. The terminal executes an incoming call response procedure corresponding to the second outgoing call request when the priority in the second outgoing call request is higher as the result of comparison between the priorities of outgoing call operation, and executes a outgoing call control following the first outgoing call request when the priority in the first outgoing call request is higher.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A telecommunications device. The device includes a receiver for receiving an incoming call and a processor in communication with the receiver. The processor has a callback/callback reminder module for automatically calling back a calling party of an incoming call or for sending a user a reminder to callback the calling party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing telephony services to customers. A metaservice is associated with a directory number. The metaservice is provisioned as a pseudo-service for advanced telephony services for the directory number. When a request is received for an advanced telephony service for the directory number, then the metaservice is provided to appear as the requested advanced telephony service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the cost of long distance phone calls is disclosed. Accordingly, an originating phone network is operatively connected to a first intermediate point, and a receiving phone network is operatively connected to a second intermediate point. Each intermediate point is operatively connected to communicate via a data network. Users on the originating and destination phone networks may communicate based on virtual numbers. The virtual number is preferably within the local calling area of the originating phone network. The first and second intermediate points route calls to any geographic location, regardless of distance, over the data network based on the virtual number. This provides the advantage of allowing a user on the originating phone network to access a user at a distant location for a price that is substantially similar to the price of a local call.

Abstract: An automated agent system and method includes an action classifier which scores a representation of a portion of a user inquiry based on a knowledge bank. A comparing device compares a running score of the representation to a threshold to determine if enough information has been collected to respond early to the inquiry. An action mechanism provides an early response to the user prior to the user completing the inquiry if the threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method for managing calls includes allocating a plurality of agents among a plurality of queues, receiving a plurality of calls each for connection with at least one of the plurality of agents, and assigning each of the plurality of calls to a queue of the plurality of queues. The method further includes monitoring a dynamic value profile for each of the plurality of queues. The dynamic value profile for a queue is calculated based on one or more financial attributes of the current calls in the queue. The method includes determining that the dynamic value profile for a first queue is greater than the dynamic value profile for a second queue. In addition, the method comprises reallocating one or more of the plurality of agents, among the plurality of queues in response to determining that the dynamic value profile for the first queue is greater than the dynamic value profile for the second queue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.

Abstract: An adaptable or universal communication interface module is linked to a main speakerphone module having audio pickup and playback capabilities, resides between the telephone and the communications line and allows users to utilize a non-manufacturer-specific speakerphone, i.e., that that can be used with any telephone communication system. When the user wishes to conduct a “hands free” conversation, the interface module will capture the audio signals and send them to the main speakerphone module to be played on loudspeakers. The interface module will also take the processed audio signal from the main speakerphone module and plant it in the communication link in place of the audio signals coming out of the telephone.

Abstract: A system and method concerns a secure transmission of a file fragmentable into a plurality of fragments, and comprises (a) initially fixing a global encryption key; (b) encrypting the fragmentable file based on said global key to form a first encrypted file; (c) encrypting the global key by means of an asymmetric encryption algorithm using a public key to obtain a global encrypted key; (d) inserting values representing the global encrypted key among the fragments of said encrypted file to form a second encrypted file; and (e) transmitting the second encrypted file.