Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject. In at least one embodiment, least one grating of a focus-detector arrangement includes, at least partially, a macroscopically homogeneous medium which, when excited by an energy source, assumes a periodic structure/standing wave field that leads to beam splitting and the formation of an interference pattern when the X-ray beam passes through.

Abstract: A system to acquire radiological images of an imaged subject is provided. A gantry moves a radiation source and image receptor to multiple positions in relation to an imaged subject. A controller comprises program instructions that include correlating sequence selectors with sequences of acquired images acquired at multiple positions of the gantry, detecting actuation of a first selector correlated to a first sequence, instructing the gantry to position the radiation source and receptor at a first position to acquire a first image in the first sequence, moving the radiation source and receptor while simultaneously detecting actuation of the validation pedal until reaching the first position, acquiring the first image, automatically instructing the gantry to move the radiation source and receptor to a second position to acquire a second image in the first sequence, repeating these steps to acquire the remainder of the images in the first sequence.

Abstract: A method for delivering radiation therapy to a patient using a three-dimensional planning image for radiation therapy of the patient wherein the planning image includes a radiation therapy target. The method includes the steps of: determining desired image capture conditions for the capture of at least one two-dimensional radiographic image of the radiation therapy target using the three-dimensional planning image; detecting a position of the radiation therapy target in the at least one captured two-dimensional radiographic image; and determining a delivery of the radiation therapy in response to the radiation therapy target's detected position in the at least one captured two-dimensional radiographic image.

Abstract: A method for radiation therapy with target recognition has a first target identification system for obtaining first target characteristics within a patient's body. A second target identification system obtains second target characteristics within the body aided by the first target characteristics. A computation means for calculation of three-dimensional coordinates of the target region with respect to a three-dimensional radiotherapy system uses the second target characteristics. Irradiation means for radiotherapy mode adaptation is used in response to the second target characteristics and the calculation of three-dimensional coordinates of the target region.

Abstract: A method for analysis of a sample includes directing a beam of radiation to impinge on a target area on a surface of the sample along a beam axis at a plurality of different elevation angles. For each of the different angles, a respective offset of the beam in a direction transverse to the beam axis is determined. While sensing the radiation scattered from the sample at each of the different elevation angles in succession, a transverse correction is applied to at least one of the beam and the sample in order to compensate for the respective offset at each of the different elevation angles.

Abstract: A digital dental image apparatus comprising: (A) an intra-oral image sensor configured to output a raw analog video signal; (B) a processing raw analog video signal (PRAVS) means for processing the raw analog video signal for optimum detection; (B) a digitizing, over sampling, and averaging (DOSA) means for digitizing, over sampling, and averaging the optimized analog video signal; and (C) a programmable control and signal processing (PCSP) means configured to generate a control signal to control an over sampling rate of the (DOSA) means. The PCSP means is configured to process the DOSA video signal, and configured to output the processed DOSA video signal to an output network interface.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein automatically detect, highlight and identify high-Z materials in volume concentrations of approximately 100 cm3 or greater utilizing single and/or dual energy sources with x-ray and neutron detectors. The methods and systems described herein are applied to the imaging of containerized cargo and cargo vehicles. Pursuant to the described systems and methods, radiation powers are orders of magnitude lower than those used in the conventional systems. By reducing the radiation power by a factor of, for example, 100 or more, the shielding requirements for the system are greatly reduced, alignment requirements can be significantly relaxed and system components can be lighter weight and more modular. Consequently, system costs are reduced.

Abstract: To comply with radiation protection provisions that differ from one another for different operating functions without operational restrictions, a radiation protection system is provided in the case of a multifunctional x-ray system for a solid state detector assigned to the x-ray system. The radiation protection system includes a device for restricting the current outer contours of an x-radiation field to bounding outer contours dependent on the selected operating function of the x-ray system.

Abstract: A network interface device is positioned between a subscriber loop and the internal wiring of a subscriber's premise. Operational and performance data is captured and stored in memory for later use and analysis. Commands issued to the network interface device selectively loop-back transmitted data at either the network or subscriber side of the network interface device and/or selectively engage or disengage one or more of the addressed subscriber and premise loops.

Abstract: Emergency calls placed from telephone devices connected to a data network are completed to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP). In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for completing an emergency call comprises receiving a call from a device on a data network, the call destined for an emergency service, the device having a physical location, obtaining a telephone number of an emergency call center that handles emergency calls for the physical location of the device, and routing the call to the emergency call center using the telephone number.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for recording an audio note for a voice message stored on a messaging platform are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for representing call content in a searchable database includes transcribing call content to text. The call content is projected to vector space, by creating a vector by indexing the call based on the content and determining a similarity of the call to an atomic-class dictionary. The call is classified in a relational database in accordance with the vector.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for providing a Web-based directory with automatic dialing capabilities that may be used by the user of a standard wireline or cellular telephone to establish contact with entities having SIP phones or other IP-based communication devises. The Web-based directory includes not only the names of various entities, but information on how to establish voice contact with them as well such as IP addresses or other contact numbers. A Web-based directory user establishes an Internet connection and retrieves one or more Web pages of the Web-based directory, selecting from them one or more entities from among those listed.

Abstract: A method of presenting instructions to a user sending an incoming communication to a service center includes presenting a menu to the user. The menu includes a plurality of procedure descriptors to the user. The user is presented, according to a selection of one of the procedure descriptors by the user, a sequence of instructions which enable completion of a procedure described by the selected procedure descriptor. The incoming communication is transferred at a position in the sequence of instructions to a representative. The incoming communication is also transferred back to the same position in the sequence of instructions.

Abstract: A method of sizing a communication link comprises: determining daily peak callers and daily calling time for plurality of days; determining a sizing factor that represents a slope of a line formed by plotting the daily peak callers against the daily calling time for the plurality of days; determining peak day calling time; multiplying the peak day calling time by the sizing factor to obtain peak day peak callers; determining a bandwidth per caller; multiplying the peak day peak callers by the bandwidth per caller to determine peak day peak bandwidth; and sizing the communication link to support the peak day peak bandwidth.

Abstract: Provided is a billing method for telecommunication service based on fixed fee according to user's usage time. The method includes the steps of: estimating reference time according to user's usage time of the previous term; estimating guarantee time; reading user's usage time of this term; and billing telecommunication service fare according to the reference time and the guarantee time.

Abstract: Wireless internet services billing enables a telecommunications company to bill internet service events on a transaction level. In a described implementation, an internet service event, which occurs at least partially within an internet environment, is detected. An internet services proxy injects event billing information related to the detached event into an event billing information communication that is sent to a telecommunications billing gateway. At the telecommunications billing gateway, the event billing information is logged into an event billing log in association with an identity of a telecommunications user. By way of example, the event billing information may comprise an action indicator and an entity identifier. The action indicator indicates an action corresponding to the event, and the entity identifier identifies an entity that is associated with the event. The internet services proxy may be located at a telecommunications device of a user, at a provider of internet services, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through audio commands, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider using an audio-transmission medium (the telephone). A service seeker locates a service provider by entering a keypad code corresponding to a field of service or by speaking the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system. The seeker can then specify, via voice or keypad entry, a price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider, such as a service provider code number. In response, the system offers currently available service providers. Once an available service provider is selected, the system connects the service seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. The system bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telecommunication service is disclosed wherein a call associated with a first prepaid services account identifier is received from a user. An offer is provided to the user to initiate a replacement service for the first prepaid services account identifier and, upon receiving an indication of an acceptance of the offer from the user, a replacement codeword associated with the first prepaid services account identifier is established. The call associated with the first prepaid services account may be any type of communication, including a telephone call, a message delivered via the internet, or any other voice or data message. Upon receipt of the codeword from the user, a second prepaid services account identifier is established and, in one implementation, the first prepaid services account identifier is deactivated.

Abstract: A wireless information communication system, such as a paging network, that provides caller identification information transmitted from the public switched telephone network to a pager, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or personal communication device carried by a page-receiving communicant. The system may include a textual or synthesized voice query to verify the telephone number and/or name information that was derived from caller identification information received, and may also prompt a caller to enter other optional data such as alternative caller-identifying information, call-back information or message information. The wireless communication system then transmits at least one of the caller identification information and the optional data to a page-receiving communicant. A cellular communication system may also transmit a paging message containing caller identification information or optional data to a cellular radiotelephone device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing caller ID information related to a third party, to a telephone user already engaged in a telephone call with a second party. A burst of FSK data is transmitted to the user during the conversation with the second party. The FSK data signal is detected and modified as it is received, such as through the addition of a melody, prior to being audibly conveyed to the telephone user. The resulting modified signal is aesthetically pleasing to the user, while indicating to the user that communications with the second party are temporarily interrupted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, personal data capturing functionality is integrated into a wireless communication device or a portable computing device by incorporating one or more personal parameter receivers into the wireless communication device or the portable computing device. In another embodiment, personal data capturing functionality is integrated into a wireless communication device or a portable computing device by attaching a personal data capture device to the wireless communication device or the portable computing device. The personal data capture device is configured to receive personal data of a user and transmit the personal data to the wireless communication device or the portable computing device, either of which is capable of transmitting the personal data to a network server over a wireless network.

Abstract: A system and methods through which incoming calls to and/or outgoing calls from a telephone can be controlled. The present invention utilizes an authorized caller list to determine whether an incoming call should be connected, and a similar list to determine whether an outgoing call should be connected. The present invention can also facilitate the use of new telephone user interfaces, including by iterating through telephone numbers associated with a contact, until communications with the contact are established.

Abstract: A method for processing a transaction. The method includes receiving validation requests, automatically initiating one or more callbacks to an authorized transactor, and validating one or responses from the authorized transactor. The automatic initiation is in response to the validation requests, and according to pre-selected authorized transactor information. The responses from the authorized transactor are in reply to the callbacks.

Abstract: A method and system for creating automated voice response menus for telecommunications services includes the creation of a task for the menu. The menu includes a group of pre-recorded messages assembled in manner to complete the task. The menu retrieves certain required inputs and certain optional inputs from a subscriber of the telecommunications service. The menu does not permit the user to provide other inputs or to select other menus. Instead, the menu uses straight-line processing to direct the user towards task completion. Once the task is complete, the user is immediately exited from the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide network interface devices, as well as system and methods for using them. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for allowing a plurality of telecommunication information providers to transmit telecommunication information to a customer premises. The system can include a network interface device operable to receive a plurality of sets of telecommunication information. Each of the information sets can be associated with a particular telecommunication service and/or all of the information sets can be associated with the same telecommunication service.

Abstract: A switch for use in a telecommunication network is provided that includes a plurality of call control agent functions and a call control function. At least two of the call control agent functions are associated with different signaling protocols. The signaling protocols define a plurality of signaling control primitives. The call control function is operable to control routing of telephone calls through the switch. The call control function is accessed using an application programming interface (API). The API includes a plurality of classes defining objects representing the signaling control primitives.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically classifying lists of telephone numbers into one or more predetermined categories is provided. The system initiates calls to each telephone number. A specific request is made of the callee, which confirms the number as being “live-answered.” The system uses speech recognition software to compare audible sounds received on the other end of the line to a plurality of spoken messages to classify each telephone number that has been classified as “not live-answered” for future use or exclusion. One embodiment of the system records each telephone call, enabling the process to be performed using a single call to each telephone number.

Abstract: A method for activating a distinctive ring-tone can include the steps of extracting caller identifying data from an incoming phone call; comparing the caller identifying data to data in a caller list; determining whether the caller is authorized to activate a distinctive ring-tone based upon the comparison; and, activating a distinctive ring-tone if the caller is authorized and if a request to activate a distinctive ring-tone can be detected in the incoming phone call. The extracting step can include the step of extracting a source phone number from the incoming phone call. The determining step can include the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an authorized caller. Conversely, the determining step comprises the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an unauthorized caller.

Abstract: A combination of noise suppression using a Bark band modified Weiner filter and linear noise reduction improves elimination of noise in a telephone. A detector for detecting long, non-speech intervals is coupled to the output of the noise suppresser and controls selection of noise suppression or noise reduction. A gain smoothing filter has a long time constant when noise reduction is used and provides a gradual transition from one level of gain to another. Comfort noise is smoothly inserted by updating the data for generating comfort noise only during detected long, non-speech intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asymmetric communication system having an echo canceller and a method for downloading a filter coefficient to the echo canceller. The echo canceller is a kind of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter for calculating a correlativity between an echo input signal and an echo output signal to generate a filter coefficient. The echo canceller includes a delay line block for delaying an echo input signal for a predetermined interval to generate a delay signal, a filter coefficient table block for sequentially shifting filter coefficients which are sequentially stored in a shift register, and a multiplication and accumulation block for multiplying and adding the delay signal of the delay line block by a filter coefficient that is an output of the filter coefficient table block to generate an echo-cancelled echo output signal. The filter coefficient has the shift rate ratio between the RT mode to the CO mode of the asymmetric communication system.

Abstract: A system for managing power from a power source for at least one line powered network element in an access network is provided. The system includes a power manager that establishes at least one power criterion for the at least one network element. Further, the system includes a power controller that is responsive to the power manager. The power controller and the power manager communicate to manage operation of the at least one network element based on the at least one power criterion.

Abstract: A power system apparatus replaces outdated and presently unobtainable power systems originally deployed in a variety of RT communication cabinets, incorporating a plug-in programmable control module used to generate alarms in response to the detection of specified events and providing direct plug compatibility to those RT cabinet systems through the use of unique wiring harnesses. Support for advanced broadband and high speed communication circuits, neither originally envisioned nor designed into the original communication RT system, is now provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to casings (2) for portable communication devices (1). The casing (2) is reusable with engines having different processing capabilities.

Abstract: A conference call recorder that utilizes a cassette or digital recording medium. The recorder is capable of initializing a call at a pre-programmed time, connecting, entering a PIN, and recording the call. This capability is not limited to one call placement and records up to 2 hours on cassette and 5-10 hours on CD. The calls are stored on cassette or digital medium for later listening or for removing and listening in other players. The recorder is also capable of playing various messages to incoming preprogrammed numbers and groups of numbers.

Abstract: A data encryption system implemented by running on a cache-equipped computer an encryption program including transformation tables each of which contains a predetermined number of entries. All or necessary ones of the transformation tables are loaded into the cache memory before encryption/decryption process. This causes encryption/decryption time to be made substantially equal independently of the number of operation entries for the transformation table. It is very difficult to extract plain texts used to determine a key differential, resulting in difficulties in cryptanalysis.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to a provide tamper resistant information processing unit that is used as an IC card with a high level of security. To achieve the above-mentioned object, the information unit of the present invention comprises: a program container part for storing a program; a memory for storing data; an arithmetic unit for performing specified processing according to the program; a data bus for connecting the memory to the arithmetic unit; and a transform function for transforming a logical address and a physical address of the memory, said logical address being used for arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, said physical address being set at random corresponding to the logical address at each arithmetic operation or every time the information processing unit is started up.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for processing an encrypted data stream within a computer system adapted to receive the encrypted data stream from a data storage device. A data output device is coupled to a computer system and has a plurality of data output areas. An encrypted data stream is transferred from a data storage device to the data output device, the encrypted data stream being for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. The encrypted data stream is received and decrypted to produce a clear data stream for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. A decryption means receives a decryption key from the computer system, the decryption key relating only to the encrypted stream associated with the one of the plurality of data output areas.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the use of unauthorized content, and specifically for controlling the display of content that is marked as “copy-never.” A compliant signal source transmits a video signal along with a secure timestamp to a compliant display device. The compliant display device determines whether the video signal is authorized to be displayed by determining the content management usage rights status in the video signal and the delay between when the video signal was transmitted and when it was received. In an embodiment of the invention, copy-never content that exceeds a defined delay between transmission and reception is prevented from being displayed.

Abstract: An encryption scheme that uses steganography includes an encryption algorithm that encrypts messages by embedding them in a data stream in such a way that an adversary cannot get information about the messages. Since the embedding is the only computation required, this scheme is optimal in computational efficiency. However, since the size of the data stream is large, this scheme is most beneficial when the cost of bandwidth is less expensive than the cost of computation. The scheme embeds the message as specified by a pseudo random generator.

Abstract: Described is a solution for maintaining the security of encrypted data despite a compromised private key by using a re-encryption process that does not require decryption of the encrypted data. The compromised private key is re-encrypted using a new public key as is the encrypted symmetric key which the compromised private key can decrypt. When a decrypted version of the encrypted data is requested, the private key corresponding to the new public key decrypts both the encrypted version of the compromised private key and the re-encrypted version of the symmetric key resulting in the unencrypted compromised private key and the previously encrypted version of the symmetric key, which when decrypted using the compromised private key decrypts the encrypted data. The unencrypted symmetric key can then be encrypted using the new public key any encrypted compromised private key can be deleted.

Abstract: A multi-mode sound reproduction device is disclosed including a direct radiation sound device, a diffuse radiation sound device and a selection device in signal communication with both the direct radiation sound device and diffuse radiation sound device, the selection device capable of selecting between the direct radiation sound device for one mode of operation and the diffusion radiation sound device for another mode of operation in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: In an audio processing arrangement (2) input signals from a plurality of input sources (4,6) are weighted by weighting factors x and y using weighting elements (10, 12). The weighted input signals are combined to a combined signal by an adder (18). The output signal of the adder (18) constitutes the output of the audio processing arrangement. In order to pronounce the signal with the strongest signal, the weighting coefficients (x,y) are controlled to maximize the output signal of the adder (18) under the constraint that the sum of the squares of the weighting coefficients is equal to a constant.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating high frequency ultrasound transducers are provided herein. In one embodiment, the fabrication includes depositing a copperclad polyimide film, a layer of epoxy on the copperclad polyimide film, and a polyvinylidene fluoride film on the epoxy. The assembly of materials are then pressed to bond the polyvinylidene fluoride film to the copperclad polyimide film and to form an assembly. The polyvinylidene fluoride film being one surface and the copperclad polyimide film being the other surface. The area behind the copperclad polyimide film surface is filled with a second epoxy, and then cured to form an epoxy plug.

Abstract: In a loudspeaker device of the present invention, an interior space of a cabinet is parted into first and second chambers, a diaphragm on which ring-shaped magnetic boards are fixed is attached to a parting board via an edge portion, and ring-shaped fixed magnets are provided so as to face the magnetic boards, respectively. Vibration of the diaphragm vibrated by sound pressure from a speaker unit is intensified by forces of attraction of the magnets in order to reduce an acoustic stiffness of the cabinet and equivalently increase a cabinet volume, thereby realizing satisfactory bass reproduction with a small cabinet.

Abstract: Input digital sound signals are subjected to filtering for convolution of respective impulse responses, and the resulting signals are supplied to time delay setting circuits. In each of the time delay setting circuits, output signals from two adjacent stages of the time delay setting circuits, which correspond to a direction closest to a detected facing direction of a listener, are taken out as two pairs of signals. In crossfade processing circuits, the signals in each pair are added at a proportion depending on the detected facing direction of the listener. Output signals of the crossfade processing circuits are taken out through correction filters for compensating frequency characteristic changes in a high frequency range. As a result, when listening to sound with headphones and localizing a sound image at an arbitrary fixed position outside the listener's head, noises generated upon a change in the facing direction of the listener are reduced.

Abstract: A hearing aid or headset for delivering a sound signal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane includes at least a signal capture device, a signal processing unit, a receiver and an energy storage unit for storage and supply of electric energy, the energy storage unit including two or more sections which are interconnected in a manner which allows angulation of one section with respect to the neighboring section/sections.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing device comprises an outside body, which is at least in part of textile material (3). The textile material allows to optimally adapt shape and shape dynamics as well as biocompatibility to the respective characteristics of an individual ear canal.

Abstract: A loudspeaker array comprising line sources, each of which comprises a curved one dimensional array of loudspeakers. The loudspeakers have horizontal dispersion angles of less than 60°. Adjacent pairs of loudspeakers of each line source are time-aligned in a direction bisecting their propagation axes, which are in a common vertical plane.

Abstract: A single folded, expanding horn loudspeaker reproduces low frequency audible sound at high power output levels. A compact enclosure houses a plurality of identical transducers, characterized by small vibrational surface areas. The throats for each transducer into the horn are acoustically differentially spaced from the mouth of the horn. Transducer drive circuitry adjusts a drive signal for the transducers to compensate for the different impedance and propagation time to the horn mouth at each throat.