Abstract: A fixed wireless access communications system comprises an access point and a plurality of subscriber units. Each subscriber unit (502) contends for access to a communications channel to the access point by transmitting a contention word to the access point during a contention time slot. The contention word is predistorted to compensate for the channel impulse response of the transmission channel so that the access point can decode the contention words without using equalisation. A control unit (512), which may comprise a microprocessor, loads the predistorted contention word (a) into a memory (520) and causes the stored predistorted contention word (a) to be applied to a transmitter (508) during a contention time slot when the subscriber unit (502) wishes to request a transmission channel to transmit data to the access point.

Abstract: A data receiver is provided which includes a front end interface circuit having an alternating current (AC) transmission receiving mode and a direct current (DC) transmission receiving mode. The front end interface circuit includes an offset compensation circuit operable to compensate a DC voltage offset between a pair of differential signals input to the data receiver. The front end interface circuit further includes an AC/DC selection unit operable to switch between (a) the DC transmission receiving mode, and (b) the AC transmission receiving mode, such that the data receiver is operable in (i) the DC transmission mode in which the offset compensation circuit is disabled, (ii) the DC transmission mode in which the offset compensation circuit is enabled, (iii) the AC transmission mode in which the offset compensation circuit is disabled, and (iv) the AC transmission receiving mode in which the offset compensation circuit is enabled.

Abstract: A pre-determined first bit sequence combination of a plurality of bit sequences to be transmitted is transformed into a second bit sequence combination. The second bit sequence combination has a reduced bit error probability compared to the first bit sequence combination. A transformation bit is stored during each transformation, indicating that the second bit sequence combination represents a transformed first bit sequence combination.

Abstract: A reduced complexity precoder provides an efficient method and structure to precode a vector-signal-point sequence for transmission through a band-limited channel. The precoder enables a block-oriented receiver to recover an underlying data stream in the presence of inter-symbol interference and noise. The precoder structure is applicable to multicarrier systems such as DMT (discrete multitone) or related transform domain and vector communication systems. The inventive precoder reduces the cost of precoding by an order of magnitude and eliminates the need for a cyclic prefix in DMT and related communication systems. Related multicarrier transmitter and receiver structures and methods which reduce computation, increase transmission bandwidth and reduce transmission power are also developed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission output control apparatus for controlling transmitter output power to coincide with a first reference value. The apparatus includes an averaging circuit and a control section. The averaging circuit calculates an average value of said detection value of the output power. The control section outputs a differential signal between the average value and the first reference value as a transmitter output level control signal when the difference between said average value and said first reference value is less than a second reference value. The control section outputs a differential signal between said detection value and the first reference value as a transmitter output level control signal when the difference is equal to or greater than the second reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use by a receiver in decoding information sent by phase-shift keying over a carrier frequency is disclosed. The method is well suited for use with power line carrier (PLC) applications as it is adapted to appropriately position the sampling window based on a zero crossing of one of the phases of the power line. The method allows for receipt and processing of information on more than one carrier frequency and from transmitters operating on a phase of the power line that is different than the phase used by the receiver to detect the zero crossings of the alternating current at the power grid frequency on the power line. A number of alternative embodiments are included.

Abstract: A radio receiver 2000 with a sampling mixer 1100 for creating a discrete-time sample stream by directly sampling an RF current with history and rotating capacitors 1111 and 1112, wherein the accumulated charge on the rotating capacitors is read-out to produce a sample. The mixer provides immunity to noise glitches by predicting the occurrence of the glitch (or detecting a significant difference between observed and predicted samples) and creating corrected samples for the corrupted samples. These corrected samples can be created with special circuitry 1933 (digital) or in the mixer 1100 (analog).

Abstract: A wireless positioning apparatus includes a multipath delay estimator configured to estimate multipath delay components from one or more received signals; a selector configured to select appropriate delay estimates from the estimated multipath delay components according to a predetermined criterion; a storage configured to store an NLOS delay function defining prior statistics of information about non-line-of-sight delays; and a position estimator configured to estimate a position of a mobile station based on the selected delay estimates and the NLOS delay function read out from the storage.

Abstract: In a 1000 BASE-T transceiver, a timing error detector (TED, 5) receives its inputs directly from the output of an ADC (2) and from a decision device (4). Timing recovery is acquired in three stages: a non-decision directed (NDD) stage during which only the output of an ADC (2) are used for acquisition; a stage for acquiring the remote scrambler and predicting symbols; and a decision-directed (DD) stage during which locally predicted symbols are also used for acquisition. Because the timing error detector (TED, 5) does not take inputs from the FFE (3) there is no information about cable length, and so an input of gain from an AGC is used to indicate cable length.

Abstract: A data recovery system for a serial digital data link includes a data sampler, compare logic, a phase controller, and a phase shifter. The data sampler samples input data three times in a bit time which time is determined by clock pulses generated by the phase shifter, and recovers digital data according to a predetermined decision criterion. The compare logic compares the output of the data sampler according to a predetermined method. Phase controller uses the output of the compare logic and generates phase control signals. The phase shifter uses the phase control signals and makes three different phase clocks from input clock. The input clock can be an external clock, or can be recovered from the external clock or input data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide signal monitoring techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated circuit includes a phase detector circuit that receives an input signal and samples the input signal to provide binary state signals. A signal monitoring circuit decodes the binary state signals and provides at least one output signal indicating for the input signal path equalization and/or duty cycle distortion.

Abstract: An automatic frequency correction phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit includes an analog control circuit and a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit includes a High-side comparator and a Low-side comparator which receive an analog control voltage, a state monitor circuit, and a counter and decoder circuit. At least one of the High-side comparator and the Low-side comparator includes a threshold switching circuit which selectively provides a first threshold voltage and a second threshold voltage, the first and second threshold voltages having different magnitudes. When the analog control voltage remains stable between the High-side threshold voltage and the Low-side threshold voltage and the threshold switching circuit is providing the first threshold voltage, the state monitor circuit switches the threshold switching circuit from the first threshold voltage to the second threshold voltage, thereby expanding the interval between the High-side threshold voltage and the Low-side threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method for converting a real signal into a complex signal in quadrature, whose particularity consists of the fact that it comprises the step that consists in adding to a real signal meant to be converted into a complex signal a signal whose frequency is four times the band-center frequency of the signal to be converted, in order to obtain a quadrature. The method further comprises the steps of: after the adding step from which a sum signal is obtained, selecting, from the sum signal, a first component and a second component which are in phase and in quadrature; removing components below a given level from the first and second components in phrase and in quadrature, in order to obtain a first and a second signal component at DC zero level.

Abstract: A reconstruction process for processing pixel data for tomographic volume image data uses a concise reconstruction algorithm based on an assumption that an axis of X-ray emission axis always exists on a plane orthogonal to an axis of revolution of an X-ray tube and an FPD. In time of the reconstruction process, a corrected parameter is applied to the reconstruction algorithm for correcting a mechanical displacement occurring between the axis of revolution of the X-ray tube and FPD and the axis of X-ray emission. Thus, errors due to the mechanical displacement may be avoided by a simple data processing of setting the corrected parameter to the reconstruction algorithm, without impairing lightness of a data processing load on the reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: A Digital Radiograph (DR) acquisition system for generating a scatter-corrected X-ray image is provided. The DR acquisition system includes a digital detector configured to produce a two-dimensional (2D) X-ray image of an object of interest. The digital detector is configured to detect X-rays emitted from an X-ray source and transmit the X-rays through the object of interest and generate the 2D X-ray image in response to the detected X-rays. The DR acquisition system further includes an image processor coupled to the digital detector, and a display unit. The image processor is configured to generate projection image data from the 2D X-ray image and iteratively reconstruct the 2D X-ray image to generate a scatter-corrected X-ray image based on the generated projection image data. The display unit configured to display the scatter-corrected X-ray image in conjunction with the 2D X-ray image.

Abstract: A method of producing CT images at a plurality of positions in phase, wherein data are collected by an axial or helical scan using a multi-row detector, and a plurality of CT images at different slice positions are produced from the data collected by one axial or helical scan.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening chemicals using micro x-ray fluorescence. A method for screening a mixture of potential pharmaceutical chemicals for binding to at least one target binder involves flow-separating a solution of chemicals and target binders into separated components, exposing them to an x-ray excitation beam, detecting x-ray fluorescence signals from the components, and determining from the signals whether or not a binding event between a chemical and target binder has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention uses a penetrative radiation to form images of a reinforced concrete which has a steel bar. By recording a relationship between radioactive energies and thicknesses of the reinforced concrete, a radioactive energy curve for the reinforced concrete is built. The present invention can be used for an on-site detecting of a reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A cargo container x-ray apparatus with x-ray projector and receiver for mounting on opposite waterside legs of a crane. As the crane is already in use in transporting the containers from a vessel to a landing area, there exists little to no delay in unloading, as inspection of each container is inherent in its transport. The apparatus provides fiber optics for transmitting the x-ray images to a centralized viewing location. By providing transmission to and a large, high resolution viewing screen in a central location, the need for added personnel is negated. As each container must be conveyed by the crane, the inspection of the container takes place in transit.

Abstract: The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.

Abstract: A small field radiation therapy machine having an aperture diameter of 30 cm or less provides improved ray definition for specialized treatment of portions of the human body such as head a breast.

Abstract: A system to provide enhanced computational efficiency in determining dose in a media of varying density from a high-energy radiation-beam for radiation treatment, program product, and related methods are provided. The system can include a radiation treatment planning computer and radiation treatment planning program product adapted to enhance optimization of a radiation treatment plan for delivering radiation to a complex medium defining a patient volume.

Abstract: A system includes movement of a treatment delivering x-ray source to a treatment position, creation of projection images of a target using an imaging x-ray source while the treatment delivering x-ray source is disposed at the treatment position, and performance of digital tomosynthesis on the projection images while the treatment delivering x-ray source is disposed at the treatment position to generate a cross-sectional image of the target. A characteristic of an x-ray beam to be delivered by the treatment delivering x-ray source may be automatically modified based on the cross-sectional image. In some aspects, the imaging x-ray source translates in a plane normal to a beam axis of the treatment delivering x-ray source at the treatment position, and pivots about an axis passing through the imaging x-ray source during creation of projection images.

Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.

Abstract: An electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) system includes a graded multilayer diffractor for tightly focusing output x-rays onto an x-ray detector. The graded multilayer construction of the diffractor allows a high x-ray flux to be generated in a small measurement spot, which results in a high measurement throughput. The enhanced measurement efficiency provided by the graded multilayer diffractor can allow an EPMA system to be used as an in-line monitoring tool. The graded multilayer diffractor can include multiple reflecting surfaces. Multiple graded multilayer diffractors can also be used.

Abstract: A method for naming a substance is described. The method includes using a crystallinity of the substance to name the substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting imaging parameters of an X-ray apparatus (1), whereby a user pre-defines on a preliminary image an image region of interest (ROI) and a value of the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRref) desired for this image region. Based on the current contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRm), new imaging parameters (I, V, L, f, Q0) are then calculated for a generator-control module (7) to control the X-ray apparatus (1) during an image. By means of the method, the X-ray dose may be reduced to a minimum, while at the same time the desired visibility of a region of interest is ensured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for hot swapping a portable detector to an imaging system. A portable detector having a unique identifier and calibration data is detected by an imaging system. The imaging system selects the calibration data for the detected portable detector. The imaging system uses the calibration data in the imaging process. In some embodiments, the selected calibration data can be stored in the portable detector or in the imaging system. In some embodiments, the calibration data is organized as both imaging system dependent and imaging system independent. In some embodiments, the imaging system integrates the portable detector and the associated calibration data into the operation of the imaging system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, a wrap-around capture device of an X-ray collimator frame limits movement of an X-ray tube mounting bracket away from the X-ray collimator. In some embodiments, a C-shaped passive capture device is attached or mounted on the wrap-around capture device, having a portion that is positioned in between the wrap-around capture device and the X-ray collimator frame, which further limits movement of the X-ray tube mounting bracket.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber, thereby reducing the overall pressure, includes a device mounted onto a rotating gantry. The device has a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and a first region in which anode bearings are positioned. A rotatable shaft has a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the first region. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating the first chamber from the first region. At least one pressure-reducing unit is fluidically connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for cooling and electrically-insulating a high-voltage, heat-generating component, for example, an x-ray tube (1105) for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence. The device includes an x-ray source (1100) including an x-ray tube (1105) having improved heat-dissipating properties due to the thermal coupling of the x-ray tube with a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (1150). The device may include a base assembly (1135) mounted to the component for conducting heat away from the component while electrically isolating the component. In one aspect of the invention, the base assembly includes two copper plates (1140, 1145) separated by a dielectric plate (1150). The dielectric plate minimizes or prevents the leakage of current through the base assembly (1135). One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: Linear scanning x-ray apparatus generates a collimated fan beam which is moved together with a detector relative to a subject to generate a composite x-ray image of the subject. An adjustable collimator varies the width of the imaging beam in the scan direction. A control system responds to adjustment of the collimator to combine output signals of groups of two or more pixels in the detector, in order to optimize the contrast resolution of the image signals for a given spatial resolution. The invention provides a collimator for use in the apparatus.

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 lifting drive for a radiation filter in a mammography device is provided. The lifting drive includes a recording apparatus that accommodates the radiation filter. The recording apparatus is embodied so that the radiation filter is operatively supported to allow movement for executing a lifting movement in at least one lifting direction. A first drive element is operable to create a drive movement. A first movement transmission element is operable to transmit the drive movement to the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus is operable to convert the drive movement into the lifting movement. A shape of the first movement transmission element is operable to be changed, so that the drive movement is able to be transmitted over different paths.

Abstract: A multichannel content personalization system and method provides for customized, automated telephone calls including audio programs, dialogues, and questions to be placed to seniors and other call recipients. Using the system and method, response data is collected from the call recipient during the telephone call. The information collected from the call recipients is provided to one or more caregivers. Caregivers may also provide information and communicate with the call recipients. Call recipients may be provided with opportunities to alter their call plan data by providing verbal responses during a call or by providing feedback in the form of mail responses to letters seeking feedback from the call recipient.

Abstract: A method for sending one or more telephone numbers between a first telephonic device and a second telephonic device while a telephone call is in progress comprises initiating a telephone call between a first telephonic device and a second telephonic device, entering a plurality of digits into a keypad of the first telephonic device to generate a plurality of dual-tone multi-frequency signals, measuring an elapsed time between the entry of each of the digits, comparing the elapsed time between the entry of each of the digits with a standard inter-digit time gap, determining a number of digit sequences entered based upon the comparison of the elapsed time between the entry of each of the digits and the standard inter-digit time gap, wherein the number of digit sequences entered corresponds with one or more telephone numbers, detecting the dual-tone multi-frequency signals with the digital signal processor of the second telephonic device, decoding the detected dual-tone multi-frequency signals with the digital s

Abstract: A method to provide a digital notification and response to groups of users comprising storing user contact data for at least one group of users, user selected priority information, and user selected grouping information in a dynamic information database, and using an administrator interface to form at least one message. An administrator initiates transmission of the message simultaneously to a first group of user contact devices for all users in the at least one group of users, then simultaneously to a second group of user contact devices, using the user selected priority information. The administrator interface is used to ensure each user is contacted on the first group of user contact devices before the second group of user contact devices. Responses are received from the user contact devices indicating the devices that received the message and when insufficient user contact device information exists to contact the user contact devices.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master caller identification (ID) device include a telecommunications network and a caller device configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call, and a tune master caller ID device that is coupled to a telephone device. The tune master caller ID device receives caller identification information, associates a tune with the caller identification information, and plays the tune associated with the caller identification. The telephone device coupled to the tune master caller ID device provides telephone call processing capabilities. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An information handling system receives management information from a network, such as IPMI information, with plural network interface cards of the information handling system in a teaming configuration. Upon detecting management information, a network interface card issues an SMBus alert to a management processor of the information handling system. A team module running on the management processor reads the status of the network interfaces to identify the network interface associated with the alert and reads the management information from the network interface. Management information sent to the network is sent through a predetermined one of the network interfaces to ensure that, if teaming gets deactivated at the switch, there will not be multiple NICs with the same BMC MAC address transmitting to the switch.

Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the dissemination of information from a controlled environment facility employ facility information management functionality managing resident information and facility information, and call manager functionality selectively providing at least a portion of the resident information and/or the facility information to an outside party in an automated manner. The invention may employ outgoing IVR functionality to provide select portions of the resident information in response to the call manager recognizing that a call is a first call by a resident, or a first call to a particular telephone number by a resident. The invention may manage information related to providers of services or goods for residents of a facility, provide an outside party this information, and notify a selected provider of selection of that provider by the outside party to provide goods or services for a resident.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of arranging a call with a service provider is disclosed. The method includes: determining whether the service provider accepts arranged calls; if it is determined that the service provider does not accept arranged calls, contacting the service provider to request arranged calls from the service provider; and if it is determined that the service provider accepts arranged calls, requesting an arranged call.

Abstract: A method of automatically sharing and transferring information between a Work at Work (WAW) ISDN telephone and a Work at Home (WAH) ISDN telephone. This information includes, calling line identifier delivery from the WAW telephone to the WAH telephone, facilitating subsequent transferring of the call to the WAH telephone if desired. Message waiting status is also shared, facilitating the coordination of message waiting lamps at both the WAW and WAH telephone. Information from one telephone to the other is carried transparently through the ISDN network as user-to-user information, calling party subaddress, D channel X.25 packet message, lower layer compatibility or a combination of these elements. The telephones automatically establish ISDN calls between themselves and swap information pertaining to the status of the companion telephones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for implementing feature interactions between an AIN-based service and a switch-based call-forwarding service. In the present invention, the switch-based call-forwarding generates an Off-Hook Delay (OHD) trigger. In response, the SSP suspends call processing and sends the forward-to number to the SCP. Based upon the SCP's determination of whether the forward-to number is for voicemail and other criteria such as time of day, day of the week, etc, the SCP determines whether the switch-based call-forward should be permitted or inhibited.

Abstract: A method for managing custom relationship management (CRM) resources including communicatively linking a service router to a plurality of service resources. For each of the service resources, at least one routing criterion can be established. A multitude of service requests can be received by the service router via a multitude of communication channels. Each service request can be analyzed for request characteristics. The request characteristics can then be compared to routing criteria. Each of the service requests can be automatically routed to a selected service resource based at least in part upon the previous comparison. Values for the routing criteria can be dynamically altered based upon feedback.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a communication terminal capable of keeping the reception sensitivity good if the communication terminal is placed on a metal plate with the communication terminal laid on its side without the need for changing the size or the design of the main body of the communication terminal. A board (125) to which an antenna (107) is connected is provided inside a lower casing (105). The board (125) is provided with a GND plane to which a radiating element (121) is connected. An auxiliary bottom board (123) is joined to the radiating element (121) in a roughly perpendicular direction thereto. The radiating element (121) and the auxiliary bottom board (123) are conductors. A high-frequency current (131) flows into the board (125).

Abstract: A two-way communication apparatus used for two-way speech. In the two-way communication apparatus, a plurality of microphones radially arranged in a horizontal direction are located at equal distances from a receiving and reproduction speaker. The plurality of microphones are located in pairs from the center of the receiving and reproduction speaker. Surface of a sound reflection plate facing the side surfaces of a speaker housing are curved to a flared shape and diffuse the sound output from an upper sound output opening in all orientations in the horizontal direction by cooperating with the sound reflection surface. A DSP receives as input sound pickup signals of one pair of the microphones, selects the microphone for which the highest sound is detected, and transmits the sound pickup signal to the two-way communication apparatus of the other party via a telephone line.

Abstract: A key telephone set comprises a telephone main body, an interchangeable dial button unit, an interchangeable line button unit, and an interchangeable display unit. The interchangeable dial button unit, the interchangeable line button unit and the interchangeable display unit are attached to the telephone main body while they can be detached from the telephone body from a top surface side of the key telephone set without disassembly of the telephone main body.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a data set. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and system for encrypting or decrypting a data set so that the data set remains entirely in the ASCII printable range. The method and system of the present invention allow a key of any length to be selected. Once selected, the key is formatted to the length of the data set and then masked so that predetermined bits are set to zero. An exclusively-OR result is then formed with the data set and the masked key to yield an encrypted data set.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are described for ensuring a uniform random distribution of keys generated for cryptography. These generated keys, are depicted utilizing a trusted third party, or Certification Authority (CA) in the generation of a reliable seed to be used in the generation of prime numbers used in public key cryptography. The inclusion of the trusted third party allows for an independent third party to police against first party attacks on the security of the system without increasing the overhead of the system significantly.