Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a mammography unit may be improved, by provision of a positioning device for a mammography unit, comprising a device support section for accommodating the radiation source and an object support device for accommodating the object holder for the relative positioning of a radiation source and an object holder. The object support section may be and/or is connected to the mammography unit by means of a connector element, wherein the device support section is mounted such as to be able to rotate relative to the connector element.

Abstract: A volumetric image of a space is acquired from an imaging system. The space includes an object of interest and another object, and the volumetric image includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. A two-dimensional radiograph of the space is acquired from the imaging system. The two-dimensional radiograph of the space includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. The two-dimensional radiograph and the volumetric image are compared at the imaging system. A two-dimensional image is generated based on the comparison. The generated two-dimensional image includes the object of interest and excludes the other object.

Abstract: The pipe inspection method and apparatus can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of a pipe set up at a narrow location. The pipe inspection method includes: a first step for scanning the pipe by translating a radiation source and radiation detector arranged opposedly to the pipe; a second step for the radiation detector to detect radiation that the radiation source has emitted, at given scanning distance intervals; a third step for creating a transmission image of the pipe, based on a radiation dose that the radiation detector has detected; and a fourth step for constructing a tomogram or stereoscopic image of the pipe, based on the transmission image. Thus, it is possible to provide the pipe inspection method and apparatus that can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of the pipe set up at a narrow location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.

Abstract: Crystallite size in a sample is determined by performing a quantitative ?-profile analysis on a diffraction ring in a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction pattern. In particular, a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction system is first calibrated with a sample having a known crystallite size, crystal structure and X-ray absorption coefficient. For a given instrument window, the number of grains contributing to a selected diffraction ring is determined by the effective diffraction volume, grain size and the multiplicity of the diffracting crystal planes. The grain size of an unknown sample can then be determined by a quantitative analysis of the diffraction ring.

Abstract: A system and method to predict a failure of an imaging system that includes a radiation source having an x-ray tube assembly is provided. The system includes a storage medium having a plurality of programmable storage instructions to instruct a processor to perform the steps of acquiring an age of the x-ray tube assembly, calculating a baseline probability of a survivability of the tube assembly for a remaining time period dependent on the age of the tube assembly, acquiring measurement of at least one operating parameter of the x-ray tube assembly, and automatically changing the baseline probability of a survivability of the imaging system for the remaining time period in response to the measurement of the at least one operating parameter of the x-ray tube assembly.

Abstract: A method for the production of X-ray bunches tunable in both time and energy level by generating multiple photon, X-ray, beams through the use of Thomson scattering. The method of the present invention simultaneously produces two X-ray pulses that are tunable in energy and/or time.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a compact X-ray generator having a cylindrical shape has a power supply located directly behind the cathode and/or anode inputs to the X-ray tube in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention is made to provide an extreme ultraviolet light source target or an X-ray source target having a good operationality. An extreme ultraviolet light source target in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is obtained by including a heavy metal such as tin into a matrix made of a polymeric material such as hydroxylpropylcellulose (HPC). The target can be manufactured by mixing the heavy metal and the polymeric material with a solvent, and evaporating the solvent. Since the target uses the polymeric material as a matrix, the target can be easily deformed to have a desired shape. For this reason, the target can be easily attached to a target holder irrespective of the shape of the holder, resulting in a good operationality of the target. Furthermore, an emission efficiency can be improved by including the heavy metal at a low density.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating and realizing communication via a multi-mode system is disclosed. The method and system include realizing a preferred mode of communication. A signal indicating the preferred mode of communication is transmitted and followed by a response signal in the preferred mode. In response, the multi-mode system is adapted to provide for communication in the preferred mode.

Abstract: The provision of subscriber service features is one of the tasks of exchanges in classic TDM networks. This includes e.g., announcements and interactive responses. According to the prior art, these announcements and interactive responses are either provided by peripheral devices of the exchange which are equipped with the appropriate function or by external announcement and interactive response systems. The latter are provided either in TDM networks with proprietary interfaces or in packet networks with standardized interfaces. The invention solves the problem of providing the service for classic TDM networks by providing that the known packet-based method for controlling an external system for providing announcements and interactive responses is transferred to an exchange located in the classical TDM network.

Abstract: A system for personalizing interactive services provided to users of voice and data enabled communications devices, including users of SMS, MMS and WAP enabled communications devices. The system is designed to access source information associated with a particular requester for a service and to map the source information to personalization information associated with a user of the system. The source information is extracted in various embodiments from different types of communications channels. The personalization information is employed by the system to influence the behavior of the system while providing an interactive service to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for call center dialog management is disclosed. The method discloses: presenting a contact with a first call center dialog segment having a current call center dialog property; receiving from the contact a contact dialog segment; identifying a dialog property keyword within the contact dialog segment; replacing the current call center dialog property with a new call center dialog property in response to the dialog property keyword; and presenting a second call center dialog segment having the new call center dialog property to the contact. The system of the present invention, discloses means for implementing the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering voicemail messages to multiple recipients are disclosed. A system is provided that allows users of voicemail systems to record a voicemail or video message and select multiple recipients to receive the message. The sender may designate a delivery method though a paradigm similar to email systems where recipients may be copied or blind-copied. Recipients of the voicemail message may be made aware of other recipients of the voicemail message, and are made aware of the expectations of the sender.

Abstract: A call control system comprises an interface configured to receive from a caller a session request for an information service, and a processing system configured to determine a location of the caller, select a format for the information service from a plurality of formats based on the location of the caller, and generate a session setup message for the information service indicating the selected format. The interface is further configured to transmit the session setup message to the information service.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (200, 400, or 500) of call reverse can include initiating (12) a call by an originating party (204) to a terminating party (208), comparing (14) rate plans, and automatically reversing (26) the call if a rate plan for the terminating party is currently more economical than a rate plan for the originating party. The method can compare (22) rate plans at a server (206) having rate plan information for the parties. Alternatively, the method can send (16) rate plan information for the originating to the terminating party and compare rate plans at the terminating party. The method can pre-store (20) rate plan information for the originating party at a memory at the terminating party. The method can also use (24) Caller ID to detect a call from the originating party and compare pre-stored rate plan information for the originating party stored at the terminating party.

Abstract: Inbound calls to an enterprise are handled by a call-handling component, by identifying the calling party from intrinsic information about the call, by identifying a potential recipient from non-intrinsic information about the calling party, and by automatically routing the inbound call to a potential recipient.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user who places a telephone call on hold with a partial hold option. When a user places a first call on partial hold and picks up a second call, the user can still hear conversation and activity that occurs on the first call. For example a user participating in a conference call may receive a second call. The user can place the conference call on partial hold and pick up a second call (i.e. engage in a conversation on a second telephone call). However, the incoming channel to the conference call will remain active and the user will be able to hear, in the background, what is taking place in the conference call. Should the user hear something interesting in the conference call, or if the user hears someone ask a question directed to the particular use, the user can switch back to the conference call.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for on-demand phone number updating. A system for on-demand phone number updating can include a smooth number transition (SNT) call routing table mapping prior telephone numbers to new telephone numbers for corresponding SNT subscribers. The system further can include an SNT processor linked to the SNT routing table and communicatively coupled to switch logic in a PSTN. Finally, the system can include at least one SNT update table indicating whether different callers associated with a particular SNT subscriber have received an update for a new telephone number for the particular SNT subscriber. For instance, the SNT update table can be coupled to the server-side SNT processor, for instance as part of the SNT routing table, or the SNT update table can be disposed in a telephone system for the particular SNT subscriber.

Abstract: This invention provides the ability to load balance calls in a communications network using a certain criterion, such as a user-specified call priority, or the call service category. The method is applied when selecting a route for a new call or for re-balancing the calls across a network. When the user-specified call priority is used, the aggregated number of calls with the same priority or service category is calculated for all possible routes the new call may use. The aggregated number of calls is then divided by the number of hops in the respective routes; the route with the smallest ratio is selected for the new call. Re-balancing is performed by re-routing the calls in such a way as to obtain a similar number of calls of the same priority, or service category along all possible routes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for routing calls over an organization's private network of private branch exchanges. In particular, when a member of the organization (e.g., an employee, etc.) places a call from his or her affiliated off-premises telecommunications terminal (e.g., cell phone, etc.), the call is automatically routed to its destination through at least a portion of the private network of private branch exchanges when doing so reduces the cost of the call. In the illustrative embodiment, the call routing is performed automatically and transparently via software on the affiliated terminals (i.e., employees' cell phones) and on the organization's private branch exchanges.

Abstract: Call features for an Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system implemented within a packet-based telephone environment are disclosed. Within a packet-based network, data messages are transferred between the ACD system and customer telephone stations while the customer waits for an attendant to become available. These data messages allow the customer to be informed of his/her current status within the priority order and further allows the customer to initiate a number of customer oriented operations. These operations include selecting music to listen to while waiting, requesting to be alerted when an attendant becomes available, and initiating a browser session for accessing data information. Overall, the status reports in combination with the initiating of one or more of the customer oriented operations can make the time spent waiting for an attendant a more productive and pleasant experience for the customer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing an accurate forecast of resource availability within a determined forecast horizon. Statistics regarding time spent by resources in tasks that can be differentiated into or considered as a number of discrete segments are accessed to obtain a probability of resource completion of the task within the forecast horizon. In particular, statistics related to different task segments are combined to obtain a composite forecast of resource availability. Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to predictive dialer applications and workflow systems.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for controlling the power level of voice signal streams. A gain controller embodiment includes a measurement module, a gain factor setting module, and a gain adjustment module. The measurement module includes program instructions to measure a power level of a voice signal stream. The gain factor setting module includes program instructions to set a gain value by comparing the measured power level to a threshold. The gain adjustment module includes program instructions to adjust a power level of a voice signal stream by applying the gain value to the voice signal stream.

Abstract: A hand held communications device is provided. The device includes: a circuit board including electronic components; display coupled to the circuit board; a housing substantially surrounding the circuit board and electronic components, wherein the housing includes a base element covering a bottom side of the circuit board and electronic components and a housing element attached to the base element covering a top side of the circuit board and electronic components, wherein the housing element includes a display aperture with the display partially projecting therethrough; and a cover removably connected to the housing by a connection, wherein the cover and the base element substantially enclose the housing element therebetween.

Abstract: Cryptographic systems and methods that support multiple modes of operation, such as CBC, CTR and/or CCM modes. In one aspect, a method for encrypting data includes reading a plaintext data block from a memory, storing the plaintext data block in an input buffer, encrypting the plaintext data block in the input buffer using a first mode to generate a first ciphertext, storing the first ciphertext in an output buffer, encrypting the plaintext data block in the input buffer using a second mode to generate a second ciphertext. For example, in a CCM mode of operation wherein the first mode is a CTR (counter) mode and the second mode is a CBC (cipher block chaining) mode, the block of plaintext that is initially read from memory and stored in the data input register is applied to both the CTR and CBC modes, thereby reducing a number memory read operations as in conventional CCM modes.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system adapted to encrypt one or more packets of plaintext data in cipher-block chaining (CBC) mode. The system includes a plurality of digital logic components connected in series, where respective components are operative to process one or more rounds of a block cipher algorithm. A plurality of N bit registers are respectively coupled to the plurality of digital logic components. An XOR component receives blocks of plaintext data and blocks of ciphertext data, and XORs blocks of plaintext data for respective plaintext packets with previously encrypted blocks of ciphertext data for those plaintext packets. The XOR component iteratively feeds the XOR'd blocks of data into a first of the plurality of the digital logic components. In addition, a circuit component is operative to selectively pass blocks of ciphertext data fed back from an output of a final logic component to the XOR component.

Abstract: Computing endomorphism rings of Abelian surfaces over finite fields is described. In one aspect, an endomorphism ring of an Abelian surface over a finite field is probabilistically computed. A genus-two curve is generated based on the probabilistically determined endomorphism ring. The genus-2 curve is used for encryption and decryption operations and a cryptosystem.

Abstract: Video data exploitation by alteration of data is prevented. An extractor 111 extracts valid video data in data 110 and predetermined data in the data. An inserter 114 inserts an arithmetic operation result of the predetermined data by an arithmetic operation unit 113 into the valid video data encrypted by an encryptor 112. An output of the inserter 114 is supplied to an extractor 144 through a transmission path 120. The encrypted valid video data and arithmetic operation resultant data of the arithmetic operation unit 113 are extracted. An arithmetic operation unit 143 executes the same arithmetic operation as that of the arithmetic operation unit 113 to data corresponding to the data used in the arithmetic operation unit 113 from the valid video data decrypted by a decryptor 141 and extracted by an extractor 144. A comparator 145 compares an output of the arithmetic operation unit 143 with an arithmetic operation result extracted from data 140.

Abstract: A method for masking several identical functional processes manipulating digital data, including dividing the functional processes into steps at the end of each of which the process can be interrupted with the storage of at least one intermediary result, and successively executing the steps of at least two processes and selecting, at each step end, the process of the next step according to the result of a non-deterministic drawing of a number.

Abstract: A multichannel communications device is disclosed. The multichannel communications device includes more than one transceiver. The multichannel communications device also includes a first switch configured for switching between transceivers. Further still, the multichannel communications device includes more than one cryptographic element. Yet further still, the mulitchannel communications device includes a second switch which is configured to switch between the cryptographic elements. A switch policy is configured to control communications between the cryptographic elements, including restricting communications between the cryptographic elements.

Abstract: A method for providing private sidestream transmissions between a first and second client in a wireless network generally includes sending a location discovery request from a first client to an access point and receiving a location discovery response from the access point. The response includes a ticket encrypted with a session key of the second client and containing a sidestream key. The method further includes sending a direct communication request from the first client to the second client. The request includes the ticket and an authenticator encrypted with the sidestream key. A direct communication response including an updated authenticator is received from the second client. A method and apparatus for secure context transfer during client roaming are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method carried out by a first system for establishing a secure bidirectional communication path between the first system and a second system for an exchange of one or more messages is described. A first key pair having a first public key and a first private key is generated, and a second key pair having a second public key and a second private key is generated. The second public key is generated based upon a shared secret known to the first system and the second system. The second public key and the first public key are sent to the second system. A third public key and a fourth public key generated by the second system are received, wherein the fourth public key is generated based upon the shared secret. A master key is calculated based upon the first private key, the second private key, the third public key and the fourth public key, wherein the master key is configured to be used in encryption of one or more messages.

Abstract: Generic session keys are pre-generated and stored in a pool of session keys for later use in communicating within a communications environment. The session keys that are stored in the pool are pre-encrypted with the private key of the entity storing those keys. To communicate between entities, a pre-encrypted session key is extracted from the pool and then further encrypted with the destination entity's public key to ensure data integrity and data confidentiality. The encrypted key is then forwarded to the destination entity and used during communications between the two entities.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed that contains cryptographic keys and cryptographic key identifiers. The system has a repository cryptographic engine that communicates securely with a remote cryptographic engine, and the repository cryptographic engine is associated with a user data store. The user data store includes a hidden link including a session key identifier encrypted with a protection key. The hidden link is associated with a remote data entity. A key data store associated with the repository server includes a session key encrypted with a session-key-protection key. The session key is used to encrypt and decrypt the remote data entity. The system also includes a repository key exchange module operable to exchange the session key with a remote key exchange module.

Abstract: A new method is proposed that produces stereophonic sound image out of monaural signal within a selected frequency regions. The system employs a strictly complementary (SC) linear phase FIR filter pair that separates input signal into different frequency regions. A pair of comb filters is applied to one of the filter's output. This implementation allows a certain frequency range to be relatively localized at center while the other sounds are perceived in a wider space.

Abstract: The present application relates to a sound reduction device as well as to a corresponding method. The sound reduction device comprises a sound pickup for measuring an occurring error signal of a primary sound wave of the noise source and of a secondary sound wave of a narrow-band electroacoustic transducer. This error signal may be transmitted to a control unit, which receives a reference signal of the noise source and generates a control signal which is adapted to change the mechanical values of the electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: If a hearing device user has become accustomed to the tone of a hearing device, it is difficult for him to change over to a new hearing device, since this normally possesses a different tone. Therefore, given a treatment with a second or subsequent device, the settings of the old hearing device can be acquired with a computer-controlled event and be considered in a first adjustment given the adaptation of the new hearing device. The new setting then results from the audiometric measurements, the data of the previous device, and if necessary further data. The tone of the new device is thus approximated to the old device.

Abstract: Active noise control system and method for controlling an acoustic noise generated by a noise source at a listening location, in which system and method sound is picked up in the surroundings of the listening location by a sound sensor; an electrical noise signal which corresponds to the acoustic noise of the noise source is generated and filtered adaptively in accordance with control signals. The adaptively filtered noise signal is irradiated into the surroundings of the listening location by a sound reproduction device, where a secondary path transfer function extends between the sound reproduction device and sound sensor. The noise signal is filtered with a transfer function that models the secondary path transfer function. The signals which are provided by the sound sensor after first filtering serve as control signals for the adaptive filtering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loudspeaker assembly incorporating innovations resulting in an enclosure of very small volume to which is integrated a large area, shallow and lightweight acoustic diaphragm assembly capable of a natural resonant frequency of a few Hertz. This is achieved by incorporating a vacuum chamber in conjunction with a chamber containing compressed gas or vapor that acts against a movable pressure boundary of changeable area being mechanically coupled with the acoustic radiating diaphragm. In an alternative operating mode, the apparatus also serves as a passive low frequency acoustic attenuator.

Abstract: A headset terminal for speech applications includes a headband assembly, an earcup assembly and a power source assembly. Processing circuitry is positioned in at least one of the earcup assembly and the power source assembly and includes speech processing circuitry for recognizing and synthesizing speech. A radio communicates with a central system to process the activity information of the headset terminal user. A rotatable microphone boom assembly includes controls mounted on opposite sides of a rotation axis to maintain a consistent orientation on the boom assembly with respect to the head of a user. The boom assembly snaps together with the earcup assembly to rotate. The headband assembly includes at least one transverse band and a sliding arm coupled to the earcup assembly for dynamically adjusting the position of the earcup assembly. A latch of the power source assembly snaps into position to secure it with the assembly and slides between latched and unlatched positions to secure a battery.

Abstract: The invention includes a method, apparatus, and computer program to selectively suppress wind noise while preserving narrow-band signals in acoustic data. Sound from one or several microphones is digitized into binary data. A time-frequency transform is applied to the data to produce a series of spectra. The spectra are analyzed to detect the presence of wind noise and narrow band signals. Wind noise is selectively suppressed while preserving the narrow band signals. The narrow band signal is interpolated through the times and frequencies when it is masked by the wind noise. A time series is then synthesized from the signal spectral estimate that can be listened to. This invention overcomes prior art limitations that require more than one microphone and an independent measurement of wind speed. Its application results in good-quality speech from data severely degraded by wind noise.

Abstract: An approach is provided for measuring, identifying, and removing at least one sinusoidal interference signal (Ak·ej(?kt+?k), Ak·ej(?·?k?t+?k)) in a noise signal (w(t), w(?·?t)). A frequency range to be measured is split into a plurality of frequency bands (?) via a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter bank. For each of the frequency bands (?), an autocorrelation matrix ({circumflex over (R)}?) is determined, wherein parameters of the autocorrelation matrices ({circumflex over (R)}?) are variably adjusted based on whether the at least one sinusoidal interference signal (Ak·ej(?kt+?k), Ak·ej(?·?k?t+?k)) is to be measured, identified, or removed and further based on at least one averaging. The autocorrelation matrices ({circumflex over (R)}?) are jointly utilized for one or more of measuring, identifying, or removing the at least one sinusoidal interference signal (Ak·ej(?kt+?k), Ak·ej(?·?k?t+?k)) in the noise signal (w(t), w(?·?t)).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a digital audio device, the method comprising: receiving a voice call; receiving another digital audio signal which is not a voice call; mixing the two received signals; transmitting the mixed signal wirelessly to another device.

Abstract: A microphone includes a diaphragm assembly supported by a substrate. The diaphragm assembly includes at least one carrier, a diaphragm, and at least one spring coupling the diaphragm to the at least one carrier such that the diaphragm is spaced from the at least one carrier. An insulator (or separate insulators) between the substrate and the at least one carrier electrically isolates the diaphragm and the substrate.

Abstract: An audio signal supply apparatus which can broaden a listening area in the directions of directivity axes of acoustic beams output from a speaker array and directions other than the directions of the directivity axes. A listening area is set, propagation paths to be followed by sounds output from speakers constituting the speaker array until the sounds reach the listening area are identified, propagation path information related to the propagation paths is obtained, window function information giving wide directivities covering the entire listening area to the sounds output from the speakers is identified based on the propagation path information and the listening area size, and weighting on the signal levels of audio signals to be supplied to the speakers is carried out using the window function information.

Abstract: An electrodynamic electroacoustic transducer comprises: a first magnetic pole; a second magnetic pole that forms a magnetic gap between itself and the first magnetic pole and is arranged in a space excluding spaces in upper and lower face directions of the first magnetic pole; a yoke; a diaphragm; and a voice coil. The yoke magnetically couples one magnetic pole face of the first magnetic pole with one magnetic pole face of the second magnetic pole so as to support them. The diaphragm is arranged in a space in an upper face direction of the first magnetic pole and in a space in a lower face direction of the second magnetic pole, while its outer periphery is supported by the yoke. The voice coil is arranged in the magnetic gap and adhered to the diaphragm. At least one of the first magnetic pole part and the second magnetic pole part includes a magnet.

Abstract: Described system makes it possible to charge copy fees related to the amount of copyrighted material being copied and to provide those fees to the appropriate copyright holder. The scanned information is passed through an OCR filter that produces a stream of text, which is then passed to a full-text search service that identifies matching passages in its index. Sufficiently long passages found in the copied document that match previously indexed documents held by the service constitute copyrighted materials. In addition, the scanned image may be processed to identify instances of copyrighted images present in the scan.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the playing of a watermarked video having the “birthday problem”. Consumers send the problem disc to an authorization center where the disc is analyzed to determine if it is a legitimate disc. The authorization center generates a digital certificate uniquely associated with the disc and with the video and embeds the digital certificate into the disc. The digital certificate will cause a video player to play the video without checking for the watermark.

Abstract: An automatic reader system, apparatus, and method for the identification and authentication of articles enabling automatic collection and processing of code data associated with microparticle marks, automatic determination of the code from the code data associated with microparticle marks, and automatic retrieval of reference information associated with the code.