Abstract: Method and apparatus for conveying precoding information in a control message (M) from a first node (400) to a second node (402), with information on properties of an associated wireless data transmission (D) between the first and second nodes employing spatial multiplexing and precoding for the data transmission. The first node determines precoding parameters (P) for signal transmission to the receiving node, optionally based on feedback reports (F) from the receiving node. The first node encodes control information bits in precoding information fields of the control message by means of values in TBS fields of the control message, such that the TBS field values determine the interpretation of the bits in the precoding information field(s). The control message (M) is then sent to the second node.

Abstract: A wireless communication system non-collaborative, multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) space division multiple access (SDMA) system determines subscriber station combining and weighting vectors that yield a high average signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR). Each subscriber station independently transmits information to a base station that allows the base station to determine a weight vector wi for each subscriber station using the determined combining vector of the subscriber station. The ith combining vector corresponds to a right singular vector corresponding to a maximum singular value of a channel matrix between a base station and the ith subscriber station. Each subscriber station transmits signals using a weight vector vi, which corresponds to a left singular vector corresponding to a maximum singular value of a channel matrix between the ith subscriber station and the base station. The base station uses the weight vector wi to determine the signal transmitted by the ith subscriber station.

Abstract: A block coding method and system for improving the reliability of Channel Quality Indicators (CQI) and antenna weight indicators (AWI) reporting. A user terminal first generates 8-bit CQI and 2-bit AWI. A codeword generator produces a codeword responsive to these 10 CQI/AWI bits using a codebook or a generator matrix of a (20,10,6) code. The (20,10,6) code has a minimum Hamming distance of 6 The encoded codeword is transmitted to a receiver for decoding utilizing an identical (20,10,6) codebook.

Abstract: A method for symbol timing synchronization in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, the method including transmitting a first symbol sequence including a preamble symbol sequence S1 from a first transmitting location, transmitting a second symbol sequence from a second transmitting location, the first and second symbol sequences being modulated onto a same carrier frequency, receiving a first mixture of the first and the second symbol sequences at a first receiving location, cross correlating the first mixture with a symbol sequence P1 thereby producing a first correlation output, and determining a first timing offset for receiving the first symbol sequence based, at least in part, on the first correlation output. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system adjusts a voltage swing of an output driver based on a supply voltage. A supply voltage monitor generates a digital code indicating the difference between the supply voltage and nominal voltage representing a preferred level for the supply voltage. An impedance controller sets the voltage swing for the output driver based on the digital code, thereby keeping the voltage swing of the output driver output signal within specified limits while maintaining an impedance match with a load coupled to the output driver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for determining the null-space for a channel between a transmitter and an unintended receiver. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include transmitting, by a secondary transmitter, a plurality of learning signals, determining, for each of the plurality of learning signals, a value representative of an interference caused by the transmitting to an unintended receiver, determining, based on the determined values, a null-space for a channel between the secondary transmitter and the unintended receiver and transmitting, by the secondary transmitter, a signal in accordance with the determined null-space.

Abstract: A data transmission and reception method and apparatus in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system. The transmission method includes selecting at least one antenna for use in transmission among a plurality of antennas based on transmission data and transmitting the transmission data through the selected antenna. The data transmission and reception method and apparatus are advantageous in increasing the throughput of the MIMO communication system. Also, the data transmission and reception method and apparatus are capable of making it possible to design a superior transceiver in complexity and performance. Also, the data transmission and reception method and apparatus are capable of acquiring extra Degree of Freedom (DOF) and thus increasing the number of symbols that can be transmitted at a time. Furthermore, the data transmission and reception method and apparatus are applicable to conventional MIMO communication systems to obtain extra performance gain without being restricted to certain conditions.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, the method comprising of determining a CSI-RS pattern type based on a Physical Resource Block (PRB) index of a subframe, assigning, when the subframe is supposed to carry the CSI-RS, CSI-RSs of first to Nth antenna ports to first to Nth Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols of a PRB based on the CSI-RS pattern type, and transmitting the subframe including the PRB in which CSI-RSs of the first to Nth antennas a mapped, wherein the first to Nth CSI-RS pattern types map CSI-RSs of the first to Nth antenna ports to the first to Nth OFDM symbols of the PRB in an alternate manner.

Abstract: Amplitude-modulation (AM) to AM (AMAM) predistortion data is obtained from an AMAM predistorter. When applied to a digital quadrature signal, the AMAM predistortion data predistorts in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) data words in a digital quadrature modulator. AM to phase-modulation (AMPM) predistortion data is obtained that is associated with the AMAM predistortion data and a frequency change or a phase shift in a local oscillator (LO) signal is compelled in accordance with the AMPM predistortion data. The frequency-changed or phase-shifted LO signal is provided to a digital upconverter such that an output signal of the digital upconverter is linearized with respect to at least phase distortion in the digital upconverter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for nonlinear channel identification and estimation of the distorted signals in digital data transmission systems that include signals traversing a dispersive nonlinear channel that produces noisy distorted signals. The identification and estimation are accomplished with an amplitude-based signal expansion and are adapted for changing nonlinear distortion effects using a Least-Means Square direct solution that includes a precomputed matrix.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sequence of a plurality of pairs of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) modulated signal samples are applied to a radio frequency digital-to-analog converter (RFDAC) for upconversion. A phase of a local oscillator (LO) signal supplied to the RFDAC is selected according to a quadrant determined by signs of a given pair of I and Q modulated signal samples. The selected phase of the LO is supplied to the RFDAC for use in upconverting the sequence of I and Q modulated signal samples. In another embodiment, a current steering DAC is used for directly upconverting the I and Q modulated signal samples. A clock signal at four times the LO frequency is supplied to a counter and to the current steering DAC. One of the I and Q modulated signal samples and negative I and negative Q modulated signal samples is selected for supply to an input of the current steering DAC based on a count state of the counter.

Abstract: Information bits are encoded according to a low density parity check code with code rate 7/15 and a codeword length of 16200. The resulting codeword bits are bit-interleaved and the interleaved bits are demultiplexed into 8 sequences of bits. The 8 sequences of bits are permuted according to a predetermined permutation rule: v0=b2, v1=b6, v2=b0, v3=b1, v4=b4, v5=b5, v6=b3, v7=b7.

Abstract: A differential signal detecting device includes a secondary amplifier; a front-end receiver and a final amplifier which are respectively connected to the secondary amplifier; and a signal outputter which is connected to the final amplifier. The front-end receiver receives two externally inputted channels of differential signals and an externally inputted reference threshold voltage, differentiates and transduces the two channels of differential signals. The secondary amplifier receives and amplifies the signals which are outputted by the front-end receiver, and outputs the signals amplified again. The final amplifier differentiates and amplifies the signals outputted by the secondary amplifier and outputs the two channels of differentiated signals. The signal outputter receives the two channels of differentiated signals which are outputted by the final amplifier and processes the two channels of differentiated signals with a logical conjunction before outputting.

Abstract: A bit interleaving method involves applying a bit permutation process to a QC LDPC codeword made up of N cyclic blocks each including Q bits, and dividing the codeword, after the bit permutation process, into a plurality of constellation words each imade up of M bits, the codeword being divided into N/M sections, each constellation word being associated with one of the N/M sections, and the bit permutation process being performed such that each of the constellation words includes one bit from each of M different cyclic blocks associated with a given section.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for demodulating discrete-time desired signals in a period-Td bandpass desired signal in the presence of interference that results from a period-T bandpass interference signal that has been nonlinear distorted. Estimation of the nonlinear-distorted interference and subsequent cancellation from a received signal, that includes the interference and desired signal, produces residual-interference signals. The demodulation of the residual-interference signals uses an equalization technique when Td is not equal to T. The estimation, cancellation, and demodulation are adapted for changing nonlinear distortion effects.

Abstract: A low complexity system and method for operating a receiver in order to estimate an offset between the actual sample clock rate 1/TS? of a receiver and an intended sample clock rate 1/TS. The receiver captures samples of a received baseband signal at the rate 1/TS?, operates on the captured samples to generate an estimate for the clock rate offset, and fractionally resamples the captured samples using the clock rate offset. The resampled data represents an estimate of baseband symbols transmitted by the transmitter. The action of operating on the captured samples involves computing an error vector signal and then estimating the clock rate offset using the error vector signal. The error vector signal may be computed in different ways depending on whether or not carrier frequency offset and carrier phase offset are assumed to be present in the received baseband signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wire bound, high precision, temporal synchronization of measured value acquisition in a measurement system designed as a space coordinate measurement apparatus having a plurality of measurement sub-units with signaling of a time for triggering the measured value acquisition by means of a trigger signal and with the respective acquisition and intermediate storage of a measured value in the measurement sub-unit at the time determined by the trigger signal. Each acquisition of the measured value is carried out in the measurement sub-units in a time quantified manner with a local timing signal of the measurement sub-unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clock and data recovery (CDR) unit comprising of a bang-bang phase detector to receive data and a recovered clock from a phase selector multiplexer. The phase detector produces a late and an early comparison output. A block (digital filter) receives the late and early input and produces a multiplexer selector control signal. The phase selector multiplexer selects a clock phase as the recovered clock signal using multiplexer selector control signal.

Abstract: The invention is a renewable energy production process with resonant nano-dust plasma, with the application of a cavity resonator and an acoustic resonator. During the process the acoustic resonator is placed inside the cavity resonator, and create a series of acoustic resonances with a complex plasma made of sub-micron sized carbon dust, hydrogen isotopes and other gases between 10 Pa and 500 kPa at about 2.000° C., thus creating oscillations and thus plasmon polaritons on the surface of carbon dust particles oscillating between 10 kHz-5 GHz and in the terahertz range, which in turn produces heat or electric energy, or creates a series of nuclear transmutations. The invention is an embodiment producing renewable heat, formed by a cavity resonator (30) excited by electromagnetic fields, and an acoustic resonator (10). In the acoustic resonator (10) operated with a number of acoustic resonances, there are nano-sized dust particles (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of thermal energy comprises a reactor vessel containing a volume of pressurized hydrogen; a hydrogen-storing nickel alloy structure in the reactor vessel and configured to have an electric potential applied across it and to be heated to at least about 100 C; and a heat exchange conduit configured to carry a heat exchange medium past the nickel alloy structure so as to allow thermal energy generated in the nickel alloy structure to be transferred to the heat exchange medium. The hydrogen-storing nickel alloy structure comprises a nickel alloy skeletal catalyst mixed with an oxide. The applied electric potential, and the increase in the gas pressure and temperature of the hydrogen from the applied heat, create a reaction between hydrogen nuclei and nickel nuclei in the nickel alloy structure whereby thermal energy is generated by the emission of phonons from the nickel alloy structure.

Abstract: The support pin replacing apparatus for a control rod cluster guide tube includes a frame submerged in water, a movement device that holds the control rod cluster guide tube and moves the control rod cluster guide tube along the frame, a retrieval manipulator that retrieves a support pin of the control rod cluster guide tube under the water, a supply manipulator that supplies a new support pin to the control rod cluster guide tube under the water, a rotating means that imparts rotation for loosening or tightening a fastening between a nut of the support pin or the new support pin and the support pin main body, and a control device that calculates variation in distance between the nut and the support pin main body on the basis of the rotation, and controls the control rod cluster guide tube to move along the frame.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for the storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) such that a single facility can serve as both a SNF storage facility and a gamma ray irradiation facility are disclosed. In one embodiment, the SNF is encapsulated inside of a container. The SNF bearing container prevents the escape of fission products into the environment but allows the escape of gamma rays from the container. In this embodiment, several of these containers are evenly spaced throughout a room within a fortified facility and a conveyor system transports products through the room such that gamma rays emitted by the SNF deposit a desired amount of energy into the products. A passive heat removal system is formed by the coupling of the SNF bearing container to a thermal conduction element such that the SNF remains sufficiently cool even when the SNF is generating large heat loads.

Abstract: A zirconium alloy nuclear reactor cylindrical cladding has an inner Zr substrate surface (10), an outer volume of protective material (22), and an integrated middle volume (20) of zirconium oxide, zirconium and protective material, where the protective material is applied by impaction at a velocity greater than 340 meters/second to provide the integrated middle volume (20) resulting in structural integrity for the cladding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a field of liquid crystal display, and discloses a shift register, a gate driving circuit and a display apparatus, wherein the shift register comprises a precharging module, a pulling-up module, a pulling-down driving module, a pulling-down module and a resetting module, each shift register may perform a bi-directional scanning, that is, it may scan not only forward but also backward, so that a cost for producing the liquid crystal display including the shift registers is reduced, and a manufacturing efficiency is increased.

Abstract: An angiographic examination method for examining an organ, vascular system or other regions of a patient is proposed. Projection images are acquired by an angiography system having an X-ray tube assembly and an X-ray image detector applied to ends of a C-arm, a patient table having a tabletop for carrying the patient, a system control unit, an imaging system and a monitor. Projection images are generated by rotational angiography from a plurality of projection angles. The projection images are subjected to a pre-processing of an FDK reconstruction, the result of which is filtered by a noise-reduction method. A predetermined number of dynamic, iterative reconstruction steps is carried out. Time attenuation curves are reconstructed, which are modeled with a weighted sum of linear basis functions.

Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other so that a head of a patient can be interposed therebetween; and a moving mechanism that turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head and moves the turning arm in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis with respect to the head. The X-ray photography apparatus further includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image based on an electric signal output from the X-ray detector; and a photographic region designation receiving part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region. The image processor generates plural tomographic images by applying convolution and filtered back projection to X-ray image data obtained by pseudo intraoral radiography.

Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other so that the head of a patient can be interposed therebetween, and a moving mechanism that includes a turning part and a moving part. The turning part turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head. The moving part moves the turning arm relative to the head in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis. The X-ray photography apparatus also includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image, a photographic region designation part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region, and an X-ray forming mechanism that changes the irradiation direction in which the head is irradiated with an X-ray relative to the axial direction of the body axis of the patient.

Abstract: For improved sampling, an x-ray detector system for a computed tomography scanner is provided. In an embodiment, the x-ray detector system includes at least one detector row which includes a plurality of detector modules each having a plurality of detector elements. Along the at least one detector row, a first portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a first grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements, and a second portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a second grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining an internal image of a test subject by using X-rays. The X-ray CT apparatus has: an X-ray generator; an X-ray detector; a first casing for enclosing the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector; a test-subject table; a first table transporting mechanism for transporting the test-subject table between a first table position and a second table position, the first table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table receives X-rays from the X-ray generator, and the second table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table is on the outside of the first casing; and a second table transporting mechanism capable of vertically transporting the test-subject table. The first table transporting mechanism and the second table transporting mechanism operate in association with each other.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an optical device configured to form a periodic pattern using X-rays radiated from an X-ray source, an alignment mark of the optical device, a first detector, a second detector, and a movement unit configured to change at least either a position of the optical device or an angle of the optical device on the basis of a result of detection performed by the second detector. The first detector detects X-rays that have passed through the optical device and a subject, and the second detector detects X-rays that have passed through the alignment mark. The movement unit includes a movement instruction section that instructs the optical device to move on the basis of the result of the detection performed by the second detector and movement sections that move the optical device on the basis of the instruction issued by the movement instruction section.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices of Fourier ptychographic X-ray imaging by capturing a plurality of variably-illuminated, low-resolution intensity X-ray images of a specimen and computationally reconstructing a high-resolution X-ray image of the specimen by iteratively updating overlapping regions in Fourier space with the variably-illuminated, low-resolution intensity X-ray images.

Abstract: A device for providing for electron excited x-ray fluorescence may include means for driving two contacting surfaces against each other in a low fluid pressure environment, such that high energy electrons strike a sample under test and provide for x-ray fluorescence of the sample. The sample under test may be in or on a sample holder, whose position with respect to the contacting surfaces is adjustable. For example, the sample holder may be positionable to be a different distances from the contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A method identifying a material, includes: measuring an electromagnetic radiation spectrum emitted through the material; determining at least one measurement energy band, and spectral coefficients of a comparison function in the measurement band, using the measured spectrum; estimating, using the determined spectral coefficients, a nature and/or thickness of the material based on a set of reference spectral parameters relating to reference materials and/or thicknesses and defined in reference bands.

Abstract: A scanner (200) includes a radiation source (202) that emits radiation that traverses a scanning region and a detector array (204), including a line of detectors (302), that detects radiation traversing the scanning region, wherein the radiation source and the detector array are located on opposing sides of the scanning region. The scanner further includes a mover (208) configured to move an object through the scanning region when scanning the object. The line of detectors (302) is configured to move in a plane, which is substantially parallel to the scanning region, in coordination with the mover moving the object, thereby creating a plane of detection for scanning the object.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a system for non-destructive testing of overhead electrical power-line equipment. The system comprises a digital x-ray system and a support unit adapted to be suspended from said overhead electrical power-line equipment. The digital x-ray system comprises an x-ray source, an x-ray digital imager, an imager control unit and a wireless communication unit. The digital x-ray system is mounted on the support unit. Apparatus aspects for the support unit and method aspects are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source. The imaging system also includes a source controller coupled to the X-ray radiation source and configured to modulate an exposure pattern from the X-ray radiation source to enable a coded exposure sequence. The imaging system further includes a digital X-ray detector configured to acquire image data that includes at least one coded motion blur.

Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes a radiation generating unit which emits radiation from a focal point thereof; and a sighting projector unit including a reflector plate, a visible light source configured to irradiate the reflector plate with visible light, and a movable diaphragm configured to adjust an opening size of an aperture portion formed by a plurality of restriction blades. The reflector plate is composed of a concave mirror used to allow transmission of the radiation therethrough, and to form a visible-light-irradiated field by reflecting visible light from the visible light source in the direction of the aperture portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of multiple energy X-ray radiation. In order to provide multiple energy X-ray radiation with increased switching frequencies, a rotating anode (10) for an X-ray tube is provided with an anode body (12), a circular focal track (14), and an axis of rotation (16). The focal track is provided on the anode body and comprises at least one first focal track portion (18) and at least one second focal track portion (20). Transition portions (22) are provided between the at least one first and second focal track portions. The at least one first focal track portion is inclined towards an X-ray radiation projection direction (24) of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus has a camera installed on a gantry, and a method creates volume data of a subject through images of the subject photographed by the camera and calculates an optimum dose of radiation based on the volume data of the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus includes the gantry, and the camera installed on the gantry to photograph a subject.

Abstract: Embodiments provide method and systems for determining or measuring objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis. Additional embodiments provide a method and system of aligning an objectively determined reference axis of the eye in a selected relationship to a therapeutic axis of an ophthalmic therapeutic apparatus and/or a diagnostic axis of an ophthalmic diagnostic apparatus. Embodiments provide a method and system for planning an ophthalmic treatment procedure based on objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis of an eye to be treated. The reference axis may be used to position a therapeutic energy component, for example, an orthovoltage X-ray treatment device, e.g., positioned to provide treatment to tissue on the retina, such as the macula.

Abstract: An X-ray emitting target including a diamond substrate, a first layer disposed on the diamond substrate and including a first metal, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second metal whose atomic number is 42 or more and which has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the first metal. The layer thickness of the first layer is greater than or equal to 0.1 nm and smaller than or equal to 100 nm. The target is prevented from overheating, so that output variation due to rising temperature is suppressed. Thus it is possible to emit stable and high output X-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray emitter is suitable for evenly sterilizing large volumes of material in a short time, the emitter having an elongated X-ray target window and correspondingly elongated electron source mounted in a vacuum chamber. The electrons from the electron source are accelerated towards the X-ray target window, which generates X-rays directed outward from the vacuum chamber when irradiated by electrons from within the vacuum chamber. The elongated form of the electron source ensures that an evenly distributed beam of electrons, with a substantially constant linear distribution over the length of the electron source, arrives at the elongated X-ray target window such that a correspondingly even distribution of X-rays is generated from the X-ray target window. The X-ray target window includes a support substrate, and carries an X-ray target layer made of a target material such as tantalum or tungsten on its inner surface. A process for manufacturing the X-ray emitter is also described.

Abstract: A compound x-ray lens and method of fabricating these lenses are disclosed. These compound lenses use multiple zone plate stacking to achieve a pitch frequency increase for the resulting combined zone plate. The compound equivalent zone plate includes a first zone plate having an initial pitch frequency stacked onto a second zone plate to form an equivalent compound zone plate. The equivalent zone plate has a pitch frequency that is at least twice the initial pitch frequency. Also, in one example, the equivalent zone plate has a mark-to-space ratio of 1:1.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly includes an electron beam transport tube, a beam tube protection assembly, and a control module. The electron beam transport tube includes an opening configured for passage of an electron beam, and includes an inner surface bounding the opening along a length of the electron beam transport tube. The beam tube protection assembly includes a plurality of beam protection electrode segments disposed within the opening of the electron beam transport tube and configured to protect the inner surface of the electron beam transport tube from contact with the electron beam. The control module is configured to determine a direction of the electron beam responsive to information received from the beam tube protection assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a customer premises based method for detecting the presence of a micro-filter on a VDSL connection. According to certain aspects, the method uses SELT test signals that are transmitted from the customer premises modem and whose associated echo signals are received and analyzed by the customer premises modem. According to further aspects, specific characteristics of several different SELT signals are utilized to robustly and effectively determine the presence or absence of the micro-filter/splitter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for streaming data. The method includes presenting a data stream including an interactive communication and detecting feedback from the user in response to the interactive communication. If the feedback indicates a request to receive data associated with the interactive communication, the method includes buffering the data stream from a point in time associated with the feedback to yield a buffered data stream, connecting the user device to a commerce presence associated with the interactive communication temporarily and resuming playback of the buffered data stream to the user device following completion of the temporary communication between the user device and commerce presence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a visual IVR directory system for enabling a user to telephonically interact with organizations, the IVR system comprising a database comprising a plurality of organization entries wherein, each organization entry represents a organization registered therewith, each organization entry associated with at least one phone number and an visual IVR menu file, the execution of which leads to the display of a visual IVR menu comprising a plurality of graphical menu icons, the selection of each displays either a graphical submenu, organization information, or establishes an telephonic connection between the user and the organization, the IVR system configured such that, upon determining that a phone number dialed from a telephonic device of the user is listed within the database, the corresponding visual menu file is retrieved from the database and executed on the telephonic device, the telephonic device equipped with a display means.

Abstract: A method for connecting a website user to a contact center includes: establishing a communication channel between a user and an agent of the contact center, the communication channel comprising a voice communication channel; establishing a supplemental channel between the user and the contact center for exchanging data between the user and the contact center; and storing the data exchanged in the supplemental channel in association with the communication channel.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for receiving, at a server system of a social network and from a telephone service provider, information identifying members of a preferred calling group for a first user that is associated with the telephone provider. The sever system of the social network identifies the first user as a member of the social network. The server system of the social network identifies one or more of the members of the preferred calling group as being one or more members of the social network. The server system of the social network automatically defines a social network group that includes the one or more members of the preferred calling group who are members of the social network.

Abstract: Managing subconference calls within a primary conference call. An approach includes establishing a primary conference call including a plurality of participants, establishing a subconference call including a subset of the plurality of participants, and providing respective output signals to each of the plurality of participants. Members of the primary conference call are provided with audio only of the primary conference call, and members of the subconference call are provided with audio of the subconference call. The approach also includes providing a visual display that shows respective groupings of members of the subconference call and members of the primary conference call.