Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a digital radiation detector and radiation source. A detector transport moves the detector along at least a portion of a first curved path and a radiation moves the source along at least a portion of a second curved source path. The detector is configured to travel at least a portion of the first curved path, and the source is configured to travel at least a portion of the second curved path. The detector is configured to obtain a plurality of 2D projection images over a range of scan angles for reconstructing a 3D volume image using the plurality 2D projection images.

Abstract: The radiation detector includes image pixels that each includes a counting pixel, to restore an image. The counting pixel includes a radiation absorption layer, which converts incident photons into an electrical signal, and a photon processor that counts a number of the photons, based on the electrical signal.

Abstract: A medical imaging system creates three kinds of reconstructed images of a diagnosis target site in a subject through X-ray imaging of the diagnosis target site with a Talbot or Talbot-Lau imaging apparatus, the three kinds of reconstructed images being an absorption image, a differential phase image, and a small-angle scattering image. The medical imaging system includes: an input unit to receive an input of diagnosis target information for specifying the diagnosis target site, or the diagnosis target site and a disease to be diagnosed in the diagnosis target site; and a control unit to create a combined image of two kinds of reconstructed images among the three kinds of reconstructed images on the basis of the diagnosis target information input through the input unit, and to control a displaying unit to display the combined image.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthesis images of a breast specimen in a cabinet x-ray system. An X-ray source delivers X-rays through a specimen of excised tissue and forms an image at a digital X-ray detector. Multiple X-ray images are taken as the X-ray source moves relative to the stationary breast specimen. In the preferred embodiment, the X-ray source moves in a range from about 350° to and including about 10°. The source may travel substantially along a path that generally defines an arc, or linearly, while the detector remains stationary throughout and the source remains substantially equidistant from the specimen platform. The set of X-ray image data taken at the different points are combined to form a tomosynthesis image that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional specimen radiography.

Abstract: With an image processing device (20), the presence/absence of a product defect is judged based on detected-image data obtained by a radiographic device that detects radiation that has passed through a product, which is an inspection subject. With the image processing device (20), a position of a product feature in the detected-image data is identified based on a shape of the product feature indicated by feature data stored in a DB storage portion (36) in advance, defect candidates are extracted with reference to the identified product feature in the detected-image data, and the presence/absence of a product defect is judged based on characteristic quantities of product defects indicated by the defect characteristic DB stored in the DB storage portion (36) in advance and characteristic quantities of the defect candidates.

Abstract: An X-ray positioning apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an X-ray video device that generates second X-ray image data in which a respiratory signal of a patient and first X-ray image data are related to each other, a positioning computer that generates patient platform control data for controlling a patient platform, and a photographing trigger generation apparatus that outputs a photographing trigger signal to an X-ray tube; the X-ray positioning apparatus is characterized in that the photographing trigger generation apparatus generates the photographing trigger signal, in accordance with a first frame rate and a second frame rate that is higher than the first frame rate, and in that the positioning computer generates the patient platform control data, based on a reference image and one X-ray image selected from consecutively photographed images that are photographed at the second frame rate.

Abstract: A movable diaphragm unit is configured such that, when a restricting blade is moved away from a normal line extending from a center of a focal spot of X-ray to a first virtual plane including a detector plane, a moving distance of a crossing line of a second virtual plane including an end surface of the restricting blade and a third virtual plane including the focal spot with respect to a center of the focal spot becomes shorter than a moving distance with respect to the normal line of the end surface.

Abstract: A workstation includes a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector includes a transmitter configured to transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; a receiver configured to receive the assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.

Abstract: A radiation detection system comprises at least one detector in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged, wherein each detection element includes a converting portion that converts energy of incident radiations directly into electrical signals and a signal reading portion that reads the electrical signal from the converting portion and outputs the electrical signal, the converting portion including a plurality of protruded portions arranged at intervals, and the plurality of protruded portions are electrically connected to one signal reading portion.

Abstract: An image detector is disposed behind a grid. The image detector has normal pixels and measurement pixels. Out of a group of measurement pixels based on which an average value of dose measurement signals is calculated, a [C/D] number of measurement pixels are disposed or chosen in a cycle Z=(R×C)±D. Wherein, C represents a cycle of a repetition pattern appearing in an arrangement direction of X-ray transparent layers and X-ray absorbing layers in an X-ray image of the grid, and is represented in units of the number of pixels. R represents a natural number of 0 or more. D represents an integer less than the cycle C. [C/D] represents a maximum integer equal to or less than C/D. Provided that at least the [C/D] number of measurement pixels are shifted C occasions by one pixel, if D=1, the average value of the dose measurement signals is invariable without any variations.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system and digital detector detect extraneous signals during DR detector image readout and compensate or remove extraneous signal artifacts from radiographic images. Novel capture and post processing procedures prevent undesirable noise artifacts from appearing in final radiographic images.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for enabling a first user at a first communication device to communicate with a far-end user at a second communication device via a relay service providing translation services for the first user. The communication system may be operable in a plurality of modes, including a tone mode in which an audible tone conveying a message may be transmitted to the second communication device regardless of a format of the character data generated by the first communication device. A text mode may include sending a text signal corresponding to the message being displayed at the relay service regardless of the format of the character data. Switching modes may be responsive to a determination that the far-end user is a live person. Related methods of operating the communication system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of collecting confidential data by means of initiating a bridge call with a caller and a vendor. The bridge call allows an interconnection between a merchant's Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) and a vendor's Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) without the need to loop the caller back to the merchant after the confidential data is collected. An Automatic Number Identification field is present on each call to identify the caller. A caller enters confidential data into a vendor's IVR using the telephone. Once the confidential data is validated and stored, the vendor updates a call management repository record and terminates the bridge call.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention facilitates the investigation of networks of criminals, by gathering associations between phone numbers, the names of persons reached at those phone numbers, and voice print data. In another aspect the invention automatically detects phone calls from a prison where the voiceprint of the person called matches the voiceprint of a past inmate. In another aspect the invention detects identity scams in prisons, by monitoring for known voice characteristics of likely imposters on phone calls made by prisoners. In another aspect, the invention automatically does speech-to-text conversion of phone numbers spoken within a predetermined time of detecting data indicative of a three-way call event while monitoring a phone call from a prison inmate. In another aspect, the invention automatically thwarts attempts of prison inmates to use re-dialing services.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to admission control of a communication session in a network. The admission control can be implemented by a network node at the boundary of the network or a subsystem thereof. In one aspect, the admission control can be implemented during a predetermined period and can be based at least on an admission criterion, which can be specific to an end-point device, e.g., a target device or an origination device. The admission criterion can be configurable and, in certain implementations, it can be obtained from historical performance associated with establishment of communication session. Such historical performance can be assessed within a period of a configurable span.

Abstract: A system for implementing inquiry callback and information update services including a computer system having a miss call solution database. The computer system is configured to intercept an incoming call from a caller inquiring about a service, identify and log information corresponding to the caller, terminate the incoming call without interacting with the caller, and provide a miss call solution from the miss call solution database to the identified caller. The miss call solution including information corresponding to the service.

Abstract: Methods and systems for data recording for customer-agent interactions are described. The described system may include a Desktop Data Recording Client (“DDRC”), which is an application or other module installed on an agent's computing system or device that collects and records various data types from a computer desktop and telephone during a phone or electronic interaction with a third party, such as a customer. The DDRC can be configured to stop and restart data collection and recording of sensitive data for security purposes to ensure that this type of data is not stored or retrievable. The specific data types that may be collected and recorded include: voice recording, computing device screen capture, desktop data collection at a summary and/or detailed level and in call-based on continuous modes, and recording start/stop indications.

Abstract: An agent efficiency analysis system for a contact center performs analysis and comparisons on where the agents' time is being spent. The system integrates data from multiple systems Automatic Call Distribution, Integrated Voice Response and Work Force Management contact center applications and organizes the data against a standard set of metrics. Statistical trend analysis (long-term and short-term) may be performed.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for intelligent data presentation are provided herein. Data can be presented on similar devices having different characteristics in different manners. For example, data may be rendered in a first manner on a first device having one monitor, the same data may be rendered in a second manner on a second device having two displays or a different display size. Financial information, sales data, banking information, etc. may be presented in a variety of ways based on capabilities or properties of a device accessing the information or data. Similarly, renderings may be selected based on interaction capabilities or interaction options a user may have with different renderings or presentations. In other embodiments, user interaction with an automated teller machine (ATM), call center, vehicle, or other interface can be based on device properties or device capabilities.

Abstract: A first module divides a string into a number of blocks. A second module associates the blocks with monoid elements in a list of first monoid elements to produce second monoid elements. A third module applies a first function to an initial monoid element and a first of the second monoid elements producing a first calculated monoid element and evaluates an action of the initial monoid element on the first function producing a second function. A fourth module applies the second function to the first calculated monoid element and to a second of the second monoid elements producing a second calculated monoid element and evaluates the action of the first calculated monoid element on the first function producing a third function.

Abstract: A method of generating an encryption key. The method comprises collecting a plurality of user defined variables defined by input from a user and collecting a plurality of environmental variables associated with varying environmental conditions. The method further comprises defining parameters of a plurality of scrambling functions using the user defined variables and calculating a plurality of scramble values. Each scramble value comprises a combination of environmental variables combined in accordance with one of the plurality of scrambling functions. The method further comprises combining the scramble values to produce a scramble code and generating the encryption key from the scramble code.

Abstract: A method, system and/or NFC (Near field communication) enabled mobile device is provided for executing an electronic contract on NFC enabled mobile devices. A first contracting party is provided to apply an electronic signature thereof in an electronic contract provided on a first NFC enabled mobile device used by the first contracting party, the electronic signature is applied through a secure element of the first NFC enabled mobile device. The electronically signed contract is transmitted from the first NFC enabled mobile device to a second NFC enabled mobile device used by a second contracting party for providing the second contracting party to apply an electronic signature thereof in the received electronically signed contract from the first NFC enabled mobile device through a secure element in the second NFC enabled mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to append packet handling information “in the clear” ahead of security related information in a packet to be routed over a network to optimize wide area network deployments of security-configured equipment. In one form, at a network device that performs connectionless secure communication and network routing of packets, data is received from a source device to be sent through a network to a destination device. Packet handling information is inserted in a packet that is to be used to transport the data. The packet handling information is configured to enable controlled handling of the packet in the network and is inserted in an unprotected portion of the packet. Encrypted payload data is generated from the data received from the source device. The encrypted payload data and security information are inserted in a protected portion of the packet and the packet is sent to the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of processing a multi-channel audio signal using space information. The apparatus includes: a main coding unit down mixing a multi-channel audio signal by applying space information to surround components included in the multi-channel audio signal, generating side information using the multi-channel audio signal or a stereo signal of a down-mixed result, coding the stereo signal and the side information, and transmitting the coded result as a coding signal; and a main decoding unit receiving the coding signal, decoding the stereo signal and the side information using the received coding signal, up mixing the decoded stereo signal using the decoded side information, and restoring the multi-channel audio signal.

Abstract: The present document relates to audio encoding/decoding. In particular, the present document relates to a method and system for improving the quality of encoded multi-channel audio signals. An audio encoder configured to encode a multi-channel audio signal according to a total available data-rate is described. The multi-channel audio signal is representable as a basic group (121) of channels for rendering the multi-channel audio signal in accordance to a basic channel configuration, and as an extension group (122) of channels, which—in combination with the basic group (122)—is for rendering the multi-channel audio signal in accordance to an extended channel configuration. The basic channel configuration and the extended channel configuration are different from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.

Abstract: A stereo microphone includes a nondirectional microphone unit and two bidirectional microphone units, the bidirectional microphone units having directional axes disposed on a single plane at predetermined angles to the center axis of the directionality of the stereo microphone, an acoustic terminal of the nondirectional microphone unit being disposed in the vicinity of acoustic terminals of the bidirectional microphone units.

Abstract: A system can include a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a microphone operatively coupled to the processor; a speaker operatively coupled to the processor; and circuitry that mutes the speaker based on detection of voices via the microphone. A method can include detecting two different voices via a microphone of a device; and responsive to the detecting, muting a speaker of the device. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system is configured for performing audio matching. The computer system includes a client terminal and a server. The client terminal includes a classifier, a first landmark extraction module, a first encoder module and an integration module. The classifier is configured for estimating an identification difficulty. The first landmark extraction module is configured for determining the number of times for landmark extraction, and for extracting first landmarks. The first encoder module is configured for encoding the first landmarks. The server includes a second landmark extraction module, a second encoder module, a hash table, a table-lookup module, an analysis module and a decision module. The second landmark extraction module is configured for extracting second landmarks. The second encoder module is configured for encoding the second landmarks. The table-lookup module is configured for performing a table lookup. The decision module is configured for determining an audio matching result.

Abstract: Respective signal processing modules are executed in a DSP of an audio signal processing device, and also a signal abnormality detecting module is executed. The signal abnormality detecting module executes processing to detect a clip at metering points set at input and output ends of respective signal processing modules, and store in the storage an audio signal in which the clip is detected while correlating with the measuring points the metering point at which the clip is detected. The audio signal stored in the storage is outputted by the output module.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: determining one or more impedance values of a loudspeaker; and determining the polarity of a loudspeaker based on the one or more impedance values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing videoconferencing using split endpoints are disclosed herein. These endpoints can include a Main Unit and a Satellite Unit that are associated with each other, and where the tasks of video and audio encoding and decoding are separated between the two. In some embodiments the Main Unit performs video and audio encoding, and the Satellite Unit performs video and audio decoding. In some embodiments the Satellite Unit obtains media data through its associated Main Unit, whereas in other embodiments the Satellite Unit obtains media data directly from the Server.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for masking noise originating from rotary equipment in a vehicle engine. The method may include checking if engine input conditions fulfill engine input condition threshold values. If the engine input conditions fulfill the engine input conditions threshold values, the method may include outputting a first masking noise from a speaker. The first masking noise may include a first central frequency, a first predetermined bandwidth and a first amplitude, where the first central frequency and the first amplitude are determined by the input conditions. The disclosure also relates to a system for masking noise originating from rotary equipment in a vehicle engine.

Abstract: A headphone comprises a plurality of actuatable equalization selectors. Each of the selectors corresponds to an equalization setting that includes a preset distribution of relative amplitudes of sounds in predetermined frequency ranges. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of actuatable equalization selectors is a button-type switch. A knob-type switch or a voice recognition mechanism could also actuate an equalization setting. In a preferred embodiment, an equalizer identification indicator produces a communication perceivable to a headphone wearer and which corresponds to an equalization setting. The communication can be audible, preferably a human voice, or tactile, preferably vibration patterns corresponding to equalization settings.

Abstract: A home appliance and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The appliance includes an audio output unit, a communication unit to perform pairing with a mobile terminal and to receive audio data and information data from the mobile terminal after the pairing is completed, and a controller to perform control to output the received audio data through the audio output unit. Accordingly, audio data received from a mobile terminal is output.

Abstract: A signal output device includes: a control circuit for receiving at least a first input control signal and outputting an output control signal according to at least the first input control signal, wherein the first input control signal has a first signal segment followed by a second signal segment, and a voltage level of the first signal segment is unknown; and a driver circuit, operated according to a supply power, for receiving the output control signal from the control circuit; wherein a voltage of the supply power is settle before the second signal segment of the first input control signal is received by the control circuit; when the supply power is turned on, the driver circuit operates under a specific power state; and when the second signal segment of the first input control signal is received by the control circuit, the driver circuit keeps operating under the specific power state.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone assembly includes a MEMS transducer element having a back plate and a diaphragm displaceable relative to the back plate. A bias voltage generator is adapted to provide a DC bias voltage applicable between the diaphragm and the back plate. An amplifier receives an electrical signal from the MEMS transducer element and provides an output signal. The amplifier is adapted to amplify the electrical signal from the MEMS transducer element according to an amplifier gain setting. A processor is adapted to carry out a calibration routine at power-on of the microphone assembly determining information regarding the DC bias voltage and/or the amplifier gain setting.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitor-type sensor read-out circuit. The capacitor-type sensor read-out circuit includes: a signal conversion unit outputting a sensor signal inputted from a sensor; a voltage booster generating a bias voltage; and a capacitor-type signal coupling circuit receiving the sensor signal as a feedback, mixing the received sensor signal with the bias voltage, and outputting the mixed signal.

Abstract: Herein provided is a method for acoustical switching suitable for use with a microphone enabled electronic device. The method includes capturing a first microphone signal from a first microphone on a device, analyzing the first microphone signal for a contact event versus a non-contact event, and directing the electronic device to switch a processing state responsive to detection of either the contact event or non-contact event. In another configuration, additional microphone can be added for performing coherence analysis between at least two microphone signals mounted on or in the device. At least one parameter settings of the device can be changed in response to at least one detected physical contact on the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for processing a switched audio signal output received from a crosspoint router having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, there being a control signal that defines which of the plurality of inputs is to be routed by the crosspoint router to which of the plurality of outputs. A control unit receives the control signal and serves to identify a route change in the control signal. An instantaneous value of the switched audio signal prior to the route change is stored. A signal processing unit then combines the stored value with values of the switched audio signal after the route change to form a processed audio signal that changes smoothly.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device 1 that allows a user to listen to vibration sound that is transmitted when a vibrator 10 held in a housing 60 is pressed against the user's body and a part of the use's body is vibrated. The electronic device 1 has a microphone 7 and vibrates the vibrator 10 based on ambient sound collected by the microphone 7.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a base, a sound-reflecting member located at a side of the base, a sound generator mounted to the sound-reflecting member, an adjusting member including a number of magnetic pieces and located at an opposite side of the base, a connecting member connected between the sound-reflecting member and the adjusting member, a supporting member, and a controlling apparatus. The supporting member includes a number of first electromagnets mounted to the magnetic pieces. The controlling apparatus is electrically coupled to the first electromagnets. The controlling apparatus controls the first electromagnets to attract the magnetic pieces, to allow the adjusting member to swing, and the adjusting member drives the connecting member to rotate, thereby swinging the sound-reflecting member.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a circuit board defining a receiving hole, a supporting bracket received in the receiving hole and mounted to the circuit board, a sound-reflecting member, a connecting plate, a sound generator mounted to the sound-reflecting member, and a controller. The supporting bracket includes a hemispherical receiving portion. The sound-reflecting member includes a sound-reflecting plate received in the receiving portion and a number of magnetic pieces extending out from a circumference of the sound-reflecting plate. A number of electromagnets are mounted on the circuit board, and face the magnetic pieces. The connecting plate is slidably engaged with an outer surface of the receiving portion and connected to the sound-reflecting member. The controller is coupled to the electromagnets. The controller controls the electromagnets to attract the magnetic pieces, to allow the sound-reflecting plate to swing.

Abstract: A microphone package for providing a modified microphone signal includes a microphone and an equalizer device coupled to the microphone.

Abstract: Described herein is a MEMS acoustic transducer device provided with a micromechanical detection structure that detects acoustic-pressure waves and supplies a transduced electrical quantity, and with an integrated circuit operatively coupled to the micromechanical detection structure and having a reading module that generates at output an audio signal as a function of the transduced electrical quantity. The integrated circuit is further provided with a recognition module, which recognizes a of sound activity event associated to the transduced electrical quantity. The MEMS acoustic transducer has an output that supplies at output a data signal that carries information regarding recognition of the sound activity event.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration element which includes at least a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers alternately disposed in a first direction, and performs bending vibration in the first direction so as to change amplitude in a second direction vertical to the first direction by inputting an electric signal, and in which a center of a facing portion in the second direction is provided at a different position from a center of the piezoelectric vibration element in the second direction, the facing portion including a portion in which one of the piezoelectric layers interposed between the electrodes that are disposed so as to be adjacently opposed to each other, and a piezoelectric vibration device and a portable terminal using the piezoelectric vibration element are provided.

Abstract: A plane-type speaker where, on one of the main surfaces of an exciter film, there are placed piezoelectric films which are expanded and contracted by sound-releasing driving signals applied thereto. An oscillation plate is secured to the excited film through frame members. The oscillation plate has a flat-plate shape and is secured to the exciter film while having a warped shape such that it is gradually spaced further away from the exciter film, with decreasing distance from the secured ends to a center area, when viewed at a side surface. This realizes a state where the exciter film is pulled outwardly with respect to the secured ends due to bending stresses therein. If sound-releasing driving signals are applied to the piezoelectric films in this state, the exciter film contracts and expands along with the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric films, thereby causing the oscillation plate to oscillate.

Abstract: A plane-type speaker where, on one of the main surfaces of an exciter film, there are placed piezoelectric films which are expanded and contracted by sound-releasing driving signals applied thereto. An oscillation plate is secured to the excited film through frame members. The oscillation plate has a flat-plate shape and is secured to the exciter film while having a warped shape such that it is gradually spaced further away from the exciter film, with decreasing distance from the secured ends to a center area, when viewed at a side surface. This realizes a state where the exciter film is pulled outwardly with respect to the secured ends due to bending stresses therein. If sound-releasing driving signals are applied to the piezoelectric films in this state, the exciter film contracts and expands along with the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric films, thereby causing the oscillation plate to oscillate.