CT BIG DATA FROM SIMULATION, EMULATION AND TRANSFER LEARNING

In some embodiments, a method of machine learning includes identifying, by an auto encoder network, a simulator feature based, at least in part, on a received first simulator data set and an emulator feature based, at least in part, on a received first emulator data set. The method further includes determining, by a synthesis control circuitry, a synthesized feature based, at least in part, on the simulator feature and based, at least in part, on the emulator feature; and generating, by the auto encoder network, an intermediate data set based, at least in part, on a second simulator data set and including the synthesized feature. Some embodiments of the method further include determining, by a generative artificial neural network, a synthesized data set based, at least in part, on the intermediate data set and based, at least in part, on an objective function. 1. A method of machine learning , the method comprising:identifying, by an auto encoder network, a simulator feature based, at least in part, on a received first simulator data set;identifying, by the auto encoder network, an emulator feature based, at least in part, on a received first emulator data set;determining, by a synthesis control circuitry, a synthesized feature based, at least in part, on the simulator feature and based, at least in part, on the emulator feature; andgenerating, by the auto encoder network, an intermediate data set based, at least in part, on a second simulator data set and comprising the synthesized feature.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, by a generative artificial neural network, a synthesized data set based, at least in part, on the intermediate data set and based, at least in part, on an objective function.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the auto encoder network comprises an input stage claim 1 , an output stage and a latent space coupled between the input stage and output stage claim 1 , the simulator feature and the emulator feature extracted from ...

Reduced cost automatic meter reading system and method using locally communicating utility meters

A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Photon-counting CT-system with reduced detector counting-rate requirements

Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.

Asset tracking system employing reduced order GPS with compressed GPS satellite identification data

Satellite identification data generated when using the Reduced Order GPS (ROGPS) system are compressed, allowing for shorter data transmission times, reduced transmitter energy and reduced satellite channel occupancy. An indexed list of all possible constellations of a subset of all satellites is created. This list is then used at both the tracked object location and the central station to which the satellite identifications must be sent. At the tracked object location, the chosen satellite GPS indices are identified and the list index is found, encoded, and transmitted with only enough bits to uniquely identify it from all other indices in the list. At the central station, the received list index is used to find the satellite constellation corresponding to the chosen satellite GPS indices. The number of bits used to encode the index can be further reduced by reducing the indexed list size. This can be done at both the tracked object and the central station by using a priori knowledge to ...

PHOTON-COUNTING CT-SYSTEM WITH REDUCED DETECTOR COUNTING-RATE REQUIREMENTS

Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.

DETECTOR MODULES FOR IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING

Detector modules for an imaging system and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a substrate, a direct conversion sensor material coupled to the substrate and a flexible interconnect electrically coupled to the direct conversion sensor material and configured to provide readout of electrical signals generated by the direct conversion sensor material. The detector module also includes at least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material. 1. A detector module comprising:a substrate;a direct conversion sensor material coupled to the substrate;a flexible interconnect electrically coupled to the direct conversion sensor material and configured to provide readout of electrical signals generated by the direct conversion sensor material; andat least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material.2. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate a cathode side of the direct conversion sensor material.3. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate an anode side of the direct conversion sensor material.4. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is coupled between the direct conversion sensor material and the flexible interconnect.5. The detector module of claim 4 , wherein an anode side of the direct conversion sensor material is coupled to the substrate.6. The detector module of claim 5 , wherein the flexible interconnect is coupled between the substrate and the ASICs.7. The detector module of claim 4 , wherein a cathode side of the direct conversion sensor material is coupled to the substrate.8. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the flexible interconnect is coupled between the substrate and the direct conversion sensor material.9. The detector module of claim 8 , wherein a support structure is coupled to the direct conversion sensor material on an opposite side to ...

Detector modules for imaging systems and methods of manufacturing

Detector modules for an imaging system and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a substrate, a direct conversion sensor material coupled to the substrate and a flexible interconnect electrically coupled to the direct conversion sensor material and configured to provide readout of electrical signals generated by the direct conversion sensor material. The detector module also includes at least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material.

Reduced-power GPS-based system for tracking multiple objects from a central location

Location of an object to be tracked is determined by measuring, at a receiver situated at the object, the propagation time differences between the signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, each of which is received by the receiver situated at the object. The measured propagation time difference values are transmitted to a central station where the location of the object to be tracked is calculated based upon the propagation time differences of the signals transmitted from the satellites and data derived from a receiver apart from the object but also receiving signals from the satellites.

Very linear wide-range pipelined charge-to-digital converter

A multi-channel analog to digital conversion circuit and methods thereon are provided. The multi-channel analog to digital conversion cirucit comprises a plurality of linearized channels wherein each channel comprises a multi-stage pipelined charge-to-digital converter and an integrating capacitor within each stage of the multi-stage converter wherein analog residue is processed by subsequent analog to digital converter stages. Each stage of respective linearized channels is configured for calculating gain and offset for each stage in the channel and such gain and offset is used in subsequent integration periods.

Optical high speed communications for a computed tomography x-ray machine

An optical transmission line is provided that includes optical deflectors disposed within the transmission line. The deflectors are adapted to deflect an optical data signal such that a portion of the optical data signal is refracted outside the transmission line. A portion of the optical data signal is internally reflected within the transmission line. A reflective coating is disposed along the periphery of the transmission line. The reflective coating also includes an aperture extending axially along the transmission line. The aperture is adapted to allow a portion of the respective optical data signal to escape outside the transmission line.

GPS receiver for emergency location reporting during intermittent shadowing

A controller in a mobile telephone periodically commands GPS circuitry in the mobile telephone to power-on, capture and process GPS satellite signals. The signals are processed to obtain pseudo-range or time-difference data for at least one GPS satellite. After the signals are processed, the pseudo-range or time-difference data, GPS time, and satellite numbers are stored in non-volatile random access memory (RAM) and the GPS circuitry is powered off. When an emergency signal is present, the controller first commands the GPS circuitry to power-on, capture and process signals from four GPS satellites. If signals from at least four satellites are not present, the information stored in non-volatile RAM is read out. The processed data (if available), or else the data read out of the non-volatile RAM, are reported to a central location through the mobile telephone transmitter. The central location can then use the data to compute the present or last valid GPS location of the GPS receiver. The ...

Reduced cost automatic meter reading system and method using locally communicating utility meters

A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Multi-phase programmable clock generator

The present invention provides a clocked comparator which extends the time period before an input signal is measured to include most of the clock cycle, thereby increasing the amount of time available for the input signal to achieve a "steady-state" condition. After the input signal achieves a "steady-state" condition the comparator compares the input signal against a reference voltage and a decision register latches the comparator output. The decision signal may then be further latched to be made available for external circuitry in the subsequent clock cycle. A multi-phase programmable signal generator is connected to the clocked generator for generating a plurality of timing signals. The multi-phase programmable signal generator employs a plurality of single bit registers interconnected in series to form a shift register. Output signals generated by the programmable signal generator are used to drive the switches and register clocks of the clocked comparator.

System and method of spectral calibration and basis material decomposition for X-ray CT systems

An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement, capture incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching, compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching using the captured incident spectra, scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water, adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients, compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra, and generate one or more basis material density images using the computed basis material decomposition functions ...

Method and system for X-ray imaging

A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. The two or more emission points may be independently operated. Independent operation of the two or more emission points in performed in accordance with a list of commands that specifies the operation of the emission points. The list of commands, in one embodiment, is stored in a sequence buffer. In other embodiments, the list of commands is generated for a given usage, without being stored in a sequence buffer.

Reduction of time error in GPS localization without a highly accurate clock

A method for minimizing time error uses a drift-susceptible time clock at the receiver carried by an asset to be tracked in a high-accuracy reduced-order GPS asset localization system. Long-term accuracy of the time clock is maintained by periodically re-synchronizing the clock with the master GPS time clock so that absolute asset time clock errors are kept below a known limit over the wide temperature ranges expected in the asset tracking application. This is accomplished with only a short GPS signal reception time; i.e., GPS frame synchronization and time-stamp decoding are not needed, and the asset position ambiguity associated with using GPS data-bit or code-bit edges as signal time references is eliminated.

Integrate and fold analog-to-digital converter with saturation prevention

An analog to digital conversion circuit for converting an analog input signal into a plurality of binary output bits includes an operational amplifier and an integrating capacitor for storing a charge proportional to the integral of the input signal. A charge subtracting circuit removes a first predetermined charge from the integrating capacitor when an output charge of the operational amplifier is substantially equal to a second predetermined charge. The first predetermined charge level is removed from the integrating capacitor a number of times. The removal of the first predetermined charge from the integrating capacitor allows the integral of the analog input signal to be larger than a maximum charge capable of being stored by the integrating capacitor. A digital logic circuit tracks the number of times that the first predetermined charge is removed from the integrating capacitor by the charge subtracting circuit, and the digital logic circuit provides at least one bit of the plurality ...

FILTRATION METHODS FOR DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY CT

Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Apparatus and Method for Low Capacitance Packaging for Direct Conversion X-Ray or Gamma Ray Detector

A direct-conversion X-ray detector includes one or more detector modules. The detector modules can include a substrate, one or more sensor tiles, and one or more photon-counting application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The substrate has a dielectric constant of less than about 3.5 and is capable of lithographic conductor patterning with feature sizes of about 5 um or less. The one or more X-ray direct conversion sensor tiles have an array of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to a first surface of the substrate. The one or more ASICs are electrically coupled to the substrate and disposed laterally along the substrate with respect to the one or more direct conversion sensor tiles. Conductive lines are spaced along the substrate and are configured to electrically couple the one or more X-ray direct conversion sensor tiles to the one or more ASICs. 1. A direct-conversion X-ray detector module comprising:a substrate having a dielectric constant below about 3.5 and capable of lithographic conductor patterning with feature sizes of about 5 um or less;at least one X-ray direct conversion sensor tile with an array of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to a first surface of the substrate;at least one photon-counting application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having a peaking time of 160 nanoseconds or less, the ASIC being electrically coupled to the substrate and disposed laterally along the substrate with respect to the direct conversion sensor tile; anda plurality of conductive lines spaced along the substrate, wherein the plurality of lines are configured to electrically couple the at least one X-ray direct conversion sensor tile to the at least one ASIC.2. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of spacing to width of the plurality of conductive lines is greater than 3:1.3. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the width of each of the plurality of conductive lines is less than 5 microns.4. The detector module of claim 1 , ...

FILTRATION METHODS FOR DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY CT

Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary. 1. A system for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging , the system comprising:an X-ray source;a detector for detecting X-ray radiation from the source;a filter grating disposed between the source and the detector to modify an X-ray energy spectrum of the X-ray radiation into two or more spectra, the filter grating comprising a first curvature; andan absorption grating aligned with the filter grating to selectively block at least a portion of the X-ray radiation, the absorption grating having a second curvature that is concentric with the curvature of the filter grating in relation to the X-ray source;wherein at least one of the absorption grating and the filter grating is configured to move relative to the other during operation of the source.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the filter grating and the absorption grating each are substantially cylindrical in shape and are positioned such that the X-ray source lies approximately on the axis of each cylinder.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising that the filter grating and the absorption grating each are substantially at least a portion of a sphere in shape ...

Filtration methods for dual-energy X-RAY CT

Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Optical high speed communications for a computed tomography x-ray machine

A computed tomography system employs an optical communications link to reliably transmit high data rate data. The communications link comprises an optical emitter, an optical transmission line, a plurality of optical deflectors disposed randomly within the transmission line, and an optical receiver. The optical emitter is attached to the gantry of the computed tomography system and extends along the length of the gantry. The optical emitter generates a high data rate optical data signal, which travels along the optical transmission line in correspondence with data generated by detector array on the gantry. The plurality of optical deflectors causes portions the high data rate optical data signal to be internally reflected and subsequently refracted from the transmission line. The optical receiver disposed near the transmission line detects the portion of high data rate data refracted from the transmission line.

Reduced cost automatic meter reading system and method using locally communicating utility meters

A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR X-RAY IMAGING

A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. The two or more emission points may be independently operated. Independent operation of the two or more emission points in performed in accordance with a list of commands that specifies the operation of the emission points. The list of commands, in one embodiment, is stored in a sequence buffer. In other embodiments, the list of commands is generated for a given usage, without being stored in a sequence buffer.

Filtration methods for dual-energy X-ray CT

Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Infinite electronic integrator

An electronic integrator includes a compensation circuit which maintains an output of the integrator within a desired range. The compensation circuit includes a comparator which continuously compares the integrator output to a reference value, and a correction circuit which inputs a correction signal into the integrator when the reference value has been met or exceeded. The correction signal is preferably a fixed charge which lowers the voltage in an integrating capacitor by a predetermined amount, thereby ensuring that subsequent output of the integrator is less than the reference value. Through this compensation circuit, the integrator continuously operates without interruption, including without ever having to be reset. Further, the integrator is able to integrate both positive and negative input signals regardless of their magnitude. The integrator may also be used to regulate input signals into an analog-to-digital converter to ensure that those signals never exceed the operational ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SPECTRAL CALIBRATION AND BASIS MATERIAL DECOMPOSITION FOR X-RAY CT SYSTEMS

An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement, capture incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching, compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching using the captured incident spectra, scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water, adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients, compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra, and generate one or more basis material density images using the computed basis material decomposition functions. 1. An imaging system comprising:a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged;a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source and attenuated by the object;a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector; and compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement;', 'capture incident spectra at high and low kVp;', 'compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp using the captured incident spectra;', 'scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water;', 'adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients;', 'compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra; and', 'generate one or more basis material density images using the ...

Railcar location using mutter networks and locomotive transmitter during transit

A method of tracking railcars in transit using global positioning techniques involves determining the location of a railcar by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a satellite transceiver on board the locomotive, and a local area network of railcar tracking units. Instead of computing the GPS solution independently and transmitting it to a central station, the railcar tracking units transmit their unique identifications (IDs) to one of the tracking units in the local area network acting as an administrator tracking unit. The administrator tracking unit maintains a list of IDs and periodically transmits the list of IDs to the locomotive. The locomotive locates itself using the GPS system and periodically transmits its position and velocity to the central station.

EFFICIENT ENERGY RECEIVER

Gps receiver with efficient signal acquisition

A direct sequence spread spectrum receiver samples an incoming signal and translates the signal to an IF signal. The IF signal is sampled ans stored in memory (192, 194). In one embodiment, the memory consists of two memory banks which alternately receive sample segments. During a write period to one of the memory banks, the other memory bank supplies its output to a processor (70). This continues in a ping-pong manner. In another embodiment, a single memory bank is filled and read as necessary, the receiver ignoring incoming signal until the processor has completed processing the sample available at the output of the memory. Such a receiver is useful in global positioning satellite (GPS) signal processing where the incoming signal contains several satellite transmissions encoded with CDMA encoding.

Gps receiver with efficient signal acquisition

A direct sequence spread spectrum receiver samples an incoming signal and translates the signal to an IF signal. The IF signal is sampled ans stored in memory (192, 194). In one embodiment, the memory consists of two memory banks which alternately receive sample segments. During a write period to one of the memory banks, the other memory bank supplies its output to a processor (70). This continues in a ping-pong manner. In another embodiment, a single memory bank is filled and read as necessary, the receiver ignoring incoming signal until the processor has completed processing the sample available at the output of the memory. Such a receiver is useful in global positioning satellite (GPS) signal processing where the incoming signal contains several satellite transmissions encoded with CDMA encoding.

Railcar location using mutter networks and locomotive transmitter during transit

A method of tracking railcars in transit using global positioning techniques involves determining the location of a railcar by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a satellite transceiver on board the locomotive, and a local area network of railcar tracking units. Instead of computing the GPS solution independently and transmitting it to a central station, the railcar tracking units transmit their unique identifications (IDs) to one of the tracking units in the local area network acting as an administrator tracking unit. The administrator tracking unit maintains a list of IDs and periodically transmits the list of IDs to the locomotive. The locomotive locates itself using the GPS system and periodically transmits its position and velocity to the central station.

A reduced-power GPS-based system for tracking multiple objects from a central location

METHOD FOR AVOIDING HARMONIOUS DOPPLER COPIES IN A GPS RECEIVER

Low power parallel correlator for measuring correlation between digital signal segments

Apparatus for reducing electromagnetic radiation from a differentially driven transmission line used for high data rate communication in a computerized tomography system

Apparatus for reducing electromagnetic radiation from a differentially driven transmission line for high data rate communication in a computerized tomography system is provided. The apparatus includes a carrier generator to generate carrier signals having an adjustable phase shift angle between one another. The phase angle differential is selected to avoid formation of leakage signals due to misalignment occurring between the coupler and the transmission line during relative movement therebetween, thereby reducing electromagnetic radiation from the transmission line and the coupler.

Spectral spreading apparatus for reducing electromagnetic radiation from a transmission line used for high data rate communication in a computerized tomography system

Apparatus for reducing electromagnetic radiation from a differentially driven transmission line for high data rate communication in a computerized tomography system is provided. The apparatus comprises a carrier generator, for generating a carrier signal having a predetermined carrier bandwidth. A modulator is respectively coupled to the carrier generator for receiving the carrier signal and for receiving an externally-derived data signal to produce a modulated output signal. The carrier bandwidth is sufficiently broad relative to a predetermined inspection bandwidth for substantially reducing the level of electromagnetic energy being measured over the inspection bandwidth.

Low power signal processing for spread spectrum receivers

A direct sequence spread spectrum architecture permits low power consumption during a synchronizationg phase of data reception by allowing the receiver to be turned off during most of the aquisition phase of reception, or by using a parallel correlator to keep acquisition time short. The architecture is particularly suitable for global positioning satellite (GPS) signal processing and permits multiple satellite codes and multiple Doppler bins to be searched either sequentially, without requiring the receiver to be turned on during the search process. The receiver output baseband data is sampled and stored over a time interval sufficient to achieve acquisition and synchronization for any one code division multiple access (CDMA) signal at any specific Doppler shift. This sample is digitally recorded and re-played from memory as many times as may be required to acquire and synchronize each desired CDMA signal. To keep processing energy consumption low, an analog (capacitor-based) cross-correlator is used. The order of coherent and non-coherent processing for all code-Doppler channels is chosen to maximize energy efficiency while minimizing required processor hardware.

A reduced-power GPS-based system for tracking multiple objects from a central location

METHOD FOR AN EFFICIENT SAMPLING ON A CORRELATION DEVICE

Analog-to-digital converter circuit e.g. for computer tomograpy has logic circuit which detects number of times charge is removed from integrating capacitor

The circuit includes an operational amplifier (46) with an integrating capacitor (44). A charge subtracting circuit (36) is selectively coupled to the inverting input (47) and the output (49) of the operational amplifier. A digital logic circuit (66) tracks the number of times a charge is removed from the integrating capacitor by the charge subtraction circuit. A residue quantization circuit detects a residual charge in the integrating capacitor, and provides an additional output bit accordingly. Independent claims are included for further analog-digital converter circuits and a method of converting an analog input signal into a number of binary output bits.

Low power parallel correlator for measuring correlation between digital signal segments

Correlation between a pair of digital signal segments is measured by apparatus including a pluraltiy of multipliers (1200). Each of the multipliers produces the product of a respective sample of each one of the signal segments. The outputs of a plurality of digital-to-analog (D/A) converters (1300) are coupled to a summer (80), while each respective one of the multipliers (1200) is coupled to the input of a respective one of the D/A converters (1300). The summer (80) produces an analog output signal equal to the sum of the analog output signals produced by the plurality of D/A converter.

GPS-based centralized tracking system with reduced energy consumption

A communication method reduces both the asset energy requirements and communication channel occupancy in a reduced order GPS asset tracking system. The asset is provided with an indication of its position so as to allow detection of substantial movement of the asset at the asset. Reduced order GPS data derived at the asset, such as a railcar, is compressed to allow for shorter railcar data transmission times. This, in turn, reduces both the transmitter energy requirements and communication-channel occupancy, while allowing substantial railcar position changes to be conveniently detected at the railcar. This capability can be used to save further substantial railcar energy by, for example, reporting to the central station less frequently when the railcar position is unchanging.

Transmission line using a power combiner for high data rate data transmission in a computer tomography system

プログラム可能なクロック回路

(57)【要約】 （修正有） 【課題】複数のプログラム可能なタイミング信号を発生 するクロック回路と、複数の同期した位相クロック信号 を発生する方法を提供する。 【解決手段】プログラム可能なクロック回路は、メモリ 内の関連した制御ワードに対応して複数の位相クロック 信号を発生する。プログラム可能なクロック回路は、用 途専用の集積回路でディジタル式に具現化される。各々 の位相スライス信号は、主クロック信号によって同期さ せられ、これにより信号のジッタを低減し且つ位相信号 の精度を改善する。

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Low powered receiver

アナログ−デジタル変換用積分及び折返し回路

(57)【要約】 【課題】 アナログ入力信号を複数の二進出力ビットに 変換するアナログ−デジタル変換回路を提供する。 【解決手段】 アナログ−デジタル変換回路（１０） は、入力信号の積分値に比例する電荷を蓄積する積分コ ンデンサ（４４）と演算増幅器（４６）を含み、該増幅 器の出力電荷量が実質的に第２の所定の電荷量に等しく なる度に、電荷減算回路（３０）が第１の所定の電荷を 積分コンデンサから除去する。デジタル論理回路（６ ６）が、第１の所定の電荷が積分コンデンサから除去さ れる回数を追跡して、複数の二進出力ビットのうちの少 なくとも１ビットを供給する。残余量子化回路が積分コ ンデンサ（４４）の残余電荷を求め、残余電荷に対応す る、複数の二進出力ビットのうちの少なくとも１つの追 加ビットを供給する。

高周波クロック式比較器及び比較方法、並びにプログラム可能な多相クロック発生器

(57)【要約】 【課題】 高周波クロック式比較器及びプログラム可能 な多相信号発生器を提供する。 【解決手段】 クロック式比較器（３００）は、入力信 号が「定常状態」に達するために利用し得る時間の長さ を延ばす。入力信号が「定常状態」に達した後、比較器 （３１０）が入力信号を基準電圧と比較し、判定レジス タ（３２０）が比較器出力をラッチする。その後、判定 信号を更にラッチして、この後のクロック・サイクルで 外部回路に利用出来るようにすることが出来る。プログ ラム可能な多相信号発生器（１００）はクロック式比較 器に接続され、複数個のタイミング信号を発生する。プ ログラム可能な多相信号発生器が、シフト・レジスタ （２１９）を形成するように直列に相互接続された複数 個の単一ビット・レジスタを用いる。プログラム可能な 信号発生器によって発生された出力信号を使って、クロ ック式比較器のスイッチ及びレジスタ・クロックを駆動 する。

Optical high speed communications for computer tomograph

A computed tomography system (50) employs an optical communications link (100) to reliably transmit high rate data. The communications link (100) comprises an optical emitter (150), an optical transmission line (120), a plurality of optical deflectors (220) disposed randomly within the transmission line, and an optical receiver (180). The optical emitter (150) is attached to the gantry (15) of the computed tomography system and extends along the length of the gantry. The optical emitter generates a high rate optical data signal (240), which travels along the optical transmission line (120) in correspondence with data generated by detector array on the gantry. The plurality of optical deflectors (220) causes portions the high rate optical data signal (240) to be internally reflected and subsequently refracted from the transmission line. The optical receiver (180) disposed near the transmission line detects the portion (230) of high rate data refracted from the transmission line.

Optische hochgeschwindigkeitsübertragung für computertomograph

Optical high speed communications for computer tomograph

A computed tomography system (50) employs an optical communications link (100) to reliably transmit high rate data. The communications link (100) comprises an optical emitter (150), an optical transmission line (120), a plurality of optical deflectors (220) disposed randomly within the transmission line, and an optical receiver (180). The optical emitter (150) is attached to the gantry (15) of the computed tomography system and extends along the length of the gantry. The optical emitter generates a high rate optical data signal (240), which travels along the optical transmission line (120) in correspondence with data generated by detector array on the gantry. The plurality of optical deflectors (220) causes portions the high rate optical data signal (240) to be internally reflected and subsequently refracted from the transmission line. The optical receiver (180) disposed near the transmission line detects the portion (230) of high rate data refracted from the transmission line.

Method for efficient sampling in a correlator

A direct sequence spread spectrum receiver samples an incoming signal at a low non-integer sample rate relative to the input data rate. The sample rate is an integer rate relative to a defined data segment. As multiple segments are sampled, the non-integer sample rate causes bit/chip samples to process relative to the incoming data. Because the sample rate is an integer relative to a data segment, the samples are substantially stationary relative to each segment. Such a method is useful in global positioning satellite (GPS) signal processing wherein the time to first fix is minimized by having to correlate fewer sample points in the acquisition process.

Method for efficient sampling in a correlator

Reduced cost automatic meter reading system and method using locally communicating utility meters

A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Reduced cost automatic meter reader system and method using measuring services that are communicated localme