An image processing method comprises obtaining a color input image obtained by taking an image using an optical system 101, calculating an amount of characteristics relating to a color of a pixel in the input image as a first calculating step (S4), performing an image restoration process for the input image using an image restoration filter selected or made based on aberration information of the optical system (S5), calculating an amount of characteristics relating to a color of a pixel of a restored image obtained by the image restoration process as a second calculating step (S6), and correcting a signal value of a specific pixel in the restored image in accordance with the amount of characteristics of the specific pixel in the restored image calculated by the second calculating step and the amount of characteristics of a specific pixel of the input image calculated by the first calculating step (S8).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing technology which reduces a blur component contained in an image by an image restoration process.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image obtained by imaging an object using an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera contains a blur component as an image deteriorating component which is caused by a spherical aberration, comatic aberration, a field curvature, or astigmatism of an image pickup optical system (hereinafter, referred to simply as an "optical system"), or the like. Such a blur component is generated by forming an image with a certain spread although a light beam emitted from one point of an object is ideally focused on one point on an imaging plane again if there is no influence of diffraction without any aberrations.
The blur component is optically represented by a point spread function (PSF), and is different from a blur caused by the defocusing. A color image may run due to a difference of the way of the blur for each light wavelength if it is caused by an on-axis chromatic aberration, a spherical aberration of a color, or a comatic aberration of a color.
As a method for correcting a blur component of an image, a correction method using information of an optical transfer function (OTF) of an optical system has been known. The method is called an image restoration or an image recovery, and hereinafter a process of correcting (reducing) the blur component of an image using the information of the optical transfer function (OTF) of the optical system is referred to as an image restoration process.
A summary of the image restoration process is as follows. A deteriorated image containing a blur component (input image) is defined as g(x,y), and an original image, which is not deteriorated, is defined as f(x,y). A point spread function (PSF) that is a Fourier pair of the optical transfer function is defined as h(x,y). In this case, the following expression is satisfied. In the expression, symbol * denotes a convolution, and symbol (x,y) denotes a coordinate on an image.g(x,y)=h(x,y)*f(x,y)
When the above expression is converted into a display format on a two-dimensional frequency plane by a Fourier transform, as described in the following expression, it is changed to a format of product for each frequency. Symbol H denotes a value which is obtained by performing the Fourier transform of the point spread function (PSF), and it is the optical transfer function (OTF). Symbol (u,v) denotes a coordinate on the two-dimensional frequency plane, i.e. frequency.G(u,v)=H(u,v)·F(u,v)
In order to obtain the original image from the deteriorated image, as described below, both sides are divided by H.G(u,v)/H(u,v)=F(u,v)
When an inverse Fourier transform is performed for F(u,v) to return it to a real plane, a restored image corresponding to the original image f(x,y) can be obtained.
When symbol R is defined as a value obtained by performing the inverse Fourier transform of H−1, similarly, the original image can be obtained by performing a convolution process for the image on the real plane as the following expression.g(x,y)*R(x,y)=f(x,y)
R(x,y) is referred to as an image restoration filter. An actual image contains a noise component. Therefore, when the image restoration filter made by using a complete inverse of the optical transfer function (OTF) as described above is used, the noise component is amplified along with the deteriorated image and generally a good image can not be obtained. In this regard, for example, a method of suppressing a restoration rate at a high frequency side of an image in accordance with intensity rate of an image signal and a noise signal, like a Wiener filter, has been known. The deterioration of the color running component of an image, for example completes to be corrected if a blur for each color component of the image is uniform by the correction of the blur component described above.
Because the optical transfer function (OTF) varies in accordance with a state of the optical system such as a focal distance (zoom state) of the optical system or a stop diameter, the image restoration filter used for the image restoration process also needs to be changed in accordance with the state of the optical system.
Japanese Patent No. 3532368 discloses an endoscope for observing inside a biological object. The endoscope eliminates a blur of an image using a PSF in accordance with a used fluorescence wavelength in a range beyond an in-focus range of an image pickup system. In other words, an objective optical system with a small F-number is necessary because the fluorescence is weak, and an in-focus image is obtained by performing an image restoration process for a range of out of focus because a focal depth is shallow.
As described above, the image restoration process is performed for the input image obtained by taking an image to be able to obtain a restored image of a high quality image in which a blur component has been corrected in accordance with various aberrations of the optical system.
However, in taking an actual image, there may be a possibility that a state of the optical system in obtaining an input image and a state of the optical system corresponding to the image restoration filter which is applied to the input image do not match each other. For example, a case where a three-dimensional object is imaged is considered.
An image pickup apparatus takes an image focusing a focal point on one plane in an object space by an autofocus function or a manual focusing. However, when the object is a three-dimensional object, an object distance is different in accordance with a field angle. In this case, although a part which is in-focus state in the object can be comparatively sharply imaged, a part of out-of-focus state is imaged with a blur in accordance with the distance. When information relating to the object distance obtained in taking an image is only information of an object distance to the in-focus part, the image restoration filter which is optimized for each field angle at the object distance is used.
Therefore, in the image after the image restoration process, because an image restoration filter which is optimized for the in-focus part is applied, a desired sharpness can be obtained in the in-focus part. However, an image restoration filter which is not optimized for the out-of-focus part is applied. Therefore, a blur component remains in the out-of-focus part although a restoration effect is somewhat obtained.
On the other hand, in some cases, the blur in accordance with the object distance is effective for representing a three dimensional appearance in an image or an extracted appearance of a watched object. For example, there is a representing method of intentionally blurring a background by being focused on a main object using a telephoto lens with a shallow depth of field. In this case, even for the image after the image restoration process, it is preferable that the in-focus part (hereinafter, referred to also as an "in-focus object") is further sharpened and the blur remains in the out-of-focus part (hereinafter, referred to also as an "out-of-focus object").
However, the inventor has discovered that there is a possibility that a false color may be generated in principle when an image restoration process is performed for the out-of-focus object using an image restoration filter, which is optimized for an in-focus distance but is not optimized for an out-of-focus distance. The false color is, for example generated by increasing the color by the image restoration process when the color is generated in an edge portion of the out-of-focus object in accordance with a chromatic aberration included in the optical system.
Further, in some cases, such a false color may be generated without being limited to taking an image of a three-dimensional object. In other words, the false color is generated when a state of an aberration changed in accordance with the optical system at the time of taking an image and a state of an aberration to which the image restoration filter corresponds are different from each other, whether it is in-focus state or out-of-focus state inherently.
In the image restoration process for improving an image quality, the generation of the false color causes a significant deterioration of the image quality.
Japanese Patent No. 3532368 discloses that a technology for performing an image restoration process for an out-of-focus range to increase a sharpness to improve an image quality. However, because a false color is generated even if the sharpness increases, the image quality in totality can not be improved.

Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and storage medium capable of suppressing generation of false color caused by image restoration


A mode-selectable communications system which commands one or more remote modules from a controller unit. The controller unit issues a command signal having an address and major communications mode command. Each remote module includes a major mode identifier for receiving the command signal from the control unit through a communications link. The major mode identifier identifies an address pertaining to the module and identifies a major communications mode for that module as a command response mode or a time slot mode. The module implements a task indicated by the command mode and selects a time slot response based on the time slot mode. A time slot unique to that module is determined and the module communicates with the control unit through the communications link during that time slot.

There are a number of applications in which a central control unit must communicate with a number of remote modules over a single communications link. One such application is in the field of computer I/O (input/output) networks for industrial uses. An output module relays commands to machinery, such as on/off commands for a motor. An input module gathers information from a sensor, such as the operating speed or temperature of the motor.
Presently, communication between the controller unit and a large number of remote modules over the single communications link is relatively inefficient. Most systems have a relatively high communications overhead: a relatively large amount of the information transmitted between the controller and the modules relates to addressing and other communications protocol rather than to actual data. Present I/O systems are also inefficient in their use of hardware. Typically, one or more microprocessors are devoted to I/O processing while a separate microprocessor is required for communications.
There are a number of different types of communications protocol for transferring information between a control unit and a number of remote modules over a single communications link. Under one protocol, the modules are individually addressed and information is transmitted to or received from the identified module. Under another protocol, referred to as a time slot mode, modules are activated to receive or transmit information during sequential time slots. However, there is a need for a versatile communications system which can accommodate both commands to specific modules and routine polling of a large number of modules.


A method, a device, and an access point are provided for obtaining network access. A method, comprising: receiving, by an access point device and from wireless device, a request for authorization to access a network through the access point; determining, by the access point, a distance between the access point and the wireless device; determining, by the access point, that the distance is less than a first threshold distance; using, by the access point, a first process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is less than the first threshold distance; and using, by the access point, a second process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is not less than the first threshold distance, where the first process is a different and less complex for granting access to the network than the second process.

Wireless access points have become fairly common in many households. However, many of these households have problems with setting up their access points properly. Problems with setting up access points can stem from a lack of experience with using service set identifiers (SSID), encrypted passwords (e.g., Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), etc.), and other technical features (e.g., ports, firewalls, etc.).


A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a plurality of compliant plate members attached to an interior surface of a stationary housing. The compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the compliant plate members comprises at least one slot therein. The seal assembly further includes at least one arcuate static ring attached to the interior surface of the stationary housing and extending radially into the at least one slot in the compliant plate members. Each of the at least one static ring extends circumferentially through and between a plurality of the compliant plate members. Finally, the seal assembly includes a vibration damper disposed adjacent to or provided on the plurality of compliant plate members. The vibration damper is configured to dampen vibration of the plurality of compliant plate members.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the field of seals used in turbomachinery. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method and apparatus for dampening vibration of a compliant plate seal for application at the interface of a rotating component, such as a rotor in a turbine or compressor, and a stationary component, such as a casing or stator.
Dynamic sealing between the rotating component and the stationary component is an important concern in turbomachinery. Several methods of sealing have been used. In particular, sealing based on flexible members has been used that includes seal members, such as compliant plate seals and/or brush seals. Brush seals typically include tightly-packed, generally cylindrical bristles that are arranged in a staggered arrangement to reduce leakage. The bristles have a low radial stiffness that allows them to move in the event of a rotor excursion, while maintaining a tight clearance during steady state operations. Brush seals, however, are generally effective only below a limited pressure differential across the seal. Because of the generally cylindrical geometry of the bristles, the brush seals tend to have a low stiffness in the axial direction, which limits the maximum operable pressure differential in known brush seals.
In contrast, at least some known compliant plate seals have a plate-like geometry that has a significantly higher axial stiffness for a comparable radial stiffness and therefore, such seals have the capability of being used with larger pressure differentials than known brush seals. However, compliant plate seals may experience axial leakage between adjacent compliant plates, which may cause flow-induced vibrations or flutter of the compliant plates. Such vibration may reduce the lifespan of the compliant plates.

Method and apparatus for compliant plate seals


A digital mixer is supplied with two digitized input signals in complex form. The product of the complex input signals is converted to analog form and provides the desired output signal without any alias terms. The first input signal is desirably stored in a first memory as a sequence of data points corresponding to a complex exponential sinusoid. The second input signal is a baseband excitation waveform that is also stored in complex form in a memory. Operands from these two sources are provided periodically to the mixer for complex multiplication. The sequence of sinusoid operands provided from the first memory is determined by a phase counter that indexes through the memory by a .DELTA..theta. term. .DELTA..theta. is selected so that the data indexed thereby corresponds to samples of a sine wave of the desired frequency. If .DELTA..theta. indexes a signal phase intermediate two complex data in the memory, an interpolated value is provided.

Laboratory instruments, such as network and spectrum analyzers, often include signal sources to electrically excite a system being measured. These sources can usually provide a variety of signals, such as sinusoids, chirps, noise, etc, at a desired frequency of interest.
In the early prior art, these signals were generated by analog mixers which upconverted a baseband analog waveform, such as a chirp, to a desired frequency of interest by mixing with a signal from an analog local oscillator. The resulting product included both sum and difference terms, one of which was undesired and required filtering. The filtering task was difficult due to the wide range of different signals the instrument could produce.
More recently, designers of some instruments have adopted digital techniques for signal generation. Digital signal generation offers several advantages, one of which is the ability to simply and precisely set signal frequencies under microprocessor control. It also permits use of digital filters that can be reconfigured as necessary to eliminate spurious products from the mixing process.
While advantageous in many respects, digital signal generation as presently practiced has certain drawbacks. It is an object of the present invention to overcome these drawback to provide a highly accurate signal source that can be economically implemented and provide great flexibility in the number of different waveforms that can be generated.
According to the present invention, a digital mixer is supplied with two digitized input signals in complex form. The product of the complex input signals is converted to analog form and provides the desired output signal without any alias terms.
In one embodiment of the invention, the first input signal is stored in a first memory as a sequence of data points corresponding to a complex exponential sinusoid, or a representative portion thereof. The second input signal is a baseband excitation waveform that is downloaded in complex form into a random access memory. Operands from these two sources are provided periodically to the digital mixer for complex multiplication. The multiplication of the digital representation of the complex sinusoid with the digital representation of a baseband excitation waveform yields a resultant digital data stream that corresponds to the baseband waveform shifted up in frequency. The process is analogous to single sideband modulation of analog signals.
The sequence of sinusoid operands provided from the first memory is determined by a phase counter that indexes through the sinusoid memory by a .DELTA..theta. term. .DELTA..theta. is selected so that the data indexed thereby corresponds to samples of a sine wave of the desired frequency. If .DELTA..theta. indexes a signal phase intermediate two complex data in the memory, an interpolated value is provided to the mixer.
The foregoing and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Waveform generation method using stored complex data


A retrofit light emitting diode (LED) bulb includes a screw connector, a bracket, and a housing. The screw connector is configured to be screwed into a receiving socket of an electric light fixture for supporting the retrofit light emitting diode (LED) bulb. The bracket is physically attached to the screw connector. The housing is rotatably coupled to the bracket. The housing includes one or more LED units for generating light and one or more electrically powered cooling devices to remove heat from the vicinity of the one or more LED units.

The present invention relates to the field of lighting and, more particularly, to using individual cluster-level power regulation circuits to extend light-emitting diode (LED) light life.
Light emitting diode-based (LED-based or simply LED) light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. LED light bulbs have a longer lifespan and lesser environmental impact when compared to typical compact fluorescent bulbs. Further still, LED light bulbs are subject to much less of a spectrum shift over the lifetime of the bulb. Many present approaches for LED light bulbs are directed at creating light bulbs which require non-standard connectors.


A system and method are disclosed for generating a chat space for two or more communication devices using a computer coupled with a database and comprising a processor and memory. The computer generates a chat space and transmits requests to join the chat space to the two or more communication devices. The computer stores in memory identification information for each of the two or more communication devices and one or more public chat messages transmitted between the two or more communication devices. The computer monitors for one or more requests, transmitted from one of the two or more communication devices to the computer, to generate a private thread. In response to one or more requests, the computer generates a private thread, and stores in the computer memory one or more private thread messages transmitted between two or more communication devices in the private thread.

Chat-based communication systems may utilize communication networks, including but not limited to the internet, to connect communication systems such as computers, tablet computers, and/or smartphones. Chat systems may permit communication systems to share text-based messages with other communication systems. However, chat systems connecting more than a small number of communication systems may prevent communication systems from easily customizing chat messages (including but not limited to transmitting private chat messages between selected communication systems) and/or from quickly organizing chat messages into specific subject-related topics or threads.

System and method of creating and organizing private chat messages


The invention relates to a heated sensitive layer sensor comprising an insulating substrate bearing the sensitive layer; two complementary measurement electrodes in the form of two adjacent conductive tracks configured in electrical contact with the sensitive layer; and a heating element in the form of a resistive track arranged on the substrate for uniformly heating an active area of the sensitive layer. The resistive track comprises at least three power supply points regularly spaced over the length of the resistive track, and each point of even rank is supplied at a first supply voltage and each point of odd rank is supplied at a second supply voltage.

The sensitive layer of this type of sensor generally comprises a semiconductor oxide, the nature and operating temperature of which are chosen according to the molecules to be detected. The resistivity of the sensitive layer varies depending on the concentration of molecules adsorbed by the oxide layer.
FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a top view and a cross-section along an axis AA of a conventional heated sensitive layer sensor, such as described, for example, in papers [I Dewa Putu Hermida et al., "Development of Co Gas Sensing Based SnO2 Thin film", International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET-IJENS Vol: 13 No: 01] and [George F. Fine et al., "Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Gas Sensors in Environmental Monitoring", Sensors 2010, 10, 5469-5502].
The sensor comprises an insulating substrate 10 bearing on its upper surface a sensitive layer 12, based on semiconductor oxide. Two complementary electrodes in the form of conductive tracks E1 and E2, are disposed in electrical contact with the sensitive layer 12. The electrodes E1 and E2 are configured to measure changes in resistivity of the zones of the sensitive layer located between the electrodes. To improve the sensitivity, it is desired to increase the adjacent lengths of the two electrodes. For this purpose, the electrode tracks are often formed as interdigitated combs, as shown.
Each electrode includes a contact terminal placed at the periphery of the sensor, outside the active area of the sensitive layer. The terminal of the electrode E1 is set to a ground voltage (0 V) and the terminal of the electrode E2 is set to a measurement voltage M, of the order of 1 V. The sensor is operated by measuring the current flowing between the terminals of the two electrodes.
For heating the sensitive layer 12, a resistive track 14 is provided, which is electrically isolated from the sensitive layer, and placed for example on the bottom surface of the substrate 10. The track 14 is configured to uniformly heat the active area of the sensitive layer, i.e. the areas between the facing fingers of the electrodes. The track 14 is often in the form of a serpentine, as shown. It is supplied between ground (0 V) and a voltage Vh regulated to achieve the desired temperature.
The structure of a heated sensitive layer sensor and the materials used therein are particularly well suited for manufacturing using integrated circuit technologies. The sensor dimensions are then so small that the sensitive layer can be heated up to 350° C. with a power consumption of only 30 mW. It has nevertheless been noted that the sensitive layers of such sensors age faster than in sensors made in other technologies.

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE


The invention provides compounds of formula (I)

The serine/threonine kinase cdk-2 is essential for normal cellular cycling and plays a critical role in disorders arising from abnormal cell cycling, a common characteristic of many oncological disorders. Inhibitors of cdk-2 are therefore useful in the treatment of various types of cancers and other diseases or conditions related to abnormal cell growth. See, for example, Meijer, et al., Pharmacol. and Therapeutics, 82 (2-3), 279-284 (1999), Sausville, et al., Pharmacol. and Therapeutics, 82 (2-3), 285-292 (1999). The serine/threonine kinase cdk-5, along with its cofactor p25, or the longer cofactor p35, has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders, and inhibitors of cdk-5 are therefore useful in the treatment of disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, and Huntington's Disease. Treatment of such neurodegenerative disorders using cdk-5 inhibitors is supported by the finding that cdk-5 is involved in the phosphorylation of tau protein, and dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) at threonine 75, and is thus indicated as playing a role in dopaminergic transmission.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a proline-directed, serine/threonine kinase for which two isoforms, GSK-3α and GSK-3β, have been identified, phosphorylates the rate-limiting enzyme of glycogen synthesis, glycogen synthase (GS). See, for example, Embi, et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 107, 519-527 (1980). GSK-3α and GSK-3β are both highly expressed in the body. See, for example, Woodgett, et al., EMBO, 9, 2431-2438 (1990) and Loy, et al., J. Peptide Res., 54, 85-91 (1999). Besides GS, a number of other GSK-3 substrates have been identified, including many metabolic, signaling, and structural proteins. Notable among the plurality of signaling proteins regulated by GSK-3 are many transcription factors, including activator protein-1; cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB); the nuclear factor (NF) of activated T-cells; heat shock factor-1; β-catenin; c-Jun; c-Myc; c-Myb; and NF-KB. See, for example, C. A. Grimes, et al., Prog. Neurobiol., 65, 391-426 (2001), H. Eldar-Finkelman, Trends in Molecular Medicine, 8, 126-132 (2002), and P. Cohen, et al., Nature, 2, 1-8, (2001). Accordingly, targeting the activity of GSK-3 has significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of many disparate pathologies and conditions, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (A. Castro, et al., Exp. Opin. Ther. Pat., 10, 1519-1527 (2000)); asthma (P. J. Barnes, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 42, 81-98 (2002)); cancer (Beals, et al., Science, 275, 1930-1933 (1997), L. Kim, et al., Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev., 10, 508-514 (2000), and Q. Eastman, et al., Curr. Opin. Cell Biol., 11, 233 (1999)); diabetes and its related sequelae, for example, Syndrome X and obesity (S. E. Nikoulina, et al., Diabetes, 51, 2190-2198 (2002), Orena, et al., JBC, 15765-15772 (2000), and Summers, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 274 17934-17940 (1999)); hair loss (S. E. Millar, et al., Dev. Biol., 207, 133-149 (1999) and E. Fuchs, et al., Dev. Cell, 1, 13-25 (2001)); inflammation (P. Cohen, Eur. J. Biochem., 268, 5001-5010 (2001)); mood disorders, such as depression (A. Adnan, et al., Chem. Rev., 101, 2527-2540 (2001) and R. S. B. Williams, et al., Trends Phamacol. Sci., 21, 61-64 (2000)); neuronal cell death and stroke (D. A. E. Cross, et al., J. Neurochem., 77, 94-102 (2001) and C. Sasaki, et al., Neurol. Res., 23, 588-592 (2001)); bipolar disorder (Klein, et al., PNAS, 93, 8455-8459 (1996)); skeletal muscle atrophy (G. J. Brunn, et al., Science, 277, 99-101 (1997), R. E. Rhoads, J. Biol. Chem., 274, 30337-30340 (1999), V. R. Dharmesh, et al., Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 283, C545-551 (2002), and K. Baar, et al., A. J. Physiol., 276, C120-C127 (1999)); decreased sperm motility (Vijayaraghavan, et al., Biol. Reproduction, 54, 709-718 (1996)); and in cardio-protection (C. Badorff, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 109, 373-381 (2002), S. Haq, et al., J. Cell Biol., 151, 117-129 (2000), and H. Tong, et al., Circulation Res., 90, 377-379 (2002)).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Abstract: the stereoisomers and prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, stereoisomers, and prodrugs, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein; pharmaceutical compositions thereof; and use thereof in the treatment of, inter alia, conditions, diseases, and symptoms such as diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, schizophrenia, depression, hair loss, and cancer.


A deicer comprises a mixture of a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber results in an increased ice-melting capacity than using the deicing agent alone. The deicer can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, and the radiation absorber can include a dye, which can be water soluble. The deicer can also include a corrosion inhibitor and/or wetting agent. Further, a method of making a deicer includes mixing a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber can be dissolved in a liquid, such as bittern, which can be sprayed on a solid deicing salt.

The invention relates to deicer compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to deicer compositions with improved ice-melting properties.
Solid deicers, such as rock salt (sodium chloride), are commonly applied to roads and other surfaces during winter months in areas where snow and/or ice tend to form on those surfaces after precipitation. Though solid deicers such as rock salt are effective in melting ice and snow, over application of solid deicers is typically undesirable. Rock salt, for example, is corrosive to metal parts in vehicles and can damage concrete. After the snow and ice melt, the salt remains on the ground or is carried by water melted from snow and ice into soil or groundwater, causing undesirable increase of salinity in soil and underground water. There is thus a need to increase the deicing capability of solid deicers, thereby reducing the amount of solid deicers needed per unit snow and/or ice melted.


A mobile communication network system is capable of achieving both of route optimizing function and demand for privacy protection. An address server determines network addresses to be assigned for a plurality of variable IP subnetworks and use period of the network addresses, and distributes network addresses to routers having foreign agent function in the variable IP subnetworks. When use period of the assigned network address expires, new network address of own router is at first assigned. Addition of the subnetwork having new network address is notified to respective routers of the fixed IP subnetworks using IP route control means.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication network system, a foreign agent router, an address server and a packet delivery method employed therein. More particularly, the invention relates to a network system consisted of fixed IP (Internet Protocol) subnetworks.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, in a network system consisted of fixed IP subnetworks of this kind, when mobile IP [Mobile IP (ver. 4)] is made use of, there are following two kinds of arrangement configuration as arrangement configuration of home agents performing position management of IP terminal (mobile nodes).
The first arrangement configuration is a configuration frequently used in a local area network (LAN) or the like. In this configuration, a mobile IP compatible router is arranged in a desktop LAN, such as Ethernet (trademark) or the like. The router serves as a home agent including IP terminals belonging in the subnetworks and as a foreign agent for external IP terminals roaming to the subnetwork.
The second arrangement configuration is a configuration to adapt a virtual subnetwork, namely a subnetwork actually having no belonging terminal to deal a mobile IP terminal as moving outside irrespective of the position thereof so that the home agent transmits packets to the subnetwork where the mobile IP terminal is present. In this case, the home agent may be arranged anywhere. However, it is efficient to arrange the home agent in the vicinity of a gateway connected to external network.
In this case, in the second arrangement configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, when the mobile IP terminal [mobile node (MN)] 13 connected to the home agent (HA) 11 through a home link 101 moves to be connected to the foreign agent (FA) 12 via an external link 102, the home agent 11 transfers the packet from a communication counterpart (CN) 14 to the mobile IP terminal 13, to the foreign agent 12 for delivery to the mobile IP terminal 13 from the foreign agent 12.
Here, Mobile IP (ver. 4) has been described in RFC (Request for Comments) 2002 of IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), C. Perkins (IBM), Editor, October 1996.
Basic operation of this Mobile IP (ver. 4) will be discussed hereinafter. The mobile IP terminal 13 performs agent discovery as in which of the home link 101 or the external link 102, it is included by receiving the public notice of the Agent. When the mobile IP terminal 13 makes agent discovery as being included in the home link 101, mobility service is not used.
When the mobile IP terminal 13 makes agent discovery as being included in the external link 102, an address of the foreign agent 12 or an address (co-located: second address) obtained from DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is registered to the own home agent 11 as care of address. At this time, the mobile IP terminal 13 may register the care of address to the home agent 11 via the foreign agent 12. On the other hand, the mobile IP terminal 13 updates position registration to the home agent 11 upon returning from the external link 102 to the home link 101.
The packet from the communication counterpart 14 to the mobile IP terminal 13 is captured by the home agent 11, is transferred using tunnel to the care of address and is delivered to the mobile IP terminal 13 based on the care of address. The packet from the mobile IP terminal 13 to the communication counterpart 14 is basically transported by a general IP packet transporting mechanism (e.g. IP router network 100).
It has also been proposed an option of a route optimizing function performing route optimization between the communication counterpart 14 and the mobile IP terminal 13 by notifying presenting zone position (care of address) of the mobile IP terminal 13 to the communication counterpart 14 in transfer of packet from the communication counterpart 14 to the mobile IP terminal 13. It should be noted that in Mobile IP (ver. 6), as shown in FIG. 7, study has been made not as optional transfer method.
In the conventional network system set forth above, when the former transfer method via the home agent is selected, concentration of traffic to the home agent can be caused to significantly restrict throughput of the entire network system.
On the other hand, when the option using the later route optimizing function is selected, while concentration of traffic to the home agent can be avoided, since the presenting zone position of the mobile IP terminal is notified to the communication counterpart, demand for privacy protection to hide the presenting zone position of the mobile IP terminal cannot be satisfied.

Mobile communication network system, foreign agent router, address server and packet delivery method employed therein


A signal power control loop is provided for a link between a terrestrial station and a terminal when the terminal and a satellite are linked via the terrestrial station. The signal power control loop may control transmitted signal power of the terminal and/or the terrestrial station. In some embodiments, the signal power control loop controls transmitted signal power of the terminal and/or the terrestrial station independent of signal power control for a link between the terrestrial station and the satellite.

This invention relates to wireless communications systems and methods, and more particularly, to satellite communications systems and methods.
Satellite communications systems and methods are widely used for voice and data communications. Satellite communications systems and methods generally employ at least one space-based component, such as one or more satellites, that is configured to wirelessly communicate with terminals.
A satellite communications system or method may utilize a single radiation pattern (antenna beam), such as a "global" beam, covering an entire area (footprint) served by the system. Alternatively, in cellular satellite communications systems and methods, multiple radiation patterns (antenna beams, or spot beams) are provided, each of which can serve distinct geographic areas in the overall service region of a satellite system, to collectively serve an overall satellite system footprint. Thus, a cellular architecture similar to that used in conventional terrestrial cellular/PCS communications systems and methods can be implemented in cellular satellite-based systems and methods. The satellite (space segment) typically communicates with terminals over a bidirectional communications pathway, with radio communication signals being communicated from the satellite to a terminal over a downlink or forward link, and from the terminal to the satellite over an uplink or return link.
As is well known to those having skill in the art, terrestrial networks can enhance satellite communications system availability, efficiency and/or economic viability by terrestrially reusing and/or re-radiating at least some of the frequency bands that are allocated to and/or radiated by the satellite communications system. In particular, it is known that it may be difficult for satellite communications systems to reliably serve densely populated areas, because the satellite signal may be blocked by high-rise structures and/or may not penetrate into buildings. As a result, the satellite band spectrum may be underutilized or unutilized in such areas. The use of terrestrial retransmission techniques of at least some of the satellite band frequencies can reduce or eliminate this problem.
Moreover, the capacity of a system comprising satellite and terrestrial retransmission of at least some of the satellite band frequencies can be increased significantly, relative to a corresponding satellite-only system, since terrestrial frequency reuse can be much denser (compact) than that of a satellite-only system. In fact, capacity may be enhanced where it may be mostly needed, i.e., in densely populated urban/industrial/commercial areas. As a result, the overall (hybrid) system may become more economically viable, as it may be able to serve a much larger subscriber base. Finally, terminals for a satellite communications system having a terrestrial component within the same satellite frequency band and using substantially the same air interface for both terrestrial and satellite communications can be more cost effective and/or aesthetically appealing. Conventional dual band/dual mode alternatives, such as the well known Thuraya, Iridium and/or Globalstar dual mode satellite/terrestrial radiotelephone systems, may duplicate some components, which may lead to increased cost, size and/or weight of the radiotelephone.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,057, to coinventor Karabinis, and entitled Systems and Methods for Terrestrial Reuse of Cellular Satellite Frequency Spectrum, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein, describes that a satellite communications frequency can be reused terrestrially by an ancillary terrestrial network even within the same satellite cell, using interference cancellation techniques. United States Patent Application Publication 2003/0153267 (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/151,567, filed May 20, 2002) describes a satellite communications system that includes a terrestrial terminal interface subsystem, e.g., a terrestrial base station, operative to communicate with a satellite gateway via a communications satellite using a first radio interface and to communicate with wireless terminals over a geographic area using a second radio interface.

Apparatus and methods for power control in satellite communications systems with satellite-linked terrestrial stations


A parallel plate waveguide forms a volume coil used for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. The waveguide includes a first conductor arranged on a first side of the waveguide and a second conductor arranged on a second side of the waveguide. Excitation of the first conductor and the second conductor creates a transverse electromagnetic field between the first conductor and the second conductor which causes a target within the volume coil to emit radio frequency signals used for producing an image of the target.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning has grown into a major diagnostic tool, with MRI instrumentation technology becoming a multi-billion dollar global industry. MRI scanners use magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of the body. To perform an MRI scan, a patient or a body part to be scanned is placed inside a radio frequency (RF) volume coil. The MRI scanner forms a strong magnetic field around the area to be imaged by passing an electric current through the wire loops. While this is happening, other coils in the magnet send and receive radio waves. This triggers protons in the body to align themselves. Once aligned, radio waves are absorbed by the protons, which stimulate spinning. Energy is released after "exciting" the molecules, which in turn emits energy signals that are received by the coil. The received signals are sent to a computer which processes the signals and generates an image. The final product is a 3-D image representation of the area being scanned.
Conventional RF coils, such as loops, birdcage coils, and transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coils are resonant structures tuned to specific Larmor frequencies. By using reactive components to tune a coil to the designated mode, the coil current distribution produces a desirable magnetic field for imaging or spectroscopic applications.
Conventional resonant coils have a limited bandwidth, i.e., the desired coil current distribution appears in the close vicinity of the resonant frequency. Outside a certain frequency range, RF power input is reflected back to the generator due to impedance mismatch. This narrowband feature is typically characterized by the quality factor (Q-factor). A high Q-factor is generally appreciated as an indication of low coil/sample loss. Thus, on the one hand, high-Q coils are preferred for their low coil/sample losses. At the same time, the high Q-factor also indicates the sensitivity of the RF coil to its operating conditions. For high-Q coils, the resonant peak may shift with different loadings, e.g., different phantoms and/or settings inside the scanner bore. This problem is especially pronounced in high-field applications, where the design of transmit coils can be an especially challenging task. For multi-nuclear spectroscopic studies, these issues are aggravated because the design of dual-tuned volume coils is more complex than putting two single-tuned volume coils together.
From the electromagnetic perspective, high-Q resonators are sufficient but not necessary for effective, low-loss transmission. Taking resonant loops as an example, they support a standing-wave current distribution which is the superposition of two currents traveling in opposite directions. If the in-phase superposition of the two traveling currents can result in a low loss, so does each of its components.
The use of traveling-wave structures, which are non-resonant, instead of standing-wave structures has been extensively studied. Many broadband antennas are actually transmission lines that can support traveling waves. Due to the lack of sharp resonant peaks, a broadband antenna requires no specific frequency tuning within its operating bandwidth and is more robust and less sensitive to environmental changes and manufacturing defects.
The use of traveling-wave structures in MRI has also been studied by different groups. It has been demonstrated that is feasible to use the RF shield of an MRI scanner as a waveguide to support traveling waves. The main waveguide structure does not require reactive components for tuning, and a circularly polarized patch antenna was applied for RF excitation and signal reception. This concept has been further extended by using dielectric inserts to reduce impedance mismatch between air/tissue boundaries. A thorough comparison of this waveguide transmitter and the TEM coil has been performed using numerical simulations, and the investigation found that wave attenuation and reflection from body boundaries cause by substantial B1+ inhomogeneity, although a high degree of uniformity was achieved inside an empty scanner bore.
One of the main problems of waveguide-based RF transmitters is the existence of a cutoff frequency for the desired waveguide mode. The scanner bore needs to be large enough so that the cutoff frequency of the desired mode is below the Larmor frequency. Otherwise, electromagnetic waves are evanescent, not traveling. Because the bore size or regular human scanners is barely large enough to support ravels waves at 7T, this type of structure is not suitable for clinical MRIs.
In one approach, the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode of a coaxial cable was applied to in order to avoid the cutoff frequency issue. However, the requirement of a center conductor makes this approach difficult for human imaging.
In another approach, a surface transmitter was developed that utilizes the TEM mode supported by two closely spaced parallel conductors. A volume transmitter was later developed for parallel transmission by using an array of such surface transmitters or coils.
Current coils are expensive to manufacture, and also require tuning at very specific and discrete frequencies. Such tuning is expensive, time-consuming to implement, and often limits the applicability of a coil to a specific field strength.

Parallel plate transmission line for broadband nuclear magnetic resonance imaging


A storage system can be located at a front end of a vehicle's rear cargo space. The vehicle can include a rear opening at the rear end of the cargo space and a closure selectively opening and closing the rear opening. The storage system can include a front panel located at the front end of the rear cargo space and a lid. The front panel can include an outer surface facing the rear cargo space and a storage space recessed from the outer surface. The lid can be selectively placed in a closed state and an opened state with respect to the front panel such that the lid conceals the storage space from the rear cargo space when the lid is in the closed state, and the storage space is opened to the rear cargo space when the lid is in opened state.

The disclosed subject matter relates to a storage system for a vehicle. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus that can store at least one tool for servicing the vehicle.
Vehicles can include a passenger compartment and one or more storage spaces. The storage space can be external to the passenger space or continuous with the passenger space. Some storage spaces can be concealed compartments within or adjacent to the passenger space that can be accessed within the passenger space.
Straps or other fastening structures can be used to secure items in the storage space. The storage space can include a foam insert that can function as a cushion that reduces noise created by an item rattle around in the storage space.

Storage system for a vehicle and interior compartment of a vehicle having same


A switching circuit includes: a first switching element (Q1); a resistor (11) inserted between a control electrode (G) of the first switching element (Q1) and a control circuit (13) switching the first switching element (Q1); and a first capacitor (15) and a second switching element (14) connected in series between the control electrode (G) of the first switching element (Q1) and a low potential-side electrode (S) of the first switching element (Q1). A high potential-side electrode of the second switching element (14) is connected to the control electrode (G) of the first switching element (Q1). An electrode of the first capacitor (15) is connected to the low potential-side electrode (S) of the first switching element (Q1). A control electrode of the second switching element (14) is connected to an electrode of the resistor (11) connected to the control circuit (13).

An inverter circuit using a SiC device is known, which: includes a capacitor inserted between the gate and the source of a junction field effect transistor serving as a main switching element; and thus prevents false triggering by suppressing a rising change in the voltage between the gate and the source during a rise in the voltage between the drain and the source.

Switching circuit and semiconductor module


A rotatable atherectomy cutter for removing obstructive tissue from a body vessel includes a hollow cylindrical base having an outer wall, a hollow cylindrical guide tip coaxially distanced from the base for slidably receiving a guide wire and a pair of dismetrically opposed blades each having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of each blade is connected to the guide tip and the proximal end connected to the base for alternately cutting the tissue with a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge longer than the first cutting edge. The proximal end of each blade is connected to an ovoid portion formed in the base for allowing the second cutting edge of the blade to extend beyond the outer diameter of the cylindrical base to cut a diameter of tissue larger than the diameter of the base. The base includes a straight wall portion connecting the pair of blades to establish the first cutting edge on each of the blades. The blades are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the cutter at an angle in the range of between thirty 30) and seventy (70) degrees and are preferably made of stainless steel. Also included is a mechanism for removing debris through an opening in the top of the base. The ovoid portion extends the second cutting edge of the blades beyond the outer wall a distance of approximately five (5) to ten 10) percent of the diameter of the base.

A number of various means and procedures have been developed in recent years to remove obstructions to clear or open occluded arteries in order to restore the necessary circulation through the body. One approach is the so-called coronary "bypass" operation which requires a large incision into the body to open the chest cavity. This procedure is fairly traumatic to the body, and is quite drastic. Thus, other approaches for removing obstructions have been developed.
One alternate approach is the use of well known angioplasty procedures. A catheter is inserted through a small incision into the body through an artery to the site of the obstruction. The catheter incorporates a balloon to open the vessel by flattening the obstructive tissue against the vessel wall. With the angioplasty procedures, however, the obstructive tissue causing the occlusion remains in situ after the procedure is performed. Thus, while the problem may be alleviated, it is not eliminated. Also, there remains the real probability there will be a restenosis.
Another approach is the use of atherectomy procedures in which a catheter inserted into the artery includes a cutter head. Obstructive tissue causing the occlusion in the vessel is excised by the cutter from the lumen of the vessel. As should be readily apparent, the instruments used for this procedure incorporate precisely designed miniature cutting devices. Further, the devices require special fabrication and design considerations to allow satisfactory operation within the lumen of a vessel. Specifically, both the cutting device itself and its attendant drive elements which are inserted into the vessel with the cutting device must be miniaturized.
Several atherectomy related devices have been previously disclosed. Exemplary of such devices is U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,755 to Husted which discloses a catheter with a cylindrical rotary blade that is used to clear arterial obstructions. Another device is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,128 to Lary for a coronary cutting and dilating instrument. It includes a balloon in combination with radially extending knife blades to permit incision and immediate dilation of the artery.
For each of the devices disclosed in these references, however, the effective cutting area of the blade of the device is limited. This is so because, in these conventional devices, the cutting action of the rotating blade does not extend beyond the periphery of the tubular structure or sheath which is used to feed the rotating blade through the artery or vessel. Consequently, the effective cutting capability of the blade inside a vessel is limited to a diameter which is equal to or less than the diameter of the blade. A diameter of cutting action which is greater than that of the blade is desired, however, to allow the cutter and its attendant sheaths or catheters to advance properly through the obstructive tissue, and to prevent the device from getting stuck in the vessel. Further, it is desirable that the cutting device not occlude fluid flow through the vessel, either when it is operational or when it is inoperative. Fluid should be able to flow around and past the cutting device at all times. Thus, there is a need for a cutter which has the capacity for cutting extended diameters. Accordingly, the present invention recognizes the need for an atherectomy cutter whose effective cutting action diameter extends beyond its base and attendant basic diameters to increase the cutting effectiveness of the device.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a cutter for an atherectomy device which has expanded cutting action when it is rotated inside the lumen of a body vessel. Another object of the present invention is to provide an atherectomy device which can be operatively positioned within the lumen as required to excise obstructive tissue from inside the lumen of a body vessel. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device which allows fluid flow through the vessel around and past the cutting device. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an atherectomy device which can be effectively advanced during the cutting of obstructive tissue from the inside of a body vessel. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an atherectomy device which is cost effective in its relative ease of use and manufacture.


A method for determining an optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty as a measure for a quality of an optical signal transmitted via an optical link between a source optical node and a destination optical node in an optical network, the method includes collecting information of the optical link; determining a configuration parameter Pconf of the optical link based on the information of the optical link; adjusting the configuration parameter Pconf to an adjusted configuration parameter P′conf according to linear impairments in the optical link; and determining the optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty based on a non-linear function of the adjusted configuration parameter P′conf, the non-linear function accounting for non-linear impairments in the optical link.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining an optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty in an optical network. The OSNR penalty serves as a measure for a quality of an optical signal transmitted via an optical link between a source optical node and a destination optical node
In transparent optical networks, the optical signal quality is affected by different impairments like chromatic dispersion (CD), amplifier stimulated emission (ASE) noise, crosstalk, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), self-phase modulation (SPM), cross-phase modulation (XPM), four wave mixing (FWM), etc. When optical networks are designed, the operators need to have knowledge about the network behavior, for example, dimension geographical positions of network nodes, distance between network nodes, signal launching powers, amplifier spans, number of amplifiers and further network related parameters. Therefore, it is important to predict the signal quality even before the signal is set up. In order to evaluate the signal quality, there are generally two ways:
One way is based on full numerical simulation by solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equations for signal transmission in optical fibers. However, this method takes too much time, which cannot fulfill the time requirements for fast network design and real time signal quality evaluation.
The other way is to abstract some parameters for the transmission link and to represent the signal quality by these parameters with some functions.

Method and apparatus for determining an optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty


According to one aspect, a distributed database system is configured to manage write operations received from database clients and execute the write operations at primary nodes. The system then replicates received operations across a plurality of secondary nodes. Write operation can include safe write requests such that the database guaranties the operation against data loss once acknowledged. In some embodiments, the system incorporates an enhanced arbiter role the enables the arbiter to participate in cluster-wide commitment of data. In other embodiments, the enhanced arbiter role enables secondary nodes to evaluate arbiter operations logs when determining election criteria for new primary nodes.

Conventional distributed databases have become sophisticated in their architectures, and many have the ability to be customized to a variety of performance guarantees. Distributed databases executing eventual consistency models can be specifically tailored to achieve any number of durability guarantees. For instance, some distributed databases can be customized to target high durability of data writes, or to target low latency of writes, among other examples.
In some conventional systems, different architectures can be implemented to support automatic failover of master or primary nodes (i.e., nodes responsible for processing write operations) without loss of any committed data. One example approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,031 incorporated by reference herein. Under that approach, primary nodes are elected to handle operations received from database clients, and replicate the operations to secondary nodes. To facilitate assignment of a primary node, a distributed database may include arbiter nodes that facilitate a consensus-based election of primary nodes between the primary and secondary nodes of the distributed database. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,031, the arbiter nodes can be configured to operate as observers of primary election, and further to participate in a primary election process to the extent of confirming a vote for a primary or a secondary node within the distributed database.

System and method for augmenting consensus election in a distributed database


Disclosed is a binder adapted palette that is easily attached or detached to or from a diary or notebook binder and thus is easily stored and carried together with the binder. The binder adapted palette includes a body having a palette accommodation groove defined in a top surface thereof and a plurality of through-holes defined and arranged along one edge thereof, wherein the plurality of through-holes receive a binder ring of the binder; a palette detachably inserted into the palette accommodation groove; and a cover coupled to a top of the body to open and close the palette.

A palette is a painting tool used to release and mix paints in drawing watercolor or oil paintings. When drawing a picture, a user draws the picture with a brush on a paper using various tools such as the palette, paints, and a water bottle. Various tools are needed to complete a picture.
For example, it is necessary to prepare paints of various colors, a brush for painting with the paints, a palette used to mix paints of various colors with each other, paper on which a picture is drawn, etc. Without any one of those materials, it may be difficult to draw an intended picture.
Recently, more and more people travel abroad to draw a picture of beautiful places. Accordingly, more and more people are looking for a drawing tool that is simple and has increased convenience.
However, many tools are needed to paint watercolor or oil paintings rather than simple sketches. Thus, it is inconvenient to carry them all while traveling.
Further, conventional portable paint palettes are provided only as separate products from a binder such as a sketchbook. Thus, there is a need for a palette with increased portability and convenience.


An example method of fuel delivery to a turbomachine includes reaching a light-off speed of a turbomachine and delivering fuel to a combustor of the turbomachine at a first rate. The method also increases the rate of the delivery. The combustor achieves light-off at a fuel flow rate on or in-between the first rate and a second rate that is greater than the first rate. An example turbomachine fuel delivery assembly includes a fuel delivery component and a controller configured to adjust the fuel pump to increase a rate of fuel delivery from a fuel supply to a combustor of a turbomachine.

This disclosure relates generally to light-off of a turbomachine combustor and, more particularly, to increasing fuel delivery to a turbomachine combustor until achieving light-off.
Turbomachines transfer energy from a rotor to a fluid as is known. During operation, air is pulled into the turbomachine. In a gas turbine machine the air is then compressed, mixed with fuel and combusted. The products of combustion expand to rotatably drive a turbine section of the turbomachine.
A fuel system delivers fuel to a combustor of the turbomachine during a typical startup. An igniter is then activated to light the fuel. Light-off is the point at which the delivered fuel ignites. To achieve light-off, the fuel must be delivered to the combustor at the appropriate rate. Many fuel systems include complex and costly arrangements of pressure sensors and metering valves to ensure that the fuel system delivers fuel to the combustor at rate appropriate to achieve light-off. These components attempt to compensate, for example, for differences between a desired fuel delivery rate and an actual fuel delivery rate. Differences may occur due to production tolerances, fuel types, temperatures, altitude conditions, etc.
One example turbomachine is an auxiliary power unit (APU). A typical APU is located in the tail section of a large aircraft. The APU typically provides power (electrical, hydraulic, or shaft), and compressed air to the aircraft.

Turbomachine fuel delivery method and assembly


A power steering system of a vehicle and a control method are provided. The system includes a main hydraulic motor that receives engine power and generates a hydraulic pressure and an auxiliary hydraulic motor that generates a hydraulic pressure. A front wheel steering cylinder receives hydraulic pressure and generates power for steering front wheels and auxiliary steering of a driver. A rear wheel steering cylinder receives hydraulic pressure and generates power for steering rear wheels. An integrated control valve connected to the hydraulic motors and the steering cylinders through hydraulic pressure pipelines, and adjusts the hydraulic pressure of a main hydraulic motor to supply the pressure to the front wheel steering cylinder and adjusts the hydraulic pressure generated of the auxiliary hydraulic motor to supply the pressure to the front or rear wheel steering cylinder.

(a) Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a power steering system of a vehicle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an integrated power steering system for front and rear wheels that reduces the number of components, manufacturing costs, and power loss of a vehicle using components together, such as a hydraulic pump, a controller, and a control valve, which are used in an emergency steering system and a rear wheel steering system, and a control method thereof.
(b) Description of the Related Art
As generally known in the art, a steering system is an apparatus that is configured to convert a progress direction of a vehicle being driven based on the intention of the driver. In recent years, many vehicles have used a steering system that may assist power for a steering force of the driver, that is, a power steering system that may reduce a steering wheel manipulating force of a driver to allow a light and prompt steering operation.
Among the power steering systems, a hydraulic power steering (HPS) system uses a hydraulic pressure to generate power for assisting a steering force of the driver, that is, an auxiliary steering force. As a power steering system that uses an electronic control unit (ECU), an electronic power steering (EPS) system that adjusts the degree of assistance by adding a control valve that adjusts a hydraulic pressure to an existing hydraulic power steering system is known.
Basically, a hydraulic power steering system uses a hydraulic force, and accordingly, includes a hydraulic pump configured to generate a hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, power for assisting a steering force of the driver is generated by supplying a hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump and adjusted by a control valve to a steering actuator, that is, a steering cylinder, and then a mechanical hydraulic pump that mainly receives engine power by a power transmission mechanism such as a belt and a pulley is used as the hydraulic pump. In addition, an electro hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system that assists a steering force using an electric hydraulic pump operated by a motor is known.
Meanwhile, when the operation of an engine is stopped or a hydraulic pump breaks down (e.g., fails) while the vehicle is driven causing a hydraulic pressure to not be supplied to a steering cylinder, a power assistant function of the power steering system may become invalid. In particular, since the driver should manipulate the steering wheel with the driver's force while power is not assisted, the steering wheel may be difficult to manipulate, leading to the risk of an accident. Accordingly, an electric auxiliary hydraulic pump operated by a motor is additionally provided for emergency steering separately from a mechanical main hydraulic pump operated by an engine, and in an emergency situation in which an operation of the engine is stopped or a main hydraulic pump fails, the auxiliary hydraulic pump is operated to supply a hydraulic pressure to a steering cylinder, preventing an accident.
In particular, in the commercial vehicles including middle and large scale trucks, maximum steering force when the power steering systems fail is limited by rules, and when the power steering systems are not operated due to a failure, an emergency steering function should be provided that allows driving a predetermined distance using an auxiliary hydraulic pump. To satisfy the rules, an additional apparatus for assisting steering force when the power steering system fails is provided in many the two-axle commercial vehicles, and the steering system including the apparatus is generally referred to as an emergency steering system.
The emergency steering systems mainly applied to commercial vehicles are classified into a main hydraulic circuit operated by power of an engine in a normal situation, and an auxiliary hydraulic circuit operated by power of a motor in an emergency such as a failure of the main hydraulic circuit. In particular, the emergency steering system includes an oil reservoir in which oil is stored, a main hydraulic pump that is a mechanical hydraulic pump driven by an engine, an auxiliary hydraulic pump that is an electric hydraulic pump driven by a motor (Motor Pmp Unit: MPU), a control valve configured to adjust the supply of a hydraulic pressure, a steering cylinder configured to receive a hydraulic pressure adjusted by the control valve and generate power for assisting steering, a gearbox for steering of front wheels, and a controller (electronic control unit: ECU) that configured to operate the steering system.
Accordingly, an electric hydraulic pump is added to configure an emergency steering system, and a hydraulic pipeline is also added. In a brief description of an operation of the emergency steering system, when the controller detects a failure of the main hydraulic circuit, that is, a failure of the main hydraulic pump driven by the engine while the vehicle is driven, the electric auxiliary hydraulic pump is driven. Then, a hydraulic pressure is generated by driving of the auxiliary hydraulic pump, and the steering cylinder that has received the hydraulic pressure is driven to generate an emergency steering force.
The emergency steering system including the auxiliary hydraulic pump is mounted on the vehicle as a front wheel steering system for steering of front wheels, and in addition to the above-described configuration, a steering angle sensor (SAS) that detects a steering angle (e.g., the angle of the steering wheel) according to a steering wheel manipulation state of the driver such that auxiliary steering according to a steering input of the driver, that is, a steering wheel manipulation state may be further included.
Meanwhile, a rear wheel steering system by which a rearmost axle may be steered based on an application of a long wheel base and multiple axles is necessary in a large scale commercial vehicle. A hydraulic system that employs a hydraulic pump and a steering cylinder is also mainly applied to the rear wheel steering system. The rear wheel steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured to generate and supply a hydraulic pressure, a control valve configured to adjust a hydraulic pressure, a rear wheel steering cylinder configured to receive a hydraulic pressure and generate power for steering of rear wheels, and a controller (ECU) configured to operate the rear wheel steering system.
In vehicles to which the rear steering system is applied, an electric hydraulic pump (MPU) operated by a motor is mainly used as a hydraulic pump. In addition, in a vehicle on which the rear wheel steering system is mounted, since the angle of the rear wheels steered based on the vehicle speed and the angle of the front wheels is adjusted, an amount of wear of the tires may be optimized by reducing a minimum radius of rotation of the vehicle and uniformly distributing transverse forces applied to the tires. Thus, in addition to a speed sensor, a front wheel angle sensor configured to detect the angle of front wheels and a rear wheel angle sensor configured to detect the angle of rear wheels my be used.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating main components of a rear wheel steering system including a rear axle and a steering cylinder according to the related art. In particular, reference numeral 1 denotes a rear wheel steering cylinder. In a description of an operation of the rear wheel steering system, when the angle of the front wheels and the vehicle speed are detected by the front wheel angle sensor and the speed sensor, the controller is configured to determine a targeted angle of the rear wheels from the angle of the front wheels and the vehicle speed that have been detected, and operate the electric hydraulic pump and the control valve to adjust the determined angle of the rear wheels.
Accordingly, the hydraulic pressure generated through driving of the electric hydraulic pump is supplied to the rear wheel steering cylinder 1 that is an actuator for steering of the rear wheels through the control valve, and then the rear wheels are steered through an operation of the rear wheel steering cylinder 1. Further, in a vehicle on which both the emergency steering system that performs steering of the front wheels and emergency steering and the rear wheel steering system that performs steering of the rear wheels are mounted, the hydraulic pump, the control valve, and the controller of the rear wheel steering system may be provided separately, together with the main hydraulic pump, the auxiliary hydraulic pump, the control valve, and the controller of the emergency steering system.
In particular, both the auxiliary hydraulic pump of the emergency steering system and the hydraulic pump of the rear wheel steering system employs electric hydraulic pumps, and although the auxiliary hydraulic pump of the emergency steering system is a hydraulic pump that is not used in a normal situation but is used only in an emergency such as a failure of the main hydraulic pump, the auxiliary hydraulic pump and the hydraulic pump of the rear wheel steering system are provided separately.
Accordingly, the number of the components of the steering system of the vehicle on which both the emergency steering system and the rear wheel steering system are mounted is excessive, and loss of power of the vehicle is excessive and manufacturing costs may increase.

Integrated power steering system for front and rear wheels of vehicle and control method thereof


A service brake inspection system engages service brake air lines downstream of a foot operated activation valve thereof to provide continuous engagement of the service brakes during inspection. The system includes a manually controlled air line which supplies air to a source port of an inversion valve. The inversion valve further includes an outlet port which is engaged to air lines supplying the vehicle service brake system via a double check valve in each of the primary and secondary service brake air lines, each being downstream of the foot operated valve. A third control port is connected to an air line disposed between a hand operated valve for exhausting the air lines to the spring parking brakes to set the parking brakes of the vehicle on. When the hand operated exhaust valve is set on, the pathway from the source to the outlet port in the inversion valve is opened to cause the service brakes to be continuously engaged for inspection.

The present invention is related to a service brake inspection system for maintaining the service brakes of an air brake system engaged while the parking or emergency brake system is also engaged to allow the operator to check slack adjustment of all service brakes, including those of a trailer, without assistance. More specifically, the system includes a manually-activated valve which is operable to maintain the service brakes of the vehicle engaged and further includes a safety feature which makes the system actuatable only when the emergency/parking brakes of the vehicle are also applied, so that the system cannot be activated while in the driving mode.

Navistar International Transportation Corp.


A pressure transducer for an injection molding machine includes a housing coupled to a nozzle of an injection molding machine. A hollow stress tube, attached to the housing, through which molten material of the injection molding machine flows, bellows in response to pressure from the material. An outer ring having an opening is coupled to the stress tube such that the outer ring expands, causing displacement of the outer ring about the opening, when the stress tube bellows. A displacement sensor is included for determining the displacement of the outer ring about the opening. This displacement is directly proportional to the pressure of the material. In this manner, the pressure transducer determines the pressure of the molten material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pressure transducers and pertains, more particularly, to pressure transducers for use with injection molding machines.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Injection molding machines are used to manufacture plastic and metal parts. Injection molding machines typically include a reservoir of molten plastic and a nozzle through which the molten plastic is forced at high pressures into a mold. The plastic is thereafter packed and cooled to form the part. In the manufacture of such parts, it is important to precisely determine the pressure of the injected melt to maintain accuracy of the part because the part must be made at a constant pressure. This is so because otherwise the resulting part may include voids, ripples, poor dimensional accuracy or the like.
As such, there is a need for pressure transducer devices which can accurately measure the pressure of molten plastic within injection molding machines. Attaining accuracy in pressure measurements by injection molding machine pressure transducers is difficult because pressures within such injection molding machines may be as high as within the range of 40-50,000 psi and the temperature may be as high as approximately 500.degree. C. In other words, such pressure transducers must be able to accurately measure and withstand pressures within the range of 40-50,000 psi and operate accurately within an environment having temperatures up to approximately 500.degree. C. Additionally, such pressure transducers are faced with the following constraints: 1. the pressure transducer must have low working stresses to avoid metal fatigue cracking under repetative cyclic loading; 2. the pressure transducer, for economic practicality, must be physically arranged such that it can easily be integrated within injection molding machines shot chamber/nozzle area; and 3. the pressure transducer must not disrupt the plastic flow or have pockets where plastic will remain and eventually degrade and cause staining of the parts as the degraded plastic moves into the flow.
Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to provide an injection molding machine pressure transducer which can accurately measure pressures of molten plastic within such machines.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an injection molding machine pressure transducer which is easily integratable with existing injection molding machines.

Injection molding machine pressure transducer


An embodiment of a circuit for biasing a transistor such as an amplifier transistor includes reference and bias nodes, and includes buffer, reference, and feedback stages. The reference node receives a reference current, and the bias node, which is for coupling to the transistor, carries a bias signal. The buffer stage buffers the reference node from the bias node. The reference stage generates the bias signal from the reference current, and the bias signal causes the transistor to conduct a bias current that is proportional to the reference current. And the feedback stage is coupled between the reference and bias nodes. As compared to known bias circuits, such a bias circuit may reduce the amplitude and duration of a transient overshoot in the bias current of a field-effect transistor when the DC component of the transistor's drain voltage transitions from one value to another value. Such a bias circuit may also reduce the difference between the values of the bias current through the transistor for different supply voltages. And such a bias circuit may reduce the difference between the predicted and actual values of the bias current through the transistor for a given input voltage such as that between the gate and the source of a field-effect transistor.

Typically, a transistor used to amplify a time-varying (AC) signal is biased at a predetermined quiescent (DC) operating point about which the amplified AC signal transitions.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of an amplifier stage 10 for an electronic system, such as a cell phone or wireless modem.
The amplifier stage 10 includes a biased amplifier transistor 12 for amplifying a radio-frequency (RF) signal for transmission to a remote receiver (not shown). The amplifier stage 10 also includes a circuit 14 for biasing the transistor 12, a generator 16 for generating the RF signal from an input signal, RF chokes 18 and 20, a DC blocking capacitor 22, and a load 24 across which the transistor generates the amplified RF signal Vo. If the amplifier stage 10 is an intermediate amplifier stage, then the input signal is a data signal or an intermediate RF signal from a previous amplifier stage, and the load 24 is a subsequent amplifier stage; alternatively, if the amplifier stage 10 is the final amplifier stage, then the load is an antenna.
The amplifier transistor 12 is a type III-IV (e.g., GaAs) field-effect transistor having a control node (here a gate G), a first conduction node (here a drain D), and a second conduction node (here a source S).
The bias circuit 14 generates a DC bias voltage Vbias across the gate G and source S nodes of the transistor 12, and Vbias causes the drain D of the transistor to sink a quiescent bias current Ibias; therefore, the RF current that the transistor draws to generate Vo transitions about Ibias.
The choke 18 isolates the bias circuit 14 from the RF signal, the choke 20 isolates the supply Vtransmit from Vo, and the capacitor 22 isolates the generator 16 from Vbias.
In operation, the transistor 12 amplifies the RF signal from the generator 16 by generating at the drain D an RF current that "rides" on Ibias. This RF current generates Vo, which "rides" on the DC bias voltage established by Ibias
FIG. 2 is a diagram of the bias circuit 14 of FIG. 1. Together, the transistor 12 and the circuit 14 form a conventional buffered Widlar current mirror.
The bias circuit 14 includes a current source 30 (here a reference resistor as discussed in the proceeding paragraph), a reference node 32, a reference stage 34, a buffer stage 36, and a bias node 38.
The current source 30 includes a resistor 40, which sources a reference current Iref to the reference node 32. Iref is proportional to the supply voltage Vref and inversely proportional to the value of the resistor 40.
Alternately, the current source 30 may include a diode-connected or fixed-bias transistor (neither shown in FIG. 2).
The reference stage 34 includes a reference field-effect GaAs transistor 42, which is matched to the amplifier transistor 12 of FIG. 1, and includes a resistor 44. Typically, the transistors 12 and 42 are disposed on the same integrated circuit (IC) die, which results in the transistors being closely matched.
The buffer stage 36 includes a buffer field-effect GaAs transistor 46, which is matched to the transistors 12 and 42 and which has approximately the same channel dimensions as the reference transistor 42.
The buffer transistor 46 is configured as a source follower between the reference node 32 and the bias node 38, and the buffer supply voltage Vbuffer may be the same as or different than Vref.
Operation of the amplifier stage 10 is now discussed where the stage has the transistor parameters, resistor values, and supply-voltage values as respectively shown in Tables I-III.
TABLE IReferenceBufferAmplifierTransistor 42Transistor 46Transistor 12Channel100 μm100 μm960 μmWidth(assuming alltransistorshave thesame channellength)
TABLE IIResistor 40Resistor 44Resistance7.12 KΩ1.39 KΩ
TABLE IIIVrefVbufferVoltage1.0 V3.6 V
The reference transistor 42 sinks the current Iref, and generates across its gate (G)-to-source (S) junction, and thus across the resistor 44, the bias voltage Vbias, which is proportional to Iref. Because the reference transistor 42 and the amplifier transistor 12 (FIG. 1) are matched and have the same gate-to-source voltage Vbias, then ideally:Ibias=spredicted·Iref  (1)where Spredicted is a scale factor that depends on the channel dimensions of the transistors 12 and 42—Spredicted may depend on other quantities such as the output conductances of transistors 12 and 42, but these dependencies are ignored for purposes of this analysis. For example, per Table I, where the transistors 12 and 42 have the same channel length L, the transistor 42 has a channel width W42=100, and the transistor 12 has a channel width W12=960, then ideally:Spredicted=W12/W42=960/100=9.6  (2)Therefore, from equations (1) and (2), one would anticipate Ibias=9.6·Iref.
Unfortunately, as discussed below, the amplifier stage 10 may experience one or more problems related to the biasing of the amplifier transistor 12.
FIG. 3 is a plot of the supply voltage Vtransmission of FIG. 1 versus time, where, as further discussed below, Vtransmission transitions from a voltage level Vhigh=3.6 V to a voltage level Vlow=1.0 V at a time t.
FIG. 4 is a plot of the bias current Ibias of FIG. 1 versus time, where, as further discussed below, Ibias experiences an undesirable transient commencing when Vtransmission transitions from Vhigh to Vlow.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a system that includes the amplifier stage 10 may switch Vtransmission between two voltage levels Vhigh and Vlow depending on the transmitting-power requirements. For example, if a remote receiver (not shown) is relatively close to the system, then the system may reduce the power at which it transmits the RF signal by switching Vtransmission to Vlow If the system is battery powered, then switching Vtransmission to Vlow when a low transmission power is sufficient may prolong the battery life. Conversely, if the remote receiver is relatively far away from the system, then the system may increase the power at which it transmits the RF signal by switching Vtransmission to Vhigh.
But referring to FIG. 4, switching Vtransmission from Vhigh to Vlow causes Ibias to experience a transient response that significantly overshoots its settled value, for example by 45% or more, and that has a significant duration (e.g., ˜100 microseconds).
It has been theorized that a cause for this spiking of Ibias may be charge traps that are present in the GaAs amplifier transistor 12 (FIG. 1) and that temporarily alter the threshold voltage of the amplifier transistor in response to the switching of Vtransmission. When Vtransmission switches, the voltage at the drain node D of the amplifier transistor 12 changes. But the cumulative voltage across the charge traps, which act like capacitors, does not change instantaneously. Therefore, this charge-trap voltage temporarily alters the threshold voltage of the amplifier transistor 12, thus causing a change in Ibias even though Vbias is unchanged.
As the charge traps rebalance their charge, Ibias increases back toward its previous level, but settles at a new, lower level because Ibias has a dependence on the voltage at the drain D of the transistor 12.
Although not shown in FIG. 4, switching Vtransmission from Vlow to Vhigh causes Ibias to experience a transient response having a positive overshoot and duration similar (but having opposite polarity in the case of the overshoot) to those of the negative transient.
Unfortunately, the overshoot, duration, or both the overshoot and duration of such a transient in Ibias may render the amplifier stage 10 unsuitable for some applications. For example, the system incorporating the stage 10 may need to halt transmission of the RF signal for the duration of the transient, and this may limit the data-transmission rate to below a desired rate.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, a related problem is that due to the transistor output conductance, the difference between the quiescent (i.e., settled) values for Ibias at Vtransmission=Vhigh and Vtransmission=Vlow may be too large for some applications for which one might otherwise use the amplifier stage 10.
FIG. 5 is a plot of the actual scale factor sactual(=Ibias/Iref) versus the magnitude of Iref for the above-described implementation of the amplifier stage 10 of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, another problem with the stage 10 is that the actual scale factor sactual between Ibias and Iref may differ significantly from the value of spredicted calculated from equation (2), and this difference may cause the actual value of Ibias to differ significantly from the design value of Ibias.
For example, where spredicted=(W12)/(W42)=9.6 per equation (2), one would expect Ibias≈10·Iref (scale factor sactual≈10) from equation (1).
But referring to FIG. 5, a computer simulation shows that for 0.1 milliampere (mA)≦Iref≦4.5 mA, 18≧sactual≧16, which is an increase of 60% -80% from the value of spredicted≈10 given by equation (2). This increase results in the actual value of Ibias being approximately 1.5-2 times greater than the value predicted by equations (1) and (2).
It has been theorized that one cause of this discrepancy between the value of spredicted given by equation (2) and the value of sactual is the relatively low voltage (e.g., less than 1.0 V) at the drain D of the reference transistor 42. At this relatively low drain voltage, the transistor 42 operates closer to its resistive, or triode, region. When the transistor 42 operates in its triode region, Iref is much more dependent on the drain voltage than it is when the transistor operates in its saturation region. Therefore, for equation (2) to yield an accurate value for spredicted while the transistor 42 is operating in its triode region, the DC voltage at the drain D of the transistor 12 must substantially equal the DC voltage at the drain D of the transistor 42. But because during operation of the amplifier stage 10 the voltage at the drain of the transistor 12 is typically higher than the voltage at the drain of the transistor 42, equation (2) may yield a relatively inaccurate value for spredicted.

Circuit for biasing a transistor and related system and method

Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


A method for removing phosphorus is provided in which eutrophic water as a treatment target is supplied to fly ash thereby removing phosphorus contained in the eutrophic water. The fly ash includes about 3% or more calcium oxide as a component. Alternatively, the fly ash consists of a double-structure embedding fine particles in a cavity of a hollow-particle structure having a hole in a part of the surface. Alternatively, the fly ash includes about 3% or more calcium oxide as a component and consisting of a double structure embedding fine particles in a cavity of a hollow-particle structure having a hole in a part of the surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for removing phosphorus contained in eutrophic water and a method for reutilizing recovered phosphorus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, as one factor for water pollution in enclosed water areas, such as lakes or rivers, there has been elution of phosphorus contained in eutrophic water. As one method for treating eutrophic water by reliably adsorbing such phosphorus, there has been a method that includes introducing an adsorbent such as zeolite into eutrophic water and allowing eutrophic components to be adsorbed thereon, followed by dredging to discharge the eutrophic components out of the water area, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H9-310373. Also, there has been also a method that includes laying a granulated material of coal ash on the bottom of a water area as a treatment target such as a lake to adsorb phosphorus, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-113885.
However, the methods disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H9-310373 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No 2004-113885 introduce zeolite or laying a granulated material of coal ash on the bottom, and they have a disadvantage that when the capacity of phosphorus adsorption is reached, the adsorption effect is lost and thus the adsorbent itself such as zeolite or a granulated material of coal ash should be removed by dredging, thus increasing costs such as labor cost. Further, these methods only consider removing phosphorus from eutrophic water, and there is no reference to efficient recovery of phosphorus and effective reutilization of recovered phosphorus.

Method for removing phosphorus and method for reutilizing recovered phosphorus


A text message is first parsed into its constituent semantic components such as header fields and body components. Then, different compression methods may be performed on each semantic component depending on the importance of the semantic component, the context of the semantic component, the characteristics of the semantic component, and whether or not the semantic component uses natural language expressions. For example, it is determined what compression method, if any, is to be performed on the semantic component. Each semantic component may be compressed individually. Since text compression takes the unique features of each semantic component into consideration rather than considering the text message as a monolithic text unit, a more intuitive text compression results.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of compression technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the compression of text messages on a per semantic component basis while maintaining a degree of human readability in the messages.
2. Background and Related Art
Computing devices take a wide variety of forms. An early computer is often termed a "mainframe" computer system. These mainframe computers performed relatively simple processing tasks by today's standards, yet they were useful given the alternatives available at that time. One disadvantage of the mainframe computer was its size and expense. Often mainframe computers occupied entire rooms and were so expensive that users were often forced to share time on the computer with many other users. Computers were, at that time, a scarce commodity.
As semiconductor processing technology developed, the personal desk-top computer became widely available. Desk-top computers are still available as one of many alternative computing devices available to consumers. Desk-top computers are advantageous over early mainframe computers because of their reduced size and expense. In addition, despite the reduced size and expense, the processing and memory power of conventional desk-top personal computers is much greater than their larger, more expensive, mainframe ancestors.
Currently, there are a wide variety of powerful computing devices available on the market. For example, lap-top computers, cellular and digital phones, personal digital assistants, and pagers may each have some degree of processing power and memory. Some of these devices are highly portable and each may have the ability to display information and receive information over a hardwired and/or wireless network. Thus, information is becoming increasingly available regardless of the location of the user.
One common form of information that is often displayed on this wide variety of computing devices is text. However, this wide variety of computer devices has a wide variety of screen sizes and resolution. Some devices such as cellular and digital telephones are very limited in the amount of text that can be displayed as compared to lap-top or desk-top computers. In order to increase the usefulness of the smaller screens in displaying text, often the text is compressed before display on the smaller screens. This compression is made while attempting to retain as much human readability of the text as possible.
However, sometimes, some areas of the text are characteristically more important to a reader than other areas of the text. The text may also have a certain semantic context within the message. Furthermore, the text may have a number of characteristics depending on location within the text message. For example, some text may flow naturally in natural language expressions (such as the body of an e-mail message), while other text does not (such as the From header in the e-mail message). However, conventional text compression technologies do not perform different compression processes taking these semantic issues into consideration. Therefore, what are desired are methods, systems, and computer program products for compressing text with more awareness of the semantic context of the text in the text message while retaining a degree of human readability of the message.

Compressing messages on a per semantic component basis while maintaining a degree of human readability