Abstract: An apparatus for mapping resistance of soil to a ground engaging tool passing through the soil includes a sensor mechanism operative to measure a resistance force exerted on the ground engaging tool by the soil, and an external guidance system operative to determine a location of the ground engaging tool. A microprocessor receives information from the sensor and external guidance system and plots the force against the location of the ground engaging tool as the ground engaging tool moves along the ground to form a map showing hardness of the soil as indicated by a varying value of the force.

Abstract: In a method for creating a digital representation of a transportation network, acquired probe traces are refined based on characteristics of the transportation network. Geographic objects associated with the transportation network are identified based on the refined probe traces. A digital geographic network is built based on the refined probe traces and identified geographic objects, and the digital representation of the transportation network is created by linking the identified geographic objects in the digital geographic network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for efficiently performing area-to-point conversion of satellite imagery for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation is provided. Satellite imagery data of overhead sky clearness for a geographic region is accessed. Pixels within the satellite imagery data corresponding to a bounded area are identified. Each pixel represents collective irradiance within the bounded area. An area clearness index for the bounded area is set as an average of point clearness indexes derived from the collective irradiance for each point. A variance of the area clearness index is expressed as an average of the variance of the point clearness indexes. The variance of the area clearness index is proportioned to an area metric corresponding to each pixel's physical coverage area. A variance of the point clearness index is determined for one point as a ratio of the variance of the area clearness index and each pixel's physical coverage.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for determining point-to-point correlation of sky clearness for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation is provided. A physical distance between two points is obtained, each point being suitable for operation of a photovoltaic station. A temporal distance that includes the physical distance between the two points in proportion to cloud speed is determined. A correlation between sky clearness over the two points is evaluated as an empirically-derived exponential function of the temporal distance. A set of input clearness indexes for one of the points is correlated into a set of output clearness indexes indicating the sky clearness for the other of the points using a coefficient of the clearness index correlation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for estimating power data for a photovoltaic power generation fleet is provided. Solar irradiance data is assembled for locations representative of a geographic region. The data includes a time series of solar irradiance observations electronically recorded at successive time periods spaced at input time intervals. Each observation includes measured irradiance. The data in the time series is converted over each time period into clearness indexes relative to clear sky global horizontal irradiance and the clearness indexes are interpreted as irradiance statistics. Each location's irradiance statistics are combined into fleet irradiance statistics applicable over the geographic region. Fleet power statistics are built as a function of the fleet irradiance statistics and the fleet's power rating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping a water pathway. A group of sensors can be employed for detecting one or more features associated with the water pathway in a direction of flow through the water pathway. A buoyant vessel maintains the sensors, and the sensors assist in compiling data indicative of the detected features. The velocity in the direction of flow through the water pathway can be then determined based on data indicative of the detected feature(s). A mapping of the water pathway can be thereafter generated utilizing the velocity with respect to the features detected by the sensors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-storage media are provided that allow data from different sources and aspects of bridge design and construction to be merged into a common bridge information model. The bridge information model may include geometric, structural, survey, and construction information associated with a bridge-development project. The bridge information model may be stored as data objects in a relational data structure. Each data object may represent a bridge structure element and include metadata and attributes describing the bridge structure element.

Abstract: A computer receives a set of Cartesian data and a set of geodetic data relating to a geographic area. A set of control points is generated, each control point being associated with a coordinate expressed in terms of latitude and longitude, and with a corresponding point in the Cartesian data. A plurality of sets of Cartesian coordinates is determined for each of the control points, each of the sets of Cartesian coordinates for one of the control points corresponding to a Cartesian system. A deviation is determined for a combination that includes a control point and a Cartesian system, the deviation being a difference between coordinates for the point in the Cartesian data and the set of Cartesian coordinates for the control point. For each set of Cartesian coordinates associated with the Cartesian system that is included in the combination, but further associated with a control point not in the combination, the set of Cartesian coordinates is modified according to the deviation.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model data storage device, and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial model data storage device for windowing geospatial model spatial domain data to define a plurality of windowed geospatial model spatial domain data sets, and transforming the plurality of windowed geospatial model spatial domain data sets to define a plurality of corresponding geospatial model frequency domain data sets, each having at least one void therein. The processor may further cooperate with the geospatial model data storage device for inpainting data into the at least one void of each geospatial model frequency domain data set to define a plurality of inpainted geospatial model frequency domain data sets, and reconstructing the plurality of inpainted geospatial model frequency domain data sets into an overall geospatial model frequency domain data set.

Abstract: A device (10), specifically tailored to measure the development of soil and, preferably, of seabed surface (14) profile is characterized by a waterproof/airtight casing housing: an hydraulic pressurized circuit (15), extending along a longitudinal direction, filled with a specific liquid; a pneumatic circuit (16), extending along the same longitudinal direction, and connected to the above hydraulic circuit (15) at one or more points; this pneumatic circuit (16) is filled with air kept at a constant pressure, or with inert gas allowing pressurization of the above said hydraulic circuit (15); a number of differential pressure transducers (18, 20, 22), placed at the above said one or more connections between the hydraulic circuit (15) and the pneumatic circuit (16); an electronic control circuit including: means for data acquisition, (said data come from the above said pressure transducers (18, 20, 22) and are related to pressure measurements at each of said one or more points); means for calculation of press

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating distances between sensor nodes. The method includes receiving a temporal sequence of measurements of a selected local environmental condition from each of the sensor nodes. The method includes determining an amount of correlation between the measurements of the selected local environmental condition that were received from two or more of the sensor nodes. The method also includes estimating distances between the two or more of the sensor nodes based on the determined amount of correlation.

Abstract: A method of processing vegetation data including the steps of identifying data relating to an agricultural field, segregating areas of predetermined development patterns and prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound. The identifying step includes identifying data relating to an agricultural field representative of areas of predetermined development patterns of vegetation in the field. The segregating step includes segregating the areas of the predetermined development patterns thereby defining segregated areas, other areas in the field being non-segregated areas. The prescribing step including prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound to the non-segregated areas dependent on at least one attribute determined from the data.

Abstract: A remote sensing and probabilistic sampling based method for determining carbon dioxide volume of a forest can correlate aerial data, such as LiDAR, CIR, and/or Hyperspectral data with actual sampled and measured ground data to facilitate obtainment, e.g., prediction, of an accurate forest inventory, and corresponding carbon dioxide volume thereof.

Abstract: Techniques for topography recording are provided. In at least some implementations, a topography recording device includes a position determination unit configured to obtain coordinate data of a location; a sensor unit configured to determine the inclination of terrain at the location; a processing unit coupled to the position determination unit and the sensor unit, and configured to calculate the gradient of the terrain at the location based on the inclination of the terrain at the location, and to generate a map indicating three-dimensional terrain in the vicinity of the location based on the coordinate data of the location and the gradient of the terrain at the location.

Abstract: A method of analyzing electromagnetic survey data from an area of seafloor (6) that is thought or known to contain a conductive or resistive body, such as a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir (12), is described. The method includes providing electric field data and magnetic field data, for example magnetic flux density, obtained by at least one receiver (25) from a horizontal electric dipole (HED) transmitter (22) and determining a vertical gradient in the electric field data. The vertical gradient in the electric field data and the magnetic field data are then combined to generate combined response data. The combined response data is compared with background data specific to the area being surveyed to obtain difference data sensitive to the presence of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir.

Abstract: A process of mapping piping systems associated with a refinery and petrochemical facilities is disclosed, which maps piping systems, which interconnect facility operating units with other operating units, utilities, distribution facilities and storage units. A system for aiding in the isolation of piping systems, operating units and other facility components is also disclosed. The system includes a search database having representations of the piping systems and its related components. A method of isolating an event within a facility is also disclosed. The method includes identifying the location of an event in the facility, performing a search to identify the impacted piping systems and related components, and identifying measures to isolate the event.

Abstract: SUBSTANCE: Invention relates to marine geoelectrical exploration using controlled artificial sources of electromagnetic field. Using a dipole source, an electromagnetic field is generated inside the analysed medium by sending rectangular electric pulses with intervals in between into the medium. Geometrical probing is done along the profile during the current pulse, and probing on transient processes is done during the interval. Measurements are taken using measuring apparatus mounted on the seafloor, consisting of five electrodes: a central electrode with four others around it on corners of a square, two opposite sides of which are parallel to the axis of the profile. During the current flow period and intervals between current pulses, the second electric potential difference between external electrodes and the central electrode, as well as the first electric potential difference between three pairs of external electrodes is measured.

Abstract: A method for positioning a wire having nodes and streamers is provided herein. The wire can be secured to tow lines secured to a floating vessel for detecting near surface geology formations. The method can use in-water sensors deployed proximate to the wire near the tow lines, and a processor with data storage in communication with the in-water sensors. The method can use a data array, a library of data formats, a library of wires, a library of preset limits, and a network. The method can include receiving sensor information, filtering sensor information, verifying filtered signals, constructing and modifying a mathematical model, obtaining a list of coordinates, constructing a real-time display of the wire, identifying a location of at least one streamer, transmitting alarms, creating a trend analysis over time and event-by-event, and creating a log file using the industry standard data formats.

Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating an electronic system in a high level modeling system (HLMS). A design block and certain signals of the electronic system are selected. The selected signals include internal signals of the design block that are not ports of the design block. The electronic system is simulated in the HLMS, which includes a hardware-based co-simulation platform and a software-based co-simulation platform. A hardware realization of the design block is automatically generated and the design block is emulated in the hardware based co-simulation platform using the hardware realization of the design block. A sequence of values is displayed for the selected signals of the electronic system. During the simulation of the electronic system in the HLMS, the sequence of values for the internal signals of the design block and another sequence of values for the ports of the design block are transferred between the co-simulation platforms.

Abstract: One or more computer-readable media including computer-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to perform geometrical calculations using seismic horizon data; and define horizon segments based on the geometrical calculations where each defined horizon segment includes points and where each point has a corresponding probability of that point belonging to a defined horizon segment. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining permeability of an earth formation of a reservoir are disclosed. A method may include: providing formation testing data of the earth formation; defining layering of the earth formation; determining a geological model for each layer; modeling pressure transient in the earth formation by representing pressure transient within a layer using an analytical solution and representing pressure transient between two layers using a numerical solution, the analytical solution selected based on at least one of the respective geological model and data regarding a drilled well of the reservoir, and a parameter of the analytical solution and a parameter of the numerical solution being determined based on the formation testing data; and determining the permeability of the earth formation based on the pressure transient model.

Abstract: In various embodiments, old flood maps may be compared to new flood maps to determine which areas of the flood map have changed. These changed areas may be correlated against geographic area descriptions that are within changed areas of the flood map. The changed areas may also be analyzed to determine whether each area has had a change in status (e.g., from a high risk flood zone to a non-high risk flood zone or vice versa) or a change in zone within a status (e.g., from one flood zone to another flood zone). The information on type of change (or no change) may be used to populate a database that includes geographic area description identifiers. In some embodiments, detection of certain types of changes may initiate a manual comparison of the old and new flood maps to verify the change.

Abstract: System, device and method for automatic detection and reporting of location and extent of service failure in utility and/or telecommunication networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, operational condition information of each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is obtained by using a pole/tower sensing device disposed to monitor operational conditions at each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower in the respective utility or telecommunication networks. Further, the obtained operational condition information of each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is sent to a remote monitoring server via a communication network by the associated pole/tower sensing device. Furthermore, the operational condition information received from each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is processed by the remote monitoring server.

Abstract: A method for irrigating terrain comprising the following steps: generating field surface relative elevation data set using Monte-Carlo simulation; adjusting the simulation data set to ensure it falls in a reasonable numerical range; adjusting the data set to establish certain spatial dependence using Kriging interpolation method; and making further statistical characteristics parameter modification to the data set, so that the final corrected field surface relative elevation data shares the same or similar statistics characteristics parameters as the initial simulation. The method factors in both the randomness and spatial dependence of the field relative elevation distribution, which brings the simulation result closer to the actual micro-topography.

Abstract: A method has been designed for storing drilling knowledge and experience in a highly structured fashion that permits the user to identify drilling cases that meet user-specified criteria and to retrieve the knowledge and experience relating to those cases. In this way the user is able to retrieve the knowledge and experience learned in cases that are analogous to one or more current cases they are studying.

Abstract: A hybrid evolutionary algorithm (“HEA”) technique is described for automatically calculating well and drainage locations in a field. The technique includes planning a set of wells on a static reservoir model using an automated well planner tool that designs realistic wells that satisfy drilling and construction constraints. A subset of these locations is then selected based on dynamic flow simulation using a cost function that maximizes recovery or economic benefit. In particular, a large population of candidate targets, drain holes and trajectories is initially created using fast calculation analysis tools of cost and value, and as the workflow proceeds, the population size is reduced in each successive operation, thereby facilitating use of increasingly sophisticated calculation analysis tools for economic valuation of the reservoir while reducing overall time required to obtain the result. In the final operation, only a small number of full reservoir simulations are required for the most promising FDPs.

Abstract: A system and method identifies road features that may not appear on a map database, such as paths not described as roads on the map database, and whether all the roads at a crossing cross at the same grade level. The system and method may thus be used to identify points of departure from, or points of merging onto, a road described by the map database or a path identified as described herein, but not described by the map database.

Abstract: A best fitting trace in seismic data is determined for a desired trace to be reconstructed. An azimuth correction is calculated for the azimuth difference between the best fitting trace and the desired trace. The azimuth correction is applied to the best fitting trace to reconstruct the desired trace for 3D surface-related multiple prediction.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting targeted information (e.g., advertisements) for serving with map views. The information is associated with target geographical areas (e.g., cities, metropolises, regions, countries) identified by the information providers. A given message or other set of information may be served with map views that significantly intersect the message's target area. A target area significantly intersects a map view if it overlaps the map view by at least a threshold percentage of the map view (e.g., 25%). Messages' target areas may first be compared with a map view to identify those that significantly intersect. Then, the messages whose target areas significantly intersect the map view may be filtered or screened based on any search terms or key words received with a request for the map view.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention automatically measure the impact of natural conditions and/or deliberate interventions on crop yields. Other embodiments automatically predict the impact of natural conditions and/or deliberate interventions on crop yields. By eliminating the need for human intervention, judgment, or discretion from the processes of measuring and predicting impact on yield, embodiments of the present invention enable such measurements and predictions to be made significantly more accurately, quickly, and inexpensively than has been possible with preexisting techniques.

Abstract: A method for gradually modifying a geological model representative of an underground reservoir to respect fixed average proportions of lithologic facies. A group of facies is selected and a subgroup of associated facies are selected. A transformation parameter is defined by the ratio between the average proportions of the facies of the association and the selection. Within the context of historical matching, a difference between measured dynamic data values and values calculated by a flow simulator from the geological model is measured. An optimization algorithm is used to obtain therefrom a new value for the transformation parameter that minimizes the difference and the transformation is applied to the lithologic facies of the selection. The modification can be applied to the entire model or to a given zone.

Abstract: A surface mapping system including a controller configured with a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions to receive position data from each machine in a plurality of machines located on a worksite and to generate, utilizing the received position data, a display signal for providing a visual depiction of a surface of the worksite.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of providing facility information that may correct inaccurate information on a facility using site information and provide the corrected information in an augmented reality manner. A facility information providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including: a site information analyzing unit that analyzes site information to identify a site facility; a facility information searching unit that retrieves facility information corresponding to the site information; a facility information mapping unit that maps the facility information with the site facility and corrects the facility information based on a mapped result to generate corrected facility information; and an augmented reality providing unit that synthesizes the corrected facility information with the site information to generate augmented reality information.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor cooperating with the geospatial model database. The processor may be configured to determine void regions in a geospatial data set including foliage data points and bare earth data points, where each void region has a boundary and at least one bare earth data point therein. The processor may also be configured to inpaint additional bare earth data points into each void region based upon bare earth data points outside the boundary and the at least one bare earth data point therein.

Abstract: Vehicular sensor systems are provided. The vehicular sensor systems includes a support, first, second, and third sensors, and a support actuator. The first sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a first sensor axis. The first sensor has a first field of detection with a first central axis. The second sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a second sensor axis. The second sensor has a second field of detection with a second central axis. The third sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a third sensor axis. The third sensor has a third field of detection with a third central axis. The support actuator is coupled to the support and configured to rotate the support about a support axis. The first, second, and third central axes are substantially within a plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and classifying RF emissions in the field include storing an electronic signature map (ESM) of a selected geographic area, where the electronic signature map includes previously detected emitter closeness measures (ECMs) in the selected geographic area. The ECMs are representative of detected sources of radio frequency energy. A RF energy emission is detected, a new ECM for that RF energy emission is created, and that the new ECM is compared with the ECMs in the ESM. That comparison may help to determine whether the RF energy emission should be considered a threat.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system rapidly measures diffuse reflectance of soil, soil conductivity, and other soil properties in situ, in three dimensions. The system includes a tractor-drawn implement containing a sensor shank used for X-Y axis measurements, a hydraulic probe implement containing a sensor probe for ?Z axis measurements, and a set of visible and near-infrared spectrometers, controls, and firmware that are shared by each implement. Both implements include optical sensors and soil electrical conductivity sensors. The probe implement incorporates a sensor that measures insertion force, and the shank implement includes a soil temperature sensor. These combinations of sensors are used to calibrate the system and to characterize the soil properties within a field or area. Geo-referenced soil measurements are collected with the shank implement to identify optimal locations for conducting sensor probe insertions.

Abstract: Integrated computing systems and methods for applying sub-surface material location and composition information to engineering plans for designing, highways and other roadways, are provided. Utilizing the described systems and methods, surfaces, highways, may be more efficiently designed in a timely fashion, requiring less format conversion for inputs and outputs to be compatible throughout the design process. Additionally, adjustments for changes in alignments for the desired surfaces are more easily taken into account than in conventional design systems, permitting quicker design corrections and more accurate results.

Abstract: Athletic activity may be tracked and monitored while providing encouragement and maintaining an individual's interest in continuing to perform athletic activity. For example, a themed workout plan may be implemented to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. The theme may include geographic locations, food items, technology, sports and the like and may include multiple categories or groupings of goals. For example, the categories may correspond to geographic locations. In each category, multiple goals may be defined. The goals may further be represented by real-world objects such as buildings, food items, technology products, sports equipment and the like. A user may progress through each category by completing each of the goals within that category. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress in the same workout plan.

Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to robotics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for establishing an environmental representation. In one embodiment, the invention includes a method of operations including determining quantitative data relating to one or more landmarks; determining qualitative data relating to the one or more landmarks; and establishing at least a portion of an environmental representation using the quantitative data and/or the qualitative data.

Abstract: In various embodiments, points from flood maps (e.g., geospatial flood risk zoning maps) may be used in generating a flood frequency versus flood elevation curve for reducing the uncertainty in the flood risk assessment. In some embodiments, geospatial flood elevation lines for flood elevation lines at different flood frequency levels may be defined based on elevation datasets where there are inconsistencies between the elevation datasets and flood maps that were generated. The flood frequency versus flood loss curve may be derived based on the computed flood frequency versus flood elevation curve, digital elevation datasets, and collected damage curve. In some embodiments, the flood risk rating may also be derived and a flood risk assessment report may be generated.

Abstract: A method for mobile autonomous updating of GIS maps is provided. In the method, an autonomous mobile data collecting platform is provided with a map identifying one or more GIS features. The platform has at least one data collecting sensor for collecting data for at least one of the GIS features and patrols at least a portion of a region included in the map while updating its GIS position as it patrols. The autonomous mobile data collecting platform applies the at least one data collecting sensor during patrolling to collect data for at least one of the GIS features and updates the GIS map to reflect differential data collected for at least one GIS feature.

Abstract: A fingerprint processing system may include a fingerprint database for storing fingerprint data having at least one void therein. At least one processor may cooperate with the fingerprint database for inpainting data into the at least one void in the fingerprint data based upon propagating fingerprint contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for acquiring and processing magnetometric data for representing on an at least two-dimensional map magnetometric characteristics of a geographical zone including a step of measuring the intensity of a magnetic field (1) on a geographical zone producing a set of magnetometric data of intensity B(s), a step of computing 2D interpolation (3), a step of computing reduction at the poles (5) and a step of computing an analytical signal (7). The invention is characterized in that it includes sectioning the map of magnetic disturbances into a matrix of pixels, a step of locally updating in real time the map of magnetic anomalies, a step of locally updating in real time the map of 2D interpolation by applying the 2D interpolation calculation in the neighborhood of the updated pixel, a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of reduction at the poles and a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of the analytical signal.

Abstract: A method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs, is disclosed. Geologic data is obtained. Vertical grid surfaces are created. Lateral grid surfaces are created to correspond to surfaces of constant geologic time during the deposition of sediments in the subsurface volume. Geologic properties within each cell are represented as values within each cell created by the vertical and lateral surfaces. Reservoir performance is simulated using the represented geologic properties of the subsurface volume. A hydrocarbon reservoir is developed based on the simulated reservoir performance.

Abstract: A metrology device, computer program product and computer-implemented method generating survey data without having the device touch subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device may be used with an underwater vehicle or diving personnel, and may comprise an inertial navigation system having gyroscopes to detect angular velocity and accelerometers for the detection of linear velocity and transported by an underwater robotic apparatus or diver, the inertial navigation system outputting position and orientation data of the device for storage; an aiding device for collecting image data of the subsea objects, the aiding device being positioned so that the distance and orientation between the optical scanner and the inertial navigation system is known; and a computer for using the position information and image data between a successively visited known point to determine the drift of the metrology device and to use the drift of the metrology device to correct measurements of same.

Abstract: In some embodiments, scripts may be used to perform parcel data acquisition, conversion, and clean-up/repair in an automated manner and/or through graphical user interfaces. The scripts may be used, for example, to repair geometries of new parcel data, convert multi-part parcel geometries to single part parcel geometries (explode), eliminate duplicate parcel geometries, append columns, create feature classes, and append feature classes. These scripts may be executed in a predetermined manner to increase efficiency. In some embodiments, different combinations of attributes may be appended to stored parcel data. In some embodiments, a tracking application may be used to track information about sources of data. In some embodiments, a tracking application may be used to track which system users are assigned to specific tasks (e.g., in a data acquisition project).

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial data storage device, and a processor cooperating with the geospatial data storage device for selectively inpainting data into at least one void in geospatial model data using a partial differential equation (PDE) algorithm and an exemplar algorithm.

Abstract: Conducting a potential field survey of a survey surface includes a method, a system, and/or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments of these techniques, the method includes determining a set of paths along an observation surface at an observation height above the surface survey, and measuring potential field data at points on said paths, wherein said set of paths comprises at least one reference path and a plurality of survey paths associated with said at least one reference path wherein the distance between each of the plurality of survey paths and the reference path is a function of the observation height. Said set of paths may define a generally fan-shaped pattern diverging from a common region. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.