text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|16 May 2006
|Filing date
|31 Mar 2003
|Priority date
|4 Dec 1998
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|David M. Sprague, Dan A. Brendes
|Original Assignee
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (104), Non-Patent Citations (41), Referenced by (10), Classifications (28), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/443,712 filed Nov. 19, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/205,809 filed Dec. 4, 1998 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,183) and which further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/127,889 filed Apr. 5, 1999 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/137,988 filed Jun. 7, 1999, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for communicating signaling system 7 (SS7) user part messages among SS7 nodes and internet protocol (IP) nodes. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for communicating SS7 user part messages among SS7 signaling points and IP nodes using signal transfer points (STPs).
Modern telecommunications networks generally include two separate communication pathways or subnetworks. The first is a voice network that handles the transmission of voice or other information between users. The second is a signaling network that facilitates the dynamic linking of a plurality of voice network circuits, such that a voice-type connection is established between a calling party and a called party. These functions are generically referred to as call setup and call tear down. Additionally, the signaling network provides a framework through which non-voice related information can be transported in a manner that is transparent to the user. This signaling technique is often referred to as "out of band" signaling, where the term "band" implies voice band. Common examples of such out of band data transport are the access of 800 number database services, calling card verification services, number portability services, and caller ID services.
In order to provide consistent and reliable communication across the signaling network infrastructure, a common or standard digital signaling protocol known as SS7 has been developed. SS7 is an out of band common channel signaling system that uses labeled messages to transport circuit related signaling information, non-circuit related signaling information, network resident database service information and other information that can be used for the establishment of communication services.
From a hardware perspective, an SS7 network includes a plurality of SS7 nodes, generically referred to as signaling points (SPs), that are interconnected using signaling links, also referred to as SS7 links. At least three types of SPs are provided in an SS7 network: service switching points (SSPs), signal transfer points (STPs), and service control points (SCPs).
An SSP is normally installed in tandem or Class 5 offices. The SSP is capable of handling both in-band signaling and SS7 signaling. An SSP can be a customer switch, an end-office, an access tandem and/or a tandem. An STP transfers signaling messages from one signaling link to another. STPs are packet switches and are generally installed in mated pairs. Finally, SCPs control access to databases, such as 800 number translation databases, 800 number carrier identification databases, credit card verification databases, etc.
Signaling datalinks are transmission facilities used to connect SPs together. They are dedicated bidirectional facilities operating at 56 kbps in the U.S. and Canada and at 64 kbps when clear channel capability is deployed. Normally, every link has a mate for redundancy and enhanced network integrity.
Signaling datalinks include access links or "A" links that connect SSPs to STPs and that connect SCPs to STPs, as shown in
Diagonal links or "D" links connect STPs of different hierarchical levels, as shown in
SS7 also includes a network protocol. As a protocol, SS7 defines a hierarchy or structure of the information contained in a message or data packet that is transmitted between SPs of an SS7 network over signaling links. This internal data structure is often referred to as an SS7 protocol stack which includes the following four SS7 levels:
The physical level, also referred to as message transfer part (MTP) level 1, is the lowest or most fundamental level and is the first level that is used to interpret and process an incoming message. This level determines and/or provides the electrical characteristics to transmit the digital data over the interface being used. Following interpretation/processing at the physical level, the incoming message is passed up the stack to the datalink level.
The datalink level, also referred to as MTP level 2, resides adjacent and above the physical level and is responsible for providing error detection/correction and properly sequenced delivery of SS7 message packets. Following interpretation/processing at the datalink level, the incoming message is passed up the stack to the network level.
The network level, also referred to as MTP level 3, resides adjacent and above the datalink level and provides the information necessary for message packet routing, message packet discrimination, and message packet distribution. Functionally, message discrimination determines whether the message packet is addressed to the receiving SP or to another SP. If the message contains the local address of the receiving SP, then the message is passed on to message distribution. Message distribution routes the message to the proper application part or user part within the receiving SP. If the message is not addressed to the receiving SP, then it is passed on to the message router, which determines the physical address of the SP to which the message is to be sent. Following interpretation/processing at the network level, the incoming message is passed up the stack to the user parts and application parts level.
The user parts and application parts level resides adjacent and above the network level. User part protocols perform call setup and tear down. Exemplary user part protocols that can be included in SS7 level 4 are ISDN user part (ISUP), telephone user part (TUP), and broadband ISDN user part (BISUP).
Application part protocols provide access to network databases for services, such as 800 number service, credit card verification, and number portability. The transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) protocol is an example of an SS7 level 4 protocol that can be used to provide access to these and other services.
The above description has assumed that an incoming message is being processed. An outgoing message is passed through the protocol stack in the opposite direction, entering at the user part level and exiting from the physical level.
The above-mentioned SS7 protocol levels are implemented by hardware and software residing in SS7 signaling points, such as signal transfer points (STPs). A high performance STP is marketed by the assignee of the present application as the Eagle� STP. A block diagram of a conventional Eagle� STP is shown in
Application subsystem 930 includes application cards that are capable of communicating with the other cards through the IMT buses. The illustrated application subsystem 930 includes three types of application cards: link interface module (LIM) 940 that provides SS7 links and X.25 links, application communication module (ACM) 950 that provides a TCP/IP interface for sending copies of SS7 message signal units (MSUs) over ethernet, and application service module (ASM) 960 that provides global title translation, gateway screening and other services. A translation service module (TSM) can also be provided for local number portability.
LIM 940 provides level 1 and some level 2 functions on SS7 signaling links. ACM 950 provides access to a remote host for an STP LAN feature. The STP LAN feature provides unidirectional access to copies of SS7 MSUs from the STP to a remote host. Unidirectional connection from the STP to a host is provided through an ethernet LAN using TCP/IP protocol. Finally, ASM 960 provides additional memory that is used to store translation tables and screening data. A detailed description of the Eagle� STP is provided in the above-cited Feature Guide and need not be further described.
A brief conceptual overview of the Eagle� STP is provided in the brochure entitled Eagle� STP Platform, Publication 908-0126-01, Rev. A, Tekelec, 1997. As described therein, the Eagle� STP is a high capacity, fully fault tolerant packet switch and self-contained local area network for exchanging data messages between a half-dozen to several hundred or more message processing modules. In the Eagle� STP system architecture, three functionally specific application subsystems access each other via a communications subsystem which includes dual counter-rotating, 125 Mbps IMT buses. The application subsystems include LIMs that provide SS7 and X.25 access to telecommunication signaling networks, ACMs that provide TCP/IP access to local area networks and a MAS that provides maintenance communication, peripheral services alarm processing and system disks. As stated in this brochure, "ACMs communicate directly with external, collocated service application systems via a TCP/IP, 10 Mbit/sec LAN interface mounted on the Ethernet Interface Appliqu� (EIA). Examples of external application systems include: an SCP not equipped with SS7 signaling links, a routing or charging database system, cellular/PCS home or visitor location registers (HLR, VLR), a message accounting system, a voice/record/image processing system, and other intelligent network (IN) service nodes and peripherals that require direct interface via SS7 signaling links." Thus, the Eagle� STP platform publication does not describe communication between an STP and an SS7 node. The ACM card described therein is used primarily for diagnostic purposes.
A detailed description of the operation of the Eagle� STP-LAN interface feature is provided in the brochure entitled Eagle� STP STP LAN Interface Feature, Publication 908-0134-01, Rev. B, Tekelec 1997. As described therein, "The STP-LAN Interface Feature enables the collection of copies of SS7 messages that transit the Eagle� STP. This feature, along with user-provided data processing equipment, allows the Eagle� STP to perform functions beyond normal Signal Transfer Point (STP) functionality, such as auditing and accounting functions, message trap and trace and protocol conformance analysis. The Eagle� STP-LAN Interface Feature enables the user to connect external data collection or processing systems directly to the Eagle� STP via TCP/IP, 10 Mbits/sec Ethernet LAN. It enables a user to select either ISUP messages, SCCP/TCAP messages, or both, for transfer to the external monitoring system. It also adds a time-stamp to identify the selected messages and their sequence for subsequent processing." As is also shown in this brochure, the Ethernet LAN link is a unidirectional link from the ACM to an external processor (host) for diagnostic purposes. Moreover, the Eagle� STP LAN feature is not suitable for communicating SS7 messages between SS7 signaling points, not to mention communicating messages to SS7 signaling points for call setup or other call-related signaling functions.
While communicating SS7 messages over SS7 links can be desirable in some instances, it can also be desirable to communicate SS7 messages over other types of networks. SS7 links provide a high-bandwidth, reliable communication medium for SS7 messages. However, a dedicated SS7 link is expensive and often provides too much bandwidth for a given application. In addition, the proliferation of networks other than SS7 networks makes these networks possible candidates for SS7 message traffic. One type of network conventionally used to transport SS7 messages is an X.25 network. For example, it is known to provide a database transport access feature that intercepts SS7 message signaling units originating from an X.25 network. This feature is described in a brochure entitled Eagle� STP Database Transport Access Feature, Publication 908-0136-01, Rev. B, Tekelec, 1997.
It is also known to use protocol converters for some protocols in connection with STPs. For example, the Eagle� STP X.25 protocol conversion feature provides interfacing and connectivity between nodes on an SS7 network and nodes on an X.25 network. This feature is described in a brochure entitled Eagle� STP X.25 to SS7-IS.41 Protocol Conversion Feature, Publication 908-0135-01, Rev. B, Tekelec, 1997. Similarly, it is known to provide an ANSI-ITU gateway to enable an Eagle� STP to interconnect to other types of signaling networks. This feature is described in a brochure entitled Eagle� STP ANSI-ITU Gateway Feature, Publication 908-0133-01, Rev. B, Tekelec, 1997.
Protocol converters are also known for translating protocols between SS7 and non-SS7 networks. For example, the Tekelec SS7-Frame Relay Access Device (FRAD) translates SS7 protocol information between an SS7 network and a frame relay network. This feature is described in a brochure entitled SS7-Frame Relay Access Device SS7 Protocol Information Translator, Publication 908-0167-01, Rev. A, Tekelec, 1997.
Protocol conversion for SS7 networks is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,771 to Darland et al., entitled "Communication Gateway" (hereinafter, "the '771 Patent"). The '771 Patent describes a system and method for protocol translation between a foreign postal telephone and telegraph network and a domestic communication service provider, for verifying international credit card numbers. The system includes a communications gateway that consists of a computer located between the foreign network and the domestic network exclusively for performing protocol conversion. The communications gateway is not a signal transfer point. The communications gateway is only a protocol converter, and the communications gateway includes an SS7 module for sending and receiving a plurality of incoming and outgoing SS7 queries and responses. The communications gateway also includes an inbound subsystem module, coupled to the SS7 module, for translating the incoming SS7 queries from an SS7 protocol to a non-SS7 protocol.
The '771 Patent discloses that the inbound subsystem module converts incoming SS7 messages into network information distributed service (NIDS) format and TCP format. However, the only type of SS7 messages that are discussed are TCAP messages, where MTP and SCCP layers are removed from the messages and a TCP header is added to the messages. The translated incoming queries are forwarded to an end user using the non-SS7 protocol. The inbound subsystem module also translates any responses corresponding to the incoming SS7 queries from the non-SS7 protocol to the SS7 protocol.
The communications gateway of the '771 Patent further includes an outbound subsystem module, coupled to the SS7 module, for translating outgoing SS7 queries from the non-SS7 protocol to the SS7 protocol. Again, these queries are disclosed as being TCAP queries for international credit card verification. The translated outgoing queries are sent via the SS7 module across an SS7 network. The outbound subsystem module also translates SS7 responses corresponding to the outgoing SS7 queries from the SS7 protocol to the non-SS7 protocol. The translated responses corresponding to the outgoing SS7 queries are forwarded to an end user while in the non-SS7 protocol.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,286 to Reiman et al., entitled "SS7 Gateway" discloses a protocol converter separate from an STP that converts TCAP queries to NIDS format and vice-versa for credit card validation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,446 to Everett et al., entitled "System and Method of Validating Special Service Calls Having Different Signaling Protocols" discloses a protocol converter external to an STP that converts TCAP queries to NIDS format for calling card transactions.
One problem with conventional protocol converters is that these devices require specialized processing hardware and software that reside in a separate location from the STP. These protocol converters also lack the processing speed and functionality of a signal transfer point, such as the above-mentioned Eagle� STP.
Yet another problem with conventional protocol converters is that the protocol converters are incapable of converting SS7 messages to other protocols without terminating the layer being transported. As a result, protocol converters can be required to implement the entire protocol stack.
Yet another problem with the above-mentioned protocol converters is that they only address translation between SS7 TCAP messages and TCP packets. In encapsulating TCAP messages, the MTP layer 3 information is stripped from the message. There are numerous other SS7 message payload types (ISUP, TUP, BISUP, etc.) that cannot be TCP/IP-encapsulated and routed through an IP network without including at least some of the routing label information contained in MTP level 3. The functionality of such SS7 messages is impaired, if not destroyed in many cases without this MTP lower level or routing label information. In practice, such a protocol conversion task presents a more difficult and challenging problem than the relatively simple case of TCP/IP-encapsulated TCAP/SCCP information.
Accordingly, there exists a long-felt need for methods and systems for transmitting SS7 user part messages including lower-level MTP protocol information, over an IP network using signal transfer points.
The present invention includes methods and systems for communicating user part messages between SS7 signaling points. As used herein, the phrase "user part messages" includes any SS7 user part messages, such as ISUP messages, BISUP messages, and TUP messages. In addition, the phrase "user part messages" is intended to encompass any future protocol messages used to transport call signaling information between SS7 signaling points and/or IP nodes.
According to one aspect, the present invention includes methods and systems for transmitting SS7 user part messages between SS7 signaling points. A first SS7 user part message is received at a signal transfer point from a first SS7 signaling point. For example, the first SS7 user part message can be an ISUP message received from an SSP. The signal transfer point encapsulates the first SS7 user part message in a first IP packet. The signal transfer point then transmits the first IP packet to a second SS7 signaling point over an IP network.
According to another aspect, the present invention includes methods and systems for encapsulating SS7 user part messages for transmission over an internet protocol network. In order to encapsulate the SS7 user part message, a signal transfer point extracts at least some of the SS7 layer 3 information from an SS7 message signaling unit (MSU). The extracted portion includes SS7 routing information for the MSU. The extracted portion of the SS7 MSU is encapsulated in a transport adapter layer interface packet including an application-level sequence number. An IP header is added to the transport adapter layer interface packet to produce an IP packet.
According to another aspect, the present invention includes a method for decapsulating an IP-encapsulated SS7 user part message utilizing a signal transfer point and receives an IP-encapsulated SS7 user part message and removes the IP header from the message. The signal transfer point then reads MTP layer 3 information from a data portion of the message to determine an SS7 signaling link on which to route the message. The signal transfer point then adds SS7 layers 1 and 2 information to the message thereby forming a complete SS7 MSU.
According to another aspect, the present invention includes a method for reliably recovering SS7 user part message packets when a TCP socket fails. The method includes establishing first and second TCP connections over first and second sockets between first and second SS7 nodes. Data packets are transmitted from the first SS7 node to the second SS7 node over one of the TCP connections. The data packets each include an application-level sequence number indicator for sequencing data packets received by the first and second SS7 nodes. In response to determining that one of the TCP sockets has failed, a recovery packet is transmitted from each node to the other node including the application-level sequence number indicating the last data packet received by each node. Data communications can then occur over the socket that did not fail.
According to another aspect, the present invention includes a data structure for communicating SS7 user part messages between SS7 nodes. The data structure includes a data field for encapsulating MTP layer 3 information. An application-level user part field stores an application-level sequence number. An IP header field stores IP information including an internet protocol address.
According to another aspect, the present invention includes computer program products comprising computer-executable media for performing steps for processing IP-encapsulated SS7 MSUs and for encapsulating SS7 MSUs in IP packets. As used herein, the phrase, "computer-readable medium" includes: magnetic, optical, and electrical storage media, such as disk storage devices, memory chips, and propagated electrical signals.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide novel, improved methods and systems for communicating user part messages between SS7 nodes using STPs.
It is another object of the present invention to provide improved methods and systems for communicating SS7 messages, including level 3 routing information, between an STP and other SPs of an SS7 network.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide improved methods and systems for communicating SS7 messages between an STP and other SPs of an SS7 network, which can reduce the capital and maintenance expenses of connecting an STP to other SPs of an SS7 network.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide methods and systems for communicating user part messages between SS7 nodes with increased reliability.
These and other objects are achieved in whole or in part by the present invention. Some of the objects of the invention having been stated hereinabove, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.
The present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
STP 1510 including SS7/IP user part message communicator 1520 can be used to provide seamless transport among SS7 user part network elements, and among IP network elements. For example, as shown in
Finally, as shown by bidirectional arrows A3 and A4, STP 1510 can be used to communicate SS7 user part messages or other messages between signaling points SP1 and SP2 and IP nodes N1 and N2. Thus, an STP including an SS7/IP user part message communicator can become a router for communicating user part messages among SPs in an SS7 network, between SPs in an SS7 network and nodes in an IP network, and among nodes in an IP network. Seamless transport of user part messages between SS7 and IP network elements can thereby be provided using an STP with an SS7/IP user part message communicator.
As stated above, user part messages, such as ISUP messages, are used to perform call setup and tear down functions.
Each of the nodes in the network configuration illustrated in
In line 2 of the call flow diagram, SSP 1730 transmits an address complete message (ACM) to SSP 1510. The address complete message includes an originating point code of 200.200.201, i.e., the point code of SSP 1730, and a destination point code of 100.100.101, i.e., the point code of SSP 1700. The destination IP address, however, is that of STP 1510, i.e., 126.96.36.199. The STP 1510 receives the ACM message, removes the TCP/IP header, attaches any needed SS7 information, and forwards the ACM message to SSP 1700.
In line 3 of the call flow diagram, when the calling party answers the call, SSP 1730 transmits an answer message (ANM) to SSP 1700. The answer message can be transmitted in a manner similar to the ACM message and thus the transmission need not be further described.
Once the answer message has been received by SSP 1700, a call between end users 1750 and 1760 is in progress. The call continues until either party goes on-hook. In the illustrated call flow diagram, when end user 1760 connected to SSP 1730 goes on-hook, a release message (REL) is transmitted from SSP 1730 to SSP 1700. The release message is addressed and routed in a manner similar to the ACM message described above. The SSP 1700 responds to the release message by transmitting a release complete message (RLC) to SSP 1730. The release complete message is addressed and routed in a manner similar to the IAM message described above.
Because STP 1510 performs bidirectional communication of user part messages between end offices, the resources required for performing call setup operations are reduced. For example, it is no longer necessary to have dedicated SS7 links between end offices for performing call signaling operations. One or more of the links can be replaced by an IP network, such as a TCP/IP network or a UDP/IP network.
An STP for an SS7 network according to the present invention includes means for and provides the steps of, bidirectionally transferring SS7 user part messages among SPs of the SS7 network. The STP also includes means for and provides the steps of bidirectionally transferring user part messages between SPs of the SS7 network and IP nodes of an IP network. The STP also includes means for and provides the steps of, bidirectionally transferring messages among IP nodes of the IP network. Bidirectional transfer preferably takes place using TCP/IP.
It will also be understood that one or more of the blocks in
Accordingly, blocks in
In step ST3, the remaining MTP level information and user part level in the SS7 message are placed in a TCP transport layer to oreate a TCP message. The TCP transport layer preferably includes the TCP port on which a connection has been established with the destination SS7 or IP node. It should be noted at this point that all of the information contained in the original $87 MTP level can be placed in the TCP transport layer, if desired. Furthermore, the MTP level information that is ultimately included in the TCP transport layer can be modified or altered from it's original form prior to TCP encapsulation. That is, the bit stream representing the MTP level information in the original SS7 MSU and the bit stream representing the MTP level information in the TCP-encapsulated message need not be identical. In addition, additional data, such as application-level sequence number data and operation code data can be added to the message before or after the message is TCP- or IP-encapsulated.
In step ST4, an IP network layer is added to the TCP message to create a TCP/IP message. The IP network layer includes the destination IP address of the node to which the original SS7 messages was addressed. The destination IP address can be determined using a lookup table or other routing mechanism based on the destination point code in the original SS7 message. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, steps ST3 and ST4 can be combined so that the TCP and IP information is added in a single step. Finally, in step ST5, the TCP/IP message is transmitted to the IP address over an IP network 1530 (
Although the flow charts in
According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one data communications module (DCM) 2114 provides the necessary hardware for bidirectional communication of SS7 messages over an IP network. DCM 2114 can include a general purpose microprocessor, network communications hardware, program memory, and data memory for bidirectionally communicating SS7 user part messages over an IP network. The SS7/IP user part message communicator 1520 (not shown in
Still referring to
Still continuing with the description of
In a second scenario, SSP 1730 generates a TCP/IP packet 2302 containing an SS7 user part message that is routed back to STP 1510. In this case, for the purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the second user part message is an address complete message (ACM). It is also assumed in this example that SSP 1730 generates and transmits the message in TCP/IP packet 2302, which is similar in structure to TCP/IP packet 2300, described above. TCP/IP packet 2302 is passed through TCP/IP network 1740, and eventually received by STP 1510 via the DCM module 2114. TCP/IP packet 2302 is then translated into an SS7 format by DCM 2114 and routed internally over IMT bus 2104 to the appropriate LIM module 2113 and out onto the SS7 network as a user part message M2.
OAM 2304 provides operating, administration and maintenance functionality. This functionality includes user I/O, disk services, database updates to active cards and the general ability to load the resident software on the LIMs, ASMs, etc. HSL 2306 is a high speed signaling link implemented according to the Bellcore GR-2878-core specification. This high speed link is an SS7 link that operates on ATM over T1 as opposed to MTP over DSO physical network. The following table illustrates OSI standard layers and compares MTP Low Speed Links, MTP High Speed Links, traditional IP and operation of a DCM according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Comparison of OSI Layers, MTP Low and High Speed Links,
IP Layers, and DCM Functionality
Data link
Gateway Adaptation
10/100 base-t
10/100 base-t
TALI packet 2402 is encapsulated in data field 2414 of IP packet 2404. TCP header field 2416 includes TCP header information, such as TCP port numbers, for bidirectional user part message communication. IP header field 2418 includes IP header information such as source and destination IP addresses, for IP packet 2404. Finally, MAC header field 2420 includes physical and network information for delivering the IP packet 2404 over a physical network.
IP packet 2404 a includes data field 2414 a that includes TALI packet 2402 a. Data field 2414 a thus includes application-level sequence number field 2500. The remaining fields in IP packet 2404 a are the same as those illustrated in
In step ST1, node A establishes first and second TCP connections on first and second TCP sockets with node B. In step ST2, node A transmits TCP/IP-encapsulated SS7 messages including application-level sequence numbers indicating the sequence of the packets on the first socket to node B. In step ST3, node A determines whether a socket failure has occurred. If a socket failure has not occurred, node A continues to transmit TCP packets to node B on socket number 1. Since TCP communications are bidirectional, node B can also transmit TCP packets to node A on socket number 1. The packets transmitted from node B to node A preferably also include application-level sequence numbers indicating the order of packets transmitted from node B to node A.
In step ST4, if a socket failure has occurred, for example on socket number 1, nodes A and B exchange application-level sequence numbers over the good socket for the last packets transmitted and received. For example, node A transmits the application-level sequence number of the last packet received from node B to node B. Node B transmits the application-level sequence number of the last packet transmitted to node A. Similarly, node B transmits the application-level sequence number indicating the last packet received from node A to node A. Node B transmits the application-level sequence number indicating the last packet transmitted to node A. In step ST5, node A and node B resume data communications on the good socket, i.e., socket 2 based on the application-level sequence numbers. For example, node B can transmit lost packets to node A, and node A can transmit the lost packets to node B on the second socket. In this manner, reliable communications are established between SS7 nodes even when a socket fails. Conventional TCP sequence numbering does not address this issue because TCP does not provide a mechanism for packet retrieval when a socket fails. The application-level sequence numbering of the present invention allows communications to resume at the point where communications were lost, rather than requiring retransmission of an entire sequence of packets.
Although the invention has thus far been described in detail with respect to replacing SS7 links between an STP and other SS7 type SP network elements with TCP/IP links, the present invention can also be employed to facilitate communication between SS7 network elements and IP based network elements via TCP/IP links. Furthermore, the discussion and examples provided above specifically relate the use of the present invention to SS7 user part messages. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any SS7 message type that requires MTP routing label information in order to effectively perform or serve its proper function can be communicated bidirectionally between SS7 and IP networks using the STP of the present invention.
It will be understood that various details of the invention can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.
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|U.S. Classification
|370/392, 370/467, 370/469
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|13 Nov 2009
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|24 Feb 2012
Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, MINNESOTA
Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TEKELEC;CAMIANT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028035/0659
Effective date: 20120127
|20 Apr 2012
Owner name: TEKELEC GLOBAL, INC., NORTH CAROLINA
Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TEKELEC;REEL/FRAME:028078/0287
Effective date: 20120130
|5 Nov 2013
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8


text:
Idling Vehicles
Pending court approval, several companies affiliated with National Car Rental will pay a fine of $475,000 for repeated violations of motor vehicle idling regulations at two New England airports: Logan International in Boston, Mass. and Bradley International near Hartford, Conn. What is so wrong about idling? Diesel combustion releases fine particles and gases into the air. Commonly called soot, these particles are typically smaller than 2.5 micrometers or 1/30 the width of a strand of hair and are easily inhaled and may cause respiratory harm. By law in many states (especially urban ones) idling too long is an issue.
Pollution from diesel engines is a widespread problem in many urban areas. It is most noticeable for people when they are stuck in traffic. The solution is not easy and will require not only new technology but, more importantly, a change in lifestyle and habit.
On road mobile sources (heavy duty trucks, buses, light duty cars and trucks) contribute the majority of the total diesel exhaust particulate emissions. Other mobile sources (mobile equipment, ships, trains, and boats) contribute the next most amount while stationary sources contribute the remainder. So the source of idling emissions are within the control of the ordinary vehicle driver and are not so much associated with industrial sources.
Idling vehicles are everywhere and can include local school buses as well as truck traffic.
In the New England case in 2006 and 2007, EPA investigators observed the shuttle buses that carry passengers from the airport terminal to the rental car locations idling excessively. Massachusetts and Connecticut as well as many other states have clean air rules which limit motor vehicle idling for a very few minutes with exceptions allowed for vehicles undergoing maintenance, making deliveries or in extreme cold conditions.
Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office stated. "Diesel pollution is very harmful, especially for sensitive populations such as the young, elderly and people who suffer from asthma. It is critical for the health of the surrounding community that companies like National Car Rental comply with anti-idling laws.â€
The current owners of the shuttle service have been taking steps to address excessive idling at the Logan and Bradley facilities, including more management oversight, posting no-idling signs, installing electronic idling controls and retraining drivers.
The new Consent Decree requires the companies to continue with their current anti-idling measures.
In New England, diesel engines are the third largest human made source of fine particles, contributing more than 20 percent of total fine particle emissions.
Idling engines are wasteful in that they waste fuel for a driver's convenience. As a result, it makes good economic and environmental sense to minimize idling. Moreover, idling can be also harmful to engines, increasing maintenance costs and shortening engine life. For a wait time of more than a few seconds, turning off the engine saves fuel, protects the engine, and helps improve air quality.
For further information: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/C4956A747729835085257765005F91C0

subset: commoncrawl


text: Prerequisite: G100 with a minimum grade of C-. G150 continues the two semester introduction to the German language as presented in the textbook, Kontakte. Students will also need the accompanying workbook and two readers. Quizzes will be given as we complete each chapter of the book, and there will be a one hour midterm and a final examination, including an oral component. To proceed to G200, students need to earn a grade of C- or better in G150. Texts: Terrell, et al., Kontakte: A Communicative Approach (4th ed.) ISBN 0-07-365516-3 A workbook to supplement the text, available at the IU bookstore Readers: Oktoberfest, Langenscheidt ISBN3-468-49691-5


text:
'We all have something to say' -- Landmark art exhibit focuses on words
PUTNEY -- When Landmark College Associate Art Professor Christie Herbert decided to put together a show at the Putney campus, she said she wanted to explore the connections between Landmark students, teachers, administrators and staff.
She wanted to create an art show that invites in the members of the greater Landmark community and which encourages visitors to think about learning disabilities, education and perspective.
So when Herbert was looking for a unifying theme she settled on the word.
Landmark College was founded in 1985 to teach college students with learning disabilities how to move beyond the limitations of their disabilities. Literacy, Herbert says, is at the core of everything that happens at Landmark College.
Herbert sent out e-mails to hundreds of Landmark students, alumni, former and current teachers, administrators and facility staff and asked them to answer up to five questions about the college.
She then gathered the responses, the thousands of words, and built her art show around them.
The show, "Reading the Landmark College Community," will have an opening reception Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Landmark College Fine Arts Building.
It will also be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 4.
"I wanted to get people to think about disabilities, but I also wanted to ask bigger questions than that," Herbert said Friday while hanging the work. " And I wanted to find to find a way to bring as many people into this show as possible."
Herbert is currently on sabbatical, and as a part of her break from teaching she committed herself to creating an art show at Landmark.
She knew she wanted to invite in as many current and former staff and students as she could and so sent out hundreds of requests, all over the world.
She asked her subjects how Landmark changed them, and what was the most important thing they did, or are doing, at the college.
She wanted to know a significant life event that happened before coming to Landmark that has contributed to the community, and asked what a picture of their brain that enabled visitors to see their true potential might look like.
And she challenged them to use three or four words to describe the Landmark community.
She received about 200 responses.
Michaela Hearst, 18, who is finishing her second semester at the college, says she wanted to take part in the art show as soon as she opened the e-mail from Herbert.
Hearst said Landmark has changed her life, and it has given her new perspective on her disability and on the true potential that she says she is discovering every day.
"That's my story you see as soon as you walk in," she said. "I have been learning how to learn."
Hearst looked around at the show Friday as Herbert was hanging it.
She said each response speaks to her a little bit.
"We all have something to say," she said. "It's so beautiful to see it all up here."
Herbert says she wanted words to be the starting point for the show, but not the ultimate destination.
She sent some of the responses to fellow artists who were asked to create an object based on the comments.
Herbert received paintings, sculptures, photos, book art and a video which is positioned around the gallery.
A hanging chain of books extends from the second floor of the gallery and a glass sculpture reflects the light shining behind it, casting shadows of words on the wall.
Pieces of note paper highlight the responses and are spread across the room.
When Herbert sent the questions out she promised to keep all answers anonymous, and so in the art show a current student's response might be positioned next to one from the president of the school, which might butt up against a former teacher's.
"I didn't want there to be any segregation among the responses," Herbert said. "I wanted to really look at the community, and I wanted the community to really look at itself. Art is a way to bring people together."
Not knowing who wrote the lines, Herbert says, allows visitors to interact with the exhibit.
Linda Whelihan is a Windham County artist who is helping Herbert with the show.
And as someone who is outside of the Landmark community Whelihan said the show reveals a lot about what goes on there.
"You can see how much empathy and compassion there is here," Whelihan said. "Each individual response is different, but you see connections there."
Eli Cox, 20, is finishing his fifth semester at Landmark.
He is graduating this year and will attend SUNY Purchase in the fall.
Cox also said he was eager to take part in the art show.
"This is a great project. We all come here from a different place but we share a similar perspective," said Cox. "When you see all these words, but you don't know who said them, it shows that you're different, but it unifies you with everyone else. And it makes you feel like you won't be judged for that."
Howard Weiss-Tisman can be reached at 802-254-2311, ext. 279, or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow Howard on Twitter @HowardReformer.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
Cole's September surge bodes well for Bucs
By Tom Singer / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- As the calendar turned to September, speculation started about Gerrit Cole's possible postseason role with the Pirates -- if any. The possibilities of being sent to the bullpen or left off the roster altogether both seemed more likely than the rookie staying in the rotation.
But Cole, who was 6-7 with an ERA of 3.60 through August, tore up options Nos. 1-2 with a 4-0, 1.69 September. Furthermore, after having pitched to contact (61 strikeouts in 75 innings), he has turned on the firepower in September (39 whiffs in 32 innings).
A conscious campaign to pitch himself into that postseason rotation?
"As games became more important, subconsciously your focus heightens. It's just the way it happened, what the atmosphere created," said Cole, pointing out that he'd been told "pretty early that they'd like me to start in the postseason. Before, I'd been told that if I didn't start, it would be only an innings thing.
"I wouldn't have minded if I went to the bullpen ... I still won't mind if I go now. I just want to help out wherever I'm best suited. At this point, it's not about numbers of accomplishments; it's about trying to get as deep [into the postseason] as you can."
That first postseason step could be up to Cole. He will start Sunday's regular-season finale if that game still has to determine home field for Tuesday's Wild Card Game with the Reds. If not, he becomes a fall-back option to pitch in that playoff game, according to manager Clint Hurdle.
Looking ahead to Sunday's potentially pivotal start, Cole said, "That would be fun. It could be cool. It would be especially exciting to get the ball that day."
Worth noting
• Postseason home-field advantage? Last October, home teams went 7-12 in National League playoff series -- including the loss by Wild Card host Atlanta.
In the Division Series era (since 1995), home teams in NL win-or-go home games stand 5-9. The most surprising aspect of that stat, actually, is that of 54 series, only 14 went down to a decisive game.
• Hurdle said he and his staff had drawn up three possible starting rotations for this season-ending three-game series, and settled on A.J. Burnett, Charlie Morton and, if needed, Cole.
• Starling Marte is the third Pirates player ever with more than 25 doubles (he has 26), 10 triples, 12 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. Most impressively, the two predecessors played in a bygone era: Jake Stenzel in 1894 and Kiki Cuyler in 1925.
First number, last word
19-23 and 20-27: Pirates' all-time record in postseason games at home and on the road, respectively.
"It would be something that hasn't happened in a long time. It would be awesome. But we don't want to put any extra pressure on ourselves, just go play our normal game."
-- Pittsburgh's and the Pirates' Neil Walker, on the prospects of postseason baseball coming to PNC Park.
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Hi, my name is Jenny, and I'm a gadget addict. I'm always in search of the perfect tool, equipment, or toy to help make my work look its best, make me look my best, and ultimately make my job easier.
I love to frequent tradeshows that have all the new gizmos and gadgets. I also enjoy sharing information with fellow videographers and hearing about their experiences with new equipment. But I'm always first to show off my latest piece of equipment. Taking a cue from Oprah's "Favorite Things" show, this is the first in a series of "Jenny's Favorite Things" columns.
When I make an equipment purchase, whether it is costly or inexpensive, it needs to fill one of three objectives:
• Will it save me time?
• Will it make me more money?
• Will it make my job easier?
This first "Favorite Things" installment will look at camera lenses.
Century Optics
I love this brand of lens because of the extremely sharp, high-quality image it produces and the simple bayonet mount for quick interchanging of lenses.
Century's .65x Wide Angle Converter is my standard lens; I keep one on all my cameras 99% of the time. I love the 35% wider view it gives me—especially when shooting in confined areas—and the full zoom-through lens doesn't reduce light or quality. As with all wide-angle lenses, it gives you a greater depth of field and also helps to reduce shaky camera work.
Century's .3x Ultra Fisheye Adapter lens provides an extreme fisheye effect and a high degree of barrel distortion. This lens is fun to use and produces awesome results. You just float when walking with it, which makes the video look like you used a steadicam device. I've sampled other fisheye products but to date have not found one with the visual clarity this lens offers. When used properly, this is a valuable piece to add to your equipment inventory.
The .2x Tele-Converter helps me get those far-away balcony shots by doubling the indicated focal length. There is vignetting (tunnel effect) in the mid to wide range, but this is common with all tele-converter lenses. Again, the image is extremely sharp edge to edge. I recently shot at a large reception site with a balcony and had my second videographer working from the balcony for most of the reception shooting extreme closeups of people.
The +4.0 Achromatic Diopter is essential for those close detail shots. This macro lens delivers such a clear image that you can count the threads on a wedding dress and read the inscription inside a wedding band. As I often say, it's the details that make the difference, and with this lens you can capture those extreme details. I also use this lens for shooting photos, invitations, and other decorations.
Now if they could only make a third hand to help with all the lens-swapping I endure throughout the day . . .
Storing, Cleaning, and Labeling Your Lenses
Century Optics lenses are expensive but worth every penny. You'll want to take the utmost care of these products to preserve your investment.
I use a Hobart Satchel pouch made by Kavu to store and carry my lenses. I prefer to keep the cumbersome lens caps off at all times, and this fleece-lined pouch won't scratch or mar the glass. It comes in black and has removable shoulder straps that fit comfortably across my body. It holds a single large lens and has a smaller pocket for the diopter lens.
If you need to carry more lenses along with other accessories, I use and highly recommend the Porta Brace Slinger. I will talk more about that in my next column.
It's very important to have clean lenses for those clear, crisp images. It's very easy to get smudges, flecks, and dirt on the lens and not detect them in the viewfinder, only to discover them later in post. Wide-angle lenses grossly exaggerate smudges and glare since they have such a greater depth of field.
Basic lens cleaning tools include a blower or canned air, a microfiber cloth, lens tissue, and lens cleaning fluid. I clean my lenses thoroughly before every shoot and periodically throughout that day. Start by blowing dust off of the lens. Apply the wet cleaner to the tissue (never apply the cleaning fluid directly on the lens) and use a circular motion to wipe the lens clean. Moist towelettes used for cleaning eyeglasses do an excellent job of cleaning lenses and can be obtained at an optical glass supplier. Camera stores are another good source of these supplies.
One additional way to protect your investment is by marking each lens with some form of identification. Many times during a hectic shoot we'll set down our lenses and forget about them. If you do lose a lens in the frenzy of a live shoot, by applying a small, thin, adhesive label with your name and phone number around the barrel of the lens, you will greatly increase your chances of getting it back.


text: Improper Notarization of Signature for Complaint Results in Dismissal By Francis Pileggi on November 20, 2012 Posted in Chancery Court Updates Bessenyei v. Vermillion, Inc., C.A. No. 7572-VCN (Del. Ch. Nov. 16, 2012). Issues Addressed: (1) Whether a notarized signature signed in the absence of a notary results in an invalid verification; and (2) Whether knowingly presenting an improperly notarized verification is a basis to dismiss the complaint under Delaware Court of Chancery Rule 41(b). Short Answers: (1) Yes; … Continue Reading


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News & Events
For the Media
Clarkson University Honors Student Redesigning Skateboarding's Biggest Challenge
[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/stefano.jpg]
For the past four years, skateboarding has been a passion for Emily A. Stefano of East Amherst, N.Y., a mechanical engineering junior at Clarkson University. Now, it's also the basis for her honors thesis.
With her project, "The Physics and Engineering of Skateboarding's MegaRamp," Stefano hopes to advance skateboarding by redesigning one of its biggest and most challenging competitive structures: the MegaRamp.
"My dad sent me a video of the MegaRamp one day when I was at school and asked if anyone had ever looked into the physics of it," explains Stefano. "I knew that the ramp had just been designed by Danny Way, a pro skateboarder. But I didn't realize that there were truly no calculations that had ever been done."
The MegaRamp is the world's largest skateboarding structure, used by skateboarders and BMX bikers in competitions such as the X Games. It consists of a 50- or 70-foot long "roll-in" leading to a 50- or 70-foot gap, followed by a 30-foot-tall quarter-pipe. Athletes ride down the steep roll-in platform to gain speed in order to perform tricks over the gap and on the quarter-pipe to complete a "run."
In its current design, performing on the MegaRamp is risky due to the speeds the athletes must reach and forces they must endure in order to perform well. In the last few years, questions have arisen about the ramp's safety based on the number of injuries and near-death accidents.
Stefano decided to study the physics of the ramp and to develop calculations that would result in a better engineered -- and safer -- design. She contacted the builder of the ramp, John Tyson, who immediately saw the potential benefit in her research.
Tyson then helped Stefano get in touch with MegaRamp so she could make her proposal. After working out the legalities of the situation, the MegaRamp team gave Stefano the raw data she needed, including the dimensions of the ramp, which called for the signing of a nondisclosure agreement.
Stefano needed a way to see and record real skateboarders' movements on the MegaRamp to accurately make her measurements in the laboratory. She was invited by MegaRamp to videotape pro skateboarders while they practiced for the X Games in California. Over a two-week period, Stefano was able to get all the footage she needed.
Now back on campus, Stefano is putting it all together. "I'm trying to put an equation to the ramp to figure out how it could be built differently to make it easier for the athletes to ride," says Stefano. First, she will use basic physics principles to find the equations that govern the motion of a skateboarder on the ramp. This will account for the effects of friction and air resistance that impact the athletes while riding the ramp.
Next, Stefano will use the video footage to find the effects of body movements of the skateboarders that cannot be mimicked with the computer model, leading to an equation that accurately models the path of a skateboarder on a ramp. Using the equation will help Stefano learn the effects of changing certain dimensions of the ramp and allow her to find the best ones.
Finding these dimensions will also allow Stefano to scale the ramp, giving pro skateboarders like MegaRamp inventor Danny Way what they really want: bigger ramps and a bigger challenge.
But for now, it's one step at a time for Stefano, who is eager to resume her research in the lab. "I'm excited to see what I can accomplish now that I have all the pieces to the puzzle," says Stefano. "I'd love to continue with similar work in the future so my job can be just as much fun!"
Clarkson's Honors Program is an intensive four-year curriculum for exceptionally talented students. The University admits only 30 new students to the Honors Program each year.
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in six alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.


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"Last year, we had a lot of team members' families come, as well as other followers who have been with the Legends for many years," said David Klein, the Legends general manager and camp director. "It was an absolutely fantastic event and I'm looking forward to learning from it and making this year even better."
The fundraiser will have baseball-inspired carnival games, live music by Leviathan, a home run derby with Legends players, autograph signing, a raffle, a live/silent auction, and a Hawaiian barbecue-style dinner. Everyone who attends is invited to participate in the pick-up style softball game at the end of the night with Legends players.
The money from the event will provide programs for underserved youth from Menlo Park, Redwood City, East Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Woodside, San Carlos, Los Altos, Atherton, and Mountain View. Klein, inspired by positive experiences with baseball as a child, said that the Legends Village has given about 20 free camps and private lessons in the community.
"I think baseball, more than any other sport or activity, does an amazing job in teaching life lessons," said Klein. "If you were to strike out or have a tough game, there are a lot of life lessons in baseball. We try to offer baseball opportunities to kids who were not initially able to have those opportunities. Bringing kids into the game of baseball makes sure they have all those opportunities."
This fundraiser is not the only event in which the Legends program interacts with the youth community; for the past five years, the program has hosted Legends baseball camps in June and July at both the Burgess Little League Field and Nealon Park.
The summer camps include coaching from players on the Legends, as well as a chance to get first-hand experience with the team during the coaches' semi-pro games at night. Players ages 6 to 12 are invited to hang out in the dugout during games, throw the first pitch, announce the starting lineup, be a batboy and run after foul balls during games.
As of July 3, Legends are 7-7 in the Far West League Standings. Three former Legends players were selected into the 2013 MLB draft: Grant Nelson, selected 270th overall in the 9th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Brett McMinn, selected 536th overall in the 18th round by the New York Mets, and Tyger Pederson, selected 994th overall in the 33rd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Legends Village fundraiser is $10 for children 12 and under and $15 for general admission. Admission includes food and activities. All the proceeds go to Legends Village. Nealon Park is at 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park.
This story contains 526 words.
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A car has crashed through a bridge in Bakewell and landed in the River Wye.
The 4x4 collided with the wall, near the Bakewell Bridge car park, at around 8am this morning.
Noone was injured, but the female driver has been left shaken up, police said.
Ambulance, fire service and police were called to the scene and recovery of the vehicle from the water is underway.
Click on the link above to see a slideshow of pictures of the crash.


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COLUMBUS – The Crew's once-stubborn defense wavered for the second match in three weeks on Saturday night, but the team got some respite from the unlikeliest of sources.
Andrés Mendoza scored twice and Emmanuel Ekpo added his first goal since 2009 as the Crew's resilient offense broke out for three goals in a 3-3 draw against Chivas USA.
"Too bad we let in some goals, but our offense came up big," defender Julius James said. "It's not good as a defender to let in three goals but it's also encouraging for us to score goals."
The three goals was a season high for the Crew, who had scored only eight times in 10 matches before Saturday night and snapped a 203-minute scoreless streak. They also forged ahead without injured leading scorer Emilio Rentería, but managed to rally three separate times to avoid a disappointing home defeat.
"We came back three times from one-goal deficits," head coach Robert Warzycha said. "That showed a lot of heart."
The Crew gave up three goals for the second time this month, following a 3-0 loss at San Jose on May 14.
"We responded well to the goals (Chivas) scored," James said. "It's encouraging. We showed some guts. You don't want goals scored on you but we showed as a defense we can hold up. Now our attackers and offense showed they can too, which is absolutely positive for us."
Warzycha gave Mendoza only his fourth start of the season in place of Rentería, and paired him with rookie Tommy Heinemann.
"They were busy," Warzycha said. "They had some chances to score more goals. I was very pleased with their performance."
Heinemann had a remarkable chance to counter an early Chivas USA goal from Nick LaBrocca in the 12th minute, but had his shot cleared off the line by defender Ante Jazic.
"I probably should have converted one or two of those chances," Heinemann said. "I thought I did one of them."
Mendoza tied the game in the 17th when he took a pass from Ekpo, who was playing his first game as the holding midfielder instead of the attacking mid spot.
"We've been waiting a long time for this," Warzycha said. "(Ekpo) was very active. We can build on it."
Mendoza, meanwhile, left the field immediately after he was subbed out for veteran Jeff Cunningham in the 71st minute and refused to talk to the media after the match.
"Obviously if you take a guy off the field he is going to be disappointed but I'm going to do what's best for the team," Warzycha said.


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|2012-10-24, 22:02
|Link #801
Join Date: Mar 2006
However you look at it, Kyubey's assessment of Madoka's wish was wrong. I had to dig a bit, but I found my speculah from the episode 10 thread. I still think it's fairly accurate. Here's why.
1. Madoka's brother can not only remember her, but he can visualize her. Not supposed to be possible.
2. Madoka's mother is nostalgic over the name Madoka, picks up on the ribbons.
3. The Incubators can't explain how the gems vanish, meaning that they still intended the system to turn girls into Witches, but can't make it work due to Madoka's interference. So until they can figure it out, they're on plan b, which they consider to be inefficient. Kyubey is still Kyubey, in the end, and Homura's explanation could be the key to unlocking their mad science in this universe too.
4. Madoka cannot interact on the physical plane except to collect Gems before they break. She shouldn't be able to talk to Homura, but she did.
So my speculation is basically this:
Madoka's wish solved the immediate problems of the system, but it did not solve the problem of the system itself. Outside of the threat of Walpurgis and the girls turning into Witches being removed, everything else is essentially the same. The girls still despair and die, Witches are replaced with Demons, Kyubey is still exploiting young girls to power the universe, and Sayaka is still a fool.
So yay, bittersweet victory, at a high price - Madoka ceases to exist as a human. But Madoka can see all now, and she promises a miracle.
Out on a limb speculation incoming: the end credits of the movie shows an outline of a possible Godoka with a fetal "person" near her stomach, implying pregnancy. I haven't seen the image (if someone is able to find and post it, please do so under tags), but I think if we're dealing with Buddhist themes, perhaps it's not pregnancy, but reincarnation. As in, the "rebirth" of Madoka into the mortal world.
Consider that if Kyubey circumvents her wish, that basically nullifies it. She no longer is bound by the wish. This is essentially what happened to Homura's wish: Madoka isn't technically dead, and she can't die or turn into a Witch, so there's no need for Homura to protect her anymore. Wish granted, except it's more like it was nulled because it was cancelled out by Madoka's wish. In turn Kyubey (or some other force) brings back Witches in another form not covered by Madoka's wish, so there's no reason for Madoka to remain as she is. Her old wish was granted, those Witches are now gone and replaced with a new type of Witch.
This also changes the parameter of her Wish. This isn't the universe she wished for - one free of all Witches. So a new universe has overridden hers, one where they exist again. This introduces all sorts of possibilities, like Sayaka living again.
Remember that for all of the magic, at its heart the mechanics of the story are still based heavily on science fiction. So in a way, we're right back to the initial problem which couldn't be solved by merely wishing it away or taking the burden entirely onto oneself: the system itself.
I hope this jumbled mess of thoughts makes some sense to others.
|2012-10-24, 22:16
|Link #802
The True Culprit
Your idea is very fun though, and aside from the thing with the Incubators, I have no real issues with it aside from the previous concern about negating the merits of the original series.
|2012-10-24, 22:56
|Link #803
Join Date: Mar 2006
Let me rephrase that a bit then. It's not that they planned on creating Witches, but that what they were essentially after was the Gem becoming filled with energy and bursting open. It's implied they tried to do this and cannot, so they use a slower (to them) method of collecting energy using the cubes.
Was it a light in that scene? It's hard to know what all of the descriptions floating about. The ones I read mentioned silhouette of a person. Ah well, I'm still keen to the idea. Then again, we debated a lot about the ED of the anime too, and like the OP it didn't turn out to mean much really.
|2012-10-24, 23:11
|Link #804
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Well, personally, I defiantly don't want Madoka to reincarnate. That would really ruin the story for me. Her story story arc is done. She did what she needed and wanted to do. Now is time for the others, and specially Homura, to step up to the plate.
That said, I don't even think it's possible for Madoka to reincarnate. Homura's wish was nullified by a wish from a magical girl with more power than her (Madoka). To nullify Madoka's wish they would need even more power, and neither the Incubators, nor any potential magical girl should have that kinda power. Kyubey told Madoka multiple times that he had never seen a potential magical girl with so much power... and let's face it, the events that led to her having that power were pretty unique.
Last edited by Kazu-kun; 2012-10-24 at 23:27.
|2012-10-24, 23:35
|Link #805
Join Date: Mar 2006
I don't agree that her arc is done. You could just as easily argue Homura's is done too, or any of the other characters. Although I'm not trying to be too literal with the word reincarnation. I'm just going with all the rumors and tossing out fun (hopefully?) speculation. Really there's no way to discuss anything concrete until we get non-teaser material, so we may as well get it out of our system now.
Besides, it'll be fun to look back and see how close we got. Maybe one of us ends up being right after all?
|2012-10-24, 23:47
|Link #806
The True Culprit
I have to agree that Madoka really shouldn't come back in some capacity like that. If she does, she'll be having her cake and eating it too in a universe that really discourages those sorts of deals, and if she comes back at the price of undoing her wish?
...Well, fuck literally everything about that. That's just bullshit retcon revisionism that undermines the entire anime.
|2012-10-25, 00:34
|Link #807
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
The movie is the prefect opportunity to close her story. She already has a stated goal: to protect Madoka's world. The movie can cover that without retconing anything, but to bring Madoka back into the game they would need to undone what the story already covered.
Unlike Madoka's story, Homura's is still open.
|2012-10-25, 01:40
|Link #809
Join Date: Mar 2006
The movie says "wait wait, that's not really the ending" and adds stuff to the story to keep it going. What happens in the movie, right now, is completely up in the air. It could just as easily be about Sayaka being a foolish Zombie Witch who has returned from the dead by mad scientist Incubator experiments. We don't know.
|2012-10-25, 02:00
|Link #810
The True Culprit
Homura's still ALIVE, for starters. Madoka is an omniscient being that has escaped causality and the universe. Homura still has beliefs that can be challenged, hopes to achieve, fears to overcome, a life to live, and lessons to learn. And like Kazu said pretty succintly, Homura still hasn't achieved anything under her own merits.
|2012-10-25, 02:27
|Link #811
Join Date: Mar 2006
I must have watched a different ending. The Madoka I saw was full of life.
Why are you arguing like it's either or? Is it not possible to have a story where all characters can grow? I get the feeling that the reason you don't want Madoka in the story is more about your desire to have Homura be the main character than any speculation on what the story could be about.
Achieved under her own merits? I wouldn't call the resolution satisfactory for either of them, but Homura did achieve part of her goal - Madoka is protected. The time she spent watching her friends die over and over was what allowed Madoka to break fate. If it wasn't for Homura, everyone would be dead, permanently.
|2012-10-25, 03:02
|Link #812
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
She couldn't save the girl, not in the way she want it to, and that's why she decided to protect her world instead. That's good enough premise to explore in the movie, and they don't need to mess with what the series already covered to do so.
Last edited by Kazu-kun; 2012-10-25 at 03:34.
|2012-10-25, 03:27
|Link #813
The True Culprit
No, you're completely wrong. I don't really care who plays protagonist other than the fact that Madoka really shouldn't because she's no longer in a frame of reference we can relate to. Humans can't empathize with whatever business real gods are up to. She has more in common with Cthulhu now than she does with us, despite her benevolence and human empathy.
Homura was not okay with that. She's coping with it, but it's not what her goal was, and it's very easy to conclude that she still feels she's compensating for having technically failed. It's just that she understands and respects Madoka's choices enough, and tries to have faith in her like she asked.
And it's not like it's really because of Homura herself that any of this all came about. It was a side-effect of her actions in a way she could've never fathomed. Her involvement in Madoka's ascension is much too passive to be a proper resolution. There's no narrative triumph in having the protagonist succeed by bumbling about and finding the Win Button on accident.
and Madoka's wish was a Win Button. Madoka's pressing it was intentional, but her having the Win Button to press was a random fuckup on Homura's part.
The fact of the matter is that Homura is not self-actualized, like Madoka is. Even Sayaka can be argued to have self-actualized in her afterlife scene with Madoka and Kyousuke, but Homura is basically settling.
|2012-10-25, 05:21
|Link #814
Join Date: Mar 2006
Until the system is dealt with properly, there is no real miracle, no happy ending. All Madoka's wish really did was buy time.
Regardless, all I was doing was pondering the ending of the anime, and noting the inconsistencies between Kyubey's analysis of Madoka's wish and what really happened, my own analysis from episode 10 and how it might tie into the return of Witches despite her wish, and finally extrapolating an admittedly out there scenario in which Madoka can return to Homura as a mortal being instead of being stuck on some other plane of existence.
I'm not really sure where you guys got the idea that I was playing down Homura's role, or playing up Madoka's, or anything like that. As I said before, until we get more information, everything is pretty much up in the air, anything and everything could happen. Heck, I'm sure people are arguing in circles about Sayaka being back from the dead or not, somewhere on the internet.
|2012-10-25, 13:02
|Link #815
Join Date: Oct 2012
Madoka Magica Films Had Weekend's 2nd Best Screen Average in U.S.
Double feature in 5 U.S. cities earns US$62,340 during October 19-21 weekend
|2012-10-25, 13:08
|Link #816
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Philippines
Age: 41
ANN review here:
|2012-10-25, 14:40
|Link #817
The True Culprit
It's not really a grown-up thing to do to just write off someone's interpretation as baseless just because you disagree with it. I've provided multiple pieces of evidence that make my line of reasoning at least followable and valid.
|2012-10-25, 16:50
|Link #820
Join Date: Mar 2006
We know all five girls, plus Hitomi and likely others in the secondary cast, will play important roles in the story. We also know that the story will be Mado-Homu centric, because that's where the story ended and the movie will take place shortly after Madoka's wish.
I'm ultimately not concerned about the writing, Gen has proven himself capable. I'm more curious about plot mechanics. Is the Sayaka in the trailer a flashback, or is she alive again? What role will the other girls play? How will Homura's powers and the wings be explained? How did the Witches return?
When I said pause button, it's because Madoka didn't really win. Just like Homura, all she really ended up doing was putting a pause button on the doom scenario. Her wish defeats the immediate issues of Walpurgis and her own Witch from destroying everything, and it helps save the girls from the nasty fate of becoming Witches as well. However it still leaves the system, and all of the despair, and the most insidious element intact: Kyubey.
In my episode 10 speculation, I surmised that Homura had to meet certain criteria to win, and she hasn't done this yet. Madoka's state is a problem, actually, because she only treated the immediate problems, but the long term ones remain. She became hope, but hope is just an ideal. It's almost like she upgraded to becoming the ultimate passive player. Yeah she saved lives, but she's not really any closer to bringing anyone true happiness or a miracle than Homura is to her goals.
If anything will be explored as a premise in the movie, I suspect it will be that none of these characters have really achieved much despite their struggles. Perhaps that is a bit of Gen's own worldviews creeping in, that you cannot solve big problems by taking them upon yourself. It's too big of a burden/job for any one person to handle.
|madoka magica, movie
|Thread Tools


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Discussion in 'Odds & Ends' started by beernutz, Feb 21, 2013.
Signed, Just Curious.
Just as many of them won't wear leather, they tend to avoid any unnecessary use of animals. If you consider drinking milk too exploitative, you're unlikely to use an animals intestines.
They must be the ones with PETA stenciled on their strings
They will prolly tell ya that synthetic gut is just as good. Um... have you ever eaten a vegan chocolate cake? Yea, it's ok but definitely not as good.
I was watching a vegan chef on a cooking show and she whipped out some "vegan honey" to use in a dish, as some vegans consider consuming honey to be an exploitation of bees. It was something like a blend of corn syrup, maple syrup and lemon juice.
PETA? Does that stand for People for the Eating of Tasty Animals?
Meat is neat!
I always wonder what happens in PETA attacks Fed for using gut strings... How would he defend?
He would say he is sponsored by Wilson.
probably deep slice backhand cross court to set up a forehand winner...
He-he, cool answer Relinquis
But that's exploitation of crops!
He would whip out the swiss army knife and present the corkscrew
I was told Federer had no guts.
Wasn't Fed given a cow after he won Wimbledon (07..??) ? Did he ever barbecue it?
Anybody using human gut?
Agreed, look at my username :twisted:
Tried being vegetarian for a little while(mostly because my coach wanted me to get a little more slimmer), hated everyday of that month. I went on a straight meat eating binge after the month had ended.
I find the term "pet/pat the dog" when describing fh technique is an unnecessary animal exploitation. Every dog I know is offended by it.
People go vegetarian/vegan for different reasons. I have a friend who doesn't eat meat, dairy, or eggs due to the health/hygiene issues with how the animals are raised, slaughtered, etc. in but she has no problem at all with leather shoes or purses because that's not going into your body.
I think it depends. For a flat hitter who does not break strings I would not mind. For a topspin hiiter like me I could think of not using gut but I am not in that dilemma as I am using soft copoly in am arm friendly non- animal racket.
I am starting a company to market human gut. I have too many friends and some of them can be used for this purpose.
that is so messed up, but if they are fat then you can get more gut.
I have decided on the brand name. It will be called Evolved Gut, indicating that humans are more evolved than cats.
Fat people will be used for 16 gauge, medium ones for 17, and the slim ones for 18.
Marketing slogan is being prepared, but it will be something like:
You play against humans, not cats. Use Evolved Gut.
Soylent Green String! The ecological choice. Biodegradable. You can bury your opponents!
sureshs, not to sound 'tripe' or anything *rimshot* but how about the string names (depending on their playing characteristics) such as
Power: "Can-a-Ball"
Playability: "Human Touch"
Coated: "Foreskin"
Hybrid: "Polytripe"
Durability: "Intestinal Fortitude"
Cheap: "Fatso Synthetic"
regret posting that - sorry, that was lame
I am happy that the idea has so much support. It requires lots of guts.
Gut Feeling
think how much it would cost though. vs is like 50 dollars a set.
but if I could make gut string from any animal I would choose buffalo. those things are huge and I bet their guts can withstand a ton.
There are 7 billion human beings, and far fewer buffalo. So demand and supply indicates that human gut will be cheaper. Also, they will be chosen from poorer parts of the world to drive down the costs.
sounds good lets do it then I will take five sets in 17G
I can't stomach the thought of straightening my Auntie Jo's guts between points.
I just hope you will spare us vegetarians since our guts are quite weak. Try your friend Tushar, he eats chicken and meat, his guts should be durable. Rafa will get great topspin out of them. Mine will snap while stringing, but should suffice for poseurs like yourself.
Cannibals will like this.
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