Abstract: The invention provides a head-mounted display to visualize a medium through a surface by displaying an image characterizing the medium under the surface provided by a profiling system and referenced in the real environment of the user. An image of the medium under the surface is projected in front of one or both eyes of a person wearing the head-mounted display, in superimposition with the real environment of the user. The head-mounted display comprises a positioning sensor, such as an inertial positioning sensor, for determining its position and orientation in the real environment. As the user moves around the medium, the image of the medium is updated to display the medium as if it could be seen through the surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the image of the medium under surface is displayed in stereoscopy, the user thereby visualizing the medium in three dimensions.

Abstract: A head-mounted display to visualize a medium through a surface by displaying an image characterizing the medium under the surface provided by a profiling system and referenced in the real environment of the user. An image of the medium under the surface is projected in front of one or both eyes of a person wearing the head-mounted display, in superimposition with the real environment of the user. The head-mounted display comprises a positioning sensor, such as an inertial positioning sensor, for determining its position and orientation in the real environment. As the user moves around the medium, the image of the medium is updated to display the medium as if it could be seen through the surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the image of the medium under surface is displayed in stereoscopy, the user thereby visualizing the medium in three dimensions.

Abstract: The invention provides a head-mounted display to visualize a medium through a surface by displaying an image characterizing the medium under the surface provided by a profiling system and referenced in the real environment of the user. An image of the medium under the surface is projected in front of one or both eyes of a person wearing the head-mounted display, in superimposition with the real environment of the user. The head-mounted display comprises a positioning sensor, such as an inertial positioning sensor, for determining its position and orientation in the real environment. As the user moves around the medium, the image of the medium is updated to display the medium as if it could be seen through the surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the image of the medium under surface is displayed in stereoscopy, the user thereby visualizing the medium in three dimensions.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an acceleration on a surface. The sensor exchanging messages with a computing means through a communication interface. The sensor comprises an accelerometer for outputting a signal representative of the acceleration and an interface unit comprising a transmitting circuit. The interface unit receives the signal representative of the acceleration and modulates the same for transmission to the computing means.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an acceleration on a surface. The sensor exchanging messages with a computer through a communication interface. The sensor comprises an accelerometer for outputting a signal representative of the acceleration and an interface unit comprising a transmitting circuit. The interface unit receives the signal representative of the acceleration and modulates the signal for transmission to the computer.

Abstract: A profiling system for obtaining a characterization of a medium under a surface. The profiling system comprising a plurality of system components exchanging messages through a communication interface. The system components comprise an energy impulse generator, a sensing assembly, and a user-computing interface. The generator, for transferring an energy pulse to the surface, comprises generator communication means for exchanging the messages with other system components. The sensing assembly includes sensors. Each one of the sensors comprises an accelerometer for detecting an acceleration on the surface resulting from the energy pulse and producing a signal representative of the acceleration. Each one of the sensors also comprises an interface communication means for transmitting the signal representative of the acceleration and exchanging messages with other system components through the communication interface.

Abstract: An energy impulse generator for transferring an energy pulse to a surface. The generator exchanges messages with a computing means through a communication interface. The generator comprises a housing. The generator further comprises an impact assembly movably mounted within the housing between at least a resting position, a latched position and an impact position. In the impact position, the impact assembly transfers the energy pulse to the surface. The generator also includes an energy storage means attached to the impact assembly. In the latched position, the energy storage means is capable of releasing a specified amount of energy to the impact assembly such that upon release of the specified amount of energy the impact assembly moves from the latched position to the impact position then returns to the resting position. The computing means controls the release of the specified amount of energy to the impact assembly.

Abstract: A profiling system for obtaining a characterization of a medium under a surface. The profiling system comprising a plurality of system components exchanging messages through a communication interface. The system components comprise an energy impulse generator, a sensing assembly, and a user-computing interface. The generator, for transferring an energy pulse to the surface, comprises generator communication means for exchanging the messages with other system components. The sensing assembly includes sensors. Each one of the sensors comprises an accelerometer for detecting an acceleration on the surface resulting from the energy pulse and producing a signal representative of the acceleration. Each one of the sensors also comprises an interface communication means for transmitting the signal representative of the acceleration and exchanging messages with other system components through the communication interface.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an acceleration on a surface. The sensor exchanging messages with a computing means through a communication interface. The sensor comprises an accelerometer for outputting a signal representative of the acceleration and an interface unit comprising a transmitting circuit. The interface unit receives the signal representative of the acceleration and modulates the same for transmission to the computing means.

Abstract: An energy impulse generator for transferring an energy pulse to a surface. The generator exchanges messages with a computing means through a communication interface. The generator comprises a housing. The generator further comprises an impact assembly movably mounted within the housing between at least a resting position, a latched position and an impact position. In the impact position, the impact assembly transfers the energy pulse to the surface. The generator also includes an energy storage means attached to the impact assembly. In the latched position, the energy storage means is capable of releasing a specified amount of energy to the impact assembly such that upon release of the specified amount of energy the impact assembly moves from the latched position to the impact position then returns to the resting position. The computing means controls the release of the specified amount of energy to the impact assembly.