Abstract: The adaptive system and method for ultrasound sensing comprises re-evaluating over time the detection threshold for predetermined sensing positions along the scanning direction to cope for the static target and environment changes at the sensing positions. The method includes comparing the measured echo value at each sensing position to a reference echo value corresponding to the same sensing position, and to iteratively determine a new reference value whenever the echo value is greater than the reference echo value and that the difference between the measured echo value and the reference echo value is lower than a detection assurance factor. The use of the adaptive ultrasound sensing system and method allows locating the sensor at different location without requiring a new calibration thereof, since the sensor learns the clutter dynamically and the detection thresholds are being built accordingly without being dependent on the environment in which the sensor is located.

Abstract: Safety apparatus and method for sensing the presence of an object in a safety zone including at least one ultrasonic transducer having an asymmetrical transmission field and received signal processing circuitry operative to receive signals reflected from objects within the asymmetrical transmission field and to discard signals lying outside an asymmetrical detection field lying within the asymmetrical transmission field and defining the safety zone.

Abstract: The invention provides for an ultrasonic transducer support with a reflector attached such that a stray energy shield is designed to at least partially envelop the transducer in order to limit the angular range of ultrasonic energy which impinges on the transducer.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle including at least one sensor (20) viewing at least one region (22) in an interior portion of a vehicle defining a protected volume at least partially in front of the vehicle airbag, and logic circuitry responsive to the at least one sensor (20) for determining geometric data of objects (151) in the protected volume.

Abstract: A door control apparatus for vehicles includes at least one sensor (60, 62, 64) viewing at least one region (22) in the vicinity of a door (18), logic circuitry responsive to said at least one sensor (60, 62, 64) for providing at least one region-clear output signal, and automatic door opening and closing apparatus (24) responsive at least to the absence of said at least one region-clear output signal to cause opening of said door (18) and responsive at least to the presence of said at least one region-clear signal to cause closing of said door (18).

Abstract: Door control apparatus for vehicles including at least one sensor viewing at least one region in the vicinity of a door, logic circuitry responsive to the sensor for providing at least one region clear output signal and automatic door opening and door closing apparatus responsive at least to the absence of a region clear signal to cause opening of the door and responsive at least to the presence of a region clear output signal to cause closing of the door.

Abstract: A platform sensing and control system including a wireless sensor (10, 12) for sensing at least the presence of a platform (26) opposite a door (32) of a railcar and providing an output indication of at least a platform presence in response thereto, and a door control controller (14) operative in response to the output indication of at least platform (26) presence for enduring that normally a door (32) is not opened other than when a platform (26) is located opposite such door (32).

Abstract: A digital input device for entering data into a digital system, comprises at least two remote sensors and a control unit. A working area is set up in proximity to the sensors and the position of an object within the working area is detected by the input device based on data provided by each sensor and transmitted, by said control unit, to said digital system. The position of an object outside said working area, if detected by said input device, is rejected by said control unit and is not transmitted to said digital system. The sensors can be ultrasonic sensors and the object can be a part of the body of a user. Use of a third sensor allows three-dimensional detection of the object.

Abstract: A microscanner (30, 32, 34, 36) is cascaded with the electromechanical scanners (12, 14) in imaging systems to enhance their performance and correct inherent deficiencies in the scanning and/or the displayed imagery.

Abstract: A thermal imaging apparatus including a non-linear optomechanical scanner receiving radiation from a scene and directing it onto an image plane, the scanner defining a non-linear scan velocity in the image plane, a SPRITE detector disposed in the image plane including a first and second spaced contact and including apparatus for applying a bias voltage across the contacts in both directions thereby compensating for the non-linearity of the scanner and further taking into account the phase lag due to the detector and associated electronic circuitry and apparatus for filtering out the bias voltage from the output of the detector so that the output signal consists only of the signal due to photon flux.