Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving an image captured by a mobile device and determining an orientation and a geographic location of the mobile device based on the image. The method includes generating a display for the image that identifies the location of one or more merchants relative to the mobile device and providing the relative location of the one or more merchants by sending the display to the mobile device as an overlay on the image.

Abstract: A radio apparatus includes a Man-Overboard detection unit, a control unit and a distress key. The Man-Overboard detection unit outputs a Man-Overboard signal when the radio apparatus has fallen to a water surface or into water. The control unit generates a distress signal including a distress type. A distress key outputs a distress key manipulation signal to the control unit when the distress key is manipulated. When the control unit receives the Man-Overboard signal from the Man-Overboard detection unit, the control unit automatically sets a distress type of the distress signal to Man-Overboard.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing transmission and localized reception of audio, visual, and tactile signaling are taught for a myriad of useful purposes, including embodiments that permit differentiation between selected groups of intended recipients to permit simultaneous use of multiple instances of this technology in close proximity, if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing an object using acoustic emissions. Load data is received for the object. Acoustic waveform data is received for the object from an acoustic sensing system. The acoustic waveform data represents acoustic emissions emanating from the object and is detected using the acoustic sensing system. A plurality of bins is created for the load data. A plurality of frequency distribution functions is generated for the plurality of bins using the acoustic waveform data. A set of learning algorithms is applied to the plurality of frequency distribution functions and the acoustic waveform data to generate an output that allows an operator to more easily and quickly assess a structural integrity of the object.

Abstract: A sound direction estimation device includes a transfer function storage unit configured to store transfer functions of sound sources in correlation with directions of the sound sources, a calculation unit configured to calculate the number of classes to be searched and a search interval for each class based on a desired search range and a desired spatial resolution for searching for the directions of the sound sources, and a sound source localization unit configured to search the search range for every search interval using the transfer function, to estimate the direction of the sound source based on the search result, to update the search range and the search interval based on the estimated direction of the sound source until the number of classes calculated by the calculation unit is reached, and to estimate the direction of the sound source.

Abstract: A test apparatus for binaurally-coupled acoustic devices is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a lid, a primary speaker, and a binaural test fixture. The lid is coupled to the base and movable between a closed position in which the lid and base cooperate to form a closed sound chamber that is symmetric about a vertical mirror plane, and an open position. The primary speaker is coupled to one of the base and the lid, and faces a direction that lies on the mirror plane. The binaural test fixture is positioned inside the sound chamber, and includes first and second acoustic coupler mounts. The vertical mirror plane extends symmetrically between the first and second acoustic coupler mounts. A binaural test fixture, an acoustic coupler assembly, and a method of testing binaurally-coupled acoustic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmitter is provided that is capable of communicating with a management apparatus via a network and is configured to output a plurality of sound waves in a plurality of different directions. The transmitter includes a memory storing a program, and a processor configured to execute the program to implement processes of outputting a first sound wave including first unique information in a first output direction of the plurality of different directions, outputting a second sound wave including second unique information that differs from the first unique information in a second output direction that differs from the first output direction, and individually controlling the first sound wave output by the first sound wave output unit and the second sound wave output by the second sound wave output unit based on a request from the management apparatus.

Abstract: A system that detects signals and transmits data regarding certain detected signals for further analysis is disclosed. The detected signals may be analyzed to determine whether any of the detected signals correspond to a source. The system may transfer in near-real time data and information regarding the data to one or more client devices. Methods for detecting signals and transmitting data associated with the detected signals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking an asset within a geographic area. The system includes an antenna mast supportable by, and extending upward from, an object configured to move or facilitate movement of the asset. The antenna mast is capable of supporting a plurality of wireless locating units of a plurality of geo-spatial positioning systems, which are configured to locate a respective one or more locating units, and thereby the asset, within the geographic area. The system also includes a controller positionable on the object and configured to control operation of the wireless locating units. The controller is further configured to direct transmission of data to a host via one of the locating units or another wireless transmitter, and in a manner that accounts for a wireless link between the respective locating unit or other wireless transmitter and the host.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the deployment of a plurality of autonomous underwater seismic vehicles (AUVs) on or near the seabed based on acoustic communications with an underwater vehicle, such as a remotely operated vehicle. In an embodiment, the underwater vehicle is lowered from a surface vessel along with a subsea station with a plurality of AUVs. The AUVs are configured to acoustically communicate with the underwater vehicle or a second surface vessel for deployment and retrieval operations. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is configured to instruct the AUVs to leave the subsea station or underwater vehicle and to travel to their intended seabed destination. The underwater vehicle and/or second surface vessel is also configured to selectively instruct the AUVs to leave the seabed and return to a seabed location and/or a subsea station for retrieval.

Abstract: A small form-factor input device operative to be coupled to an electronic device using a cable may include a circuit board; a first electrical switch disposed on a first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on a second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; first and second shells that house the circuit board, the first shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the second shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the first shell and the second shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame.

Abstract: An audio surveillance system includes a plurality of nodes and each node includes a microphone, a speaker, and a control unit. The microphone is configured to detect sound and the speaker is configured to provide sound. The control unit is configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the plurality of nodes and the plurality of inputs are based on a detected sound; determine a location of the source of the detected sound based on the plurality of inputs; classify the detected sound according to predefined alert conditions and based on the location of the source of the detected sound; provide an alert to a monitoring device regarding the detected sound based on the classification of the detected sound; and control at least one node from the plurality of nodes to provide an audio response to the detected sound.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a voice control interface engine operative in a first mode to receive a speech command, through a microphone, from a first distance and produce, through a loudspeaker and in response to the speech command, an audible output at a first output level. One or more processors are operable with one or more proximity sensors to detect objects proximately located with a housing of the electronic device. Where there are none, a timer can be initiated. Upon expiration of the timer, the one or more processors can then transition the voice control interface engine to a second mode operative to receive the speech command from a second distance and produce, in response to the speech command, the audible output at a second output level, where the second distance is greater than the first distance and the second output level is greater than the first output level.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and method for generating underwater navigational information includes receiving data from a user, obtaining inertial data from inertial sensors, producing an estimation of a propulsion power by the user at a predetermined points of time by calculations at least partly based on the obtained inertial data, a hydrodynamic coefficient is calculated for the user at least partly based on the input data by the user, a velocity of the user is calculated at least partly on a basis of the estimated propulsion power and the determined hydrodynamic coefficient, heading information of the user at the predetermined points of time is calculated from the obtained inertial data, the calculated velocity information is combined with the calculated heading information at corresponding points of time and navigational information is generated.

Abstract: An acoustic processing device includes: a sound pickup unit configured to record an acoustic signal; a motion detection unit configured to detect the motion of the device; a self-localization unit configured to estimate the position of the device based on the acoustic signal and the motion; and a use determination unit configured to determine whether or not to use the acoustic signal in a sound source localization unit detecting the position of a target sound source to be detected based on the intensity of a reference signal incoming from a reference sound source determined in advance.

Abstract: A sound apparatus includes: an acceptance unit that accepts an input of an input audio signal from outside; a communication unit that accepts from a terminal apparatus first direction information indicating a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which a virtual sound source is arranged; a position information generation unit that generates virtual sound source position information based on listening position information, the first direction information and boundary information, the listening position information indicating a listening position, the boundary information indicating a boundary of a space where the virtual sound source is arranged, the virtual sound source position information indicating a position of the virtual sound source on the boundary; a signal generation unit that imparts, based on loudspeaker position information, the listening position information and the virtual sound source position information, a sound effect to the input audio signal such that a sound is heard a

Abstract: A system for monitoring and directing athletic or other physical activities is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a headset worn by an athlete includes one or more sensors, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory and a communication link. The athlete's headset receives and transmits signals to a coach while the athlete is performing an activity. In this embodiment, the present invention provides coordinated audio streams to the athlete during his/her activity and training.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a power supply, a connector, and a surgical instrument having a body assembly, a transmission assembly, a transducer, and a connection assembly. The connection assembly is configured to selectively electrically couple electrodes on the transducer with wires of the connector. The connection assembly may be operable in response to actuation of a trigger. Various connection assemblies include an extensible member that extends to contact an electrode, a rotatable member that rotates a contact into contact with an electrode, a solenoid that extends contacts coupled to each end of the solenoid into the electrodes, or a solenoid that translates a frame having contacts towards the electrodes. Alternatively, the surgical instrument may include a connection assembly having a slip ring and a weighted cable end. Still further, the connection assembly may include contacts on a coupleable member that may be decoupled from contacts on the transducer.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a voice control interface engine operative in a first mode to receive a speech command, through a microphone, from a first distance and produce, through a loudspeaker and in response to the speech command, an audible output at a first output level. One or more processors are operable with one or more sensors to detect a predefined user input. The one or more processors can then transition the voice control interface engine to a second mode operative to receive the speech command from a second distance and produce, in response to the speech command, the audible output at a second output level, where the second distance is less than the first distance and the second output level less than the first output level.

Abstract: A transducer amplification circuit may include a preamplifier circuit with a signal input receiving a transducer signal to provide an amplified transducer signal comprising audible frequency components and ultrasonic frequency components. The transducer amplification circuit may include a first sigma-delta modulator configured to sample and quantize the amplified transducer signal to generate a first digital transducer signal comprising a first quantization noise signal. The first sigma-delta modulator may include a first noise transfer function having a high pass response in at least a portion of an audible frequency range to push the quantization noise signal to ultrasonic frequencies. A second sigma-delta modulator is configured to sample and quantize the amplified transducer signal to generate a second digital transducer signal comprising a second quantization noise signal.

Abstract: Wireless location identification systems, methods, and devices include a wireless device configured to transmit at least one sonic signal operating on at least one acoustic frequency and to receive at least one echo signal indicative of the at least one sonic signal being reflected by objects in a current location, an audio module configured to measure the received at least one echo signal and process the at least one echo signal to extract attributes of the echo signal and generate at least one echo profile characteristic; and logic configured to compare the at least one profile characteristic with previously-stored sonic characteristics that are correlated with pre-identified locations. The current location is then identified as a pre-identified location correlated to the previously-stored sonic characteristics that match the at least one profile characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for deriving a directional information from a plurality of microphone signals or from a plurality of components of a microphone signal, wherein different effective microphone look directions are associated with the microphone signals or components, has a combiner configured to obtain a magnitude value from a microphone signal or a component of the microphone signal. The combiner is further configured to combine direction information items describing the effective microphone look directions, such that a direction information item describing a given effective microphone look direction is weighted in dependence on the magnitude value of the microphone signal, or of the component of the microphone signal, associated with the given effective microphone look direction, to derive the directional information.

Abstract: A technique is directed to interfacing a user to an online meeting. The technique includes performing an evaluation operation on a set of input/output (I/O) devices available for use by the user during the online meeting, each I/O device of the set being constructed and arranged to perform a same I/O function. The evaluation operation assesses online meeting performance of each I/O device of the set. The technique further includes selecting an I/O device based on a result of the evaluation operation. The technique further includes involving the selected I/O device of the set in the online meeting and excluding a non-selected I/O device of the set from the online meeting. Accordingly, the best suited I/O device can automatically be selected to improve the user experience. In some arrangements, rather than automatically switching I/O devices, the user is automatically prompted with a recommended I/O device to use.

Abstract: A streamer without a tail buoy for a marine survey is disclosed. The method and system here relate to an embodiment where at least one streamer in a marine survey is free of tail buoys. An embodiment shows that a vessel is deployed in an area where the tail end of the streamer is. In one embodiment, a vessel serves as a visual reference indicating streamer end(s). In an embodiment, a vessel is operable to control marine traffic. Because the method and system include at least one streamer without a tail buoy, entanglement of the streamer may be reduced. In some embodiments, the existing navigation equipment on a vessel may be utilized to locate a tail end of at least one streamer. The existing navigation system on the vessel may also be employed to communicate with the corresponding equipment on a survey vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for calibrating BLE signal strengths to high-accuracy/precise distances. The present disclosure involves auto-calibrating BLE-based tracking systems, such as, for example, those used indoors using acoustic signals. The present disclosure enables BLE-based distance estimation to be accurate to decimeters and centimeters. The disclosed systems and methods utilize signals communicated to and from roaming devices in order to determine the distance(s) between the roaming device and installed BLE units. A signal-strength to distance map can then be constructed for reuse on any device with a Bluetooth component.

Abstract: A method for identifying a gunshot occurrence. According to one embodiment, microphone data and inertial motion data are acquired with a hand-held device. Based on an acoustic criterion, a determination is made as to whether a gunshot has been produced. Based on a correlation criterion applied to the inertial motion data, a determination is made as to whether the gunshot was produced from fire produced by a first person having physical possession of the hand-held device or by a second person spaced away from the first person.

Abstract: A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which enables to determine locations of subscribers in indoor and/or small outdoor areas by means of mobile devices and to make notifications specific for subscribers over mobile device according to this location information determined. The inventive system comprises mobile device, receiver, detection unit, sound emission apparatus, wide area location monitoring unit, database, small area location monitoring unit, database and notification platform.

Abstract: A system for guiding a swimmer that includes a destination device configured to be arranged near a destination location which a swimmer will swim towards. The system further includes directional determination equipment configured to determine a direction the swimmer should swim towards based, at least in part, on the swimmer's current position in reference to the destination device. The system further includes directional guidance equipment configured to indicate to the swimmer the determined direction the swimmer should swim towards, wherein the directional guidance equipment includes a first guidance device configured to be worn by the swimmer while swimming and having first vibration hardware for vibrating the first guidance device, and wherein the directional guidance equipment dynamically indicates for the swimmer to swim in the direction via at least the first vibration means.

Abstract: A small form-factor input device operative to be coupled to an electronic device using a cable may include a circuit board; a first electrical switch disposed on a first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on a second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; first and second shells that house the circuit board, the first shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the second shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the first shell and the second shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame.

Abstract: A multichannel acoustic echo reduction system is described herein. The system includes an acoustic echo canceller (AEC) component having a fixed filter for each respective combination of loudspeaker and microphone signals and having an adaptive filter for each microphone signal. For each microphone signal, the AEC component modifies the microphone signal to reduce contributions from the outputs of the loudspeakers based at least in part on the respective adaptive filter associated with the microphone signal and the set of fixed filters associated with the respective microphone signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for tracking locations of a plurality of sound sources. According to the apparatus and the method, a task for searching sound source candidates is repeated at respective predetermined frames of microphone signals to collect sound source candidates, and only the collected sound source candidates are verified through beamforming, thereby more rapidly and accurately tracking the plurality of sound sources in spite of using a small number of microphones.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a microphone configured for audio use, an ultrasonic signal, applying an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to the signal to generate a digital version of the signal, obtaining phase information from the digital version of the signal, and determining a position of an emitter of the ultrasonic signal based on the phase information.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transceiver device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a circuit board mounted with an electronic circuit processing ultrasonic signals transmitted and received through the transceiver device; a housing including a device storing portion storing the transceiver device, a board storing portion storing the circuit board and a communication hole for bringing the device storing portion and the board storing portion into communication with each other, the board storing portion having an opening; and an electric connection unit extending through the communication hole to electrically interconnect the transceiver device and the circuit board. A cover member is installed in the opening of the board storing portion to hermetically seal the board storing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining 3D content is provided. The apparatus comprises: a lighting unit for outputting a lighting pattern having coordinate information; a depth sensor for receiving a returning beam output from the lighting unit and reflected from an object; a 2D image capturing unit for obtaining a second-dimensional image; a data processor for calculating the depth of each region using the distribution of characteristics represented on an image obtained by the depth sensor, and processing the 2D image data obtained by the 2D image capturing unit and the calculated depth data and encoding the same according to a predetermined format; and a controller for controlling the lighting unit, the 2D image capturing unit, and the data processor. The lighting unit comprises a light source and an optical element comprising a plurality of sub-grid regions for modulating beams coming from the light source.

Abstract: A rugged hand-held mobile computing device for a forester to collect and use dendrometric data from trees and tree stands is claimed. The device includes a processor which operates in connection with a memory, a user interface, a GPS receiver, a sound sensor capable of emitting an ultra-sonic pulse and a computer readable code embodied on the memory. The device communicates with a transponder by way of the ultra-sonic pulse emitted by the sound sensor. The transponder also emits an ultra-sonic pulse back to device. The device calculates the distance traveled based on the knowledge of the speed of the pulses. The memory, which also includes basic mapping software, uses the data to update a map in real time with the location of the trees and other information collected.

Abstract: An audio source localization apparatus receives signals from a microphone array (101), and a reference processor (105) generates at least three reference beams with different directional properties. An estimation processor (107) which generates simultaneous direction estimates for two sound sources, comprises a circuit (401) combining signals of the at least three reference beams with a beam shape parameter reflecting a shape of an audio beamform and a beam direction parameter reflecting a direction of an audio beamform for the combined signal. A cost processor (403) generates a cost measure indicative of an energy of the combined signal and a minimization processor (405) estimates values of the beam shape parameter and the beam direction parameter which correspond to a local minimum of the cost measure. A direction processor (407) then determines simultaneous direction estimates for two sound sources from the determined parameter values.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing a multichannel audio signal comprising at least two channels configured to: estimate a value representing a direction of arrival associated with a first audio signal from at least a first channel and a second audio signal from at least a second channel of at least two channels of a multichannel audio signal; determine a scaling factor dependent on the direction of arrival associated with the first audio signal and the second audio signal; and apply the scaling factor to a parameter associated with a difference in audio signal levels between the first audio signal and the second audio sign.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for transmitting positioning signals, a method for indoor positioning based on the positioning signals, and an apparatus for performing the same. The method comprises receiving a plurality of acoustic or ultrasonic waves; measuring strengths of the received plurality of acoustic or ultrasonic waves; identifying frequencies of the received plurality of acoustic waves or ultrasonic waves; and performing positioning based on the measured strengths and the identified frequencies of the received plurality of acoustic waves or ultrasonic waves. Accordingly, positioning can be easily performed without additional separate hardware configurations, and positioning accuracy suitable for indoor positioning services can be achieved.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are disclosed for utilizing passively received audio signals to determine proximity of devices to other objects. In one embodiment, a method of passive proximity detection is provided that includes sensing a first sound wave using a first audio transducer and generating a first signal representative of the first sound wave. A second sound wave is also sensed and a second signal is generated. The method includes comparing characteristics of the first and second signals using a processor to determine if differences between the first and second signals indicate the first audio transducer is proximately located to another object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water are provided. A method comprises determining an initial position of the vehicle while the vehicle is at or near a water surface. The method further comprises coupling the vehicle and a base node to a weight and determining a position of the base node once the base node and vehicle have reached the floor of the body of water using acoustic modems of the vehicle and a surface vessel to aid in calculating the position as they descend, and acoustically transferring the at rest position on the seafloor from the vehicle to the node. The method further comprises decoupling the vehicle from the node and weight and determining a position of the vehicle based on the position of the base node and acoustic signals exchanged between acoustic modems of the vehicle and the base node.

Abstract: Optical range finders are configured to transmit optical bursts toward a target and detect a corresponding received burst. DC offset in the received burst due to square law detection can be offset based on a difference between high pass and low pass filtered portions of the received burst. Edge records associated with bursts can be obtained, and correlated with a reference signal or waveform to obtain a range estimate.

Abstract: An electronic device for locating an underwater target transmitting a signal comprises a housing; a display; at least one transducer for receiving the signal from the underwater target; a processor connected to receive signals from the at least one transducer and to control the display; and a memory storing computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: determine a bearing to the underwater target based on the signals from the at least one transducer; determine an uncertainty in the determined bearing; and, control the display to display the determined bearing and uncertainty.

Abstract: A mobile recording device comprises means for detecting an audio signal emitted by the first device and means for measuring a strength of the audio signal. A server or the mobile comprises means for using the measured signal strength to estimate a distance between the first and second devices. A server comprises means for storing first and second collections of data sets, each of the data sets of the first collection comprising an emission time stamp, each of the data sets of the second collection comprising a reception time stamp and data indicative of a received signal strength; means for using emission time stamps and reception time stamps of the data sets to identify a data set of the first collection that corresponds to a data set of the second collection; and means for using the data indicative of the signal strength from the identified data set of the second collection to estimate the distance between devices that are sources of the identified data sets.

Abstract: A sound processing device includes a sound collection unit configured to record a sound signal, a tilt information acquisition unit configured to acquire tilt information on a tilt of the sound processing device, an azimuth estimation unit configured to estimate azimuths of a sound source in a plane in which the sound collection unit is arranged based on the sound signals which are recorded by the sound collection unit at least at two times; and an elevation angle estimation unit configured to estimate an elevation angle of the sound source with respect to the plane in which the sound collection unit is arranged based on the tilt information acquired by the tilt information acquisition unit and the azimuths estimated by the azimuth estimation unit at least at two times.

Abstract: A method for measuring sea waves includes: transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transmitter 2 provided on a buoy 1 into the sea, and receiving the ultrasonic waves from three transponders 3 on the seabed together with the time signals; detecting distances between the transponders 3 and the ultrasonic transmitter 2 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves; high-pass filtering the distance data to extract a short-term fluctuation component; preparing and solving linear equations to determine the displacement in the height direction of the short-term fluctuation component and obtain a wave height.

Abstract: An audio quality enhancing apparatus and method is provided in which a microphone array has a non-uniform configuration and thus a beam pattern of a desired direction is obtained in a wide range of frequencies including higher frequency bands and lower frequency bands even when the microphone array is relatively small.

Abstract: The method for instrumenting a container, especially intended to receive an assortment of materials, capable of being set moving in a preset coordinate system, said method comprises the following steps: placing at least one communicating element in the container on an internal surface of the container; and tracking the location of each communicating element over time in the preset coordinate system.

Abstract: Provided is a wireless power transmission apparatus. The apparatus includes an ultrasound transmitter generating an ultrasound signal in response to an external source voltage and transmitting the generated ultrasound signal to a medium layer and an ultrasound receiver receiving the ultrasound signal through the medium layer and converting the received ultrasound signal into a driving voltage. The ultrasound transmitter and receiver are manufactured to control impedance values thereof to be matched with each other and a distance between the ultrasound transmitter and receiver is controlled according to predetermined distance conditions.

Abstract: A mobile communications device contains at least two microphones. One microphone is located away from the handset receiver and serves to pick up voice of a near end user of the device for transmission to the other party during a call. Another microphone is located near the handset receiver and serves to pick up acoustic output of the handset receiver (a far end signal). A signal processor measures the frequency response of the receiver. The signal processor performs spectral analysis of the receiver frequency response to determine whether or not the device is being held at the ear of the user. On that basis, the device automatically changes its operating mode, e.g., turns on or off a touch sensitive display screen during the call. Other embodiments are also described.