Abstract: A first endpoint generates an acoustic spread spectrum signal including a pilot sequence and a data sequence representing a token synchronized to the pilot sequence, transmits the acoustic spread spectrum signal, and records a transmit time at which the acoustic spread spectrum signal is transmitted. A receive time at which a second endpoint received the acoustic spread spectrum signal transmitted by the first endpoint is received from the second endpoint along with an indication of a second token as recovered from the received acoustic spread spectrum signal by the second endpoint. A separation distance between the first endpoint and the second endpoint is computed based on a time difference between the transmit time and the receive time. The first endpoint is paired with the second endpoint when the token matches the second token and the computed distance is less than a threshold distance.

Abstract: A computer apparatus determines a highly accurate displacement of a sonar array in real time using multiple processors and data objects. The processors receive multiple sonar pings from a sonar array, instantiate the quasi-unique sonar objects, beamform, and update the objects using time-delay functions. Each object includes properties such as a time of flight value associated with a first ping, time-delay values associated with a second ping, a speed of sound value associated with the pair of consecutive pings, a sonar beam angle value associated with the first ping, and the displacement value. Processing code in each object utilize these properties to update the displacement value and provide it for SAS imaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect spillover in an audience monitoring system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes means for sampling first and second audio signals. The first audio signal is received from a source by a first microphone. The second audio signal is associated with the source and received by a second microphone. The second microphone is separated from the first microphone by a first distance. The example apparatus includes means for calculating a time delay between receipt of the first and second audio signals. The example apparatus includes means for determining whether the time delay is within a threshold time difference. The example apparatus includes means for retaining media associated with the source when the time delay is within the threshold time difference. The means for retaining is to ignore the media associated with the source when the time delay exceeds the threshold time difference.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for determining the geographic location of an end-user device using a multilateration calculation. The end-user device collects a depth map at a location in a path network. Two-dimensional feature geometries are extracted from the depth map, and a number of control points are identified in the extracted feature geometries. Distances are calculated between the end-user device and the identified control points. Location reference information is received for each identified control point from an external database. A geographic location of the end-user device in the path network is determined through a multilateration calculation using the location reference information of the identified control points and the calculated distances between the end-user device and each identified control point.

Abstract: A controller for an autonomous vehicle receives audio signals from one or more microphones. The audio signals are input to a machine learning model that classifies the source of the audio features. For example, features may be classified as originating from a vehicle. A direction to a source of the audio features is determined based on relative delays of the audio features in signals from multiple microphones. Where audio features are classified with an above-threshold confidence as originating from a vehicle, collision avoidance is performed with respect to the direction to the source of the audio features. The direction to the source of the audio features may be correlated with vehicle images and/or map data to increase a confidence score that the source of the audio features is a parked vehicle with its engine running. Collision avoidance may then be performed with potential paths of the parked vehicle.

Abstract: Range to a human speaker is determined using a laser-based time of flight (ToF) system, with the range then being used to adjust the gain of a microphone receiving the speaker's voice. If desired, an acoustic-based Direction of Arrival (DoA) system uses acoustic information to determine the direction of incoming sound, such as a person talking, and the direction of the sound is then used to focus the area of laser illumination.

Abstract: A fault monitoring system for an electrical substation includes one or more arrays of acoustic sensors placed around a substation boundary and configured to measure acoustic pressure waves. A processing circuitry in the fault monitoring system localizes and identifies faults in the substation and includes a sound source localization module to identify an area of a sound source based on the acoustic pressure waves. A beamforming module of processing circuitry provides enhanced acoustic pressure waves by eliminating background noise and interfering noise from the acoustic pressure waves and a component signature classification module in the processing circuitry compares enhanced acoustic pressure waves with component signatures to classify the acoustic pressure waves into various events to detect faults in the electrical substation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in general to media streaming, such as music streaming. In particular, this disclosure presents various embodiments of methods, portable electronic devices (200), computer servers (300) and computer program that allow for identifying an audio source (e.g., a music source) that is currently outputting audio (e.g., playing music). In an example scenario, this may allow a user to identify a social gathering such as a party where music is being played.

Abstract: In some example embodiments there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a user equipment, at least one radio signal and at least one audio signal received via a microphone at the user equipment; and determining, by the user equipment, a distance between the user equipment and at least one other device by at least determining angle of arrival for the at least one radio signal and determining a time difference of arrival for the audio signal received via the microphone. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A transmitter subsystem periodically transmits ranging signals at transmit times, and a receiver subsystem receives the ranging signals at receive times within a receiver window having an adjustable time duration. A real-time position of a mobile device supporting one of the subsystems is determined based on differences between the receive and transmit times. An expected arrival time for the transmitted ranging signals is determined based on the real-time position of the mobile device. Each receive time is compared with the expected arrival time to obtain a consistency rate of the ranging signals that are received by the receiver subsystem directly from the transmitter subsystem. The time duration of the receiver window is dynamically adjusted based on the consistency rate.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for emergency management during threatening events such as gunfire incidents. In some exemplary implementations, systems and methods may provide information to computer-based and mobile-device user interfaces, enabling various features and capabilities such as notifying site-based subscribers and public safety personnel that an emergency has occurred at a specific location. Implementations may also provide users with real-time information that can utilized by on-site personnel and responding public safety personnel to mitigate the emergency. Further, aspects may include configurations and/or capabilities that integrate with external technology platforms such as computer aided dispatch systems, surveillance camera systems, and security systems such as those having electronic lock control.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting marine mammals and mitigating sound effects on them. The mammal detecting and mitigating system includes a first mammal monitoring system and a second mammal monitoring system. The first and second mammal monitoring systems are configured to be deployed away from each other, and the first and second monitoring systems communicate to each other such that the first mammal monitoring system is informed about a presence of a marine mammal detected by the second mammal monitoring system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a spatial position measurement apparatus, includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave accompanying with a transmission source identifiable from three or more transmission sensors provided on a first object; a detection unit configured to detect the ultrasonic wave received by two or more reception sensors provided on a second object; a distance calculation unit configured to calculate distances between the transmission sensors and the reception sensors based on propagation time of the ultrasonic wave; and a coordinate calculation unit configured to calculate, in a coordinate system where a position of one group out of a group of the transmission sensors and a group of the reception sensors is fixed, positional coordinates of another group based on the distances.

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 video audio recording system includes a video acquisition unit, an audio acquisition unit, a video recording parameter acquisition unit, and an audio emphasis unit. The video acquisition unit acquires a video signal by recording video of a subject. The audio acquisition unit acquires an audio signal by recording a sound. The video recording parameter acquisition unit acquires first information representing a video recording direction of the video acquisition unit and second information representing a positional relationship between the video acquisition unit and the audio acquisition unit. The audio emphasis unit emphasizes, based on the acquired first and second information, the acquired audio signal of the sound arriving in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a weapon management system using a cop's black-box which collects environment information by sensing an aiming movement of a user to a subject according to use of a weapon from a first cop's black-box, and receives, from a plurality of second cop's black-boxes located within a preset radial distance from the user, external environment information based on the aiming movement of the user, a cop's black-box, and a method for the same. Use of the weapon may be monitored in real time using collected environment information and external environment information such that a further action can be taken.

Abstract: A high performance computing strategy along with the capability to integrate various layers of data within a modeling framework incorporates various tools such as ambient noise, vessel and animal data to measure acute and chronic noise levels, detect and classify marine mammal vocalizations, and compute various metrics such as receive levels, signal excess, masking and communication space over relatively large temporal and spatial scales.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying the location of gunfire from a moving object in which at least two spaced apart microphones are positioned on the moving object. The output from the microphones is decomposed into intrinsic mode functions by using empirical mode decomposition. A transient pulse is then identified in the intrinsic mode function representative of the gunfire. The location of the origin of the gunfire is then determined from the transient pulses through multilateration using time difference of arrival of the transient pulses by the microphones.

Abstract: An incident monitoring and response system may include observer communication devices that are located in an area where an incident is occurring within a monitored region. A monitoring station sends an incident mode message to observer communication devices within the area. Upon receiving the incident mode message, the observer communication devices enter an incident mode in which the functionality of the device is limited. This limited functionality includes limiting the types of communications that an observer may engage in and the types of applications that can be accessed.

Abstract: A wireless actuator circuit configured to actuate a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch is provided. The wireless actuator circuit includes a transmitter portion and a receiver portion operatively coupled to the transmitter portion. The transmitter portion includes an oscillator device configured to generate a signal at a determined frequency and a first antenna operatively coupled to the oscillator device to receive a modulated signal. Further, the receiver portion includes a second antenna configured to receive the modulated signal from the transmitter portion, a radio frequency power detector configured to detect the modulated signal and a comparator configured to produce a control signal in response to the modulated signal detected by the radio frequency power detector to toggle the MEMS switch.

Abstract: An acoustic sensing system and method includes at least one cluster of acoustic sensors in communication with a computing device. The computing device is configured to process received acoustic signals, and provide at least one of detection of the acoustic source presence; determination of direction of arrival of an acoustic wave emitted by an acoustic source; and classification of the acoustic source as to its nature. The cluster may include at least two sensors and the computing device may be configured to process the received acoustic signals and provide localization of the acoustic source in three dimensions. The cluster of acoustic sensors may comprise at least one seismic wave sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking aircraft, helicopters and/or other objects at an airfield using acoustics of the aircraft, helicopters and/or other objects. A method receives first acoustical data at a first sensor and second acoustical data is also received at a second sensor. The first and second sensors may be carried by a first structurally supportive body member. Based at least in part on the first acoustical data and the second acoustical data a range and a bearing of the aircraft is determined from a predetermined location at the airfield. The range and bearing can be determined by using a beam forming algorithm. Based on the range and the bearing, the method displays the location the aircraft on a display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning system using sound waves. The system provides the current location of a user carrying a dedicated terminal or any portable equipment possessing a microphone and a speaker in real time by using sound waves propagating in slow speed in various indoor spaces such as shopping malls, museums, and art galleries where GPS signals are not received.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method and device for tracking movements of marine animals or objects in large bodies of water and across significant distances. The method and device can track an acoustic transmitter attached to an animal or object beneath the ocean surface by employing an unmanned surface vessel equipped with a hydrophone array and GPS receiver.

Abstract: The relative positions of two or more electronic devices can be determined utilizing ultrasonic beacons. Each device can have a unique signature that can be included in the beacon broadcast by that device. A device having an array of ultrasonic detectors can receive a beacon and correlate the beacon received at each detector. The time of arrival then can be used to determine the relative position of the source of the beacon. The signature in that beacon can also be used to determine the identity of the device that broadcast the beacon, in order to determine the identity of the device, or a user of that device, at the determined relative position. The devices can be configured to transmit signals over the air or through a specific transmission medium, such as propagating surface. Further, a dedicated detector array can be used for determining multiple relative positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for locating an event transmitting a signal, including a set of sensors (Ai-Am) to measure the response times of the said signal, and processing means (3) to solve a system of equations defining distances between the said sensors and the said event as a function of a speed of propagation of the said signal and of an offset of the said response times relative to a reference time, where the device also includes: processing means (3) to recommence multiple times the solution of the system of equations, each time modifying the response time of at least one of the said sensors according to a local variation, and processing means (3) to determine the location of the event as a function of the positions obtained when the different solutions of the system of equations are found.

Abstract: A method for localizing signals of interest includes initializing characteristics of the signals. Signals are acquired from a sensor array having at least three acoustic sensors. After digitization and conditioning, the signals associated with each sensor are validated by comparison with initialized characteristics. The signals are correlated across sensor groups to obtain time differences of arrival (TDOA). These TDOA are validated and associated with other TDOA from different times. TDOA from different sensor pairs are associated when they share a common sensor. A hyperbola of possible locations is created for each validated TDOA. Summation of the hyperbolas gives an intensity function. The location is identified as the most intense point in the intensity function. The source can be tracked across time as a computer output.

Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasonic locationing system includes an emitter operable to emit two different ultrasonic frequencies simultaneously in one ultrasonic burst. A receiver with at least two microphones is operable to receive the ultrasonic burst. A correlator is operable to correlate the signals obtained from each microphone to derive a time difference of arrival of the ultrasonic burst at each microphone. The time difference of arrival of the ultrasonic signal from the emitter impinging on each microphone of the receiver is utilized to determine a location of the emitter.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a detector disposed under the sea, comprising the following steps: emit N waves from N emission points, record the propagation time of said wave between each emission point and the detector; determine the P time intervals Ti, with P?1 such that, for each time interval Ti, there exist Mi emission points, Mi?3 for 1?i?P, whose propagation times lie in the time interval, determine for each time interval Ti of the circle which passes closest to the Mi points whose propagation time lies in said time interval, and then determine the position of the detector as being the barycenter of the P centers of the circles determined previously.

Abstract: A position information providing device includes a display control portion which controls, based on sound position information showing sound data transmission positions, the display of a map display screen where icons showing the sound data transmission positions are superimposed on a map.

Abstract: An audio processing device may estimate noise effects at a particular location based on noise measurement data corresponding to one or more noise sources. The audio processing device may modify one or more output audio content transmitted by the audio processing device to that particular location such that the modification may cancel the estimated noise effects at the particular location, at time when the output audio streams are received at that location. The noise effects estimation may also be based on audio reception measurement data at the particular location. The noise measurement data and/or the audio reception measurement data may be generated by audio capturing devices placed at or near noise sources, and/or at or near the particular location, respectively. The noise measurement data and/or the audio reception measurement data may be communicated to the audio processing device using wired and/or wireless connections.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing location information of user devices based on signal frequencies of transmitters. The positioning platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more signals, from one or more transmitters, captured at one or more user devices to determine one or more frequencies of the one or more signals. Next, the positioning platform determines device location information of the one or more user devices based, at least in part, on the one or more frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus that senses a minor collision of a vehicle is configured to minimize damage to the vehicle by actuating a brake system of the vehicle upon sensing a scratch of the vehicle by analyzing a sound (e.g., a sound wave signal) generated when a surface of the vehicle is scratched by, for example, a column of a building, the other vehicle, or the like when the vehicle is driven forward or backward at or below a certain speed.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a display panel, a light source module, a touch object, a first image capturing module, a second image capturing module and a control module. The touch object moves from a first position at a first time to a second position at a second time. The first image capturing module and the second image capturing module respectively capture light reflected from the touch object, so as to generate a first signal, a second signal, a third signal and a fourth signal corresponding to the touch object at the first time and the second time. The control module computes a moving direction of the touch object according to variation of the first signal, the second signal, the third signal and the fourth signal.

Abstract: Ballistic projectile protection devices, and methods for their use, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a gun-mounted ballistic protection device is provided, comprising multiple interception media launchers that cover and protect a user's vital organs from incoming projectiles. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using a microphone or other sensors, with multiple sampling points in a forward location, determine the location and trajectory of an incoming projectile, and deploy interception media to intercept the incoming projectile. In a preferred embodiment, a user may activate the projectile protection device with a partial trigger pull, or a button placed within reach of a user's trigger finger.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes: obtaining I and Q complex signal parameters of signals received from a mobile tag at each of at least three antenna elements forming part of a positioning device; extracting an identifier modulated onto the signals received from the mobile tag; and transmitting the I and Q complex signal parameters and the identifier-to allow a position calculating device to calculate a bearing of the mobile tag from the positioning device, wherein transmitting the I and Q complex signal parameters and the identifier comprises the positioning device wirelessly broadcasting the I and Q complex signal parameters and the identifier. An exemplary apparatus and computer readable medium configured to perform the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing sound from a sound source. The sound from the sound source is detected. Harmonics in the sound from the sound source are identified. A distance to the sound source is identified using the harmonics and a number of atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Static transmitter stations are used to determine the position of a mobile receiver unit. Each transmitter station transmits an ultrasonic signal including a transmitter-specific phase-shifting signature. The receiver unit receives a signal and identifies a transmitter station by its signature. It uses the received signal and the identity of the source transmitter station to determine the position of the mobile receiver unit. The signature may include two patterns phase-shift-key (PSK)-encoded on respective carrier signals of the same frequency but different phase, with the patterns being offset from each other by a transmitter-specific offset. The signal from the transmitter station may also include a PSK-encoded message.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of an underwater node. The positions of three or more transmitters are determined. Each transmitter transmits at least four pulses, wherein a time difference between each pulse and a previous one of the pulses is proportional to a respective co-ordinate of the position of the transmitter. The pulses are received at the underwater node and decoded by measuring the delays between them, thereby determining the co-ordinates of the transmitters. The range of each transmitter relative to the underwater node is also determined. Finally the position of the underwater node is determined in accordance with the co-ordinates and ranges. Any errors in the measurements of the delays between the pulses only translate into small errors in the determined position because of the proportionality between the delays and the coordinates. Therefore if there is a gradual decrease of signal-to-noise ratio then the accuracy of the position estimate also degrades gradually.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining device positions in a video surveillance system. A method described herein includes generating a reference sound; emitting, at a first device, the reference sound; detecting, at the first device, a responsive reference sound from one or more second devices in response to the emitted reference sound; identifying a position of each of the one or more second devices; obtaining information relating to latency of the one or more second devices; computing a round trip time associated with each of the one or more second devices based on at least a timing of detecting the one or more responsive reference sounds and the latency of each of the one or more second devices; and estimating the position of the first device according to the round trip time and the position associated with each of the one or more second devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a geophysical position of an object in an underwater channel are provided. Acoustic signals from at least two sources are received by a receiver of the object. The acoustic signals have a frequency corresponding to at least one waveguide mode associated with the underwater channel, where the acoustic signals are transmitted at predetermined transmission times. An arrival time for the at least one waveguide mode is determined from the received signals, based on the predetermined transmission times. The geophysical position is determined based on the arrival time and a modal group velocity for the at least one waveguide mode.

Abstract: A system and method for orientation of an ultrasonic signal includes at least two emitters in a mobile device that includes an orientation sensor that can determine a device orientation. A receiver at a fixed, known point includes at least two microphones operable to receive an ultrasonic signal from the device. The mobile device can drive the emitters to produce an ultrasonic signal that is oriented towards the receiver. A location engine can establish a location of the mobile device using the time delay of arrival of an ultrasonic burst from the mobile device impinging on each microphone of the receiver. In response to the location and/or the orientation, the mobile device operable to drive the emitters to produce a signal that is oriented towards the receiver.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by comprising, a probe which has a transducer and which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable through which signals are transmitted and received between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the probe, wherein the probe includes a transmission signal generator that generates an ultrasonic transmission signal, a transmission circuit that amplifies the generated transmission signal, and a transmission phasing circuit that adjusts the timing of the transmission signal.

Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasonic locationing system includes an emitter operable to emit two different ultrasonic frequencies simultaneously in one ultrasonic burst. A receiver with at least two microphones is operable to receive the ultrasonic burst. A correlator is operable to correlate the signals obtained from each microphone to derive a time difference of arrival of the ultrasonic burst at each microphone. The time difference of arrival of the ultrasonic signal from the emitter impinging on each microphone of the receiver is utilized to determine a location of the emitter.

Abstract: A system, processor and method of use for calibration processing is provided to calibrate acoustic vector sensor data collected at comparatively close range. Vector sensor data collected at close range includes data collected with source-to-receiver separations ranging from a one-tenth to approximately two acoustic wavelengths. The calculations substantially account for the acoustic impedance of a spherically diverging wave front, where the curvature is sufficiently pronounced to cause errors in resulting measurements in the calculations. The processing uses information contained within the vector sensor data to increase the accuracy of the vector sensor data.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic locationing using time difference of arrival measurements includes an ultrasonic receiver including three microphones each disposed on a periphery of a housing and a fourth centrally-positioned microphone.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method of seismic exploration that produces improved locations and timings for ocean bottom seismometers. The instant method utilizes linearized inversion in conjunction with a conventionally accurate clock to provide both time and positioning for each OBS unit with high accuracy as compared with the prior art approach. Inversion is one mathematical tool that effectively performs the requisite triangulation. Furthermore, the clock drift can be accounted for in the inversion scheme. The inversion not only determines the OBS position and shot timing errors, but also estimates the accuracy of the position and timing determination.

Abstract: Systems and method of processing information regarding weapon fire are set forth herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method of processing information regarding weapon fire, such as determining weapon fire location using projectile shockwave and muzzle blast time(s) of arrival data is disclosed.

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 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.