Abstract: A system for measurement of the geometries and axes of rotation of an object such as the human body is disclosed. The system includes fixtures which are employed in conjunction with sonic, infrared or other digitizer sources. In the case of the human body, the measurements are made by placing the digitizer sources at locations such as the shoulders, waist and legs to monitor the position of the body during various measuring sequences. The digitizer determines the position of the sources in space by measuring the time for the signal to reach an array of receivers. The fixtures employed in the invention include: a T-square foot reference; a single source digitizing strap; an offset digitizing wand; a base and angle fixture; a foot and hip rotation fixture; an ankle axis practice fixture; and an umbilicus reference bar.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking the three-dimensional position of an object within a three-dimensional region by triangulation techniques to generate signals corresponding to such three-dimensional positions. The signals may be used to operate a variably operable system to create a virtual reality system. The triangulation means may comprise at least three ultrasound emitters cooperating with ultrasound receivers located on a body moving in the three-dimensional region.

Abstract: An acoustic touch position sensor is shown in which a transducer coupled to a side of a substrate imparts a shear wave into the substrate for propagation along a first axis. A reflective array is disposed along the first axis to reflect portions of the shear wave along a plurality of parallel paths extending across a touch surface of the substrate to a second reflective array the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the first reflective array. The second reflective array reflects the shear waves incident thereto to a transducer mounted on the side of the substrate and responsive to shear waves propagated thereto for providing a signal representative of these shear waves. A touch on the substrate results in a partial absorption of the energy in the shear wave so as to produce a perturbation therein which is sensed to determine the axial position of the touch on the substrate.

Abstract: An acoustic touch position sensor is shown wherein a Lamb wave is imparted into a substrate by a transducer mounted on the substrate, the Lamb wave propagating along a first axis. Top and bottom reflecting arrays are disposed along the first axis to reflect portions of one mode of the Lamb wave along a plurality of parallel paths extending across a touch surface of the substrate to a second pair of top and bottom reflect arrays. The second pair of top and bottom reflecting arrays reflect the Lamb waves incident thereto along an axis parallel to the first axis to a receiving transducer that provides a signal representative of the received Lamb waves. A touch on the substrate results in a partial absorption of the energy in the Lamb wave propagating along a path intersection the touch position so as to produce a perturbation therein which is sensed to determine the axial position of the touch on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the edge of a web which moves along a surface of a body wherein an acoustic pipe is provided in the body with an opening located so that the edge of the web covers a portion of the opening as a function of the position of the web, an air column in the pipe is caused to resonate so that the resultant acoustic signal has a frequency spectrum which is a function of the portion of the opening which is covered by the web, and the resultant acoustic signal is utilized to provide information relating to the location of the edge of the web. The opening can comprise a series of spaced apertures, some of which are covered by the web, or a continuous slot which is partially covered by the web. The resultant acoustic signal can be analyzed by scanning a range of signal frequencies to determine the location of the edge of the web. A web width sensor comprises a pair of adjacent web edge sensors, one for sensing the location of each web edge, for determining web width.

Abstract: An acoustic mouse system is described that controls indications on an X-Y surface of the face of a display. The system comprises a support for holding at least three acoustic receivers in an x-y plane, and a hand movable acoustic transmitter that is movable both parallel to the x-y plane and in a z direction perpendicular to the x-y plane. The transmitter generates periodic acoustic oscillations in the direction of the support and its receivers. Detection circuitry, responsive to signals from the acoustic receivers, provides signals indicative of the absolute position of the acoustic transmitter in the x-y plane. A processor is responsive to the signals from the detection circuitry to provide absolute position signals to the display, whereby the display responds by moving an indication to a corresponding position on the X-Y surface of the display face.

Abstract: In a coordinates input apparatus in which a vibration input from a vibration pen is detected by a plurality of vibration sensors attached to a transparent vibration propagating plate such as an acrylic or glass plate and the coordinate position of the vibration pen is detected from the vibration propagation times until the vibration sensors, the sensors and the vibration proof material are arranged in a manner such that a distance between the attaching boundary surface of the vibration proof material attached to the peripheral portion of the vibration propagating plate and the center of each sensor which is attached to the input side than the attaching boundary surface of the vibration proof material lies within a range from 0.5 time to a value less than 1.0 time as large as the diameter of the sensor, preferably, within a range from 1.0 mm to a value less than 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A positional locating method and apparatus (10) for measuring distances by accurately determining the transit time of ultrasonic wave bursts (22) between two or more points is disclosed. Timer clocks (60), (62), (64) and (66) are started when each of the bursts (22) is triggered to be emitted from a transmission point (14), and are stopped when a highly defined point (56) in the burst (22) is received at a corresponding receiving point (32), (34), (36) and (38). The highly defined point (56) is determined by first analyzing the burst (22) to identify a particular cycle (54) within the burst (22). That particular cycle (54) is then analyzed to detect the specific point (56) within the cycle (54). Use of multiple transmitters (9312), (9314) and (9316) or receivers (932), (934) and (936) permits the dimensions using ordinary trigonometric calculations.

Abstract: A coordinate input apparatus includes a wireless vibrating input pen for alternately generating a first vibration having a first frequency and a second vibration having a second frequency different from the first frequency. A vibration transmitting member is provided for transmitting the first and second vibrations input from the vibrating input pen by contacting the vibrating input pen. A plurality of vibration detectors are coupled to the vibration transmitting member for detecting the first and second vibrations transmitted through the vibration transmitting member. Processing circuitry is included for deriving at least one coordinate of a position of the vibrating input pen on the transmitting member according to a transmission delay time between the first and second vibrations detected by the vibration detectors. Transmission and reception of timing information between the vibrating input pen and the main body of the apparatus is not required.

Abstract: An acoustic touch position sensor is shown wherein a transducer coupled to a side of a substrate imparts a shear wave into the substrate that propagates along a first axis. A shear to Lamb wave converting array disposed along the first axis converts the shear wave to Lamb waves propagating along a plurality of parallel paths where each path is associated with a different axial position on the substrate relative to the first axis. The Lamb waves are converted back to shear waves by a Lamb to shear wave converting array disposed along an axis parallel to the first axis, the second converting array being spaced across a touch surface of the substrate from the first array. The shear wave from the second converting propagate to a receiving transducer that provides a signal representative of the waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the position of a movable element. An elongated housing is provided for positioning generally adjacent an edge of an area in which the position of the movable element is to be determined. The housing has a base portion which contains a pair of spaced-apart transducers that are mounted in the surface of the base portion and face the area. An upper body portion of the housing is disposed above the base portion and protrudes in cantilevered fashion toward the area, so that the transducers are recessed from the area beneath the protruding upper body portion of the housing. Circuitry is provided for determining the position of the movable element from the respective transit times of energy propagating in either direction between the movable element and the pair of transducers.

Abstract: An acoustic data acquisition system for shipboard use is disclosed that allows for underwater acoustic data measurements at preselected submerged marine structural coordinates using a free swimming, quiet dynamically positionable remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Moreover, the disclosure provides a method of performing acoustic data acquisition with an ROV by first inputting the marine structural features by use of a computer aided design subsystem, determining the required trajectory path and hovering coordinates for data measurements, next, establishing the acoustic telemetry system for the remotely operated vehicle's control system to operate within and make an absolute positional fix to the marine structure's coordinates then, establish the ambient acoustic conditions of the worksite. The system is monitored and controlled from a computer based system.

Abstract: An acoustic signal receiving and processing circuit provides an output signal that enables a distance to be determined between a transmitter and a sensor. The circuit comprises a sensor which receives both noise and acoustic position signals, the acoustic signals arriving after a time delay indicative of distance between the signal's transmitter and a sensor. A level control circuit provides a plurality of output potentials, one of which is a ramp signal and another is a neutral voltage, the ramp signal produced in response to a start signal manifestation. A comparator circuit, has a pair of inputs connected to the level control and sensor circuits, respectively. The comparator circuit produces a first output signal in response to a potential on one of its inputs exceeding a potential on another of its inputs, i.e. when a voltage transition of a received acoustic signal initially passes a voltage manifested by the ramp signal.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for determining the travel time of acoustic energy over an unknown travel distance between an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver. This information can be used, for example, to determine the position of a moveable element in a data space. A timer is initiated at the time of acoustic transmission from the transmitter. A control signal generator is provided, and is initiated at the time of acoustic transmission from the transmitter, the control signal being a function of the time which elapses after the time of acoustic transmission. The gain of the signal received at the receiver is controlled in accordance with the control signal. The timer is terminated when the gain-controlled received signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. In a preferred embodiment, the terminating means includes a comparator for comparing the gain-controlled received signal to the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining projectile impact locations and, in a specific application, to determining a golfer's performance in using a particular club, such as a specific iron. The apparatus has an array of a plurality of vibration sensors distributed in a predetermined pattern in a target area, each of which generates a signal indicative of the sensing of vibration, a processor connected for receiving sensor signals generated and for processing received sensor signals for determining a location of projectile impact relative to the locations of sensors in the target area and for generating an electrical location signal, and a display connected with the processor for receiving the location signal and for displaying to an observer a representation of the location of projectile impact in the target area.

Abstract: A form of the disclosed invention employs data validation and screening based on the proximity of sequentially measured data points. Another form of the invention detects noisy conditions manifested in a pilot signal measurement, and discards data taken just after (and/or, if desired, just before) detection of the condition.

Abstract: An acoustic position sensing apparatus is described which determines the position of an indicator in relation to a datum surface or volume. The apparatus comprises an acoustic point source transmission device mounted on the indicator for transmitting a sequence of periodic acoustic oscillations, and a plurality of acoustic point receivers positioned about the datum surface for receiving the acoustic oscillations. Comparators are connected to each acoustic receiver for converting the received acoustic oscillations to squared waves having logical up and down levels. A register or other time determining circuit is coupled to each comparator and receives at least a leading portion of a squared wave and determines that the squared wave has resulted from an acoustic oscillation generated by said acoustic point source transmission device. It provides an output upon making such a determination, which is indicative of an occurrence of a step transition of the squared wave.

Abstract: A wake plotter apparatus capable of displaying the bearings of a vessel and a target point in which the vessel is intended to be returned is disclosed which includes a compass sensor, a speed sensor, a displaying device and a central processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for digitizing positions on a transparency. The apparatus includes a cool light box and an acoustic digitizer.

Abstract: A control sensor for a construction machine serves for generating height control signals for the height control of a tool of the construction machine along a guide cable and contains at least two supersonic sensors, one of which at least serves as a transmitter/receiver element, whereby the supersonic sensors are connected to an evaluation means and arranged in a right angle to the construction machine's direction of movement and in such a distance to the guide cable that the detection angle of the supersonic cones will lead, at this distance, to their overlapping.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the position of a moveable element in a three-dimensional workspace near a mounting surface. A sound source is provided in the moveable element. A plurality of at least three housing units are adapted to be secured to said mounting surface in spaced relationship to one another. A sound sensor is mounted on each of the units, and a sound source is mounted on at least some of the units. The positions of the sound sensor and the sound source of said at least some of the units can be adjusted. Means are provided which are responsive to the sound from the sound source of at least one of the units and received at the sound sensor of another of the units, for computing the distance between the sound source of said one of the units and the sound sensor of said another of said units.

Abstract: A coordinates input apparatus, for example, a digitizer, has a vibration propagation medium such as a transparent glass plate for allowing a vibration to propagate therethrough; an input pen for applying vibration to the vibration propagation medium; a vibration detector for detecting vibration applied by the input pen; an envelope output device for producing an envelope signal representing the envelope of the vibration detected by the vibration detector; a differentiator for conducting a differentiation of the envelope signal produced by the envelope output device so as to determine the peak; a controller adapted for determining, as the time of arrival of the vibration, a zero-cross point of the vibration that is located in the vicinity of a zero-cross point of the signal from the differentiator; and a computing device for computing the distance between the input pen and the vibration detector from the time determined by the controller.

Abstract: A system for acoustically positioning a noisy platform. An array of transponders, adapted to be deployed in a region of water, is provided. A transducer is mounted on the noisy platform and another transducer is mounted on a relatively quiet vehicle tethered to the platform. A first means is provided for transmitting acoustical energy from the transducer on the noisy platform to said array and from said array to said transducer on said vehicle for measuring the distance from said noisy platform to said quiet vehicle via said transponders in said array. A second means is provided for transmitting acoustical energy from the transducer on said vehicle to said array and back to said vehicle for measuring the distance said vehicle is from the transponders in said array. Calculating means is coupled to said first and second means for determining the location of said noisy platform relative to said array.

Abstract: There is provided a coordinates input apparatus comprising: a vibrator drive controller to output a vibrator drive signal obtained by synthesizing a plurality of pulse trains whose phases differ; a vibration pen to generate a vibration from a vibrator which generates the vibration in response to the vibration drive signal output from the vibrator drive controller; a vibration propagating plate made of a transparent acrylic or glass plate to propagate the vibration generated by the vibration pen; a plurality of vibration sensors, attached to the vibration propagating plate, for detecting the vibration generated by the vibration pen at a plurality of positions; and a coordinate value calculation/control circuit for calculating the vibration propagating times from the vibrations detected by the vibration sensors at a plurality of positions, thereby obtaining the coordinate values on the vibration propagating plate on which the vibration pen is located from the propagating times calculated.

Abstract: In order to locate a source of acoustic emissions, two multi-element transducers are employed. The elements of each transducer are subjected to an impinging acoustic wave at different moment in time depending upon the angle of the wave. Outputs from the elements of each transducer are compared with a look-up table to determine the angle. Then, another look-up table is used to determine the X-Y intersection of impinging wave angles from both transducers which locates the source.

Abstract: A method for the location of shocks with a structure-borne sound monitoring system is used especially for pressurized enclosures in power plants, particularly nuclear power plants. Structure-borne sound monitoring systems were heretofore dependent upon assumptions regarding the propagation velocities of the structure-borne sound sensors. According to the invention an exact method of ascertaining the propagation velocities and the burst location is given. The invention begins with the realization that the frequency spectrum of the respective bursts of information for clarification of the dispersion behavior, for identifying the sound wave modes and for deriving the group velocity of these modes is self-evident. Burst signal-rise time differences, wave modes, especially s.sub.0 and a.sub.0 mode, as well as the pertaining group velocities are then ascertained.

Abstract: A coordinate inputting device in which the vibrations imparted from a vibration pen to a vibration transmitting plate are detected by a plurality of vibration sensors so as to enable the coordinates of a vibration input point to be detected using the time it takes for the vibrations to propagate on the vibration transmitting plate. The vibration transmitting plate has noise interrupting means for preventing noise coexistent with the vibrations imparted by the vibration pair for coordinate detection from being input to the vibration sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a coordinates input apparatus for detecting the coordinates of a point indicated by an instruction pen on a vibration transmitting plate made of a transparent tablet on the basis of the vibration transmission times on this plate.

Abstract: A vibration which is input to a vibration propagating plate by a vibration pen is detected by vibration sensors attached at corner positions of the plate. This vibration is propagated as elastic waves in the vibration propagating plate and reaches the sensors. The coordinates of the vibration input point are calculated on the basis of the vibration propagating times corresponding to the detection signals from the sensors. The vibration sensors are come into pressure contact with the vibration propagating plate through a fluid like a grease having a high viscosity or consistency. Since such a fluid is filled in the space which is formed between the pressure contacting surfaces of the vibrator and vibration propagating plate, their coupling states are stable and the vibration and coordinates detecting characteristics can be uniformed every product.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic position control device suitable for controlling computer displays or robot movements is disclosed.More specifically, signals from an ultrasonic transmitter are received by multiple receivers. The received signals are processed by a processing circuit which provides signals to a computer system for use in controlling a computer display or a robot. This system is particularly adapted to use inexpensive components to provide for a low cost mass producible control device.

Abstract: A coordinates input device comprises vibration means for generating vibration, a pin having an end to which the vibration generated by said vibration means is transmitted, and a vibration transmission plate having a roughened surface or resin coating on a pen abutment surface thereof, for transmitting the vibration.

Abstract: An acoustic contact sensor for handwritten computer input is disclosed herein. The contact sensor comprises ultrasonic sending transducer means, receiving transducer means and circuit means for providing a logic signal to a computer when contact is made. The sending and receiver transducer means can either individually be coupled to a pen stylus or writing and/or display surface.

Abstract: This invention is an input device, or stylus, for entering hand drawn forms into a computer comprising a writing instrument, a pressure switch for determining whether the instrument is in contact with the writing surface, an acoustic transmitter for triangulating the position of the stylus on the surface, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting data and timing information to the computer. In operation, the stylus transmits an infra red signal which the system receives immediately, and an ultra sound pulse which two microphones receive after a delay which is a function of the speed of sound and the distance of the stylus from each microphone. From this information the system can calculate the position of the stylus. Switches for indicating functions are mounted on the stylus. Multiple stylusses can be used, each transmitting a distinctive identification code so that the system can determine which stylus is the signal source.

Abstract: A sound wave position digitizer has a pair of sound wave beam transducers, each spaced a predetermined distance from the edges of a data surface such that the beams intersect on the data surface at substantially orthogonal angles. The beams are folded by reflectors to achieve compactness and, to further improve the form factor, the beams are coupled to the folding reflectors by acoustic horns which intersect and have a common section.

Abstract: The apparatus contains two fixed ultrasound transmitters, an ultrasound receiver forming part of the movable object, and a calculator. A trigger signal from the calculator releases ultrasonic pulses on the ultrasound transmitters and the calculator determines the coordinates of the ultrasound receiver and hence of the movable object from the times required for the ultrasonic pulses to travel from the ultrasound transmitters to the ultrasound receiver and from the distance between the ultrasound transmitter. The apparatus is suitable in particular for controlling the cursor on a screen by means of a so-called "mouse" and enables precise determination of position and accurate and simple calculation of coordinates and may therefore be used as so-called "digitizer" for geometric data processing.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has a plurality of elastically deformable elastic members disposed on a board in a predetermined positional relationship, a plurality of push members each disposed above each of said plurality of elastic members and adapted to push said elastic member to cause the same to elastically deform and produce an acoustic signal. At least three pickups are disposed on the board at different positions for sensing arrival of the acoustic signal. A detecting circuit determines for detecting the keyed position in response to the output from each of the pickups based upon the differences between arrival times of the acoustic signal at these pickups.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a touch control system capable of recognizing touch positions along a predetermined coordinate axis on a touch surface comprises a substrate having such a surface that is capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch thereon causes a perturbation of a surface wave propagating through the region of the touch. An input transducer coupled to that surface launches a multiplicity of different frequency SAW's along a first path on the surface. A dispersive array of SAW reflective elements formed along a first path on the substrate surface derives a plurality of different frequency wave components from the launched SAW. Each derived component is reflected from a different location along the array. The components are directed across the touch surface in a progression of paths transverse to and intersecting the coordinate axis so that each path corresponds to a component of a predetermined different frequency CODE 13TS.

Abstract: An assembly for identifying the results of a specimen analysis wherein such specimen analysis occurs in an array of discrete cells. The assembly includes a housing having top, bottom, end walls, and sidewalls. An array receiving recess is provided on the top wall for receiving and holding in a fixed position the array of the discrete cells. An ultrasonic signal producing stylus is provided for selectively producing an ultrasonic signal adjacent a cell in the array in which the results of the analysis are to be identified. A first ultrasonic signal transducer is provided on the top wall for converting the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic signal generator to a first electrical signal. A second ultrasonic signal transducer is provided on the top wall for converting the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic signal generator to a second electrical signal.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for determining position in a data space. A generally flat tablet is provided, the tablet being formed of a solid acoustically-conductive material. A movable element, such as a stylus, is adapted to be manually movable over the tablet surface, the movable element having a tapered tip which contacts the surface of the tablet. An acoustic transducer is coupled to the tip of the movable element. Fixed transducer means are coupled to the tablet. Means are provided for energizing acoustic energy to propagate in either direction between the transducer of the movable element and the fixed transducer means. The midrange frequency of the energy is selected such that the wavelength of the energy mode propagating parallel to the tablet surface is a function of the tablet thickness. Means are provided for determining the time of propagation of the acoustic energy travelling, in either direction, between the transducer of the movable element and the fixed transducer means.

Abstract: A system measures the (x, y) coordinates of a target, for example, a pointed finger on a flat surface such as a rectangular plate. A pair of ultrasonic transducers are placed on the plate so that one transducer is located at each of the two left corners of the plate or at each of the two top corners of the plate. The transducers transmit short ultrasonic pulses which are reflected as echos off the target and then received by the transducers. The time elapsed between the transmitting of each pulse and receiving its echo is converted into distances between the transducers and the target, which distances are then converted into the target's (x, y) coordinates.The system is designed to clamp onto a number of flat surfaces, thereby allowing the system to be used with printed representations of keyboards, graphs, CRT monitors and standard television screens. The system is interfaced with any of a variety of computers and provides a signal representative of the location of the target to the computer.

Abstract: An inertial measurement underwater tracking system which determines range sition onboard an underwater vehicle using inertial navigation techniques. The system uses acoustic telemetry to relay the range position from the vehicle to an operations site. The position data is also recorded onboard the vehicle for post-run analysis. An onboard computer receives the inertial measurements from an inertial measurement unit and computes vehicle position with respect to an initialized reference. An acoustic transmitter receives the measurements, formats the data and transmits it by acoustic telemetry. An underwater hydrophone receives the acoustic telemetry and inputs the data to an acoustic processor to reconstruct the original position data. A range computer processes in real-time the data, and displays and records the time history of vehicle location on the range. After recovery the onboard recorded data is played back into the range computer to provide a maximum accuracy, continuous vehicle-run history.