Abstract: An edge detecting apparatus for using in an automatic device and configured for detecting edges of a surface on which the automatic device moves is provided. The edge detecting apparatus includes an emitter, a guiding member, and a receiver. The emitter is configured for emitting projecting signal. The guiding member is around the automatic device. The guiding member and the surface define a signal channel, and the signal channel is configured for guiding the projecting signal to travel around the automatic device, if no edge of the surface exists under the signal channel. The receiver is configured for receiving the projecting signal.

Abstract: A presence detector for a door assembly which includes a door closing a door entrance is described herein. The detector includes a transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly for emitting at least one ultrasound detecting beam adjacent the door entrance and for triggering a detecting signal indicative of a body located adjacent the door entrance when the body intersects the at least one ultrasound detecting beam and a controller for receiving information indicative of a position of the door and for controlling the emission of the at least one detecting beam accordingly with the position of the door. The detector assembly operates in crossing, ranging or dual modes.

Abstract: A presence detection system for level crossing or to detect a target at the intersection of any paths is described herein. The system comprises an ultrasound sensor array positioned at the intersection of the first and second paths for defining a detecting area thereon and for emitting a first trigger signal when the body is in the detecting area; and a controller coupled to the ultrasound sensor array for receiving the first trigger signal and for emitting an alarm signal indicative of the first trigger signal. The sensor array detects the presence of a target by creating acoustic virtual lines which form between emitter and receiver or transducer and reflectors and/or by deploying conical or parallel detecting beams and which can be used, for example to measure the distance between each sensor forming the array and the target. The sensor array can deploy beams or acoustic lines in several plans and therefore allow detecting penetration above the conventional railway crossing barriers.

Abstract: A start assist system for motor vehicles, including a long-range locating system for determining the location of vehicles traveling ahead and a starting regulator for initiating and controlling a starting operation, wherein the locating system is combined with a near-range locating system for determining the location of objects directly ahead of the host vehicle and a decision unit is designed to suppress the starting operation in response to a signal from the near-range locating system.

Abstract: A feed detecting system includes a sending element, a receiving element, a filtering-amplifying circuit, a peak-holding circuit, an A/D converter and a processing unit. The receiving element receives an ultrasonic signal sent by the sending element, and then outputs an electric signal, the filtering-amplifying circuit receives, filters and amplifies the electric signal, the A/D converter converts the electric signal to a digital signal, the processing unit reads the digital signal and compares the digital signal with a standard value stored in the processing unit. In this present invention, the A/D converter can be a low frequency A/D converter, so the cost of the feed detecting system is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a restraint apparatus, arrangement(s) or structure(s) in which, with a precrash sensor system, the apparatus generates a signal as a function of which the restraint apparatus, arrangement(s) or structure(s) is/are triggered. The precrash sensor system includes a combination of an ultrasound sensor system and a microwave sensor system. The ultrasound sensor system serves to detect objects at a speed of up to 40 km/h, while the microwave sensor system is used to detect objects up to a relative speed of 200 km/h.

Abstract: A method of automatically performing a patch test for a sonar system is disclosed, where data from a plurality of overlapping 3D sonar scans of a surface as the platform is moved are used to compensate for biases in mounting the sonar system on the platform.

Abstract: A collision detection device for a vehicle includes a first direction signal outputting unit which detects an intensity of heat ray radiated from a detection object which is near or contacts the vehicle to outputs a first direction signal, a second direction signal outputting unit which detects ultrasound wave sent by a sending member and reflected by the detection object to output a second direction signal, an impact signal outputting unit which detects an impact on the vehicle to output an impact signal, and a control unit. The control unit determines an occurrence of a collision between the vehicle and a human, in the case where it is determined that a difference between the first direction signal and the second direction signal is within a first predetermined range and the impact signal is outputted.

Abstract: A method of automatically performing a patch test for a sonar system is disclosed, where data from a plurality of overlapping 3D sonar scans of a surface as the platform is moved are used to compensate for biases in mounting the sonar system on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle includes an imaging apparatus provided at the vehicle, a plurality of ultrasonic sensors provided around the imaging apparatus as a unit with the imaging apparatus, an object-position-detecting apparatus for detecting a position of an object appearing within an imaging range of the imaging apparatus on the basis of outputs of the plurality of the ultrasonic sensors and a display-controlling apparatus for performing a predetermined image processing for an image obtained by the imaging apparatus at a position corresponding to the position of the object detected by the object-position-detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system detect speech activity. An ultrasonic signal is directed at a face of a speaker over time. A Doppler signal of the ultrasonic signal is acquired after reflection by the face. Energy in the Doppler signal is measured over time. The energy over time is compared to a predetermined threshold to detect speech activity of the speaker in a concurrently acquired audio signal.

Abstract: A system of remotely locatable sentries or watchtowers operate as part of a network of such sentries or towers for securing a border or perimeter over a wide area. A sensor array, including particularly an array of video cameras, provides for detection, tracking and identification of a target. The sentry or watch towers include non-lethal, sound-based instrumentalities for discouraging entry into and passage through a secured zone of the target.

Abstract: A collision detection device for a vehicle includes a first direction signal outputting unit which detects an intensity of heat ray radiated from a detection object which is near or contacts the vehicle to outputs a first direction signal, a second direction signal outputting unit which detects ultrasound wave sent by a sending member and reflected by the detection object to output a second direction signal, an impact signal outputting unit which detects an impact on the vehicle to output an impact signal, and a control unit. The control unit determines an occurrence of a collision between the vehicle and a human, in the case where it is determined that a difference between the first direction signal and the second direction signal is within a first predetermined range and the impact signal is outputted.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring a swimming pool and manufacturing a liner therefor are provided. The device includes a transducer that can be placed in the pool and configured to transmit sonic energy toward the inner surfaces of the pool. The transducer can determine relative positions of a plurality of coordinate points defined by the surfaces according to reflections of the sonic energy that are received from the surfaces. Coordinate data, which is characteristic of the positions of the coordinate points on the multiple surfaces of the pool, is stored in a memory device. The coordinate data can be used to control a liner cutting device to cut liner material to sizes corresponding to the multiple inner surfaces of the pool.

Abstract: A robot system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station includes a head worn device worn on the head of a user. The head worn device senses movement of the user's head and generates corresponding input signals. The input signals are processed into robot movement commands and transmitted to the robot, typically through a broadband network. The robot movement commands move a camera of the robot. The camera movement tracks movement of the user's head so that the user can scan the visual field without having to generate separate input commands for the robot.

Abstract: In the present invention a refiner (108) of a mechanical pulping line is supplied with a controllable acoustic source (14), arranged for emitting acoustic signals into the pulp fluid. The controllable acoustic signal is allowed to interact with the fibres in the pulp, and the acoustic (pressure) signals resulting from such an interaction is measured. At least one spectral component is measured. The measured spectral component is used to predict properties, content and/or size of the fibres. These properties may then be used to control the refiner (108) process. The used acoustic signal has preferably a wavelength that is large compared with a typical site of the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting motion or displacement of an object in a monitored zone. The apparatus is disposed between a load and a power source and comprises a transmitter for providing a pulsed signal within a monitored zone. The pulsed signal interacts with objects in the monitored zone and provides a return signal. A receiver receives echoes from a return signal of the pulsed record signal, and a microcontroller circuit processes the echoes. The processing involves retrieving and comparing phase and amplitude information associated with the echoes.

Abstract: A thermal sensor system is provided in combination with a maneuverable vehicle, particularly in an underwater application. The system includes a transport pipe having an intake and output for the passage of seawater. A thermal sensor is connected to the transport pipe for detecting an actual temperature of seawater within the transport pipe. Sensor electronics are provided in connection with the thermal sensor, the sensor electronics conditioning signals output by the thermal sensor. The selective sampling by the thermal sensor may either be intermittent or continuous according to system needs. Further, a control device is connected to the sensor electronics, acoustic equipment and a depth sensor in connection with the maneuverable vehicle allowing change of the vehicle's course in response to these inputs.

Abstract: Airports and other public places require security measures for the screening of human subjects for illicit objects and materials concealed from view beneath clothing. However, at present most of such screening processes involve only metal detectors, which are inherently incapable of detecting non-metallic illicit objects and materials. For this reason, there remains a strong need for novel systems and methods that can detect all types of materials. The present invention provides for a portal detection system that is configured for safe, rapid, and non-invasive scanning of human subjects. For this purpose, the portal detection system utilizes acoustic technology to achieve this end. The portal detection systems of the present invention may optionally be used in conjunction with conventional metal detection means. The invention encompasses portal detection systems, their use in scanning human subjects, and corresponding methods of scanning human subjects for illicit objects and substances.

Abstract: A range finding audio system automatically modifies the audio output of an audio source based on the distance of a listener from the speakers. A speaker in an audio system may include a range device coupled with a controller. The range device may utilize infrared, laser, or acoustic technology to determine the distance between the speaker and the listener. The controller may transfer distance information to an audio interface of a processor unit. The audio interface may include a positioning routine to modify the audio output according to the distance from the speaker to the listener. Alternatively, the controller may perform the functions ascribed to the positioning routine making the necessary modifications to the audio output based on the distance information.

Abstract: A neural net sonic identification system includes an ultra-sonic emitter and receiver configured to detect characteristics of a subject by detecting reflections of the ultrasonic waves. The sonic reflections are processed by a neural network pattern recognition system that learns to recognize a particular subject and distinguish it from other subjects. The emitter/receiver is continuously optimized for phase, wavelength, spectral, and power frequencies, and the received sound “picture” is written-over the previously stored encrypted image data file for a particular individual, so as to continuously update the processor's retained identification information. In one embodiment, the emitter/receiver comprises a solid-state multi-layer tunable array of piezoelectric emitters and receivers that can be selectively “aimed” in different directions without physically moving by independently varying the wavelength and power of the various emitters/receivers.

Abstract: A portable remote-controlled fish finding system for allowing users to scan a wide area of the body of water away from a shore, dock and boat to find fish. The portable remote-controlled fish finding system includes a sonar assembly being floatable upon a body of water; and also includes a fish display assembly being connected to the sonar assembly; and further includes a control assembly for controlling movement of the sonar assembly upon the body of water.

Abstract: In the present invention a refiner (108) of a mechanical pulping line is supplied with a controllable acoustic source (14), arranged for emitting acoustic signals into the pulp fluid. The controllable acoustic signal is allowed to interact with the fibres in the pulp, and the acoustic (pressure) signals resulting from such an interaction is measured. At least one spectral component is measured. The measured spectral component is used to predict properties, content and/or size of the fibres. These properties may then be used to control the refiner (108) process. The used acoustic signal has preferably a wavelength that is large compared with a typical site of the particles.

Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device for a vehicle headlamp judges an inclined state of the vehicle on the basis of detection of an ultrasonic sensor of a vehicle, and performs an optical axis adjustment of a headlamp. In order to accurately judge the inclined state and to suitably adjust the optical axis of the headlamp, with respect to the detection by the ultrasonic sensor, a factor hindering its accurate detection is detected, and when it is judged that the ultrasonic sensor can not perform an accurate detection, the optical axis adjustment of the headlamp is suspended.

Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device for a vehicle headlamp judges an inclined state of the vehicle on the basis of detection of an ultrasonic sensor of a vehicle, and performs an optical axis adjustment of a headlamp. In order to accurately judge the inclined state and to suitably adjust the optical axis of the headlamp, with respect to the detection by the ultrasonic sensor, a factor hindering its accurate detection is detected, and when it is judged that the ultrasonic sensor can not perform an accurate detection, the optical axis adjustment of the headlamp is suspended.

Abstract: An arrangement in a vehicle for determining vehicle occupant position relative to a fixed structure within the vehicle including an array which receives an image of a portion of the passenger compartment in which the occupant is likely to be situated and a lens arranged between the array and the portion of the passenger compartment. The image may be changed by adjusting the lens, e.g., adjusting the focal length of the lens and/or the position of the lens relative to the array, by adjusting the array, e.g., the position of the array relative to the lens, and/or by using software to perform a focusing process. By changing the image to obtain the clearest image, i.e., focusing the image, a distance between the occupant and the fixed structure can be obtained based on the parameters of the change of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) determines a target (e.g., a vehicle occupant 22) beyond a predetermined distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (20) determines a distant target for use in control of air bag deployment. The apparatus (20) includes a sensor (44) for emitting and receiving first (52, 56) and second (54, 58) signals in an interspersed predetermined emission sequence toward the target. A controller (60) successively determines a time interval between the emission of a current signal and the reception of an echo. The controller (60) successively compares at least two time intervals to determine whether a sufficient difference exists to indicate that the target is beyond the predetermined distance and outputs a signal to the air bag actuation system (62).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a rail for a train. The information generating apparatus comprises elastic wave transmitting means for transmitting elastic waves to said rail, elastic wave receiving means for receiving elastic waves transmitted from said elastic wave transmitting means through said rail, and information generating means for generating information that is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system for performing control operations on said train, based on an elastic wave reception signal received by said elastic wave receiving means. The information generating means has detection means for detecting presence/absence of said train in said rail, based on a reception condition of an elastic wave received by said elastic wave receiving means and for generating information representing presence/absence of said train in said rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using ultrasonic sensors for determination of the pointing vector described by two points separated in space in the coordinate frame of the measuring system. For measurement, acoustic signals are transmitted from two emitters whose spatially separated coordinates form the desired pointing vector. Three detectors, associated receiver electronics and software are required to compute six distinct spheres from the time of flight measurements. The intersection of the three spheres, associated with each emitter, describe the desired location in the detector coordinate system of that emitter. With the coordinates of each emitter, the pointing vector is computed using standard geometry. A reference is required to determine the time of flight of the signals to each detector. Another embodiment uses an active reflective technique, where the timing is obtained through round trip transmission and reception of the signal with a known fixed delay at the vector points.

Abstract: Methods for controlling deployment of an occupant restraint device in a vehicle and determining whether an object is a child seat in which one ultrasonic transducer is arranged on a ceiling of the vehicle and another ultrasonic transducer is arranged at a different location in the vehicle, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from each transducer into the passenger compartment and received thereby, and the distance from each transducer to the object is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted waves when transmitted from the transducer and the reflected waves when received at the transducer. Deployment of the occupant restraint device is controlled based on the calculated distances and/or a determination is made whether the object is a child seat based on the calculated distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a transmission medium and for generating information which is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a rail for a train. The information generating apparatus comprises elastic wave transmitting means for transmitting elastic waves to said rail, elastic wave receiving means for receiving elastic waves transmitted from said elastic wave transmitting means through said rail, and information generating means for generating information that is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system for performing control operations on said train, based on an elastic wave reception signal received by said elastic wave receiving means. The information generating means has judgment means for making a judgment on presence/absence of rupture in said rail, based on a reception condition of an elastic wave received by said elastic wave receiving means compared with a predetermined condition and for generating information representing presence/absence of rupture in said rail.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angular measurement system is disclosed. The system is comprised of three parts, a control box used to collect and process data, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector block. The reflector block is configured so that it intercepts transmitted pulses received over a wide range of angles back to the transducer. All the components are self contained within a transportable housing which is attached to the aircraft deck during measurement of tip-off angle. The range of angle measurement is permitted because of the use of the unique reflector block which comprises a plurality of reflector segments for reflecting ultrasonic pulses transmitted at various ranges of angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect an obstacle in the path of a mobile machine. The present invention scans a field of interest by each of a plurality of obstacle sensor systems, weights the scanned data received from the obstacle sensor systems, and determines at least one characteristic of the obstacle as a function of the weighted scanned data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a transmission medium and for generating information which is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system.Elastic waves are transmitted and received by using the movement path (2, 111, 112, 211, 211') of a mobile unit (1, 151, 213) as a transmission medium. Based on a change in the level of a received elastic wave or on reception conditions, such as propagation time, of elastic waves, information on the timing of starting a sounding operation in a railroad crossing, information on the presence/absence of a mobile unit on a movement path, information on the presence/absence of rupture in a movement path or information for automatically controlling a train is generated.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of an object in a passenger compartment of a vehicle in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a first transducer into the passenger compartment, waves reflected off an object in the passenger compartment are received by the first transducer and a first distance from the first transducer to the object is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted waves and reflected waves when received by the first transducer. Further, different ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a second transducer into the passenger compartment which then receives reflected waves off the object and a second distance from the second transducer to the object is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted waves and reflected waves when received by the second transducer. The approximate location of the object in the passenger compartment is determined based on the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides an acoustic railway crossing detector. The present invention provides a means of not only detecting the presence of a train, but it can determine speed and direction of travel. This allows a more adaptive control of the railway crossing gates and may reduce the nuisance factor of having the gate close too far in advance of the train reaching the crossing. It is also much less susceptible to false activation by natural causes or acts of vandalism. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an acoustic railway crossing detector includes at least one acoustic emitter; at least one acoustic detector; multiple reflectors arranged to reflect acoustic energy produced by an acoustic emitter toward an acoustic detector, and control circuitry coupled to an acoustic detector for producing an indication of whether or not a train is present.

Abstract: In a procedure for non-contact distance measurement, in particular to measure the distance from obstacles in the immediate vicinity of motor vehicles, measurements are made using a first measuring procedure, and in a first measuring range absolute values of the respective distance are determined. Using a second measuring procedure, relative values are determined in a second measuring range that overlaps the first. Absolute values of the first measuring procedure, which lie inside the overlapping range, are used to calibrate the relative values of the second measuring procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating the user of a computer system and adjusting the sound from the system speakers. The computer system includes a computer, two speakers, a microphone, a signal processor, and an audio processor. The speakers emit a sound which is reflected from the user and other objects in the vicinity of the system. The invention includes an algorithm for determining which of the reflected sounds had been reflected from the user of the computer system. The character of the sound emitted by the computer system is then adjusted to enhance the sound effects at the location of the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed an exploder for an underwater weapon which periodically adiates an acoustic signal and activates the weapon only when the echo signal has the same phase as the radiated signal. Thus, echoes from any air-water interface are disregarded.

Abstract: A user-driven, active guidance system for guiding visually impaired users through obstacle filled routes of travel. The system includes an obstacle detection system, having an array of ultrasonic sensors, which detects the distance to and location of obstacles and a controller for receiving obstacle data and determining an optimal path around the obstacle so as to return the user back to the original path of travel without losing orientation or direction. The system provides active guidance by exerting physical force upon the user to intuitively direct the user around the obstacle. The system is driven by the user's motion and comprises a cane, as well as the my of ultrasonic sensors and controller supported on a pair of guide wheels.

Abstract: An integrated torpedo sonar signal processor having an integrated analog-digital conversion component is provided. The torpedo sonar signal processor has four groups of low-pass filtered analog-to-digital converters, each group containing thirteen converters. The output of a group (thirteen converters) is a serial data signal which is outputted to a field programmable gate array which, in turn, converts the combined signal to parallel data word. The parallel data word is outputted to a first digital signal processor which in turn outputs to a second dual-port digital signal processor, the processor providing prefiltering and space-time processing. The output signal is then sent to a beamformer dual-port digital signal processor which has an attached external memory. The beamformer signal is then outputted to a signal processor component containing four dual-port digital signal processors and a common external memory.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a robot that controls the positional location of a dispenser that dispenses a bead of material, such an adhesive, onto a substrate and wherein a sensor monitors the geometric configuration of the material dispensed. The dispensing system also includes a control circuit which receives information from the sensor so as to monitor geometric characteristics such as height, width and cross sectional area in such a manner that statistical process data can be gathered and also to provide alarm indications whenever the height or width of the bead do not comply with predetermined characteristics. The control circuit also provides a closed loop feedback system so that the supply of material and the nozzle can be controlled in such a manner to modify the flow of bead material whenever a discrepancy or error is detected by the control circuit.

Abstract: A vehicular safety distance alarm system for monitoring a travelling distance between a source vehicle and a target vehicle and activating an alarm when a predetermined safety distance defined between the two for a given speed is compromised comprising a distance measurement mechanism coupled to a source vehicle for determining and transmitting a distance signal representing a travelling distance between the source vehicle and a remote target vehicle; a selection mechanism coupled to the source vehicle for allowing a driver to select a desired range of safety distances expressed as a function of source vehicle velocity and a set time to reach a target vehicle; an alarm signal generation mechanism coupled to the distance measurement mechanism and selection mechanism for comparing the distance signal to a safety distance at a given source vehicle velocity and transmitting an alarm signal when the safety distance is compromised; and an alarm mechanism coupled to the alarm signal generation mechanism for providin

Abstract: An electronic obstacle detection system for guiding and warning a motorist of obstacles in the detection area while backing-up. The main components of the system include a pair of sensor clusters to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle, a pair of exterior visual indicators, and an audio-visual indicator located in the vehicle. Each of the sensor clusters are encased in a housing having angled, stepped portions configured to provide complete area coverage of transmitted and received signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to detect the position of an object, such as a container, within a multidimensional target space above which is a dispensing spigot to dispense water, ice, or other beverage. The dispenser control is also applicable to other applications, for example, dispensing soap in response to the detecting of human hands. The system has a transceiver emitting pulses of ultrasonic waves, a portion of which are reflected by the object in the target space and detected by the transceiver, and a processing circuit for determining the relative strength of the reflected signals and the time it takes an ultrasonic wave to be emitted, reflected, and received by a transceiver. The received signal is checked to determine if the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic wave is consistent with an object occupying the target space. A timer circuit creates a timing window which further defines the target space.

Abstract: A floor milling machine is provided which comprises a chassis structure supported by front and real ground-engaging wheels respectively and a rotatable milling drum mounted on the chassis structure. The machine is particularly designed for use indoors, and includes a removable waste hopper and a vacuum system to suck up debris and dust created as a floor surface is milled by the drum and to transfer the dust and debris to the waste hopper so that dust is contained within the machine and not released to the surrounding environment. The machine also includes individual height adjustment devices for at least the rear wheels and a control and detection system which can control the height adjustment devices to vary the level and orientation of the milling drum relative to the level of the wheels. The machine can thus be used to take up tiles from a floor surface of, for example a shopping center, or the plane a concrete floor surface to produce a flat, level surface or a sloping surface.

Abstract: In cumulative wire-drawing machines comprising a plurality of dies for successively reducing a diameter of a wire and blocks downstream of each one of the dies for pulling the wire through the dies, the speed of the motor driving the blocks can be automatically controlled by a wire accumulation detection device that detects changes in the amount of wire accumulated on the double-block. Specifically in the context of a double-block type machine, the blocks each comprise a lower segment being driven by the motor to pull the wire through the die, an upper segment for providing the wire to a downstream double-block through a downstream die, and a sheave carried on a ring for transferring the wire from the lower segment to the upper segment. The wire accumulation detection device in this case comprises a cam on the ring and a proximity detection device mounted to the housing of the wire-drawing machine that detects the rotation of the ring by detecting a distance to a surface of the cam.

Abstract: A torpedo relative position measuring system, including an active sonar system and a passive magnetic system, is coupled to computing apparatus which operates in response to a set of stored computer programs, all located in the torpedo for homing in on a ferrous target. At long ranges and mid ranges, the torpedo is directed to the target by the sonar system, while at near ranges the magnetic system determines the x, y, z, relative position coordinates between the target and the torpedo in accordance with a calibrated stored magnetic model of the target and numerical solution of the non-linear equations linking the target's magnetic field, as measured at the torpedo, with the target's relative position. Guidance information derived therefrom is then fed to the torpedo's guidance system. With the magnetic system providing the relative position of the target at close range, the torpedo's normal guidance system can readily steer the torpedo to a desired hit point on the target.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of an object in a passenger compartment of a vehicle in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a first transducer into the passenger compartment, waves reflected off an object in the passenger compartment are received by the first transducer and a first distance from the first transducer to the object is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted waves and reflected waves when received by the first transducer. Further, different ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a second transducer into the passenger compartment which then receives reflected waves off the object and a second distance from the second transducer to the object is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted waves and reflected waves when received by the second transducer. The approximate location of the object in the passenger compartment is determined based on the first distance and the second distance.