Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining baseline noise of a photodetector (e.g., in a light detection system of a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a sample having particles in a flow stream, detecting light with the photodetector from the irradiated flow stream, generating data signals from the detected light and calculating a moving average mean squared error of the generated data signals to determine the baseline of the photodetector. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described. Integrated circuits and non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: This application is directed to distributed fiber optic sensing particularly across multiple fiber optic ports with multiple corresponding fiber optic paths. A method is implemented to repeatedly a train of optical signals through a fiber optic network including a plurality of optical fibers distributed across a geographic area using at least one optical signal transmitter, sequentially distribute optical signals in the train through the plurality of optical fiber via corresponding optical fiber ports using an optical switching arrangement, receive backscattered optical signals from the plurality of optical fibers demodulate data from the backscattered optical signals, process the data to identify at least some of the low-frequency weight-induced disturbances, and/or sense the backscattered optical signals in a reduced frequency range. The method is useful to detect low frequency weight-induced disturbances for object tracking against high noise clutter in the higher frequency signal bands.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for inspection. Sensors are installed on locations susceptible to high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) on equipment used in hydrocarbon facilities. Attachment uses adaptable hybrid pads. Surface data captured using permanent sensors includes surface temperatures, per hydrogen (pH) measurements, and methane measurements for methane escaping from external surfaces of the equipment. Stress cracks in the equipment base metal are detected. An HTHA susceptibility analysis of the equipment is performed based on the presence of the cracks and by analyzing surface data and mapping potential HTHA cracks and locations of early signs of methane formation, including monitoring heat-affected zones (HAZ) and fusion lines of welds. Locations of the detected stress cracks caused by HTHA in metals are determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting or predicting a seismic event. The methods comprise, by a system: receiving at least one communication signal using a carrier recovery component with a fixed location remote from a source of the at least one communication signal; determining at least one of (i) phase deviations of the at least one communication signal over time and (ii) differential propagation delays over two paths which the at least one communication signal traveled; performing operations to detect patterns in at least one of the phase deviations and differential propagation delays that indicate an occurrence of seismic activity with level(s) of confidence; and using the level(s) of confidence to detect or predict the seismic event.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining an approximation and/or a prognosis for the true degradation state of a rechargeable battery. The method includes: providing a time sequence of values of the degradation state ascertained using measuring technology for past points in time; providing a trained HMM, which indicates, as a function of the true degradation state, at which probability during the ascertainment using measuring technology which particular value of the degradation state is monitored, and at which probability the true degradation state is maintained for what length of time, and/or at which probability this true degradation state transitions to which worse degradation state in the next time step; from the monitored time sequence and the HMM, the most probable characteristic of the true degradation state in the past that is in agreement with the monitored time sequence is ascertained; the desired approximation and/or prognosis is evaluated based on the most probable characteristic.

Abstract: A non-contact temperature measurement system for calculating estimated core body temperature is disclosed. The temperature measurement system can include a sensor that can detect the temperature of a patient and the temperature of ambient surrounding. The temperature of the patient and the ambient temperature can then be used to determine a core body temperature. The temperature measurement system includes an optical module having a light emitter and a light detector. The light emitter emits a beam of light towards the patient and the light detector detects a beam of light reflected by the patient. The reflected beam is analyzed to determine a distance between the temperature measurement system and the patient.

Abstract: The present application provides a rocket apparatus and a method for changing an electrical environment in a thunderstorm cloud. A corona probe and an atmospheric electric field detector analyzes and obtains, based on spin angular velocity information of a rocket and inclination attitude information of the rocket that are provided by a gravity gyroscope, accurate strength of a three-dimensional electric field and accurate polarity of a charge in the thunderstorm cloud. A charge-neutralizing agent module externally releases a charged agent whose polarity is opposite to the charge in the thunderstorm cloud, to consume the charge in the thunderstorm cloud via neutralization between a heterocharge carried by the charged agent and the charge in the thunderstorm cloud.

Abstract: A camera testing system for determining performance of a camera comprising an imaging sensor and a lens, the system comprising a processing system comprising at least one processor and memory. The processing system may be configured to: control the camera to capture, using the imaging sensor, a first image through the lens of a target disposed at a first distance from the camera; determine a first modulation transfer function (MTF) value from the first image; control the camera to capture, using the imaging sensor, a second image through the lens of the target disposed at a second distance from the camera that is different from the first distance; determine a second MTF value from the second image; and determine performance of the camera based on the first MTF value, the second MTF value and a difference between the first MTF value and the second MTF value.

Abstract: A sensor including a sensor element for acquiring a measuring signal, the measuring signal including at least one useful signal component in a useful signal frequency range and at least one interference signal component in an interference signal frequency range, and a readout circuit for converting the measuring signal into an analog electrical sensor signal. A feedback circuit is provided, which feeds back the output signal of the readout circuit to the input of the readout circuit at which the measuring signal is applied, and the total transmission function H(s) of the readout circuit and feedback circuit induces an attenuation of the analog sensor signal in the interference signal frequency range, while the analog sensor signal in the useful signal frequency range is not attenuated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a battery of a vehicle includes a processor and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor configure the processor to receive first features including statistics of internal resistances of a plurality of cell groups in a battery pack of the battery, compute second features for the battery pack based on the first features, determine whether the battery pack is faulty based on one or more of the second features, and determine, in response to the battery pack being faulty, whether one or more of the cell groups is faulty based on one or more of the first features.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for performing ultrasonic testing. Reflected acoustic waves are obtained at a detector, the reflected acoustic waves produced by at least one insonification of a component to be tested. The reflected acoustic waves are processed to produce a representation of the component. A location of the component to be tested within the representation of the component is determined. A portion of the representation associated with the component is analyzed to detect a presence of a defect in the component to be tested. An alert indicative of the defect in the component is issued responsive to detecting the presence of the defect.

Abstract: Disclosed are a photo-acoustic sensor device and a photo-acoustic sensing method of the same. The sensing method includes providing a source light in a subject and receiving an ultrasonic wave generated in the subject by the source light. The source light may have a wavelength of 1400 nm to 2500 nm in a near-infrared band.

Abstract: A transducer for non-invasive measurement includes: a piezoelectric element; a base plate; and driver electronics. The piezoelectric element is mounted to a first face of the base plate. A second face of the base plate is mountable to a wall of a vessel that holds a liquid. The driver electronics drive the piezoelectric element at a plurality of activation frequencies. When the second face of the base plate is mounted to the wall of the vessel, the transducer when activated excites acoustic waves in the base plate and to launch an acoustic wave into the liquid. The transducer is designed such that an angular divergence of the acoustic wave launched into the liquid varies as a function of at least the activation frequency and a dimension of an emitter.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting distortion compensation data to continually update and improve a distortion compensation algorithm for correcting position and orientation (PnO) information regarding an object tracked. The method may be performed while the object is freely in motion. Collection of the distortion compensation data is based on a first PnO solution based on the first PnO measurement data and irrespective of the second PnO measurement data, and a second PnO solution based on a correction algorithm that includes the first PnO measurement data, the second PnO measurement data, and PnO correction data. The first and second PnO solutions may be added to the PnO correction data to continually update and improve the distortion compensation algorithm.

Abstract: In a search and tracking method for full time-domain laser detection of space debris, a set of latest precision orbital parameters of a debris object and start and end moments of a current transit of the object are first obtained. Search-specific guidance data is generated based on the above information and in combination with estimation of a maximum along-track error of the orbital parameters of the object during the current transit. A DLR system performs multi-elevation search on the object based on the search-specific guidance data, obtains a plurality of pieces of detection data of the object after detecting the object during the search, determines an along-track error of the orbital parameters of the object based on the detection data, and corrects the orbital parameters of the object in real time based on the along-track error, so as to guide the DLR system to subsequently track and detect the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for determining the water content of a fresh concrete mixture. Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for determining the water to binder ratio for a fresh concrete mixture.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, medium, and system for determining contributing inflow control devices (ICDs) using transient pressure data from a permanent downhole monitoring system (PDHMS) in a wellbore is disclosed. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving transient pressure data from a PDHMS in the wellbore. Multiple ICDs are installed in the wellbore and include multiple contributing ICDs that contribute to fluid flow in the wellbore. Curve fitting of multiple composite exponential signals is performed to match the transient pressure data. A total number of the multiple contributing ICDs is determined based on a result of performing the curve fitting. A respective normalized distance between each pair of adjacent ICDs of the multiple contributing ICDs is determined. A depth of a last ICD in the multiple contributing ICDs is determined. A list of all contributing ICDs is generated based on the determination of the depth of the last ICD.

Abstract: A method for correcting misregistration measurements of a semiconductor wafer for errors therein arising from tilt of the wafer including measuring, for at least one location on a wafer, a difference between a Tool Induced Shift (TIS) of a metrology device in a first illumination arrangement with respect to the wafer wherein a surface of the wafer is generally orthogonally illuminated by an illumination source of the metrology device and a TIS of the metrology device in a second illumination arrangement with respect to the wafer, wherein the surface is obliquely illuminated by the illumination source, and correcting a misregistration measurement measured by the metrology device at the at least one location for errors therein arising from tilt of the wafer at the location by subtracting from the misregistration measurement a weighted value of the difference between the TIS in the first and second illumination arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of geologic survey, and particularly relates to a real-time calibration method and system of acoustic logging data while drilling for precise navigation of deep oil and gas, aiming to solve a problem of inability to automatically identify stratum boundaries to adapt to geology at various different depths in an existing drilling process. The method of the present invention includes: acquiring standardized acoustic parameter data while drilling; acquiring time-depth relationship of historical acoustic curve data of drilled wells, and current actual drilling time-depth relationship; performing interpolation based on the current actual drilling time-depth relationship, to acquire interpolated current actual drilling time-depth relationship; correcting the interpolated current actual drilling time-depth relationship; and completing current precise depth correction based on the current actual drilling acoustic curve.

Abstract: A liquid chromatograph has a long-life flow passage switching valve with reduced abrasion caused by sliding of flow passage end portions of a stator and flow passage end portions of a rotor seal. The flow passage switching valve includes: a stator; and a rotor seal connected with a rotor configured to rotate and slide on a circumference with respect to the stator. The stator has stator flow passages that open to the rotor seal. The rotor seal has a rotor seal flow passage for coupling two or more of the stator flow passages. A flow passage end portion that is positioned at a tip end in a sliding direction of the rotor seal flow passage is positioned in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the stator flow passage end portion to be connected to the rotor seal flow passage, at least at the start of sliding.