Abstract: A system for using ultrasound to detect distance on mobile platform and methods for making and using same. The system includes an ultrasound transceiver that can transmit and/or receive ultrasound waves and determine distance from an object of interest using a time-of-flight of the ultrasound wave. The system is adapted to reduce noise by using a dynamic model of the mobile platform to set constraints on the possible location of a received ultrasound echo. A linear, constant-speed dynamic model can be used to set constraints. The system can further reduce noise by packetizing a received ultrasound waveform and filtering out noise according to height and width of the packets. The system likewise can remove dead zones in the ultrasound transceiver by subtracting an aftershock waveform from the received waveform. The systems and methods are suitable for ultrasound distance detection on any type of mobile platform, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a computer-implemented process that identifies and extracts distinctive data characteristics from a linear array of time-sequenced A-mode ultrasonic backscatter amplitude data, where such distinctive data characteristics are indicative of material identity. The disclosed invention uses such distinctive data characteristics to create a plausible inference about whether or not an investigatory material belongs to a specific class of ultrasonically permeable materials of known classification.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitive transducer including an element including a plurality of cells supported such that a vibrating membrane including one of a pair of electrodes formed with an gap inbetween is capable of vibration, wherein a distance between a pair of electrodes of a cell in an end portion of the element is greater than that between a pair of electrodes of a cell in a middle portion of the element.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength array lidar system and a method of designing an array lidar system include arranging a plurality of lasers in an array to transmit a respective plurality of beams, arranging a lens to disperse the plurality of beams at a respective plurality of angles, and arranging a band pass filter to filter a plurality of reflections received at a respective plurality of incident angles resulting from the plurality of beams transmitted by the plurality of lasers at a respective plurality of transmit angles. Selecting a transmit wavelength of each of the plurality of beams is based on the respective plurality of transmit angles to ensure that a receive wavelength of each of the plurality of reflections is within a narrower range than a range of the transmit wavelengths.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are therefore provided for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. An example method for providing an image of an underwater environment includes analyzing sonar returns to identify and display objects, such as fish or debris, in a 3D view. Such an image allows for differentiation between the sea floor and objects in a 3D sonar view. Some example methods provide for real-time tracking of fish. Further, the fish or other objects may be displayed over a continuous surface geometry based on sonar returns from a lake, sea, or river “floor.

Abstract: Techniques describe structures and methods for generating larger output signals and improving image quality of ultrasonic sensors by inclusion of an acoustic cavity in the sensor stack. In some embodiments, an ultrasonic sensor unit may be tuned during manufacturing or during a provisioning phase to work with different thicknesses and materials. In some embodiments, a standing wave signal may be generated using an acoustic cavity in the ultrasonic sensor unit for capturing an ultrasonic image of an object placed on a sensor surface. In some implementations, the ultrasonic sensor may include an ultrasonic transmitter, a piezoelectric receiver, a thin film transistor (TFT) layer and a TFT substrate positioned between the transmitter and the receiver, one or more adhesive layers, and optional cover materials and coatings. The thickness, density and speed of sound of the sensor materials and associated adhesive attachment layers may be used to attain the desired acoustic cavity and improved performance.

Abstract: An ultrasound beamformer may include an array of ultrasound transducer elements. Multiple signal transmitters may each generate an ultrasound signal that is different from the ultrasound signal generated by each of the others. The number of ultrasound transmitters may be no more than half the number of ultrasound transducer elements. Each multiplexer may have multiple signal inputs, each connected to a different one of the ultrasound signals; an output that drives the ultrasound transducer element; and a control input that controls which of the ultrasound signals at the signal inputs to the multiplexer is delivered to the output of the multiplexer based on a control signal. The controller may generate the control signals with a collective configuration that causes the array of ultrasound transducer elements to steer an/or focus a beam of ultrasound energy in one or more different ways at one or more different times.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for velocity scanning in, e.g., bodies of water. In one embodiment, a scanned one-dimensional transducer array Doppler sonar arrangement is used to remotely measure both vertical and horizontal profiles of a river or channel along-stream water velocities within a cross-section of the river/channel from a single side-mounted sonar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a co-located Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device and ultrasonic device includes an RFID reader loop antenna element oriented parallel to a reflector panel. An ultrasonic emitter is disposed through an aperture in the reflector panel with a horn that extends through the loop element. The horn can serve as a mounting structure for the antenna element. A diameter of the aperture is less than one-quarter wavelength of an operating frequency of the RFID reader loop antenna element. The aperture is located in the reflector panel near a minimum E-field area of the RFID reader loop antenna element.

Abstract: A sensor can include a plurality of imaging components configured to perform (1) subsurface imaging by acoustical excitation and optical detection, and (2) interferometric surface topographic measurement.

Abstract: Mobile device positioning employs various forms of audio signal structures and detection methodologies. In one method, detection of an audio signal from a first source enables construction of a signal to facilitate detection of an audio signal from another source. Signals detected from these sources enable positioning of the mobile device receiving those signals. Another method forms audio signals transmitted from audio sources so that they have parts that add constructively and parts that differentiate the sources to enable positioning. Another audio signal based positioning method adaptively switches among positioning methods so that positioning remains operative as a mobile device moves toward and away from the sources. Another method tracks positioning history, evaluates it for errors and performs error mitigation to improve accuracy. Various other positioning technologies are detailed as well.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transmitters periodically transmit ultrasonic ranging signals, and an ultrasonic receiver receives the ultrasonic ranging signals on a mobile device in order to locate the mobile device in a venue. A controller determines a noise level in the venue, and varies a sound level of the periodically ranging signals based on the determined noise level, thereby optimizing the position of the mobile device.

Abstract: Controller and method for adapting a frequency sweep for a vibro-acoustic source element that is configured to generate acoustic waves during a seismic survey. The method includes driving a seismic source element to generate a current frequency sweep; recording seismic data with plural seismic sensors in response to the current frequency sweep; selecting, during the seismic survey, a data subset of the seismic data, wherein the data subset has a size less than 10% of the seismic data; calculating with a processing device an attribute based on the data subset; and calculating a new frequency sweep based on the attribute.

Abstract: A seismic shaker for exercising an excitation force on the ground has a base plate and a reaction mass connected to the base plate via a resilient structure and an actuator parallel thereto. A first comparison unit sends a difference signal which is the difference between a displacement measured by a displacement sensor and a set value of the displacement. A control unit calculates a correction value as a function of this difference signal, and sends it to a second comparison unit, which adds the correction value to a value of the excitation force to be exerted set in the second comparison unit. This second comparison unit is connected to a controller unit which controls the actuator. At Low frequency this position control will track the ground force through the position set-point. The position feedback loop will be able to suppress the interfering force of the spring and any hysteresis.

Abstract: A method for locating a sound source by maximizing a directed response strength calculated for a plurality of vectors of the interauricular time differences forming a set comprises: a first subset of vectors compatible with sound signals from a single sound source at an unlimited distance from the microphones; and a second subset of vectors not compatible with sound signals from a signal sound source at an unlimited distance from the microphones. Each vector of the first subset is associated with a direction for locating the corresponding single sound source, and each vector of the second subset is associated with the locating direction of a vector of the first subset closest thereto according to a predefined metric. A humanoid robot including: a set of at least three microphones, arranged on a surface higher than the head of thereof; and a processor for implementing one such method is provided.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are described for implementing for implementing computation devices and artificial neurons based on nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) systems. In one aspect, a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) based computing element includes: a substrate; two electrodes configured as a first beam structure and a second beam structure positioned in close proximity with each other without contact, wherein the first beam structure is fixed to the substrate and the second beam structure is attached to the substrate while being free to bend under electrostatic force. The first beam structure is kept at a constant voltage while the other voltage varies based on an input signal applied to the NEMS based computing element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes: a substrate disposed across an XY plane; a plurality of spaces formed in the substrate in at least one direction of an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction; a vibrating plate that is provided on the substrate such that the spaces are enclosed and that has a first surface on the substrate side and a second surface facing the first surface; a piezoelectric element that is provided at a portion on the second surface side of the vibrating plate that corresponds to the space and that transmits and/or receives an ultrasonic wave; a surrounding plate that is provided on the second surface side of the vibrating plate and surrounds a peripheral region of the piezoelectric element; and a support member provided at a position, at which the support member is not overlapped with the piezoelectric element, between a surface of the surrounding plate on the piezoelectric element side and the second surface of the vibrating plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for compressing and extracting features. The method involves transmitting at least one ultrasound signal into an object at a plurality of different locations on the object. Each of the locations is denoted by an x location and a y location. The method further involves receiving at least one waveform response signal. Also, the method involves generating a three-dimensional (3D) data cube with an X dimension, a Y dimension, and a time dimension. At least one waveform response signal is stored within the 3D data cube at the x location and the y location that is associated with the waveform response signal(s). Further, the method involves transforming at least one waveform response signal of the 3D data cube to produce at least one transformed signal.

Abstract: Detection of audible and ultrasonic signals is provided by a microelectromechanical microphone. The detection range of ultrasonic signals can be configurable. In certain embodiments, the microelectromechanical microphone can include a band-pass sigma-delta modulator that can generate a digital signal representative of an ultrasonic signal. In addition or in other embodiments, the microelectromechanical microphone can include an event detector device that can determine that an ultrasonic event has occurred and, in response, can send a control signal to an external device. Detection of ultrasonic signals can be utilized in vehicular applications and/or gesture recognition.

Abstract: A system and method for deep detection of petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits is disclosed. The system includes a sensing array that includes a plurality of electrodes positioned in the ground at a testing site, a sensing device, and a system for generating a seismic event that generates below-ground signals that are received by the sensing array. The system enables detection and depth determination of underground features such as petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits at greater depths compared to conventional systems.