Abstract: A method, device, system and use for determining a distance, location and/or orientation including the at least relative determination of a position of at least one object using at least two active anchors. A first signal is emitted by a first of the two anchors and is received at the object and by a second of said two anchors. A phase measurement is performed at said second anchor and wherein a distance determination with respect to said first anchor is performed and/or the distance from said first anchor to said second anchor is known. A second, particularly electromagnetic, signal is emitted from said second anchor, and information on phase measurement and distance between said first and second anchors is made available to a computation unit and at least one phase measurement respectively of said first and second signal is performed at said object and made available to said computation unit.

Abstract: A method of passive location of radar transmitters implemented by at least two ESM stations, the radars having a quasi-constant scanning speed in the course of the transit over the set comprising at least two ESM stations, each of the ESM stations being able to intercept the transmission lobes of radar transmitters and to estimate their lobe transit times (LTT) and at least one station being able to estimate the angle of arrival ? of the transmission lobes, the location of the radar transmitters being performed by testing the intersection between an iso-LTTD curve passing through at least the two ESM stations and a sighting straight line passing through the ESM station having measured the angle of arrival and of azimuth equal to the measured angle of arrival ?.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the filtering of coherent noise signals. In an illustrative embodiment, a pulsed electronic signal receives varying phase shifts for each of its pulses prior to transmission. When coherent noise interferes with the transmitted signal, received signal receives a phase shift opposite of that applied prior to transmission such that the electronic signal is restored and the coherent noise becomes non-coherent. In another embodiment, width of each transmitted pulses can be varied prior to transmission, but a constant midpoint-to-midpoint time is maintained. After receiving a signal with coherent noise interference, the midpoints of the pulses are aligned causing the coherent noise to become non-coherent.

Abstract: A radar system having side lobe blanking capability is disclosed. The system can include a single channel antenna and receiver system, the side lobe blanking system being time multiplexed, but requiring no dedicated guard channel data collection period such that the scan rate of the system is not degraded.

Abstract: A radar object detection system includes a radar sensor and a controller. The radar sensor is configured to emit a radar signal toward a defined area proximate to the vehicle, and output a reflection signal indicative of a detected target present in the defined area. The controller is configured to receive the reflection signal from the radar sensor, determine if the detected target corresponds to a trailer towed by the vehicle, and define an exclusion zone characterized as occupied by the trailer and thereby excluded from the defined area where objects can be detected.

Abstract: A sensor assembly including one or more capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) microarray modules which are provided with a number of individual transducers. The microarray modules are arranged to simulate or orient individual transducers in a hyperbolic paraboloid geometry. The transducers/sensor are arranged in a rectangular or square matrix and are activatable individually, selectively or collectively to emit and received reflected beam signals at a frequency of between about 100 to 170 kHz.

Abstract: A radar apparatus includes an antenna that receives echo signals, each of the echo signals being a radar signal reflected by one or more objects; a Doppler-frequency acquirer that acquires Doppler frequencies at each range bin from the received echo signals; a direction correlation power-value calculator that calculates direction correlation power values for respective combinations of the Doppler frequencies and at least one of a distance to the one or more objects and an arrival direction of the echo signals, each direction correlation power value indicating a strength of a corresponding echo signal; and a normalized direction correlation-value calculator that calculates, for the respective combinations, normalized direction correlation values, each normalized direction correlation value indicating a probability of the arrival direction of the corresponding echo signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products determine electromagnetic reflective characteristics of ambient environments. A wireless communications device sends a cellular impulse and receives reflections of the cellular impulse. The cellular impulse and the reflections of the cellular impulse may be compared to determine the electromagnetic reflective characteristics of an ambient environment.

Abstract: A method for processing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The method includes the step of receiving SAR data that has been collected to provide a representation of a target scene, and dividing the data into a plurality of sub-blocks each having a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels having a coordinate and an amplitude. A transformation performed on each of the sub-blocks includes the steps of: (i) computing a mean coordinate; (ii) subtracting the mean coordinate from the pixel's actual coordinate to arrive at a modified coordinate; (iii) multiplying the modified coordinate by the amplitude to arrive at an amplitude-modified coordinate; (iv) creating a covariance matrix using the amplitude-modified coordinates; (v) performing a singular value decomposition on the covariance matrix to arrive at a vector; and (vi) associating an angle with the calculated vector.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a detector circuit configured to receive a modulated electromagnetic wave signal from an illumination source and to provide a detection signal having a frequency dependent on a modulation frequency of the modulated electromagnetic wave signal. The apparatus further includes a reference circuit configured to generate a reference signal based on the detection signal. The apparatus further includes a sensor circuit configured to generate based on the reference signal a sensor signal based on reflected modulated electromagnetic waves emitted by the illumination source and reflected by an object. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit configured to determine distance information related to the object based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A star tracker determines a location or orientation of an object, such as a space vehicle, by observing unpolarized light from one or more stars or other relatively bright navigational marks, without imaging optics, pixelated imaging sensors or associated pixel readout electronics. An angle of incidence of the light is determined by comparing signals from two or more differently polarized optical sensors. The star tracker may be fabricated on a thin substrate. Some embodiments have vertical profiles of essentially just their optical sensors. Some embodiments include micro-baffles to limit field of view of the optical sensors.

Abstract: A three-dimension position tracking system is presented. The system includes transmitters and receivers. A transmitter scans continuous or pulsed coherent light beams across a target. The receiver detects the reflected beams. The system recursively determines the location of the target, as a function of time, via triangulation and observation of the time-of-flight of the incoming and outgoing beams. The transmitter includes ultra-fast scanning optics to scan the receiver's field-of-view. The receiver includes arrays of ultra-fast photosensitive pixels. The system determines the angles of the incoming beams based on the line-of-sight of the triggered pixels. By observing the incoming angles and correlating timestamps associated with the outgoing and incoming beams, the system accurately, and in near real-time, determines the location of the target.

Abstract: Technology for determining an orbit of a geosynchronous satellite is described. A ground station can receive a transponded (RF) signal from a relay satellite. The relay satellite can receive an RF signal from the geosynchronous satellite and transpond the RF signal to create the transponded RF signal. The ground station can identify a second Doppler shift associated with the transponded RF signal received at the ground station from the relay satellite. The RF signal received at the relay satellite from the geosynchronous satellite can be associated with a first Doppler shift. The ground station can determine a frequency of the transponded RF signal received at the ground station from the relay satellite. The first Doppler shift associated with the RF signal transmitted from the geosynchronous satellite to the relay satellite can be calculated using the frequency of the transponded RF signal and the second Doppler shift associated with the transponded signal.

Abstract: A graphics-aided geodesic device is provided. The device includes an antenna for receiving position data from a plurality of satellites and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The device further includes orientation circuitry for obtaining orientation data. The orientation data represents an orientation of the apparatus with respect to a plane parallel with a horizon. The device further includes positioning circuitry for determining the position of the point of interest based at least on the position data and the orientation data. A function of the graphics-aided geodesic device may be activated in response to a distance sensor detecting that an object is within a threshold distance from the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking diver location in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dive computer includes a processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor, and clock circuitry connected to the processor, wherein the processor obtains water speed information using a flow measurement device that measures water speed when below water, measures a first piece of position information using a global position system receiver (GPS) that generates position information, generates depth and time information using the pressure transducer and the clock circuitry when the dive computer is below water, combines the first piece of position information, depth information, water speed information, and time information into a dive log, stores the dive log using a memory, and estimates a position of a diver using the first piece of position information, time, depth, and water speed information from the dive log when submerged.

Abstract: A system for determining a radiation dose in real time can include at least one three-dimensional target object to be exposed to ionizing radiation. The at least one target object may include a scintillating gel material. The scintillating gel material may emit light when exposed to the ionizing radiation. An imaging system may be configured to capture at least a first image of the target object from a first position, and a second image of the target object from a second position relative to the target object. A controller may be connected to the imaging system and may be configured to the process the first and second images to provide a three-dimensional dose distribution in real-time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation detector, comprising a chamber or cavity that produces charge carriers when radiation is incident thereon. The chamber is defined in part by a deformable plate along one side of the chamber or cavity; and a rigid plate spaced and electrically insulated from the deformable plate. A charging voltage source is present for applying a voltage to the deformable plate; such that wherein the deformable plate is attracted toward the rigid plate by electrostatic forces when charged by the charging voltage source, and moves away from the rigid plate when charge carriers produced in the chamber or cavity by incident radiation reduce the electrostatic forces between the deformable and rigid plates.

Abstract: A radiograph detector includes: a fluorescent layer, a bonding layer, and a light detector disposed in this order, wherein the fluorescent layer includes fluorescent particles, first binder resin, and second binder resin, and the second binder resin contains a binder polymer identical to a bonding layer forming polymer contained in the bonding layer.

Abstract: A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a first detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting neutrons; a gamma ray shielding material disposed adjacent to the first detection medium; a second detection medium including one of a doped metal halide, an elpasolite, and a high Z semiconductor scintillator crystal operable for detecting gamma rays; a neutron shielding material disposed adjacent to the second detection medium; and a photodetector coupled to the second detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays; wherein the first detection medium and the second detection medium do not overlap in an orthogonal plane to a radiation flux. Optionally, the first detection medium includes a 6LiInSe2 crystal. Optionally, the second detection medium includes a SrI2(Eu) scintillation crystal.

Abstract: An X-ray detector may include: a thin film transistor (TFT) unit; and/or a capacitor unit. The capacitor unit may include two or more storage capacitors. The TFT unit may include: a gate electrode on one region of a substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; an active layer on the gate insulating layer; and/or a source electrode and a drain electrode respectively on sides of the active layer.

Abstract: A radiation detector and a method of operating the radiation detector. The radiation detector includes: a photoconductive layer between the array substrate and the counter electrode and having a particle-in-binder (PIB) structure in which a photoconductive particle and a binder are mixed; and an optical unit for providing light energy to the photoconductive layer to detrap a charge trapped in an interface between the photoconductive particle and the binder. The light energy includes ultraviolet rays and/or visible rays.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a unit constituted by arranging blocks in line and an information processing unit. Each of the blocks includes a conversion element configured to generate an image signal corresponding to radiation, a switching element connected between the conversion element and a column signal line, a detection element configured to detect radiation, and a detection signal line connected to the detection element. The information processing unit corrects a signal from the detection element, by using a value of the signal based on a parasitic capacitance between the conversion elements arranged on the same column as a column of the detection element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein too is an apparatus for measuring radiation, comprising an array of photodetectors for receiving the radiation; for each photodetector of the array of photodetectors, an anode buffer for generating an electronic signal indicative of receiving the radiation at the photodetector; and a mini-block corresponding to the photodetector array, the mini-block including a summation circuit for calculating an energy of the received radiation from the electronic signals corresponding to each photodetector of the array of photodetectors, and a position circuit for calculating a coordinate of the energy received at the array of photodetectors.

Abstract: A scintillator panel includes a resin substrate, a phosphor layer which is formed on the resin substrate and converts radiation into visible light, a first moisture-proof protective body that is bonded to a surface of the resin substrate opposite to a surface of the resin substrate, on which the phosphor layer is formed, through an adhesive layer, and a second moisture-proof protective body that is formed so as to integrally cover from a surface of the phosphor layer to a part of a surface of the first moisture-proof protective body opposite to an adhesive surface of the first moisture-proof protective body.

Abstract: A method for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction is described. Specifically, the method includes using synthesis in reservoir modeling. The method may include obtaining local coordinates associated with a subsurface region. Then, a synthesis is performed with the local coordinates to determine continuous parameters and/or categorical parameters based on the synthesis. Then, a fluid flow simulation is performed from the continuous parameters and/or categorical parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of an autonomous seismic node that can be positioned on the seabed are disclosed. The autonomous seismic node comprises a pressurized node housing substantially surrounded and/or enclosed by a non-pressurized node housing. The seismic node may be substantially rectangular or square shaped for node storage, handling, and deployment. One or more node locks may be coupled to either (or both) of the pressurized node housing or the non-pressurized node housing. The pressurized node housing may be formed as a cast monolithic titanium structure and may be a complex shape with irregularly shaped sides and be asymmetrical. In other embodiments, a non-pressurized housing may substantially enclose other devices or payloads besides a node, such as weights or transponders, and be coupled to a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a propagation speed calculating means for calculating strength and a direction of vibration in an underground structure region using a calculation model including data of a vibration propagation speed; a simulated propagation speed calculating means for inputting seismic source information to a calculation model and calculating the strength and the direction of the vibration in the underground structure region using the calculation model; and an update amount calculating means for calculating an update amount to update the calculation model, on the basis of propagation speed distribution information and simulated propagation speed distribution information.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using tension feedback from steerable deflectors. In one example, a method may comprise: towing sensors streamers in a body of water from a survey vessel, wherein each of the sensor streamers comprises geophysical sensors at spaced apart locations; towing steerable deflectors in the body of water from the survey vessel, wherein the steerable deflectors are used to provide a lateral component of force to the sensors streamers as the steerable deflectors are towed through the body of water; turning the survey vessel; measuring tension at the steerable deflectors during the step of turning the survey vessel; and in response to the step of measuring tension, determining at least one of a reduced vessel operating speed, an increased vessel operating speed, a reduced angle of attack for at least one of the steerable deflectors, an increased angle of attack for at least one of the steerable, an increased vessel turn radius, or a decreased vessel turn radius.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel using an overboard node deployment and retrieval system are presented. The overboard system may comprise one or more overboard wheels that are actively powered to move in response to changes in movement of the deployed cable. The overboard system may comprise a first overboard wheel with a plurality of rollers and a second overboard wheel configured to detect movement and/or changes in a position of the deployment line. The overboard system may be configured to move the first overboard wheel in response to movement of the second overboard wheel. In addition, the first overboard wheel may comprise at least one opening or pocket configured to hold a node while the node passes across the wheel. Other seismic devices may also pass through the overboard system, such as transponders and weights attached to the deployment cable.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: Containerized handling, deployment, and retrieval systems for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel are presented. The handling system may comprise a deployment system and a node storage and service system fully contained within a plurality of CSC approved ISO containers. Each of the components of the handling system may be located in a CSC approved ISO container for storage, operation, and transport. In one embodiment, the node deployment system is configured to retrieve and deploy autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a vessel. In one embodiment, the node storage and service system is configured to transfer nodes to and from the node deployment system for storage and servicing.

Abstract: Methods for real-time, continuous measurements of the composition and other properties of individual phases of petroleum, water and gas mixtures during the oil production process, without requiring test separators, test lines, with associated valving and instrumentation, are described. Embodiments of the present invention direct ultrasonic sound transmission through a flowing multiphase fluid in three frequency ranges: low frequencies, gas bubble resonance frequencies, and high frequencies, wherein certain sound propagation measurements, including sound speed, sound attenuation and sound scattering, are made in one or more of the three separate frequency regions, from which the multiphase composition and other properties are extracted without having to separate the multiphase fluid or the gas from the flowing stream.

Abstract: An acoustic measurement tool comprises a transmitter for generating acoustic signals and at least one acoustic receiver spaced from the transmitter and configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, and which has encountered a medium of interest. Moreover, at least one acoustic reference receiver is located adjacent the transmitter and is configured to receive an acoustic signal, generated by the transmitter, prior to the acoustic signal encountering the medium of interest.

Abstract: A proximity sensor (12) is provided which comprises a magnet (16) and a sensor (18). The sensor (18) is aligned relative to the magnet (16) in such a manner that the direction (E) of maximum sensitivity of the sensor (18) is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the magnet axis (M) extending through the poles (20, 22) of the magnet (16). Further, an assembly unit (10) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus of the marine and onshore controlled source electromagnetic survey and a method of applying the apparatus are related. The apparatus comprises at least one signal transmitter and at least one signal receiver. Each transmitter is a solenoid of finite length, and/or each receiver is a toroid coil.

Abstract: A sensor for locating metallic or magnetizable objects comprises two emission coils and a receiving coil which are inductively interconnected. A method for determining the influence of temperature on the sensor includes supplying a first pair of predetermined alternating currents to the emitter coils, and simultaneously sampling current flows which pass through the emitter coils and a first current of the receiver coil. Subsequently, the method includes supplying a second pair of predetermined alternating currents to the emitter coils, and simultaneously sampling current flows which pass through the emitter coils and a second current of the receiver coil. The method further includes determining coupling factors between the emitter coils and the receiver coils based on the determined current flows and voltages, and determining the object based on the coupling factors.

Abstract: A method for measuring the resistivity of geologic formations is described. An electromagnetic field may be generated using at least one stationary long-range transmitter. The frequency of the electromagnetic field may be between and/or including the ULF/ELF range. At least one component of the electromagnetic field may be measured by land, marine, submarine, and/or airborne receiver. A conductivity distribution may be determined based on the at least one measured component. The determined conductivity distribution may be correlated with geological formations and/or hydrocarbon deposits.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target in a soil using a metal detector, including: generating a transmit magnetic field for transmission into the soil based on a transmit signal; receiving a receive magnetic field; providing a receive signal induced by the receive magnetic field; processing the receive signal for producing a set of data which has effects of signals from the soil reduced therein or removed therefrom; producing at least two components of a form of at least one time constant spectrum based on the set of data; and producing, at least one indicator output signal based on the at least two components for indicating the presence and/or identity of the target when the target is within, an influence of the transmit magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for magnetic ranging includes rotating a drilling tool in a drilling well in sensory range of an AC ranging signal emanating from a target well. The drilling tool includes a magnetic field sensor rotatably coupled thereto. The magnetic field sensor obtains a plurality of magnetic field measurements while rotating. The magnetic field measurements are mathematically back-rotated to obtain back-rotated magnetic field measurements which are in turn processed to obtain a measurement of the AC magnetic ranging signal emanating from the target well. The AC magnetic ranging signal is then processed to compute at least one of a distance and a direction from the drilling well to the target well.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to detect and determine a relative distance and/or azimuthal direction of nearby target well conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole of a drilling well.

Abstract: A method and system for active cancellation of transient signals and dynamic loop configuration for geophysical exploration is disclosed. The method includes controlling a transmitter to transmit a waveform in a frequency spectrum during an on-time. The transmitter includes a plurality of turns of wire. The method also includes controlling a plurality of switches to direct an electrical signal through the plurality of turns of wire. The plurality of switches electrically coupled to the plurality of turns of wire. The method further includes controlling a switch of the plurality of switches to direct a first portion of a transient current in an opposite direction from a direction of a second portion of the transient current during an off-time.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to detect and determine a relative distance and/or azimuthal direction of nearby target well conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole of a drilling well.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for characterizing a range of materials based on the scattering and stopping of incident cosmic ray charged particles passing through each material includes: determining a scattering metric and a stopping metric for each material within the range of materials exposed to cosmic ray charged particles; computing a ratio of the scattering metric to the stopping metric to obtain a scattering-to-stopping ratio for each material within the range of materials for the material; and establishing a scattering-stopping relationship for the range of materials based on the determined pairs of the scattering-to-stopping ratio and the associated scattering metric for the range of materials.

Abstract: Further, the present specification is directed towards personnel screening systems comprising modular components, including detector and source units, where a dual axis scanning beam is employed. In one configuration, the subject under inspection remains stationary and is positioned between two scanning modules. The X-ray source assembly is designed to minimize the overall system footprint while still yielding the requisite field of view, low radiation exposure level, and required resolution. The modular components allow for a compact, light and yet sufficiently rugged overall structure that can be disassembled for ease of transportation and is also simple to reassemble at a required site for inspection.

Abstract: Various embodiments can include apparatus and methods to operate and provide a position-sensitive detector. In various embodiments, a detector may include an illuminating device, a photodetector array, and a number of elemental circuit units, where an arrangement of the number of elemental circuit units with the photodetector array can provide a mechanism to identify a position of a light generating event in the illuminating device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A gravimeter for measuring the gravitational field of the Earth without an inertial reference comprises accelerometer pairs disposed on a platform where the sensitive axis of each accelerometer is arranged on the platform to measure plumb gravity. At least one accelerometer pair is spatially configured to define a baseline therebetween. The gravimeter is positioned so that the baseline is maintained parallel to a linear survey path. Each accelerometer outputs a signal representative of the sum total of the accelerations detected, including accelerations due to gravity and kinematic accelerations of the host vehicle and mounting structure. A processor subtracts the accelerometer pair outputs for common-mode rejection determination of a down gravity gradient and combines with a direct plumb gravity measurement to obtain an enhanced gravity data output that is not subject to frequency limits attributed to the performance limitations of inertial reference devices.

Abstract: For a manufacturing machine that moves in and out of a detection area of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, floating blanking and blanking monitoring are activated without outputting a stop signal to stop the manufacturing machine every when the manufacturing machine moves out of the detection area. A detection processing unit performs, when at least one of the plurality of optical axes is constantly interrupted by the object, floating blanking of outputting the detection signal upon determining that the number of optical axes in an interrupted state is greater than a preset maximum optical axis number, and blanking monitoring of outputting the detection signal upon determining that the number of optical axes in an interrupted state is smaller than a preset minimum optical axis number, and activates or deactivates the floating blanking and the blanking monitoring based on the signals received by the signal reception unit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium provide automatic geosteering by automatically updating a geosteering structure model based upon observed data gathered during a drilling operation. In some embodiments, automatic updates may be used to introduce vertical shifts into a geosteering structure model to match synthetic log data with observed log data. In addition, in some embodiments an evolutionary algorithm may be used to introduce such vertical shifts and thereby provide an optimal match between the synthetic and observed log data.