Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring at least one electronic switching contact for a door system for a vehicle, wherein the switching contact has a first connection for a first electrical line and a second connection for a second electrical line. The method comprises a step of reading a first signal from a first monitoring point connected to the first connection in order to obtain a first monitoring signal, a step of reading a second signal from a second monitoring point connected to the second connection in order to obtain a second monitoring signal, and a step of combining the first monitoring signal and the second monitoring signal in order to determine at least one state of the at least one switching contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a battery management system which are suitable for determining an open-circuit voltage profile (3) of a vehicle battery, dependent on a state of charge, in a vehicle. In this context, the following occur: complete discharging (S1) of the vehicle battery by vehicle-internal loads of the vehicle, sensing (S2) of a first sensed, state-of-charge-dependent voltage profile (1) during the discharging (S1) of the vehicle battery, complete charging (S3) of the vehicle battery by a charging device, sensing (S4) of a second sensed state-of-charge-dependent voltage profile (2) during the charging (S3) of the vehicle battery, and determination (S5) of the state-of-charge-dependent open-circuit voltage profile (3) by means of a weighted interpolation of the first sensed voltage profile (1) and of the second sensed voltage profile (2).

Abstract: A method and system of counting coulombs drawn from a power source by a load. A reference current source regulates the current drawn by the load at any given time to be either zero or a predetermined fixed amount. A comparator controls a time the switch is closed and open. When the switch is closed, coulombs are allowed to be drawn from the power source, and prevented to be drawn when the switch is open. An oscillator generates a clock signal during the time the switch is closed. A counter counts the number of clock cycles from the clock signal during the time the switch is closed. The count is provided as a signal at a second output of the coulomb counter.

Abstract: Battery state-of-charge estimation apparatus detects current-passage state of charging/discharging current through a secondary battery just before passage of current stops, measures voltage value between both electrodes of the secondary battery after passage of charging/discharging current stops, measures elapsed time from when passage of charging/discharging current stops to when voltage value between both electrodes of the secondary battery is measured, estimates open-circuit voltage value using the detected current-passage state, the measured voltage value, the measured elapsed time, and open-circuit voltage value relationship information which relates to relationship between transition of voltage value between both electrodes of the secondary battery after passage of current stops and the open-circuit voltage value of the secondary battery and which is prepared for each current-passage state just before passage of charging/discharging current stops and previously stored in ROM of control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a state of a secondary battery by using an Extended Kalman Filter is provided, in which the secondary battery includes a positive electrode including a first positive electrode material and a second positive electrode material having different operating voltage ranges from each other, a negative electrode including a negative electrode material, and a separator interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An energy storage device management method for deciding an SOC estimated value includes: preparing first and second SOC estimation methods for estimating an SOC; and employing a predetermined value as the SOC estimated value when a first SOC region and a second SOC region are different. V-SOC correlation between a voltage and the state of charge of the energy storage device is sectioned into a plurality of SOC regions. The first SOC region is the SOC region that the SOC estimated by the first SOC estimation method belongs to, and the second SOC region is the SOC region that the SOC estimated by the second SOC estimation method belongs to. The predetermined value is set to a value close to a boundary value on a side close to the first SOC region of boundary values sectioning the second SOC region, or a value between the boundary value and an intermediate value of the second SOC region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) including measuring an operating current during a charging cycle and a discharging cycle of a battery, calculating a capacity fade of a plurality of cycles of the battery based on degradation parameters and the measured operating currents, and predicting an RUL of the battery based on the calculated capacity fade.

Abstract: A method of estimating a remaining useful life (RUL) of a battery includes: identifying a class of data of the battery in real time; determining whether a second level RUL estimation is set for the class; estimating a gross RUL by performing a first level RUL estimation in response to the second level RUL estimation not being set for the class; and estimating a fine RUL of the battery in response to the second level RUL estimation being set for the class.

Abstract: A system a vehicle battery tester configured to test at least one condition of a vehicle battery and to transmit battery condition information relating to the at least one condition of the vehicle battery to a server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic load module and to a method and a system therefor. The method comprises receiving control data (301) from a connectable power controller via a data bus connector (202), and controlling (302) an active load (203) based on the received control data to sink a defined current from a connectable device under test via a first input (204). The method further comprises controlling (303) the activate load (203) based on the received control data by means of a digital control circuit (201) and the connectable power controller to generate and maintain an ambient temperature of the device under test.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic sensor circuit which does not output spike-like voltage errors to a signal processing circuit. A magnetic sensor circuit is provided which is configured so as to output an output signal to a signal processing circuit through a plurality of hall elements driven by a first switch circuit and a second switch circuit controlled by a second control circuit and in which the first switch circuit controls timings at which spikes occur in the output signal of each of the hall elements in such a manner that the timings are not the same, and the second switch circuit selects and outputs an output signal having a period of a timing free of the occurrence of a spike.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method are disclosed. The system includes: an independently arranged main magnet (30); and a gradient coil (40) and a radio frequency coil (50), both connected to a patient bed (60). A bore (100) is formed in a central portion of the main magnet (30), for containing the patient bed (60), the gradient coil (40) and the radio frequency coil (50). In this system, the gradient coil (40) and the radio frequency coil (50) are separated from the main magnet (30) instead of being integrated with the main magnet (30), thus avoiding making a patient claustrophobic feeling in a too narrow space. In addition, the system lowers the requirements on the magnet material and shielding space and thus leads to further reductions in costs and maintenance expenses.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) coil unit,comprising:—an MR coil body which houses at least one MR coil, the MR coil body having a front surface for facing a patient, a reverse surface opposite to the front surface, and at least one opening through the MR coil body which connects the front and reverse surfaces;—at least one MR marker located at least partly in said at least one opening in the MR coil body; and—at least one optical marker located above the reverse surface of the MR coil body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance apparatus includes a gradient coil configured to be cylindrically-shaped and to apply a gradient magnetic field to a hollow region into which an object is inserted, the hollow region being formed, the hollow region being formed inside the gradient coil; and an RF coil configured to include a resonance circuit whose plural connecting conductors are folded back at one end side of the gradient coil so that the resonance circuit extends from the hollow region to an outer region of the gradient coil.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of an examination object, a control computer is provided with a designation of a first recording region, which is cuboidal. The computer automatically determines a second recording region that represents an adjustment of the first recording region such that the second recording region is cube-shaped. Magnetic resonance scan data are acquired from the entire second recording region. Magnetic resonance image data are reconstructed from the acquired magnetic resonance scan data. An image region of the magnetic resonance image data is supplied in electronic form from the computer.

Abstract: Recording and evaluating magnetic resonance signals of a functional magnetic resonance examination of a patient is provided. A region of the patient's brain is influenced during at least two time intervals. During the first time interval, the influencing takes place in accordance with a first way of stimulation and during a second time interval in accordance with a second way of stimulation, wherein the first and the second way of stimulation differ. While the at least two time intervals magnetic resonance signals are acquired from the region of the patient's brain by means of a pseudo-random stimulation sequence, the acquired magnetic resonance signals are evaluated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the imaging of a subject (e.g., patient). A pipeline architecture is presented that facilitates the development of high-quality, application-specific data reconstructions. A plurality of processing nodes is provided, each node comprising one or more processing tasks for data transformation. Two or more processing nodes are linked together to form a functional pipeline, each pipeline configured to generate image data from a raw image data set, such as raw magnetic resonance imaging data. The generated image data is used to generate the image of the subject. The processing nodes and the functional pipeline can be dynamically reconfigured to optimize the computing resources used. The processing nodes and the pipeline may be visualized and queried to facilitate debugging and the configuration of an image processing procedure.

Abstract: In a method for attenuation correction of emission tomography scan data acquired from an examination object in a combined magnetic resonance emission tomography apparatus, wherein an interference object is situated in the examination region, which causes a magnetic interference field during combined magnetic resonance emission tomography imaging, magnetic resonance scan data of the examination object are acquired by executing a magnetic resonance sequence designed to at least partially compensate inference due to the magnetic interference field. Emission tomography scan data are acquired and an attenuation map is generated using the acquired magnetic resonance scan data. Attenuation correction of the emission tomography scan data is implemented using the generated attenuation map.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration method and a calibration arrangement for a RF test apparatus for testing a RF device under test. Instead, a calibration board is provided and connected to each of the cables of the RF test apparatus. A calibration board is configured to provide a plurality of connection loops by connecting the input/output channel terminals of the test apparatus one after the other with each other. This results to a bunch of different connection loops. Then a physical parameter, such as the attenuation over frequency, is measured for each of these connection loops. Since each physical parameter can be described by a single equation, this results to an amount of different equations which form an equation system. The idea underlying the present invention is that the amount of equations of this equation system, which amount corresponds to the different connection loops, is at least equal or higher than the amount of unknown parameters of the equation system.

Abstract: An electrical panel meter system may include a plurality of meter modules housed in an electrical panel enclosure. Each meter module may be configured to sample electrical readings related to electrical power provided to a respective branch circuit of the electrical panel meter system. To field test the metering accuracy of each meter module, a field tester may be coupled to the electrical panel enclosure. The field tester may inject an electrical signal via a test conductor provided in the electrical panel enclosure. The test conductor may be coupled to each meter module. The field tester may measure an electrical parameter of the injected electrical signal and compare it to electrical readings sampled by the meter modules. A pass/fail result for each meter module may be indicated. Methods of field testing meter modules in an electrical panel meter system are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A navigation system featuring audio prompts including: a database including a plurality of beacon identifiers corresponding to physical beacons that are members of quadrants including one or more beacons, the database including navigation instructions between beacons in a quadrant and between beacons and adjacent quadrants; a controller adapted to: provide a first beacon and a destination beacon, determine a route from the first beacon to the destination beacon in a destination quadrant, announce, via the speaker, navigation instructions from the first beacon to a first quadrant of the route, for each quadrant along the route: receive, a newly encountered beacon identifier; and announce navigation instructions for the user to navigate from the newly encountered beacon to the next quadrant in the ordered list, and upon receiving a beacon identifier of a detected beacon in the destination quadrant, announce navigation instructions to navigate from the detected beacon to the destination beacon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided, some apparatuses comprise: a location controller separate from a motorized transport unit, comprising: a transceiver configured to receive communications from the motorized transport unit; a control circuit; a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from the communications, a unique light source identifier of a light source detected by the motorized transport unit, and relative distance information determined by the motorized transport unit through an optical measurement; process the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information relative to a mapping of the shopping facility; and determine, in response to the processing, a location of the motorized transport unit within the shopping facility as a function of the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information.

Abstract: A method comprises transmitting (901) a first ultrasonic ping signal from a first floating unit (M1). The first ultrasonic ping signal is received in an underwater device (D1, D2, D3). After a predetermined delay from the reception of the first ultrasonic ping signal, the underwater device transmits (905) a second ultra-sonic ping signal from the underwater device. The second ultrasonic ping signal is received in the first floating unit. The first floating unit determines a time difference between a time of transmission of the first ultrasonic ping signal from the first floating unit and a time of reception of the second ultrasonic ping signal, and based on the time difference, provides location information and/or other information to the underwater device by transmitting (910) to the underwater device sequential underwater ultrasonic ping signals such that time differences between the sequential underwater ultrasonic ping signals indicate the provided information. (FIG.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for calibrating a direction-finding system in a handheld device. A method is provided, which comprises: displaying instructions for orienting a device such that an image of a calibration source through a camera of the device falls in a designated position on a screen of said device; receiving a signal from said calibration source via an antenna array of the device; calculating an orientation angle between said device and said calibration source based on said image of the calibration source; storing pairs of the signal and the orientation angle at various instances while moving or rotating the device to make the image of the calibration source move along a predefined trajectory displayed on the screen; and calibrating a direction-finding system in the device based on the stored pairs of the signal and the orientation angle.

Abstract: Method for determining the time of receipt by a radio receiver (320,330,340) of a binary coded radio message emitted by a sender (310), whereby the radio signal is received by the receiver so that an analogue electrical signal is achieved, which analogue signal is sampled and optionally demodulated, whereby the data content of the message is determined based upon the demodulated signal as a stream of data bits, which stream of data bits comprises a predetermined signal element whose time of receipt is determined. The invention is characterised in that a digitally stored, constructed comparison signal is created based upon the said stream of data bits, so that the constructed comparison signal is constructed to correspond to the sampled signal, in that a time variable which maximizes a correlation between the constructed comparison signal and the sampled signal is determined, and in that the time variable is then used to correct the said time determination of the receipt of the predetermined signal element.

Abstract: A self-localizing apparatus uses timestampable signals transmitted by transceivers that are a part of a distributed localization system to compute its position relative to the transceivers. Transceivers and self-localizing apparatuses are arranged for highly accurate timestamping using digital and analog reception and transmission electronics as well as one or more highly accurate clocks, compensation units, localization units, position calibration units, scheduling units, or synchronization units. Transceivers and self-localizing apparatuses are further arranged to allow full scalability in the number of self-localizing apparatuses and to allow robust self-localization with latencies and update rates useful for high performance applications such as autonomous mobile robot control.

Abstract: A method and system for locating a tag. The system has a first receiver configured to receive a signal from a tag. The first receiver has at least two antennas each configured to receive the signal. The system is configured to calculate a first angle of arrival of the signal at the first receiver based on a distance between a first set of two antennas of the first receiver and a time difference of arrival of the signal at the two antennas of the first set. The tag has a tag antenna that is configured to transmit signals having a wide bandwidth and has a frequency independent phase center and wherein the signal is an ultra wideband signal having one or more pulses.

Abstract: The position estimation device that estimates a position of a moving object on a road surface includes an illuminator, an imager, and a controller. The illuminator illuminates the road surface. The imager has an optical axis non-parallel to an optical axis of the illuminator, and images the illuminated road surface. The controller acquires road surface information including a position and a corresponding feature of a road surface to the position. The controller determines a matching region from a road surface image captured by the imager, extracts a feature of the road surface from the road surface image in the matching region, and estimates the position of the moving object by performing matching processing between the extracted feature of the road surface and the road surface information. Furthermore, the controller determines validity of the matching region, and performs the matching processing when determining the matching region is valid.

Abstract: A probe is described for analyzing a target using an array of transceivers formed of transmitter/receiver pairs. As opposed to the prior art, the high voltage trigger signals from used to trigger the transmitters are separated from the output signals of the receivers thereby resulting in a simpler and more efficient circuitry. Moreover, the output signals are delayed to compensate for the delays in the echo signals from the target due to the varying distance between the different transceivers and the target. The probe can be used for analyzing pathological organs, as well as many other objects such as gas pipes, airplane wings, etc.

Abstract: A radar apparatus includes a correlator which, in operation, calculates a correlation value between the digital transmission pulse signals and the digital reception pulse signals, an error estimator which, in operation, estimates, on the basis of the correlation value, an I component error and a Q component error included in the digital reception pulse signals, a correction parameter calculator which, in operation, calculates a correction parameter for correcting the I component error and the Q component error, and an error corrector which, in operation, corrects, on the basis of the correction parameter, the I component error and the Q component error included in at least one of the digital transmission pulse signals and the digital reception pulse signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for radar based gesture detection. The apparatus includes a processing element and a transmitter configured to transmit radar signals. The transmitter is coupled to the processing element. The apparatus further includes a plurality of receivers configured to receive radar signal reflections, where the plurality of receivers is coupled to the processing element. The transmitter and plurality of receivers are configured for short range radar and the processing element is configured to detect a hand gesture based on the radar signal reflections received by the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring three-dimensional LiDAR information of a scene are disclosed. According to one aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting N pulses in a sequence with each successive pulse having a relative time shift to the sampling reference, thus producing a reconstructed sampled signal with an effective sampling rate of N times the sampling reference. According to another aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting two or more frequencies, the differences of each pair of differing frequencies being designated as ?f, and sampling the return information with the use of a sampling reference. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled information to determine the reference times at which the ?f signals occur and the signal intensity of the ?f signals at each time.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical distance meter comprising a light emitting element for emitting a distance measuring light, signal generators for generating two or more proximity frequencies, a modulation signal in which the two or more proximity frequencies are intermitted respectively and converted to pulses with a predetermined width, a projecting optical system for sequentially switching over and projecting intermittent modulated distance measuring light as converted to pulses with predetermined width by the modulation signal, a photodetection unit for receiving a reflected distance measuring light from an object to be measured and producing an intermittent photodetection signal with a predetermined pulse width, a reference signal generator for issuing reference frequency signals having a difference of a predetermined frequency respectively, a frequency converting unit for performing frequency conversion by mixing the intermittent photodetection signals from the photodetection unit and the refer

Abstract: If the boundary value of a velocity scale set in a case where the information indicating the velocity of the moving body is displayed on a liquid crystal panel is less than a threshold value, the frequency of pulses used in pulse-width control is set to 20 kHz in such a manner that noise ascribable to the pulses for pulse-width control will not be displayed on the liquid crystal panel. If the boundary value of the velocity scale is equal to or greater than the threshold value, then the frequency of pulses used in pulse-width control is set to 200 Hz in such a manner that noise ascribable to the pulses for pulse-width control will reside at a position remote from the information indicative of velocity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for performing passing sensing using wireless digital communications. The wireless digital communications are frame-based with a predefined frame structure. The method includes receiving a reference signal into to a reference channel, wherein the reference signal comprises a direct version of a radio frequency transmission as part of said wireless digital communications; receiving a surveillance signal into a surveillance channel; detecting and extracting portions of the reference signal corresponding to data transmissions based on said predefined frame structure; extracting portions of the surveillance signal corresponding to the extracted portions of the reference signal; performing a cross-correlation on the extracted portions of the reference signal and the surveillance signal to determine a range-Doppler surface; and providing a real-time display of said range-Doppler surface and/or of information derived therefrom.

Abstract: A radar apparatus includes: a transmitter which, in operation, transmits, as radar transmission signals, code sequences including a plurality of complementary codes having a code length L in each transmission period; a receiver which, in operation, receives one or more reflected waves including the radar transmission signals reflected by an object and are analog signals; an A/D converter which, in operation, converts the one or more reflected signals into digital signals, which are discrete samples; and a calculator which, in operation, performs a first calculation of correlation between the discrete samples and the code sequence transmitted by the transmitter and a second calculation of correlation between the discrete samples and a partial code sequence obtained by extracting a code length L?Q (L>Q?2) from a tail end of the code sequence transmitted by the transmitter, and that outputs one of a result of the first correlation calculation and a result of the second correlation calculation.

Abstract: In a method for determining trajectories of movable physical objects in a space on the basis of sensor data from a plurality of sensors, first data objects are generated based on the sensor data, wherein each first data object comprises at least one timestamp and one location specification of an object detected by at least one of the sensors, and a validation function. At least one model object, which represents a parameterization of a trajectory of one of the movable objects with at least one variable parameter, is provided. Then, a correspondence value is calculated for the first data objects, for an assignment of the respective data object to at least one of the model objects provided by way of evaluating the validation function of the data object for the model objects. An additional model object is provided and the data object is assigned to the additional model object if none of the correspondence values lie in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A three-dimensional positioning system includes establishing a geometric model for optical AND radar sensors, obtaining rational function conversion coefficients, refining the rational function model and positioning three-dimensional coordinates. The system calculates rational polynomial coefficients from a geometric model of optical AND radar sensors, followed by refining a rational function model by determined ground control points and object image space intersection. The system then measures one or more conjugate points on the optical and radar images. Finally, an observation equation is established by the rational function model to solve and display three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: An improved Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system is provided. The system advantageously employs full waveform digitization of a returning signal to significantly reduce the number of launch signals and allowing the amount of radiation emitted to stay within the limit set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while producing a robust information detection signal. In addition, intermittent large latent-duty-cycle sampling employs a less expensive digitizer typically used in prior an GPRs. The system is scalable at low-cost to accommodate multi-antenna multi-static testing for subsurface tomographic imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method (100) for rendering a simulated Synthetic Aperture Radar, SAR, image. The method comprises providing (110) a digital surface model or the like comprising 3D coordinate data in a geo-referenced coordinate system, determining (120) a sub-section of the digital surface model, and obtaining (130) the simulated SAR image based on the subsection of the digital surface model, wherein substantially each point in the simulated SAR image being associated to a 3D coordinate in the geo-referenced coordinate system.

Abstract: A security system comprises a line array of antenna elements configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation and to receive scattered electromagnetic radiation scattered back from an object and an automatic movement element that automatically moves between at least two positions to perform a predetermined function. Said line array is mounted to said automatic movement element to transmit electromagnetic radiation to and receive scattered electromagnetic radiation from a screening area in front of and/or behind the automatic movement element. A controller controls said antenna elements to transmit electromagnetic radiation and to receive scattered electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of positions of the automatic movement element.

Abstract: A radar attached laterally to airplane fuselage to detect obstacles on a collision course with a portion of the airplane facing the radar, comprises an emission antennal channel and reception antennal channels in the same plane, the form of the wave and field of angular coverage of the radar depending on the velocity of the airplane, the processing means comprising the steps: Establishing in the radar coordinate system a first distance/Doppler map allowing echoes to be separated into distance and Doppler resolution cells in a reception antennal channels; Establishing a second distance/Doppler map of smaller size by selecting a subset of distance/Doppler resolution cells corresponding to the possible positions of targets liable to collide with the wing of the airplane; Establishing new distance/Doppler maps by forming beams computationally from the subsets of distance resolution cells retained for each reception antennal channel; and Temporal integration, in each beam, of successive distance/Doppler maps.

Abstract: Provided are a sonar system and transducer assembly for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing having a transmit transducer that may transmit sonar pulses into the water. The system may include at least one transducer array in the housing that receives first, second, and third sonar returns with first, second, and third transducer elements and converts the first, second, and third returns into first, second, and third sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may then generate a first and second set of 2D sonar data based on the sonar return data, generate a third set of 2D sonar data based on a correlation of the first and second set of 2D sonar data, and generate a 3D mesh data based on the third set of 2D sonar data. An associated method of using the sonar system is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method, apparatus, and computer program product for updating stored 3D mesh data from live 3D mesh data. The method may include processing, by a sonar signal processor, first sonar return data and second sonar return data from first and second transducer elements of at least one transducer array to generate live 3D mesh data. The method may include determining a position associated with the live 3D mesh data that corresponds to the position of the watercraft when the first sonar return data and the second sonar return data was received, and may include updating a stored 3D mesh data with at least a portion of the live 3D mesh data based on the position.

Abstract: Provided are a sonar system and transducer assembly for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing mountable to a watercraft having at least one transducer array. The transducer array may include a transmit/receive element configured to transmit sonar pulses and a second transducer element. The transmit/receive element and the second transducer element may receive first and second sonar returns convert the first and second returns into first and second sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may then generate a 3D mesh data using the first and second sonar return data and at least a predetermined distance between the transducer elements. An associated method of using the sonar system is also provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. 2D sonar return data that defines an angle and distance value may be taken from a theoretical 2D slice of the underwater environment. Multiple sets of 2D sonar return data are taken from corresponding 2D slices of the underwater environment during travel. The multiple sets of 2D sonar return data can be inputted into a 3D point cloud/matrix based on the distance value and angle and the corresponding 2D slice associated with each sonar return. The 3D point cloud/matrix can then be processed to determine a cluster of sonar returns that correspond to the bottom surface. Additional filtering may be performed and the bottom surface can be reconstructed to form a 3D image for display to a user.

Abstract: Provided are a sonar system and transducer assembly for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing mountable to a watercraft having a transmit transducer that may transmit sonar pulses into the water. The system may include at least one sidescan transducer array in the housing that receives first and second sonar returns with first and second transducer elements and converts the first and second returns into first and second sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may then generate a 3D mesh data using the first and second sonar return data and at least a predetermined distance between the transducer elements. An associated method of using the sonar system is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a sonar system and transducer assembly for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing having a transmit transducer that may transmit sonar pulses into the water. The system may include at least one sidescan transducer array in the housing that receives first and second sonar returns with first and second transducer elements and converts the first and second returns into first and second sonar return data. The first sidescan element may also transmit second sonar pulses, and at least one of the sidescan elements may receive the second sonar pulses to generate sidescan sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may then generate a 3D mesh data and sidescan image data and generate a 3D image data based on the 3D mesh data and sidescan image data. An associated method of using the sonar system is also provided.

Abstract: A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.

Abstract: A proximity sensing device having an emitter die, a receiver die, a body is disclosed. The proximity sensor has an optical structure provided on the body. The optical structure may provide an optical path to allow radiation reflected by a near object that may be otherwise blocked by the body to be transmitted towards the receiver die. In addition to the proximity-sensing device, a sensing device having at least two trenches that allow close proximity sensing is disclosed. A method for sensing an object that involve determining whether the object correspond to a near object or a far object is presented.