Abstract: The disclosure relates to a positioning device for positioning in a static magnetic field of a magnetic resonance tomography system and a magnetic resonance tomography system. The positioning device may be moved along a first axis in the magnetic field. Herein, the positioning device includes a plurality of magnetic-field-strength sensors arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the first axis in predetermined positions on the positioning device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-level inverter and a method for providing multi-level output voltage by the multi-level inverter, wherein the multi-level inverter comprises at least one cascaded H bridge multi-level module, wherein each H bridge multi-level module comprises a first H bridge multi-level leg and a second H-bridge multi-level leg connected in parallel, wherein each of the first and second H bridge multi-level legs comprises a first inverter leg and a second inverter leg coupled in parallel through a coupled inductor, the first and second inverter legs are coupled respectively to a primary winding and a second winding of the coupled inductor for providing first and second input voltages with multiple voltage levels, the primary and secondary windings of the coupled inductor are coupled in series and a junction node of the primary and secondary windings forms an output terminal of the H bridge multi-level leg, wherein the first input voltage has a predetermined phase shift relative to the second

Abstract: Some implementations provide a system that includes: a main magnet including a bore and configured to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field in the bore; one or more gradient coils configured to perturb the substantially uniform magnetic field in the bore, wherein perturbing the substantially uniform magnetic field results in a first varying magnetic field outside of the bore; and one or more shielding units located outside of the bore and configured to generate a second varying magnetic field con figured to attenuate the first varying magnetic field outside of the bore.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article of manufacture, may operate to measure nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times in a fluid. Further activity may include determining a viscosity of the fluid based on at least one ratio of the relaxation times, and operating a controlled device based on the viscosity. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring three-dimensional imaging data from a breast of a subject includes acquiring, with a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, NMR data from a volume of interest (VOI) including a breast by acquiring data in a series of variable sequence blocks. A sequence block includes one or more excitation phases, one or more readout phases, and one or more waiting phases, to cause one or more resonant species in the breast to simultaneously produce individual NMR signals. Also, at least one member of the series of variable sequence blocks differs from at least one other member of the series of variable sequence blocks in at least N sequence block parameters, N being an integer greater than one. The method also includes comparing the NMR data to a dictionary of signal evolutions from breast tissue and generating a report indicating quantitative tissue parameters over the breast.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the fat content of the liver of a patient using measured spectral magnetic resonance data, wherein a first contribution to the spectral magnetic resonance data is based on fat, a second contribution to the spectral magnetic resonance data is based on water and on a further substance, a frequency range that forms the basis of the spectral magnetic resonance data is subdivided at least into a first subrange and into a second subrange, the second contribution is approximated using the spectral magnetic resonance data from the second subrange. The first contribution is determined taking into account the spectral magnetic resonance data and the approximation of the second contribution. The fat content is determined on the basis of the first contribution.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging preview and establishing an MR model, an MRI scanner is controlled so as to execute an MR model scan sequence to perform an MRI scan of a designated patient, to obtain an MR model of the patient. One type of scan sequence is sequentially selected from all types of scan sequence supported by the MRI device, and one parameter set is sequentially selected from at least one parameter set supported by this type of scan sequence. The selected sequence and the selected parameter set are used to subject the MR model to a virtual MRI scan, to obtain an MR preview image corresponding to the selected sequence and the selected parameter set for the sequence C. This is repeated for all types of scan sequence supported by the MRI scanner and all parameter sets supported by each type of scan sequence. An MR model of a patient can thereby be established, and MR images of the patient to be previewed quickly, before an MRI scan of the patient is actually begun.

Abstract: An open bore coil system enabling electronic steering and rotation of a Field Free Line (FFL) inside a large volume. An FFL is generated by placing two parallel coil pairs (fed with alternating current directions) side by side. Using two of these coil groups, the FFL can be rotated in the plane perpendicular to the coil axes. The FFL can be translated in the rotation plane of the FFL using a coil pair placed on the same axis with the other coils. It can also be translated in the perpendicular plane by asymmetrical coil excitation. As all the coils in the system are parallel, the imaged object can be reached from the sides during imaging.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for different degrees of excitation of two different nuclear spin types with Larmor frequencies that are shifted relative to one another during recording of MR data by execution of an MR sequence, an excitation pulse sequence with at least two consecutive excitation pulses with defined time intervals for the exclusive excitation of the first spin type, and an additional pulse sequence with at least one additional pulse that acts at least on the second spin type, are used. A total pulse sequence formed by superimposition of the two pulse sequences is emitted within an excitation period of the MR sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging is provided. The method includes acquiring a plurality of echo signals relating to a region of interest of a subject at a number of echo times; generating a plurality of phase images based on the plurality of echo signals; generating an unwrapped phase map by performing a phase unwrapping correction to the plurality of phase images; generating a virtual phase map based on the unwrapped phase map; determining a phase mask based on the virtual phase map; obtaining magnitude information of the plurality of echo signals; and generating a susceptibility weighted image based on the phase mask and the magnitude information.

Abstract: A system for multi-ship geolocation of a signal emitter of interest uses differential GPS (DGPS) to determine the relative positions of two or more receivers in order to determine baseline vectors between them. The geolocation of the signal emitter is then determined as a function of the baseline vectors. The use of DGPS allows for more efficient and useful geometries between the receivers as two receivers can both be in a mainlobe of an emitted signal and still provide increased geolocation accuracy.

Abstract: Various embodiments determine a position of a wireless device and enable the wireless device to retrieve the determined location. In one embodiment, a system comprises of at least one wireless transmitting device, a plurality of wireless receivers, and at least one server. Each of the plurality of wireless devices receive signals from the wireless transmitting device with unknown position and send time stamped information to the server. Each of the plurality of wireless device also sends unique identifying information about the wireless transmitting device. The server calculates a position of the wireless transmitting device by considering the inputs received from the plurality of wireless receivers. The wireless device obtains its position from the server. The process can be executed on demand or at regular frequent intervals.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a frequency receiver device with respect to at least two frequency originator devices, each of a current location, the method including synchronizing a clock of the frequency receiver device with a clock of one of the at least two frequency originator devices; receiving by the frequency receiver device, a message including an identification code configured for identifying one of the at least two frequency originator devices and obtaining a broadcast time and a current location of the one of the at least two frequency originator devices by looking up a table correlating the at least two frequency originator devices and their respective broadcast times and current locations; calculating a time of flight of the message by calculating the difference between a receive time at which the message is received by the frequency receiver device and the broadcast time.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor disposed at the vehicle so as to sense exterior of the vehicle. The radar sensor includes a plurality of transmitters that transmit radio signals and a plurality of receivers that receive radio signals. The received radio signals are transmitted radio signals that are reflected from an object. A processor is operable to process an output of the receivers. The radar sensor includes a printed circuit board having circuitry disposed thereat. The printed circuit board includes two HF-laminate layers and a copper layer disposed between the HF-laminate layers. At least one waveguide is established through the copper layer.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes transmitters, receivers, a memory, and a processor. The transmitters transmit radio signals and the receivers receive reflected radio signals. The processor produces samples by correlating reflected radio signals with time-delayed replicas of transmitted radio signals. The processor stores this information as a first radar data cube (RDC), with information related to signals reflected from objects as a function of time (one of the dimensions) at various distances (a second dimension) for various receivers (a third dimension). The first RDC is processed to compute velocity and angle estimates, which are stored in a second RDC and a third RDC, respectively. One or more memory optimizations are used to increase performance. Before storing the second RDC and the third RDC in an internal/external memory, the second and third RDCs are sparsified to only include the outputs in specific regions of interest.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for processing received radiation (e.g. RADAR radiation) reflected from a target, the method comprising generating a set of predicted targets, the set of predicted targets comprising at least one member, each member representing a state of the target, generating a predicted waveform for the radiation for each member dependent upon the state of the target, and comparing each predicted waveform with a waveform of the received radiation to determine the accuracy with which the state of the target represented by the member for which the predicted waveform was generated matches an actual state of the target.

Abstract: A laser radar (LADAR) system includes a laser transmitter configured to (i) emit laser pulses at a first wavelength and (ii) emit amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in a spectrum concentrated around the first wavelength. The LADAR system also includes a non-linear converter configured to (i) convert the laser pulses to a second wavelength and (ii) allow the ASE to remain substantially unconverted in the spectrum concentrated around the first wavelength. The LADAR system further includes a receiver configured to receive and detect reflected laser pulses, where the reflected laser pulses include the laser pulses at the second wavelength after reflection from at least one target. In addition, the LADAR system includes a spectral filter configured to (i) allow passage of the laser pulses or the reflected laser pulses and (ii) substantially filter the ASE and prevent the filtered ASE from being detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a distance measuring unit which includes a light emitting element, a distance measuring light projecting unit, a light receiving unit and a photodetector for producing a light receiving signal, and which performs a distance measurement of an object to be measured based on the light receiving signal, an optical axis deflecting unit for deflecting the distance measuring optical axis, a projecting direction detecting unit for detecting a deflection angle of the distance measuring optical axis and an arithmetic control component, wherein the optical axis deflecting unit comprises a pair of optical prisms capable of rotating and motors which individually and independently rotate the optical prisms, and wherein the arithmetic control component is configured to control the optical axis deflecting unit, to perform a two-dimensional scanning of the distance measuring light, to perform a distance measurement of when the light receiving signal is detected, to measure a horizontal angle a

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light detection and range (LIDAR) device includes a light source to emit a light beam to scan a range of orientations associated with a target scanning zone. The LIDAR device further includes a first microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror configured to receive and redirect the light beam towards to the target scanning zone. The first MEMs mirror is configured to tilt vertically and horizontally to redirect the light beam in a plurality of angles. The LIDAR device further includes a light detector to receive the light beam reflected from one or more objects located within the target scanning zone. The first MEMS mirror tilts multiple directions with respect to the light source to allow the light source to emit the light beam and the light detector to receive the reflected light beam to obtain multiple angular resolutions of the one or more objects.

Abstract: A micro mirror assembly widens the field of view (FOV) of a 3D depth map sensor, alleviating the limitation of limited laser illumination power and limitations on the resolution of the available imaging device.

Abstract: An optical device provided by the present invention can comprise: a light transmitting unit for generating a first beam for photographing a certain area; a light receiving unit for sensing a second beam returning from the certain area; a light separating unit for distinguishing and transmitting the first beam from the second beam; and a detection unit including a micro electro-mechanical system mirror (MEMS mirror) for transmitting the first beam by changing an optical axis up to a first steering angle, and for receiving the second beam.

Abstract: An optical device provided by the present invention can comprise: a light separating unit receiving one first beam so as to output k (k is a natural number) second beams; a light steering unit changing the k second beams up to a first steering angle, so as to output a third beam; a lens unit receiving the third beam so as to adjust the first steering angle, thereby outputting a fourth beam; and a driving unit for controlling a first light output angle, wherein a wave front of the second beams can be wider than that produced by diving a wave front of the first beam by k.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system can emit light toward an environment and detect responsively reflected light to determine a distance to one or more points in the environment. The reflected light can be detected by a plurality of plurality of photodiodes that are reverse-biased using a high voltage. Signals from the plurality of reverse-biased photodiodes can be amplified by respective transistors and applied to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The signal from a particular photodiode can be applied to the ADC by biasing a respective transistor corresponding to the particular photodiode while not biasing transistors corresponding to other photodiodes. The gain of each photodiode/transistor pair can be controlled by adjusting the bias voltage applied to each photodiode using a digital-to-analog converter. The gain of each photodiode/transistor pair can be controlled based on the detected temperature of each photodiode.

Abstract: Described are a device for determining a distance to an object, having a transmitting device for emitting signals, a receiving device for receiving signals and for generating detection signals, an evaluating device for evaluating the detection signals of the receiving device, and a control device for controlling the evaluation of the detection signals, and a corresponding method. The receiving device has a plurality of receiving elements which generate, in case they receive a signal, a detection signal each. The evaluating device determines the distance to the object in accordance with the time-of-flight method and while considering coincidence events and uses that case in which a number of detection signals generated within a presettable coincidence time at least equals a presettable coincidence depth, as a coincidence events.

Abstract: Examples described herein include an acoustic system for the imaging of underwater objects, comprising an underwater transceiver antenna of electro-acoustic type, and control and processing means configured to carry out an imaging step.

Abstract: New method for measuring UE-to-UE distance based on D2D sidelink channel or signal. The network configures the two UEs to perform both transmission and reception of D2D sidelink channel or signal; the UEs determine in time domain the cycle boundaries of the same cycle duration and use the cycle boundaries as the timing references to measure transmission timing and receiving timing; each UE reports to network one transmission timing and one or more receiving timings, or one or more modulo transmission-to-reception time differences; each UE reports to network one transmission identity associated with transmitted D2D sidelink channel or signal and one or more transmission identities each of which associated with a received D2D sidelink channel or signal; the network obtaining the reports from the two UEs matches the timing information based on the associated transmission identities and calculates the UE-to-UE distance based on the matched timing information.

Abstract: Position and orientation tracking systems and methods include a transmitting antenna transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal. At least one receiving antenna acquires the RF signal. One of the at least one receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna is designated a reference antenna. A processing unit determines a phase difference between the RF signal received by each receiving antenna and the reference antenna. The processing unit computes a position of the transmitting antenna with respect to the at least one receiving antenna in response to the phase difference determined for each receiving antenna.

Abstract: A method for perceiving physical bodies comprises the following steps: a) acquisition of a plurality of distance measurements of the physical bodies arising from one or more sensors; b) acquisition or computation of a value of a priori probability of occupancy of the cells of an occupancy grid; and c) application of an inverse sensor model on the occupancy grid to determine a probability of occupancy of a set of cells of the grid; d) construction of a consolidated occupancy grid by fusing the occupancy probabilities estimated during step c); wherein each the inverse sensor model is a discrete model, associating with each cell of the corresponding occupancy grid, and for each distance measurement, a probability class chosen inside one and the same set of finite cardinality and identified by an integer index; and wherein step d) is implemented by means of integer computations performed on the indices of the probability classes determined during step c), and as a function of the value of a priori occupancy proba

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a substrate, a plurality of microwave radio-frequency (RF) transceiver units coupled to the substrate; and a focusing element mounted on the substrate and configured to focus microwave RF signals generated by the plurality microwave RF transceiver units. The focusing element may comprise a reflector or a lens.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a transmitter configured for installation and use on a vehicle and able to transmit radio signals. The radar sensing system also includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured for installation and use on the vehicle and is able to receive radio signals that include transmitted radio signals reflected from objects in the environment. The processor samples the received radio signals to produce a sampled stream. The processor processes the sampled stream such that the sampled stream is correlated with various delayed versions of a baseband signal. The correlations are used to determine an improved range, velocity, and angle of targets in the environment.

Abstract: An entity-tracking computing system receives sensor information from a plurality of different sensors. The positions of entities detected by the various sensors are resolved to an environment-relative coordinate system so that entities identified by one sensor can be tracked across the fields of detection of other sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a LiDAR system at a first location with a radar system at a second location. A calibration target is placed at a location and orientation with respect to the LiDAR system and the radar system. Coefficients of a plane of the calibration target are determined in a frame of reference of the LiDAR system. Coordinates of the calibration target are determined in a frame of reference of the radar system. A cost function is composed from a planar equation that includes the determined coefficients and the determined coordinates and a relative pose matrix that transforms the frame of reference of the radar system to the frame of reference of the LiDAR system. The cost function is reduced to estimate the relative pose matrix for calibration of the LiDAR system with the radar system.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a transmit pipeline, a receive pipeline, and a memory module. The transmit pipeline includes transmitters for transmitting radio signals. The receive pipeline includes receivers for receiving radio signals that include the transmitted radio signals transmitted by the transmitters and reflected from objects in an environment. The memory module is configured to store interference estimates for each receiver of the plurality of receivers that are estimates of interfering radio signals received by each of the receivers that are transmitted by each respective transmitter of the plurality of transmitters. Each receiver of the plurality of receivers is configured to mitigate interference that is due to interfering radio signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters, as defined by the stored interference estimates of the plurality of transmitters for each particular receiver.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle has multiple transmitters and receivers on a vehicle. The transmitters are configured to transmit radio signals which are reflected off of objects in the environment. There are one or more receivers that receive the reflected radio signals. Each receiver has an antenna, a radio frequency front end, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital signal processor. The transmitted signals are based on spreading codes generated by a programmable code generation unit. The receiver also makes use of the spreading codes generated by the programmable code generation unit. The programmable code generation unit is configured to selectively generate particular spreading codes that have desired properties.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor disposed at the vehicle so as to sense exterior of the vehicle. The radar sensor includes a plurality of transmitters that transmit radio signals and a plurality of receivers that receive radio signals. The received radio signals are transmitted radio signals that are reflected from an object. A processor is operable to process an output of the receivers. The radar sensor includes a printed circuit board having circuitry disposed thereat. The radar sensor includes a radome. At least some of the antennas are embedded or encapsulated in the radome.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating a distance between an acoustic sensor and an acoustic reflector in a conduit are disclosed. One such method includes using the acoustic sensor to measure a combined acoustic signal that comprises an originating acoustic signal propagating along the conduit and an echo signal. The echo signal is generated by the originating acoustic signal reflecting off the acoustic reflector after propagating past the acoustic sensor. A frequency domain representation of the combined acoustic signal is determined and the echo signal is identified by identifying in the frequency domain representation periodic oscillations having a peak-to-peak difference between 0.75 Hz and 1500 Hz. The distance between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector is determined from the velocity of the echo signal and a time required for the echo signal to propagate between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector.

Abstract: A lidar system with improved signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of solar background noise. The lidar system can comprise a light source to emit light toward a target. The light source can have an operating wavelength which lies within a band that delineates a relative maximum in atmospheric absorption. The lidar system can also include a detector to detect scattered light from the target and a processor to determine a characteristic of the target based on a characteristic of the scattered light received at the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a distance to an object using a binary, event-based image sensor. In one aspect, the image sensor includes memory circuitry and address decode circuitry. In one aspect, activation of a photodiode of the image sensor array by receipt of one or more photons is able to be used directly as an input to logic circuitry. In one embodiment, the image sensor includes photodiodes operating in an avalanche photodiode mode or Geiger mode. In one embodiment, the imaging sensor includes photodiodes operating as thresholded integrating pixels. The imaging sensor can be fabricated from one or more substrates having at least a first and a second voltage portion.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for remotely determining a battery characteristic. Some embodiments include searching for a first wireless signal that identifies the energy storage device and, in response to receiving the first wireless signal, determining a current charge level of the energy storage device. Some embodiments include receiving a second wireless signal from the energy storage device, determining from the second wireless signal, whether the current charge level of the energy storage device reaches a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the current charge level of the energy storage device reaches the predetermined threshold, sending, by the computing device, an alert indicating the current charge level.

Abstract: Disclosed are a distance measuring method and a distance measuring apparatus. During the distance measuring, an image is obtained. If the location of a center of gravity of the image is within a first segment, the calculating unit calculates a distance between the object and the distance measuring apparatus corresponding to the projection point, according to a first mapping relationship and the location of a center of gravity of the image. If the location of a center of gravity of the image is within a second segment, the calculating unit calculates a distance between the object and the distance measuring apparatus corresponding to the projection point according to a second mapping relationship and the location of a center of gravity of the image.

Abstract: A processor of a satellite radio wave receiving device processes radio waves received by a receiver to identify a bit value in each of divided unit time segments that are obtained by dividing a time period of one bit into a plurality of unit time segments of equal duration; creates a bit array having the identified bit values in respective divided unit time segments by sequentially arranging the identified bit values in an order of receipt, the one or more processors creating said bit array in a plurality by successively shifting a time at which the bit array starts by one unit time segment; and performs a bit edge detection operation by detecting a head timing of the bit data at which a bit value changes in the received radio waves based on said plurality of bit value arrays.

Abstract: An LED taillight with an integrated GPS tracking system is disclosed therein. The GPS tracking system is hidden behind the LED portion of the LED taillight so that the GPS tracking system is not noticeable by someone inspecting a trailer on which the LED taillight is installed. Additionally, power sent to the LED taillight to power the LEDs also recharge a battery associated with the GPS tracking system and power the GPS tracking system during use.

Abstract: A method for facilitating real time tracking of an airborne asset via downlink of GPS signals that are usable for determining asset location information from the asset to a ground station may include receiving a first GPS signal and a second GPS signal at a device disposed on the airborne asset and combining the first and second GPS signals to form combined signal responsive to filtration and amplification of the first and second GPS signals. The method may further include employing an overlay analog translation to convert the combined signal into a composite signal at a different frequency than the combined signal, generating a pilot carrier frequency for association with the composite signal, and amplifying the composite signal prior to transmission via the downlink from the airborne asset to the ground station. The pilot carrier frequency and amplitude may be adjustable.

Abstract: A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver includes a wideband signal correlator and a multipath mitigator. The wideband signal correlator generates wideband correlation signals of at least one of a plurality of GNSS signals with respect to corresponding locally generated code replica signals in which a bandwidth of the wideband signal correlation module is at least about 20 MHz. The multipath mitigator determines a Line of Sight (LOS) signal from the wideband correlation signals. The GNNS receiver may include a narrowband signal correlator to generate narrowband correlation signals of the at least one GNSS signal with respect to corresponding locally generated code replica signals in which a bandwidth of the narrowband signal correlation module is less than about 6 MHz. The multipath mitigator further corrects a range and range-rate measurement generated from the narrowband correlation signals based on a code phase and a carrier estimated based on the LOS signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an GNSS-R earth surface survey device and method. By configuring a GNSS signal receiving antenna capable of receiving signals at respective frequencies corresponding to different GNSS systems, and at the same time, acquiring, during an intermediate frequency extraction stage and through independent channels, direct signals and reflected signals of respective different frequencies so as to obtain digital intermediate frequency signals; selecting, based on a user setting or a signal strength, a GNSS system to be used to process data; and obtaining, by analyzing a Doppler frequency shift and a time delay of the digital intermediate frequency signal, a difference of the GNSS reflected signal with respect to the GNSS direct signal, thereby obtaining earth surface data through inversion on the basis of the same. In this way, the present disclosure enables compatibility with different GNSS system signals at the same time for earth surface survey.

Abstract: A method for establishing a location anchor network includes receiving, by a location application executing on a processor, GPS positions from each of the plurality of location anchors, determining, by the location application, a preliminary network topology using the GPS positions for each of the plurality of location anchors, receiving, by the location application, an inter-location anchor spacing between the plurality of location anchors, determining, by the location application, a final network topology based on the GPS position and the inter-anchor spacing, and storing the final network topology in a memory. The plurality of location anchors are portable, and the plurality of location anchors are deployed at a location associated with a structure. The final network topology defines a position estimate for each location anchor of the plurality of location anchors.

Abstract: An Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder and method for transmitting vessel AIS data can include an onboard processor and database, a VHF AIS transceiver and cellular modem connected to the processor, and a navigation sub-system for providing position inputs to the processor. The processor can include written instructions for transmitting only single sentence AIS messages when the transponder is within RsAIS of a satellite but outside range RtAIS of a terrestrial AIS base station, and switching to the base station when the vessel is within RtAIS but outside of cellular modem range, Rcell. While transmitting to the AIS satellite or AIS base station, portions of the vessel AIS are recorded to the database as historical data. Once within Rcell, the transponder can switch to transmission via cellular modem to an AIS architecture server. Historical data can also be downloaded to complete and update the vessel AIS data profile within AIS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detecting unit for detecting ionizing radiation. The device comprises a converter unit for the amplification of ionizing radiation and a read-out unit, wherein the converter unit comprises a converter and a gas-electron multiplier, wherein said converter comprises a substrate with an ionizing radiation-receiving major surface and an electron-emitting major surface and a stack of accelerator plates in contact with the electron-emitting major side, wherein said stack comprises a plurality of perforated accelerator plates wherein the perforations of the perforated accelerator plates are aligned to form a matrix of blind holes.

Abstract: A pixel circuit of an X-ray sensor includes a photo diode, a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor. The photo diode is used to sense X-rays and to generate a corresponding electrical sensing signal. The first transistor is electrically connected with the photo diode to reset the electrical sensing signal. The second transistor is electrically connected with the photo diode to amplify the electrical sensing signal and to generate an amplified sensing signal. The third transistor is electrically connected with the second transistor to output the amplified sensing signal. The second transistor has a terminal electrically connected with a high voltage, and the first transistor has a terminal electrically connected with a calibration voltage. The high voltage and the calibration voltage are controlled separately.