Abstract: An evaluation device according to the present technology includes an evaluation computing unit that learns to obtain deposit evaluation data as an output by machine learning using at least one of ocean topography data or fine particle component measurement data for a known seabed deposit as input data for learning, the evaluation computing unit calculating the deposit evaluation data for an evaluation target sea area by using at least one of the ocean topography data or the fine particle component measurement data for the evaluation target sea area as an input.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle system includes: a first underwater vehicle configured to perform work in water while moving in a predetermined proceeding direction; and a second underwater vehicle configured to replace the first underwater vehicle and perform work in water. When the second underwater vehicle replaces the first underwater vehicle, the second underwater vehicle approaches the first underwater vehicle based on a signal transmitted from the first underwater vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for inferred information propagation for aircraft prognostics. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an original time-series of data points for a component as an input; preprocessing the input to divide the original time-series of data into subsets of data by applying a time-window over the original time-series of data points; and computing, by the processor, a Mutual Information (MI) value for each pair of variables within each subset of data. The method also includes constructing, by the processor, a sequence of relationship graphs using the computed MI values; clustering, by the processor, each relationship graph; and analyzing, by the processor, the time-ordered sequence of clustered relationship graphs to identify features in the component.

Abstract: Marine survey data can be acquired at a tow line. The tow line is designed to be coupled between a marine survey vessel and a towed object. A receiver is associated with the tow line and designed to receive marine survey data at a location of the tow line. The receiver can be an optical fiber or other type of receiver.

Abstract: Techniques of present disclosure are directed to methods of providing acoustic communication networks. For example, methods are provided for that include obtaining, at a first transceiver of a plurality of transceivers arranged within an installation pattern, a first acoustic signal provided by a second transceiver of the plurality of transceivers. A location of the first transceiver within a message distribution pattern is determined from the acoustic signal. A delay based upon the location of the first transceiver within the message distribution pattern is determined. Finally, a second acoustic signal corresponding to the first acoustic signal is provided from the first transceiver after the delay.

Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes deploying a first seismic energy source at a plurality of locations along a source line. Locations are determined by, (i) setting a shot point at one end of the line, setting a minimum distance between shot points and setting a nominal shot point interval being greater than a Nyquist maximum spacing at a maximum spatial frequency to be evaluated in the subsurface area, (ii) calculating a maximum distance between shot points as a difference between twice the nominal shot point interval and the minimum distance, (iii) dividing a span between the maximum distance and the minimum distance into equally spaced samples, and choosing at random one of the equally spaced samples to calculate a shot point subsequent to the initial shot point; and (iv) setting the calculated shot point as the initial shot point and repeating (ii) and (iii) until the subsequent calculated shot point is within a predetermined distance of an opposed end of the first source line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applying at least one ultra/mega sonic device and its reflection plate for forming standing wave in a metallization apparatus to achieve highly uniform metallic film deposition at a rate far greater than conventional film growth rate in electrolyte. In the present invention, the substrate is dynamically controlled so that the position of the substrate passing through the entire acoustic field with different power intensity in each motion cycle. This method guarantees each location of the substrate to receive the same amount of total sonic energy dose over the interval of the process time, and to accumulatively grow a uniform deposition thickness at a rapid rate.

Abstract: An ocean bottom node for collecting seismic data, the ocean bottom node including a compounded housing including an electronics housing and a pinger housing, electronics located inside the electronics housing, and a battery pack configured to supply electrical power to the electronics. The pinger housing is permanently open to an ambient water while the electronics housing is sealed from the ambient water, and the pinger housing is configured to selectively and directly attach to the electronics housing.

Abstract: An electronic device housing may include a display cover layer that overlaps an array of pixels. The cover layer or other portion of the housing may have an opening that forms an optical and audio port. Optical and audio components may be coupled to the port. A port cover may cover some or all of the port. The port cover may include one or more layers of mesh or other materials that allow light and sound to pass while blocking environmental contaminants. The optical components may include an ambient light sensor or other devices that receive light and/or may include devices that emit light. The audio components may include a microphone and/or a speaker. The optical component may emit or receive light that passes through the audio component. A structure in the interior of the housing may form a passageway coupled to the port through which sound and light passes.

Abstract: A method and ultrasound imaging system includes transmitting first ultrasound energy with a first transmit pattern, receiving first ultrasound data based on the first ultrasound energy, and generating a first image based on the first ultrasound data. The method and system includes entering a shadow reduction mode and performing the following steps in the shadow reduction mode: transmitting second ultrasound energy with a second transmit pattern configured to have greater penetration than the first transmit pattern, receiving second ultrasound data based on the second ultrasound energy, generating a mask identifying a shadow region and generating an enhanced image including an enhanced shadow region, wherein the second ultrasound data is used to generate the enhanced shadow region, and displaying the enhanced image.

Abstract: Images are obtained using cameras mounted on a vehicle, and at least a portion of the obtained images are displayed on a screen. Motion of the vehicle can be controlled such that it moves toward a physical destination selected from images obtained using cameras mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the monitoring apparatus includes a probe comprising a sensor to detect a condition within a water body, the sensor produces sensor data indicative of the condition within the water body. The probe includes a sound generator to propagates sound waves within the water body that communicate the sensor data from the probe, in various aspects. The monitoring apparatus includes an interface that is submersible within the water body, and the interface receives the sound waves from the sound generator, in various aspects. In various aspects, the interface is mechanically connected with the submersible probe when deployed for traversal of the interface together with the submersible probe about the water body. The mechanical connection between the probe and the interface may orient the probe with respect to the interface to direct the sound waves from the probe to the interface.

Abstract: A method for determining a mixed layer depth (MLD) in a body of water includes receiving a vertical high resolution profile corresponding to the body of water. Additionally, a profile segment corresponding to a portion of the profile between a surface of the body of water and a bottom of a thermocline is selected to be analyzed. Further, a depth within the profile segment corresponding to MLD is identified. For example, the MLD in Gulf of Aden is analyzed using vertical high resolution profiles of both temperature and density. The method produces MLD estimates for more than 95% of the profiles and overcomes major limitations of conventional methods.

Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Abstract: A ship includes a controller that performs wireless communications with a portable machine possessed by a passenger and a lanyard stop switch. When a lanyard code coupled to the passenger is pulled out, the lanyard stop switch operates to stop an engine of an outboard motor and stop the ship. When the controller detects that the lanyard stop switch operates, that is, detects a possibility that the passenger has fallen overboard, the controller starts wireless communications with the portable machine. The controller determines whether or not a rescue signal needs to be transmitted in accordance with conditions regarding a power density and a frequency of a radio wave of the wireless communications as predetermined conditions for estimating a situation of the passenger.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for analyzing a set of collected raw data point values and determining which one or ones of the values are erroneous data values. In one implementation of the method specific ones of the values are examined to determine if they are outliers, and if so they are removed from the data set. At least two other ones of the values obtained at points in time prior to a given one of the values are examined. Weights may be assigned to the at least two other values, and the weights used to help generate a predicted data point value. The predicted data point value is compared to the given one of the values to determine if the given one of the values is an erroneous value. In this way the integrity of each data point value in the set can be checked.

Abstract: Provided are a display module, a control method for a waterproof assembly and a display device. The display module comprises a display screen, a front module frame, a waterproof assembly and a controller, wherein the front module frame comprises a first portion and a second portion; the waterproof assembly is located in the gap between the display screen and the first portion. The controller is configured to control the waterproof assembly to raise the temperature when the water content in the gap is within a set water content range. The present disclosure improves the display effect of the display device in the condition of improving the waterproof capability of the display module, which is used in the display device.

Abstract: Images are obtained using cameras mounted on a vehicle, and at least a portion of the obtained images are displayed on a screen. Motion of the vehicle can be controlled such that it moves toward a physical destination selected from images obtained using cameras mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: A submersible electronic device such as a waterproof cellular telephone may be provided with an image sensor. The image sensor may capture images of underwater objects. Control circuitry in the submersible electronic device may adjust image contrast and color balance based on information from sensors and other information. The electronic device may have an ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor may be a color ambient light sensor and may be used in measuring ambient lighting conditions above water and underwater. A depth sensor may be used in measuring the depth of the image sensor and other components of the electronic device underwater. Information on the depth of the image sensor, information on the distance of an underwater object to the image sensor, and angular orientation information for the electronic device and image sensor may be used in color balancing an image.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for guiding other AUVs during a marine seismic survey. The guiding AUV includes a housing; a propulsion system located inside the housing; and an acoustic positioning system attached to an outside the housing. The acoustic positioning system emits at least three chirps from three different locations.

Abstract: An apparatus (1), method and computer program wherein the apparatus (1) comprises: processing circuitry (5); and memory circuitry (7) including computer program code (11); the memory circuitry (7) and the computer program code (11) configured to, with the processing circuitry (7), cause the apparatus (1) at least to perform: obtaining information from a solar powered vehicle (31) wherein the information comprises at least a current location of the solar powered vehicle (31); obtaining information (25) relating to distribution of solar power in a predetermined area; using the obtained information to determine a solar power charging strategy (27); and enabling the solar powered vehicle (31) to access the solar power charging strategy (27).

Abstract: A housing for receiving an electrically operated apparatus may include an inner housing part at least partially defining a housing interior. The inner housing part may include an inner passage opening. The housing may also include an outer housing part disposed on a side of the inner housing part facing away from the housing interior. The outer housing part may include an outer passage opening. The outer passage opening and the inner passage opening may at least partially define an acoustic duct for discharging airborne noise from the housing interior. The acoustic duct may be closed by a fluid-tight and airborne noise-permeable membrane. Further, the housing may include a porous member disposed within the acoustic duct configured to prevent an ignition breakthrough from the housing interior into an external environment outside of the outer housing part.

Abstract: A protective encasement for an electronic device is described. The encasement includes a top member having a frame, a raised ridge extending down from an inner surface of the frame, and a seal member attached to the inside edge of the frame. The encasement further includes a bottom member having an inner surface and an outer surface, an outer perimeter extending from the inner surface and defining an outer wall, and a second seal member in contact with the outer wall to mate with the protrusion of the top member when the top member is mated with the bottom member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed allowing for spatially separated nodes to transmit data to a single remote master receiver node in a synchronized way. Slave nodes can send acoustic data so that it travels through water and arrives at the master node exactly timed so that the data bit appears in a predetermined time slot. The next time slot could be a data bit coming from another remote or slave node in another direction and at a different distance. This can be repeated for many nodes and the incoming bits will be received in a time division multiplexed fashion at the receiver or master node. The senders address and bit meaning are implicit due to the time slot in which they arrive. The assumption is that all nodes have accurate synchronized time as well as the ability to accurately estimate sound travel time between itself and any master node.

Abstract: Methods and devices are configured to maintain a planned arrangement of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). An AUV performs a corrective motion to adjust its current position relative to other AUVs emitting signals, so that the AUV's corrected position matches a planned position of the AUV in the planned arrangement better than its current position. The corrective motion is determined based on the location of the AUVs whose emitted signals are detected by the AUV.

Abstract: System and method for rapidly merging earth observations with numerical simulations to provide an on-line decision-support tool for ecological forecasting. The output products will be gridded fields that incorporate both climatological variability and real-time observations. The system and method are based upon four elements: 1) a long-term, coupled biological-optical-physical simulation model run, 2) earth observation (EO) time-series (remote sensing), 3) historical in-situ data, and 4) real-time remote sensing data and in-situ observations.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the monitoring system may include a sensor mounted upon a submersible probe to detect sensor data at a depth within a water body, and a mobile device in communication with the sensor to receive the sensor data. The mobile device may be in communication with the Internet cloud to communicate data with the Internet cloud, the data comprising the sensor data and additional sensor data from additional probes geographically disposed about the water body at known GPS locations. An app may be operably engaged with the mobile device and with the Internet cloud to control the communication of data between the mobile device and the Internet cloud, and the app may integrates the data for on the mobile device in real time. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applying at least one ultra/mega sonic device and its reflection plate for forming standing wave in a metallization apparatus to achieve highly uniform metallic film deposition at a rate far greater than conventional film growth rate in electrolyte. In the present invention, the substrate is dynamically controlled so that the position of the substrate passing through the entire acoustic field with different power intensity in each motion cycle. This method guarantees each location of the substrate to receive the same amount of total sonic energy dose over the interval of the process time, and to accumulatively grow a uniform deposition thickness at a rapid rate.

Abstract: A submarine gas-leakage monitoring system for long-term detection of gas and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The submarine gas-leakage monitoring system includes: a buoy equipped with a satellite communication unit to transmit acquired data to a satellite or to receive a command for activation or inactivation of a first submarine sensor from the satellite when the buoy is raised to float on the seawater surface; a seabed observation unit located close to a seabed, the seabed observation unit acquiring and storing information about gas leakage from the seabed and controlling the buoy such that the buoy is raised or lowered; and a signal cable equipped with the first submarine sensor that detects migration or diffusion of leaked gas and connected between the buoy and the seabed observation unit to allow a signal transmission between the buoy and the seabed observation unit.

Abstract: A speech generation device is disclosed. The speech generation device may include a head mounted display unit having a variety of different components that enhance the functionality of the speech generation device. The speech generation device may further include computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, instruct the speech generation device to perform desired functions.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a first sensor detects a detection target on a first region. A second sensor detects a detection target on a second region. A third sensor detects a detection target on a third region. A power control unit turns on the second sensor in a case where the first sensor detects the detection target on the first region. The power control unit turns on the third sensor and turns off the first sensor in a case where the second sensor detects the detection target on the second region.

Abstract: An apparatus (1), method and computer program wherein the apparatus (1) comprises: processing circuitry (5); and memory circuitry (7) including computer program code (11); the memory circuitry (7) and the computer program code (11) configured to, with the processing circuitry (7), cause the apparatus (1) at least to perform: obtaining information from a solar powered vehicle (31) wherein the information comprises at least a current location of the solar powered vehicle (31); obtaining information (25) relating to distribution of solar power in a predetermined area; using the obtained information to determine a solar power charging strategy (27); and enabling the solar powered vehicle (31) to access the solar power charging strategy (27).

Abstract: A method of acoustic depth determination in shallow water. At least one standard acoustic sensor located below an ocean thermocline is provided. The at least one acoustic sensor operates at a first frequency regime and at a second frequency regime. The first frequency regime is above a cut-off frequency. The second frequency regime is below the cut-off frequency. Acoustic data from a moving broadband noise source is recorded at the at least one acoustic sensor. A plot of acoustic intensity as a function of frequency versus time is generated from the acoustic data. A first waveguide invariant density distribution for the first frequency regime and a second waveguide-invariant density distribution for the second frequency regime is generated from the plot using curve detection. Whether the noise source is located below the thermocline is classified based on the first and second waveguide-invariant density distributions.

Abstract: Presented are methods and systems for collecting marine seismic data. The collected seismic data can be low frequency (e.g., less than 10 Hz) or it can be a full seismic bandwidth (1-200 Hz) depending on if the low frequency tuned sources and tuned receivers are combined with conventional sources and receivers. The low frequency sources can be towed or they can be autonomous and positioned in the survey area by tether, drifting or self-propelled. The tuned low frequency receivers are towed at a depth greater than conventional receivers and the sources can be fired independently or simultaneously.

Abstract: A sensor system detects objects in an environment ahead of a vehicle. The environment is represented by a predetermined fixed number of position points in an environment model. Initially and when no objects are detected, the position points may be distributed stochastically over the detection area of the sensor system. When objects are detected, the position points are re-distributed based on the detected objects, e.g. with a higher density of position points to represent the detected objects. Because the total number of position points is a predefined fixed number that remains constant, the processing, storage and transmission of the environment model involves a constant data volume and efficient use of memory and transmission bandwidth.

Abstract: Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed that store information concerning a dive site. The stored information can be accessed during the dive to provide information concerning such things as points of interest and/or hazards. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor and configured to measure depth, and a display connected to the processor. In addition, the memory contains factual information concerning a dive site, and the processor is configured to display at least a portion of the stored factual information concerning the dive site via the display.

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: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: A terminal device has measurement sensors for measuring physical quantities of measurement targets. A storage unit stores information determining a mode for activating the measurement sensors. Based on the information stored in the storage unit, a control unit switches all or part of the measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state when the measurement sensors are to be activated. An activation unit includes an activation sensor driven on the basis of environmental changes. The activation unit is configured to activate the control unit on the basis of detection results from the activation sensor when a physical quantity correlated with the physical quantity of the measurement target satisfies a given activation condition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and system for magnetographic analysis of mechanical flaws and defects along structures located underwater for example, metallic pipelines, utilizing an autonomous magnetic tomography method (MTM) apparatus based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect for magnetographic identification, in the form of an array of flexible autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) torpedo constructions of interconnected elements or pods. The array of AUV torpedo constructions are flexibly linked together so that the device can readily navigate within the contours of pipeline to be inspected using the flow media as propulsion means or alternatively by means of independent motive means without interfering with the system flow. The torpedo construction elements or pods each contain three MTM sensors situated 120 degrees apart on a non-perpendicular cross section arrangement, and perform a variety of independent functions. e.g.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which a water mode can be automatically entered in a manner of periodically monitoring a capacitance value of a touchscreen. The present invention includes an electrostatic touchscreen and a controller, if at least one of a size of a capacitance value detected through the touchscreen and a variation of a per-region capacitance value detected through the touchscreen meets a first condition, entering a water mode for disabling a touch control function of the touchscreen.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for collecting, integrating, processing, distributing, and analyzing spatial and/or spatio-temporal information associated with a variety of data sources and/or locations. In some embodiments, systems and methods described herein allow for collection and integration of information included in one or more spatial and/or spatio-temporal data streams and/or other related information that may be utilized in connection with one or more analytical processes. In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may allow a user to, among other things, interact with spatio-temporal information associated with a variety of diverse data sources, generate visualizations using such data, and/or perform desired analytical queries based on the data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed allowing for spatially separated nodes to transmit data to a single remote master receiver node in a synchronized way. Slave nodes can send acoustic data so that it travels through water and arrives at the master node exactly timed so that the data bit appears in a predetermined time slot. The next time slot could be a data bit coming from another remote or slave node in another direction and at a different distance. This can be repeated for many nodes and the incoming bits will be received in a time division multiplexed fashion at the receiver or master node. The senders address and bit meaning are implicit due to the time slot in which they arrive. The assumption is that all nodes have accurate synchronized time as well as the ability to accurately estimate sound travel time between itself and any master node.

Abstract: Water resistant acoustic ports and electronic hearing protection devices incorporating such ports are described. More specifically, water proof acoustic ports that provide water protection for an internal sealed chamber by providing acoustically transparent inlets that are capable of withstanding external water pressure at given depth due to their volume relation to that of the internal chamber, as well as hearing protection devices incorporating such ports, are described.

Abstract: A buoy for recording seismic signals while underwater. The buoy includes a body; a buoyancy system configured to control a buoyancy of the body to descend to a predetermined depth (H1); a propulsion system configured to actively adjust a position of the body at a given position (X, Y); a seismic sensor located on the body and configured to record the seismic signals; and a control device configured to control the buoyancy system to maintain the body substantially at the predetermined depth (H1) and to control the propulsion system to maintain the body substantially at the given position (X, Y) while the buoy records seismic data, and also to instruct the seismic sensor when to record seismic signals.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend to a first predetermined depth (H1) in water, at least one buoy having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys; and a first acoustic system attached to the first vessel and configured to detect a position of the at least one buoy while underwater. The at least one buoy is instructed to maintain the first predetermined depth (H1) underwater while recording the seismic data.

Abstract: An improved sensor system is provided that monitors and controls a dendritic fluid system. A dendritic fluid system can include artificial components and/or natural components that carry fluid from a source to a destination through a series of paths. The sensor system can include magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, encapsulated sensor systems, pressure regulators, and valve controllers to monitor and control the dendritic fluid system. For example, magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or pressure regulators can be used to measure the flow of fluid within a dendritic fluid subsystem and/or to detect potential leaks. The encapsulated sensor systems and/or valve controllers can be used to detect fluid levels in a contained system and control valves to adjust the fluid levels in the contained system to a desired level.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater in the presence of underwater currents. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend in water at a predetermined depth (H1) and each having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys along a first line; and a second vessel configured to recover the first plural buoys at a second line, wherein there is a predetermined distance between the first and second lines. The first plural buoys are configured to travel underwater, at substantially the first predetermined depth (H1), from the first line to the second line, due exclusively to the underwater currents.

Abstract: A method of identifying and locating an acoustic reflector is described by interrogating underwater objects with a sonar and deploying one or more of the steps of • a. identifying objects that apparently reflect the acoustic interrogation with a double echo, measuring the separation of the two echoes and comparing those measurements with anticipated measurements for underwater acoustic reflectors that may be present in the search area, and accepting or rejecting the reflected acoustic wave as potentially including the echo from the front of such an acoustic reflector and the echo from the shell at the rear of the reflector; • b. measuring the target strength of the echoes in a double echo received from an object and rejecting the object as one of interest if the target strength in the first echo of a double echo exceeds that of the second echo; • c.