Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which may include a plurality of marine seismic sources. According to some embodiments, these marine seismic sources may include a plurality of piezoelectric components. Such an apparatus may provide a useful sound pressure level for conducting marine seismic surveying. According to some embodiments, a conduit may be coupled between the plurality of marine seismic sources and a gas reservoir external to the plurality of marine seismic sources. The conduit may in some embodiments have at least one adjustable dimension for changing a frequency of the apparatus. The apparatus may be used in a method of marine seismic surveying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (3) for detecting a state of a road (11), with a sensor device (9) which is designed to detect an impact of water (12) on a wheel arch lining (13) of a motor vehicle (1) while the motor vehicle (1) is travelling on the road (11), and with a control device (7) for detecting the state of the road (11) on the basis of the impact of the water (12) detected by means of the sensor device (9), wherein the sensor device (9) has a first and a second ultrasound sensor (4, 5) which are designed in each case to receive an ultrasound signal and which are furthermore designed in each case to detect the impact of the water (12) on the wheel arch lining (13), wherein the first and the second ultrasound sensor (4, 5) are arranged apart from one another on or in the wheel arch lining (13).

Abstract: The proposed invention implements real-time sensitivity estimation, using a microphone path, and variable gain. When a multi-microphone system is configured to perform in its target use case, and the microphone gain is estimated, and the system output is corrected for performance degradation, sensitivity compensation is performed. A classification system is implemented to enable or disable subsequent gain estimation, and hence power consumption required when enabled or disabled, on a frame-by-frame basis. An acoustic environment is used to trigger a classification system, with electrical power consumption analysis performed to detect audio segments. The approach to the microphone sensitivity mismatch problem is to estimate the mismatch at runtime and provide gain compensation, and provide runtime compensation for the difference in sensitivity to sound pressure level between transducer elements in an array of 2 or more microphones.

Abstract: An acoustic system can include a liquid-filled coupling component comprising an acoustic coupling fluid and a housing encasing the coupling fluid; a fluid reservoir comprising an amount of the coupling fluid; a path in fluid communication between the coupling component and the fluid reservoir; and a bubble detector coupled to the path and configured to monitor the coupling fluid in the path.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an object by ultrasound transmission, including sweeping an ultrasound beam over a reference part that has the same geometry as the object to be inspected, and measuring the amplitude transmitted through the part to obtain a mapping thereof. The ultrasound beam is amplified with a reference gain. The method further includes determining gain corrections to be added to the reference gain at certain points during the sweeping of the reference part to obtain an ultrasound beam amplitude transmitted through the part which is constant at each point of the mapping, and sweeping an ultrasound beam over the object to be inspected and measuring the transmitted amplitude. The gain applied to the various points during the sweeping corresponds to the reference gain corrected on the basis of said corrections.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for enabling anti-twist functionality in marine geophysical streamers. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: towing a streamer behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein the streamer comprises rotation sensors and streamer rotation devices; receiving data from at least one rotation sensor indicative of streamer twist; and rotating a portion of the streamer with at least one streamer rotation device to reduce the streamer twist based, at least in part on the data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods, apparatus, and systems may operate to determine downhole tool standoff using a nuclear tool and photon activity, and to correct acoustic measurements using the standoff.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: Test apparatus measuring relative frequency response of first and second microphones includes a rotatable carrier. First and second microphones are sealingly clamped against a mounting surface of the carrier aligned with first and second apertures therein, such apertures lying equidistant from, and on opposite sides of, the carrier's axis of rotation. The carrier initially positions the first microphone closest to an audible signal source, and the responses of the microphones to an audible excitation signal are measured. The carrier is rotated 180 degrees, and the measurements are repeated. Elongated strips of gasket material are used to align the microphones and to form a seal with the carrier. When microphones are mounted deep within an audio device, the audio device is sealingly clamped against a mounting plate, sequentially aligning the mounting plate aperture with first and second apertures of the audio device housing corresponding to first and second microphones disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface compactor and a method of operating a surface compactor. The surface compactor is provided with at least one compacting surface for compacting a substrate an excitation system that generates a substantially square wave vibrational displacement or force that vibrates the least one compacting surface during compaction to increase the compaction rate of the substrate.

Abstract: At least some embodiments are directed to a system. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to calculate a pressure response of a first sensor, and correct pressure wavefield data obtained from the first sensor responsive to a first acoustic wavefield. The correction is based on the calculated pressure response of the first sensor. The pressure response of the first sensor is responsive to a second acoustic wavefield having a propagation path between a source of the second acoustic wavefield and the first sensor, in which the propagation path includes no reflection from a subsurface formation.

Abstract: A device for determining a filling level of a container is provided, having a damping cup, a measuring section extending vertically inside the damping cup, and having an ultrasound converter arranged at its lower end region, and at least one antechamber. A calming structure is arranged in at least a part of at least one antechamber, to achieve as much degassing of the liquid as possible. The part of the antechamber having the calming structure is designed to be open towards the top over a large area and is connected, via a venting channel, with a vent in the upper region of the device.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus includes a detecting unit configured to detect an area of a predetermined object from an image, a calculating unit configured to calculate an evaluation value on the area detected by the detecting unit, and a control unit configured, when the evaluation value satisfies a predetermined criterion, to determine that the area is the predetermined object. The predetermined criterion is set depending on an amount of distortion of an image displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique to separate compressional seismic waves from shear seismic waves and to determine their direction of propagation to enhance the seismic monitoring oil and gas reservoirs and the seismic monitoring of hydrofracturing in oil and gas wells. The invention utilizes various combinations of multi-component linear seismic sensors, multi-component rotational seismic sensors, and pressure sensors. Sensors are jointly deployed in arrays of shallow monitoring wells to avoid the complicating effects of the free surface of the earth. The emplacement of sensors in the shallow monitoring wells may be permanent. The method has a wide range of application in oil and gas exploration and production. This abstract is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the claims of this invention.

Abstract: An active noise control arrangement has a signal input (SI), a microphone input (MI), a signal output (SO) and a digital interface (DI). A signal processing block (SP) coupled to the microphone input (MI) by means of an amplifier (MA) has a digitally adjustable gain and comprises combining means (CM) and a filter (TP). The signal processing block (SP) is configured to generate an output signal at the signal output (SO) as a function of an input signal at the signal input (SI) and an amplified microphone signal. A control block (CB) is coupled to the digital interface (DI) and configured to adjust the gain of the amplifier (MA).

Abstract: A phantom for measuring thickness of a thin layer and a method of using thereof. The phantom may include a non-scattering muscle mimicking material having a flat top surface; a plurality of soft tissue mimicking thin layers placed in a first area, which is at least a part of a top surface of the non-scattering muscle mimicking material, and having thicknesses different from each other; and an anechoic blood mimicking liquid material placed in an area other than the first area among an entire area of the top surface of the non-scattering muscle mimicking material and on a top surface of the plurality of soft tissue mimicking thin layers.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for determining the distance between two sound providers, such as the ear pieces of a headset or two hearing aids. A signal is fed to the sound providers from a portable element, such as a mobile telephone, from a position to the side of the person, and from the travelling time of the signal, the distance is determined. Subsequently, audio signals taking the distance into account are fed to the sound generators.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for controlling pieces of equipment by sound pulses, which include operations and means for determining characteristics of a vector defined by two sound pulses received by at least two receivers. In various implementations, the characteristics may comprise at least the direction and possibly also the sense and the norm of the vector, and these sound pulses may be generated in a zone defined relative to the receivers. The methods and devices may also include operations and means for controlling a piece of equipment where the command applied to the equipment may be determined at least by the direction of the vector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that assist in correlating subsequent geophysical surveys. In some embodiments, geophysical data may be generated including a first set of data from a monitor survey that is matched with a second set of data from a baseline survey. An attribute value may be generated for each datum in the first set of data, and the generated attribute value may be associated with the datum from the first set of data and at least one of a plurality of bins. In some embodiments, the attribute values may be based upon the geometric closeness of sources and receivers in the baseline and monitor surveys.

Abstract: A self calibrating dipole microphone formed from two omni-directional acoustic sensors. The microphone includes a sound source acoustically coupled to the acoustic sensors and a processor. The sound source is excited with a test signal, exposing the acoustic sensors to acoustic calibration signals. The responses of the acoustic sensors to the calibration signals are compared by the processor, and one or more correction factors determined. Digital filter coefficients are calculated based on the one or more correction factors, and applied to the output signals of the acoustic sensors to compensate for differences in the sensitivities of the acoustic sensors. The filtered signals provide acoustic sensor outputs having matching responses, which are subtractively combined to form the dipole microphone output.

Abstract: Test apparatus measuring relative frequency response of first and second microphones includes a rotatable carrier. First and second microphones are sealingly clamped against a mounting surface of the carrier aligned with first and second apertures therein, such apertures lying equidistant from, and on opposite sides of, the carrier's axis of rotation. The carrier initially positions the first microphone closest to an audible signal source, and the responses of the microphones to an audible excitation signal are measured. The carrier is rotated 180 degrees, and the measurements are repeated. Elongated strips of gasket material are used to align the microphones and to form a seal with the carrier. When microphones are mounted deep within an audio device, the audio device is sealingly clamped against a mounting plate, sequentially aligning the mounting plate aperture with first and second apertures of the audio device housing corresponding to first and second microphones disposed therein.

Abstract: A communication system periodically changes the carrier wave frequency or phase such that a signal traveling a reflected path no longer destructively interferes with a signal traveling a direct line-of-sight path. The communication system negotiates a periodic frequency or phase shift with a receiver, and then shifts the frequency or phase according to the negotiated schedule to maintain continuous communication.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including a probe in which a plurality of elements transmitting an ultrasound wave to a measurement target region of an object and receiving a reflected wave is arranged in a first direction, and a mechanical scanning unit that moves the probe in the first direction and a direction crossing the first direction. A transmission processor, to each element included in a transmission aperture element row transmitting the ultrasound wave, inputs an input signal for driving the element, and a received signal processor combines received signals obtained by the elements included in a reception aperture element row receiving the ultrasound wave. A generator generates property information on the object from the combined signal, and a controller that determines at least one of the number of elements included in the transmission aperture element row.

Abstract: A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling quality of operation of a passive acoustic monitoring system. The method includes, at least for one given source: (a) the given source emits at least one acoustic test signal; (b) the passive acoustic monitoring system obtains acoustic signal measurements and estimates at least one parameter, characteristic of and/or associated with the at least one test acoustic signal, as a function of the acoustic signal measurements; (c) comparing the at least one estimated parameter with at least one reference parameter, characteristic of and/or associated with the at least one test acoustic signal; (d) obtaining at least one piece of quality information, as a function of results of the comparing step. A quality control device is provided, which drives the given source to trigger the step (a), obtains the at least one estimated parameter and carries out the steps (c) and (d).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for acoustic calibration of a towed hydrophone line array. In a very low frequency band, calibration is performed using a surrounding ambient acoustic noise environment observed by one or more calibrated reference standard hydrophones and hydrophone channels of the array being calibrated. The array hydrophone sensitivities are computed by comparing output voltages of the array hydrophones with the output voltages of one or more calibrated reference hydrophones. The method extends the low frequency limit for the calibration of a towed hydrophone line array to substantially less than the minimum frequency at which the acoustic projectors commonly used for acoustic calibrations can transmit a useful acoustic signal.

Abstract: The method for calibrating an inspection instrument coupled with acoustic transducers disposed at circumferential positions distributed around a surface of an elongated object to inspect generally has the steps of: for each one of the circumferential positions, measuring a first and a second received signal using two acoustic transducers disposed at two axial positions along the object, the received signals resulting from the propagation of an acoustic guided wave signal along the object; identifying an acoustic mode according to the first received and the second received signals using a known period of time associated with the propagation of the acoustic guided wave signal between the two axial positions along the object; and determining a coupling coefficient associated with the acoustic mode, the coupling coefficient being indicative of the coupling of the acoustic transducers on the object; and calibrating the inspection instrument coupled to the object based on the coupling coefficients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a composite structure utilizing sonic or ultrasonic waves. In response to a wideband chirp wave sonic excitation signal transmitted from a probe to the composite structure, a probe signal received is correlated with a library of predetermined probe signals and a graphical representation of defects detected is generated. The graphical representation provides detailed information on defect type, defect location and defect shape.

Abstract: A system and method instantly on-site analyze seismic acceleration signals measured from a primary wave of an earthquake and at a detecting site. The system includes an embedded computing host and a signal preprocessing module. Hardware preprocessing is executed on the seismic acceleration signals; and whether the earthquake is a seismic event is able to be determined according to a seism determining logic. Seismic acceleration signals are converted into ground velocities and ground displacements to obtain a peak ground displacement. A seismic fracture time parameter is calculated through the ground velocities and ground displacements and then a seismic magnitude of the earthquake is obtained. According to the peak ground displacement and the seismic magnitude, an epicentral distance is further calculated. Then a peak ground acceleration of the earthquake's shear wave at the detection site is able to be obtained through the seismic magnitude and the epicentral distance.

Abstract: A microphone support device includes a ring-shaped flame, a plurality of fixed arms which protrude toward an inner side of the flame, a plurality of movable arms which are longer than the fixed arms and are detachable, and multiple microphones. A small-size microphone array is constructed by accommodating the plurality of movable arms inside of the flame in a radiating state. On the other hand, a large-size microphone array is constructed by radially developing the plurality of movable arms outside of the flame. When constructing a circular two-dimensional microphone array, a size of the circular two-dimensional microphone array can be easily changed in this manner. Hence, the sound localization can be handled over a wide frequency range.

Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle is disclosed having an image sensor positioned in the vehicle for capturing images through a windscreen of the vehicle and for generating image data corresponding to the captured images, and a processor coupled to the image sensor for receiving and analyzing the image data and detecting vehicle light sources in the captured images. The processor: detects a predetermined number of vehicle light sources; averages color values of each detected vehicle light source; determines differences between the averaged color values and target color values; and stores the differences as color compensation values. A vehicle equipment control system is further disclosed having the imaging system above, wherein the processor compensates color values of subsequently detected vehicle light sources and generates a control signal that is used to control the vehicle equipment in response to the detection of color compensated vehicle light sources in the captured images.

Abstract: A measurement system including a container including an element moveable within an internal volume of the container. A sensor wirelessly measures the position of the element within the container and transmits the measured position information. Also included is an information system capable of reading the position information from the sensor.

Abstract: A plurality of acoustic sensors in a non-anechoic environment are calibrated with the aim of removing manufacturing tolerances and degradation over time but preserving position-dependent differences between the sensors, The sensors are excited by an acoustic stimulus which has either time-dependent characteristics or finite duration. The calibration is to be based on diffuse-field excitation only, in which indirect propagation (including single or multiple reflections) dominate over any direct-path excitation. For this purpose, the calibration process considers only a non-initial portion of sensor outputs and/or of an impulse response derived there-from. Based on these data, a frequency-dependent magnitude response function is estimated and compared with a target response function, from which a calibration function is derived.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating sound, detecting sound, and generating and detecting sound are provided. An array of audio transducers can be provided whereby each audio transducer in the array can be optimized for a narrow range of sound frequencies. When operating at or close to its resonant frequency, a transducer can generate (and/or detect) sound with a higher efficiency and less distortion as compared to other frequencies. Accordingly, sound may be divided into component signals such that each transducer is only responsible for generating (and/or detection) sound close to its resonant frequency. This sound reproduction (and/or detection) technique can increase efficiency, and therefore, can increase the total output volume that an array can generate using a given amount of input power when generating sound (and/or increase the total output power that an array can generate using a given amount of input volume when detecting sound).

Abstract: A radar sensor device having at least one planar antenna device that includes a plurality of vertically oriented antenna columns which are configured as a sparse array in one plane in parallel at defined mutual distances and which each have at least two line-fed patch elements, the sparse array of antenna columns is designed to have such a minimal redundancy that the amount of defined distances among the antenna columns in the sparse array is at least equal to all of the different distances between any two antenna columns of a corresponding non-sparse array of a planar antenna device having the same antenna aperture and the same characteristics of the antenna columns, but is the most minimum possible number.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring sound is described. In one embodiment frequency-banded-noise samples, which collectively cover at least a portion of a spectrum, are sequentially generated at different points in time, and a baseline sound-pressure-level reading for each of the frequency banded noise samples is received. Using data received from a microphone, a sound pressure level reading is generated for each of the frequency banded noise samples. Calibration data is then produced for the microphone as a function of a difference between each of the baseline sound-pressure-level readings and a corresponding one of each of the generated sound pressure level readings for each of the frequency banded noise samples.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes accessing a set of multicomponent marine noise data exhibiting a plurality of polarization vectors at each of a plurality of co-located pressure and particle motion data points on a marine seismic survey apparatus; and determining a set of perturbation noise data for the marine seismic survey apparatus from the polarization vectors. Computer readable program storage media are encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the computer-implemented method. A computing apparatus is programmed to perform the computer-implemented method.

Abstract: Electric horn devices for a vehicle and vehicles with the electric horns are provided. An electric horn device includes a housing that is tightly sealed, a housing section within the housing, and a membrane element within the housing and configured to generate a sound. An elastic pressure equalizing element is adapted to allow pressure equalization in the housing.

Abstract: A direct field acoustic testing system includes at least two acoustical transducer groups and a signal modifier for introducing separately controllable time delays or phase shifts for each acoustical transducer group so as to provide an acoustic field conforming to a pre-determined specification with reduced deviations due to constructive or destructive interference between the acoustical transducer groups.

Abstract: A system, processor and method of use for calibration processing is provided to calibrate acoustic vector sensor data collected at comparatively close range. Vector sensor data collected at close range includes data collected with source-to-receiver separations ranging from a one-tenth to approximately two acoustic wavelengths. The calculations substantially account for the acoustic impedance of a spherically diverging wave front, where the curvature is sufficiently pronounced to cause errors in resulting measurements in the calculations. The processing uses information contained within the vector sensor data to increase the accuracy of the vector sensor data.

Abstract: A measurement systems that reduces spurious artifacts in reflected signals by generating and employing an improved maximum length sequence. Accurate acoustic measurements with both high SNR and low spurious artifacts are made possible by generating Wide MLS (WMLS) which modifies a base MLS by replacing each value with a sequence that includes the value and one or more additional values, where typically the replaced values have opposing polarities and, the additional signals have intermediate values. An exemplary intermediate values can be approximately zero value.

Abstract: A plurality of acoustic sensors in a non-anechoic environment are calibrated with the aim of removing manufacturing tolerances and degradation over time but preserving position-dependent differences between the sensors, The sensors are excited by an acoustic stimulus which has either time-dependent characteristics or finite duration. The calibration is to be based on diffuse-field excitation only, in which indirect propagation (including single or multiple reflections) dominate over any direct-path excitation. For this purpose, the calibration process considers only a non-initial portion of sensor outputs and/or of an impulse response derived there-from. Based on these data, a frequency-dependent magnitude response function is estimated and compared with a target response function, from which a calibration function is derived.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for calibration of an accelerometer used in a geophysical sensor while deployed in the water. An embodiment may include towing a streamer behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein the streamer comprises an accelerometer; causing at least a portion of the streamer to twist; receiving data from the accelerometer at a selected plurality of times during the twist; and based at least in part on the data, determining at least one calibration parameter of the accelerometer.

Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional coordinates of a probe center includes: providing a spherically mounted retroreflector; providing a probe assembly; providing an orientation sensor; providing a coordinate measurement device; placing the spherically mounted retroreflector on the probe head; directing the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the spherically mounted retroreflector; measuring the first distance; measuring the first angle of rotation; measuring the second angle of rotation; measuring the three orientational degrees of freedom based at least in part on information provided by the orientation sensor; calculating the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center based at least in part on the first distance, the first angle of rotation, the second angle of rotation, and the three orientational degrees of freedom; and storing the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center.

Abstract: A method and a device for canceling an offset voltage in an output of a comparator circuit include applying a signal to a first input of the comparator as a function of an initial tap point in a resistor ladder. While the signal is applied to the first input, a nominal voltage is applied to a second input of the comparator, and then an output of the comparator is analyzed. The signal to the first input is changed in response to the analyzing, by accessing a different tap point in the resistor ladder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method which includes transmitting signals over a time period between a downhole location and a surface location during drilling of a wellbore; recording the time of each signal at the surface using a surface clock and the time of each signal downhole using a downhole clock; and correcting the downhole measurements using the recorded times.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to testing of seismic air guns, for example via bubble tests. According to some embodiments of these techniques, a firing sequence for testing the air guns may be determined that reduces the amount of interaction between firings. Further, firing time delays may also be determined in order to further reduce the interactions. Accordingly, a test of an array of air guns may be completed relatively quickly.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus for diagnosing an ultrasound probe having a probe head comprising a plurality of transducer elements is disclosed. The ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus includes a reflective interface configured to reflect ultrasonic signals transmitted from a transducer element of the plurality of transducer elements. The reflected ultrasonic signals are received by at least one transducer element present in the probe head. A probe diagnosis unit is communicably coupled to the plurality of transducer elements. The probe diagnosis unit is configured to analyze at least one signal parameter associated with the reflected ultrasonic signals received for diagnosing performance of the transducer element.

Abstract: A method of sensing using a phase based transducer in which a transducer response is provided at multiple different levels of sensitivity. The different levels of sensitivity are used to produce an output which does not overscale across a wide range of signal levels. This is particularly useful for use in conjunction with multiplexed arrays of fiber optic sensors for seismic surveying. Methods of sensor calibration and noise reduction are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a transducer array in an ultrasound probe are provided. One method includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe during an imaging mode of operation, wherein the ultrasound data includes echo information. The method further includes comparing the echo information from a plurality of transducer elements of a transducer array of the ultrasound probe during the imaging mode of operation, wherein the echo information is non-beamformed signal data. The method also includes determining non-uniformity information for the transducer array using the compared echo information during the imaging mode of operation.