Abstract: To test at least one unit of a subterranean survey system, the unit detects presence of wireless signaling of a mobile device. After the detecting, a wireless connection is established between the unit and the mobile device. A test at the unit is performed in response to a test command from the mobile device.

Abstract: A ship's radiated noise monitoring system includes a plurality of arrays of spaced vibration-responsive detectors, the arrays being adapted for location adjacent to the ship's hull in the region of possible noise sources; summing amplifiers for receiving the detectors output signals from respective arrays and providing output signals representative of the average vibration signals received by each array; an analyzer connected to the output of each summing amplifier to perform a spectrum analysis; and computer apparatus to receive the noise spectrum from each array, apply respective weighting factors to the noise spectra and combine the weighted noise spectra to produce a predicted radiated noise spectrum. Preferably each array comprises a regular distritution of nine accelerometers attached to hull frames in groups of three. The system is used in conjunction with sonar equipment to enable self-noise to be monitored to optimise the sonar performance.

Abstract: Objects are monitored in a subterranean well. A well system can include at least one object having a transmitter, and at least one sensing device which monitors displacement of the object along a wellbore. A method of monitoring at least one object in a subterranean well can include positioning at least one sensing device in a wellbore of the well, and then displacing the object through the wellbore, the sensing device monitoring the object as it displaces through the wellbore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-diagnostic audio system including a digital signal processor (DSP) that monitors a plurality of electronic components in an audio system, such as an amplifier, speaker, memory, power supply, and DSP itself. The DSP may monitor various information from each of the electrical components, such as whether a particular electrical component is on or off, whether a particular component is functional, and whether the voltage current is between the components. The DSP may be linked to a reporting device so that if there is a problem, the DSP may report back and identify the existence and nature of a particular problem.

Abstract: To test a seismic sensor, an output of the seismic sensor in response to a test signal applied by a signal generator is measured. According to a first function that corresponds to a reference response of the seismic sensor and according to a second function that corresponds to a signal containing noise in an environment of the seismic sensor, a filter is created to perform attenuation of the noise. The filter is applied to attenuate noise during testing of the seismic sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system and a method of using the system which is useful in therapeutic, cosmetic or aesthetic, diagnostic, exploratory and other medical procedures, particularly where a relatively non-invasive procedure is needed. The sonic resonator system and its method of use provide a controllable high intensity sonic impulse, which may be in the form of a compression or rarefaction wave applied to a given target tissue or anatomical structure, to cause a significant therapeutic or other physiological effect.

Abstract: A method for functionally testing an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle in which, in a test operating mode, an ultrasonic signal is emitted whose magnitude is large enough that under conventional conditions this ultrasonic signal is reflected by a ground surface in front of the vehicle and is received again. In this way, it can easily be determined that the ultrasonic sensor is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The method comprises receiving an acoustic signal from a remote device, detecting the unique pattern embedded therein, changing a mode of operation based upon the detection, measuring a voltage created by the reception of the acoustic signal and adjusting the sensitivity of the acoustic detector based upon a measured voltage. The acoustic signal contains a unique pattern indicative of the remote device.

Abstract: A seismic sensing module comprises a seismic sensing element and a processor configured to generate a test signal applied to the seismic sensing element, receive a response from the seismic sensing element, and determine a characteristic of the seismic sensing module according to the response.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (?) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to monitoring the temperature of a transducer and controlling the temperature as a function of adjusting one or more characteristics of the transducer.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying seismic sensors to perform a seismic survey and during the deployment of the seismic sensors, testing each of the seismic sensors to determine an associated sensor transfer function. The technique includes determining an associated operator to apply to seismic data acquired by each of the seismic sensors in the seismic survey based at least in part on a frequency dependent variation between the associated sensor transfer function and a nominal response for the seismic sensor. The technique includes processing the seismic data, including applying the associated operators to the seismic data.

Abstract: The system generates resonant ultrasonic vibrations, preferably in a torsional mode. A control circuit monitors, feedback signals therefrom, which are scanned to determine the frequency at which minima occur. The frequency of the ultrasonic signal is then adjusted to the frequency at which the minimum occurs.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for evaluating and/or for activating sound transducers for application in vehicles, particularly as a part of a parking assistance, the circuit configuration including a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and the windings lead to a transformation ratio of greater than 1, terminals being provided for a sound transducer at the secondary winding and terminals being provided at the primary winding for activating device(s) which generate a voltage that changes with time at the primary winding of the transformer; on the side of primary winding (primary side) an antenna being provided which is suitable for receiving electrical fields generated by interference signals, and which is connected to the side of secondary winding (secondary side) via a coupling path; a device for phase shifting being provided in the coupling path, which brings about a phase shift by 180° in the electrical interference signals received by the antenna.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (?) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an acoustic echo signal by a sonar apparatus (receiver array 100, 101). The method comprises measuring phases and magnitudes of at least one predetermined acoustic calibration signal received from a plurality of respective directions 109 by the sonar apparatus; determining a complex directional response from the measured phases and magnitudes; receiving an acoustic echo signal; compensating the received acoustic echo signal for the determined complex directional response.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests.

Abstract: Techniques include determining coefficients of a complex auto regression (AR) model to fit a complex average spectrum at a base frequency resolution of a set of one or more measured acoustic beams during a time block. Residuals derived by filtering actual data through an inverse of the AR model are determined at frequencies below a first threshold frequency. A quantized spectrum of the residuals is determined at the base frequency resolution. Magnitude, phase, and frequency bin at the base frequency resolution are determined for each peak of a set of one or more narrowband peaks above a second threshold frequency for the set of one or more measured acoustic beams. A message is sent, which indicates without loss the coefficients of the AR model, the quantized spectrum of the residuals, and the frequency bin, magnitude and phase for each peak of the set of one or more narrowband peaks.

Abstract: Provided are a phantom for standardizing ultrasonograph and a method of obtaining an ultrasonographic image using the phantom, and more particularly, a phantom for measuring fat content in a target organ as a gray level distribution using an ultrasonographic image and assessing the accuracy of ultrasonograph and a method and apparatus for obtaining a standardized ultrasonographic image using the phantom.

Abstract: A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined.

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 fibre optic sensors for seismic surveying. Methods of sensor calibration and noise reduction are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (?) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (333) for measuring the sound-intensity vector in a half space bounded by a surface such as a wall or the ground (100) using an acoustic vector probe (AVP) (40), where the AVP consists of four small omnidirectional microphones (1, 2, 3 and 4) supported on narrow straight tubes at the vertices of an imaginary regular tetrahedron. The tubes are attached perpendicularly to a ring (42) with the microphones all pointing into the half space. The sound-intensity vector measured by the AVP determines the direction of a sound source within the half space. Interference from echoes caused by reflections from the boundary of the half space and from surrounding objects on the boundary can be reduced by attaching a concave solid structure (55) to the base of the AVP at the supporting ring (42). The inside of the concave structure is lined with absorbing material (65) to reduce interference by reflections from the structure.

Abstract: A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, a method for testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device coupled with the acoustic system via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. The signal can include a pattern of pulses including Doppler pulses. At least one Doppler pulse from the pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device. A response to the signal from the acoustic system can be provided by generating an echo pulse with the testing device based on the detected at least one Doppler pulse wherein the echo pulse is frequency shifted from the detected at least one Doppler pulse and mimics a response to the detected at least one Doppler pulse for a selected acoustic probe.

Abstract: A plurality of signal transmitters are respectively configured to produce a pulse current by repeatedly switching the connection state of a switching element. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are respectively configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse to a subject to be examined upon receiving said pulse current, and to produce a receiving current upon receiving the reflected wave. A signal receiver is configured to receive said receiving current. A test signal generator is configured to produce a test signal and to output said test signal to a connection point of said signal transmitter, said ultrasonic transducer, and said signal receiver by switching said connection state of said switching element to a state through which said test signal is conducted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a current is injected into a moving coil of a seismic sensor and a voltage is measured across the moving coil. The moving coil is locked by the injected current such that environmental noise is reduced while measuring the moving coil voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes sound sensors for converting sounds into electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a first sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the first sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a second sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the second sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. Calculation is given of a relative angle between the determined angular position of the sound source of the first sound wave and the determined angular position of the sound source of the second sound wave. A condition of the apparatus is controlled in response to the calculated relative angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for feedback protection of pressure measurement devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transmitter inside a pressure measurement device transmits a transmission signal directly or indirectly toward an ambient opening of the pressure measurement device. A reflection of the transmission signal is then received at a receiver and data associated with the transmission signal and the reflection of the transmission signal are examined to determine if an obstruction exists in the pressure measurement device.

Abstract: Data is collected from the integral timing sensor of a marine acoustic source such as an airgun, typically used for seismic measurements. Artefacts in the firing data are used to monitor the firing pressure and optionally the correct functioning of the marine acoustic source.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides an improvement in detecting a faulty hydrophone channel in a hydrophone array. The disclosed technique operates on pairs of hydrophones or, to generalize, on groups of two or more hydrophones; this is in contrast with operating on only one hydrophone at a time. As a result, the technique is able to use correlation data from the multiple hydrophones, in order to detect a fault. The technique also operates on received echo signal information that is associated with ongoing SONAR solution processing. The use of the relatively deterministic, echo signal information further enhances the performance. By using correlation products made up of the received echo signal information, the disclosed technique is able to leverage the SONAR solution processing that already relies upon the hydrophone array, such as spatial or temporal correlation SONAR, thereby reducing the additional processing incurred.

Abstract: A phantom, and a method and system for scanning the phantom, is provided for assessing the performance of ultrasound scanners. The phantom has tissue mimicking material (TMM) sections with different backscatter properties. The resolution of the scanner is assessed by measuring the response of the system to a step change in backscatter. Penetration and sensitivity of the scanner can also be assessed by measuring backscatter properties. Layers of the phantom can comprise lesions to enable quantification of the lesion detection performance of the scanner. The scanner can also comprise regularly spaced targets to enable assessment of the distance measurement accuracy of the scanner.

Abstract: To test at least one unit of a subterranean survey system, the unit detects presence of wireless signaling of a mobile device. After the detecting, a wireless connection is established between the unit and the mobile device. A test at the unit is performed in response to a test command from the mobile device.

Abstract: A sensor calibration system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The sensor calibration system may have a first calibration object positioned at a first worksite location, a second calibration object positioned at a second worksite location, and a plurality of sensors located onboard the mobile machine to detect the first and second calibration objects. The sensor calibration system may also have a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to calibrate at least one of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the first worksite location, and to calibrate at least one other of the plurality of sensors when the mobile machine is proximate the second worksite location.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating an ultrasonic sensor, and an ultrasonic distance-measuring device a crosstalk signal is transmitted from a first ultrasonic sensor to a second ultrasonic sensor. The amplitude of the crosstalk signal is compared with a stored value, and the sensitivity of the sensor is set as a function of comparison.

Abstract: A method for marine seismic surveying includes determining at least an initial depth of a plurality of spaced apart seismic sensors in a body of water. The sensors each include a substantially collocated pressure responsive sensor and motion responsive sensor. A ghost time delay is determined for each sensor based on the at least an initial depth. Seismic signals detected by each motion responsive sensor and each pressure responsive sensor are cross ghosted. The at least initial depth is adjusted, and the determining ghost time delay and cross ghosted seismic signals are repeated until a difference between the cross ghosted motion responsive signal and the cross ghosted pressure responsive signal falls below a selected threshold.

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, perfume the computer-implemented method. One computing apparatus is programmed to perform the computer-implemented method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (?) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator.

Abstract: A method for measuring water-flow noise over a hydrophone comprising: coupling the hydrophone to a distal end of a hydrodynamic-drag-reduced beam, which has a proximal end that is rotatably connected to a frame; pivoting the beam through water; and recording the water-flow noise generated by the water flowing around the hydrophone.

Abstract: An acoustic calibration sound system includes a coordinate position detecting device and a host. The coordinate position detecting device is used for detecting a position of a listener in a space plane and issuing a corresponding position signal. The host outputs an audio signal. The host has an acoustic characteristic parameter matrix containing multiple acoustic characteristic parameters related to multiple positions in the space plane. The host selects a corresponding acoustic characteristic parameter in response to the position signal. According to the selected acoustic characteristic parameter, the host adjusts the audio signal.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly modeling the ideal acoustic sound propagation in a body of water based on current SVP data and the position of the sound source, comprising the steps of: obtaining SVP data for the body of water; determining a depth of a sound source within the body of water; selecting a first ray angle originating from the sound source; calculating a first ray trace for the first ray angle using only the SVP data as environmental inputs; repeating the selecting and calculating steps for second-nth ray angles to calculate second-nth ray traces for the second-nth ray angles; and plotting the first-nth ray traces to create a ray trace plot for the body of water relative to the depth of the sound source.

Abstract: A method for functionally testing an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle in which, in a test operating mode, an ultrasonic signal is emitted whose magnitude is large enough that under conventional conditions this ultrasonic signal is reflected by a ground surface in front of the vehicle and is received again. In this way, it can easily be determined that the ultrasonic sensor is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method for functionally testing an ultrasonic sensor in which at least one additional ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasound signal, and a functioning of the first sensor is ascertained when the amplitude of the signal transmitted by the first sensor without being reflected off of an external obstacle exceeds a predefined, variable limit value.

Abstract: A calibration system is provided for calibrating acoustic transducers such as phased array acoustic transducers and time of flight acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a support frame for a plurality of acoustic transducers may be used to calibrate the transducers simultaneously. The support frame is modular and can be customized with respect to its overall configuration, the number of transducers, and the placement of the transducers. Groups of transducers may be added or removed as well as individual transducers. The outputs of the acoustic transducers are collected as the acoustic transducers are simultaneously moved and/or positioned. The outputs can be combined to produce an image and compared to a known image to verify that the acoustic transducers are all oriented properly and calibrated for operation.

Abstract: A method for in-situ calibrating acoustic receivers while the tool is in an open or cased borehole or during a logging run in a borehole. The method and system facilitate calibrating the acoustic receivers while they are mounted to a downhole acoustic tool. Calibrating the acoustic receivers in situ provides more accurate results than previously available. The method and system provide separate compensation factors for the acoustic receivers at different frequencies and for different transmission sources. The separate compensation factors facilitate more accurate signal acquisition over a wider range of conditions.

Abstract: Method for adjusting the output of a phased array ultrasonic transducer using surface mapping. The transducer surface is mapped using a sensor, such as a hydrophone, to determine the actual location of each transducer element relative to the expected location of each transducer element. Mapping can be performed by measuring a distance between a hydrophone and each transducer element. At least one of the hydrophone and the transducer are moveable relative to each other to map the transducer surface. A determination is made whether the actual location of a transducer element differs from the expected location. Drive signals of certain transducer elements having actual locations that differ from expected locations are adjusted to control the output of the transducer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting concealed cargo, such as explosives contained in a closed vehicle trunk, by characterizing the transfer function between sets of wheels of the vehicle and automatically detecting changes of transfer functions due to changes in mass loading. The system and method contacts a first tire of the vehicle and transduces a signal such as a sweeping acoustic signal into the vehicle, simultaneously collecting the signal transmitted and attenuated through the vehicle to an second tire. The collected signal is analyzed and compared to previous transfer function characterization results to detect significant changes in the transfer function. If a significant change is detected, a system operator is alerted to prompt further preemptive action, such as a full search of the vehicle.

Abstract: To test a seismic sensor, an output of the seismic sensor in response to a test signal applied by a signal generator is measured. According to a first function that corresponds to a reference response of the seismic sensor and according to a second function that corresponds to a signal containing noise in an environment of the seismic sensor, a filter is created to perform attenuation of the noise. The filter is applied to attenuate noise during testing of the seismic sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an acoustic detector. The method includes the steps of simultaneously transmitting an acoustic signal and an electromagnetic signal to an acoustic detector, receiving both signals, calculating a timing difference between the reception of the acoustic signal and electromagnetic signal, and setting a first time threshold used to determine if a glass panel is broken using the calculated difference and storing the first time threshold. A sensitivity level is also set based upon the determined timing difference. A unique key signature in the acoustic signal and electromagnetic signal is detected and matched with a stored signature to determine whether the signals are from a calibration signal. The timing difference is only calculated if both signals are calibration signals.