Abstract: A method of imaging an object by the ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave by mechanically or electronically scanning the ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave transmitting/receiving system to transmit the ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave beam spreading in space of the object and using the trace (TOF locus) from the transmission to the reception while receiving the reflected wave from the object, and sequentially reproducing the line image at the central line of the synthetic aperture range using the received signal group from the scanning points in the synthetic aperture range to sequentially image the area to be imaged while scanning the ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave transmitting/receiving system. An imaging apparatus applied with the method has a relatively simple hardware structure for reproducing the image and is also able to perform the operation in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a pulse-echo imaging or ranging system comprising means (32) for identifying the analytic signal from a received signal and means (34) for extracting ranging information from the analytic signal. The analytic signal can be obtained and processed by digital or by analog circuit means. One embodiment of the analog circuit means (32) includes means (90) for modulating the received signal on a carrier frequency, means (92) for obtaining a single sideband signal from the modulated signal and means (94) for envelope detecting the single sideband signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging arrangement. The arrangement includes a probe having an array of oscillators for emitting ultrasonic waves toward an object to be tomographically imaged, a first converter, a line memory group including a plurality of line memories, a write zoom operation unit, a frame memory, read zoom operation unit and a second converter. Echo signals reflected from the object are converted into digital signals as ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic data are stored in the line memory group, and are stored in the frame memory after processing operations in the write zoom operation unit. The read zoom operation unit then reads the data from the frame memory and, if necessary, processes that data. The second converter converts the processed data into video signals and a tomography image of the object is displayed according to the video signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a picture display apparatus connected to a low resolution ultrasonic inspector so as to display a picture with high resolution. In the apparatus, an approximate spectrum of a theoretical spectrum representing an object having a known shape as a reference and a spectrum obtained through measurement of the known-shaped object are subject to Fourier transformation so that a transfer function of a measurement device is calculated from the ratio between the respective values obtained through the two operations of Fourier transformation, whereby an unknown shape of an object is displayed on the basis of the transfer function and Fourier transformation values of a measured spectrum of the object having the unknown shape.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer comprised of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in one direction, a transmission section for driving the ultrasonic transducer to radiate first and second ultrasonic beams from the ultrasonic transducer at a time in their different directions, and a receiver section for processing echo signals which are obtained from the ultrasonic transducer means and for outputting first and second television signals. Television signals are displayed as two lines of raster on a monitor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the transit time of echoes triggered by exposure of the bottom of a body of water to sonic pulses, in order to improve the echo detection in a received signal intercepted via at least one receiving lobe, particularly for mapping the surface profile of a sea bed. A temporal echo expectation window is opened up on either side of an echo expectation time, the temporal length of the window being dimensioned greater than a maximum echo length to be expected on the basis of an assumed maximum slope of the sea bed and/or a reception angle of the receiving lobe deviating from the vertical. The center of gravity integral is formed from the received signal defined by the echo expectation window, and the time component of the center of gravity is defined as the echo transit time. The echo expectation time is derived from the echo propagation at a known sounding depth.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the type having a plurality of selectable modes of operation, a motor-driven electroacoustic transducer is steered in a sector field in a predetermined relation to a selected operational mode. The sector scan format of returning echos is converted to a line-by-line raster display format in response to line sync pulses. The number of line sync pulses generated per unit time interval is scaled by a factor of N/M, so that it corresponds to the number of pulses generated by the encoder during the same time interval, where N and M are integers which are variable as a function of the selected mode. Phase comparison is made between the pulses generated by the encoder and the scaled line sync pulses to generate a phase difference signal from which a speed control signal is derived for controlling the speed of the motor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging processing system includes transducers and means to generate in an analog fashion, in-phase and quadrature phase signals. These signals are converted to digital form and a butterfly phase rotator circuit is employed to correct for phase differences in beam steering and focusing. In particular, speed and simplicity is achieved through the utilization of read only memory means providing appropriate function values for phase correction in conjunction with digital multiplication and summing circuitry.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device includes an ultrasonic probe with a plurality of vibrators arranged linearly for transmitting ultrasonic beams to an object and receiving the reflected ultrasonic beams from the object. A driving unit is constructed to control the plurality of vibrators using a time control which employs delay lines to transmit ultrasonic beams to the object in a convergent manner and to receive diverging ultrasonic beams from the object. The ultrasonic imaging device further includes a processing unit for processing the signals from the probe to obtain the reconstruction data and a display unit for displaying the reconstruction data. Since the ultrasonic beams are transmitted using the plurality of vibrators, the transmitted ultrasonic beams are strong; therefore improving the SN ratio.

Abstract: In order to replace acoustic lenses, frequency units corresponding to frequencies used by the acoustic lenses and housing transmitted pulse generating means, circulators and receiving means can be selected and the signal of a gate opening at a timing at which ultrasonic waves of a sample return can be selected.

Abstract: Stacked slab-shaped support bodies of electrically insulated material are provided with electrodes at one of their side surfaces. In the stack, the electrodes of a support body form the rows of a matrix. The support bodies are each connected detachably to a circuit board on which switchable amplifiers are arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the switchable amplifiers are dual-gate MOS-FETs, the first gate terminals of which are each connected electrically to an electrode of the support body.

Abstract: A super resolution imaging system employing coherent radiation comprises transmitting, receiving and processing means to provide complex amplitude image data. The image data is processed by a weight function generator to provide a weight function. The weight function has values at individual image pixels consisting of a background or clutter intensity term added to a pixel intensity dependent term. The latter term is non-zero for pixel intensities exceeding a threshold level well above background. A computer generates singular functions from the weight function and system impulse response, and employs the singular functions to decompose the image data and subsequent object reconstruction. This provides enhanced resolution compared to that available from the image data alone. An iteration controller employs the reconstructed object data to iterate resolution enhancement until no significant improvement is obtained.

Abstract: A means and method of generating disparate information for imparting depth perception to an image. An image is formed with a shadow from a plurality of energy sources. The energy sources each having a different locus. In one embodiment, using only two energy sources the image is detected by an image detector which permits the portion of the shadow formed by one energy source to be distinguished from the portion of the shadow formed by another source. In either a static-imaging system such as a still photograph or a dynamic system, such as television, means are provided for optically segregating the shadows viewed by each eye. In a monocular version of the dynamic imaging system, such as a motion picture film, a three-dimensional illusion is created by successively displaying images formed with different shadows.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for carrying out machine vision of an object for obtaining object data therefrom in which the object is illuminated by frequency swept ultrasonic stress wave energy from a transmitting and receiving transducer array, or by light energy from a source, reflected signals are received respectively by the array and an optical-electronic camera, respective images in terms of the data contained in these received signals are fed to a processor in which the data is analysed to make use of the best data derived from both sources of illumination and the resulting data compared with reference data to provide stimuli controlling a reject device and/or positional adjustment devices directing the array and/or the camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing ultrasonic echo signals employ intermediate storage and representation of the echo signals in the form of image vectors, such storage and representation proceeding independently of the scanning technique utilized to generate the image vectors, such that switching among various scanning techniques is permitted. The full length of each image vector is written into an image memory in column fashion, the stored vectors being read out as image signals in a format suitable for specific types of representation, such as on a television monitor, the format instructions being contained in a memory or generated by an arithmetic unit. Upon read out from the image memory, the geometric form of the ultrasonic scan is reconstructed in a position and form corresponding to the actual scan, and the ultrasonic echo signals are similarly represented at their true positions.

Abstract: An acoustic pulse echo imaging system capable of producing an image of a three-dimensional object utilizing a two-dimensional display having perspective capabilities is described. In the system angular relationships of targets at all ranges are maintained for display. The system uses a two-dimensional transducer array of piezoelectric elements; the array is steered to assume transmit and receive orientations in both azimuth and elevation by producing (1) a directed transmit pulse and many similarly directed receive orientations or (2) a non-directed transmit pulse and many directed receive orientations. For each transmit pulse a parallel processing system produces several unique image points whose locations in the image correspond to the tangents of the angles of the receive orientations in the azimuth and elevation planes. The brightness of each image point is the weighted integral of the echo data received along each receive path.

Abstract: Ultrasonic imaging equipment comprising ultrasonic transducers (A, B, etc.) which are sequentially and repetitively triggerable by equally spaced triggers (Z) to give echoes which can be read, stored and processed in a computer-based recording device is characterized in having means to inhibit the triggers under control of the recording device so that, after one transmission, further transmissions do not take place prior to the recording device reading the echo from said one transmission.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an ultrasonic imaging system using a liquid crystal detector cell and a source of non-coherent acoustic energy to produce substantially artifact-free images. The ultrasound source and cell are matched with one another, and the source is caused to operate over a range of frequencies or phases so as to produce the non-coherent ultrasonic energy. The frequency response of the cell and its response time are matched to the operating characteristics of the transducer. The transducer may be mounted in a pendulum-like sector scanning apparatus so as to assure a uniform insonification of the object, a uniform beam and a substantially uniform non-coherent insonification of the cell. The movement of the scanning apparatus is also matched to the cell and the transducer characteristics.

Abstract: A visual display process of objects identified by a classification sonar consisting of modifying the visual display cathode ray tube scan laws in order to obtain a representation which is modified according to a perspective mode where the ratio of their height to their width is constant whatever their range, or to a normalized dimension mode where identical objects of the same orientation have the same representation whatever their range.

Abstract: An array device having a plurality of stacked circuit boards, each having a recess in a flat side thereof which extends parallel to a narrow side; the recess containing electronic components. Control lines for the electronic components are arranged on a flat side of the circuit board. Each circuit board has a narrow side which is provided with electrodes which are ordered as a matrix in rows and columns. The electrodes of the circuit boards are each associated with a respective switchable amplifier. The switchable amplifiers are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of a recess, and are connected by respective conductors having substantially equal lengths for coupling the switchable amplifiers to their respective electrodes. A plurality of main control lines are arranged on the narrow sides of the circuit boards for connecting the control lines of the switchable amplifiers in the same column to one another.

Abstract: A system for sorting data from seismic surveys at sea. The data are acquired by signal transmission/receiving by streamer cables, which streamers are equipped with position-defining instruments. For the sorting, the area to be surveyed is subdivided into squares of defined size and position. The data provided through the measurements is sorted, and accepted data is processed further and transferred to the individual squares in the grid pattern. On the basis of the data, the configuration and position of the streamer is also computed, and information regarding this is displayed on a screen. On the basis of these results, the coverage of the measurement area may be determined, and an adjustment of the vessel's steering can be carried out to allow one to obtain the best coverage of the area. The acquired data is stored for later treatment.

Abstract: An acoustic microscope or like acoustic imaging system includes an insonifier for insonifying an object with high frequency (over ten megahertz) acoustic waves, a scanner for scanning a high-energy light beam across a reflective interface surface coupled to the object, a photodetector to detect the reflected beam, and a signal processor to convert the photodetector output to an image signal used to produce a visual image representative of acoustic properties of the object; the level of the image signal is detected and is used to adjust the gain of the insonifier to a reference level, the insonification gain adjustment affording a quantitative measure of acoustic properties of the object, usable for comparison purposes, that minimizes or eliminates the effects of system non-linearities and compensates for inadequate dynamic range of system components.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device comprises transducers distributed along a line and operable at a frequency f. A generator delivers electrical pulses to time delay means which provide, in response to each electrical pulse, a plurality of low level pulses delayed by increased time delays in a number lower than the number of transducers. The distribution of the time delays between the transducers is stored in memory means and corresponds to focusing at a point located at a predetermined distance from the line. A plurality of amplifiers are each associated with an individual one of the transducers and deliver an energizing pulse to the associated transducer in response to a particular one of the low level pulses appearing on an associated channel of a bus line which is selected by the memory.

Abstract: An acoustic superlattice of alternating layers of different acoustic impedance is disclosed as a filter for high frequency phonons. Applications discussed include spectrometers, acoustic imaging apparatus, and cavity resonators.

Abstract: A method, a device and a transducer for dimensional measurement of objects by means of ultrasonics, where the objects are carried past at least an ultrasonic measuring device consisting of a combined transmitter/receiver or separate transmitter/receiver. The reflected ultrasonic signals are used to determine characteristic three-dimensional dimensions of the objects. Said device or devices are arranged either such that the ultrasonic beam or beams therefrom are provided with a reciprocating movement which substantially crosses the direction of movement of the objects or by letting the ultrasonic beam or beams therefrom be stationary. The delay of the reflected signals is used to form a three dimensional image of the object by means of a computer, said image being compared with known images for identification. The ultra sonic measuring device has a narrow, substantially rotation-symmetric radiation diagram.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is provided for forming an orthographic and a tomographic image of an object. The system comprises a receiving transducer array having a plurality of elements positioned at the lattice points of a parallelogram and a transmitting transducer array having a plurality of elements arranged in a straight line parallel to one side of the parallelogram at a period equivalent to the length of the side. A receiving beam former compensates for the delay time of the received signal for each element in the receiving transducer array and adds the compensated signals for all the elements. The receiving beam former comprises a quadrature demodulator which decomposes the output of a receiving transducer element into the inphase component and the quadrature component of a transmitting carrier signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic systems for the visual display of a thin section of a body. The subject of the invention is a system wherein the multi-element scanning probe which picks up or transmits the ultrasonic energy cooperates with an array of elastic-surface-wave transducers and with a group of frequency converter circuits in order to constitute an ultrasonic lens. The invention is more particularly applicable to the non-destructive examination of bodies permeable to ultrasonic energy such as is practiced for example in medicine and when industrial goods are being checked.

Abstract: A transducer comprising a longitudinal bar of piezoelectric material having one longitudinal face substantially covered with a first electrode and the opposite longitudinal face in contact with a predetermined plural number of separate electrodes spaced along the length thereof, permits all detected echoes to be processed by a single low input impedance amplifier permanently coupled to the first electrode.

Abstract: A transducer housing for an air-dropped sonar transducer includes a smooth cylindrical case for stowage on board an aircraft. The case is formed with a separation device which permits ejection of the transducer from the case upon impact with the water of the ocean, the device being formed of tabs on the case and chamfers on a cover plate of the case. The impact of the water on the cover plate is directed by the chamfers against the tabs to spread them apart thereby releasing the cover plate and the transducer. Pins on the cover plate project through apertures in the tabs and press against the side of the apertures with a preset force to essentially lock the tabs to the plate until the preset force is overcome by the water impact.

Abstract: A curved transducer array or a flat array with an acoustic converging lens functions as a fixed focus physical lens and is focused near maximum range. At longer ranges the full aperture is utilized for good resolution, and at shorter ranges up to a specified fraction of maximum range improved resolution is achieved by a dynamic aperture control which increases the array aperture by steps by switching in more transducer elements. This simplified sector scanner does not require dynamic electronic focusing.

Abstract: A linear transducer array with low overall side lobe sensitivity for use in steered beam imagers has a different interelement spacing for transmit than for receive, and preferably has a shorter transmit array with elements spaced at one-half wavelength as the center portion of a longer receive array whose unit elements are spaced at a full wavelength. Two or more elements in the center portion can be coupled together to a receiving channel to maintain constant spacing for the receive aperture in a 100% active transducer.

Abstract: A B-scan ultrasonic imager such as a single-sector scanner has a dynamic aperture and focus control to attain improved lateral resolution especially at ranges less than the maximum array aperture. As the range from which echoes are being received propagates out, the array aperture during each echo reception period is increased by steps by switching in more elements of the total transducer array. At least one adjustment of receiving channel time delays is made to dynamically focus the echoes at different focal points.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiment, an electronic receiving gate is inserted between the image display device and the ultrasonic echo receiver so as to allow only echo impulses from a selected depth of field to pass through to the image display device. The depth selection is effected without any change in the line and image scanning rates by shifting the receiving gate between its transmitting and blocking states in the rhythm of the line sweep pulses and by adjusting the moment of emission of the ultrasonic pulses within the blocking phase of the receiving gate.