Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a gesture recognition apparatus and method. The gesture recognition apparatus includes an ultrasound transmitter, an ultrasound receiver, a dividing module, a computing module, a gesture library, and a recognition module. The dividing module is configured to divide reflected ultrasound signals into a plurality of frames according to time intervals. The computing module is configured to obtain an eigenvalue of each frame. The classifying module is configured to filter the eigenvalues to obtain gesture eigenvalues, and to obtain a matrix of probabilities of the gesture eigenvalues. The recognition module is configured to search reference matrices of probabilities from the gesture library for matching with the matrix of probabilities, and to recognize the gesture eigenvalues as a reference gesture corresponding to the reference matrix of probabilities if the reference matrix of probabilities is found.

Abstract: A computer mouse includes a housing and a button assembly. The button assembly includes a button, a circuit board, an infrasonic emitter, and an infrasonic receiver. The infrasonic emitter is mounted on the circuit board and emits infrasonic wave. The infrasonic receiver is mounted on the circuit board and is separated from the infrasonic emitter. The infrasonic receiver receives the infrasonic wave from the infrasonic emitter. When the button is pressed, the button impedes a passage of the infrasonic wave from the infrasonic emitter to the infrasonic receiver.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection device is constructed in such a way as to include a discriminating processing unit (a time width detecting part 13 and a pulse width discrimination part 14) for approximating the shape of each signal which is a reflection signal which is reflected from an object as a result of transmitting a ultrasonic pulse toward the object, or a noise as an isosceles triangle and computing a pulse time width equal to the length of the base of the approximating isosceles triangle, and for discriminating between the reflection signal and the noise signal by determining whether the computed pulse time width exceeds a predetermined pulse width discrimination threshold. Therefore, the ultrasonic detection device can determine the pulse time width with stability, and carry out the discriminating process with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: The present invention can find the exact location anywhere in the nautical world (latitude/longitude coordinates) by correlating or matching radar returns with maps produced by a digital nautical chart called a Chart Server, because each pixel location on the Chart Server maps can be traced back to a latitude/longitude coordinate. An obstacle avoidance module called a Chart Server provides digital nautical charts to create a map of the world. To determine the current world location of a vehicle, the invention combines the Chart Server maps with a radar return, which also appears to display prominent features such as coastlines, buoys, piers and the like. These return features from the radar are correlated or matched with features found in the Chart Server maps. The radar then reports its current location inside of its local map, which when translated to the Chart Server map, correlates to a latitude/longitude registration location.

Abstract: An active sonar system comprising a transmitter for providing a sonar signal, a receiver for receiving a reflected return signal, a processor of processing and extracting both magnitude and phase information from the return signal, and display unit for presenting both magnitude and phase information from the return signal to an operator.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the flow of water in cross-section of a body of water is presented. The system and method comprises a housing having a first transducer and a plurality of second transducers, wherein the first transducer produces an acoustic signal for determining the depth of the body of water, and the second transducers each produce an acoustic signal for determining the velocity of a volume of water by measuring the Doppler frequency shift in the returned echo.

Abstract: An active sonar system and associated method combine signals from a plurality of receive beams in order to reduce a noise in a reference one of the signals from the plurality of receive beams.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a plurality of vibration elements (1) that transmit and receive an ultrasonic beam; a plurality of transmission circuits (2) that are connected to the respective vibration elements and output a transmission driving signal to be used for driving the vibration elements; and a transmission power source (3) that supplies electric power to the transmission circuits.

Abstract: An expandable and reconfigurable instrument node includes a feature detection means and a data processing portion in communication with the feature detection means, the data processing portion configured and disposed to process feature information. The instrument node further includes a phase locked loop (PLL) oscillator in communication with the data processing portion, the PLL oscillator configured and disposed to provide PLL information to the processing portion. The instrument node further includes a single tone transceiver and a pulse transceiver in communication with the PLL oscillator, the single tone transceiver configured and disposed to transmit or receive a single tone for phase correction of the PLL oscillator and the pulse transceiver configured and disposed to transmit and receive signals for phase correction of the PLL oscillator.

Abstract: A method of tracking position and velocity of objects' borders in two or three dimensional digital images, particularly in echographic images. A sequence is acquired of at least two consecutive ultrasound image frames of a moving tissue or a moving object. The frames are separated by a certain time interval. Reference points define a border of the moving tissue or object and the border is automatically tracked by estimating the position of the reference points in following image frames on the basis of the ultrasound image data of the acquired sequence of image frames.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method are for tracking a target in a decentralised network having a plurality of sensing nodes. Each node makes observations of a target, performs a multiple models tracking algorithm based on the observations, and updates tracking information stored therein. Each node communicates the updated track information to selected other nodes in the network. In response to receiving track information from another node, each node fuses the receiving track information with local track information.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.

Abstract: A signal analysis method extracts transient target signals of known type from a raw data source signal that contains an unknown number of target signals. The method can enhance the analysis of data obtained from in-line oil-debris sensors. The method comprises steps of: defining signatures of the known target signal, and of at least one of the intrinsic noise and interfering signals; performing a mathematical transform that decomposes the raw data into distinct data sets; using the signal signatures to identify and nullify the data sets containing noise and interfering signal signatures; using the target signal signatures to identify the data sets containing target signal components, or may further use a thresholding rule to remove intrinsic noise from said data sets, and finally applying the inverse transform to the processed data sets in order to reconstruct an enhanced output signal.

Abstract: An underwater scouting camera comprising: an outer cover, a door, a memory storage, a battery, and an internal housing which includes a flash, a shutter, a display frame, and a sonar sensor. When the sonar sensor emits a pulse in order to detect any fish, upon detection the flash and the shutter trigger to take a digital picture that may be saved on a memory device. After the picture is taken, the date and time appear on the display frame, and a notification is transmitted to a personal handheld device. The scouting camera allows a user to remotely track fish without having to continuously monitor the underwater scouting camera.

Abstract: An array of transducers for a sodar system, and the operation of the array in a monostatic sodar system. The array is made up of a number of individual sound transducers. Each transducer emits sound into the atmosphere and senses emitted sound that has been reflected by the atmosphere. The transducers have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The transducers are arranged in a generally planar, generally hexagonal grid packing arrangement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention teach an advantageous means of conducting and controlling multimedia communication. Real-world communication involving sight, sound and body language is fully supported, without requiring that the user wear or touch any special apparatus. A novel Device-Area-Network (DAN) method is introduced to allow devices contained in compatible apparatus external to the Immersive Multimedia Terminal (IMT) to be discovered and fused to the devices within the IMT. Said method allows seamless integration of cellphones, laptops and other compatible apparatus so that they can use the IMT as a high-performance terminal. Said method also allows the IMT to fully integrate resources that exist in said external compatible apparatus. Examples of said resources are microphones, environmental sensors, disk drives, flash memory, cameras, and wired or wireless communication links.

Abstract: An edge detecting apparatus for using in an automatic device and configured for detecting edges of a surface on which the automatic device moves is provided. The edge detecting apparatus includes an emitter, a guiding member, and a receiver. The emitter is configured for emitting projecting signal. The guiding member is around the automatic device. The guiding member and the surface define a signal channel, and the signal channel is configured for guiding the projecting signal to travel around the automatic device, if no edge of the surface exists under the signal channel. The receiver is configured for receiving the projecting signal.

Abstract: A system and method for using orthogonally-coded active source signals for reflected signal analysis, such as in seismic exploration, sonar, and/or ultrasound applications. One method comprises inputting an orthogonally-coded active source signal to a target site, where the orthogonally-coded active source signal is sufficiently random to not interfere with a delayed version of itself. A reflected signal is received from the target site, and based at least in part on the sufficiently random orthogonal coding of the active source signal, a determination is made whether the received signal is a reflection of the input active source signal.

Abstract: An array of transducers for a sodar system, and the operation of the array in a monostatic sodar system. The array is made up of a number of individual sound transducers. Each transducer emits sound into the atmosphere and senses emitted sound that has been reflected by the atmosphere. The transducers have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The transducers are arranged in a generally planar, generally hexagonal grid packing arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a human being and an animal are disclosed to properly identifying whether or not a target is a human being or an animal. The apparatus for distinguishing between a human being and an animal includes: a target stimulation unit generating a stimulation signals for selectively stimulating the senses of a human being and an animal and providing the generated stimulation signal to a target; and a target identifying unit detecting the reaction of a target to the simulation signal to identify whether or not the target is a human being or an animal.

Abstract: Safety systems and methods are provided for use in a vehicle with a closure that defines a pivoting range when open. The safety system includes a sensor configured to collect data associated with an object in a target zone at least partially surrounding the vehicle; and a processor coupled to the sensors and configured to selectively operate in a first mode and a second mode based on a vehicle characteristic. The processor is configured to, in the first mode, detect the object and generate a first warning based on the object; and in the second mode, detect the object and determine a collision threat between the object and the pivoting range of the closure, and generate a second warning based on the collision threat.

Abstract: The patent application describes a switching power supply, wherein the supply has a first output voltage, wherein the first output voltage was generated by a first working voltage with a first frequency and a first phase, wherein the supply is adapted to configure the first frequency and/or the first phase in such a way that disturbances m devices powered by the supply are reduced, wherein the disturbances are caused of electromagnetic interferences. In an embodiment the switching power supply is adapted to configure the first frequency in such a way that the first frequency and its harmonies are different from the operating frequency of the powered device.

Abstract: A plotting system and method for plotting radar and/or sonar signals on a bump map, with a simulated height of each data point representing a corresponding signal strength. The plotting system may comprise a processing device for associating particular signal strengths with normal vectors. The normal vectors may be used to determine the simulated heights to be illustrated on the bump map. The plotting system may also comprise a display for graphically displaying the bump map. Furthermore, the processing device may also associate particular signal strengths with particular colors, such that both color and simulated height may illustrate the strength of the plotted signals.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasonic scanning system comprises an ultrasonic sensor, a motor, an ultrasonic transceiver, a high-speed data sampling module, a motor controller and a master control module. The ultrasonic sensor, which moves in accordance with control of the motor controller, is mounted on the motor. The ultrasonic transceiver activates the ultrasonic sensor and amplifies a received ultrasonic signal. The high-speed data sampling module wirelessly transmits radio-frequency ultrasonic data to the master control module. The master control module sets a scanning mode, initiates a scanning process, and wirelessly transmits control signals and control parameters to the high-speed data sampling module.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fluid carrying conduit by introducing an acoustic pulse into the conduit, and interrogating an optic fibre positioned along the path of said conduit to provide distributed acoustic sensing. By measuring the response at each of a plurality of locations, a conduit condition profile can be derived. A condition profile can be obtained quickly and easily with minimum disruption to the pipeline infrastructure and contained flow. Existing optic fibres running along the path of a pipe can be employed for sensing purposes, allowing relatively long spans of pipeline to be monitored with only limited access to the pipe.

Abstract: A human echolocation system emits toward a target a series of sound pulses beginning at a low frequency and progressing stepwise to a high frequency. Echoes of the pulses enable the user to estimate location, distance and dimensions of the target. Target location and distance are estimated based on a stretched echo delay, while target dimensions are estimated based on a musical pitch corresponding to the echo frequency.

Abstract: An acoustic signal generation system may include a cylindrical-like object having a cylindrical-like surface which is configured to reflect an acoustic signal directed to a location on the surface in substantially different directions as the cylindrical-like object is rotated. The cylindrical-like surface may be on the exterior of the cylindrical-like object or form an interior surface of the cylindrical-like object. The cylindrical-like surface may be formed by a plurality of substantially flat surfaces connected to one another in a substantially cylindrical configuration. The flat surfaces may have different angular orientations with respect to the axis of rotation. An acoustic transducer may be configured and oriented so as to direct an acoustic signal to a location on the cylindrical-like surface as the cylindrical-like object rotates. A motor may be configured to cause the cylindrical-like object to rotate.

Abstract: A method for measuring a mechanical property of a subject includes using an ultrasonic transducer to apply ultrasonic vibration pulses to a vibration origin in the subject in an on-off time sequence in order to impart a harmonic motion at a prescribed frequency to the subject, and when the vibration pulses are off, preferably using the same transducer to apply ultrasonic detection pulses to a motion detection point and to receive echo signals therefrom in order to sense the harmonic motion on the subject at the motion detection point The ultrasonic detection pulses are interspersed with the vibration pulses and can be applied in a non-uniform manner From the received ultrasonic echo signals, a harmonic signal is detected and a characteristic such as amplitude or phase of the detected harmonic signal is calculated using a Kalman filter or interpolation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for the insonification of an environment or medium, which is designed to generate a beam of focussed waves around a point in a so-called focus zone (20), used for imaging the medium or changing the properties of the medium, with the insonification device (1) having an intrinsic or extrinsic support structure on which is installed a network of a predetermined number of ultrasound transducers (12) that are designed to be controlled independently for generation of the focussed wave beam. According to the invention, the transducers (12) used for the generation of the focussed wave beam are located in a homogeneous spatial distribution along at least two concentric spirals (11) that are wound onto a three-dimensional concave area (10) whose shape and size are chosen to allow optimal focusing of the beam at a predetermined focal length, and whose concave side is oriented toward the focus zone (20).

Abstract: Fullerenes, when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, generate acoustic waves. A photoacoustic tomography method using a material comprising fullerenes is disclosed that includes irradiating the material with a radiation beam such as a laser. The resultant photoacoustic effect produced by the material is detected by at least one detector. A photoacoustic tomography system using a material comprising fullerenes is also described.

Abstract: A storage unit (106) stores pieces of information regarding intensities of ultrasound waves detected by multiple oscillators (101) in time series. The multiple oscillators (101) receives an ultrasound wave reflected on an object (107), to which a second ultrasound wave (108) generated by an ultrasound probe (102) is focused, in order from an oscillator closest to the object (107). The second ultrasound wave (108) is transmitted in a direction different from that of a first ultrasound wave (103). Information regarding an intensity of the ultrasound wave reflected on the object (107), which is obtained by storing in the storage unit (106) in order from the oscillator closest to the object (107), is obtained. This information is subtracted from the pieces of information stored in the storage unit (106). Thus, a received signal from a side lobe is extracted to be subtracted from a whole received signal.

Abstract: A method and device for impeding the progress of a swimmer or a diver included a plurality of tendrils that can be launched into the path of a target and entangle the target.

Abstract: A system and method for providing entry-point, boundary-line, and presence intrusion detection by means of an intelligent controller process capable of driving both field alert/alarm systems and security station monitoring devices and for providing occupancy warnings and critical status alerts, one embodiment providing runway occupancy warnings and critical runway status alerts to both flight crew approaching an airfield and air traffic controllers managing ground traffic, the system including: a detection system, airfield output devices (including all FAROS, GAROS and CTAF Runway Occupancy Radio Signals (RORS)), an airfield communications network, a centralized data processing unit that contains all of the algorithms to drive light control, logging, and an optional administrative network layer that hosts a graphical user interface.

Abstract: An active sonar detection system may include a transmitter, which may project into the transmissive medium signals of any frequency, amplitude or phase using one or more transducers. A transmit beamformer to provide transmission directionality may also be included. Generated transmit waveforms may have different temporal and frequency spectra that are adapted for different purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sonar surveillance system for coastal protection and port surveillance comprising: an anchoring structure; a support mast designed to be mounted on the structure and arranged on the latter so as to adopt a substantially vertical position; a platform mounted on the top of the mast and receiving a sonar head; a float fixed to the mast, in proximity to the top, the buoyancy of which is sufficient to keep the mast in the vertical position, when the latter is subjected to the action of movement of the water masses in which it is immersed. The length of the mast is determined so as to position the sonar head at a depth for which the latter offers maximum performance in terms of detection range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coherent radar system based on a modification of standard non-coherent radar without Moving Target Indication. Typical radars in this class are Navigation radars which are mass produced with low cost components. These radars utilize a magnetron in the transmitter which is a random phase device. In the present invention, the received signal is extracted just prior to amplitude detection process (where phase information is lost), and digitized using an analogue to digital converter providing coherent detection based on correlation between the transmitted pulse and the received signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for finding, extracting and for providing of echoes with detail functions are described. In particular, an echo extraction method for extracting an echo from an echo function is described. The method comprises receiving the echo function and decomposing the echo function in at least one detail function. The at least one detail function comprises a plurality of first coefficients. Each of the at least one detail functions represents a different degree of detail of the echo function. The degree of detail relates to a form of a base function. Furthermore, the method comprises eliminating at least one of the plurality of first coefficients and applying a reconstruction regulation or scheme, which depends on the form of the base function, for generating a smoothed echo function. Thereafter, at least one echo is determined from the smoothed echo function.

Abstract: A process measurement instrument with target rejection comprises a sensor circuit. The sensor circuit comprises a drive circuit for transmitting a pulse signal at a target of interest and a receive circuit receiving reflected echoes of the pulse signal and developing an analog receive signal representative of the reflected echoes. An analog processing circuit receives the analog receive signal and comprises a summer subtracting an analog target rejection signal from the analog receive signal to develop a corrected receive signal. A programmed digital processing circuit is operatively coupled to the analog processing circuit and comprises a memory storing target rejection signal value data representing false target reflections and developing the analog target rejection signal for transfer to the analog processing circuit.

Abstract: A monostatic sodar system (10) for atmospheric sounding includes a processor and display unit (12) that generates a set of acoustic chirps for transmission by transmitter 20. Discontinuities (22, 24 and 26) result in echoes (28, 30 and 32) being returned to a receiver (38) of system (10). Receiver (38) outputs extracted echo signals on line to the processor (12) for analysis. Detector (36) implements a Fourier domain matched-filter to extract echo signals from noise. By using a set of multiple chirps of increasing length with increasing intervals between them, substantially any feasible range can be accommodated using send-then-listen techniques with the benefit of high s/n performance.

Abstract: An acoustic/ultrasonic detection system can detect, for example, an object concealed under the clothing of a subject. The system includes a signal generator configured to output an electrical signal. An acoustic/ultrasonic transducer can be configured to convert the electrical signal into an acoustic/ultrasonic signal, transmit the acoustic/ultrasonic signal, receive a reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal from an object in the target area and convert the reflected acoustic/ultrasonic signal into a received electrical signal. The transducer is at least one of an air-coupled transducer and an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the optimal design of an apodization function used for non-uniform weighted periodic sparse arrays for an ultrasound imaging system. The method includes the steps of (a) setting the interval PT of a transmit sparse array and the number LT of array elements within the interval PT so that common grating lobes are not generated in the beam patterns of the transmit sparse array and a receive sparse array; (b) setting the interval PR of the receive sparse array and the number LR of array elements within the interval PR so that common grating lobes are not generated in the beam patterns of the transmit sparse array and the receive sparse array; (c) setting a transmit apodization function WT(n) configured to be applied to the beam pattern of the transmit sparse array; and (d) setting a receive apodization function WR(n) configured to be applied to the beam pattern of the receive sparse array.

Abstract: An acoustic tone at a predetermined frequency is detected after being reflected and modulated by an unknown moving object. Acoustic features are extracted from the reflected acoustic tone using acoustic spectral analysis. A dimensionality of the acoustic features is reduced, and the reduced dimensionality features are statistically classified to identify the object.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, the inventive sensor comprises first and second antennas, a pulse generator provided with two outputs, wherein the first output thereof is connected to the input/output of the first antenna and the second output is connected to the input/output of the second antenna. The output circuit of the sensor consists of two detectors, wherein the input of the first detector is connected to the input/output of the first antenna and the input of the second detector is connected to the input/output of the second antenna. The output of the first detector is connected to the first input of a differential amplifier whilst the output of the second detector is connected to the second input thereof. The output of the differential amplifier is connected to the low frequency filter and to a feedback device whose output is connected to one of the inputs of the differential amplifier. The output of the low frequency filter is connected to a comparator input.

Abstract: A space sensor apparatus suitable for a mobile carrier is provided. The space sensor apparatus includes a posture angle calculation module, a position calculation module, and a processing system. The posture angle calculation module calculates the current posture angles of the mobile carrier corresponding to different direction axes in a space according to signals input by one or multiple sensors. The position calculation module calculates the current position of the mobile carrier in the space according to the posture angles and an acceleration parameter and outputs a positioning information to the processing system. The processing system further obtains an environment information through a mechanical wave transceiver. After that, the processing system generates a real-time calculation information for controlling the movement track of the mobile carrier in the space according to the positioning information and the environment information.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which data compression techniques are utilized to fill a predetermined channel capacity are shown. According to one configuration, event data points within test data are selected for communication via the data communication channel and a data decimator is utilized to identify other data points within the test data to fill or substantially fill the predetermined channel capacity. The foregoing data decimator may employ one or more variables for selecting data for communication, wherein one or more of the variables are preferably adjusted in decimator iterations to select an optimum or otherwise desirable subset of data for communication. Data decimators may additionally or alternatively implement a suitable “growth” function to select the particular data for communication and/or the amount of data communicated.

Abstract: A motorized scanhead device is capable of rotating an array transducer through 360 degrees of angular rotation in a manner such as to provide acquisition of images in successive scanning planes arranged around the principal axis of the device. The device can be incorporated in endoscopes (e.g., transesophageal endoscopes), laparoscopes, endocavity or intracavity probes so as to provide an expanded angle of vision or to render 3D images, without the need for external movement of the device. The motorized scanhead device includes a motor that is isolated from the transducer signal interconnections in order to minimize electrical discharges associated with motor operation and to provide more room between an associated probe housing and the scanhead device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sonar method and apparatus of tracking objects underwater. Specifically, the method and apparatus can be used to acoustically track a multitude of objects in a hemi-spherical volume 360° azimuth and 180° elevation relative to the location of the apparatus. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide four-dimensional, real-time tracking of underwater objects.

Abstract: An array of transducers for a sodar system, and the operation of the array in a monostatic sodar system. The array is made up of a number of individual sound transducers. Each transducer emits sound into the atmosphere and senses emitted sound that has been reflected by the atmosphere. The transducers have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The transducers are arranged in a generally planar, generally hexagonal grid packing arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of devices to attach to submarines or other water craft to enable a sonar array to function better at higher water speeds. When operated, the devices slow down or fully offset the mounted array's (hydrophones' or arrays') relative water speed and reduce the water friction noise on the array, allowing it to function more optimally. In an exemplary embodiment, a device includes a telescoping boom that can be alternately retracted and extended to provide cycles (or rotates to provide similar cycles for any one array) of higher performance reception and “hearing” by the array, as its relative water speed is reduced or offset. The device can be mounted on the external surface of the hull to “retrofit” existing craft or built so that in the telescoping embodiment, the housing can be fully retracted and hidden from view and otherwise protected more fully when not in use.