Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for monitoring an object expression are described. In one example, a described apparatus in a venue comprises a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured for: receiving a wireless signal from a transmitter through a wireless multipath channel that is impacted by an expression of an object in the venue, wherein the object has at least one movable part and is expressed in the expression with respect to a setup in the venue; and obtaining a time series of channel information (TSCI) of the wireless multipath channel based on the wireless signal received by the receiver. The processor is configured for computing information associated with the object based at least partially on the TSCI obtained when the object is expressed in the expression, and performing, based on the information associated with the object, a task associated with at least one of the object and the venue.

Abstract: A control device includes: an object detector to output a signal for causing a transmitter to transmit an object detection ultrasonic wave, obtain an output signal from a receiver, and detect an object; an abnormality detector to perform, as an abnormality detection process, outputting a signal for causing the transmitter to transmit an abnormality detection ultrasonic wave whose transmission time is longer than that of the object detection ultrasonic wave, obtaining, from the receiver, an output signal in a period in which the abnormality detection ultrasonic wave is to be received as a direct wave, and detecting an abnormality in the transmitter or receiver when no signal of the direct wave is included; and a determiner to obtain a speed of a vehicle including the transmitter and receiver, and when the speed is not greater than a threshold, cause the abnormality detector to start the abnormality detection process.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling a vehicle, the apparatus including: a communicator configured to receive a setting value signal related to at least one of a first setting value, a second setting value, or a third setting value that are set in advance from a user terminal, and transmit a signal to the user terminal; and a controller configured to control at least one of a travelling device, a braking device, or a steering device based on the at least one of the first setting value, the second setting value, or the third setting value that are set in advance.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate identifying and controlling the systems and subsystems in a vehicle to enable autonomous operation of the vehicle are disclosed. An autonomous vehicle interface (AVI) (the “AVI control system”) can interface with and control the system of the vehicle, thereby enabling control of the vehicle as a whole. Electronic control units may be associated with each of the systems and subsystems in the vehicle, and the AVI may interface with and control these electronic control units over a shared data bus. In order to control particular electronic control units, the systems and methods provide for sampling data packets transmitted by the electronic control units on the shared data bus, measuring the impedance of the shared data bus when data packets are being transmitted, and identifying particular electronic control units based on the measured impedance.

Abstract: A signal device for maritime distress rescue and a surveillance device for maritime distress rescue are provided. The signal device for maritime distress rescue which is carried by a user aboard a vessel may include a first communicator configured to communicate with a surveillance device for maritime distress rescue of the vessel, a first position detector configured to generate first position information of the signal device at a predetermined time interval, and a first controller configured to receive second position information of the surveillance device from the surveillance device at a predetermined time interval and determine whether the first position information is within a safe area of the vessel that is set on the basis of the second position information. Accordingly, when a distress occurs, it is possible to transmit a distress signal without operating a switch while minimizing power consumption of the signal device.

Abstract: Proposed is a noise avoiding method for a space monitoring apparatus using a sound signal and, more specifically, is a technology that allows the space monitoring apparatus, which uses a sound signal to monitor a spatial condition, to avoid noise in a space to be monitored to correctly determine the spatial condition.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems to increase the dynamic range of time-of-flight (ToF) lidar systems. The described lidar system adjusts, based on the energy of a first return pulse, the bias voltage of a photodetector for other return pulses of the object pixel. The bias voltage can be adjusted down for highly-reflective or close-range objects. Similarly, the bias voltage can be increased for low-reflectivity or long-range objects. The ability of the described lidar system to adjust the bias voltage of the photodetector for each object pixel increases the dynamic range of the lidar system without additional hardware or a complex readout. The increased dynamic range allows the described lidar system to maintain a long-range capability, while accurately measuring return-pulse intensity for detecting close-range or highly-reflective objects.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to product displays systems. In one aspect, a product display system includes three or more bases spatially distributed in a space. Each base has a wireless transceiver. The system includes a product display assembly comprising a puck assembly and a base assembly. The puck assembly has a surface on which a product is mountable for merchandising of the product to a customer and is untethered to the base assembly. The puck assembly executes machine-readable instructions that determines a coordinate location of the puck assembly within the space based on wireless communications between the puck assembly and the three or more bases. The puck assembly may also generate an alarm sound when the coordinate location is located within an alarm zone or a warning zone of the space.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for wirelessly tracking keystrokes on a surface are described. In one example, a described system comprises: a transmitter configured for transmitting, using a transmit antenna, a first wireless signal through a wireless channel of a venue including the surface; a receiver configured for receiving, using a plurality of receive antennas, a second wireless signal through the wireless channel, wherein the second wireless signal comprises a reflection of the first wireless signal by at least one moving object in the venue; and a processor.

Abstract: A signal device for maritime distress rescue and a surveillance device for maritime distress rescue are provided. The signal device for maritime distress rescue which is carried by a user aboard a vessel may include a first communicator configured to communicate with a surveillance device for maritime distress rescue of the vessel, a first position detector configured to generate first position information of the signal device at a predetermined time interval, and a first controller configured to receive second position information of the surveillance device from the surveillance device at a predetermined time interval and determine whether the first position information is within a safe area of the vessel that is set on the basis of the second position information. Accordingly, when a distress occurs, it is possible to transmit a distress signal without operating a switch while minimizing power consumption of the signal device.

Abstract: System level occupancy counting in a lighting system configured to obtain an indicator data of a RF spectrum signal (signal) generated at a number of times in an area. At each respective one of the number of times, based on results of application of heuristic algorithm coefficients, the lighting system generates an indicator data metric value for each of the indicator data for the respective time. The lighting system processes each of the indicator data metric value to compute a plurality of metric values for the respective time and combine the plurality of metric values to compute an output metric value for each of a plurality of probable number of occupants in the area for the respective time. The lighting system determines an occupancy count in the area at the respective time based on the computed output metric value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless charging method and device(s) for a transportation equipment and a wireless charging system comprising the devices. A method for receiving wireless power in a wireless power receiving apparatus mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise the steps of: establishing a communication connection to wireless power transmission device when a wireless power signal transmitted by the wireless power transmission device is detected to be in an idle state; receiving low-power signals for low-power charging; receiving safety state information collected by a sensing device; and adjusting the strength of the received power on the basis of the safety state information. Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of preventing the harm of electromagnetic waves to passenger when wireless charging the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing a hybrid transmitter in an ultrasound system. A system can include a hybrid transmitter configured to transmit ultrasound waves toward a subject area. The hybrid transmitter can comprise a linear transmitter configured to generate linear transmitter output and a switching transmitter configured to generate switching transmitter output. The hybrid transmitter can also comprise a summer configured to sum the linear transmitter output and the switching transmitter output to generate hybrid transmitter output for driving a transducer load to generate the ultrasound waves transmitted towards the subject area. The ultrasound system can also comprise a receiver configured to receive one or more ultrasound waves from the subject area in response to the ultrasound waves transmitted toward the subject area for generating ultrasound images of the subject area.

Abstract: An object detection device includes: first and second transmission/reception units spaced apart from each other and configured to transmit an exploration wave and receive the exploration wave reflected by an object; and a processing unit configured to calculate a position of the object based on reception results by the first and second transmission/reception units. The processing unit includes: a distance processing unit configured to calculate first and second points based on the reception results, and calculates a separation distance between the first and second points; a position calculation unit configured to calculate the position based on the first and second points; a reflection intensity processing unit configured to calculate a reflection intensity indicating an intensity of the exploration wave received by the first and second transmission/reception units; and a position correction unit configured to correct the position based on the separation distance and the reflection intensity.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting movement of an object includes: receiving a first set of output signal values and a second set of output signal values from a sound wave receiver, each output signal value in the first set and the second set being representative of amplitude of an acoustic signal reflected from the object; determining, based on the received first set and second set, a difference set including one or more difference values, each of the one or more difference values being representative of a difference between a first output signal value in the first set and a second output signal value in the second set; determining whether the difference set satisfies a predetermined condition based on whether each difference value of the difference set has a magnitude exceeding a predetermined threshold; and outputting a motion detection signal if the difference set satisfies the predetermined condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device adapted to inspect the leg of an individual, and comprises a support base (110) adapted to receive a foot of an individual, two lateral panels (120) adapted to be placed on either side of the leg of an individual, positioning means (112, 114, 142) of the foot and of the leg relative to the support base (110) and to the panels (120), microwave receiver/sender transducer means (200) arranged on each lateral panel (120) opposite the lateral panel which is facing it, and analysis means (300) of signals detected on the microwave receivers (200) corresponding to the signals transmitted from a panel (120) to the opposite panel and to the signals reflected from a panel (120) towards this same panel.

Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a system for achieving robust acoustic event detection and source localization using a geographically distributed array of sensor nodes and a set of methods for coordinated dissemination, retrieval, and fusion of acoustic sensor data. A centralized server is programmed to passively receive succinct acoustic alerts, package alerts from multiple sensors into self-contained acoustic packages based on geographic and environmental constraints, request additional data from specific acoustic sensors, and run a localization algorithm to determine the location of the source of the acoustic event.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by sensors inside an enclosure of a vehicle, signals generated by signal generators in the enclosure of the vehicle. One of the sensors or signal generators may be part of a mobile device inside the enclosure. The method also includes determining a location and orientation of the mobile device from the signals. The method further includes determining, based on the location and orientation of the mobile device, an object in the enclosure that the mobile device is pointing to. The mobile device further includes transmitting a message to the mobile device in response to determining that the mobile device is pointing to the object, so as to cause the mobile device to display a user interface to allow the mobile device to control the object.

Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus for vehicles includes: a first probe wave sensor detecting a direct wave distance as a distance to an obstacle by transmitting a probe wave and receiving a reflection wave of the probe wave reflected by the obstacle; a second probe wave sensor receiving the reflection wave to detect an indirect wave distance as a distance to the obstacle by receiving the reflection wave; an approach determinator determining whether the obstacle is present between the first probe wave sensor and the second probe wave sensor and whether the obstacle is approaching the vehicle; and a distance determinator determining an obstacle distance to be less than or equal to a predetermined distance range when the indirect wave distance falls out of the distance range as the obstacle is present between the first probe wave sensor and the second probe wave sensor and the obstacle is approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying a spatial environment as open or enclosed are provided. In the method and apparatus, one or more microphones detect ambient sound in a spatial environment and output an audio signal representative of the ambient sound. A processor determines a spatial environment impulse response (SEIR) for the audio signal and extracts one or more features of the SEIR. The processor classifies the spatial environment as open or enclosed based on the one or more features of the SEIR.

Abstract: Techniques for an autonomous mobile unmanned machine such as an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone or a robot to access a closed door are described. The techniques include programming the autonomous mobile unmanned machine to pass through a particular location within a facility that has one or more doors, and sense by the autonomous mobile unmanned machines a beacon signal emanating from a beacon deployed in proximity to a first one of the one or more doors in the facility, by receiving the beacon signal by a receiver device on the autonomous mobile unmanned machines. The techniques send a message to either a server or an access control system when the autonomous mobile unmanned machines determines that it needs access through the door at the specified location identified by the beacon and receives a message from either the server or the access control system that the door has been unlocked.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for facial recognition camera configurations for a vehicle. For one embodiment, a vehicle includes a door assembly. The door assembly includes: a window, a lower door assembly body, an upper door frame and a user capture device. The upper door frame is fixedly attached to the lower door assembly body and surrounding the window. The upper door frame includes a recessed portion in an inner panel of the upper door frame. The recessed portion houses the user capture device for identifying and authenticating users of the vehicle.

Abstract: There are disclosed a system and method for touch and interaction in a three-dimension display, and after a three-dimension touch and interaction mode is enabled, a relative location relationship between a touch position of an operator and a display panel is determined according to transmitting time of ultrasonic signals transmitted by at least two ultrasonic transmitters and receiving time when ultrasonic signals reflected at the touch position of the operator are received by at least two ultrasonic sensors; and then the ultrasonic transmitters are controlled to transmit ultrasonic signals at preset power to the touch position of the operator according to a three-dimension object currently displayed on the display panel and the relative location relationship between the touch position of the operator and the display panel to make feedback for a touch operation at the touch position of the operator.

Abstract: A power supply device includes an input stage circuit, a controller, a multi-order resonant circuit, a transformer, and an output stage circuit. The input stage circuit generates a switching voltage according to an input voltage. The controller generates a first control voltage and a second control voltage according to the switching voltage. The multi-order resonant circuit provides a reference voltage at a first node. The multi-order resonant circuit includes a first current path and a second current path. The first node is respectively coupled through the first current path and the second current path to a ground voltage. The first current path and the second current path are selectively closed or open according to the first control voltage and the second control voltage. The output stage circuit generates an output voltage according to the transformation voltage of the transformer.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for recognizing an obstacle to a vehicle. The method comprises: acquiring point cloud data of a target region by a lidar sensor and acquiring image data of the target region by using an image capturing apparatus; recognizing obstacle information in the point cloud data by a preset point cloud recognition model, and labeling a recognition result to obtain a first labeled result; recognizing obstacle information in the image data by a preset image recognition model, and labeling a recognition result to obtain a second labeled result; comparing the first labeled result with the second labeled result to decide whether the first and the second labeled result are identical; and determining a correct labeled result from the first and the second labeled result in response to the first and the second labeled result being not identical and outputting the correct labeled result.

Abstract: An obstacle warning apparatus in a vehicle specifies a position of an obstacle relative to the vehicle based on a detection result by an obstacle sensor. A warning determination section determines whether a warning about the obstacle needs to be executed, based on the specified position of the obstacle. The warning determination section determines that the warning about the obstacle does not need to be executed when an overlap determination section determines that a vehicle range overlaps with a range where the obstacle exists.

Abstract: Apparatus features a container and a transducer. The container is made of a selected material and has a container wall with a selected thickness, and configured to hold a fluid therein. The transducer is configured on the outside of the container wall, and is also configured to provide a standing wave into the fluid. The selected thickness and material of the container wall is chosen to ensure about a ½ wavelength of a desired frequency exists within the container wall, so as to substantially reduce back reflections toward the transducer due to any mismatch in acoustic impedance at the interface between the container wall and the fluid, and so as to substantially maximize the amount of energy delivered to the fluid, thus improving the operating efficiency of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to count people in a target area includes a wireless transceiver and a controller. The wireless transceiver is configured to radiate an impulse electromagnetic wave to the target area and receive a reflection signal from the target area, and the controller is configured to obtain a signal strength of the reflection signal over a reception time period during which the reflection signal is received and count people according to the signal strength, considering that the signal strength is weakened in proportion to the reception time period.

Abstract: A loudspeaker transmits an ultrasonic signal into a spatial region. A microphone transduces ultrasonic sound, including an echo of the transmitted ultrasonic signal, received from the spatial region into a received ultrasonic signal. A controller transforms the ultrasonic signal and the received ultrasonic signal into respective time-frequency domains that cover respective ultrasound frequency ranges. The controller computes an error signal, representative of an estimate of an echo-free received ultrasonic signal, based on the transformed ultrasonic signal and the transformed received ultrasonic signal. The controller computes power estimates of the error signal over time, and detects a change in people presence in the spatial region based on a change in the power estimates of the error signal over time.

Abstract: Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example signal generation system for a vehicle capable of different modes of movement includes a detector to determine at least one property of vehicle movement and an output representative of that at least one property and a selectively variable signal generator includes an input to receive the at least one output representative of the at least one property of vehicle movement and, responsively, generates a selected signal based on the received output. In some examples, a detector on a pedestrian detects the selected signal from the signal generator and, responsively, provides an output indicative of a vehicle in proximity to the pedestrian. In some examples, a trajectory vector is generated for at least two entities of interest based on at least one characteristic of movement of each entity.

Abstract: As a transmitting horn or a receiving horn attached to a transmission element or a reception element of an ultrasonic sensor, a horn enclosure with two acoustic horn bodies having a dimensional difference ?Lh of a quarter ?/4 of the wavelength ? of an ultrasonic wave U in the propagation direction X of the ultrasonic wave U or a reflection wave R is used. Then, the amplitude of a diffraction wave A1 and the amplitude of a diffraction wave A2 in opposite phase between a transmission side and a reception side are caused to match with each other so as to cancel out both the diffraction waves A1, A2 in a common sound space of the horn enclosure, which is not partitioned for each acoustic horn body by a screen, on a front of the reception element.

Abstract: A system and method of the subject technology displays non-geographic information associated with a viewed point of interest in an interactive internet map. When the map is repositioned by a user, a new point of interest is determined based on one or more coordinates and one or more predefined rules, and new non-geographic information is automatically generated and displayed for the new point of interest, all without a user having to enter search criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor including a measuring surface and a wire coupled in tension to the measuring surface over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface.

Abstract: A recording medium determination apparatus that determines grammage of a recording medium by using an ultrasonic wave includes a transmission unit configured to output an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined frequency, a reception unit configured to receive the ultrasonic wave output from the transmission unit and transmitted through the recording medium and output a received signal, a calculation unit configured to calculate a signal having a peak component according to a cycle of the received signal, and a determination unit configured to determine the grammage of the recording medium based on the signal calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling indicators on a device to achieve power and energy conservation. The systems and methods include enabling one or more indicators on the device and further include triggering the disablement of one or more of the indicators on the device based upon a disabling event. Upon detecting an enabling event, the systems and methods include re-enabling one or more of the disabled indicators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drowning alert transmitter comprising: a) a head component 1 for securing on a swimmer's head, b) a head sensor 6A,6B to sense if a swimmer's head is inclined back relative the upper torso and to then generate an alert signal, and c) a transmitter 3 connected to the head sensor to transmit an alarm signal upon generation of an alert signal.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus includes a transition unit, a detector, a first image capturing unit, a command unit, a second image capturing unit, and an identity recognition unit. The transition unit makes a control target enter a power supply state or a power shutoff state. The detector detects a moving object while the control target is in the power shutoff state. The first image capturing unit captures images of a specific area at the time when the detector detects a moving object. The command unit commands the transition unit to make the control target enter the power supply state in a case where it is determined that the moving object is approaching the control target. The second image capturing unit captures a characteristic image of the moving object that is approaching the control target. The identity recognition unit performs identity recognition in accordance with the characteristic image.

Abstract: In order to simplify a manufacturing process and reduce cost and power consumption by providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a carrier signal generating circuit excellent in IC implementation, a carrier signal generating circuit for generating an output voltage Vo applied to an ultrasonic probe 41 includes cascaded source follower type NMOSFETs 11 to 14, a variable current source 31, and a constant current source for biasing 32. The probe 41 can be made to generate the output voltage Vo with arbitrary amplitude by controlling a gate voltage V4 by controlling the output current value of the variable current source 31. In addition, a voltage applied to each NMOSFET can be divided by connecting the NMOSFETs 11 to 14 in a multi-stage manner. Accordingly, the withstand voltage of the NMOSFET may be low.

Abstract: A device for lateral environment detection of a motor vehicle and a method for the substantially simultaneous operation of a parking support device and a door protection device is provided. The parking support device and the door protection device perform an environment detection with structurally identical environmental sensors. In order to be able to operate these simultaneously or overlapping in time, without interference by cross echo pulse occurring, it is provided to operate the simultaneously operated environmental sensors at frequencies that are shifted relative to one another and of which at least one of the frequencies is also shifted with respect to a resonance frequency of the environmental sensors.

Abstract: In an embodiment a semiconductor device correlates a received signal with a known pattern. A correlation output is used as a basis for forming a confidence reference level. The confidence reference level and the correlation output are compared to identify a peak in the received signal indicating that a present signal state of the received signal contains the known pattern.

Abstract: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) collect and transmit information about ice floe thickness; this is combined with SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR images from satellites to identify and track dangerously thick regions of ice. The overlayed data is presented graphically to allow tracking of the thick ice regions over time. This information is used to alert drilling platforms in icy ocean conditions of pending ice floe dangers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a group of vessels (24), having an unmanned surface vessel (3) and an unmanned underwater vessel (1, 1a), wherein the underwater vessel comprises a location device, in particular a sonar device, for sensing location data (12) in the underwater area and one evaluation unit or more evaluation units, and the evaluation unit or the evaluation units are arranged in such a manner that these comprise detection means (20) for detecting (14) a contact (MILEC) with the aid of the sensed location data (12) and with classification means (21) for classifying (15) the detected contact (MILEC) as a mine-like contact (MILCO) or non mine-like contact (NONMILCO), whereby classification is accomplished by comparing the contact (MILEC) with known mine information so that a mine-like contact (MILCO) can be identified as a mine contact (MINE) or as another object (NOMBO).

Abstract: A system for disabled parking spot enforcement uses a proximity sensor for detecting entry of a vehicle within a parking spot designated for use by disabled people. A radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag reader is positioned adjacent the parking spot for polling for the presence of an RFID tag associated with the vehicle. An alarm is also positioned adjacent the parking spot, and the alarm is actuated for a pre-set period of time if an RFID tag associated with the vehicle is not detected. A camera is further positioned adjacent the parking spot for capturing a photographic image of a license plate associated with the vehicle if the RFID tag was not detected and if the vehicle did not exit the parking spot within the pre-set period of time. If the RFID tag was detected, identifying information therefrom is read and logged.

Abstract: Provided is a technology which is able to detect an object with high accuracy. A signal processing apparatus 1 includes a generating unit 2 and a detecting unit 3. The generating unit 2 includes a function of generating, as a transmitting signal, a modulation wave whose frequency changes non-repetitively. The detecting unit 3 includes a function of fetching the transmitting signal and a receiving signal which is received by a receiving means that can receive a reflection signal generated when the transmitting signal is reflected by an object. The detecting unit 3 includes a function of detecting at least one of presence of the object, distance to the object, and moving speed of the object, based on correlation between the receiving signal and the transmitting signal.

Abstract: A driver assistance system and method are disclosed which provides improved determination of possible collision objects. The system includes at least one sensor and a classification device. The threshold value of the classification device for classifying an object sensed by means of the at least one sensor as possible collision object is lowered when a possible hazard situation in a region of surroundings located in front of the motor vehicle based on data received from an inter-vehicular communication device. As a result, hazard situations which may not yet be determined by means of sensors belonging to conventional vehicles because of the distance or the position of the possible hazard situation with respect to the motor vehicle can be detected early on.

Abstract: A system that can be used for inspecting underwater structures. The system allows a user to gain a better understanding of the condition of an underwater structure. The system is a self-contained, modular system that can be operated by divers, coupled to an AUV, ROV or other host platform vehicle deployment platform, towed by a ship, pole mounted, or hull mounted. All of the components necessary to achieve the desired scanning functions are incorporated onto the self-contained, modular system. The system can include and fully utilize a 3D sonar system and an inertial navigation system. This combination of features permits the system to be used to, for example, generate 3D models of underwater structures, detect changes in underwater structures by comparing the generated 3D model against an a priori 3D model, and provide navigational updates to the host platform based on the observed features of an underwater structure.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensor includes a transmitting/receiving device configured to transmit/receive ultrasound waves; and a controller configured to make the transmitting/receiving device transmit an ultrasound burst wave, as each of the ultrasound waves, and detect an object through a reception signal that is output from the transmitting/receiving device. The controller is configured to shift operation mode to a detecting mode, when the object is detected in a monitoring mode. In the monitoring mode, the number of waves included in the ultrasound burst wave is changed in two stages. The detecting mode is of detecting the object, using the ultrasound burst wave having the waves that are being used at a time point when the object is detected in the monitoring mode.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a steered-beam ultrasound transmitter configured to deliver a focused, down-modulated ultrasound wave into a volume of airspace selected from at least two volumes of airspace respectfully associated with at least two delineated areas of a surface. The down-modulated ultrasound wave has a power density producing a stress pattern directly perceivable or discernible by a human appendage present in the selected volume of airspace. A stimulation controller is configured to select the volume of airspace in response to a presence of the human appendage within a particular volume of airspace of the at least two volumes of airspace, and to initiate a delivery by the ultrasound transmitter of the down-modulated ultrasound wave into the selected volume of airspace.

Abstract: Utilizing a sonar system to determine if a structural member of an underwater support structure that is supposed to be filled with air is instead flooded with water. The determination that a supposedly air filled structural member is instead flooded with water provides an indication that the structural member is cracked or damaged, making it easier to find damaged members and effect suitable repair. The sonar system is located a distance from the structural member so that it is spaced from the structural member.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting objects in the surroundings of a vehicle is provided. At least one reflection pattern is ascertained for at least one object class. Pulse echo measurements for m different transmitter/receiver geometries are performed. Echo signals in the pulse echo measurements are detected. Weights for the different objects of the corresponding class are calculated. The weight values thus ascertained are summed to form a weight, and the presence of objects of the at least one object class is ascertained using the weights thus ascertained.