Abstract: In one embodiment, an acoustic distance measurement system can use a modulation pattern to modulate a carrier wave. The modulated carrier wave may be transmitted to an acoustic transducer. An echo of the transmitted signal can be detected by correlating the received signal with the modulation pattern. Subsequent to detecting sufficient correlation between the received signal and modulation pattern, a distance determination can be made to determine the distance to the object that produced the received echo.

Abstract: A ballistic-acoustic transducer system includes a processor and one or more acoustic sensors. The sensors are positioned in a body of water and are in communication with the processor. The system is configured such that acoustic energy generated by a non-explosive projectile as it impacts the water, enters the water, and sinks through the water, is sensed by the one or more acoustic sensors, and the processor is configured to process the acoustic energy sensed by the one or more acoustic sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to radiation monitoring and can be used for detecting radioactive materials during the unauthorized movement thereof. The method involves registering background gamma quanta and detecting a monitored object in a monitoring zone when the registered gamma radiation exceeds the background radiation. The moment when an object arrives at a distance R? from gamma radiation detectors is determined and the moment when the object moves away from the gamma radiation detectors to a distance R? is determined. The gamma quanta are registered from the moment when the object arrives at the given distance R? from the gamma radiation detectors to the moment when the object moves away from the gamma radiation detectors to the distance R?. R?=(0.8?1.2)(H+D) and R?=(0.8?1.2)(H+D), where H is the height of the horizontal plane that is the plane of symmetry of the position of the gamma radiation detectors; and D is half the distance between two gamma radiation detectors mounted at the same height.

Abstract: A method for localizing the range and bearing of a distant underwater object includes firing a preselected number of supercavitating projectiles sequentially from a firing location such that each projectile tracks along substantially the same trajectory. Supercavitating pellets are dispersed from a projectile at a pre-selected range. Acoustic signals are sensed to detect acoustic signals caused by supercavitating pellet impact with an object. These signals can be processed to determine the range and bearing to the object. In further steps the range and bearing can be used to aim the projectiles.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for compensating a depth signal for a depth finder of a boat. In one embodiment, a compensation system is implemented between the depth finder and a transducer mounted on the boat. The compensation system receives a depth signal (i.e., a plurality of electrical impulses) from the transducer that directs sound waves toward the bottom of a body of water. The compensation system also monitors a change in elevation of the transducer, such as due to waves rocking the boat. The compensation system then compensates the depth signal based on the change in elevation, and provides the compensated depth signal to the depth finder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nondestructive testing device for detecting possible thickness anomalies (Ve) of a wall (P), this device comprising a sensor (1) including means (11) for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and acoustic coupling means (2). The sensor according to the invention comprises a rigid enclosure (12, 13) sealingly defining a free internal volume (10), and the coupling means (2) comprise a solid coupling body (21) belonging to the enclosure, and a coupling liquid (L) disposed in the free internal volume (10) and in which the emitting and receiving means (11) soak.

Abstract: A method of detecting gross weight overload of a vehicle comprising the steps of positioning one or more ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle so that said sensors measure the distance to a ground surface, using the sensors to measure height above the ground surface of the vehicle in a non-overloaded condition, adding known weights to the vehicle until maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) is attained, ascertaining height above the ground surface at this gross vehicle weight (GVW), and continuously measuring height of the ground surface and collecting height above the ground surface data to establish when an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: An active sonar system, a method associated therewith, and a computer-readable medium associate therewith, each provide a method of sonar signal processing. The method includes receiving a plurality of initial detections of a target and associated initial detection times, associated with sound transmitted at a pulse rate interval (PRI), and associated with received sound including echoes from a target. The echoes result from the transmitted sound. The method also includes analyzing the plurality of initial detection times with a pulse sorting transform configured to identify periodic PST detection times within the plurality of initial detection times that are equally spaced in time and that are representative of the echoes from the target.

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 obstacle detection apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor and a controller. The ultrasonic sensor detects a presence of an obstacle around the vehicle and a distance to the obstacle by transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by the obstacle. The controller controls the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic wave element. The ultrasonic wave element has multiple resonance modes. The ultrasonic sensor changes a directivity of the ultrasonic sensor by selecting one of the multiple resonance modes of the ultrasonic wave element in accordance with a command signal output from the controller.

Abstract: A method of operating an acoustic pulse echo ranging system is provided. A series of acoustic energy pulses of successively increasing or decreasing burst frequencies are transmitted through a transducer assembly. For each transmitted energy pulse associated echoes are received and converted into an echo function over time. The obtained echo function is stored in a two-dimensional pattern whose first dimension is the burst frequency and whose second dimension is the time. Based upon the two-dimensional pattern a frequency response function is evaluated as a function of echo function values over burst frequency at a selected point of time.

Abstract: An acoustic weapon comprises a sonic pulse generator configured to generate discrete sonic pulses at a repetition rate. A sensor is configured to measure a range-to-target. A controller is configured to control the sonic pulse generator to generate a single shot including a burst of multiple pulses at a fixed repetition rate, to adjust the fixed repetition rate to shift the frequency content of the burst in accordance with a target coupling efficiency towards improving energy transfer to the target and to adjust the peak pressure of the burst in accordance with the range-to-target towards applying a specified peak pressure to the target. The controller may incorporate the target coupling efficiency as well as other parameters such as target apparent area and beam width when adjusting the weapon peak pressure. A pulse detonation engine (PDE) or pulse manifold (PM) may be modified and controlled to provide the large discrete peak pressures required at a periodic repetition rate.

Abstract: A level measurement system suitable for use in a high temperature and pressure environment to measure the level of coolant fluid within the environment, the system including a volume of coolant fluid located in a coolant region of the high temperature and pressure environment and having a level therein; an ultrasonic waveguide blade that is positioned within the desired coolant region of the high temperature and pressure environment; a magnetostrictive electrical assembly located within the high temperature and pressure environment and configured to operate in the environment and cooperate with the waveguide blade to launch and receive ultrasonic waves; and an external signal processing system located outside of the high temperature and pressure environment and configured for communicating with the electrical assembly located within the high temperature and pressure environment.

Abstract: A device for determining a filling level in a container, with a stillwell which has an entry opening and a vent opening, an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the base region of the stillwell and at least one pre-chamber. The pre-chamber has an inlet opening to the container and an outlet opening to the entry opening of the Stillwell. The pre-chamber of the device has a second outlet opening that opens out in a lead-off arrangement. By the lead-off arrangement, foamed medium flowing in quickly and suddenly into the pre-chamber of the device does not arrive into the measurement section of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. A plurality of encoders are associated with the plurality of articulation members so as to measure an orientation of the CMM. An ultrasonic imaging device is mounted on the CMM.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, receiving devices arranged in an array, and a circuit device. One receiving device is configured as a reference receiving device. The circuit device includes a reference signal generator and first and second synchronous detectors. The reference signal generator generates a reference signal by using a received signal of the reference receiving device. The first synchronous detector performs synchronous detection of a received signal of one of the receiving devices based on the reference signal to detect a distance to an object. The second synchronous detector performs synchronous detection of received signals of the receiving devices except the reference receiving device based on the reference signal to detect a direction of the object.

Abstract: An acoustic waveguide with at least two portions coupled by vibration damping structure. The vibration damping structure may be a conformable material such as closed cell foam. The vibration damping structure may further include structure for inhibiting motion in a direction transverse to the interface between the vibration damping structure and a portion of the waveguide.

Abstract: A system and method of range estimation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting beams through a medium towards a surface, receiving reflected signals from the surface, and estimating range to the surfaced based on the reflected signals and an estimate of sidelobe coupling of the beams.

Abstract: A hand-held device (10, 10?) for contactless distance measurement measures a distance (d) between a target object (18) and at least one reference point (20) of the device (10) using an emitted modulated measurement signal (16). The device includes a housing (12, 13, 56) with a first end (34) that faces the object (18) to be measured, and a second end (35) facing away from the object (18) to be measured. The housing includes an output unit (22, 28, 29, 31) for depicting measured results. Several measured distance values are to be assigned to at least one subsection of the path between the object (18) to be measured and the opposite end (35) of the housing (12, 13, 56) via a length-measurement scale (36, 38, 54) that is displayable in the output unit (22, 28, 29, 31).

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 system and method operate a Navigation Sonar System in an Alert Velocity Submode, receive sonar data during the operation of the Navigational Sonar System in the Alert Velocity Submode, and use the sonar data to compute depth data used to calculate a Bathymetric Fix.

Abstract: A method of determining the volume or height of fluid in a reservoir is provided. A first burst of focused acoustic energy is used to raise temporarily a protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. A second burst of acoustic energy is directed to the free surface of the fluid. Echoes from the second burst of acoustic energy are detected. The detected echoes are employed to compute the height of the fluid.

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 ultrasonic ranging device for ultrasonic ranging in the near zone. The device may include a transducer for generating an ultrasonic signal and for detecting an echo signal. The device may also include a processor for calculating the distance to a target object based on a first time period defined by a first set of ultrasonic signals when the target object is located outside the near zone and a second time period defined by a second set of ultrasonic signals when the target object is located within the near zone. The processor may also adjust the amplitude of the generated ultrasonic signal until the first set of ultrasonic signals is detected at the transducer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of sonar processing includes identifying, with a processor, a detection having a detection probability value, the detection in a selected beam, wherein the detection is associated with a detection range cell having detection range cell data. The method also includes comparing, with the processor, the detection range cell data with range cell data from a corresponding range cell from at least one overlapping beam overlapping the selected beam. The method also includes updating, with the processor, the detection probability value based upon the comparing. A sonar system uses the above-described method. A computer readable storage medium has instructions thereon to achieve the above-described method.

Abstract: A controlling method for ultra-sound sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring a distance of an obstacle, determining whether the distance is smaller than a distance threshold, and adjusting a driving voltage if the distance is smaller than the distance threshold.

Abstract: An underwater depth discrepancy system and method are provided. A comparator compares an actual underwater depth with a predetermined/prerecorded chart depth corresponding to a current location corresponding to the location of the actual underwater depth. A first signal is generated when the actual underwater depth is greater than the chart depth while a second signal is generated when the actual underwater depth is less than the chart depth. The current location and actual underwater depth are recorded whenever the first or second signal is generated. In addition, one or more alarms are generated when the second signal is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active sonar system capable of estimating a direction and a range of a target by using a sound pulse. A target range error can be estimated by the active sonar system, by applying a principle that a sound pulse used to detect an underwater target with consideration of a vertical structure of a sound velocity in water is reflected and refracted through a multipath not a linear path.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided. The monitoring system comprises a first storage queue containing rules ready for processing, an event storage containing events, and a plurality of first processor threads configured to execute any one of the rules contained in the first storage queue based on the contents of the event storage. The system also comprises a rules processor configured to receive a plurality of events from a plurality of monitored locations, to add the event to the event storage, to remove a first rule from the first storage queue, to provide the first rule to one of the first processor threads for executing, to receive a first result from the one of the first processor threads, and to send a first notification based on the first result.

Abstract: A system and method of range estimation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting beams through a medium towards a surface, receiving reflected signals from the surface, and estimating range to the surfaced based on the reflected signals and an estimate of sidelobe coupling of the beams.

Abstract: A microseismic method of determining the position of a downhole receiver (4) making use of received signals from events (21, 22) at least two known locations using the equivalent of a Thales circle construction from two or more pairs of events.

Abstract: A system for determining a propellant content and a center of gravity in a three-axis stabilized spacecraft includes a ranging device that is coupled to an interior of a propellant tank of the spacecraft. The ranging device is configured to receive a ranging echo to facilitate determining a location of a membrane within the propellant tank.

Abstract: A distance and temperature sensing unit is used on paving vehicles. The unit has a first set of range sensors of a first diameter and a second set of range sensors of a second diameter. The unit calculates a weighted average distance to a road surface based on ranges measured by the multiple sensors. The unit also has a temperature sensor on a temperature bar. The bar is affixed to the unit by a flexible connection preventing break-off when the bar encounters obstacles, like the road surface, while the paving vehicle is moving.

Abstract: An obstacle detection device has an ultrasonic sensor fixed to a first side of a mount member. The ultrasonic sensor sends/receives ultrasonic wave toward/from a second side of the mount member, which is opposite to the first side thereof. At least one of a mounting surface of the ultrasonic sensor and a mounting surface of the mount member has a protrusion, which protrudes therefrom so that an end surface of the protrusion contacts the other of the mounting surfaces. The mounting surfaces of the mount member and the ultrasonic sensor face each other. The end surface of the protrusion and the mounting surface of the ultrasonic sensor are different from each other in at least one of shape and area thereof.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is drawn to method of determining a location of a submersible vehicle. The method includes obtaining first bearing information based on a location of a ship at a first time relative to the submersible vehicle and receiving broadcast information from the ship, wherein the broadcast information includes location information related to a second location of the ship at a second time, a velocity of the ship at the second time and a course of the ship at the second time. The method further includes obtaining second bearing information based on the second location of the ship at the second time relative to the submersible vehicle, obtaining a velocity of the submersible vehicle at the second time and obtaining a course of the submersible vehicle at the second time.

Abstract: A project calculator, including a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing and including a processor, an input device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, an output device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, and a distance sensor rotatably mounted to the housing and interfacing with the processor. A laser assembly is may also be rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to provide a visual indicator to an object to which the distance sensor is pointing. One or more level indicators may also be mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.

Abstract: A parking space monitoring device that calculates a parking space with higher accuracy. The parking space monitoring device includes an obstacle detection unit (2, 3, 4) that uses a relative distance (Ri) and relative angle (?i) between an obstacle (Cp) near a vehicle (1) and the vehicle to detect a relative position (Pi(R1, ?i)) of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle, a memory (8) that stores the relative position (Pi) detected by the obstacle detection unit in association with movement information of the vehicle, and a parking space calculation unit (7) that calculates a parking space based on the relative information (Pi) and the movement information that are stored in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

Abstract: In a method for functional testing of a mechanical vibration sensor, a vibration signal is generated on the vibration component of the vibration sensor with the aid of a periodic excitation signal, the frequency of which excitation signal is varied, and a post-vibration process of the vibration component of the vibration sensor is analyzed once the excitation signal has been switched off.

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: A direction-finding method and apparatus for detection and tracking of successive bearing angles of sound-emitting targets, wherein intensity plots of successive clock cycles in a waterfall plot show bearing traces of successive bearing angles, and preferred bearing traces are marked by a tracker. In order to automate the setting and deletion of trackers, starting from trace state vectors, which are determined at the time t=k?1, are each associated with one bearing trace and each have a bearing angle as well as its time derivative, which is referred to as the bearing rate, and possibly an intensity and its time derivative, which is referred to as the intensity rate, and trace errors associated with the trace state vectors for the time t=k, predicted state vectors are predicted together with predicted estimation errors.

Abstract: A sonar system and method of use capable of discriminating a direct acoustic signal present at 60 dB or more above the acoustic echo signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moving object and a location measuring device and method thereof that may transmit an ultrasound signal to the moving object through a plurality of ultrasound transmitting units, and may estimate a location of the moving object at a current time based on distance information of distances between the moving object and the plurality of ultrasound transmitting units measured based on the transmitted ultrasound, inertia information, and location information of the moving object at a time prior to the current time.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the conductor in a buried, undersea or submerged electrical power cable.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the windings in a transformer or other electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A robotic system comprises a transmitter emitting a plurality of angularly-spaced beams of radiation in an area; and a robot moving within said area and able to detect when it is in the path of one of said beams. On moving through a measured distance across the paths of two or more of the beams, the robot can determine the relative position of the transmitter and the robot by using the distance and the angular spacing of the beams.

Abstract: A reflection-point estimation section constituting an object detection apparatus first calculates a rotational correction angle for each estimated reflection point Pn by using the following equation, using the fact that the ratio of the amount of change in a detected distance dn to a movement amount In of a sonar is nearly equal to a tangent with respect to the direction normal to the surface of an object: Rotational correction angle?=a tan {(dn+1?dn)/In} in which n is a natural number. Subsequently, the reflection-point estimation section obtains estimated reflection points Pn? after correction, by rotating each estimated reflection point Pn based on the calculation result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.

Abstract: The present inventions comprise a A method of estimating a minimum range for a target with respect to a first point of interest, independent of actual, range to the target, comprising obtaining three bearing data points; using the three bearing data points to determine a speed contribution Vos cos (??) of a first point of interest to a distance from a relative velocity vector over a time frame comprising t0 to t0?; determining an angle ?? as defined by the bearing relative to ownship's heading at the point in time of closest approach to a second point of interest; and calculating a minimum range using a predetermined formula.