Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor has: a diaphragm that includes at least two partial regions for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals, the two partial regions possessing different resonance characteristics; and at least one electromechanical transducer coupled to the diaphragm, to which transducer a control signal having at least two different control signal frequencies is applied. In this context, a first control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a first partial region of the diaphragm, and a second control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a second partial region of the diaphragm. Alternatively, two electromechanical transducers are used, which are coupled to a diaphragm and have different resonance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining arc discharge as well as failure of mechanical vibration and abnormal displacement in power equipment using acoustic energy feature. Here, acoustic energy feature is firstly introduced to realize real-time, online inspection of failure in power equipment, enabling qualitative determination of discharge as well as mechanical vibration and abnormal displacement, so as to improve early warning before damage. Two factors, in which one is early detection of discharge, and the other is early detection of mechanical vibration and abnormal displacement, are considered. When abnormality of any one of these factors is emerged, it is demonstrated that hidden trouble is presented. Here, acoustic energy feature is used to perform real-time, online monitoring.

Abstract: A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element.

Abstract: Particle measuring instrument and method for the analysis of particles comprising a dosing device which dosing device can be set into vibrations by means of a vibration generator for conveying, while segregating, particles present in the dosing chute to at least one outlet of the dosing device. Other than a first vibration generator a second, different vibration generator is provided for segregating the particles present in the dosing device. The second vibration generator generates vibrations of a higher frequency compared to the first vibration generator.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for an ultrasound inspection system, with means for transporting a test object (7), in particular a pipe, into an ultrasound inspection chamber of the ultrasound inspection system, comprising at least one guiding unit (1) for the test object with at least one, preferably three, still more preferably six elastically biased counter bearings (2) resting against a jacket surface (8) of the test object (7) via a contact part (4) in order to guide the test object during transport.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system for use in testing the adhesive bond strength of composite materials. Also disclosed herein are a method of calibrating the sonic resonator system to work with a particular composite bond joint, and a method of non-destructive testing the “pass-fail” of the bonded composite bond strength, based on a required bond strength.

Abstract: A device for detecting an impact on a composite material structure. This detection device comprises at least two acoustic modules intended to be secured to the composite material structure and a processing unit able to communicate remotely with each of the acoustic modules. Each acoustic module is electrically autonomous and comprises its own means for recording the sound waves sensed by its acoustic sensor. An aircraft structure is also provided comprising a composite material structural element equipped with the impact detection device. A method is also provided for detecting an impact on a composite material aircraft structural element equipped with an impact detection device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for integrating an electronic metrology sensor with precision production equipment such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. For example, a laser distance measuring sensor is used. Measurements are taken at a relatively high sample rate and converted into a format compatible with other data generated or accepted by the CNC machine. Measurements from the sensor are synchronized with the position of the arm of the machine such as through the use of offsets. Processing yields a detailed and highly accurate three-dimensional map of a workpiece in the machine. Applicable metrology instruments include other near continuously reading non-destructive characterization instruments such as contact and non-contact dimensional, eddy current, ultra-sound, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for monitoring vibrations to detect distinct vibration events in an acceleration waveform converted into acceleration samples. The method comprises: storing the acceleration samples as a sequence of acceleration frames into a cache memory (S110); detecting the presence or absence of a distinct vibration event in each of said acceleration frames (S160); in case of detecting a distinct vibration event in an acceleration frame, forwarding said acceleration frame from said cache memory to a long-term storage device (S170).

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic transducer device has an ultrasonic element array arranged on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate. The ultrasonic element array is rectangle, and when a long side direction of the rectangle is defined as a first direction, the integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate so as to form the long side direction of the integrated circuit device along the first direction. The integrated circuit device is arranged along the first direction and has a plurality of transmission circuits that output transmission signals to the ultrasonic element array.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic element array has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged on the substrate. The ultrasonic transducer device is formed on the substrate and having a plurality of signal electrode lines electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals to output a transmission signal to the ultrasonic element array. Each of the signal electrode lines includes an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements is formed to extend on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate, and each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal electrode lines.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor device includes a housing, a transducer, a securing unit, a circuit board and a sealing cap. The housing includes an enclosing portion. The enclosing portion has a first opening and an opposite second opening. The transducer is secured to the enclosing portion at the second opening. The securing unit secures the transducer to the enclosing portion of the housing, and includes at least one securing rib that extends toward the first opening of the enclosing portion. The circuit board is disposed in the enclosing portion. The sealing cap is disposed to cover the first opening of the enclosing portion and has an inner cap surface that abuts against the securing rib of the securing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drivable device for compacting a soil layer structure, having at least one vibration means or device, such as a vibration roller or a vibration plate, via which load pulses (P), which compact the soil layer structure, can be introduced into at least one load introduction area. At least one first and one second detection means or devices for detecting the modulus of elasticity of the soil layer structure are provided, which are situated spaced apart from one another on the drivable device in such a way that the first detection means or device allows a detection in the load introduction area and at least the second detection means or devices allows a detection outside the load introduction area. The present invention also relates to a method for ascertaining a layer modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A rail condition monitoring carriage for use on a railroad track is provided, including at least one frame movable along the railroad track, an ultrasonic rail condition monitor disposed on the at least one frame and configured for ultrasonically monitoring condition of the railroad track and transmitting the condition data to a remote location, a gage measurement device disposed on the at least one frame for monitoring a gage value of the track, collecting gage data and transmitting the gage data to the remote location, and a control system connected to the rail condition monitor and the gage measurement device for receiving the collected data and evaluating same.

Abstract: A sensing assemblage (1) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a transducer (2) and a waveguide (3). The transducer (2) is coupled to the waveguide (3) at a first location. A second transducer (11) can be coupled to the waveguide (3) at a second location. An interface material that is transmissive to acoustic energy waves can be placed between transducers (402, 404) and a waveguide (414) to improve transfer. The interface material (408, 410) can affix the transducers (402, 404) to the waveguide (414). Alternatively, a reflecting feature (5) can be placed at a second location of the waveguide (3) to reflect acoustic waves back to the transducer (2) where transducer (2) emits energy waves into the medium and detects propagated energy waves.

Abstract: In a quality evaluation method, an evaluation substrate that includes a mounting region, in which a multilayer capacitor is to be mounted, in a center portion of the evaluation substrate is fixed in place using a plurality of fixed portions at corner portions of the evaluation substrate, each of which is a same distance from the mounting region. A voltage is applied to the multilayer capacitor mounted on the mounting region of the evaluation substrate. Sound is collected using a microphone that is near the multilayer capacitor mounted on the evaluation substrate.

Abstract: A machine has at least two wheels (at least one of them driven) arranged on a base body and connected with a revolving belt. A transmitter and a receiver are arranged on the base body. The transmitter transmits contactless to the belt a transmitted signal having an oscillation frequency, with the receiver from the belt a reflected signal in response to the transmitted signal. An evaluation device connected to the receiver checks if the reflected signal received by the receiver satisfies an acquisition condition indicating that a speed of the belt is in a predetermined speed range. The evaluation device determines, if the acquisition condition is satisfied, a frequency spectrum which is based of the oscillation frequency and the reflected signal in the predetermined speed range and indicative of a mechanical oscillation characteristic of the belt, and generates a control signal based on the evaluated frequency spectrum.

Abstract: During a marine seismic survey, shots are fired at a time interval shorter than an S-wave listening time during which seismic receivers within a predetermined distance from the shot location detect reflected S-waves caused by an earlier shot. In portion of data acquired during the survey, information related to the S-wave reflections caused by the earlier shot is blended with information related to P-wave and S-wave reflections from a later shot.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus for determining the texture of food material, wherein the apparatus comprises a device for generating a vibrational impact, such as a piezo actuator, a device for measuring vibrations, such as a vibrometer, a holding mechanism, comprising a container body for containing the food material therein or a string to attach the food material thereto, and an analyser for comparing measured vibrations with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote nondestructive evaluation of an object such as a wind turbine blade involves applying mechanical and/or thermal stress to the object and then scanning the object using long-range thermographic and/or laser interferometric imaging. The laser interferometric imaging is preferably performed by a long range shearography camera capable of imaging deformation derivatives at long distances coupled with a blade stressing mechanism incorporating either thermal or internal blade pressurization for the purpose of detecting remotely and at high speed, changes in the structural integrity of an installed wind turbine blade.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.

Abstract: Apparatus for detection of human falls comprises: an acceleration detector, for detecting vibration events, typically placed on a floor, a microphone, located in association with the acceleration detector for detection of corresponding sound events, and a classification unit to classify concurrent events from the microphone and the acceleration detector, thereby to determine whether a human fall is indicated. If the event appears to be a human fall, then an alarm is raised.

Abstract: A traffic sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface. A piezoelectric structure extends from the first electrode layer. The piezoelectric structure has a top end. An insulating layer is infused into the piezoelectric structure. A first electrode layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer. A second electrode layer is disposed below the flexible substrate. A packaging layer is disposed around the substrate, the first electrode layer, the piezoelectric structure, the insulating layer and the second electrode layer. In a method of sensing a traffic parameter, a piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is applied to a roadway. An electrical event generated by the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor in response to a vehicle interacting with the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is detected. The electrical event is correlated with the traffic parameter.

Abstract: Transmitters and waveform generators are provided for ultrasound imaging. Low-voltage transistors are connected in cascode with the high-voltage transistors used to generate the ultrasound pulses. The low-voltage transistors trim the high-voltage transistors, adjusting the drive strength of the high-voltage transistors. By trimming, the rise and fall time of the pulses generated by the high-voltage transistors may be more closely matched.

Abstract: A system and method using an iPhone cellular telephone to detect hidden materials, or contraband, in an automobile by measuring vibration. The mathematical formula frequency of vibration uses the mass M which affects the vibration. As mass of solid surface changes, so does the vibration. If difference in the vibration is detected between the inspected vehicle and empty vehicle that is the baseline, it may indicate hidden materials or contraband. The iPhone mobile cellular telephone contains components needed to implement this system and method. An accelerometer. A vibrator. A touch screen display. A computer operating system, iOS that runs Objective C software. SQLite, a computer database. A computer network connection to the internet using a wireless network. A GPS sensor to provide the latitude and longitude location of the phone during testing The iPhone also provides an electrical power source using the phone battery, or wall outlet electricity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maximising value when breaking down a tree stem, log, cant, flitch or slab to sawn timber which includes determining an acoustic velocity value and determining density profile information across the width of the stem, log, cant or slab. The density profile information determined includes a position of minimum density in the stem, log, cant or slab. This enables the prediction of a stiffness profile across the stem, log, cant or slab from the acoustic velocity and the density profile information across the stem, log, cant or slab. The stiffness profile and the position of minimum density in the stem, log, cant or slab can be used to generate a sawing pattern for cutting the stem, log, cant or slab. The sawing pattern is offset by the position of the minimum density for a more useful yield of sawn timber.

Abstract: A probe-holder carriage includes a frame which can slide over a highly magnetically permeable support surface and at least one permanent magnet able to interact magnetically with, and couple the robot to, the surface. The permanent magnet is positioned so that one pole grazes the surface and faces the surface at a minimum distance from it. The frame defines a central housing which can support at least one probe.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for inspecting a location on a test object with a number of obstructions to reaching the location. An elongate optical fiber carrier holding a number of optical fibers is moved to the location on the test object with the number of obstructions to reaching the location. A pattern of light is transmitted from the number of optical fibers onto a surface of the test object at the location. The pattern of the light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of the light encounters the surface of the test object. A response is detected to the sound waves using the number of optical fibers.

Abstract: Continuous casting moulds used in automated installations casting metal melts into strands require comprehensive, reliable real-time monitoring. Currently used systems are susceptible to damage and limited to just a few sensors, as arrangements involving a higher number of sensors have proven impractical due to the substantial effort they cause when exchanging a mould. To overcome this obstacle it is suggested to use wirelessly interrogable passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for monitoring of physical parameters in continuous casting moulds, and install at least one wireless link section in the signal path between SAW sensors and their reader devices. Continuous casting moulds thus become easily exchangeable with their sensors installed, making it industrially practicable to equip continuous casting moulds with a significantly higher number of sensors than previously feasible.

Abstract: A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of a formation is described herein. The method includes disposing a well-logging tool in a borehole. The well-logging tool includes a device for varying temperature of the formation and two acoustic logging probes located symmetrically along the well-logging tool length relative to the device for varying temperature of the formation. During the logging tool movement in the borehole, continuous varying of the formation temperature, continuous acoustic logging, and continuous measurement of formation temperature are performed. Dependencies of the measured velocity and attenuation of the Stoneley waves as functions of the measured temperature of the formation are obtained. Based on the obtained dependencies, properties of the formation are determined.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a supporting body which has an opening; a pressure detecting portion which includes a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal; a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with the opening, or outside of the opening; a sealing film which closes the frame body; and a silicone oil which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion.

Abstract: A device for determining an extension length of an extendable machine part includes a first ultrasound sensor and a controller, the controller determining the extension length on the basis of an ultrasound signal received by the first ultrasound sensor. The first ultrasound sensor includes a first ultrasound converter and a second ultrasound converter which are arranged such that they are offset along the measuring direction.

Abstract: Testing of components for fatigue under vibration conditions is important. Typically an isolation device is utilized in order to isolate a mode of vibration of interest. Isolation is through engaging a node line utilizing isolation elements. By presenting the isolation elements in arms a component can be isolated by engaging the component to one side. The isolation elements are suspended upon springs and allowed to move axially in the direction of the springs as well as laterally through mountings in the arms. The isolation elements are less acceptable to wear and test set up time is reduced by the engaging of component to one side only of the component.

Abstract: A quartz resonator flow cell has a piezoelectric quartz wafer with an electrode, pads, and interconnects disposed on a first side thereof. The piezoelectric quartz wafer has a second electrode disposed on a second side thereof, the second electrode opposing the first electrode. A substrate is provided having fluid ports therein and the piezoelectric quartz wafer is mounted to the substrate such that the second side thereof faces the substrate with a cavity being formed between the substrate and the wafer. The fluid ports in the substrate are aligned with the electrode on the second side of the piezoelectric quartz wafer which is in contact with the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the integrity and soundness of a mechanical structure, such as an aircraft. The device comprises a control unit, a radio frequency transmission means, and an electric battery. The control unit recovers data from a set of digital and/or analog sensors. The radio frequency transmission means enables the control unit to transmit the data received from the sensors to a man/machine interface. The electric battery powers the device and is rechargeable. The device further comprises a module for recovering electromagnetic energy capable of converting the recovered electromagnetic energy into electric power so as to recharge the battery and/or directly power the device.

Abstract: System force-deformation measuring apparatuses (e.g., an apparatus that applies a quasi-static force), such as those, for example, configured to generate data (e.g., non-generic or accident-specific data) that assists in the reconstruction of vehicle collisions.

Abstract: In a measurement device (1) including a measurement chamber (2), in which an electromagnetic wave (4), having a carrier frequency and modulated by a modulation frequency, acts on a sample, it is proposed to arrange an acoustic pickup (6), which is tuned to the modulation frequency, outside of the measurement chamber (2) and to connect this acoustic pickup via acoustic decoupling means (9) to the measurement chamber (2) for detecting acoustic excitations (5) generated in the sample by the acting electromagnetic wave (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for sonic excitation of a surface has a housing defining an open cavity facing the surface. At least one speaker is positioned to introduce sound to the cavity. The housing comprises a gasket for sealing with the surface. A valve is coupled to the cavity to allow the cavity to be maintained at a pressure below an external pressure.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing ultrasonic reflection imaging are taught utilizing a split-step Fourier propagator in which the reconstruction is based on recursive inward continuation of ultrasonic wavefields in the frequency-space and frequency-wave number domains. The inward continuation within each extrapolation interval consists of two steps. In the first step, a phase-shift term is applied to the data in the frequency-wave number domain for propagation in a reference medium. The second step consists of applying another phase-shift term to data in the frequency-space domain to approximately compensate for ultrasonic scattering effects of heterogeneities within the tissue being imaged (e.g., breast tissue). Results from various data input to the method indicate significant improvements are provided in both image quality and resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the texture of food material, comprising the steps of applying a vibrational impact with a predetermined frequency to the food material, measuring the vibrational response of the food material to the vibrational impact, and comparing the vibratiorial response with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement. The food material is in a liquid or a semi-solid state and/or contained within a container body (16), such as a pipe.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing method to evaluate the structural integrity of pre-stressed concrete railroad ties in track to identify deterioration and the eventual loss of bond between the reinforcing wires and the surrounding concrete. The application of an impact echo system to the end of each railroad tie will identify ties that have deteriorated to the extent that structural cracks have formed. The method includes employing a tool having a plurality of transducers and a single impinger to impart sound waves through a top surface of the railroad tie and to receive and evaluate the echoes of the sound waves to determine if the tie is structurally sound or structurally unsound.

Abstract: A sensor system uses positive closed-loop feedback to provide energy waves into a medium. A sensor comprises a transducer (604), a propagating structure (602), and a reflecting surface (606). A parameter is applied to the propagating structure that affects the medium. The sensor is coupled to a propagation tuned oscillator (416) that forms the positive closed-loop feedback path with the sensor. The propagation tuned oscillator (416) includes an edge-detect receiver (200) that generates a pulse upon sensing a wave front of an energy wave in propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (100) is in the feedback path that continues emitting energy waves into the propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (200) comprises a preamplifier (212), a differentiator (214), a digital pulse circuit (216), and a deblank circuit (218). The transit time, phase, or frequency is measured of the propagating energy waves and correlated to the parameter being measured.

Abstract: A bias gate part supplies a bias current to a transmission pulse generator. The transmission pulse generator receives the supply of the bias current, amplifies an input voltage, and supplies an output voltage obtained by the amplification to array transducer elements. In accordance with the timing of transmitting ultrasound waves from the array transducer elements and the level of the output voltage supplied to the array transducer elements, the bias gate part supplies the bias current to the transmission pulse generator while changing the timing of supplying the bias current.

Abstract: A vibration wave output instrument and its use method are provided. The vibration wave output instrument has a base, a vibration device, a pressure device, and a position mechanism. The position mechanism brings both the vibration device and the pressure device to a target region. The pressure device pushes the vibration device to touch against the target region. The vibration device outputs vibration waves beneath the target region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for non-contact detection techniques of mechanical vibrations utilizing a radio frequency system incorporating multiple carrier wavelengths. The new detection method measures multiple harmonic pairs at a carrier frequency and improves the detection accuracy and reliability by first inspecting the Bessel function coefficient of each harmonic and then determining the harmonic amplitude. The original mechanical vibration can then be reconstructed. Embodiments can be used to realize sensing of complex non-sinusoidal vibrations using a wavelength division sensing technique and allow non-contact detection through walls, smoke, fog or other low visibility environments with the advantage of longer range detection and easy integration at a low cost.

Abstract: A system and method of performing acoustic thermography in which invalid data is filtered from data used to detect defects on a structure. An ultrasonic sound input signal is provided to a structure to produce a thermal image output. A sensor senses an input energy corresponding to the sound input signal and produces an input energy signal. The input energy signal is transformed to a test spectrum and is compared to a reference spectrum. The comparison of the test spectrum to the reference spectrum is used to determine whether to include the thermal image output in an analysis for detecting defects in the structure.

Abstract: Packaging installation with a metering apparatus and method for monitoring damage in a packaging installation in which packs (19) which are to be filled can be charged with the contents in each case by means of a metering apparatus (01) designed according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein—the vibrations of the wall of the dispensing container (02) are measured at least during operation of the stirrer (06) and/or of the metering screw (05),—the measured values are evaluated by the vibration evaluator (10),—deviations in the vibration behaviour are detected and compared with limit values stored in the vibration evaluator (10),—when the limit values are exceeded, this indicates with sufficient probability, that the stirrer (06) or the metering screw (05) is in contact with the dispensing container (02),—an alarm is triggered by means of the vibration evaluator (10).

Abstract: A medical device includes a control interface for operating the medical device in a hands-free mode. To control the medical device in a hands-free mode, the control interface includes multiple proximity sensors, each sensor associated with a level of adjustment. For example, a sensor located on a top portion of the medical device is used to increase the level of adjustment. And similarly, a sensor located on a bottom portion of the medical device is used to decrease the level of adjustment. The magnitude of the level of adjustment applied to a parameter of the medical device is controlled based at least in part on the length of time an object remains in proximity to a respective sensor. In one embodiment, the longer the object is held over a respective sensor the more adjustment the control interface will make to the parameter.