Abstract: Methods and systems for determining crack propagation length using a technique based on acoustic signature are disclosed. An acoustic signature is measured and recorded at a first location via acoustic wave generated by structural vibrations caused by a harmonic loading with predefined magnitude acted at a second location on the structure. Structure contains an unknown length of crack propagation inside. Unknown length is determined by comparing the measured and recorded acoustic signature with numerically-computed acoustic signatures stored in a database, which contains at least one relationship of the numerically-computed acoustic signatures versus respective crack propagation lengths at various stages of numerically-simulated crack propagation trajectory.

Abstract: A system for quality monitoring of additive manufacturing includes an acoustic emission (AE) sensor configured to be attached to an additive manufacturing substrate and to output a sensor signal indicative of acoustic vibrations received at the AE sensor and an AE module. The AE module is configured to receive the sensor signal from the AE sensor and process the sensor signal to determine at least one characteristic of an additive manufacturing process and/or an additively manufactured article.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes: a movable part including a light reflection portion that reflects light; a first shaft part that swingably supports the movable part about a first axis; a support part that supports the first shaft part; a recessed portion provided in the support part, and having an opening portion in one surface of the support part and having a side surface opening portion in a side surface of the support part connected to the one surface of the support part; and a regulating member provided in the recessed portion and partially projecting from the side surface opening portion with the projecting portion located between the support part and the movable part.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A method of sorting chips divided from a plate-shaped workpiece into acceptable chips and defective chips includes an ultrasonic vibration applying step of applying ultrasonic vibrations to chips, a fracture confirming step of confirming whether the chips have been fractured in the ultrasonic vibration applying step or not, and a sorting step of sorting those chips which have been confirmed as not fractured in the fracture confirming step as acceptable chips. The ultrasonic vibrations applied to the chips in the ultrasonic vibration applying step are set to values that do not cause chips to be fractured if the chips are free of minute fractures and cause chips to be fractured if the chips contain minute fractures.

Abstract: A method for generating fluid flow images of a region of interest is disclosed. The method includes: scanning the region of interest to acquire a set of 4D-Flow magnetic resonance images, wherein the set comprises an anatomical magnitude image, a first velocity component image, a second velocity component image, and a third velocity component image; isolating the anatomical magnitude image, the first velocity component image, the second velocity component image, and the third velocity component image from the set of 4D-Flow magnetic resonance images; converting the first, second, and third velocity component images into a velocity vector field; modeling a location of an anatomical wall within the region of interest; calculating at least one flow dynamics parameter for the region of interest; and generating a visual representation of the anatomical wall and the at least one flow dynamics parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recording accelerations experienced by a structure and a method for operating the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device. The method includes operating the apparatus in a reduced power state, detecting an acceleration having a magnitude that is greater than a first preselected threshold magnitude, switching each of the accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device to a fully operational state, storing accelerometer data in a buffer, switching the processor and computer memory device to a reduced power state until the accelerometer signals that further data is available, storing any further accelerometer data in the buffer, and repeating the steps until a predetermined time has elapsed since the accelerometer last detected an acceleration having a magnitude which is greater than a second preselected threshold magnitude.

Abstract: A device for detecting a structure-borne sound signal, in particular for detecting a structure-borne sound signal caused by an event of damage on a component to be monitored, having at least one structure-borne sound sensor, at least one signal-conducting connection of the structure-borne sound sensor to an evaluation device, and a protective body. The structure-borne sound sensor has a structure-borne sound-conducting connection to the protective body and the protective body has a structure-borne sound-conducting connection to the component to be monitored.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for using a health monitoring system with acoustic emissions (AE) signals and the resonance frequency of the damage state of a component in a machine to monitor component health. AE signals collected from sensors on an operating machine are analyzed to identify signal features or events that correspond to component resonance frequencies. The AE signal features proximate to the component resonance frequencies and how those features and the component resonance frequency changes over time enable the identification and monitoring of damage states, such as cracks in the stator vanes of a compressor, gas turbine, steam turbine, or generator.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural-strain sensor network on a structure is provided. The sensor network has plural nanocomposite sensing elements having high sensitivity, and can be quickly fabricated. The method comprises attaching a molding layer having openings onto the surface, and filling the openings with a coating material made of nanocomposite hybrid material. After immobilizing the coating material in the openings, the sensing elements are formed and the molding layer is removed. Electrical wires are formed on the surface such that two opposite electrodes are formed on each sensing element. The resistance between the two electrodes indicates a strain experienced. The sensor network finds applications in identifying a damaged location or an impact location on the structure for structural health monitoring. Voltage waveforms measured at the sensing elements are analyzed to estimate the damaged location or the impact location according to a guided-wave propagation model.

Abstract: A device and method for determining characteristics of a concrete sample includes the use of multiple transducers at pre-determined positions with respect to each other. The transducers are coupled to the concrete surface so that they can impart and/or receive mechanical waves from the sample. Mechanical waves may be imparted to the sample by one or more transducers or by an impact hammer. A control device receives the output from receiving transducers and analyzes data there from to determine a desired characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: Various systems and method for acoustic monitoring of smelting furnaces and similar devices are disclosed. Acoustic sensors (and optionally other sensors) are mounted to the furnace. Acoustic emission events generated in the furnace are analyzed to identify conditions that exceed one or more thresholds. The location of acoustic emissions may be identified and reported. Output signals may be generated in response to acoustic emissions. The location of acoustic emissions may be used to identify the location of potential failures in the furnace.

Abstract: Delay line memory device, systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a delay line memory device includes a substrate; an electronic unit disposed on the substrate and operable to receive, amplify, and/or synchronize data signals into a bit stream to be transmitted as acoustic pulses carrying data stored in the delay line memory device; a first and a second piezoelectric transducer disposed on the substrate and in communication with the electronic unit, in which the first piezoelectric transducer is operable to transmit the data signals to the acoustic pulses that carry the data through the bulk of the substrate, and the second piezoelectric transducer is operable to transduce the received acoustic pulses to intermediate electrical signals containing the data, which are transferred to the electronic unit via an electrical interconnect to cause refresh of the data in the delay line memory device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a printing device, a system, and a method. The printing device according to one embodiment includes a chassis substantially housing a sheet feeder, a sheet conveyor, and a print applicator; a microphone externally mounted to the chassis for converting audio signals sensed by the microphone external to the printing device to a raw analog electrical signal; an analog low-pass filter for filtering out high frequency harmonics from the raw analog electrical signal to result in a filtered electrical signal; a controller comprising an analog-to-digital port, a processor, and a memory. The controller receives the filtered electrical signal at the analog-to-digital port and samples the filtered electrical signal at a sample rate of at least twice a bandwidth of the filtered analog electrical signal to result in a sampled signal clip. The controller determines a time duration of a portion of the sampled signal clip associated with a print cycle event.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing device includes: a liquid tank that stores the liquid into which the differential casing is to be immersed; a workpiece holder that holds the differential casing and immerses the differential casing into the liquid in the liquid tank; an ultrasonic probe that conducts an ultrasonic testing of the welded part of the differential casing by irradiating the ultrasonic wave to the welded part and receiving a reflected wave; an image processing module that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe; and a replacer that replaces gas inside an air gap formed at a weld toe of the welded part with test liquid. The replacer replaces the gas inside the air gap by the test liquid before the ultrasonic probe irradiates the ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: An ultrasonic HIFU transducer (120) has a threaded opening into which a modular cavitation sensor (90) is removably located. The modular cavitation sensor includes a modular housing (92) containing a piezoelectric transducer for sensing acoustic signals indicative of cavitation. The modular cavitation sensor has electrodes (96,98) which engage spring contacts (112,114) in the threaded opening when the modular housing is screwed into the threaded opening. A damaged sensor can be unscrewed and replaced simply without connectors or soldering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional image of a proppant-filled hydraulically-induced fracture in a geologic formation are provided. The image may be generated by capturing electromagnetic fields generated or scattered by the proppant-filled fracture, removing dispersion and/or an attenuation effects from the captured electromagnetic fields, and generating the image based on the dispersion and/or attenuation corrected fields. Removing the dispersion and/or attenuation effects may include back propagating the captured electromagnetic fields in the time domain to a source location. The image may be generated based on locations at which the back propagated fields constructively interfere or may be generated based on a model of the fracture defined using the back propagated fields.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus for detecting software interference and the method of operating thereof. A processor and at least one shared resource form a computing shell to execute a first, functional safety critical application and at least one second application in time-shared operation. One or more performance counters are provided to adjust a counter value in response to a performance related event. A reference value storage stores one or more threshold values, each of which is associated with one of the performance counters. A comparator receives the performance counter values, compares the performance counter values with the respective threshold values and generates at least one comparison signal in response to results of the comparisons. An interference indication generator receives the at least one comparison signal and generates at least one interference indication in response to the at least one received comparison signal.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes a filter that performs filtering of a correction filter characteristic including a reverse characteristic of an output characteristic of a microphone on a signal acquired by the microphone.

Abstract: A method for measuring noise of a magnetic head includes setting a plurality of threshold values, applying bias current or voltage to a read element of the magnetic head, applying an external transverse magnetic field to the magnetic head, amplifying output signal from the read element to produce an amplified signal, filtering the amplified signal to produce a filtered signal, generating an enable signal for each threshold value in a predetermined time window by a counting control means with input signals which include the filtered signal and the threshold value, measuring the cumulative time duration of each enable signal, making an amplitude-duration distribution according to the cumulative time durations and the threshold values, calculating a plurality of parameters according to the amplitude-duration distribution and analyzing the parameters with a plurality of predetermined criteria to determine the defects of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A method of determining a state of biofouling of a membrane is provided. The membrane is contained within a flow cell and the flow cell has an outer surface coupled to a tranducer, The method comprises introducing inorganic particles into the flow cell such that the inorganic particles form a part of a top surface of a foulant layer on the membrane. The transducer then emits acoustic waves towards the membrane and an acoustic signature of reflected sound waves are detected. A state of biofouling of the membrane is determined based on the detected acoustic signature. A method and an apparatus are also provided for determining a state of biofouling in commercial membrane modules such as spiral wounded membrane modules.

Abstract: A test and measurement apparatus, system, and method for synchronizing an acquisition or triggering system to a specific burst of interest. The subject apparatus and method triggers on varying energy content of a signal qualified by time in the presence of high-frequency input signal bursts, by using an adjustable pulse width envelope detector, disposed in the signal path of the trigger circuitry, as a digital rectifier or to otherwise process and extract an envelope signal. An RF envelope probe having an analog envelope detector among other suitable components is disclosed. A method is implemented for isolating an interval of interest in a signal under test. An envelope detector circuit produces an envelope signal from the signal. Trigger circuitry receives the envelope signal from the envelope detector, and isolates the interval of interesting in the signal under test using the envelope signal.

Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring the operational state of rotor blades of a turbine from a position facing the blade tip of a passing rotor blade: A wavesource generates an electromagnetic wave and a wave guide directs the wave towards the blade tip. The waveguide is included in a resonator defining at least one discrete resonance frequency of the wave on the waveguide. An aperture at its front end emits an energy fraction of the wave toward the blade tip. The frequency of the wave is adjusted to the resonance frequency of the resonator at the momentary operation conditions, and a measuring unit compares at least one measurement parameter of the wave directed towards the blade tip with the corresponding measurement parameter of the wave reflected from the blade tip.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to determine a defect on a product caused in a press process by applying a predetermined acoustic signal to an object to be inspected and then sensing propagation of the applied signal, and it is possible to improve inspection performance, using an acoustic sensor capable of sensing sounds in an audible band and a high-frequency sensor capable of sensing sounds in an non-audible band.

Abstract: Provided are a device (10) and a method for measuring the crispness of a food product. An item to be measured (22) comprising a porous food product is broken apart by causing the blade of a knife (14) to penetrate into the item. A vibration detector (18) attached to the knife (14) detects crack vibrations from cracks that form when the item to be measured (22) is broken apart. In a computer (20), the small crack vibrations of a predetermined vibration power or less that are included in the crack vibrations within an individual cracking duration time are extracted from the detected crack vibrations. Crispness is measured on the basis of the number of extracted small crack vibrations counted (number of cracks).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined.

Abstract: Low cost miniature vector sensors are provided. An acoustic vector sensor is provided that comprises at least one accelerometer to measure at least one component of acoustic particle acceleration, wherein the at least one accelerometer has a resonant frequency within a measurement band of the acoustic vector sensor. In addition, a method is disclosed for measuring an acoustic signal. The method comprises the steps of configuring an array of acoustic vector sensors comprised of at least one accelerometer to measure at least one component of acoustic particle acceleration; operating the at least one accelerometer at a resonant frequency within a measurement band of the acoustic vector sensor; and generating a voltage using one or more of the acoustic vector sensors representative of the acoustic signal as the acoustic signal propagates past the array. The voltage optionally indicates a bearing of the acoustic signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) which is used mainly in a vibroacoustic diagnosis tool during an automobile maintenance or after-sales assistance opération, including two hinged arms (11, 12), each comprising a jaw (13, 14) at one end and a handle (15, 16) at the other end. A pad (20) is mounted on each jaw (13, 14) via a ball-and-socket joint (21), such that the pad (20) ensures effective contact between the clamp (10) and the part being tested, and séparâtes the body of the clamp from the listening part. The invention is useful in the field of motor vehicles. The invention is also useful in the vibroacoustic diagnosis of motor vehicles or motor vehicle subunits.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an acoustic sensor includes a base and a first strain sensing element. The base includes a support and a first film unit supported by the support. The first film unit is flexible. The first strain sensing element is provided on a first surface of the first film unit. The first strain sensing element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. An angle between a magnetization of the first magnetic layer and a magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable by an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is transmitted to a first film unit by a first transmitting material in contact with the first film unit.

Abstract: A sensor element includes an acoustic emission sensor for detecting acoustic emission. The sensor element has a second sensor for a second measured variable which is different from acoustic emission. Furthermore, a sensor element is provided, which includes an acoustic emission sensor for detecting acoustic emission and includes an interface for receiving an external sensor signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of estimating the internal state of a first electrochemical system for electric power storage, such as a battery, wherein at least one property relative to the internal state of the first electrochemical system is estimated from acoustic emission measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection method for a lithium ion secondary battery in which an electrolyte and an electrode group are disposed in one container, the electrode group including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, wherein a sensor for detecting acoustic emission is attached to the outside of the container and acoustic emission generated in the battery container is detected upon provision of charge or discharge current and stopping of provision thereof between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Specifically, the amplitude intensity of the acoustic emission is measured that is generated upon provision of charge-discharge currents having different values, linear approximation is conducted for the charge-discharge current value and the amplitude intensity of the acoustic emission, and the number of times of charge-discharge cycles that has been provided so far to the battery is estimated.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and monitoring cavitation inside a flow control device, such as a control valve, includes an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the flow control device in a manner to acquire acoustic signals caused by cavitation. A processor receives acoustic information from the acoustic emission sensor. The processor selectively identifies cavitation events from the acoustic information that meet certain predefined criteria. Cavitation levels are monitored based on at least one of a rate of cavitation events and intensity of individual cavitation events. The cavitation levels may be used to identify the presence of cavitation in the flow control device, to track accumulated cavitation in the flow control device, and/or to identify significant changes in the cavitation levels over time. This information may be used to reduce cavitation, estimate repair and maintenance, and/or monitor performance of the flow control device.

Abstract: A universal multipurpose sensor fixing device comprises a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members. Each supporting mechanism includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm having one end connected to the main arm and a ball head on the other end. A parallelism adjusting member mounting mechanism is provided at the joint of the main arm and the auxiliary arm. The main arms are respectively connected to the two free ends of the radial positioning mechanism to position the auxiliary arms at the inner sides of the main arms, arranged axis symmetrically with respect to the central line of the radial positioning mechanism. The ball heads of the two auxiliary arms are located within spherical holes of the bases to form universal revolute pairs. A set of acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms are mounted at each base.

Abstract: A particulate flow monitor for a pneumatic system including a particulate flow tube defining a particulate flow path, a blower connected to the flow tube and the flow tube terminating at a particulate discharge, which flow monitor comprises an acoustic transducer connected to the flow tube intermediate the blower and the discharge; said acoustic transducer being located in said particulate flow path; an impact surface on said acoustic transducer adapted for being impacted by the particulate matter in said flow path; and an electrical signal generator connected to said acoustic transducer and adapted for generating an electrical signal in response to sound waves created by particulate matter impact; said signal generator including an output adapted for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to said sound waves; and a processor connected to said signal generator output; and said processor being programmed to monitor particulate flow based on said detected particulate matter impact.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of sensing devices configured to generate acoustic emission (AE) signals that are representative of acoustic emission waves propagating through a plurality of stator vanes is presented. The system further includes a processing subsystem that is in an operational communication with the plurality of sensing devices, and the processing subsystem is configured to generate a dynamic threshold based upon an initial threshold and the AE signals, determine whether a plurality of signals of interest exist in the AE signals based upon the dynamic threshold, extract the plurality of signals of interest from the AE signals based upon the dynamic threshold, determine one or more features corresponding to the plurality of signals of interest, and analyze the one or more features to monitor and validate the health of the plurality of stator vanes.

Abstract: Provided is a device for predicting an underground behavior by using an acoustic emission (AE) sensor, including: a waveguide rod having an elongated end to be inserted in a borehole; a plurality of acoustic emission sensors mounted on different positions of the waveguide rod; a wrapping layer configured to cover a circumferential surface of the waveguide rod such that a gap is formed between the waveguide rod and the wrapping layer; an acoustic emission generating layer filled into the gap and being homogeneous along a direction of the waveguide rod; and a grouting layer configured to fix the waveguide rod in the borehole.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes an acoustic sensor element and an acoustic waveguide. The acoustic waveguide includes a rotatable acoustic coupler, a tube, and a foot. The foot has a mounting surface that is mountable on a fluid conduit. A circuit assembly couples to acoustic sensor element and provides a diagnostic output.

Abstract: An exposed end of a micromechanical system having at least one beam-shaped element is connected to a further element of the micromechanical system at the other end thereof. To optimize the mechanical properties of the micromechanical system, recesses are provided in the beam-shaped element in such a way that the mass of the beam-shaped elements decreases toward the exposed end.

Abstract: A multipurpose sensor fixing device includes a radial positioning mechanism, a supporting mechanism, a base, a mounting mechanism, and a parallelism adjusting member. The supporting mechanism comprises a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm connected to the main supporting arm and the other end comprising kink shaft members. The main supporting arm is connected to an end of the radial positioning mechanism to locate the auxiliary supporting arm at the inner side of the main supporting arm. The kink shaft member of the auxiliary supporting arm is inserted into a plughole of the base to form a revolute pair with the auxiliary supporting arm. The mounting mechanism is mounted at the base. The parallelism adjusting member is mounted on the main supporting arm.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a separator, an image reader for reading an image from a paper, a conveying module for conveying a paper separated by the separator to the image reader, a side wall provided at a side of a conveyance path of the paper, a sound signal generator, provided with a sound detector between the separator and the conveying module and near the side wall, for generating a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated by the paper during conveyance, and a control module for determining whether a jam has occurred based on the sound signal.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method of attaching the sensing device to a target object is disclosed. The substrate of the sensing device has one or more bonding material vias that allows the bonding material used to attach the substrate to the target object to flow from one side of the substrate to the other side of the substrate. The bonding material forms rivets to secure the substrate to the target object and to secure the layers of the substrate to each other.

Abstract: A device for testing a vehicle includes at least one sound recording device, which is designed for recording the sound emitted by a vehicle to be tested, and an evaluation device, which is designed for evaluating the sound recorded by the at least one sound recording device. The device may include at least one image recording device, which is designed for recording at least one image of the vehicle to be tested, and a display device which is designed for representing the source(s) of the recorded sound in at least one image of the vehicle to be tested.

Abstract: Systems and methods which determine geologic properties using acoustic analysis are shown. Acoustic signals are collected during processing (e.g., crushing, shearing, striking, compressing, etc.) of geologic media, such as rock samples, for determining geologic properties according to embodiments. The acoustic signals collected may include frequency information, amplitude information, time information, etc. which may be utilized in determining geologic properties, such as geologic media properties (e.g., mineralogy, porosity, permeability, sealing capacity, fracability, compressive strength, compressibility, Poisson's Ratio, Youngs Modulus, Bulk Modulus, Shear Modulus), geologic structure properties (e.g., lithology, seal quality, reservoir quality), geologic acoustic properties (e.g., acoustic logging effectiveness, acoustic response, natural or harmonic frequencies, etc.).

Abstract: A test battery method and system for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade inspection system includes a sensitive microphone positioned near the base of the turbine tower to receive acoustic signals emanating from anomalies in a rotating turbine blades and a signal analysis system configured to analyze the acoustic signals including Doppler analysis. The data may be centrally monitored and recorded for wind power asset management.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate processing system having acoustic monitoring is disclosed. The system includes a process chamber adapted to perform a process on a substrate, a process fluid source, a fluid conduit coupling the fluid source to the process chamber, and a flow control valve located along the fluid conduit and adapted to be operable to control a flow of a process fluid between the process fluid source and the process chamber. The system includes one or more acoustic sensors operable to sense acoustic noise coupled to at least one of the process fluid source, the fluid conduit, and the flow control valve, and an acoustic processor adapted to receive at least one signal from the one or more acoustic sensors. Acoustic monitoring methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The structural integrity of a safe-life aircraft component on an aircraft is measured and assessed by a processing unit. The component includes a load-bearing metal element that is free from cracks. In the method, acoustic emissions generated in the metal element are converted into electronic signals. The acoustic emissions converted include relevant acoustic emissions resulting from changes in the structure of the element that make the element more susceptible to the formation of cracks. The electronic signals are set to a processing unit. The processing unit processes over time the signals in conjunction with stored reference data that allows a measure of the structural integrity to be made. Information providing a measure of the structural integrity of the aircraft component is outputted. Thus, deterioration of the structure of the component can be detected and monitored before a crack occurs.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and evaluating structural defects are provided. Baseline data representative of sensed ultrasonic waves that were transmitting into a structure with no defects are stored. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the structure from a plurality of actuators that are coupled to the structure. The ultrasonic waves that are transmitted into the structure from the plurality of actuators are sensed, with a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the structure and spaced apart from the actuators, to thereby generate and supply sensor data. Signal difference coefficients are calculated from the baseline data and the sensor data. The calculated signal difference coefficients are spatially mapped to detect one or more structural defects in the structure.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile device having a controller to detect a location of a user by detecting at least one of a network associated with the user and a location of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includes a media processor, transmit a request for an audio command intended for the media processor to a server on a communications network after detecting the location of the user, wherein the audio command is transmitted by the server to the media processor, detect an audio signal emitted from the media processor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command, and determine an identity of the media processor by associating the detected audio signal with the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.