Abstract: According to one embodiment, an inspection system of an embodiment is an inspection system for inspecting a bogie including a plurality of side beams extending in a front-rear direction and disposed apart from each other in a left-right direction and a cross beam connecting the plurality of side beams. The inspection system includes one or more sensors and a position locator. The one or more sensors are installed on at least one of the plurality of side beams and the cross beam and detect elastic waves. The position locator identifies a beam in which the elastic waves have been generated or locates a position of an elastic wave source on the basis of the elastic waves detected by the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A photoacoustic and optical microscopy combiner. The combiner is configured to support a transducer defining an axis. The combiner includes a body including a base and an opening extending through the base, and a glass member at least partially positioned within the opening. The glass member includes a surface positioned at an angle relative to the base and the axis of the transducer. A sample slide is supported on the body and at least partially over the opening. The sample slide is positioned such that a sample on the sample slide is configured to receive light from a laser and redirect the light to an ultrasound transducer to generate a real-time image of a sample.

Abstract: A fatigue limit stress specification system includes: a vibration generator that repeatedly applies a load to an object to be measured; a temperature sensor that measures a change in temperature of the object to be measured; and an information processing device that measures a fatigue limit stress of the object to be measured. The information processing device obtains a relation between a temperature amplitude of a fundamental frequency component of vibration for the object to be measured and a temperature amplitude of a second harmonic component of the vibration, performs fitting on the relation by using a first approximate line and a second approximate line, the first approximate line including a quadratic curve, the second approximate line including a quadratic curve, and obtains the fatigue limit stress of the object to be measured based on an intersection of the first approximate line and the second approximate line.

Abstract: Methods that provide wrinkle characterization and performance prediction for wrinkled composite structures using automated structural analysis. In accordance with some embodiments, the method combines the use of B-scan ultrasound data, automated optical measurement of wrinkles and geometry of cross-sections, and finite element analysis of wrinkled composite structure to provide the ability to assess the actual significance of a detected wrinkle relative to the intended performance of the structure. The disclosed method uses an ultrasonic inspection system that has been calibrated by correlating ultrasonic B-scan data acquired from reference standards with measurements of optical cross sections (e.g., micrographs) of those reference standards.

Abstract: A sensor assembly measures characteristics of a fluid entering or exiting a patient via a catheter. The sensor assembly includes a flow tube that accepts the fluid at a first end thereof expels the fluid at a second end thereof, a plurality of sensors disposed about the flow tube, the sensors including at least one temperature sensor that measures temperature of the fluid and at least one pressure sensor that measures pressure of the fluid, and a connector that connects the sensor assembly to the catheter. The sensors may also include a clarity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a flow sensor, and/or an air detector. The sensor assembly may also include a wireless communication device that provides wireless communication. The sensor assembly may communicate with a dialysis machine via a network. The dialysis machine may be a peritoneal dialysis machine.

Abstract: A method provides a touchable user interface based on a surface. The surface supports direct human-machine interactions as conventional touch-sensitive platforms. According to implementations of the method, a mechanical actuator-sensor assembly is arranged at any type of object, and the assembly generates and senses the mechanical wave propagating in the object. In this way, a “touchable” surface can be created.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-destructive inspection apparatus that utilizes a biased probe housing to maintain ultrasonic coupling with a part. The apparatus includes an attachment body attached to a robotic arm that has a tool center point (TCP). The apparatus also includes a probe assembly coupled to the attachment body such that movement of the TCP results in a corresponding movement of the probe assembly, and a probe housing disposed around the probe assembly and moveably coupled to the attachment body. The apparatus also includes a biasing member disposed between the attachment body and the probe housing that urges the probe housing away from the attachment body. Also disclosed is a method that includes positioning a probe housing and a probe assembly adjacent a part, ultrasonically scanning the part for defects, and biasing the probe housing relative to the attachment body to maintain engagement of the part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an XY scanning mechanism, a first transducer configured to transmit a sound wave, a second transducer configured to receive the sound wave, and a tray configured to hold a material. The tray is coupled to the XY scanning mechanism and located beneath the first transducer and the second transducer is located on a bottom side of the tray below the material. The tray is moved in an XY pattern along an X axis and a Y axis in response to an XY scanning mechanism controller mechanically moving the XY scanning mechanism while the first transducer is positioned in a stationary location along a vertical axis perpendicular to the tray. The first transducer transmits sound waves into the material and the second transmitter receives the transmitted sound waves at each XY position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the separation of an oil-water mixture into its components are described. An acoustic radiation force moves oil droplets to the nodes of an acoustic standing wave generated in a vertical column containing the oil-water mixture. Once the droplets are sufficiently close together, attractive forces become dominant and the droplets may coalesce to form larger droplets, which have greater buoyancy, and separation of the mixture into a layer of oil and a layer of water occurs, not possible by simple gravitational separation. Acoustically-driven oil-water separation may be used for water-cut measurements in oil production wells, since separation of the oil from the water permits accurate sound speed measurements to be made for both the oil and the water, thereby allowing frequent in situ calibrations of the apparatus to determine whether sound speed measurements on the mixture are accurate in the event that one or both of the mixture constituents is changing.

Abstract: An object is to simultaneously visualize a plurality of junction surfaces of a workpiece. An ultrasound imaging device serving as solution means includes a signal processing unit that causes a probe to irradiate a workpiece with an ultrasound wave having a predetermined frequency, and that performs gate processing on a reflected wave of the ultrasound wave detected by the probe so as to output a displacement of the reflected wave on two junction surfaces of the workpiece, an image generation unit that generates respective images of the two junction surfaces, based on the displacement of the respective reflected waves on the two junction surfaces, and a height adjustment unit that adjusts a height of a focus of the probe. The height adjustment unit adjusts the height of the probe so as to set the focus of the probe between the two junction surfaces.

Abstract: A device for the positioning of an optical beam includes a housing and at least four prisms aligned for passing the optical beam therethrough, where each of the at least four prisms is movable relative to the housing. The device may also include one or more positioners engaged with the at least four prisms, the one or more positioners controllable to move the at least four prisms, where movement of the at least four prisms adjusts a position and an angle of the optical beam passed therethrough relative to an x-y plane.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a casing, a first transmitting unit, a second transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The first transmitting unit is used for transmitting a first push beam and the first push beam has a first transmitting frequency. The second transmitting unit is used for transmitting a second push beam and the second push beam has a second transmitting frequency. The receiving unit has a receiving frequency and is used for selectively receiving a reflective wave of the first push beam and the second push beam, wherein the receiving frequency is covered with the first transmitting frequency and the second transmitting frequency. The receiving unit, the first transmitting unit and the second transmitting unit are disposed in the casing side by side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to measure overlay from images of metrology targets, images obtained using acoustic waves, for example images obtained using an acoustic microscope. The images of two targets are obtained, one image using acoustic waves and one image using optical waves, the edges of the images are determined and overlay between the two targets is obtained as the difference between the edges of the two images.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to accurately detect, from a remote location without contact, a structure's defects such as cracking, separation, and internal cavities by distinguishing therebetween.

Abstract: An embodiment of a 4D data ultrasound imaging system includes a matrix of transducer elements suitable for transmitting and for receiving ultrasound signals, said transducer elements being divided into sub-matrixes suitable for receiving in a delayed way a same acoustic signal, a plurality of reception channels with one of said reception channels being associated with one of said transducer elements, a beamformer device including a plurality of storage cells arranged in re-phasing matrixes, each re-phasing matrix being associated with a corresponding sub-matrix with each row associated with one of said transducer elements, said storage cells including an input storage stage that is selectively associated with a row and a reading output stage that is selectively associated with a buffer; each storage cell that belongs to a same column has the input stage that is dynamically activated in sequential times with respect to another storage cell of the same column for storing the same delayed acoustic signal, said s

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and first and second pulsed light sources having a common output. The first and second light sources generate pulses of light at first and second predominant wavelengths, respectively. The handheld probe includes an ultrasound transducer array having an active end located at the distal end of the handheld probe for receiving an optoacoustic return signal. A sensor measures a portion of the light transmitted along the light path. A data acquisition samples the ultrasound transducer array during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source. The sampled data is stored.

Abstract: Disclosed is an NDT/NDI probe array and manufacturing method. The probe array includes a sheet of flexible circuit 10 with a plurality of lower pins 102 and corresponding, electrically connected, upper pins 104. The probe further comprises a backing block 12, a layer of piezoelectric ceramic 16 having a plurality of conductive elements 162, a matching layer 18 and a frame 14. An adhesive material such as epoxy is applied to the circuit, the backing, the ceramic and the matching layer, and all are aligned and stack pressed at least partially into the frame and permanently bonded in such a fashion that each of the lower pins of the flexible circuit is firmly and permanently in contact with a corresponding one of the conductive elements of the ceramic.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for opto-acoustic imaging includes a first contact area adapted to apply a first pressure to a surface of an imaging volume of a subject and a second contact area adapted to apply a second pressure to the surface. The second contact area is configured to provide decreased blood exit from the imaging volume by restricting flow relative to the first contact area. An optical energy output port is provided to illuminate the imaging volume to produce opto-acoustic signals from an absorbed optical energy of blood in the imaging volume. The opto-acoustic signals are detected by one or more ultrasound transducers and processed by a processor to generate images of the volume. An image generated by processing the detected opto-acoustic signals is output on a display.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted below a particular elevation and configured to produce ultrasonic energy, a coupling fluid source configured to introduce coupling fluid between the transducer and the particular elevation. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected, wherein the part is disposed at the particular elevation and wherein a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during inspection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contrast formation method, for generating a contrast image, including the steps: Illuminating an object by an illumination sequence based on one or more illumination sources; creating an illumination image of the object for each illumination in the illumination sequence; overlaying two respective illumination images which neighbor each other with respect to a first axis to form a first total axis image of the first axis; overlaying two respective illumination images which neighbor each other with respect to a second axis to form a second total axis image of the second axis; creating a first color gradient image based on the first total axis image; creating a second color gradient image based on the second total axis image; transforming the first color gradient image and the second color gradient image into a color space; and generating a contrast image, based on the transformed first color gradient image and the second color gradient image into the color space.

Abstract: A method and a device for defect-size evaluation of defects in a test object in ultrasonic testing is provided. In particular, the method and device also allows systematic determination of defect sizes based on the SAFT method. This is done by simulating defects in a test object on the basis of a defined test scenario, and comparing these simulations with actually recorded measured values.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive testing includes locating an ultrasonic transducer with respect to a component having a visually-inaccessible structure to collect B-scan data from at least one B-scan of the component and to collect C-scan data from at least one C-scan of the component. The method also includes filtering the B-scan data and the C-scan data to remove random noise and coherent noise based on predetermined geometric information about the visually-inaccessible structure to obtain filtered data. The method further includes performing linear signal processing and nonlinear signal processing to determine a damage index for a plurality of voxels representing the visually-inaccessible structure from the filtered B-scan data and the filtered C-scan data to generate a V-scan image. A method of non-destructive testing of a wind turbine blade and an ultrasound system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes: an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that each include a piezoelectric body; an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate; and a support member secured to a surface, opposite to the surface formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, wherein the support member is formed to have a larger area, in plan view in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate, and a higher bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate, and the acoustic lens is formed to have a lower bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate. The above-described ultrasonic device further includes an acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens.

Abstract: A piezo shaker for shaking a probe is disclosed. The piezo shaker comprises a platform operatively connected with at least one piezo element, wherein the at least one piezo element deforms for controlled movement of the platform, wherein the piezo shaker further comprises transmission means connecting the at least one piezo element and the platform, and wherein the transmission means transmit the movement to the platform. The piezo shaker may comprise two piezo elements, arranged to operate along different directions, in particular perpendicularly.

Abstract: A detection system based on modulation of line structured laser image of glass includes a processing section, a control system, and roller conveying mechanisms. Detection mechanism provided over entrance of the processing section includes shell and camera with laser which emits beam on the surface of the glass in the gap between sliding rollers. Focal plane of the camera corresponds to the beam irradiation surface, and signal output terminal of the camera is connected with the control system in such a way that when glass passes the detection area, laser irradiates the glass surface and the line structured laser is modulated based on the glass to form laser modulation image with distribution of light and shade, staggered movement direction, or distorted laser lines. The camera transmits the captured glass information and parameters to the control system.

Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for providing target object information to a mobile device user is presented. The method includes receiving a request for target object information from a mobile device, determining the pose of the mobile interface device relative to the target object, and obtaining target object data for one or more measurable target object parameters (e.g., surface topography). The target object data is used to assemble augmented reality information configured for viewing in conjunction with a real-time view of the target object captured by the mobile interface device. The target object augmented reality information is then transmitted to the mobile device for display to the user.

Abstract: A system for a laser-scanning microscope includes an optical element configured to transmit light in a first direction onto a first beam path and to reflect light in a second direction to a second beam path that is different from the first beam path; a reflector on the first beam path; and a lens including a variable focal length, the lens positioned on the first beam path. The lens and reflector are positioned relative to each other to cause light transmitted by the optical element to pass through the lens a plurality of times and in a different direction each time. In some implementations, the system also can include a feedback system that receives a signal that represents an amount of focusing of the lens, and changes the focal length of the lens based on the received signal.

Abstract: Methods for ultrasonically imaging a heterogeneous 3D-cell population without physically probing are provided. The method can comprises: pulsing ultrasound waves having a wave frequency of about 10 MHz to about 2 GHz through a lens rod, wherein the lens rod focuses the ultrasound waves onto the cell population via a concave lens-head (e.g., comprising sapphire), and wherein the cell population is positioned on the reflective surface such that the ultrasound waves are reflected back to the lens-head; receiving the reflected waves through the lens head and the lens rod at a signal receiver; scanning the lens-head across multiple points in the x,y plane; and at each point in the x,y plane, moving the lens-head in a z-direction such that a signal is received at multiple intervals in the z-direction for each point in the x,y plane.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for gelatin based tissue mimicking opto-acoustic phantom that accurately replicates opto-acoustic properties of biological tissue and permits matching of each optical and each acoustic property of specific tissues independently so that by changing one property the other property is not altered. Such phantoms can match tissue properties in the specific range of system parameters required for evaluation of hardware and software performance, calibration, validation or personnel training of optical, optoacoustic, ultrasonic or combined system used for imaging, sensing or monitoring of tissue morphology and molecular composition.

Abstract: A display device may include a display panel, a bottom chassis configured to accommodate the display panel, and a plurality of speaker units electrically connected to the display panel and configured to output sounds. The bottom chassis may include a plurality of protrusions protruding downward and in which an enclosure is defined, and also may include a groove that is defined between the protrusions, an opening that is defined by the protrusions, or an elastic member configured to couple the protrusions. The respective speaker units may be disposed in respective protrusions.

Abstract: Systems and methods generate a 3D model of a surface of an object immersed in a transparent liquid within a stationary cylindrical transparent tank. First and second laser line projectors and a camera are rotated around a central axis of the cylindrical tank. The first and second laser line projectors each generate a laser line perpendicular to a plane or rotation and aligned with the center of rotation. The camera images the object. An image from the camera is captured at each of several angular positions of the camera relative to a reference position of the stationary cylindrical tank. The captured images are processed to determine, for each laser line within each image, a plurality of 3D positions where the laser line is incident upon a surface of the object. In embodiments, images are corrected with ray tracing or image warping and registration functions.

Abstract: A medical imaging data processing apparatus comprising a data receiving unit for receiving imaging data, a rendering unit for rendering images from the imaging data according to one or more rendering parameters and a selection unit configured to output a plurality of images rendered by the rendering unit. At least one of the plurality of output images is rendered using one or more rendering parameter having a value that is different to the value used to render one or more of the other rendered images. The output images are selectable to select the value of one or more rendering parameters associated with the selected image.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for normalizing range in an optoacoustic imaging system. In an embodiment, the system includes adjustable amplifiers and a probe having an array of transducer elements, each of the adjustable amplifiers being associated with one or more of the transducer elements. The transducer elements are acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume. The gain on the adjustable amplifiers is changed as a function of the passage of time during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light. A sinogram is recorded by sampling the adjustably amplified plurality of transducer elements for the predetermined period of time. The sinogram is processed by substantially reversing the changing step mathematically, and storing the results in an expanded dynamic range sinogram. The expanded dynamic range sinogram provides sufficient numeric precision to permit the reversal of the changing step without materially decreasing the dynamic range of the information in the sinogram.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and first and second pulsed light sources having a common output. The first and second light sources generate pulses of light at first and second predominant wavelengths, respectively. The handheld probe includes an ultrasound transducer array having an active end located at the distal end of the handheld probe for receiving an optoacoustic return signal. A sensor measures a portion of the light transmitted along the light path. A data acquisition samples the ultrasound transducer array during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source. The sampled data is stored.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.

Abstract: A keypad with a plate and distinct keys that move relative to the plate to generate an acoustic signal for acoustic pulse recognition (APR). Each key represents an input value and is structured to contact the plate at a region smaller than an upper surface of the key where a finger or a thumb comes into touch. The contact region of the plate coming into contact with an individual key is small relative the upper surface of the key, and hence, acoustic signals generated in response to the touch of the same key has less variance compared to acoustic signals generated in response to a direct touch of the plate by a finger or a thumb. As a result, the localization of the touch using APR can be more accurate compared to direct touch of the plate by a figure or a thumb.

Abstract: A system and method for creating one or more magnetically conditioned regions on a rotatable shaft or disk-shaped torque sensing element, wherein rotation noise produced by the element due to magnetic field variations is substantially negated. Upon magnetization of the torque sensing element, rotation noise produced by the magnetically conditioned region is measured. Adjustment factors are calculated based on the measured rotation noise, and the adjustment factors are used to adjust a magnetic field source during subsequent magnetization of the torque sensing element.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus performs imaging of an optical absorber. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a light source, a detector configured to detect an acoustic wave generated from the optical absorber that has absorbed energy of light emitted from the light source, and a signal processing unit configured to form an image of the optical absorber. The signal processing unit stores information indicating whether a rate of change in pressure of the acoustic wave detected by the detector is positive or negative before performing a waveform process on the acoustic wave.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an ultrahigh sensitive optical microangiography (OMAG) system that provides high sensitivity to slow flow information, such as that found in blood flow in capillaries, while also providing a relatively low data acquisition time. The system performs a plurality of fast scans (i.e., B-scans) on a fast scan axis, where each fast scan includes a plurality of A-scans. At the same time, the system performs a slow scan (i.e., C-scan), on a slow scan axis, where the slow scan includes the plurality of fast scans. A detector receives the spectral interference signal from the sample to produce a three dimensional (3D) data set. An imaging algorithm is then applied to the 3D data set in the slow scan axis to produce at least one image of the sample. In some embodiments, the imaging algorithm may separate flow information from structural information of the sample.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit configured to supply an output current and/or an output voltage to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit includes a first current discharge circuit configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage, and a second current discharge circuit configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage. The first current discharge circuit and the second current discharge circuit are controlled based on the output current and/or the output voltage.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit configured to supply an output current and/or an output voltage to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit includes a first current discharge circuit configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage, and a second current discharge circuit configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage. The first current discharge circuit and the second current discharge circuit are controlled based on the output current and/or the output voltage.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an unexpected detecting apparatus enabled to evaluate an evenness of a compound coated on an electrode of a battery. The detecting apparatus (1) detects an evenness of a compound (12) coated on an electrode (10) of a battery, and includes a first sensor (20) for measuring a mass per unit area of the compound (12) in any points thereof, a second sensor (30, 50) for measuring a thickness of the compound (12) in the any points, and a holder (40, 60) for holding the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50), in which the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50) measure the mass and thickness at the same time, and the evenness is evaluated on the basis of the measured mass and thickness.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic device including: an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that each include a piezoelectric body; an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate; and a support member secured to a surface, opposite to the surface formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, wherein the support member is formed to have a larger area, in plan view in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate, and a higher bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate, and the acoustic lens is formed to have a lower bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate. The above-described ultrasonic device further includes an acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of establishing position dependent focal laws and dynamically accessing these focal laws during inspection is disclosed comprising the steps of partitioning a CAD model into distinct geometric regions prior to inspection, generating a dedicated set of focal laws for each of the geometric regions, and associating each position of the scanner with one of the geometric regions. A method of compressing an A-Scan using a windowing technique is also disclosed. Additionally, methods for computing and displaying volumetric slices in real-time are disclosed. Finally, a method of firing multiple probes at different firing frequencies is disclosed, as well as a multi-probe inspection system that enables parallel firing.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation and which is adapted to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. A controller is operable to control the transducer and the coupling fluid source during testing such that ultrasonic energy can be directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation and a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.