| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 367013000 | TESTING, MONITORING, OR CALIBRATING | 67 |
| 20080225639 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS - A plurality of signal transmitters are respectively configured to produce a pulse current by repeatedly switching the connection state of a switching element. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are respectively configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse to a subject to be examined upon receiving said pulse current, and to produce a receiving current upon receiving the reflected wave. A signal receiver is configured to receive said receiving current. A test signal generator is configured to produce a test signal and to output said test signal to a connection point of said signal transmitter, said ultrasonic transducer, and said signal receiver by switching said connection state of said switching element to a state through which said test signal is conducted. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080310254 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SENSITIVITY OF AN ACOUSTIC SENSOR - A method of adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The acoustic detector receives a signal from a remote device. The signal embodies an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The signal is decoded into an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The sensitivity of the acoustic detector is adjusted according to the operating instruction. The acoustic detector can increase or decrease the sensitivity. After the sensitivity is adjusted, the acoustic detector sends a confirmation of the adjustment to the user. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080310255 | Self-Supporting and Self-Aligning Vibration Excitator - A vibration excitator is described, comprising: a main body ( | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090010100 | SYNCHRONOUS RE-SAMPLING BASED SIGNAL EXTRACTION - Sampling of a captured signal is synchronized to a tonal which may be unstable in frequency detected in the signal to cause the detected tonal and all of its harmonics, sub-harmonics and fundamental to appear to have a substantially constant frequency relative to the sampling rate to facilitate observation and other signal processing even if some related signals are otherwise undetectable amid noise. By adjusting an integration period of a corresponding output of a fast Fourier transform to extract an intrinsic bandwidth, substantial signal processing gain can be obtained for the tonal and harmonically related components of the signal, even if some harmonically related signals are otherwise undetectable. Signal processing may be performed in either the time domain or the frequency domain. Recursive processing to observe as many unrelated tones as possible by grouping of tones which are harmonically related. Further recursive processing supports detection of relationships between acoustic signal sources by observation of variations from harmonic frequencies of harmonically related signal components. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090040869 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT OF AN ACOUSTIC DETECTOR - A method and system for automatically adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The method comprises receiving an acoustic signal from a remote device, detecting the unique pattern embedded therein, changing a mode of operation based upon the detection, measuring a voltage created by the reception of the acoustic signal and adjusting the sensitivity of the acoustic detector based upon a measured voltage. The acoustic signal contains a unique pattern indicative of the remote device. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090073803 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ACOUSTIC DETECTION SYSTEM - A system and method for calibrating an acoustic detector. The method includes the steps of simultaneously transmitting an acoustic signal and an electromagnetic signal to an acoustic detector, receiving both signals, calculating a timing difference between the reception of the acoustic signal and electromagnetic signal, and setting a first time threshold used to determine if a glass panel is broken using the calculated difference and storing the first time threshold. A sensitivity level is also set based upon the determined timing difference. A unique key signature in the acoustic signal and electromagnetic signal is detected and matched with a stored signature to determine whether the signals are from a calibration signal. The timing difference is only calculated if both signals are calibration signals. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090097354 | Method and System for Detecting Deposit Buildup Within an Ultrasonic Flow Meter - Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090103394 | TESTING A SENSOR TO PRODUCE A FILTER FOR NOISE ATTENUATION - To test a seismic sensor, an output of the seismic sensor in response to a test signal applied by a signal generator is measured. According to a first function that corresponds to a reference response of the seismic sensor and according to a second function that corresponds to a signal containing noise in an environment of the seismic sensor, a filter is created to perform attenuation of the noise. The filter is applied to attenuate noise during testing of the seismic sensor. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090251990 | Method for Functionally Testing an Ultrasonic Sensor - A method for functionally testing an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle in which, in a test operating mode, an ultrasonic signal is emitted whose magnitude is large enough that under conventional conditions this ultrasonic signal is reflected by a ground surface in front of the vehicle and is received again. In this way, it can easily be determined that the ultrasonic sensor is functioning properly. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20100020636 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEISMIC SENSORS - Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (δ) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100039888 | ESTIMATING AND CORRECTING PERTURBATIONS ON SEISMIC PARTICLE MOTION SENSORS EMPLOYING SEISMIC SOURCE SIGNALS - A computer-implemented method includes accessing a set of multicomponent marine noise data exhibiting a plurality of polarization vectors at each of a plurality of co-located pressure and particle motion data points on a marine seismic survey apparatus; and determining a set of perturbation noise data for the marine seismic survey apparatus from the polarization vectors. Computer readable program storage media are encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perfume the computer-implemented method. One computing apparatus is programmed to perform the computer-implemented method. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100067324 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ULTRASONIC SENSOR AND ULTRASONIC DISTANCE MEASURING APPARATUS - In a method for calibrating an ultrasonic sensor, and an ultrasonic distance-measuring device a crosstalk signal is transmitted from a first ultrasonic sensor to a second ultrasonic sensor. The amplitude of the crosstalk signal is compared with a stored value, and the sensitivity of the sensor is set as a function of comparison. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100097884 | WIRELESSLY ACTIVATING A UNIT OF A SUBTERRANEAN SURVEY SYSTEM FOR TESTING - To test at least one unit of a subterranean survey system, the unit detects presence of wireless signaling of a mobile device. After the detecting, a wireless connection is established between the unit and the mobile device. A test at the unit is performed in response to a test command from the mobile device. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100142315 | ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEMS - A phantom, and a method and system for scanning the phantom, is provided for assessing the performance of ultrasound scanners. The phantom has tissue mimicking material (TMM) sections with different backscatter properties. The resolution of the scanner is assessed by measuring the response of the system to a step change in backscatter. Penetration and sensitivity of the scanner can also be assessed by measuring backscatter properties. Layers of the phantom can comprise lesions to enable quantification of the lesion detection performance of the scanner. The scanner can also comprise regularly spaced targets to enable assessment of the distance measurement accuracy of the scanner. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100165786 | Marine Acoustic Source Operation - Data is collected from the integral timing sensor of a marine acoustic source such as an airgun, typically used for seismic measurements. Artefacts in the firing data are used to monitor the firing pressure and optionally the correct functioning of the marine acoustic source. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100188929 | Electronic apparatus operable by external sound - An apparatus includes sound sensors for converting sounds into electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a first sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the first sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a second sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the second sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. Calculation is given of a relative angle between the determined angular position of the sound source of the first sound wave and the determined angular position of the sound source of the second sound wave. A condition of the apparatus is controlled in response to the calculated relative angle. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100232258 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEISMIC SENSOR CALIBRATION - Methods and systems for calibrating seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a current is injected into a moving coil of a seismic sensor and a voltage is measured across the moving coil. The moving coil is locked by the injected current such that environmental noise is reduced while measuring the moving coil voltage. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20110032793 | ACOUSTIC SYSTEM QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, a method for testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device coupled with the acoustic system via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. The signal can include a pattern of pulses including Doppler pulses. At least one Doppler pulse from the pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device. A response to the signal from the acoustic system can be provided by generating an echo pulse with the testing device based on the detected at least one Doppler pulse wherein the echo pulse is frequency shifted from the detected at least one Doppler pulse and mimics a response to the detected at least one Doppler pulse for a selected acoustic probe. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110063946 | MARINE SEISMIC ACQUISITION SYSTEM - A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110096623 | Phase Based Sensing - A method of sensing using a phase based transducer in which a transducer response is provided at multiple different levels of sensitivity. The different levels of sensitivity are used to produce an output which does not overscale across a wide range of signal levels. This is particularly useful for use in conjunction with multiplexed arrays of fibre optic sensors for seismic surveying. Methods of sensor calibration and noise reduction are also described. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110110186 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A HYDROPHONE PARAMETER - A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110141845 | High Fidelity Data Compression for Acoustic Arrays - Techniques include determining coefficients of a complex auto regression (AR) model to fit a complex average spectrum at a base frequency resolution of a set of one or more measured acoustic beams during a time block. Residuals derived by filtering actual data through an inverse of the AR model are determined at frequencies below a first threshold frequency. A quantized spectrum of the residuals is determined at the base frequency resolution. Magnitude, phase, and frequency bin at the base frequency resolution are determined for each peak of a set of one or more narrowband peaks above a second threshold frequency for the set of one or more measured acoustic beams. A message is sent, which indicates without loss the coefficients of the AR model, the quantized spectrum of the residuals, and the frequency bin, magnitude and phase for each peak of the set of one or more narrowband peaks. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110158040 | WIRELESS DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SELF-INITIALIZING WIRELESS MODULES - Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110164467 | CALIBRATING A MULTIBEAM SONAR APPARATUS - A method of obtaining an acoustic echo signal by a sonar apparatus (receiver array | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110194375 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEISMIC SENSORS - Methods and systems for determining coil eccentricity of seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. A direct electrical current is applied to a moving coil of a seismic sensor such that the moving coil is dislocated from a neutral position relative to the magnetic field in the seismic sensor. A predetermined indicator is measured and eccentricity of the coil (δ) relative to the center of the magnetic filed is determined using the predetermined indicator. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110205838 | CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION FOR EVALUATING AND/OR ACTIVATING SOUND TRANSDUCERS - A circuit configuration for evaluating and/or for activating sound transducers for application in vehicles, particularly as a part of a parking assistance, the circuit configuration including a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and the windings lead to a transformation ratio of greater than 1, terminals being provided for a sound transducer at the secondary winding and terminals being provided at the primary winding for activating device(s) which generate a voltage that changes with time at the primary winding of the transformer; on the side of primary winding (primary side) an antenna being provided which is suitable for receiving electrical fields generated by interference signals, and which is connected to the side of secondary winding (secondary side) via a coupling path; a device for phase shifting being provided in the coupling path, which brings about a phase shift by 180° in the electrical interference signals received by the antenna. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110228634 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF AN ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER - Embodiments relate to monitoring the temperature of a transducer and controlling the temperature as a function of adjusting one or more characteristics of the transducer. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110242933 | DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A SEISMIC SENSING MODULE USING A PROCESSOR IN THE SEISMIC SENSING MODULE - A seismic sensing module comprises a seismic sensing element and a processor configured to generate a test signal applied to the seismic sensing element, receive a response from the seismic sensing element, and determine a characteristic of the seismic sensing module according to the response. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20120014211 | MONITORING OF OBJECTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - Objects are monitored in a subterranean well. A well system can include at least one object having a transmitter, and at least one sensing device which monitors displacement of the object along a wellbore. A method of monitoring at least one object in a subterranean well can include positioning at least one sensing device in a wellbore of the well, and then displacing the object through the wellbore, the sensing device monitoring the object as it displaces through the wellbore. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120057428 | CALIBRATION OF ULTRASOUND PROBES - A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120087204 | TRANSDUCER ARRAY IMAGING SYSTEM - The embodiments contemplate methods and devices for communicating an acoustic emission via an array of transducers and wirelessly communicating data via a transceiver. The transceiver may be in communication with the array of transducers. The embodiments also contemplate providing power for the acoustic emission via a power source and processing the data at a relatively remote location with respect to the power source. In addition, the embodiments contemplate providing an indication at a relatively remote location with respect to the power source. The indication may provide, at least in part, numerical information regarding the acoustic emission. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087205 | ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER AND METHOD FOR DETECTING SENSITIVITY VARIATION OF ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER - An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of elements each including a first electrode and a second electrode with a gap therebetween, a voltage applying unit configured to apply an AC voltage to the first electrode, and a sensitivity variation computing unit configured to compute a sensitivity variation for each of the elements using a signal output from the second electrode of the element due to the application of the AC voltage. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120106291 | METHOD FOR FUNCTIONAL TESTING OF AN ULTRASONIC SENSOR ON A MOTOR VEHICLE, METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ULTRASONIC SENSOR ON A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE HAVING AT LEAST ONE ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR USE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - In a method for functional testing of an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor is controlled in such a way that it emits an ultrasonic signal having a frequency of a secondary mode of the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic signal is reflected by a surface in the region around the vehicle, and at least one transmission path or one transmitting unit of the ultrasonic sensor is classified as functional if the reflected signal is received by the ultrasonic sensor itself or by another ultrasonic sensor on the motor vehicle. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120243369 | SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS AND SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION METHOD - A subject information acquisition apparatus includes: an acoustic wave detector which detects an acoustic wave which is generated from a subject by irradiating light and outputs a detection signal; an amplifier which amplifies the detection signal which is output from the acoustic wave detector; a gain control unit which changes a gain of the amplifier as time elapses, according to a gain control table, in order to correct a drop in intensity of the acoustic wave caused by attenuation of fluence inside the subject; and a signal processing unit which obtains information inside the subject based on the signal amplified by the amplifier. Measurement under a plurality of measurement conditions, where at least fluence distribution inside the subject or a position of the acoustic wave detector differs, is possible, and the gain control unit changes the gain control table according to the measurement conditions. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120257473 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER SYSTEM AND ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER SYSTEM - For operating an electromechanical transducer system with at least one piezoelectric transducer element, if necessary at least one identification element and an electronic control unit, on the one hand, the wanted signals of a certain utility operating range defined by the frequency band and time window thereof, assigned to at least one piezoelectric transducer element, as well as, on the other hand, inquiry signals and response signals for the functional testing of the transducer system are transmitted via a line system with only one electrical signal line. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120275263 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE SENSITIVITY OF ULTRASONIC SENSORS - A method for adjusting the sensitivity of ultrasonic sensors for detecting the distance of objects from a vehicle. A sensor sensitivity is set selected so that a sonic lobe is transmitted which has an intersection with the ground. A measurement is determined using the sensor, objects in the surroundings of the vehicle having a greater distance from the vehicle than the distance from the sensor to the intersection of the sonic lobe with the ground, so the distance from the sensor to the intersection of the lobe with the ground is detected as being the shortest distance from an object. The sensitivity of the sensor is set as a function of the distance between the sensor and the intersection of the lobe with the ground, so after sensitivity is set, the lobe, at its point closest to the ground, does not fall below a specified distance from the ground. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120294114 | ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY OF SUBSEA MEASUREMENTS FROM AN OFFSHORE WELL - Sensor and communications systems are disclosed for communicating measurements from subsea equipment, such as at an offshore well, to the surface. A sensor for a physical parameter, such as pressure or temperature at a blowout preventer, capping stack, or conduit in communication with the same, is electrically connected to a subsea acoustic transponder. An acoustic communications device, for example an acoustic transducer and transceiver electronics deployed on a remotely-operated vehicle, interrogates the acoustic transponder with an acoustic signal, in response to which the acoustic transponder transmits an acoustic signal encoded with the measurement. The acquired measurement data are then communicated to a redundant network at the surface. The sensor and acoustic transponder systems can be installed after an event at the subsea equipment, such as blowout of the well. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120300579 | DIRECT FIELD ACOUSTIC TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A direct field acoustic testing system includes at least one control microphone, a controller operatively coupled to the control microphone such that the controller receives at least one input signal from the control microphone, and at least four acoustic transducers operatively coupled to the controller such that each transducer is separately controllable by the controller such that a separate output signal is received by each transducer from the controller. A setup is applied to each of the acoustical transducers. The acoustic output of each of the acoustical transducers is monitored using the at least one control microphone. The output signal of each control microphone with respect to each acoustical transducer is compared to a reference spectrum to create a matrix of error functions, and a corrected drive signal computed for each acoustical transducer is applied to the respective acoustical transducer. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300580 | DIRECT FIELD ACOUSTIC TESTING SYSTEM, CONTROLS, AND METHOD - A direct field acoustic testing system includes at least one control microphone, a controller operatively coupled to the control microphone such that the controller receives at least one input signal from the control microphone, and at least four acoustic transducer groups operatively coupled to the controller such that each transducer is separately controllable by the controller such that a separate output signal is received by each transducer from the controller. A setup signal is applied to each of the acoustical transducers. The acoustic output of each of the acoustical transducers is monitored using the at least one control microphone. Assumptions regarding the relationship between the acoustic fields measured by the control microphones are made to enable the controller to reduce the number of calculations needed to compute error functions and corrected drive signals to be applied to the acoustic transducer groups. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130044564 | SYSTEM FOR TESTING AN ACOUSTIC ARRAY UNDER WATER LOAD - An acoustic projector testing system using an acoustically transparent portable vessel which encloses a test apparatus is disclosed. The vessel is connected to an adapter plate which allows the test apparatus to be submerged in water. The testing system is then submerged in shallow water. An external pump fills the vessel with water and the air inside the vessel is allowed to escape through an external, sealable vent, Once all the air is evacuated, the vent is sealed. The pressure inside the vessel can be altered by adjusting the amount of water pumped into the vessel to perform necessary testing. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130194891 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A TRANSDUCER ARRAY IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Methods and systems for monitoring a transducer array in an ultrasound probe are provided. One method includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe during an imaging mode of operation, wherein the ultrasound data includes echo information. The method further includes comparing the echo information from a plurality of transducer elements of a transducer array of the ultrasound probe during the imaging mode of operation, wherein the echo information is non-beamformed signal data. The method also includes determining non-uniformity information for the transducer array using the compared echo information during the imaging mode of operation. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130336090 | ULTRASONIC WADING DETECTION FOR A VEHICLE - A wading sensor for a vehicle comprises an ultrasonic parking distance control. An embodiment detects wading by sensing the difference in the settling time of the diaphragm of a transmitter/receiver, in water and in air. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140029376 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE WATER SPEED OF AN ACOUSTIC NODE - A method and apparatus are provided for estimating the water speed of a first acoustic node D belonging to a network of acoustic nodes, at least some of the acoustic nodes being arranged along towed acoustic linear antennas (S). The method includes steps of: a) defining a N-dimensional base, the center of which is the first acoustic node and comprising a single axis, when N=1, or N non-collinear axes, when N=2 or N=3, each axis being associated with a base vector extending from the first acoustic node to another acoustic node; and b) estimating an amplitude of the water speed, as a function of: for each given other acoustic node defining the base vector: an acoustic propagation duration of an acoustic signal transmitted from the first acoustic node to the given other acoustic node, and an acoustic propagation duration of an acoustic signal transmitted from the given other acoustic nodes to the first acoustic node; and a value c of the underwater acoustic sound velocity. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140029377 | STREAMER FOR SEISMIC PROSPECTION COMPRISING TILT COMPENSATION OF DIRECTIONAL SENSORS - A streamer for seismic prospection comprising directional sensors ( | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140043934 | DATA ACQUISITION - Methods for indirect data acquisition via exact inverse receiver extrapolation. The desired data are obtained from extrapolation of directly measured data containing a wavefield quantity (e.g. pressure) and a component of its gradient. The methods use exact representations of scattering reciprocity. Methods of evaluating/validating the extrapolated data are also disclosed. These methods can be used in any industries involving imaging, such as geophysical/seismic exploration, bio-medical imaging, non-destructive remote sensing, acoustic space architecture, design and engineering. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140112095 | MAPPING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - Ultrasound transducers may be mapped by varying a focus-affecting parameter and adjusting the parameter so as to improve focus quality. In some embodiments, mapping involves successively varying the phase of one transducer element, or group of elements, with respect to a constant phase of the other transducer elements, and determining the phase at which a tissue displacement in the ultrasound focus is maximized. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140133270 | Ultrasound Transmission Circuit and Time Delay Calibration Method Thereof - An ultrasound transmission circuit comprises a pulse generating circuit, a feedback circuit and a processing circuit. The feedback circuit outputs a trigger signal according to a first pulse signal arriving at an ultrasound transducer. The processing circuit records a first time point at which the first pulse signal is generated, and records a second time point at which the first pulse signal arrives the ultrasound transducer according to the trigger signal. The processing circuit adjusts a first delay value according to a variance between the first time point and the second time point to generate a second delay value, and drives the pulse generating circuit according to the second delay value to generate a second pulse signal. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140241115 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus for diagnosing an ultrasound probe having a probe head comprising a plurality of transducer elements is disclosed. The ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus includes a reflective interface configured to reflect ultrasonic signals transmitted from a transducer element of the plurality of transducer elements. The reflected ultrasonic signals are received by at least one transducer element present in the probe head. A probe diagnosis unit is communicably coupled to the plurality of transducer elements. The probe diagnosis unit is configured to analyze at least one signal parameter associated with the reflected ultrasonic signals received for diagnosing performance of the transducer element. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140340983 | TIME-EFFICIENT TESTS TO DETECT AIR GUN FAULTS - Techniques are disclosed relating to testing of seismic air guns, for example via bubble tests. According to some embodiments of these techniques, a firing sequence for testing the air guns may be determined that reduces the amount of interaction between firings. Further, firing time delays may also be determined in order to further reduce the interactions. Accordingly, a test of an array of air guns may be completed relatively quickly. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20150016216 | In Situ Accelerometer Calibration - Disclosed are methods and systems for calibration of an accelerometer used in a geophysical sensor while deployed in the water. An embodiment may include towing a streamer behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein the streamer comprises an accelerometer; causing at least a portion of the streamer to twist; receiving data from the accelerometer at a selected plurality of times during the twist; and based at least in part on the data, determining at least one calibration parameter of the accelerometer. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150049583 | Conferencing Device Self Test - A plurality of acoustic sensors in a non-anechoic environment are calibrated with the aim of removing manufacturing tolerances and degradation over time but preserving position-dependent differences between the sensors, The sensors are excited by an acoustic stimulus which has either time-dependent characteristics or finite duration. The calibration is to be based on diffuse-field excitation only, in which indirect propagation (including single or multiple reflections) dominate over any direct-path excitation. For this purpose, the calibration process considers only a non-initial portion of sensor outputs and/or of an impulse response derived there-from. Based on these data, a frequency-dependent magnitude response function is estimated and compared with a target response function, from which a calibration function is derived. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150138916 | STANDING WAVE REDUCTION IN DIRECT FIELD ACOUSTIC TESTING - A direct field acoustic testing system includes at least two acoustical transducer groups and a signal modifier for introducing separately controllable time delays or phase shifts for each acoustical transducer group so as to provide an acoustic field conforming to a pre-determined specification with reduced deviations due to constructive or destructive interference between the acoustical transducer groups. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20160033310 | LIQUID-FILLED ACOUSTIC PROBE SYSTEM WITH PRESERVOIR AND LOSS DETECTION MEANS - An acoustic system can include a liquid-filled coupling component comprising an acoustic coupling fluid and a housing encasing the coupling fluid; a fluid reservoir comprising an amount of the coupling fluid; a path in fluid communication between the coupling component and the fluid reservoir; and a bubble detector coupled to the path and configured to monitor the coupling fluid in the path. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160054461 | Normalization of Sector Amplitudes Using Monopole Amplitudes - A method and apparatus for normalizing an acoustic wellbore tool by correcting measured sector acoustic signals due to changes in pressure and temperature downhole, the method and apparatus comprising an acoustic wellbore tool having at least one monopole transmitter and monopole receiver, and one or more sector transmitters and receivers disposed along the longitudinal axis of the tool, determining the attenuation values of received monopole and sector acoustic signals, determining a correction ratio using an average sector attenuation value and a theoretical attenuation value, and correcting the sector acoustic signals using the correction ratio. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160056901 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE, PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An ultrasonic transducer device includes a first substrate, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, a second substrate and a wiring member. The first substrate defines a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern. Each of the ultrasonic transducer elements is provided in each of the openings in a plan view. The second substrate includes a first wiring part, and coupled to the first substrate. The wiring member includes a second wiring part electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer elements to the first wiring part. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160069988 | Platform-Independent Sonar Calibration Enabling System - The invention enables platform-independent sonar calibration. The associated systems and methods have application to underwater sonar systems and components, enabling an unprecedented flexibility in use. The systems and methods of the invention allow for efficient field calibration of sonars as configured for operational use, with high accuracy at low-cost. The invention provides in situ calibration capability for both stationary and moving sonar platforms and is suitable for calibration during operations. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160084937 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING POSITION INFORMATION USING ACOUSTIC SENSING - Systems and methods are disclosed for determining position information for a mobile device by combining motion sensor data with acoustic sensor data. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160084947 | SONAR METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of calibrating a side scan sonar system by allowing the sonar transducer to roll with respect to the plane of a reference surface to be scanned; measuring the roll angle of the transducer during collection of backscattered sonar data; using backscattered sonar data from a range of transducer roll angles and the measured roll angle to decouple the operating characteristics of the transducer from the angular backscatter characteristics of the reference surface; thereby obtaining an estimate of the operating characteristics of the transducer. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160091361 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE CALIBRATION OF A HYDROPHONE LINE ARRAY - A method is disclosed for calibration of a towed line array. In a low frequency band, calibration is performed using an acoustic field observed by reference standard hydrophones. The observations form a model of a complex acoustic field throughout a space occupied by a measurement apparatus. The array sensitivities are computed by comparing output voltages of the array with the acoustic field estimated at the locations occupied by hydrophones of the array. Variations in the acoustic field that cannot be accounted for by free field propagation theory are included in the calculation of array channel sensitivities. The method extends the low frequency limit for the calibration to less than the minimum frequency at which free field propagation conditions can be approximated. Boundary reflections and spatial variations in the acoustic field are recognized. The spatial distribution of acoustic energy is used to provide low frequency calibration with improved precision. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160109604 | Model Based Inversion of Acoustic Impedance of Annulus Behind Casing - Techniques involve obtaining acoustic data from an acoustic logging tool, where the acoustic data includes waves reflected from the casing, the annular fill material, the formation, and/or interfaces between any of the casing, the annular fill material, and the formation. A crude casing thickness, tool position (e.g., eccentering), mud sound velocity may be estimated using the acoustic data. A specular reflection signal may also be estimated based on the acoustic data. A modeled waveform may be generated using the estimated specular reflection signal and one or more model parameters, such as an estimated crude casing thickness, an estimated tool position, an estimated sound velocity of mud between the acoustic logging tool and the casing, an estimated impedance of the annular fill material, and an estimated impedance of the mud. The modeled waveform may be calibrated in some embodiments. Furthermore, a casing thickness may be estimated by matching the modeled waveform with the corresponding measured acoustic data. The techniques may output one or more of a thickness of the casing, an apparent impedance of the annular fill material, and the impedance of mud. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160116578 | Test Device and Imaging Device Including the Same - A test device includes a plurality of transceivers that respectively transmit a wave to a test target point of a test object, respectively receive a wave reflected, scattered, or refracted from the test object, and respectively output a signal generated in response to the received wave; a combiner that combines the plurality of received signals generated by the plurality of transceivers; and a plurality of switches that are opened or closed to transfer the plurality of received signals to the combiner or block the plurality of received signals from being transferred to the combiner. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160124081 | METROLOGY METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CALIBRATING THE GEOMETRY OF A NETWORK OF UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC BEACONS - A metrology method and device for calibrating the geometry of a network of Nb stationary underwater acoustic beacons ( | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160131746 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING OPERABILITY OF A LENS AND SELECTED TRANSDUCER ELEMENTS OF AN ACOUSTIC PROBE - A system and method for testing an acoustic probe is provided. The system includes an electric signal generator connected to transmit an electric generator signal into selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe. The selected of transducer elements of the acoustic probe convert the electrical signal into an acoustic signal that reflects off the lens of the acoustic probe and is then converted by the selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe into a reflected electrical signal. An analysis engine is connected to receive the reflected electrical signal and determine the operability of lens and each selected transducer element for acoustic and electrical conversion. A display provides an illustration indicative of the operative ability of the lens and the selected transducer element of the acoustic probe for acoustic and electrical conversion. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160157833 | CALIBRATION OF ULTRASOUND PROBES - A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160178770 | WIRELESS DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SELF-INITIALIZING WIRELESS MODULES | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160380640 | FREQUENCY TUNING AND/OR FREQUENCY TRACKING OF A MECHANICAL SYSTEM WITH LOW SENSITIVITY TO ELECTRICAL FEEDTHROUGH - An apparatus and method for frequency tuning/tracking between an electrical subsystem and a mechanical transducer subsystem is presented. An electromechanical transducer generates acoustic pulses as it is driven by a transmit signal from an electrical subsystem. As the transmit signal goes inactive, the settling behavior of the transducer is registered from which the difference in frequency between the resonance of the electromechanical transducer and the transmit signal frequency is determined and utilized for locking the electrical subsystem to the mechanical transducer subsystem by either tuning operating frequency of the electrical subsystem, or the mechanical transducer, to keep them matched (locked). | 12-29-2016 |
| 20180021811 | METHOD OF FORMING A TRANSDUCER CONTROLLER AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR | 01-25-2018 |
