284results about "Acoustic presence detection" patented technology

A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.

Method and system for more efficient checkpointing strategy in cross correlating (316) a forward (328) and backward (308) propagated wave such as in migrating (326) or inverting seismic data. The checkpointing strategy includes storing in memory forward simulation data at a checkpointed time step, wherein the stored data are sufficient to do a cross correlation at that time step but not to restart the forward simulation. At other checkpoints, a greater amount of data sufficient to restart the simulation may be stored in memory (314). Methods are disclosed for finding an optimal combination, i.e. one that minimizes computation time (1132), of the two types of checkpoints for a given amount of computer memory (1004), and for locating a checkpoint at an optimal time step (306, 1214, 1310). The optimal checkpointing strategy (1002) also may optimize (1408) on use of fast (1402) vs. slow (1404) storage.

A man wearable acoustic sensor for use with a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment the inventive sensor includes: a housing configured to be man wearable, a microphone; a processor housed within the housing and in communication with the microphone to detect an acoustic event and determine a time of arrival for the acoustic event; a GPS receiver for providing position information to said processor; a network; and a display for displaying information concerning acoustic events to a user. Man wearable describes a sensor which is either integrated into a piece of equipment normally carried by a soldier or integrated into an article of clothing or configured to securely attach to such equipment or clothing.

A method for detecting and identifying a type and geometric dimensions of hydrocarbon deposits and other underground fluid deposits. Sensors are used to measure anomalies caused by a deposit in a natural earth frequency spectrum. Different frequencies are filtered out and analyzed, for respective deposits. Amplitudes of maxima are separately evaluated, corresponding to separately measured frequencies. Amplitude values of the maxima are placed into correlation with each other and measuring points are determined.

Systems and methods for detecting the presence of a body in a network without fiducial elements, using signal absorption, and signal forward and reflected backscatter of RF waves caused by the presence of a biological mass in a communications network.

A waterway shield system comprises a plurality of autonomous underwater nodes wherein each underwater node comprises acoustic detectors which may comprise horizontal and / or vertical acoustic arrays which may be directly mounted thereto or extend outwardly therefrom. Each underwater node comprises an acoustic modem for transmitting high resolution acoustic data to a gateway node that provides a connection to a surface system and a network of other underwater nodes in other waterways. The data from the underwater nodes may be utilized to produce acoustic attribute data for hulls of ships in the waterways. An acoustic database is provided that compiles the predetermined acoustic attribute data for a variety of ships and other entities thereby providing previously stored identifying means. The acoustic database is utilized in conjunction with one or more databases of other physical attributes of ships or other objects to thereby provide an automated identification process.

A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.

A solution for managing effect-generating operations is provided. Data regarding one or multiple types of effects being generated by the operations can be acquired and analyzed. When necessary, actions can be initiated to benefit affected individuals or to improve the operations, e.g., by mitigating a source of excessive effects. In an illustrative application, the effect-generating operations are train operations and the types of effects include acoustic and / or vibration effects.

A method of identifying events includes obtaining an acoustic signal from a sensor, determining one or more frequency domain features from the acoustic signal, providing the one or more frequency domain features as inputs to a plurality of event detection models, and determining the presence of one or more events using the plurality of event detection models. The one or more frequency domain features are obtained across a frequency range of the acoustic signal, and at least two of the plurality of event detection models are different.

A method of detecting an event within a wellbore includes obtaining a sample data set, determining a plurality of frequency domain features of the sample data set, comparing the plurality of frequency domain features with an event signature, determining that the plurality of frequency domain features matches the thresholds, ranges, or both of the event signature, and determining the presence of the event within the wellbore based on determining that the plurality of frequency domain features match the thresholds, ranges, or both of the event signature. The sample data set is a sample of an acoustic signal originating within a wellbore including a fluid. The sample data set is representative of the acoustic signal across a frequency spectrum. The event signature includes a plurality of thresholds, ranges, or both corresponding to the plurality of frequency domain features.

A method includes the steps of segment-wise detecting and bringing into coincidence signal waveforms for conversion into monotone and continuous trajectories for real-time pattern recognition, localization, and monitoring optical and acoustic signals. The method also determines transit-time differentials, wherein pre-programmed key signals are detected by signal sampling, data is correlated from the sampled signals, and pairs of signal combinations of given signal transit-time differentials from the coincidence of the detected signals are determined. The apparatus includes at least two receivers for generating sequences of digital values from incoming acoustic signals, vector generators to convert the digital values into input vectors (7), a signal detection unit (C1) downstream from each vector generator and having parallel, programmable signal-flow chains and adder / comparator units (1, 10) mounted perpendicularly to the signal-flow chains at equidistant spacings, and a multi-coincidence unit (C2) consisting of two antiparallel shift-register forming flipflop chains and an AND gate (20).

The present invention is directed towards an acoustic concealed item detector and related methods for detection using acoustics. In an illustrative embodiment, a multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator generates in a gaseous medium at least first and second ultrasonic waves. The multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator is arranged such that in operation, the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave mix in a prescribed mixing zone to produce a difference-frequency acoustic wave. A receiver sensor detects the difference-frequency acoustic wave and produces corresponding electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are processed by a system processor and signals indicative of concealed items are identified. Preferably the ultrasonic waves are focused to a small prescribed mixing zone. Parametric and multi-transducer embodiments are disclosed.

A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface to activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and / or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.

Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for using ballast sensors to detect rock fall events in a vicinity of railway tracks or similar roadways or tracks. The ballast sensors are spaced apart from the tracks. Particular embodiments permit the use of signals from the ballast sensors to discriminate rock fall events from other types of events and to detect the hypocenter of a rock fall event.

A portable threat detection apparatus and method is disclosed which may comprise a plurality of acoustic emission sensors arranged in a cluster, forming a polygon defining at least two axes of alignment between respective pairs of acoustic emission sensors; a computing device in cooperation with a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable instructions for performing: receiving a first signal produced by a first acoustic emission sensor within a respective pair of acoustic emission sensors, in response to the first acoustic emission sensor detecting an acoustic emission from a source, and receiving a second signal produced by a second acoustic emission sensor within the respective pair of acoustic emission sensors, in response to the second acoustic emission sensor detecting the acoustic emission; determining a cross-correlation factor between the first signal and the second signal; and, determining a bearing to the source based on the cross correlation factor.

A system and a method for detecting, locating and identifying incidents of approaching a linear installation (e.g.—buried pipe line, railway, fence etc.), that includes plurality of sensing units positions in an array along the length of the linear installation, at a distance one from each other, wherein each unit includes at least one sensor for sensing seismic or acoustic interference or noise / s (in accordance with the configuration of the system, namely either as buried system or as an above the ground one), and the issuance of a suiting indicating signal; a signal processor for analyzing the signal and comparing it to a cache (data bank) of seismic or acoustic interference or noise signatures that is embedded in the sensor unit; and a communications device for transferring data from the sensor unit to a distant command and control center.

The present invention is directed towards an acoustic concealed item detector and related methods for detection using acoustics. In an illustrative embodiment, a multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator generates in a gaseous medium at least first and second ultrasonic waves. The multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator is arranged such that in operation, the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave mix in a prescribed mixing zone to produce a difference-frequency acoustic wave. A receiver sensor detects the difference-frequency acoustic wave and produces corresponding electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are processed by a system processor and signals indicative of concealed items are identified. Preferably the ultrasonic waves are focused to a small prescribed mixing zone. Parametric and multi-transducer embodiments are disclosed.

A method and apparatus for tracking an object using one or more video cameras together with a plurality of microphones and / or geophones, whereby accurate tracking of the object can be obtained even when the object changes directions as a result of an impact. A tennis ball may be tracked during a tennis match. Prior to and after an impact, the ball is tracked with the use of video cameras, illustratively in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,007. Then, the position of the ball at racket or ground impact is accurately determined by measuring the acoustical waves generated by the ball hitting the racket and / or either the acoustic waves or the elastic (Rayleigh) waves generated by the ball hitting the ground, respectively. Tracking then advantageously continues with use of the video cameras.

A system and a method for detecting, locating and identifying incidents of approaching a linear installation (e.g.—buried pipe line, railway, fence etc.), that includes plurality of sensing units positions in an array along the length of the linear installation, at a distance one from each other, wherein each unit includes at least one sensor for sensing seismic or acoustic interference or noise / s (in accordance with the configuration of the system, namely either as buried system or as an above the ground one), and the issuance of a suiting indicating signal; a signal processor for analyzing the signal and comparing it to a cache (data bank) of seismic or acoustic interference or noise signatures that is embedded in the sensor unit; and a communications device for transferring data from the sensor unit to a distant command and control center.

Method and system for more efficient checkpointing strategy in cross correlating (316) a forward (328) and backward (308) propagated wave such as in migrating (326) or inverting seismic data. The checkpointing strategy includes storing in memory forward simulation data at a checkpointed time step, wherein the stored data are sufficient to do a cross correlation at that time step but not to restart the forward simulation. At other checkpoints, a greater amount of data sufficient to restart the simulation may be stored in memory (314). Methods are disclosed for finding an optimal combination, i.e. one that minimizes computation time (1132), of the two types of checkpoints for a given amount of computer memory (1004), and for locating a checkpoint at an optimal time step (306, 1214, 1310). The optimal checkpointing strategy (1002) also may optimize (1408) on use of fast (1402) vs. slow (1404) storage.

A telemetry system includes a plurality of acoustic sensors for receiving acoustic information and generating analog signals based on the received acoustic information. A first plurality of subsystems is coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of acoustic sensors. The first plurality of subsystems is configured to receive the analog signals from the acoustic sensors and generate digital values based on the received analog signals. The system includes a first optical splitter. A first optical transmitter transmits a first set of optical pulses to the first optical splitter. The first optical splitter is configured to transmit the first set of optical pulses to each subsystem in the first plurality of subsystems. Each subsystem in the first plurality of subsystems is configured to modulate the first set of optical pulses based on the generated digital values and thereby generate a modulated optical pulse stream. A first optical combiner receives and combines the modulated optical pulse stream from each subsystem in the first plurality of subsystems, thereby generating a combined modulated optical pulse stream. A first optical receiver receives the combined modulated optical pulse stream from the first optical combiner. The first optical receiver is configured to generate electrical signals based on the received combined modulated optical pulse stream.

A method of identifying inflow locations along a wellbore includes obtaining an acoustic signal from a sensor within the wellbore, determining a plurality of frequency domain features from the acoustic signal, and identifying, using a plurality of fluid flow models, a presence of at least one of a gas phase inflow, an aqueous phase inflow, or a hydrocarbon liquid phase inflow at one or more fluid flow locations. The acoustic signal includes acoustic samples across a portion of a depth of the wellbore, and the plurality of frequency domain features are obtained across a plurality of depth intervals within the portion of the depth of the wellbore. Each fluid flow model of the plurality of fluid inflow models uses one or more frequency domain features of the plurality of the frequency domain features, and at least two of the plurality of fluid flow models are different.

A method of detecting sand inflow into a wellbore is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a sample data set, detecting a broadband signal within the sample data set, comparing the broadband signal with a signal reference, determining that the broadband signal meets or exceeds the signal reference, and determining the presence of sand inflow into the wellbore based on determining that the broadband signal meets or exceeds the signal reference. The sample data set can be a sample of an acoustic signal originating within a wellbore comprising a fluid, and the broadband signal at least includes a portion of the sample data set at frequencies above 0.5 kHz.

A system that detects signals and transmits data regarding certain detected signals for further analysis is disclosed. The detected signals may be analyzed to determine whether any of the detected signals correspond to a source. The system may transfer in near-real time data and information regarding the data to one or more client devices. Methods for detecting signals and transmitting data associated with the detected signals are also disclosed.

A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.

An underwater detection apparatus for detecting a presence of one or more bubbles within an aquatic environment includes a first structure including a lower peripheral edge for defining an area over which the apparatus is operable to collect the one or more bubbles, a second structure for spatially concentrating the one or more bubbles received within the area defined by the lower peripheral edge into a detection region, and a detection arrangement for detecting the one or more bubbles concentrated in operation by the bubble concentrating structure passing into the detection region and generating an output signal indicative of the one or more bubbles passing through the detection region. The apparatus is optionally mounted upon an aquatic remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The apparatus is beneficially employed for investigating sources of one or more bubbles in aquatic environments, for example from oil exploration and / or production leaks, from damaged electrical subsea cables, from leaks from seabed gas pipelines and similar.

An apparatus to detect vibration is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter is configured to send an optical signal that is modified by a vibration sensor. The optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal from the vibration sensor, the optical signal comprising fluctuations responsive to vibration of the vibration sensor. The optical signal includes a radio frequency (RF) signal. The vibration sensor is comprised by an optical assembly configured to detect underground vibrations.

Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.