A compact, integrated acoustic localization and communications array includes an air-backed transmit element having a first end on which an end cap is disposed, and a second end configured to be mounted to a mounting surface. A volumetric acoustic array including a plurality of receiver elements that is electrically integrated to the transmit element. The localization and communications array is configured to transmit, via the transmit element, and receive, via the plurality of the receiver elements, an acoustic signal having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 50 kHz. Each of the plurality of receiver elements are spaced apart from the end cap at least a distance. The distance is greater than ¼ of a wavelength associated with the frequency transmitted and received by the localization and communications array, and is not equal to an odd multiple of ¼ of the wavelength.

Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

A location system comprising: a location network comprising a plurality of reference nodes and at least one controller. Each reference node is operable to transmit a respective beaconing signal from which a respective measurement can be taken by a mobile device for use in determining a location of the mobile device. The at least one controller is configured to control whether and/or how often one or more signals of the location system are transmitted to be used in determining the location of the mobile device, the control being based on feedback from at least one determination of the location of the mobile device relative to the reference nodes.

A method and apparatus for a co-located Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device and ultrasonic device includes an RFID reader loop antenna element oriented parallel to a reflector panel. An ultrasonic emitter is disposed through an aperture in the reflector panel with a horn that extends through the loop element. The horn can serve as a mounting structure for the antenna element. A diameter of the aperture is less than one-quarter wavelength of an operating frequency of the RFID reader loop antenna element. The aperture is located in the reflector panel near a minimum E-field area of the RFID reader loop antenna element.

Devices, non-transitory computer-readable media and methods for providing a haptic signal based upon a detection of an object are disclosed. For example, the processor of a device may transmit a first ultrasonic signal via an ultrasonic emitter and detect an object based upon a receiving of a reflected signal via an ultrasonic detector, where the reflected signal comprises a reflection of the first ultrasonic signal from the object. The processor may further monitor for a second ultrasonic signal via the ultrasonic detector. The device may be associated with a user, and the second ultrasonic signal may be associated with a teammate of the user. The processor may also select whether to provide an instruction to a haptic actuator when the object is detected, based upon whether the second ultrasonic signal is received via the ultrasonic detector.

Method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for verifying location using sound. In some embodiments, location data representing an unverified location of a first electronic device are received. Audio data generated based on sound detected by a sensor of the first electronic device during a predetermined time are received, as well as audio data generated based on trusted sound detected by a sensor of a second electronic device during the predetermined time, wherein the second electronic device is located near the unverified location of the first electronic device, and wherein the trusted sound includes one or more frequencies inaudible to humans (e.g., infrasonic and/or ultrasonic sound). The audio data generated by the first and second electronic devices are analyzed and a similarity score representing a similarity between the respective audio data is generated. The unverified location of the first electronic device may be verified based on the similarity score.

The invention relates to hydroacoustics and more specifically to hydroacoustic devices comprising, disposed in a single housing, a converter of liquid-medium oscillations and electrical signals, capable of receiving and/or transmitting hydroacoustic signals, the converter being disposed on a board which is connected to a switch cable for providing power and transmitting electrical signals, and may be used as a receiver and/or transmitter of hydroacoustic signals in water. According to the invention, the housing of the to hydroacoustic device is formed by the outer surfaces of the converter and board, and by a protective material which coats all of said surfaces, said material allowing for a transmission of hydroacoustic oscillations and being capable of transitioning from a highly-elastic or viscous-flow state to a solid state. The achieved technical result consists in simplifying the design of the device.

The invention relates to hydroacoustics and more specifically to hydroacoustic devices comprising, disposed in a single housing, a converter of liquid-medium oscillations and electrical signals, capable of receiving and/or transmitting hydroacoustic signals, the converter being disposed on a board which is connected to a switch cable for providing power and transmitting electrical signals, and may be used as a receiver and/or transmitter of hydroacoustic signals in water. According to the invention, the housing of the to hydroacoustic device is formed by the outer surfaces of the converter and board, and by a protective material which coats all of said surfaces, said material allowing for a transmission of hydroacoustic oscillations and being capable of transitioning from a highly-elastic or viscous-flow state to a solid state. The achieved technical result consists in simplifying the design of the device.

An exemplary aspect comprises a self contained acoustic beacon comprising: (a) an acoustic transducer; (b) an acoustic amplifier; and (c) a depth calculator. An exemplary aspect comprises a self contained acoustic beacon comprising: (a) an acoustic transducer; (b) an acoustic amplifier; (c) a water sensor; and (d) a battery life controller. An exemplary aspect comprises a self contained acoustic beacon comprising: (a) an acoustic transducer; (b) an acoustic amplifier; (c) a water sensor; and (d) a waterproof cover with at least one water-dissolvable portion, wherein the water-dissolvable portion dissolves within a pre-determined period of time, and wherein the beacon is powered on when water is detected by the water sensor.