A system for detecting objects using ultrasonic waves and methods for making and using the same are provided. The object detection system uniquely encodes each of a plurality of ultrasonic waves and transmit each of the uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves in a respective direction. The object detection system then receives any of the emitted uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves that are reflected from an object. By decoding the reflected ultrasonic waves, the object detection system distinguishes among the uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves and detect the existence and location of the object.

A sensing system for a vehicle includes a first sensor at a forward portion of a side of the vehicle such that a principal axis of the first sensor's zone of sensing is rearward and sideward and at an angle relative to the body, and a second sensor at a rearward portion of the side of the vehicle such that a principal axis of the second sensor's zone of sensing is forward and sideward and at an angle relative to the body. Data sensed by the sensors when each sensor senses with at least two zones of sensing are communicated to a control, which determines the presence of one or more objects exterior the vehicle and within the zones of sensing of at least one of the sensors.

A device for sensing a passing athlete. The device has one or more signal sources for irradiating distinct segments of space about the device. One or more sensors are associated with the segments of space, and are arranged to sense a signal reflected off an athlete. The sensor(s) output a sensor signal indicating whether an athlete is present in each segment based on whether a reflected signal is detected from that segment. The segments are angularly positioned about the device so that the sensor(s) signals may be assessed to determine angular progression of the athlete relative to the device.

A system for deploying sonar for surveying in deep water includes a submerged movable platform deployed in the deep water at a depth below a thermocline and surface wave action, a propulsion mechanism for moving the platform through the water in a controlled manner, and a multibeam echosounder attached to the platform, wherein the echosounder includes a Mills Cross transmitter and receiver array. A method for deploying sonar for surveying in deep water comprises deploying a submerged movable platform in the deep water at a depth below a thermocline and surface wave action, employing a propulsion mechanism for moving the platform through the water in a controlled manner, and employing a multibeam echosounder attached to the platform, wherein the multibeam echosounder comprises a Mills Cross transmitter and receiver array.

A topside buoy system is disclosed for relaying a status of a diver between a monitoring station and a diver's wearable device and scuba tank pod. The communication may be carried by sonar signals underwater and may be transmitted by short-range communication methods through air. An application on the command station may display diver status information and may receive and transmit messages between the command station and the wearable device of the diver via the topside buoy. The diver location data may be determined relative to the topside buoy by determining a time delay of the sonar signal between the wearable device and the topside buoy, by a plurality of transducers configured to detect an angle from which the sonar signal originated, and a depth of the diver included in the sonar signal.

A trailer angle detection system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and viewing rearward of the vehicle. A plurality of ultrasonic sensors is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle and sense rearward of the vehicle. A control has at least one processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to processing of image data captured by the camera, the control detects a trailer rearward of the vehicle and in the field of view of the camera. The at least one processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the ultrasonic sensors to determine a distance to portions of the trailer rearward of the vehicle. Responsive to processing of captured image data and processing of captured sensor data, the trailer angle detection system is operable to determine an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle.

A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.

Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a sensor device. An elongate sleeve has a first end and a second end and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of sensors are fixed relative to the sleeve. A first endcap is coupled to the first end, where the first endcap has an endcap body. A first axle is coupled to the endcap body, where the first axle extends along the longitudinal axis and the first axle defines a retaining feature. An intermediate component is coupled to the first axle, and the intermediate component is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The sensor device has an orientation locking structure that is configured to be engaged to selectively fix the orientation of the intermediate component about the longitudinal axis relative to the endcap body.

An ultrasonic sensor device including a plurality of ultrasonic sensors and a control unit for operating the ultrasonic sensors, the control unit being configured to activate selectively either a first group of the ultrasonic sensors or a second group of the ultrasonic sensors at the same time, so that the activated ultrasonic sensors emit an ultrasonic signal, each ultrasonic sensor of the first group being situated adjacent to at least one ultrasonic sensor of the second group and each ultrasonic sensor of the second group being situated adjacent to at least one ultrasonic sensor of the first group, and the control unit being configured to operate adjacent active ultrasonic sensors using different frequency-modulated excitation patterns.

An ultrasonic sensor device including a plurality of ultrasonic sensors and a control unit for operating the ultrasonic sensors, the control unit being configured to activate selectively either a first group of the ultrasonic sensors or a second group of the ultrasonic sensors at the same time, so that the activated ultrasonic sensors emit an ultrasonic signal, each ultrasonic sensor of the first group being situated adjacent to at least one ultrasonic sensor of the second group and each ultrasonic sensor of the second group being situated adjacent to at least one ultrasonic sensor of the first group, and the control unit being configured to operate adjacent active ultrasonic sensors using different frequency-modulated excitation patterns.