An image processing module includes an input unit, a weight operator, and a synthesizer. The input unit is configured to receive a plurality of input signals of a plurality of channels. The weight operator is configured to calculate at least one weight to be applied to each channel based on at least one converted signal. The at least one converted signal is acquired by converting at least one input signal among the plurality of input signals of each channel, or by converting a synthesized input signal of the plurality of input signals of each channel. The synthesizer is configured to synthesize the plurality of input signals of the plurality of channels using the weight.

Systems and methods are provided for imaging of soft and hard tissues with ultrasound. Such systems and methods can provide for non-contact and quantitative ultrasound images of bone and soft tissue. A method for imaging a biological body segment of soft and hard tissues includes setting geometry and material properties according to a model of the biological body segment to thereby generate a simulated time series data set. The method further includes collecting reflective and transmissive time series data of the biological body segment to thereby form an experimental time series data set and minimizing a difference between the simulated time series data set and the experimental time series data set, thereby imaging the biological body segment. Regularizing travel-time and/or using full waveform tomographic techniques with level set methods enable recovery of cortical bone geometry.

Apparatus for generating accurate 3-dimensional images of objects immersed in liquids including optically opaque liquids which may also have significant sound attenuation, is described. Sound pulses are caused to impinge on the object, and the time-of-flight of the reflected sound is used to create a 3-dimensional image of the object in almost real-time. The apparatus is capable of creating images of objects immersed in fluids that are optically opaque and have high sound attenuation at resolutions less than about 1 mm. The apparatus may include a piezoelectric transducer for generating the acoustic pulses; a high-density polyethylene compound acoustic lens, a 2-dimensional segmented piezoelectric detecting array positioned behind the lens for receiving acoustic pulses reflected by the object, the electric output of which is directed to digital signal processing electronics for generating the image.

An ultrasonic transducer element chip includes a substrate defining an opening, an ultrasonic transducer element disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in a thickness direction of the substrate, and a reinforcing member connected to the substrate to cover the opening. The reinforcing member defines a ventilation passage from the opening to an outside of the substrate.

An ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes a transmission processing unit that performs processing for transmitting an ultrasonic wave at a given transmission angle, a reception processing unit that performs reception processing of an ultrasonic echo with respect to the transmitted ultrasonic wave in first to Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) ultrasonic transducers; and a processing unit that performs processing with respect to first to Nth reception signals corresponding to the first to Nth ultrasonic transducers. The processing unit performs first phasing processing when a signal processing target point exists in a plane wave propagation region, and performs second phasing processing when the signal processing target point exists in a spherical wave propagation region, as phasing processing with respect to each of the reception signals of the first to Nth reception signals.

Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.

A dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 for affixing a sensor to a backing plate 2 of the holder 1. The dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 generally includes a sensor holder 1 with a backing plate 2, having one or more spring arms 3, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block 9 of the holder 1. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.

Systems and methods for positioning objects in underwater environments are provided. The geolocation of a target for an object is determined, and a light source provided as part of a positioning system is operated to project a visible target at that location. The determination of the target location relative to the positioning system can include determining a location of the positioning system using information obtained from a laser system included in the positioning system. The light source used to project the visible target can be the same as a light source included in the laser system. A location of an object relative to the target location can be tracked by the laser system as the object is being moved towards the target location. The described methods and systems utilize one or more non-touch subsea optical systems, including but not limited to laser systems, for underwater infrastructure installation, measurements and monitoring.

An acoustic camera including an explosion proof means, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: acoustic sensors (M) for sensing sound waves; a sensor substrate (20) on which the acoustic sensors (M) are mounted; a photographing means (30); a housing (40) in which a main control unit (50) is embedded; and the main control unit (50) for receiving and processing an acoustic signal (a pulse density module (PDM) signal). An acoustic camera including a waterproof means, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a front body (10); acoustic sensors (M) for sensing sound waves or ultrasonic waves; a sensor substrate (20) on which the acoustic sensors (M) are mounted; a photographing means (30); a housing (40) covering the rear of the front body (10); and a waterproof means (90) for preventing water from reaching the acoustic sensors (M) or the sensor substrate (20).

An acoustic camera including an explosion proof means, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: acoustic sensors (M) for sensing sound waves; a sensor substrate (20) on which the acoustic sensors (M) are mounted; a photographing means (30); a housing (40) in which a main control unit (50) is embedded; and the main control unit (50) for receiving and processing an acoustic signal (a pulse density module (PDM) signal). An acoustic camera including a waterproof means, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a front body (10); acoustic sensors (M) for sensing sound waves or ultrasonic waves; a sensor substrate (20) on which the acoustic sensors (M) are mounted; a photographing means (30); a housing (40) covering the rear of the front body (10); and a waterproof means (90) for preventing water from reaching the acoustic sensors (M) or the sensor substrate (20).