A system for generating live sonar images is provided having a first and second sonar transducer assembly. The sonar transducer assemblies each have sonar transducer elements configured to transmit sonar beam(s) into an underwater environment to form respective coverage volumes. The sonar transducer assemblies each define a respective facing direction. The system includes bracket(s) having alignment feature(s). The bracket(s) are configured to mount the sonar transducer assemblies to a watercraft, and the alignment feature(s) are configured to position the sonar transducer assemblies so that the facing directions are different and relative to each other so as to create continuous coverage of the underwater environment. Continuous coverage has an overall coverage volume that is greater than either of the coverage volumes individually. Sonar return data from the sonar transducer elements is used to form a live sonar image representative of sonar returns received from the overall coverage volume.

A sound transducer has a diaphragm cup, a transducer element, and a housing, the diaphragm cup having a diaphragm and a wall. The diaphragm, the wall, and at least one housing part are formed in one piece as a fiber-plastic composite component. At least one first region of the fiber-plastic composite component is reinforced with fibers, and at least one second region of the fiber-plastic composite component is free of fibers, so that waves in the fiber-plastic composite component are at least partly reflected at a transition from the at least one first region to the at least one second region.

A method for checking a distance measuring device of a transportation vehicle wherein the distance measuring device has ultrasonic sensors. A functional impairment of at least one ultrasonic sensor, a check is performed to determine whether one of the ultrasonic sensors is maladjusted, and an often occurring source of a fault causing a functional impairment of ultrasonic sensors is considered.

A method, apparatus and program product may evaluate a packaging material to determine various metrics associated with the packaging material. A test apparatus may be used to evaluate packaging material using a take up drum capable of sensing containment force imparted upon the drum by packaging material applied thereto, and in some instances, simulated flaws may be formed in a web of packaging material to evaluate a packaging materials response to such flaws when under tension.

A method, apparatus and program product may evaluate a packaging material to determine various metrics associated with the packaging material. A test apparatus may be used to evaluate packaging material using a take up drum capable of sensing containment force imparted upon the drum by packaging material applied thereto, and in some instances, simulated flaws may be formed in a web of packaging material to evaluate a packaging materials response to such flaws when under tension.

A method of configuring a touch sensor includes transmitting an ultra-sonic test signal induced by a first excitation signal towards a touch structure that has a first interface with an enclosed interior volume of the touch sensor and a second interface with an external environment; receiving a plurality of ultra-sonic reflected signals produced from the ultra-sonic test signal and the touch structure, including a first ultra-sonic reflected signal internally reflected by the first interface and a last ultra-sonic reflected signal internally reflected by the second interface; determining a last time of flight corresponding to the last ultra-sonic reflected signal; and selectively configuring a second excitation signal based on the last time of flight. The second excitation signal is used for inducing further ultra-sonic signals.

A piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) is provided, comprising a dedicated ultrasonic transmitter and at least one separate dedicated ultrasonic receiver on a single common semiconductor die. A plurality of PMUTs may be arranged in a tessellated array. Also disclosed is a system comprising at least one PMUT on a single common semiconductor die, a dedicated ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit a first ultrasonic signal and at least one separate dedicated ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive a second ultrasonic signal is also provided. The system further comprises a signal processing subsystem which comprises an analogue domain; a digital domain; a digital to analogue converter; and an analogue to digital converter. The signal processing subsystem is arranged to generate an estimated direct path signal in said digital domain, convert said estimated direct path signal to an analogue estimated direct path signal using said digital to analogue converter, subtract said analogue estimated direct path signal from said second signal to produce a modified received signal and convert said modified received signal to a digital modified received signal using said analogue to digital converter.

A piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) is provided, comprising a dedicated ultrasonic transmitter and at least one separate dedicated ultrasonic receiver on a single common semiconductor die. A plurality of PMUTs may be arranged in a tessellated array. Also disclosed is a system comprising at least one PMUT on a single common semiconductor die, a dedicated ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit a first ultrasonic signal and at least one separate dedicated ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive a second ultrasonic signal is also provided. The system further comprises a signal processing subsystem which comprises an analogue domain; a digital domain; a digital to analogue converter; and an analogue to digital converter. The signal processing subsystem is arranged to generate an estimated direct path signal in said digital domain, convert said estimated direct path signal to an analogue estimated direct path signal using said digital to analogue converter, subtract said analogue estimated direct path signal from said second signal to produce a modified received signal and convert said modified received signal to a digital modified received signal using said analogue to digital converter.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide reliable and relatively quick bottom reacquisition in sonar systems for mobile structures, including three dimensional (3D) capable and/or multichannel sonar systems. A sonar system includes a sonar transducer and associated processing and control electronics and optionally orientation and/or position sensors disposed substantially within the housing of a sonar transducer assembly. A logic device of the sonar system is configured to detect bottom lock loss based, at least in part, on sonar data provided by the sonar transducer, determine an expected bottom depth associated with the detected bottom lock loss, and generate updated sonar data based, at least in part, on the expected bottom depth. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.

According to one embodiment, a vehicle guidance device is to be installed in a vehicle for providing path guidance to the vehicle. The device includes a plurality of receivers that receives a ranging information signal via a ultrasonic-wave ranging sensor, the ranging information signal including an ultrasonic-wave ranging signal on which path guidance information is superimposed, the ultrasonic-wave ranging signal being for measuring a distance to an object; an information extractor that extracts, for each of the receivers, the path guidance information from the ranging information signal; and a path guide that provides the path guidance on the basis of a distance corresponding to the ultrasonic-wave ranging signal and the path guidance information.