УСТАНОВКА И СПОСОБ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ТРУБОПРОВОДА НА СТАДИИ СПУСКА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ЗВУКОВЫХ ВОЛН В РЕЖИМЕ РЕАЛЬНОГО ВРЕМЕНИ

Изобретение относится к метрологии, в частности к устройствам определения параметров трубопровода. Установка выполнена с возможностью дистанционного измерения геометрических параметров трубопровода на стадии спуска посредством звуковых волн в режиме реального времени. Установка содержит приемопередачик звука, который может быть расположен в трубопроводе, и блок управления. Передатчик содержит два излучателя, а приемник два приемника. Блок управления содержит процессор, генератор, модулятор, усилитель, измерительный блок. Блок управления выполнен с возможностью генерировать управляющий электрический сигнал sp и функционально соединен с блоком приемопередачи звука для создания управляющего электрического сигнала sp и приема первого электрического измерительного сигнала se1 и второго электрического измерительного сигнала se2. Блок управления выполнен с возможностью измерения геометрических параметров трубопровода на основании первого и второго электрических измерительных сигналов (se1, se2 ...

СПОСОБ ОЦЕНКИ СОСТОЯНИЯ ЦЕННОГО ДОКУМЕНТА ПО ЕГО ВЕТХОСТИ ПУТЕМ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОГО АНАЛИЗА И СРЕДСТВА ДЛЯ ОСУЩЕСТВЛЕНИЯ ЭТОГО СПОСОБА

Использование: для оценки состояния ценного документа по его ветхости путем ультразвукового анализа. Сущность: заключается в том, что на основании показателей звукопроницаемости, отражающих прохождение ультразвука сквозь ценный документ (12) в разных его местах (О; О'), определяют показатель состояния ценного документа, зависящий от изменчивости показателей звукопроницаемости от одного из указанных разных мест к другому и характеризующий состояние ценного документа (12) по его ветхости, и с использованием заданного критерия для показателя состояния ценного документа (12) определяют его состояние, при этом под ветхостью понимается состояние ценного документа, в котором он в результате нахождения в обращении обладает меньшей жесткостью и/или упругостью по сравнению с состоянием, которое он имеет в свежеизготовленном виде. Технический результат: повышение надежности оценки состояния ценных документов. 3 н. и 31 з.п. ф-лы, 7 ил.

Акустический микроскоп

Использование: для исследования и анализа материалов с помощью ультразвуковых колебаний. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что сканирующий акустический микроскоп содержит передающий акустический элемент, включающий звукопровод, сферическую акустическую линзу, приемный акустический элемент, жидкостную ячейку, установленную между передающим и приемными элементами, а также системы сканирования исследуемого объекта и восстановления его изображения на видеоконтрольном устройстве, а в области фокусировки акустической линзы установлена мезоразмерная частица с характерным размером не более поперечного размера области фокусировки и не менее λ/2, где λ - длина волны используемого излучения в среде, со скоростью звука в материале частицы относительно скорости звука в окружающей среде, лежащего в диапазоне от 0.5 до 0.83, при этом непосредственно на теневой стороне мезоразмерной частицы размещается вторая мезоразмерная частица, имеющая общую оптическую ось с первой частицей и с характерным размером ...

Сканирующий акустический микроскоп

Использование: для исследования и анализа материалов с помощью ультразвуковых колебаний. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что сканирующий акустический микроскоп содержит передающий акустический элемент, включающий звукопровод, акустическую линзу, в области фокусировки которой установлена мезоразмерная частица с характерным размером не более поперечного размера области фокусировки и не менее λ/2, где λ - длина волны используемого излучения в среде, со скоростью звука в материале частицы относительно скорости звука в окружающей среде в диапазоне примерно от 0,5 до 0,83, приемный акустический элемент, жидкостную ячейку, установленную между передающим и приемными элементами, а также системы сканирования исследуемого объекта и восстановления его изображения на видеоконтрольном устройстве, при этом непосредственно на боковой поверхности частицы, перпендикулярно падающему излучению, установлен акустический экран с величиной акустического импеданса, отличающегося от импеданса мезоразмерной ...

СПОСОБ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ТОМОГРАФИИ

Использование: для визуализации внутреннего строения объектов с помощью ультразвуковых волн. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что cпособ ультразвуковой томографии включает излучение в объект контроля и прием из него ультразвуковых сигналов с помощью антенной решетки, фиксацию реализации ультразвуковых колебаний, принятых каждым пьезопреобразователем при излучении ультразвукового сигнала независимо каждым ее пьезопреобразователем, и поточечное построение изображения внутренней структуры объекта контроля путем выбора изо всех принятых реализаций тех фрагментов, времена задержки которых равны временам распространения ультразвуковых сигналов от пьезопреобразователей, работающих в режиме передачи, к каждой точке фокусировки ультразвукового сигнала в объекте контроля и от нее к пьезопреобразователям, работающим в режиме приема, суммирование этих выбранных фрагментов для каждой точки фокусировки и запись результата суммирования. Излучение ведут в объект контроля преобразователями с широкой ...

УСТАНОВКА И СПОСОБ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ТРУБОПРОВОДА НА СТАДИИ СПУСКА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ЗВУКОВЫХ ВОЛН В РЕЖИМЕ РЕАЛЬНОГО ВРЕМЕНИ

УСТАНОВКА И СПОСОБ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ТРУБОПРОВОДА НА СТАДИИ СПУСКА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ЗВУКОВЫХ ВОЛН В РЕЖИМЕ РЕАЛЬНОГО ВРЕМЕНИ

Vorrichtung zum Detektieren der Struktur einer Schweißung

Vorrichtung zum Detektieren der Struktur einer Schweißung, mit: mehreren Aufnehmern (1052) zum Erzeugen einer Reihe periodischer Ultraschallwellen zwecks Übertragung in einen geschweißten Körper, welche Aufnehmer (1052) in einer zweidimensionalen Anordnung vorgesehen sind; einem Multiplexer zum Richten der Übertragung einer Ultraschallwelle von jedem der Aufnehmer (1052) und zum Empfangen von Rückkehrsignalen der Aufnehmer (1052); einer Laufzeitstrecke (1054) zum Kontaktieren einer Oberfläche des geschweißten Körpers; einer Computer-Steueranlage, die ausgebildet ist zum Richten der Übertragung der Ultraschallwellen und zum Empfangen und Interpretieren von von den Aufnehmern empfangenen Daten; und einer Anzeigeeinheit zum visuellen Anzeigen interpretierter Daten von der Computer-Steueranlage, wobei die Computersteueranlage die von den Aufnehmern empfangenen Daten verarbeitet, um eine Eindrucktiefe unter jedem Aufnehmer (1052) von beiden Seiten der Schweißung zwecks Rekonstruktion einer Eindruckform ...

VORRICHTUNG UND VERFAHREN ZUM ABTASTEN EINER WANDLERANORDNUNG

Akustisches Mikroskop

Aircraft pitot/static warning system

Method for locating artefacts in a material

ELECTRONICALLY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD

... 1471191 Wave energy imaging systems LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 June 1974 [16 July 1973] 28582/74 Heading G1G [Also in Divisions H3 and H5] A radiant energy transmitting and/or receiving arrangement with a focus comprises a linear array of transducers coupled to respective mixers; a tapped delay line with its taps connected to respective ones of the mixers; terminal supplying a common signal to or receiving a combined signal from all the mixers; and means for propagating down the line a signal such that the tapped delayed signals have a non-linear tap-to-tap phase variation which corresponds to the transducer-totransducer phase variation of the radiant energy transmitted by or incident on the array respectively to or from the focal point. In the Fig. 5 embodiment acoustic energy from an object to be imaged is received on a transducer array comprising a Piezo-electric slab 42 with orthogonal sets 43, 44 of electrodes. Taps 47, 52 on surface acoustic wave, SAW, ...

Biometrical object reader having an ultrasonic wave manipulation device

Ultrasound real time simulation apparatus and method

Acoustic microscope

An acoustic microscope wherein an ultrasonic beam is projected on a sample through a propagating medium by an ultrasonic transducer having a short focus, reflected acoustic waves from the sample are detected by the transducer, and a microscopic image of the sample is obtained by scanning the sample mechanically in two dimensions, comprises a cover member which is interposed between the sample and the propagating medium and which has an acoustic impedance higher than those of the two. The intensity of a reflection signal depends upon multipath reflection within the cover member, and an intense reflection signal is obtained even for a sample which differs slightly in the acoustic impedance from the propagating medium.

An inspection device

Ultrasonic microscope

An integrated circuit is operated under predetermined conditions. The operating integrated circuit is scanned by an ultrasonic beam. Ultrasonic images obtained by the scanning operation are stored into memories, mutually computed, and finally displayed by a color display.

Aircraft pitot blockage / static warning system

The invention provides a system for detecting blockages or other anomalies in pitot tube (1) and static tube (14, fig. 2) of aircraft whether the aircraft is in the air, or on the ground, enabling the pilot, or the auto pilot, to take the necessary action in order to keep the aircraft safe. The system comprises a transducer (10) configured to transmit acoustic signals and a transducer (7) configured to receive the signals from the transducer (10) after the signal has been altered by the transmission characteristics of the tube (3) being monitored. The system also comprises a control module (9) configured to analyse the characteristics of the received signals at different frequencies whereby changes to the characteristics with frequency will indicate an anomaly within the tube (3) or environment being monitored by the system. The invention may comprise a single boxed unit, see fig. 3.

ULTRASONIC SCANNING APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC IMAGING UNIT

Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method

A frequency program synthesizing apparatus and method is disclosed for controlling delay circuitry in ultrasonic imaging systems. The ultrasonic system includes a multi-element ultrasonic transducer for propagating ultrasonic energy into a subject, display apparatus for producing visual information about the subject from the ultrasonic energy, and imaging electronics for processing image information representing electrical signals from the transducer and employs the processed signals to cause the display to generate a visual image of internal subject structure.

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

REFLECTIVE ULTRASONIC IMAGING

Sector scan ultrasonic imaging system

A curved transducer array or a flat array with an acoustic converging lens functions as a fixed focus physical lens and is focused near maximum range. At longer ranges the full aperture is utilized for good resolution, and at shorter ranges up to a specified fraction of maximum range improved resolution is achieved by a dynamic aperture control which increases the array aperture by steps by switching in more transducer elements. This simplified sector scanner does not require dynamic electronic focusing.

ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPE

PROCEDURE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT BY ULTRASONIC

GERAT ZUM UNTERSUCHEN VON OBJEKTEN NACH DEM ULTRASCHALL-SCHNITTBILDVERFAHREN

NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF FOUNDRY PRODUCTS OF MEANS ULTRASONIC

DEVICE FOR THE ULTRASONIC INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT

PROCEDURE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT WITH ULTRASONIC AND DEVICE FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE ACOUSTIC ILLUSTRATION

PLANT FOR THE STRUCTURE AND THE REPRODUCTION OF ULTRASONIC PICTURES ON RENDITION MEDIA

System and method for real time remote measurement of geometric parameters of a pipeline in the launch step, through sound waves

A system 100 for real time remote measurement, through sound waves, of geometric parameters of a pipeline 2 in the launch step is described. System 100 comprises an acoustic transceiver unit which can be positioned in pipeline 2, and a control unit. The acoustic transceiver unit 1 comprises an acoustic transmission unit 4 configured to emit an input acoustic signal sa1 into pipeline 2, based on an electric pilot signal sp; and further comprises an acoustic receiving unit 5, distinct from the acoustic transmission unit 4, configured to detect the input acoustic signal sa1 and to generate a first electric measurement signal se1, dependent on the input acoustic signal sa1 The acoustic receiving unit 5 is further configured to receive an input return signal sa2, generated in pipeline 2 and dependent on the input acoustic signal sa1 and on the geometric parameters of pipeline 2, and to generate a second electric measurement signal se2 based on the return acoustic signal sa2. The control unit ...

Imaging method and device using shearing waves

LIQUID CRYSTAL ACOUSTO-OPTIC CELL

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REFLECTIVE ULTRASONIC IMAGING UTILIZING RECONSTRUCTION OF ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE PROJECTIONS

An ultrasonic imaging system for medical and industrial applications produces quantitative acoustic impedance distributions from reflection data. The method and scanner apparatus with analog computation circuitry herein described acquires echo pulses reflected from impedance discontinuities in the specimen and computes impedance projections. The ensemble of projections, as in other computerized tomography systems, is used for reconstruction of the images which in this case are impedance distributions in a thin slice of the specimen.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

Apparatus for the ultrasonic examination of an object has a housing filled with a liquid coupling medium, the housing having a substantially horizontal upper surface provided with an aperture and a flexible coupling membrane covering the aperture in a liquid-tight seal. Transducers contained within said housing and immersed in said coupling mediums transmit pulses of ultrasonic energy through the aperture into an object positioned adjacent the aperture and receive echoes of the pulses reflected through the aperture by acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object. An open storage header tank for the liquid coupling medium communicates with the housing and the atmosphere to maintain the pressure of the coupling medium on the coupling membrane constant during flexing of the membrane.

ULTRASONIC SCANNER

ULTRASONIC SCANNER An ultrasonic pulse is directed into a body and electrical representations of pulse reflections from body interfaces along its path are generated. The ultrasonic signal path is scanned through a volume of the body and position signals indicative of the instantaneous path disposition are generated. The reflection signals are selectively gated in accordance with a predetermined function of the path disposition to provide a display selectively representing desired interfaces situated within a selected contoured portion of the volume. By varying the predetermined function, a specific desired interface surface may he displayed. Provisions for developing a three dimensional display of the selected surface are described.

HIGH RESOLUTION PULSE ECHO ULTRASONIC IMAGING DISPLAY SYSTEM

RCA 69,797 PULSE-ECHO ULTRASONIC-IMAGING DISPLAY SYSTEM An improvement to a pulse-echo ultrasonic-imaging system employing an acoustic focusing device occupying a fixed aperture to both illuminate internal structure of a visually opaque object with a scanning focused beam of ultrasonic energy and for returning a reflected signal portion of the scanning focused beam passed therethrough for detection. The improvement accomplishes real time scanning by scanning all of the image samples within a group of such samples in a time period not much longer, at most, than the round-trip travel time delay of the focused beam required to receive the reflected signal portion of only a single sample for detection. By way of example, this may be accomplished by a phased-array transducer arrangement.

FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER APPARATUS AND METHOD IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING

IMPROVED FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER APPARATUS AND METHOD IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING A frequency program synthesizing apparatus and method is disclosed for controlling delay circuitry in ultrasonic imaging systems. The ultrasonic system includes a multi-element ultrasonic transducer for propagating ultrasonic energy into a subject, display apparatus for producing visual information about the subject from the ultrasonic energy, and imaging electronics for processing image information representing electrical signals from the transducer and employs the processed signals to cause the display to generate a visual image of internal subject structure. The imaging electronics includes delay circuitry which require programs of precisely controlled stepped clocking frequencies, and have frequency program synthesizers for producing the clocking signals. Each frequency program synthesizer includes an adjustable frequency source for producing the clocking signals and a multi-channel memory having a plurality of ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ERROR COMPENSATION IN MULTICHANNEL SYSTEMS

OPTICAL-ULTRASONIC IMAGING AND DISPLAY APPARATUS

FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER APPARATUS AND METHOD IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING

ULTRASONIC SCANNING SYSTEM AND METHOD

TRANSMIT RECEIVE TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEM

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

Verfahren zum Sichtbarmachen von Fehlerstellen in Werkstücken bei der mit Hilfe von Schall- oder Ultraschallwellen durchgeführten, zerstörungsfreien Werkstückprüfung.

Ultraschall-Untersuchungsgerät

Resolution of electronically controlled ultrasonic scanner - is improved by phase control focussing with outlying members of transducer group advanced or retarded (NL 3.6.77)

Each spt of the scan is produced by a group of transducers working together. The signal emitted by the outlying elements of the group is smaller in amplitude and earlier in phase than that emitted by the central elements, and the echoes are treated correspondingly. This produces an electronic focussing of the beam, similar to the physical focussing produced by a curved transducer. For heart scanning a circular array of transducers is preferred to a linear one. It emits the outlying signals at a later phase than the central ones.

Method for automated production of charts for computer of material surfaces, in particular of building surfaces and tunnel walls.

Verfahren zur rechnergestützt automatisierten Erstellung von Kartierungen von Materialoberflächen, insbesondere von Gebäudeoberflächen und Tunnelwänden, mit den folgenden Schritten: Erstellen von Bilddaten von der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche mittels mindestens eines bildgebenden, vorzugsweise messtechnisch-optischen Verfahrens; computergestützte Erstellung einer Strichdarstellung in der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche unter Verwendung der messtechnisch erzeugten Bilddaten; Erstellung eines Bestands- und/oder Zustandsglossars nach sinnlich erfahrbaren Kriterien insbesondere einer Erfassung unterschiedlicher Material- und/oder Oberflächenparameter unter Verwendung der Bilddaten; Erstellung von Eigenschaftsdaten in der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche durch ortsaufgelöste, messtechnische Erfassung mindestens eines physikalischen, geometrischen oder chemischen Parameters je festzustellendem Bestands- oder Zustandsphänomen; computergestützte Korrelierung der Eigenschaftsdaten ...

Verfahren zur rechnergestützt automatisierten Erstellung von Kartierungen von Materialoberflächen, insbesondere von Gebäudeoberflächen und Tunnelwänden.

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur rechnergestützt automatisierten Erstellung von Kartierungen von Materialoberflächen, insbesondere von Gebäudeoberflächen und Tunnelwänden, mit den folgenden Schritten: Erstellen von Bilddaten von der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche mittels mindestens eines bildgebenden, vorzugsweis messtechnisch-optischen, Verfahrens; computergestützte Erstellung einer Strichdarstellung der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche unter Verwendung des mittels des mindestens einen bildgebenden, vorzugsweise messtechnisch - optischen Verfahrens, erzeugten Bilddaten; Erstellung eines Bestands- und/oder Zustandsglossars nach sinnlich erfahrbaren Kriterien insbesondere einer Erfassung unterschiedlicher Material- und/oder Oberflächenparameter, unter Verwendung der Bilddaten; Erstellung von Eigenschaftsdaten der zu untersuchenden Materialoberfläche durch ortsaufgelöste, messtechnische Erfassung mindestens eines physikalischen, geometrischen oder chemischen Parameters je ...

ECHOGRAPHE A ULTRASONS PAR BALAYAGE MANUEL ET ELECTRONIQUE

ECHOGRAPHE A ULTRASONS EMETTANT DES IMPULSIONS PAR UNE SONDE 1 MONTEE SUR UN PANTOGRAPHE COMPRENANT DES TIGES ARTICULEES 41 ET 42. LA SONDE SE COMPOSE D'UN RESEAU DE TRANSDUCTEURS A BALAYAGE ELECTRONIQUE AVEC FOCALISATION DYNAMIQUE. UN MICROPROCESSEUR RECOIT LES VALEURS DES POSITIONS ANGULAIRES DES TIGES 41 ET 42 ET DE L'ANGLE DE ROTATION DE LA SONDE ET COMMANDE LE BALAYAGE ELECTRONIQUE. LES INFORMATIONS CONCERNANT LES ECHOS VENANT DES POINTS M (X, Y) SONT MISES EN MEMOIRE ET TRAITEES AVANT VISUALISATION. APPLICATION A L'EXPLORATION DE L'INTERIEUR DU CORPS D'UN PATIENT EN VUE DE L'ETABLISSEMENT D'UN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL.

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION METHOD OF ULTRASONIC FAULT AND CORRESPONDING SYSTEM

DETERMINING THE EXTENT OF LATERAL SHADOW AREA IN A METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC INSPECTION

PROCEDE POUR ENREGISTRER DES IMAGES DONNEES PAR LES ULTRA-SONS

Procédé pour enregistrer des images données par les ultrasons. Afin de déceler par des images acoustiques, en particulier, des hétérogénéités dans les corps solides à l'aide d'ondes ultrasonores 2 provenant d'un émetteur 1, on utilise comme écran une émulsion photographique (pellicule ou plaque) gonflée dans l'eau ou dans un solvant aqueux. Cette émulsion se trouve dans une cuvette transparente aux ultrasons remplie par exemple de xylène. Le traitement ultérieur s'effectue à la lumière du jour et en utilisant un gaz (H2 S) ou une vapeur, réactifs pour le développement. Ce procédé permet de localiser des défauts de matière dans les corps solides, par exemple des dépôts dans des alliages apparemment homogènes ainsi que pour enregistrer des fissures et des retassures dans les corps solides et il peut être aussi utilisé en biologie et en médecine.

ACOUSTIC DISPLAY UNIT HAS SYSTEM OF FOCUSING IMPROVES

ELECTRONICALLY FOCUSED ACOUSTIC IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

APPARATUS TO EXAMINE BODIES BY EXPLORATION USING THE ULTRASOUNDS

APPARATUS Of EXPLORATION BY ULTRASOUNDS

METHOD FOR PROCESSING SIGNALS FROM AN ACQUISITION BY A ULTRASONIC PROBE, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND DEVICE CORRESPONDING ULTRASOUND PROBE

Ce procédé (700) de traitement de signaux ultrasonores comporte la commande (702) de transducteurs d'émission pour M émissions successives d'ondes ultrasonores planes présentant M angles d'émission différents, la commande (702) de N transducteurs de réception pour recevoir simultanément N signaux temporels de mesure par émission, et l'obtention (704) d'une matrice [MR(t)] de signaux temporels ultrasonores, chaque coefficient MRi,j(t) de cette matrice représentant le signal de mesure reçu par le i-ième transducteur de réception dû à la j-ième émission. Il comporte en outre une décomposition en valeurs singulières (710) d'une matrice [FTMR(f)] de signaux fréquentiels obtenue (708) par transformation de la matrice [MR(t)], une élimination (712) d'une partie des valeurs singulières et une reconstitution (714) d'une matrice débruitée [MRU(t)] de signaux temporels à partir des valeurs singulières non éliminées.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUAL IMAGING OF ULTRASONIC ECHO SIGNALS UTILIZING A SINGLE TRANSMITTER

IMPROVEMENTS BRING HAS an APPARATUS Of EXAMINATION HAS ULTRASOUNDS

ULTRASONIC APPARATUS OF REPRESENTATION HAS VARIABLE SIZE OF BEAM

PROCESS AND APPARATUS Of IMAGERY BY REFLEXION Of ULTRASOUNDS

PROCESS AND DEVICE Of IMAGERY USING the WAVES OF SHEARING

PROCESS AND DEVICE Of IMAGERY USING the WAVES OF SHEARING

PROCESS AND DEVICE Of IMAGERY USING the WAVES OF SHEARING

초음파 트랜스듀서 구동 회로 및 초음파 영상 디스플레이 장치

... 출력 전류 및/또는 출력 전압을 공급하여 초음파 트랜스듀서를 구동하는 초음파 트랜스듀서 구동 회로가 제공된다. 초음파 트랜스듀서 구동 회로는, 출력단이 양전압일 때, 초음파 트랜스듀서에 충전된 전하에서 발생된 전류가, 출력단으로부터 접지로 흐르도록 하는 제 1 전류 방전 회로와, 출력단이 음전압일 때, 초음파 트랜스듀서에 충전된 전하에서 발생된 전류가, 접지로부터 출력단으로 흐르도록 하는 제 2 전류 방전 회로를 포함한다. 제 1 전류 방전 회로 및 제 2 전류 방전 회로는, 출력 전류 및/또는 출력 전압을 기반으로 제어된다.

REAL-TIME ULTRASONOGRAPHY MONITORING SYSTEM

The present invention provides a real-time ultrasonography monitoring system which is able to firmly be tightly fixated to a non-planar portion including a curved surface; thereby accurately and stably perform ultrasonography regardless of a condition of a shape of a target inspection object, and which is able to generate a 3D ultrasonic image of the target inspection object from an ultrasonic signal of the target inspection object in real-time by two dimensionally arranged piezoelectric elements and monitor the same, thus promptly and effectively diagnosing the target inspection object and cope with a defective target inspection object. The real-time ultrasonography monitoring system comprises: a probe (10) disposed on a surface of a target inspection object (1), having a plurality of piezoelectric elements (11) and arranged two dimensionally in a set pattern to perform ultrasonography on the target inspection object (1); a fixating body (20) fixating the probe (10) in a regular position ...

검사 대상의 핸드 가이드식 초음파 검사를 위한 방법 및 시스템

... 본 발명은 검사 대상(12)의 초음파 검사 방법에 관한 것이며, 상기 방법은, 검사 대상 표면(14)을 따라 검사 헤드(16)를 이동시키고, 검사 헤드(16)를 이용하여 검사 대상(12) 내로 초음파 펄스를 송신하는 단계와, 송신된 초음파 펄스에 상응하는 각각의 에코 신호를 검사 헤드(16)를 이용하여 수신하는 단계와, 데이터 처리 장치(18)를 이용하여, 수신된 에코 신호의 진폭값의 평균 및 중첩을 기초로 하여, 검사 대상(12)의 사전 설정된 검사 영역의 영상(20)을 컴파일링하는 단계를 포함하며, 본 발명에 따른 방법은, 검사 헤드(16)의 각각의 위치가 초음파 신호의 송신 시에 그리고/또는 상응하는 에코 신호의 수신 시에 검출 장치에 의해 검출되는 단계와, 검사 헤드(16)의 각각 검출된 위치가 검사 대상(12)의 검사 영역의 영상(20) 생성 시에 고려되는 단계를 특징으로 한다.

VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE

... [PROBLEMS] A vehicle display device where, in a display open/close device having control means for electrically opening and closing a display that is mounted on the ceiling of the vehicle interior, driver's rear view when the vehicle reverses is assured and a user in the rear seat can enjoy contents on the display without interruption. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] When the display (1) is opened and is at an optimum viewing angle position, the control means detects that the vehicle is in a reverse mode and controls so that the display (1) is further opened up to a predetermined angle (sheltered angle position (1b)). Also, when the reverse mode is cancelled, the control means controls the display (1) so that it returns to the optimum viewing angle position.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING PARTS WITH HIGH FREQUENCY LINEAR ARRAY

An apparatus and method for a nondestructive examination of an aircraft or other metal or composite object. The apparatus for a nondestructive examination includes a linear array of ultrasound transducer, a wedge used to provide an interface between the linear array and the object being examined wherein the angle of the wedge is determined by use of Snell's law wherein the signals from the linear array are manipulated by a micro computer which then presents a visual display of the object being examined and any flaws found in the object.

3D ACOUSTIC IMAGING DEVICE AND 3D ACOUSTIC IMAGING METHOD

A 3D acoustic imaging device includes alight source (10) for generating a near infrared pulse, means for collecting the pulse light and applying it to an examinee (15), a laser scan unit (11) for scanning the focal position of the pulse light, and an acoustic transducer (18) for detecting an acoustic wave generated from the examinee (15) by multi-photon absorption of the pulse light. 3D data showing the material distribution in the examinee (15) is acquired according to the intensity information and the generation position information on the acoustic wave and a tomogram at an arbitrary plane is displayed on a display unit (23). Thus, by using the non-linear optical effect of the near infrared pulse light, it is possible to locally generate an acoustic wave from the focal position in the examinee (15) and observe a deep region of the examinee (15) with a high resolution. Moreover, by using the light of a near infrared region as excitation light, it is possible to prevent attenuation of the ...

Ultrasonic method for detecting banding in metals

A method for non-destructively detecting the presence of banded regions in a metal is described. The method involves sending an ultrasonic wave into the metal and obtaining reflected signals. The reflected signals are compared with each other to determine variations in signal intensity. A banded region within the metal can be observed as a weaker reflected signal than a reflected backwall signal, thus accurately identifying a location of banding within the metal. Metal articles with a low percent of banding are also described.

Linear array ultrasonic transducer

Apparatus for ultrasonic examination of objects, particularly in medical diagnostic examination, is comprised of a phased array transducer capable of focusing the beam of ultrasonic pulses in the longitudinal plane of the transducer, and focusing means to focus the dimensions of the beam normal to the longitudinal plane.

Method for the determination of strength of join between ceramic and non-ceramic

The strength of a join between a ceramic and an associated non-ceramic is determined using an ultrasonic microscope. A converging ultrasonic beam is radiated against a point on a surface of the ceramic, said point being a predetermined distance away from the join between the ceramic and the associated non-ceramic. Data on the intensities of interference waves at respective predetermined variations of the relative distance between a probe of the ultrasonic microscope and the ceramic are collected. The residual stress at the point is calculated on the basis of the cycle of echo intensities of the interference waves for the respective predetermined variations of the relative distance. The strength of the join is then determined on the basis the residual stress.

Ultrasonic imaging aberration correction system and method

An ultrasonic imaging system including an aberration correction system uses a harmonic component of the fundamental transmitted frequency for imaging, or for aberration correction, or both. By properly selecting the frequency pass bands of filters used in the image signal path and in the aberration correction signal path operating advantages are provided. The aberration correction values may be calculated concurrently with image formation.

Multilayer Bolthole Nondestructive Inspection (NDI)

The use of nondestructive inspection (NDI) capabilities for the detection of fatigue cracks extending from fastener holes in multi-layered metallic structures without removing the fastener; including at least the use of a probe guide containing a UT sensor and either an inertial measurement unit (IMU) or a rotary encoder, and either of these options could be applied in testing of either raised head fasteners or flush fasteners.

METHOD FOR MONITORING THE CHANGE OVER TIME OF A DEFECT IN A STRUCTURE

A method of monitoring a portion of an equipment under pressure implementing a control station to control an ultrasonic non-destructive testing device through a remote network, includes: the control station sends a first measurement request to the non-destructive testing device; the control station receives a first plurality of measurement data from the non-destructive testing device, constructs a first mapping of the portion of the structure from the data; sends a second measurement request to the non-destructive testing device, receives a second plurality of measurement data from the non-destructive testing device, constructs a second mapping of the portion of the structure, from the second plurality of measurement data, and compares the first mapping and the second mapping.

Apparatus for examining an object by using ultrasonic beams

In an ultrasonic examination apparatus (100) of the sector scanning type, a false contour appears in a tomographic image of an object (20) due to a variation of the pixelizing, or digitizing precision over the entire scanning region, especially near the central ultrasonic scanning lines. A wobbling processor (64) is provided in an address generator for write operation (6). When the echo signals, or the image signals obtained by the scanning of the central untrasonic scanning lines are written into pixels of a frame memory, the write-in addresses are processed by the wobbling processor (64) so that the pixelizing precision can be uniformed over the entire scanning region.

ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPE

SUPERSONIC PHTOGRAPHING METHOD AND APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC MICROSCOPE

PURPOSE: To make it possible to effectively prevent the damage of a specimen or an ultrasonic head, by detecting the contact of the specimen with the ultrasonic head. CONSTITUTION: An ultrasonic head 11 having a piezoelectric transducer is attached to the almost central part of a conductive rod 12 extending to a direction crossing the projection direction of an ultrasonic wave at right angles in a freely detachable manner and the support rod 12 is held to a conductive fixing member 15 in both sides of the ultrasonic head 11 through air bearings 13, 14 while both end parts thereof are supported by a leaf spring attached to the fixing member 15 in an electrically insulated state so as to be made displaceable in the longitudinal direction. A current supply detecting circuit is connected between the fixing member 15 and the support rod 12 and, when the ultrasonic head 11 is contacted with a specimen at the parts of the air bearings 13, 14 and the support rod 12 is contacted with the fixing ...

SCANNING METHOD OF ULTRASONIC MICROSCOPE

PURPOSE: To obtain accurate ultrasonic wave images with high resolution and low resolution, by controlling the distance between an ultrasonic wave head and a sample, and using one ultrasonic wave head. CONSTITUTION: An ultrasonic wave is generated by a piezoelectric transducer 5 of an ultrasonic wave head 4. The ultrasonic wave is projected on a sample 9, which is mounted on a sample table 8, through an acoustic lens 6 and a liquid medium 7 in a spot shape. The reflected wave from the sample 9 is converted into an electric signal by the piezoelectric transducer 5, and the ultrasonic wave image is displayed on a display part 15. In order to display the ultrasonic wave image with the desired resolution, a Z-direction driving part 16, which adjusts the distance l between the ultrasonic wave head 4 and the sample 9, is provided. In order to obtain the ultrasonic wave image with high resolution, the distance lis controlled so that the ultrasonic wave beam is converged on the surface of the sample ...

СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ НАПРАВЛЕННОСТИ ДЕФЕКТА, ИМЕЮЩЕГОСЯ ВНУТРИ МЕХАНИЧЕСКОГО КОНСТРУКТИВНОГО ЭЛЕМЕНТА

Использование: для определения направленности дефекта. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что ультразвуковой головкой (2) из разных измерительных точек (МР) воздействуют ультразвуковыми сигналами на конструктивный элемент (В), причем ультразвуковые эхо-сигналы, которые отражаются от находящейся внутри конструктивного элемента (В) подлежащей исследованию точки (Р) обратно к измерительным точкам (МР), принимаются этой или другой ультразвуковой головкой (2); и с модулем (4) обработки данных, который с учетом направления звукового воздействия между соответствующей измерительной точкой (МР) и подлежащей исследованию точкой (Р) оценивает принятые эхо-сигналы для определения ориентации дефекта, причем в зависимости от зарегистрированного времени прохождения сигнала между моментом подачи ультразвукового сигнала и моментом приема отраженного обратно дефектом ультразвукового эхо-сигнала для каждой измерительной точки (МР) рассчитывается расстояние (d) между измерительной точкой (МР) и подлежащей ...

Способ формирования изображения объектов с субдифракционным разрешением в акустическом диапазоне длин волн

Использование: для формирования изображения объектов с субдифракционным разрешением в акустическом диапазоне длин волн. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что выполняют размещение объекта исследования в фокальной области акустической линзы, при этом между линзой и объектом размещается иммерсионная среда, связанная с исследуемым объектом, и прием отраженного или прошедшего излучения от объекта исследования, преобразование принятого излучения в электрические сигналы и формирование по данным электрическим сигналам визуально воспринимаемого изображения объекта наблюдения, при этом в области фокусировки излучения формирующей системы размещают мезоразмерную частицу с характерным размером не более поперечного размера области фокусировки и не менее λ/2, где λ - длина волны используемого излучения в среде, со скоростью звука в материале частицы относительно скорости звука в окружающей среде в диапазоне от 0.5 до 0.83, формируют на ее внешней границе с противоположной стороны от падающего излучения ...

УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ДЕФЕКТОСКОП, СПОСОБ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ДЕФЕКТОСКОПИИ И СПОСОБ ИЗГОТОВЛЕНИЯ ИЗДЕЛИЯ

Использование: для ультразвуковой дефектоскопии. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что ультразвуковой дефектоскоп содержит датчик-решетку, схему определения группы элементов, вычислитель, приёмник сигналов и генератор. Датчик-решетка содержит множество пьезоэлектрических элементов, причём каждый из указанного множества пьезоэлектрических элементов выполнен с возможностью передавать и принимать ультразвуковую волну в контролируемый объект и от него. Схема определения группы элементов выполнена с возможностью выбирать в качестве группы элементов несколько последовательных пьезоэлектрических элементов из указанного множества пьезоэлектрических элементов; устанавливать начальное положение группы элементов на основе информации о компоновке решётки из указанного множества пьезоэлектрических элементов в группе элементов и на основе весового значения для каждого из указанного множества пьезоэлектрических элементов в группе элементов, а также вычислять траектории распространения ультразвукового ...

Acoustic microscope

A cylindrical probe is arranged with its tip above the surface of a solid body. The probe and body can be moved wrt. each other in x,y and z directions by piezoelectric actuators. Sound is transferred between the probe and body as a result of vibrations of the z actuator caused by the application of an a.c. voltage. The sound transferred is converted into an alternating voltage by a piezoelectric transducer which is attached to the probe. A solid coupling medium (4) between the piezoelectric transducer (31) and the probe (1) transfers mechanical deformations of the probe to the transducer.

Method for locating artefacts in a material

ULTRASONIC MICROSCOPE APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC MICROSCOPE WITH A FREQUENCY CHANGING SYSTEM

In order to replace acoustic lenses, frequency units corresponding to frequencies used by the acoustic lenses and housing transmitted pulse generating means, circulators and receiving means can be selected and the signal of a gate opening at a timing at which ultrasonic waves of a sample return can be selected.

Inspection method

ULTRASONIC SCANNING APPARATUS

Alignment tool for use with a wind turbine inspection system and methods of assembling same

An alignment tool for use in inspecting a ring gear of a gearbox. The ring gear includes an outer surface and a plurality of gear teeth extending radially inwardly from the outer surface. The alignment tool includes a support member that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The support member is removably mountable to the ring gear outer surface such that the leading edge is oriented substantially parallel to a forward surface of the ring gear. A guide member extends outwardly from the support member. The guide member includes a guide edge that is oriented with respect to a centerline of a gear tooth.

Method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of biological tissue employing an ultrasonic transducer

The present invention relates to a Method of measuring the viscoelastic properties of biological tissues employing an ultrasonic transducer equipped with elements converting the ultrasonic waves reflected by these biological tissues into electrical signals, different elements being grouped to form sub-apertures such that the acquisition of electrical signals from the elements of the same sub-aperture is carried out simultaneously, each of these sub-apertures being intercepted by an ultrasonic wave propagation axis at an acoustic center (Ca). In conformance with the invention, such a method is characterized in that one and the same element belongs to at least two different sub-apertures and in that an acoustic center is surrounded by at least three other unaligned acoustic centers.

Schlieren type ultrasonic wave observer system

The invention discloses the Schlieren type ultrasonic wave observer system. The invention states optics interference by the ultrasonic wave sound field after perturbation the medium, and combines to make the interference penetration optical projection the image, the goal lies in the observation ordinary naked eye blind ultrasonic wave sound field distribution. Characteristic of the invention using the spectroscope and the reflector combination, as well as microcontroller precise time delay control, might formerly be limited under the 4F optical field length limit to enhance largely the field of vision the several fold.

Method for generating transverse elastic waves, and method and apparatus for acquiring images using transverse elastic waves

The present invention relates to a method for generating transverse elastic waves, a method and apparatus for acquiring images using the transverse elastic waves. The present disclosure provides a technique for generating transverse elastic waves by focusing the ultrasonic waves respectively on a number of focal points which are virtually present in a viscoelastic medium and also become wave sources of the transverse elastic waves, and controlling the generated transverse elastic waves to have peak positions with their overlapping points residing and translating in two line segments extending in parallel or at an acute angle to facilitate increasing elastic deformations of the viscoelastic medium to an appropriate level, and thus acquiring images with improved accuracy in the viscoelastic medium.

Ultrasound probe and ultrasound examination device using the same

An ultrasound probe which is capable of structurally improving resolution is provided. This ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound probe which transmits ultrasound waves to a subject; and an optical probe which detects, with use of light, the ultrasound waves reflected off internal tissue of the subject, and openings of the ultrasound probe are larger than openings of the optical probe. With this, reflected waves (ultrasound waves) from the subject can be detected by the large openings, so that high resolution can be obtained relative to a width of the transmitted ultrasound waves.

Device, Methods, and Control for Sonic Guidance of Molecules and Other Material Utilizing Time-Reversal Acoustics

The present invention provides for a method of controlling mass movement of fluid material within a field of interest comprising using time reversal acoustic focusing. The time reversal acoustic focusing can be is used for simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing of acoustic energy to control the duration of localization and/or direction of movement of material within tissue or liquid within tissue. Both delivery of material and persistence with respect to target locations can be enhanced by focusing of sonic waveforms or transmissions towards targeted areas in a field of interest, such as within a patient.

Subject information acquisition apparatus and subject information acquisition method

A subject information acquisition apparatus includes: an acoustic wave detector which detects an acoustic wave which is generated from a subject by irradiating light and outputs a detection signal; an amplifier which amplifies the detection signal which is output from the acoustic wave detector; a gain control unit which changes a gain of the amplifier as time elapses, according to a gain control table, in order to correct a drop in intensity of the acoustic wave caused by attenuation of fluence inside the subject; and a signal processing unit which obtains information inside the subject based on the signal amplified by the amplifier. Measurement under a plurality of measurement conditions, where at least fluence distribution inside the subject or a position of the acoustic wave detector differs, is possible, and the gain control unit changes the gain control table according to the measurement conditions.

Section-illumination photoacoustic microscopy with ultrasonic array detection

Imaging systems, probes for imaging systems, and methods for noninvasive imaging are disclosed. In one example, a probe for use with an imaging system includes a slit configured to spatially filter a light beam from a light source. The probe includes a focusing device configured to cylindrically focus the spatially filtered light beam into an object, and an ultrasound transducer array configured to detect a photoacoustic signal emitted by the object in response to the cylindrically focused light beam.

Estimation of presence of void in through silicon via (tsv) based on ultrasound scanning

A method and apparatus to detect a defect in a three-dimensional integrated structure by ultrasound scanning and to non-destructively detect the presence of a void that can occur in a process in a through silicon via (TSV) arranged in a board, such as a silicon wafer. To avoid measurement by ultrasound scanning over a board surface from being impeded by an object, such as a (solder) bump, scattering ultrasound, one or more TSVs belonging to a test element group (TEG) are selected from among a plurality of TSVs such that physical obstruction in the vicinity of the TEG.

System for Illuminating an Object with a Wave or for Imaging an Object with a Wave

A system for illuminating an object with a wave or for imaging an object with a wave comprises a lens, a plurality of transducers and a control unit connected to the plurality of transducers. The lens comprises a plurality of resonator elements incorporated inside a medium and is able to convert a near field wave of the lens to a far field wave, or reciprocally. The resonator elements are at a sub wavelength distance from each others. The control unit provides signals to the transducers so that a plurality of points on the object are illuminated as desired, or obtains signals from the transducers to build an image of a plurality of points of the object. The points are at sub wavelength distance from each others.

Automated Ultrasonic Elasticity Image Formation with Quality Measure

Image data and E-mode images used in ultrasonic elasticity imaging may be automatically evaluated for quality to provide a single value used as operator feedback or for automatic selection of images for averaging or animation.

Thermal acoustic imaging methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting defects in an object

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, Thermal Acoustic Imaging (TAI) methods, systems and apparatus are provided for detecting defects in an object being inspected.

Structural damage index mapping system and method

A system and method for detecting and evaluating structural defects are provided. Baseline data representative of sensed ultrasonic waves that were transmitting into a structure with no defects are stored. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the structure from a plurality of actuators that are coupled to the structure. The ultrasonic waves that are transmitted into the structure from the plurality of actuators are sensed, with a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the structure and spaced apart from the actuators, to thereby generate and supply sensor data. Signal difference coefficients are calculated from the baseline data and the sensor data. The calculated signal difference coefficients are spatially mapped to detect one or more structural defects in the structure.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic testing

A method for ultrasonic testing of an object, the method comprising ultrasonic scanning of a plurality of scan regions of the object; converting ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic scanning into a plurality of electrical signals; gating the electrical signals to provide gated signals; and wherein different gating times are used for the electrical signals.

Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing

An apparatus and method for ultrasonic non-destructive testing provides an elongate strip of ultrasound transmissive material coupled at a proximal end to an object under test. The elongate strip has a transverse cross-section with a width and thickness giving an aspect ratio greater than unity and matched to the ultrasonic transducer such that excitation induces a substantially non-dispersive ultrasonic signal to propagate along the elongate strip to the proximal end and to enter the object under test. These non-dispersive pulses are particularly suited for time-of-flight measurements, thickness measurements, crack measurements and the like. The elongate strip helps to separate the transducer from a potentially hostile environment associated with the object under test. The elongate strip also has a large area of contact with the object under test allowing efficient transmission of energy into the object under test.

METHOD OF DETECTING DEFECTS

A method for detecting defects in a railway rail including a search unit and preferably a roller search unit (“RSU”) mounted on a test vehicle and in rolling contact with the running surface of the rails to inspect each rail. The RSU includes a tire filled with a liquid and a transducer assembly mounted within the tire. The transducer assembly includes one or more arrays of ultrasonic transducers directed toward the running surface of the rail. A laser profiler mounted on the test vehicle in combination with a linear encoder provide profile data which is communicated to a system controller to dynamically adjust the focal laws for the one or more arrays of transducers to dynamically steer the transmitted beams to produce the ideal inspection beam sets while the test vehicle is in motion. 1. A method for inspecting a railway rail comprising:constructing a profile of the rail;determining a steering angle for one or more phased array transducer elements from said rail profile;energizing one or more ultrasonic phased array transducer elements; andemitting an ultrasonic beam from said ultrasonic phased array transducer at said steering angle into the rail;wherein each of the above steps is performed on or directed by a programmed computer.2. The method of further comprising transmitting a laser signal toward the rail and receiving a reflected laser signal.3. The method of wherein said constructing a profile step includes constructing a profile from said reflected laser signal.4. The method of wherein said transmitting step includes first and second laser transceivers claim 2 , wherein said first laser transceiver is directed toward a field side of the rail and said second laser transceiver is directed toward a gauge side of the rail.5. The method of wherein said constructing step includes determining surface normals for said profile.6. The method of wherein said constructing step includes determining focal laws for a desired angle of refraction based on said surface ...

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and evaluation calculation method

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: a two-dimensional elasticity image forming unit that calculates elasticity frame data indicating the elasticity distribution measured by scanning an object in a three-dimensional manner using an ultrasonic wave; an elasticity volume data generation unit that generates elasticity volume data by collecting the plurality of elasticity frame data items; a three-dimensional elasticity image forming unit that forms a three-dimensional elasticity image by performing volume rendering of the elasticity volume data; and a quality calculation unit that calculates a volume evaluation value indicating the quality of the elasticity volume data on the basis of an autocorrelation value between a pair of tomographic frame data items, which are a basis for calculating the elasticity frame data, and a frame evaluation value indicating the quality of the elasticity frame data.

Internal defect inspection method and apparatus for the same

It is intended to provide an internal defect inspection method and an apparatus for implementing the method by which an ultrasonic wave is excited in a sample without contact with the sample and accordingly without damaging the sample, and an ultrasonic wave from any internal defect of the sample is detected without being affected by the sample surface, in a non-contact state and with high sensitivity. By the internal defect inspection method, an ultrasonic wave is emitted from an ultrasonic wave transmitter toward a sample, an ultrasonic wave reflected by the sample is detected as an interference signal with an imaging type common-path interferometer, an ultrasonic wave signal is obtained from the interference signal, and any defect within the sample is detected from the ultrasonic wave signal.

Concurrent Multiple Characteristic Ultrasonic Inspection

A method for acoustically measuring an external surface of a component and a wall thickness or component thickness at that location is provided. The method also provides for measuring the external surface by physical contact while concurrently acoustically measuring a wall thickness at that location.

Photoacoustic measuring device and method

The present invention provides a photoacoustic measuring device and a method by which the presence of an object can be easily identifyied in a relatively short time in photoacoustic measurement while holding an object by a holding plate. The photoacoustic measuring device has a irradiating unit with which the object is irradiated with light, a holding unit holding the object by the holding plate, a detecting unit detecting the photoacoustic wave generated by irradiating light and an analyzing unit analyzing photoacoustic signal of the photoacoustic wave. The analyzing unit analyzes a photoacoustic signal to acquire information concerning change of a signal intensity of a component of the photoacoustic signal of produced in an interface between the detecting unit and the holding plate and an interface between the holding plate and the object, to identify the presence of the object.

Ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation methods for friction-welded blisks

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to non-destructive evaluation methods. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation methods for the evaluation of friction welded bladed discs (“blisks”). In an embodiment, a method for non-destructive evaluation of a bladed disc structure includes identifying a region of interest on the bladed disc structure; positioning an ultrasonic transducer and receiver in the region of interest; scanning the region of interest using the ultrasonic transducer and receiver to produce a scan image; and comparing the scan image against a reference image to determine the presence of an anomaly in the region of interest.

ANALYZER OF ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION IMAGE

A flaw detection image analyzer () takes in an inspection procedure command stored in a flaw detection condition database (), takes in a flaw detection image signal corresponding to a flaw detection image indicated by the taken inspection procedure command from a database () for flaw detection image signal, and displays the flaw detection image based on the flaw detection image signal on a display (), with a display range and a contrast indicated by the inspection procedure command in an arrangement pattern of image indicated by the inspection procedure command. Consequently, optimum images can be displayed sequentially with optimum arrangement pattern, optimum display range and contrast according to a flaw to be inspected when a flaw is detected by observing an ultrasonic flaw detection image. 1. (canceled)2. An analytical apparatus for an ultrasonic flaw detection image , comprising:a flaw detection image signal database division storing a plurality of flaw detection image signals obtained by signal transformation of an identical flaw detection waveform signal by a plurality of different signal transformation techniques;a flaw detection condition database division storing a first flaw detection condition database constructed from many inspection procedure commands arranged in order of execution, the inspection procedure commands having, as information, a type of a defect to be inspected for, and a display range showing a range of an image region displayed among image regions of a flaw detection image used; and a second flaw detection condition database defining the flaw detection image used, an arrangement pattern of the flaw detection image used, and contrast indicated values defining a contrast of an image in the display range, for each pattern comprising a combination of the type of the defect, a plate thickness, a shape, and a material;a CAD model division having design data at least including data on a plate thickness, a shape and a material of an object to ...

ANALYZER OF ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION IMAGE

A flaw detection image analyzer () takes in an inspection procedure command stored in a flaw detection condition database (), takes in a flaw detection image signal corresponding to a flaw detection image indicated by the taken inspection procedure command from a database () for flaw detection image signal, and displays the flaw detection image based on the flaw detection image signal on a display (), with a display range and a contrast indicated by the inspection procedure command in an arrangement pattern of image indicated by the inspection procedure command. Consequently, optimum images can be displayed sequentially with optimum arrangement pattern, optimum display range and contrast according to a flaw to be inspected when a flaw is detected by observing an ultrasonic flaw detection image. 12-. (canceled)3. An analytical apparatus for an ultrasonic flaw detection image , comprising:a flaw detection image signal database division storing a plurality of flaw detection image signals obtained by signal transformation of an identical flaw detection waveform signal by a plurality of different signal transformation techniques;a flaw detection condition database division storing a first flaw detection condition database constructed from many inspection procedure commands arranged in order of execution, the inspection procedure commands having, as information, a type of a defect to be inspected for, and a display range showing a range of an image region displayed among image regions of a flaw detection image used; and a second flaw detection condition database defining the flaw detection image used, an arrangement pattern of the flaw detection image used, and contrast indicated values defining a contrast of an image in the display range, for each pattern comprising a combination of the type of the defect, a plate thickness, a shape, and a material;a CAD model division having design data at least including data on a shape and a material of an object to be inspected;a ...

APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETECTING DEFECTS

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: controlling one or more electroacoustic transducers of a device to create a standing wave having a displacement antinode at an expected location of a component of the device; receiving a signal representing sound generated by vibration of the component driven by the standing wave; causing analysis of the signal to determine whether there is a defect based on whether the signal represents a sound that would be expected to result from vibration of the component driven by the standing wave in the absence of a defect. 1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including computer program code;the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:control one or more electroacoustic transducers of a device to create a standing wave having a displacement antinode at an expected location of a component of the device;receive a signal representing sound generated by vibration of the component driven by the standing wave;cause analysis of the signal to determine whether there is a defect based on whether the signal represents a sound that would be expected to result from vibration of the component driven by the standing wave in the absence of a defect.2. The apparatus of wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to claim 1 , with the at least one processor claim 1 , cause the apparatus to:control the one or more electroacoustic transducers to cause a change in the position of the displacement antinode in response to a trigger event.3. The apparatus of wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to claim 1 , with the at least one processor claim 1 , cause the apparatus to:control the one or more electroacoustic transducers to cause a position of the displacement antinode to traverse at least one ...

Recording device and recording method

The invention relates to a recording device comprising an excitation module ( 2, 10; 9, 10 ) which stimulates the sample ( 3 ) for emitting pressure waves, an acoustic module ( 9, 10 ) for detecting the generated pressure waves, and a control module ( 10 ) which determines an acoustic image based on the data from the acoustic module ( 9, 10 ). Said recording device also comprises a reproduction module ( 5 ) for optically reproducing the sample ( 3 ) and the control module ( 10 ) determines a sample limit and/or a segment limit within the sample ( 3 ) based on the optical reproduction of the sample ( 3 ) and when the acoustic image is detected, the determined sample limit and/or segment limit are taken into consideration.

ULTRASOUND BEAMFORMING SYSTEM AND METHOD BASED ON ANALOG RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY ARRAY

An ultrasound beamformer architecture performs the task of signal beamforming using a matrix of analog random access memory cells to capture, store and process instantaneous samples of analog signals from ultrasound array elements and this architecture provides significant reduction in power consumption and the size of the diagnostic ultrasound imaging system such that the hardware build upon this ultrasound beamformer architecture can be placed in one or few application specific integrated chips (ASIC) positioned next to the ultrasound array and the whole diagnostic ultrasound imaging system could fit in the handle of the ultrasonic probe while preserving most of the functionality of a cart-based system. The ultrasound beamformer architecture manipulate analog samples in the memory in the same fashion as digital memory operates that can be described as an analog store—digital read (ASDR) beamformer. The ASDR architecture provides improved signal-to-noise ratio and is scalable. 1. An Analog Store Digital Read ultrasound beamforming method for an ultrasound imaging system comprising the steps of:Providing an ultrasonic array formed of individual ultrasonic array elements configured for transmission and receiving;Dividing the individual array elements into individual channels, wherein each channel comprises at least one array element;Creating a receiving input signal for each channel from inputs received from each array element of the channel;Sampling each receiving input signal for each channel at a sampling rate and storing the sampled data in a bank of sample-hold cells which are associated with that channel, wherein the bank of sample-hold cells form an analog random access memory for the sampled receiving input signal;Selecting at least one sample-hold cell data from at least one channel for each particular output time for each beamforming instance in accordance with a beamforming algorithm;Summing all of the selected sample-hold cell data from the associated ...

ULTRASONIC THROUGH-WALL SENSORS

Aspects of ultrasonic through-wall data communication are described. In some aspects, a sensor device is located in an isolated environment behind a wall. A modulator generates a modulated sensor signal based on the binary sensor signal and a carrier signal. A coaxially aligned pair of electroacoustic transducers that transmits the modulated sensor signal through the wall of the isolated environment. A demodulator demodulates the modulated sensor signal to generate a demodulated binary sensor signal. A sensor data recovery component converts the demodulated binary sensor signal into an image or another sensor parameter. 1. An ultrasonic through-wall imaging sensor system , the system comprising:an imaging sensor device within a contained environment, wherein the imaging sensor device captures an image of an object within the contained environment;an image conversion component within the contained environment, wherein the image conversion component converts the image to a binary image signal;a modulator within the contained environment, wherein the modulator generates a modulated image signal based on the binary image signal and a carrier signal;a pair of electroacoustic transducers that transmits the modulated image signal from an inside of the contained environment to an outside of the contained environment, wherein the pair of electroacoustic transducers are coaxially aligned on opposite sides of a wall that isolates the contained environment;a demodulator that demodulates the modulated image signal to generate a demodulated binary image signal; andan image recovery component that generates an image file comprising a reconstructed version of the image, the image file being generated based on the demodulated binary image signal.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the carrier signal comprises an ultrasonic frequency.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein converting the image to the binary image signal further comprises converting an image file of the image to a data file ...

Method and apparatus to enhance light illuminating intensity and diffusivity

Photoacoustic probes include reflective surfaces situated to redirect scattered or reflected optical radiation from a specimen surface back to the specimen. A reflective coating can reflect probe radiation while transmitting visible radiation so that a technician can view the specimen. One or more optical fibers and acoustic transducers can be secured to a lens or other substrate on which the reflective surface is defined. The light collector is configured to block scattered light so that an operator and a subject are not exposed to the scattered light.

Millimeter wave holographic three-dimensional imaging detection system and method

This invention provides millimeter wave holographic 3D imaging detection system, which comprises: a transmitting antenna configured to transmit a millimeter wave transmitting signal to an object to be detected; a receiving antenna configured to receive an echo signal from the object to be detected; a millimeter wave transceiving module configured to generate the millimeter wave transmitting signal transmitted to the object to be detected and receive and process the echo signal from the receiving antenna; a scanning device configured to support the millimeter wave transceiving module, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, and move the millimeter transceiving module, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna along a preset track, so as to scan the object to be detected with millimeter waves; a data gathering and processing module configured to gather and process the echo signal output from the millimeter wave transceiving module to generate a 3D image of the object to be detected; and an image display unit configured to display the 3D image generated by the data gathering and processing module. Besides, this invention also provides a method of millimeter wave holographic 3D imaging detection on an object to be detected using the above system thereof. The technical solution of this invention has the advantages of simple structure, high resolution, short imaging time, and larger field of view.

CHARACTERIZING INTERNAL STRUCTURES VIA ULTRASOUND

The present disclosure provides for characterizing internal structures via ultrasound by inducing an ultrasonic test wave in a component; developing a test signature based on measured propagation of the ultrasonic test wave through the component; characterizing an internal feature of the component based a comparison between the test signature and a baseline signature for the component; and providing an indication of the internal feature as characterized. In some aspects, the ultrasonic test wave is induced by a laser inducer and/or received by a laser interferometer. The test signature includes one or more of: frequency responses, amplitude responses, and times of flight. The test signature can be used to identify changes in a component over time, verify similarity between different components, monitor thermal processes, and verify an identify of a component. 1. A method , comprising:inducing an ultrasonic test wave in a component;developing a test signature based on measured propagation of the ultrasonic test wave through the component;characterizing an internal feature of the component based a comparison between the test signature and a baseline signature for the component; andproviding an indication of the internal feature as characterized.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test signature is developed based on a time of flight and an amplitude signal response of the ultrasonic test wave through the component.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test signature is developed based on a frequency response of the ultrasonic test wave through the component.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the internal feature characterized by the comparison includes at least one of a grain size claim 1 , grain orientation claim 1 , and a grain morphology of the component claim 1 , and wherein the baseline signature is established based on a database of test result signals corresponding to known grain patterns.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic test wave is ...

Systems and methods for swept-source optical coherence tomographic vibrography

Systems and methods are provided for performing OCT vibrography based on the synchronization of components of the OCT vibrography system. An A-scan trigger is employed to synchronize the operation of the scanning subsystem that scans the sample beam and an acoustic stimulus source that generates an acoustic stimulus for vibrographic measurements. The acoustic stimulus source is controlled such that when the scanning subsystem dwells on an imaging line selected for vibrography measurements, the acoustic stimulus is generated over a plurality of A-scans and the phase of the acoustic stimulus is locked to the A-scan trigger, such that the phase of the acoustic stimulus is incrementally modified with each A-scan. The accumulation of the acoustic phase is therefore synchronized to the A-scan trigger. The synchronization, providing synchronized acoustic phase evolution during each acoustic phase waveform cycle, permits the use of the OCT vibrography system for simultaneous anatomical and functional imaging.

DEFECT INSPECTION APPARATUS AND DEFECT INSPECTION METHOD

A defect inspection apparatus () is provided with and an excitation unit () for exciting elastic waves, an irradiation unit () for emitting laser light, a measurement unit () for measuring interference light, and a control unit (). The control unit is configured to acquire an image () representing a vibration state of an inspection target object () in a measurement area based on a measurement result of the measurement unit (), detect a discontinuous portion in a vibration state in the measurement area from the image representing the vibration state as a defect (), and identify a type of the defect based on at least one of a shape () of the detected defect and the vibration state of a defective portion. 1. A defect inspection apparatus comprising:an excitation unit configured to excite elastic waves in an inspection target object;an irradiation unit configured to emit laser light to a measurement area of the inspection target object in a state in which the elastic waves are excited by the excitation unit;a measurement unit configured to cause the laser light reflected at mutually different positions in the measurement area to interfere with each other to acquire interference light and measure the interference light; anda control unit, the control unit being configured toacquire an image representing a vibration state of the inspection target object in the measurement area based on a measurement result of the measurement unit,detect a discontinuous portion in the vibration state in the measurement area from the image representing the vibration state as a defect, andidentify a type of the defect based on at least one of a shape of the detected defect and the vibration state of a defective portionwherein the image representing the vibration state is a moving image in which a temporal change of a vibration displacement is displayed.2. The defect inspection apparatus as recited in claim 1 ,wherein the control unit is configured toextract an area where the vibration state ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MEASURE CONSTITUTIVE RELATIONS AND FIBER ORIENTATION OF SOFT TISSUES

The systems and methods provided herein relate to the performance of inverse reconstruction algorithms from ultrasound radiofrequency data and stress-strain data. These systems and methods can be applied to any soft tissue mechanical measurements, providing information about both mechanical properties and fiber orientation, and the relationships between them. 1. A method for obtaining constitutive mechanical relations and spatially-varying fiber orientation of an optically opaque sample , the method comprising:stretching the sample along a plurality of axes;obtaining 3D ultrasound images of the stretched sample along the plurality of axes to determine an amount of strain on the sample; anddetermining a fiber orientation of the sample based, at least in part, on the determined amount of strain on the sample while stretched along the plurality of axes.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the act of computing of the fiber orientation includes performing an inverse reconstruction algorithm using strain data obtained from the ultrasound images and stress data from a biaxial tester that stretches the sample.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acts of stretching the sample and obtaining ultrasound images comprises increasing an amount that the sample is stretched over a number of stretch cycles and subsequently imaging the sample.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the act of obtaining ultrasound images comprises imaging the sample at a peak stretch amount of the respective cycle.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound images comprise ultrasound speckle images.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the act of computing the fiber orientation comprises:generating a 3D strain data over a volume in the sample from the ultrasound speckle images;determining a stress data using a biaxial force measurement device while the sample is stretched along the plurality of axes; andcomputing the fiber orientation of the sample through non-linear curve fitting of the strain and ...

OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD

an object information acquiring apparatus comprises a light emission unit configured to emit light beams from a plurality of emission positions; a conversion unit configured to convert acoustic waves generated when an object is irradiated with the light beams emitted by the light emission unit into electric signals; a beam profile acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to beam profiles of the light beams emitted by the light emission unit, the beam profiles corresponding respectively to the plurality of emission positions; and a characteristic information acquisition unit configured to acquire characteristic information of the object on the basis of the information relating to the beam profiles corresponding to the plurality of emission positions and the electric signals. 1. An object information acquiring apparatus comprising:a light emission unit configured to emit light beams from a plurality of emission positions;a conversion unit configured to convert acoustic waves generated when an object is irradiated with the light beams emitted by the light emission unit into electric signals;a beam profile acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to beam profiles of the light beams emitted by the light emission unit, the beam profiles corresponding respectively to the plurality of emission positions; anda characteristic information acquisition unit configured to acquire characteristic information of the object on the basis of the information relating to the beam profiles corresponding to the plurality of emission positions and the electric signals.2. The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the characteristic information acquisition unit is configured to:acquire information relating to respective light fluence distributions of the light beams emitted from the plurality of emission positions in an interior of the object by using the information relating to the beam profiles corresponding to the ...

Snapshot photoacoustic photography using an ergodic relay

A photoacoustic imaging system is disclosed that includes an ergodic relay coupled optically to a light source configured to produce a light pulse and further coupled acoustically to a transducer. The ergodic relay is further configured to direct at least two PA signals to the transducer. Each of the at least two PA signals are produced at different positions within the field of view of the object to be imaged in response to illumination by a single light pulse. The transducer detects each of the at least two PA signals after each of at least two delays that correspond to the position at which each PA signal was produced.

APPARATUS FOR DETECTING DEFECT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEFECT USING THE SAME

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same for detecting a defect inside an inspection object without destructing the inspection object. 1. An apparatus for detecting a defect comprising:a first probe unit configured to transmit a signal into an inspection object and receive a signal generated inside the inspection object;a second probe unit separately installed from the first probe unit and configured to receive the signal generated inside the inspection object; anda position determining unit configured to detect a defect position inside the inspection object using the signal received by the first probe unit and the signal received by the second probe unit.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first probe unit and the second probe unit are movably installed along a surface of the inspection object.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the signal generated inside the inspection object comprises a diffraction signal that the signal transmitted from the first probe unit is diffracted by a defect.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the position determining unit determines the defect position inside the inspection object using an interval L between the first probe unit and the second probe unit claim 1 , a distance Sfrom the first probe unit to the defect claim 1 , and a distance Sbetween the second probe unit to the defect.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the distance Sfrom the first probe unit to the defect is calculated using a difference between transmission time of the signal transmitted from the first probe unit and a reception time of the signal received by the first probe unit claim 4 , and a travel speed of the signal inside the inspection object.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the distance Sfrom the second probe unit to the defect is calculated using a ...

System and method for evaluating a bond

A system for evaluating a bond includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are spaced apart from one another. The system also includes a sacrificial material layer positioned proximate to a surface of a bonded structure that includes the bond. The system also includes a power source configured to cause the first and second electrodes to generate an electrical arc that at least partially ablates the sacrificial material layer as part of a non-destructive inspection of the bond.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATION OF CAPACITIVE RADIO FREQUENCY MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCHES

Disclosed are systems and methods of operation for capacitive radio frequency micro-electromechanical switches, such as CMUT cells for use in an ultrasound system. An RFMEMS may include substrate, a first electrode connected to the substrate, a membrane and a second electrode connected to the membrane. In some examples, there is a dielectric stack between the first electrode and the second electrode and flexible membrane. The dielectric stack design minimizes drift in the membrane collapse voltage. In other examples, one of the electrodes is in the form of a ring, and a third electrode is provided to occupy the space in the center of the ring. Alternatively, the first and second electrodes are both in the form of a ring and there is a support between the electrodes inside the rings. 1. A capacitive radio frequency micro-electromechanical switch , RFMEMS , comprising:a substrate;a first electrode connected to the substrate;a flexible membrane, wherein the flexible membrane is at least partially spatially separated from the first electrode;a second electrode connected to the flexible membrane; and a first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer has a first density of electrically active defects; and', 'a second dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer has a second density of electrically active defects, lower than the first., 'a dielectric stack disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and flexible membrane, comprising2. (canceled)3. The capacitive RFMEMS as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second dielectric layers comprise silicon dioxide claim 1 , SiO2.4. The capacitive RFMEMS as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the first dielectric layer is constructed using atomic layer deposition claim 3 , ALD.5. The capacitive RFMEMS as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the second dielectric layer is constructed using chemical vapor deposition claim 3 , CVD.6. The capacitive RFMEMS as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the second ...

Determination assist system of ultrasonic testing, determination assist method of ultrasonic testing, determination assist program of ultrasonic testing, and computer-readable storage medium for storing determination assist program of ultrasonic testing

A determination assist system including a first image generating section for generating a first planar image based on data of a first test index; a second image generating section for generating a second planar image based on data of a second test index; a differentiation section which differentiates the first planar image and the second planar image to generate a first differential image and a second differential image, respectively; a binarization section which binarizes the first differential image to generate a first binary image including a first region which is not less than a first threshold and a second region, which is less than the first threshold, and binarizes the second differential image to generate a second binary image including a third region which is not less than a second threshold and a fourth region which is less than the second threshold; and a determination image generating section.

CONTROL METHOD, INSPECTION SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

According to one embodiment, a control method includes setting a transmission angle of an ultrasonic wave to a standard angle. The control method further includes transmitting an ultrasonic wave at the set transmission angle and detecting an intensity of a reflected wave from an object. The control method further includes calculating a tilt angle based on a gradient of the intensity. The tilt angle indicates a tilt of the object. The control method further includes resetting the transmission angle based on the tilt angle. 1. A control method , comprising:setting a transmission angle of an ultrasonic wave to a standard angle;transmitting an ultrasonic wave at the set transmission angle and detecting an intensity of a reflected wave from an object;calculating a tilt angle based on a gradient of the intensity, the tilt angle indicating a tilt of the object; andresetting the transmission angle based on the tilt angle.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting claim 1 , the detecting claim 1 , and the calculating are performed again after the resetting.3. The method according to claim 1 , whereina first loop of repeating the detecting, the calculating, and the resetting is performed after the resetting,the first loop includes determining whether or not the first loop has ended, andthe first loop is performed until the determining determines that the first loop has ended.4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the determining determines that the first loop has ended when a number of repetitions of the detecting or the calculating reaches a prescribed number of times or more.5. The method according to claim 3 , whereina difference between a second tilt angle and a first tilt angle is calculated when a plurality of the tilt angles is calculated by the first loop, the plurality of tilt angles including the first tilt angle and the second tilt angle, the second tilt angle being calculated after the first tilt angle, andthe determining determines that ...

ULTRASONIC IN-PROCESS MONITORING AND FEEDBACK OF RESISTANCE SPOT WELD QUALITY

A method and apparatus for ultrasonic in-process monitoring and feedback of resistance spot weld quality uses at least one transducer located in the electrode assembly transmitting through a weld tip into an underway weld. Analysis of the spectrum of ultrasonic waves provides the operator with an indication of the size, thickness, location, dynamics of formation and quality of the spot weld. The method presents a fundamentally new physical approach to the characterization of the spot weld quality. Together with transmission mode it includes new modes of operation of ultrasonic probes such as a reflection mode and simultaneous use of transmission and reflection modes, and a new physical interpretation of the signal analysis results. 1. An apparatus for monitoring welding in a resistance welder , the resistance welder including first and second electrodes operating on a weld subject , wherein the weld subject includes at least two metal sheets , the two metal sheets disposed between the first and second electrodes , the apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic probe disposed within the first electrode that generates a burst of acoustic energy that is directed to the weld subject, receives reflected acoustic energy reflected from the weld subject in response to the burst and generates an output signal in response to the reflected acoustic energy, the reflected acoustic energy including a phase inverted acoustic wave reflected from an interface between a liquid zone and a solid portion of the weld subject proximal to the ultrasonic probe; anda computer that receives the output signal, the computer determining a characteristic of the liquid zone that forms during welding based on determining that the output signal includes the phase inverted acoustic wave, the computer determining the characteristic based upon a change in slope of a curve of a time of flight value of the phase inverted acoustic wave, the computer determining a thickness of the liquid zone based upon a distance ...

LASER DEVICE AND PHOTOACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT APPARATUS

A Q switch is vibrated by applying a first voltage, and pulsed laser light is emitted by applying a second voltage to the Q switch at a point in time at which a preset delay time has passed from the start of emission of excitation light. Then, in this case, a time which is within a period, for which the vibration of the Q switch continues, and at which the intensity of the pulsed laser light periodically changing due to the vibration of the Q switch is maximized in a case where a point in time of application of the second voltage to the Q switch is changed is set as the delay time. 1. A laser device comprising:an excitation light source that emits excitation light;a laser medium that receives the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source and emits laser light;a resonator that includes a pair of mirrors with the laser medium interposed therebetween and that emits pulsed laser light by resonating the laser light between the pair of mirrors;a Q switch that is disposed in an optical path of the resonator to change a Q value of the resonator according to an applied voltage and that makes a Q value of the resonator in a case where a first voltage is applied lower than a Q value of the resonator in a case where a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied;a Q switch driving unit that drives the Q switch by applying the first voltage and the second voltage to the Q switch; anda controller that controls the excitation light source and the Q switch driving unit to emit the excitation light to the laser medium in a case where a voltage applied to the Q switch is the first voltage and change the voltage applied to the Q switch from the first voltage to the second voltage after the emission of the excitation light such that the pulsed laser light is emitted from the resonator,wherein the controller vibrates the Q switch by applying the first voltage, and applies the second voltage to the Q switch at a point in time at which a preset delay time has ...

METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE USING AN ULTRASONIC MATRIX SENSOR

A method for reconstructing a three-dimensional surface of a part using an ultrasonic matrix sensor including scanning the three-dimensional surface using a matrix sensor at different measurement points located at the intersection of scanning rows and of increment rows at each measurement point, acquiring a temporal row image representing a reflected wave amplitude received by each element from a selected row of the matrix sensor and acquiring a temporal column image representing a reflected wave amplitude received by each element from a selected column of the matrix sensor, constructing a two-dimensional row image for each scanning row on the basis of the temporal row images constructing a two-dimensional column image for each increment row on the basis of the temporal column images, and constructing a three-dimensional image on the basis of the two dimensional row images and of the two-dimensional column images. 1. A method for reconstructing a three-dimensional surface of a part using a matrix sensor comprising a plurality of elements arranged in rows and columns , each element being arranged to be able to emit an incident wave in the direction of the part and to generate a signal representing a reflected wave received by said element , the method comprising:scanning the three-dimensional surface with the matrix sensor, the matrix sensor being moved in a plurality of measurement points, each measurement point being defined by the intersection of a scanning line, among a set of scanning lines parallel to the rows of elements of the matrix sensor, and an increment line, among a set of increment lines parallel to the columns of elements of the matrix sensor, acquiring a temporal row image comprising emitting an incident wave by one or more elements of a selected row of the matrix sensor and generating, for each of the elements of the selected row, a temporal signal representing an amplitude over time of a reflected wave received by said element, the temporal row ...

ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC HEAD UNIT, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

An ultrasonic measuring apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer device having a substrate and an ultrasonic transducer element array that is arranged on the substrate, a first channel terminal group arranged at one edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in a first direction, a second channel terminal group arranged at the other edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in the first direction, a first flexible substrate provided on the one edge portion side and having arranged thereon a first wiring group that is connected to the first channel terminal group, a first integrated circuit apparatus that is mounted on the first flexible substrate and performs at least one of signal transmission to the first channel terminal group and signal reception from the first channel terminal group, a second flexible substrate provided on the other edge portion side and having arranged thereon a second wiring group that is connected to the second channel terminal group, and a second integrated circuit apparatus that is mounted on the first flexible substrate and performs at least one of signal transmission to the second channel terminal group and signal reception from the second channel terminal group. In the ultrasonic transducer element array, channels that are connected to the first channel terminal group and channels that are connected to the second channel terminal group are arranged alternately every channel in a second direction that intersects the first direction. 1. An ultrasonic measuring apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic transducer device having a substrate and an ultrasonic transducer element array that is arranged on the substrate;a first channel terminal group arranged at one edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in a first direction;a second channel terminal group arranged at the other edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in the first direction;a first flexible substrate provided on the one edge ...

ULTRASONIC PROBE AND SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS

An ultrasonic probe includes an oscillator including a pair of electrodes, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by an oscillation of the oscillator, and wherein a wiring for transmitting a transmission signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to one of the pair of electrodes, and a preamplifier configured to amplify a reception signal acquired from the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:an oscillator including a pair of electrodes,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by an oscillation of the oscillator, andwherein a wiring for transmitting a transmission signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to one of the pair of electrodes, and a preamplifier configured to amplify a reception signal obtained from the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring for transmitting the transmission signal and a wiring for transmitting the reception signal form a common wiring in which a wiring is partially shared between the transmission signal and the reception signal claim 1 , and a switch configured to switch a state capable of transmitting the transmission signal and a state capable of transmitting the reception signal is provided in this common wiring.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a piezoelectric element between the pair of electrodes claim 1 ,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive the ultrasonic wave using a piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element.4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a space between the pair of electrodes claim 1 ,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and ...

METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC POWER SCALABLE CHARGE-REDISTRIBUTION ULTRASONIC SYSTEM WITH ON-CHIP ABERRATION COMPENSATION FOR PORTABLE ULTRASONIC APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is generally directed to a method for driving an ultrasonic transducer. The method includes coupling a driving electrode and a ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer to a power supply and a ground, respectively, during a first time period based on a received drive signal. The method further includes decoupling the driving electrode and the ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer from the power supply and the ground, respectively, to float the driving electrode and the ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer during a second time period based on the received drive signal to store a charge between the driving electrode to the ground electrode. 1. A method for driving an ultrasonic transducer comprising:coupling a driving electrode and a ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer to a power supply and a ground, respectively, during a first time period based on a received drive signal; anddecoupling the driving electrode and the ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer from the power supply and the ground, respectively, to float the driving electrode and the ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer during a second time period based on the received drive signal to store a charge between the driving electrode to the ground electrode.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising shorting the driving electrode and the ground electrode of the ultrasonic transducer subsequent to floating the driving and ground electrode.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first time period is a driving phase and wherein the driving phase includes electrically coupling the driving electrode to the power supply via a first switch and the ground electrode to the ground via a second switch.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the power supply outputs a first voltage V.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the second time period is a redistribution phase and wherein the redistribution phase includes electrically decoupling the ultrasonic ...

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An image processing apparatus that processes medical image data derived from a photoacoustic wave generated by irradiating a subject with light and includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory connected to each other, includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire information representing a position of a blood vessel in the medical image data, a second acquisition unit configured to determine a change point of an image value of the medical image data in a running direction of the blood vessel based on the medical image data and the information representing the position of the blood vessel to acquire information representing a position corresponding to the change point, and a third acquisition unit configured to acquire information representing a position of an target region based on the information representing the position corresponding to the change point. 1. An image processing apparatus that processes medical image data derived from a photoacoustic wave generated by irradiating a subject with light and includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory connected to each other , the image processing apparatus comprising:a first acquisition unit configured to acquire information representing a position of a blood vessel in the medical image data;a second acquisition unit configured to determine a change point of an image value of the medical image data in a running direction of the blood vessel based on the medical image data and the information representing the position of the blood vessel to acquire information representing a position corresponding to the change point; anda third acquisition unit configured to acquire information representing a position of a target region based on the information representing the position corresponding to the change point.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit determines claim 1 , as the change point claim 1 , a point at which an amount of change of the ...

ULTRASONIC SENSOR AS WELL AS PROBE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

An ultrasonic sensor includes a vibration plate, a first electrode, a piezoelectric body, and a second electrode. The first electrode is laminated on the vibration plate, that has a length along a surface of the vibration plate in a first direction, and that has a width Wbe along the surface of the vibration plate in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The width Wbe is not more than the length. The piezoelectric body is laminated on the first electrode and has a width Wpz in the second direction. The second electrode is laminated on the piezoelectric body. A ratio Wbe/Wpz between the width Wbe of the first electrode and the width Wpz of the piezoelectric body is not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.8. 1. An ultrasonic sensor , comprising:a vibration plate;a first electrode laminated on the vibration plate, the first electrode having a length along a surface of the vibration plate in a first direction and a width Wbe along the surface of the vibration plate in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, the width Wbe being not more than the length;a piezoelectric body that is laminated on the first electrode and that has a width Wpz in the second direction; anda second electrode laminated on the piezoelectric body,a ratio Wbe/Wpz between the width Wbe of the first electrode and the width Wpz of the piezoelectric body being not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.8.2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein the ratio Wbe/Wpz is not more than 0.5.3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein in a plan view that is orthogonal to the surface of the vibration plate, a distance from an outline of the piezoelectric body to an outline of the vibration plate in the second direction is not less than 0.02 times and not more than 0.3 times a width of the vibration plate.4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein in the first direction, the second electrode has a smaller width than the piezoelectric body. ...

DATA PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECONSTRUCTING ULTRASONIC IMAGE

A method and an apparatus for processing data for an ultrasound image reconstruction are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method and an apparatus for processing data for reconstructing an ultrasound image are provided, which are capable of storing first frame data generated by a focused ultrasound in a realtime display mode and a parameter for the first frame data, and when a specific event is detected as occurring, and additionally storing second frame data generated by an unfocused ultrasound and a parameter for the second frame data, thus expanding the scope of application of the data for an image reconstruction and acquiring various formats of improved ultrasound images. 1. A method for acquiring and processing data for an ultrasound image reconstruction in an ultrasound imaging apparatus , the method comprising:acquiring first ultrasound data generated by a focused ultrasound in a realtime display mode;displaying an ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data; andstoring, together with the first ultrasound data, second ultrasound data generated by an unfocused ultrasound selectively transmitted to a subject during an operation in the realtime display mode.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acquiring of the first ultrasound data comprises:transmitting the focused ultrasound to the subject and receiving one or more first reflection signals reflected at the subject, andgenerating first frame data based on the first reflection signals and acquiring the first ultrasound data including the first frame data and a first parameter for the first frame data.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the storing of the second ultrasound data comprises:transmitting the unfocused ultrasound to the subject selectively during the operation in the realtime display mode,receiving one or more second reflection signals corresponding to the unfocused ultrasound from the subject, andgenerating second frame data based on the second reflection signals and storing, together with ...

PROBE HOLDER PROVIDING CONSTANT LIFT-OFF FOR IN-LINE BAR-PIPE TESTING

Disclosed is a probe holder for in-line inspection of the surface of bars of high value alloys. To attain full coverage of the inspected surface, the bar is rotated while either the bar or the probe holder is translated. The probe holder of the invention ensures constant probe lift-off by allowing the probe to move freely under its own weight, while constraining the motion to be only in the radial direction of the bar. The lift-off distance is defined by a spacer which is made of soft material to avoid damaging the inspected surface. Although the spacer is soft, its wear due to friction with the rotating bar is minimized by minimizing the pressure between the spacer and the bar. This is achieved by resting most of the mechanism weight on two rollers, with only the much smaller weight of the probe resting on the spacer. 1. A probe assembly configured for conducting an operation of non-destructive testing and/or inspection (NDT/NDI) circumferentially around and on top of a testing surface of a cylindrical test object having an axial direction and a radial direction , the probe assembly comprising ,a probe having a sensor area configured to glide over the testing surface, and with the sensor area being in close proximity to the testing surface at a contacting area during the operation,a probe holder assembly configured to hold the probe gliding over the testing surface causing the probe to be in a relative motion circumferentially around the testing object, wherein the probe holder assembly further comprises,at least one roller configured to roll on the testing surface in unison with the relative motion,a frame attached to the roller in a rigid manner during the operation,at least one mechanical link member attached to the frame and the probe in a manner allowing the probe to be carried by the probe holder assembly and to move in the radial direction substantially freely without transferring the weight of the frame to the probe.2. The probe assembly of claim 1 , ...

SHEAR WAVE SENSORS FOR ACOUSTIC EMISSION AND HYBRID GUIDED WAVE TESTING

A system includes at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer. The at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer is configured to be disposed on a structure and to detect at least one shear horizontal-type acoustic emission from damage to the structure. The controller includes a machine-readable storage medium and a processor in signal communication with the machine-readable storage medium. The processor is configured to store acoustic emission signal data in the machine-readable storage medium when a signal amplitude detected by the at least one circumferentially-polarized d15 shear ring transducer crosses a first threshold. 1. A system , comprising:{'sub': '15', 'at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer configured to be disposed on a structure and to detect at least one shear horizontal-type acoustic emission from damage to the structure; and'}{'sub': '15', 'claim-text': a machine-readable storage medium, and', {'sub': '15', 'a processor in signal communication with the machine-readable storage medium, wherein the processor is configured to store acoustic emission signal data in the machine-readable storage medium when a signal amplitude detected by the at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer crosses a first threshold.'}], 'a controller electrically coupled to the at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer, the controller including'}2. The system of claim 1 , wherein{'sub': 15', '15, 'the at least one circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducer includes a plurality of circumferentially-polarized dshear ring transducers, and'}the processor is configured to calculate a location of a source of the at least one shear horizontal-type acoustic emission in said structure by means of a source location algorithm using a shear wave velocity in said ...

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TESTING A TEST OBJECT

The invention comprises a device () for testing a test object (), comprising an excitation system () for generating broadband ultrasound pulses (′) in the test object, a detection system () for detecting ultrasound waves (), which are generated through the broadband ultrasound pulses (′) in the test object () and emitted by the test object (). The device () comprises a processing unit () for processing the detected ultrasound waves (), while the excitation system () being one of a thermoacoustic emitter or a pulsed laser and the detection system () is a broadband detection system. The excitation system () comprises a modulator () for modulating the broadband ultrasound pulses (′). Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for testing a test object. 1101002002503004004014024034044013113213243313413201202203204202112122132142112112212312412401402403404404014024034044030130330430211212213214211311321324331341320120220320420131132132433134131111112112212312412. Device (; ; ; ; ; ) for testing a test object (; ; ; ; ) , comprising an excitation system (; ; ; ; ; ) for generating broadband ultrasound pulses in the test object , a detection system (; ; ; ; ) for detecting ultrasound waves (; ; ; ; ) which are generated through the broadband ultrasound pulses (′; ′; ′; ′; ′) in the test object (; ; ; ; ) and emitted by the test object (; ; ; ; ) , a processing unit (; ; ; ) for processing the detected ultrasound waves (; ; ; ; ) , the excitation system (; ; ; ; ; ) being one of a thermoacoustic emitter or a pulsed laser , the detection system (; ; ; ; ) is a broadband detection system and the excitation system (; ; ; ; ; ) comprises a modulator (; ) for modulating the broadband ultrasound pulses (′; ′; ′; ′; ′).21010020025030040030130330430211212213214211211221231241230130330430131132132433134132012022032042012112212312412. Device (; ; ; ; ; ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing unit (; ; ; ) is able to execute a correlation between a reference ...

DEFECT INSPECTION APPARATUS AND DEFECT INSPECTION METHOD

This defect inspection apparatus () is provided with: an excitation unit (), a laser illumination unit (), an interference unit () for causing laser light to interfere; an imaging unit () for imaging the interfered reflected light; and a control unit (). The control unit () is configured to measure a spatial distribution of periodically varying physical properties caused by propagation of vibration of an inspection target, based on the interfered reflected light imaged by an imaging unit and extract a vibration discontinuous portion based on the spatial distribution of the physical quantities. The control unit is configured to perform control of displaying the extracted vibration discontinuous portion so as to be emphasized and superimposed on a still image of the inspection target captured by the imaging unit. 1. A defect inspection apparatus comprising:an excitation unit configured to excite acoustic wave vibration in an inspection target;a laser illumination unit configured to irradiate the inspection target with laser light;an interference unit configured to cause reflected light of the laser light arriving from mutually different positions of the inspection target excited by the excitation unit to interfere;an imaging unit configured to image the interfered reflected light; anda control unit configured to measure, based on the interfered reflected light imaged by the imaging unit, a periodically varying spatial distribution of physical quantities caused by propagation of vibration of the inspection target and extract, based on the spatial distribution of the physical quantities, a vibration discontinuous portion,wherein the control unit is configured to perform control of displaying the extracted vibration discontinuous portion so as to be emphasized and superimposed on a still image of the inspection target captured by the imaging unit, andwherein the control unit is configured to perform control of displaying the physical quantities periodically varying at ...

Method for Parameter Determination and Apparatus Thereof

A method and apparatus to measure overlay from images of metrology targets, images obtained using acoustic waves, for example images obtained using an acoustic microscope. The images of two targets are obtained, one image using acoustic waves and one image using optical waves, the edges of the images are determined and overlay between the two targets is obtained as the difference between the edges of the two images. 1. A metrology apparatus comprising a source for generating acoustic waves.2. A method comprising measuring a parameter of a patterning process using acoustic waves.3. A method according to whereina first image of a first target is obtained using acoustic wavesa second image of a second target is obtained using optical wavesa characteristic of the first image and of the second image is determined anda parameter of the patterning process is determined as a difference between the characteristic of the first image and the characteristic of the second image.4. A method according to wherein the characteristic is the edge of the image. This application incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. provisional application 62/536,675, filed Jul. 25, 2018.The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for inspection (e.g., metrology) usable, for example, in the manufacture of devices by lithographic techniques and to methods of manufacturing devices using lithographic techniques.A lithographic apparatus is a machine constructed to apply a desired pattern onto a substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). A lithographic apparatus may, for example, project a pattern (also often referred to as “design layout” or “design”) at a patterning device (e.g., a mask) onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist) provided on a substrate (e.g., a wafer).To project a pattern on a substrate a lithographic apparatus may use electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength of this radiation determines ...

OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS

An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a receiver receiving an acoustic wave propagating inside an object and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a scanning unit configured to causing the receiver to scan the object; a control unit configured to controlling operation of the scanning unit; a detection unit configured to detecting a status of the acoustic wave reception; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information on the inside of the object on the basis of the electric signal, wherein the control unit decides whether or not the operation of the scanning unit is changed, on the basis of a result of detection by the detection unit. 1. A photoacoustic apparatus comprising:a receiver that receives an acoustic wave from an object and converts the acoustic wave into an electric signal;a controller that controls an acoustic wave reception operation using the receiver;a detector that detects an error; anda processor that acquires characteristic information on the inside of the object on the basis of the electric signal,wherein the controller determines whether or not to change the acoustic wave reception operation on the basis of detection of an error by the detector.2. The photoacoustic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in a case in which the detector detects an error that influences the acoustic wave reception claim 1 , the controller determines whether or not to continue the acoustic wave reception operation depending on a content of the error.3. The photoacoustic apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:a scanner that moves the receiver relative to the object,wherein, in a case in which the controller determines to continue the acoustic wave reception operation, the controller determines a position to which the receiver is moved from a position where the acoustic wave is received when the error occurred.4. The photoacoustic apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the controller resumes the ...

Systems, devices, and methods for generating a digital model of a structure

Methods and systems for generating a digital model of a structure indicate one or more characteristics of the structure in the model of the structure.

Acoustic Micro Imaging Device with a Scan While Loading Feature

A scanning acoustic microscope comprises a structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, a transducer disposed in the scanning portion and operable to develop ultrasonic energy, and a controller. A driver is responsive to the controller and is capable of moving the transducer along a scan path with respect to a first plurality of parts disposed in the scanning portion as a second plurality of parts are being loaded into the loading portion. 1a transducer;a memory;a processor;a driver responsive to the memory and the processor that is adapted to move the transducer in a predetermined path with respect to a tray of parts disposed in a scanning area; anda safety enclosure movable from an open position permitting access to the scanning area to a closed position at least partially enclosing the scanning area;wherein the safety enclosure is adapted when in the closed position to prevent interference with the transducer as the driver rapidly moves the transducer in the predetermined path thereby to minimize a possibility of user injury and allow a tray of parts to be loaded while another is being scanned.. A scanning acoustic microscope, comprising: The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/304,125, filed Nov. 23, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/416,610, filed Nov. 23, 2010. The entire contents of both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.Not applicableNot applicable1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a micro imaging device for inspecting a part with a scan while loading feature.2. Description of the Background of the InventionU.S. Pat. No. 7,584,664 is entitled “acoustic micro imaging device having at least one balanced linear motor assembly.” U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,780 is entitled “frequency domain processing of scanning acoustic imaging signals.” U.S. Pat. No. 7,395,713 is entitled “tray-fed scanning microscope ...

SPECIALLY DESIGNED PHASED ARRAY TRANSDUCER FOR THE INSPECTION OF FASTENER HOLES AND ADJACENT STRUCTURE WITHOUT THE REMOVAL OF THE FASTENER

A phased array transducer for inspecting a fastener hole and adjacent structure to identify defects and determine hole integrity without removing the fastener from the hole. The phased array transducer includes a plurality of transducer elements, where one of the transducer elements is used to align the transducer to the hole, one group of the remaining transducer elements inspects the entire thickness of the structure at one side of the fastener and another group of the remaining transducer elements inspects the entire thickness of the structure at an opposite side of the fastener. 1. A phased array transducer for inspecting a fastener hole and adjacent structure without removing a fastener from the hole , said transducer comprising:a body including a upper body portion and a lower body portion; anda plurality of transducer elements positioned in the body, wherein at least one of the transducer elements is a centering transducer element that locates the center of the hole or fastener, said plurality of transducer elements also including two groups of inspection transducer elements, where a first group of the inspection transducer elements inspects one side of the hole and a second group of the inspection transducer elements inspects an opposite side of the hole.2. The transducer according to wherein the body includes a semi-circular cut-out section configured to accept a portion of the fastener.3. The transducer according to wherein the lower body portion is made of a clear or translucent plastic.4. The transducer according to wherein the body is rectangular.5. The transducer according to wherein the plurality of inspection transducer elements is thirty-two transducer elements claim 1 , where the first group of inspection transducer elements is sixteen elements and the second group of inspection transducer elements is sixteen elements.6. The transducer according to further comprising a magnet positioned in the lower body portion.7. The transducer according to ...

Systems for quality monitoring of additive manufacturing

A system for quality monitoring of additive manufacturing includes an acoustic emission (AE) sensor configured to be attached to an additive manufacturing substrate and to output a sensor signal indicative of acoustic vibrations received at the AE sensor and an AE module. The AE module is configured to receive the sensor signal from the AE sensor and process the sensor signal to determine at least one characteristic of an additive manufacturing process and/or an additively manufactured article.

OBJECT INFORMATION OBTAINING APPARATUS, DISPLAY APPARATUS, AND DISPLAY METHOD

An object information obtaining apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with measurement light, a probe configured to receive an acoustic wave propagating from the object, a driving unit configured to move the irradiation unit so that a relative position of the irradiation unit with respect to the object is changed, an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of the object and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control a display unit in such a manner that an irradiation position of the measurement light is displayed on the image captured by the image capturing unit. 1. An object information obtaining apparatus configured to obtain information about an interior of an object based on an acoustic wave , the object information obtaining apparatus comprising:an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with measurement light;a probe configured to receive the acoustic wave propagating from the object;a driving unit configured to move the irradiation unit so that a relative position of the irradiation unit with respect to the object is changed;an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of the object; anda control unit,wherein the control unit is configured to control a display unit in such a manner that an irradiation position of the measurement light is displayed on the image captured by the image capturing unit.2. The object information obtaining apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an irradiation position estimation unit configured to estimate the irradiation position of the measurement light claim 1 ,wherein the control unit is further configured to control the display unit to display the estimated irradiation position of the measurement light on the image as the irradiation position.3. The object information obtaining apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the irradiation position estimation unit is configured to calculate the irradiation position of the measurement ...

Object information acquiring apparatus, laser apparatus, and medical apparatus

An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes a laser medium that oscillates laser light, an excitation source that excites the laser medium, a voltage accumulator that applies a voltage to the excitation source, a voltage supplier that supplies a voltage to the voltage accumulator, a voltage controller that limits a maximum supplied voltage from the voltage supplier, a receiver that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by an object irradiated with the laser light, and a constructor that acquires characteristic information relating to the object in use of the photoacoustic wave, wherein the voltage controller compares a measured voltage value obtained by implementing division of a supplied voltage from the voltage supplier with a reference voltage value defining the maximum supplied voltage.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINATION OF GEOMETRIC FEATURES IN OBJECTS

A method and system for determination of geometric features in an object is provided. The method includes receiving at least one geometric feature response to an ultrasound beam incident on the object. The incident ultrasound beam is produced from one of a plurality of ultrasound transducers. Further, a volumetric representation of the object is generated based on a plurality of object parameters. The volumetric representation of the object and a plurality of transducer parameters are used to generate a predicted beam traversal path in the object. The predicted beam traversal path is utilized to generate a temporal map of predicted time of flight geometric feature response to the ultrasound beam. A position on the volumetric representation of the object is determined as the location of the geometric feature, when the received geometric feature response is equivalent to the predicted time of flight geometric feature response corresponding to the position. 1. A method for determining location of at least one geometric feature in an object , the method comprising:receiving at least one geometric feature response to an ultrasound beam incident on the object, wherein the ultrasound beam is produced from one of a plurality of ultrasound transducers;generating a volumetric representation of the object based on a plurality of object parameters;generating a temporal map of a predicted time of flight geometric feature response to the ultrasound beam based on a predicted ultrasound beam traversal path in the object and originating from the ultrasound transducer, wherein the predicted ultrasound beam traversal path is generated based on the volumetric representation of the object, and a plurality of transducer parameters; anddetermining a position on the volumetric representation of the object as the location of the geometric feature, when the received geometric feature response is equivalent to the predicted time of flight geometric feature response corresponding to the ...

METHOD FOR THE GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION AND DATA PRESENTATION OF WELD INSPECTION RESULTS

A system and method directed to displaying images and presenting the data from the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) inspection of a plurality of welded joints within a welded object. The system includes an engine comprising memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), an export module, a transformation module, and a merger module each operably coupled to one another. The export module is used to extract images and data from the PAUT inspection of the welded joints. The exported information is used by the transformation module to create a multi-dimensional representation of the PAUT inspected welded joint for each joint. The merger module combines the information from the export module and the transformation module into an evaluation report for each PAUT inspected welded joint and assembles the evaluation report into a master report for analysis. The system may be communicatively coupled over a network using a network interface. 118-. (canceled)19. A system for graphically representing and presenting inspection results of a plurality of welded joints within a welded object , the system comprising:at least one processor; and obtain a plurality of ultrasound images and PAUT inspection data from a PAUT inspection of at least one of the plurality of welded joints within the welded object;', 'group the plurality of ultrasound images and the PAUT inspection data from the PAUT inspection by a predetermined characteristic; and', 'create a multi-dimensional representation of a PAUT inspected welded joint for at least one welded joint within the plurality of welded joints by selecting one of the plurality of grouped ultrasound images and superimposing it onto a multi-dimensional representative image of the welded joint., 'a memory coupled to the processor having instructions stored therein, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions, including functions to20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the processor functions to determine whether a ...

Fast pattern recognition using ultrasound

Systems and methods for ultrasonic testing are provided. An ultrasonic probe including a phased transducer array can transmit a plurality of ultrasonic beams (e.g., plane waves) oriented at different directions simultaneously into a target. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers transmitting the ultrasonic waves can also receive ultrasonic echoes resulting from reflection of the plurality of plane waves from the target. Each ultrasonic transducer can measure a single A-scan characterizing the ultrasonic echoes received at that ultrasonic transducer. Based upon A-scans received from the plurality of transducers, a controller can generate an image representing the target and output the image for display by a display device substantially concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic waves, allowing for real-time display.

OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS, OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION METHOD AND PROGRAM

An object information acquisition apparatus includes: a plurality of acoustic wave detecting elements configured to detect an photoacoustic wave generated when an object is irradiated with light and output time-series detection signals; a member disposed outside the object; and a signal processing unit configured to acquire optical property information inside the object by performing image reconstruction through iterative reconstruction method in accordance with the time-series detection signals and an operand for which a response of the photoacoustic wave deriving from the member has been considered. 1. An object information acquisition apparatus , comprising:a plurality of acoustic wave detecting elements configured to detect an photoacoustic wave generated when an object is irradiated with light and output time-series detection signals;a member disposed outside the object; anda signal processing unit configured to acquire optical property information inside the object by performing image reconstruction through iterative reconstruction method in accordance with the time-series detection signals and an operand which represents reflection of the photoacoustic wave deriving from the member.2. The object information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processing unit is configured to acquire the optical property information inside the object by performing image reconstruction through iterative reconstruction method in accordance with the time-series detection signals the operand which represents multiple reflection of the photoacoustic wave within the member.3. The object information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the member is disposed between the object and the plurality of acoustic wave detecting elements.4. The object information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the operand is an operand which is determined in accordance with the positions of the plurality of acoustic wave detecting elements ...

Ultrasonic signal processing device and ultrasonic signal processing method

An ultrasonic signal processing method includes: measuring a sound velocity in a subject according to transmission/reception data acquired in ultrasonic transmission of M times (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and less than N) along different transmission focus lines among ultrasonic transmission of N times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) along multiple transmission focus lines in a case where ultrasonic transmission is sequentially performed at least one time on each of multiple transmission focus lines to create an ultrasonic image for one frame.

SECURITY SCANNING DEVICE

A method for scanning an individual with a security device includes providing a scanner, engaging the scanner in a first scanning mode to produce an initial scan of the individual with a controller, producing an initial representation based on the initial scan, determining a property of a second scanning mode based on information from the initial representation, and engaging the scanner in the second scanning mode to produce a second scan of the individual. 135- (canceled)36. A security scanner , comprising:a scanner configured to transmit a scanning beam toward a person and receive a return of the scanning beam from the person; and receive a characteristic of the person to be scanned;', 'determine an allowable dosage based on the received characteristic;', 'adjust a parameter of the scanning beam based on the allowable dosage;', 'cause the parameter to be used in the scanning of the target;', 'detect an indicia of a contraband carried by the person in response to the beam returned from the person; and', 'output a signal indicative of the detected contraband., 'a processing circuit configured to37. The security scanner of claim 36 , further comprising:an operator indicator responsive to the output signal indicative of the detected contraband.38. The security scanner of claim 37 , wherein the operator indicator includes an audible alarm.39. The security scanner of claim 37 , wherein the operator indicator includes a visual display.40. The security scanner of claim 39 , wherein the visual display illustrates a mannequin representative of the person and a shape indicative of the detected contraband.41. The security scanner of claim 36 , wherein the detect an indicia includes detect an indicia of a contraband carried by the person and a location where the contraband is carried on the person in response to return of the scanning beam from the person.42. The security scanner of claim 41 , wherein the output a signal includes an output signal indicative of the detected ...

Acoustic diodes and methods of using same

Acoustic diodes, devices incorporating such diodes; and methods of using such devices are disclosed. An acoustic diode may include a periodic acoustic grating and a uniform plate. The periodic acoustic grating may include a plurality of .gratings. The uniform plate may foe separated from-the periodic acoustic-grating by a resonant cavity. The acoustic diode may be configured to have a first transmission, efficiency for acoustic waves incident on the periodic acoustic grating that is greater than a second transmission efficiency for acoustic waves incident on the uniform plate. The acoustic waves may have a. wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Devices incorporating the acoustic diode may include medical imaging devices, such as ultrasound devices, and noise reduction devices.

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DRIVING CIRCUIT AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS

An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit configured to supply an output current and/or an output voltage to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit includes a first current discharge circuit configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage, and a second current discharge circuit configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage. The first current discharge circuit and the second current discharge circuit are controlled based on the output current and/or the output voltage. 1. An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit comprising:a voltage output type circuit configured to control an output voltage and to supply an electrical current to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer; anda first current discharge circuit and a second current discharge circuit each connected to the output line, wherein:said first current discharge circuit is configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage;said second current discharge circuit is configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage; andsaid first current discharge circuit and said second current discharge circuit are controlled by a voltage difference between the output line and an output of said voltage output type circuit.2. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said first current discharge circuit and said second current discharge circuit each comprises a current ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DRIVING CIRCUIT AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS

An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit configured to supply an output current and/or an output voltage to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer driving circuit includes a first current discharge circuit configured to allow a current arising from electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from the output line to ground when the output line is at a positive voltage, and a second current discharge circuit configured to allow the current arising from the electric charges accumulated in the ultrasonic transducer to flow from ground to the output line when the output line is at a negative voltage. The first current discharge circuit and the second current discharge circuit are controlled based on the output current and/or the output voltage. 1. An ultrasonic transducer driving circuit comprising:a voltage output type circuit configured to control an output voltage and to supply an electrical current to an output line for driving an ultrasonic transducer; anda buffer amplifier along an output line of said voltage output type circuit, the buffer amplifier configured to receive an output voltage of said voltage output type circuit, said buffer amplifier comprising:a first push-pull circuit of comprising a first transistor and a second transistor connected to an output line of the buffer amplifier; anda second push-pull circuit comprising a third transistor and a fourth transistor connected between the output line of said buffer amplifier and a ground, wherein each transistor of said first push-pull circuit and said second push-pull circuit is configured to receive a voltage having a predetermined voltage difference relative to the output voltage of said voltage output type circuit;wherein the predetermined voltage difference is larger for said fourth transistor than for said second transistor, such that said fourth transistor has an ON state based on the output voltage of said voltage output type ...

Scatterometer and Method of Scatterometry Using Acoustic Radiation

An acoustic scatterometer has an acoustic source operable to project acoustic radiation onto a periodic structure and formed on a substrate. An acoustic detector is operable to detect the −1st acoustic diffraction order diffracted by the periodic structure and while discriminating from specular reflection (0th order). Another acoustic detector is operable to detect the +1st acoustic diffraction order diffracted by the periodic structure, again while discriminating from the specular reflection (0th order). The acoustic source and acoustic detector may be piezo transducers. The angle of incidence of the projected acoustic radiation and location of the detectors and are arranged with respect to the periodic structure and such that the detection of the −1st and +1st acoustic diffraction orders and discriminates from the 0th order specular reflection. 1. A scatterometer comprising:an acoustic source configured to project acoustic radiation at an angle of incidence onto a target formed on a substrate to produce first and second acoustic diffraction orders;a first acoustic detector configured to detect the first acoustic diffraction order while discriminating from spectral reflection and to produce a first detection signal; anda second acoustic detector configured to detect the second acoustic diffraction order while discriminating from spectral reflection and to produce a second detection signal,wherein the scatterometer is configured to determine a property of the substrate based on the first and second detection signals, and a first periodic structure;', 'a second periodic structure overlaying the first periodic structure; and', 'a layer disposed between the first and second periodic structures., 'wherein the target comprises2. The scatterometer of claim 1 , wherein the layer transmits acoustic radiation but is opaque to optical radiation.3. The scatterometer of claim 1 , wherein the angle of incidence of the projected acoustic radiation and location of the first and ...

OPTICAL DEVICE AND PHOTOACOUSTIC MICROSCOPE

An optical device includes a first axicon lens to which collimated light is incident and which is configured to form diverging ring-shaped light; a lens to which the ring-shaped light formed by the first axicon lens is incident and which is configured to form ring-shaped collimated light; and a condensing mirror that is configured to condense the ring-shaped collimated light formed by the lens. A photoacoustic microscope includes the optical device described above and a detector that is configured to detect an acoustic wave caused by light condensed by the condensing mirror. 1. An optical device comprising:a first axicon lens to which collimated light is incident and which is configured to form diverging ring-shaped light;a lens to which the ring-shaped light formed by the first axicon lens is incident and which is configured to form ring-shaped collimated light; anda ring-shaped condensing mirror that is configured to condense the ring-shaped collimated light formed by the lens.2. The optical device according to claim 1 , further comprising:a reflective collimator that collimates divergent light incident thereto, by reflecting the divergent light, whereinthe light collimated by the reflective collimator becomes incident to the first axicon lens.3. The optical device according to claim 1 , whereinthe first axicon lens and the lens are optically symmetric.4. The optical device according to claim 1 , whereinthe lens is a second axicon lens with an apex angle that is substantially the same as an apex angle of the first axicon lens.5. The optical device according to claim 4 , whereinthe lens is provided such that a conical surface of the lens faces a conical surface of the first axicon lens.6. The optical device according to claim 1 , whereinthe lens is a convex lens in which a surface to which at least the ring-shaped light is incident has a convex curved surface approximating a conical surface of the first axicon lens.7. The optical device according to claim 6 , ...

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION DEVICE

An ultrasonic wave inspection device includes: a transmitter that outputs ultrasonic waves toward an inspection object; a receiver that receives at least first ultrasonic waves passed through the inspection object, among the ultrasonic waves output from the transmitter; a member that regulates a second propagation path, the second propagation path being a portion of propagation paths through which the output ultrasonic waves reach the receiver, and the second propagation path being different from a first propagation path through which the first ultrasonic waves reach the receiver; and a signal controller that extracts ultrasonic waves of a predetermined time segment from at least the first ultrasonic waves, the predetermined time segment starting from a time when the first ultrasonic waves is received. 1. An ultrasonic wave inspection device comprising:a transmitter that outputs ultrasonic waves toward an inspection object;a receiver that receives at least first ultrasonic waves passed through the inspection object, among the ultrasonic waves output from the transmitter;a member that regulates a second propagation path, the second propagation path being a portion of propagation paths through which the output ultrasonic waves reach the receiver, and the second propagation path being different from a first propagation path through which the first ultrasonic waves reach the receiver; anda signal controller that extracts ultrasonic waves of a predetermined time segment from at least the first ultrasonic waves, the predetermined time segment starting from a time when the first ultrasonic waves is received.2. The ultrasonic wave inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal controller determines presence or absence of a defect in a peripheral portion of the inspection object using the extracted ultrasonic waves.3. The ultrasonic wave inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the member is overlapped with at least an end portion of a peripheral portion ...

METHOD FOR THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF THE VOLUME OF A TEST OBJECT AND TESTING DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHOD

A method for the non-destructive testing of the volume of a test object, during the course of which a volume raw image of the test object is recorded by a suitable non-destructive imaging testing method. Then, those regions of the volume raw image are identified that are not to be attributed to the test object material. It is checked whether an identified region is completely embedded in regions that are to be associated with the test object material. If necessary, such a region is assimilated to those regions that are to be associated with the test object material, forming a filled volume raw image. Finally, a difference is generated between the volume raw image and the filled volume raw image, forming a first flaw image. 1. A method for the non-destructive testing of the volume of a test object , the method comprising:recording a volume raw image of the test object by a non-destructive imaging testing method;identifying the regions of the volume raw image that are not to be attributed to the test object material;checking an identified region as to whether it is completely embedded in regions that are to be associated with the test object material, and, if necessary, assimilating the identified region to the regions that are to be associated with the test object material, forming a filled volume raw image; andgenerating the difference between the volume raw image and the filled volume raw image, forming a first flaw image.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:applying a filter algorithm to the volume raw image for amplifying possible flaw indicators, forming a filtered volume raw image; andlimit value generation of the filtered volume raw image, forming a second flaw image.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the first flaw image and the second flaw image are merged into a combined flaw image.4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein claim 3 , in the combined flaw image claim 3 , the regions that are not associated with the test object ...

Method and device for detecting defects within a test object

A device and a method for detecting at least one defect in a test object ( 2 ). At least one test head ( 1 ) radiates an ultrasonic signal at different measuring points (MP) into the test object ( 2 ) with each point at an insonation or radiation angle (α) in order to ascertain multiple measurement data sets (MDS). The angle is constant for each data set (MDS). An analyzing unit ( 4 ) carries out an SAFT (Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique) analysis for each ascertained measurement data set (MDS) using a common reconstruction grid (RG) inside the test object ( 2 ) in order to calculate an SAFT analysis result for each measurement data set (MDS). The analyzing unit ( 4 ) superimposes the calculated SAFT analysis results in order to calculate an orientation-independent defect display value (S RP ) for each reconstruction point (RP) of the common reconstruction grid (RG).

System and Method for Nondestructive Evaluation of a Test Object

A system for nondestructive evaluation of a test object includes a platform, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) to create acoustic vibrations that travel along the test object; an infrared detector positioned to record thermal images of a plurality of test areas on the test object to detect flaws in the test object as the platform and the test object move relative to each other; and a control connected to actuate the EMAT and the infrared detector, synchronize the creation of vibrations with the recording of thermal images, receive a signal from the infrared detector indicative of the thermal image of the surface of the test object, and record locations of the flaws appearing on the thermal images of the test areas, all as the platform and the test object move relative to each other.

METHOD OF AND ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING SUBSURFACE IMAGING

The document relates to a method of performing subsurface imaging of embedded structures underneath a substrate surface, using an atomic force microscopy system. The system comprises a probe with a probe tip, and a sensor for sensing a position of the probe tip. The method comprises the steps of: positioning the probe tip relative to the substrate: applying a first acoustic input signal to the substrate; applying a second acoustic input signal to the substrate; detecting an output signal from the substrate in response to the first and second acoustic input signal; and analyzing the output signal. The first acoustic input signal comprises a first signal component and a second signal component, the first signal component comprising a frequency below 250 megahertz and the second signal component either including a frequency below 2.5 megahertz or a frequency such as to provide a difference frequency of at most 2.5 megahertz with the first signal component, such as to enable analysis of an induced stress field in the substrate; and wherein the second acoustic input signal comprises a third signal component having a frequency above 1 gigahertz, such that the return signal includes a scattered fraction of the second acoustic input signal scattered from the embedded structures. This enables to perform imaging a various depths in one pass, across a large range of depths. 1. A method of performing subsurface imaging of one or more embedded structures in a substrate underneath a substrate surface , the method being perforated using an atomic force microscopy system , wherein the atomic force microscopy system comprises a probe with at least one probe tip , and a sensor for sensing a position of the probe tip for detecting probe tip motion , the method comprising the steps of:positioning the at least one probe tip relative to the substrate for establishing contact between the at least one probe tip and the substrate surface;applying, using at least one first signal application ...

System for detecting flooding in flexible tubular pipes under high pressure conditions

A system for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises a data analyzer, a data collector and an ultrasonic transducer. Further, the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to propagate shear wave into the annulus of the flexible pipeline. The data collector further comprises a data store and a communicator. Further, the system is capable of differentiating flooding and non-flooding condition of the annulus of the flexible pipeline which is subjected to high pressure. Using the system, an indicator of a flooded or non-flooded condition within the flexible pipeline may be calculated using transmitted and detected reflective waves or the lack of detected reflective waves.

DISPLAY CONTROL SYSTEM, INSPECTION CONTROL SYSTEM, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

According to one embodiment, a display control system acquires a tilt of a detector with respect to a weld portion. The detector includes a plurality of detection elements arranged along a first arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction. The first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction cross each other. The tilt is calculated based on a detection result of a reflected wave obtained by transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the plurality of detection elements. The system displays a user interface, displays a symbol and a tolerance range in a region included in the user interface, and updates the display of the symbol in the region according to the acquiring of the tilt. The region spreads two-dimensionally. The symbol indicates the tilt. The tolerance range is of a target value of the tilt. 1. A display control system ,the system acquiring a tilt of a detector with respect to a weld portion, the detector including a plurality of detection elements arranged along a first arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction, the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction crossing each other, the tilt being calculated based on a detection result of a reflected wave obtained by transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the plurality of detection elements,the system displaying a user interface, displaying a symbol and a tolerance range in a region included in the user interface, and updating the display of the symbol in the region according to the acquiring of the tilt,the region spreading two-dimensionally, the symbol indicating the tilt, the tolerance range being of a target value of the tilt.2. The system according to claim 1 , whereinthe system is configured to accept an operation of adjusting a size of the tolerance range, andthe system changes the size of the tolerance range displayed in the region according to the operation.3. The system according to claim 2 , whereina switcher configured to switch to an ...

Measurement device and measurement method

A measurement device and a measurement method capable of measuring a depth of a damage source in a structure having a thickness of a predetermined value or more. According to an embodiment, a measurement device includes a first detector and a signal processing device. The first detector selectively detects surface waves that are excited when first elastic waves generated inside a structure formed of a solid material have reached a surface of the structure. The information processing device obtains information about a depth of a source of the first elastic waves within the structure on the basis of information of at least one of an amplitude and a time of arrival of the surface waves detected by the first detector.

Method for ultrasound imaging using two-dimensional fourier transform, corresponding computer program and ultrasound probe device

This two-dimensional Fourier transform ultrasound imaging method includes by controlling transmitting and receiving transducers: obtaining M matrices MRm, 1≤m≤M, of sampled ultrasonic time signals; two-dimensional Fourier transforming each matrix MRm to obtain M spectral matrices FTMRm; converting each spectral matrix FTMRm to obtain M spectral images FTIm; combining the M spectral images FTIm and two-dimensional inverse Fourier transforming the resulting spectral image FTI to obtain an ultrasound image I. The conversion includes taking into account a change of propagation mode during a backscatter, by adding a parameter characterizing this change of mode in equations (SYS) of change of reference frame, and/or taking into account a reflection against a wall, by adding a phase shift term in a relation (REL) of matrix transformation.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC CHARACTERIZATION OF A MEDIUM

Method for ultrasonic characterization of a medium, comprising generating a series of incident ultrasonic waves, generating an experimental reflection matrix R(t) defined between the emission basis (i) as input and a reception basis (u) as output, and determining a focused reflection matrix RFoc(r, r, δt) of the medium between an input virtual transducer (TV) calculated based on a focusing as input to the experimental reflection matrix and an output virtual transducer (TV) calculated based on a focusing as output from the experimental reflection matrix, the responses of the output virtual transducer (TV) being obtained at a time instant that is shifted by an additional delay δt relative to a time instant of the responses of the input virtual transducer (TV). 1. Method for ultrasonic characterization of a medium in order to determine a temporal and local characterization of an ultrasonic focusing with axial correction , the method comprising:{'sub': 'in', '#text': 'generating a series of incident ultrasonic waves (US) in an area of said medium, by means of an array of transducers, said series of incident ultrasonic waves being an emission basis (i); and'}{'sub': 'ui', '#text': 'generating an experimental reflection matrix R(t) defined between the emission basis (i) as input and a reception basis (u) as output;'}{'sub': ['in', 'out', 'in', 'in', 'out', 'out', 'out', 'in'], '#text': 'determining a focused reflection matrix RFoc(r, r, δt) which comprises responses of the medium between an input virtual transducer (TV) of spatial position rand an output virtual transducer (TV) of spatial position r, the responses of the output virtual transducer (TV) being obtained at a time instant that is shifted by an additional delay δt relative to a time instant of the responses of the input virtual transducer (TV),'}{'sub': ['in', '0'], 'claim-text': [{'sub': ['in', 'out'], '#text': 'the focused reflection matrix RFoc(r, r, δt) and'}, 'a ballistic propagation relation of the type ...

Automated Scanning Systems for Non-Destructive Inspection of Curved Cylinder-Like Workpieces

Systems and methods for high-speed non-destructive inspection of a half- or full-barrel-shaped workpiece, such as a barrel-shaped section of an aircraft fuselage. Such workpieces can be scanned externally using a mobile (e.g., translating) arch gantry system comprising a translatable arch frame disposed outside the fuselage section, a carriage that can travel along a curved track carried by the arch frame, a radially inward-extending telescopic arm having a proximal end fixedly coupled to the carriage, and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The stiffeners of the fuselage sections can be scanned using a mobile scanner platform disposed inside the fuselage section, which platform comprises a radially outward-extending telescopic arm rotatably coupled to a mobile (e.g., holonomic or linear motion) platform and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The scan data is matched with position data acquired using any one of a plurality of tracking systems to enable the display of NDI features/flaws on a three-dimensional representation of the workpiece. 1. A system for scanning a substructure of a curved cylinder-like workpiece , which substructure extends along an inner surface of the workpiece , comprising:a mobile platform comprising a frame;a first actuator which, when activated, exerts a force urging said mobile platform to move;a first extendible arm comprising a first member pivotably mounted to said frame of said mobile platform and a second member which is translatable relative to said first member;a second actuator which, when activated, exerts a force urging said first extendible arm to pivot relative to said frame;a third actuator which, when activated, exerts a force urging said second member to translate relative to said first member;a first NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of said second member;an encoder device capable of outputting signals representing incremental movements of said first NDI ...

Laser ultrasonic thermography inspection

A non-destructive method for the condition assessment of a turbine component is provided. A pulsed laser is used to excite a desired surface of the turbine component by directing the pulsed laser at the desired surface to couple ultrasonic energy into the surface of the turbine component. A thermographic image of the desired surface under the influence of the ultrasonic is captured by an image receiver. A system for the non-destructive detection of defects in a material utilizing acoustic thermography is also provided. The system includes a pulsed laser to couple ultrasonic energy into the material, an infrared camera to capture the thermographic image, and a processor communicatively coupled to the infrared camera to receive, store, and analyze the thermographic image.

LINEAR-SCAN ULTRASONIC INSPECTION APPARATUS AND LINEAR-SCAN ULTRASONIC INSPECTION METHOD

According to an embodiment, a linear-scan ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprises: an ultrasonic array probe having ultrasonic elements aligned in a first direction; a delay-time calculator configured to calculate, referring to the surface shape of the test object, values of delay time of at least one of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave; an overlapping-region adjustor configured to set conditions for generating an image of an overlapping region; and an integrated-image generator configured to generate first image data of a region including the overlapping region. The overlapping-region adjustor is configured to set the conditions of the surface shape to be referred to the delay-time calculator in calculating the values of the delay time at either the first-probe setting position or the second-probe setting position as both of a first acquired shape obtained at the first-probe setting position and a second acquired shape obtained at the second-probe setting position. 1. A linear-scan ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic array probe having a plurality of ultrasonic elements aligned in a first direction, each of the ultrasonic elements being configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave in a test object;a delay-time calculator configured to calculate, referring to the surface shape of the test object, values of delay time of at least one of transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave with each of the ultrasonic elements;an overlapping-region adjustor configured to set conditions for generating an image of an overlapping region between a first-probe setting position and a second-probe setting position of the ultrasonic array probe, the second-probe setting position being shifted in the first direction from the first-probe setting position; andan integrated-image generator configured to generate first image data of a region including the overlapping region, the first image data expanding in the first direction and the depth ...

ACOUSTIC WAVE RECEIVING APPARATUS

An acoustic wave receiving apparatus includes a liquid vessel for storing an acoustic matching liquid and a receiving unit for receiving an acoustic wave from a subject via the acoustic matching liquid, wherein the liquid vessel includes a drainage port for discharging the acoustic matching liquid, an annular portion surrounding the drainage port, a peripheral portion located outside the annular portion, and a drainage acceleration unit for accelerating drainage of the acoustic matching liquid from the peripheral portion toward the annular portion. 1. An acoustic wave receiving apparatus comprising:a liquid vessel configured to store an acoustic matching liquid; anda receiving unit configured to receive an acoustic wave from a subject via the acoustic matching liquid,wherein the liquid vessel includes a drainage port configured to drain the acoustic matching liquid, an annular portion surrounding the drainage port, and a peripheral portion located outside the annular portion, andwherein the liquid vessel is configured to accelerate drainage of the acoustic matching liquid from the peripheral portion toward the annular portion.2. The acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an affinity for the acoustic matching liquid of the annular portion is higher than that of the peripheral portion.3. The acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the acoustic matching liquid includes water claim 1 , and the annular portion has a higher hydrophilic property than that of the peripheral portion.4. The acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a contact angle with respect to the acoustic matching liquid of the annular portion is smaller than that of the peripheral portion.5. The acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the peripheral portion includes an inclined area which becomes lower in a vertical direction toward the annular portion.6. The acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC CHARACTERIZATION OF A MEDIUM

Method for ultrasonic characterization of a medium, comprising generating a series of incident ultrasonic waves, generating an experimental reflection matrix R(t) defined between the emission basis (i) as input and a reception basis (u) as output, determining a focused reflection matrix RFoc(r, r, δt) of the medium between an input virtual transducer (TV) calculated based on a focusing as input to the experimental reflection matrix and an output virtual transducer (TV) calculated based on a focusing as output from the experimental reflection matrix, the responses of the output virtual transducer (TV) being obtained at a time instant that is shifted by an additional delay δt relative to a time instant of the responses of the input virtual transducer (TV). 2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the center of the focal spot is determined by searching the wavefront image for the spatial position of the point of greatest value.3. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the determination of the wavefront image is carried out only on the depth axis Z.4. Method according to claim 1 , wherein:{'sup': '(0)', 'sub': ['in', 'in', 'in', 'out', 'out', 'out', 'out', 'in', 'out', 'in,ref', 'in,ref'], '#text': 'between determining a wavefront image and determining the depthwise position Δz(r) of a focal spot, improving the wavefront image is performed in which a linear combination of a set of wavefront images corresponding to a given coherence area ZC is carried out, each wavefront image of the set being obtained between a selected input virtual transducer TVof a different spatial position r, and output virtual transducers TVof spatial position rsuch that r=Δr+r, with Δrbeing predefined and identical for all wavefront images of the set, and the selected input virtual transducers being close to each other, in order to obtain an improved wavefront image associated with a reference input virtual transducer (TV), this reference input virtual transducer TVbeing characteristic of the ...

Systems and methods for damage detection in structures using guided wave phased arrays

A method for ultrasonic guided wave defect detection in a structure is disclosed. The method includes driving a plurality of transducers to cause guided waves to be transmitted in the structure in a predetermined direction or focused at a predetermined focal point, receiving at least one reflected guided wave signal, and generating image data of the structure based on the at least one reflected guided wave signal. Processed image data are generated by performing at least one of baseline image subtraction or image suppression on the image data, and a location of at least one possible defect in the structure is identified based on the processed image data.

Microtexture region characterization systems and methods

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for the characterization of a potential microtexture region (MTR) of a sample, component, or the like. The methods may include determining a threshold width of spatial correlation coefficient and/or a threshold spatial correlation coefficient slope for an actual MTR, characterizing a potential MTR as an actual MTR or a defect, characterizing an actual MTR as an acceptable MTR or not, and/or characterizing various components with potential MTRs as defective or not. The characterization may include calculating a width of spatial correlation coefficient and/or a spatial correlation coefficient slope of the potential MTR and comparing the width of spatial correlation coefficient to a threshold width of spatial correlation coefficient and/or comparing the spatial correlation coefficient slope to a threshold spatial correlation coefficient slope for the potential MTR to be characterized as an actual MTR or a defect (crack).

CONSTRUCTION SITE DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF A DENSITY GRADIENT IN A WORKING MATERIAL

A construction site status monitoring device is provided including processing circuitry configured to receive sensor data from a sensor associated with a construction device including a working element, determine a presence of a density gradient in a working material based on the sensor data, and cause an automatic response relative to operation of he working element based on the determination of the presence of the density gradient. 1. A construction site status monitoring device comprising processing circuitry configured to:receive sensor data from a sensor associated with a construction device comprising a working element;determine a presence of a density gradient in a working material based on the sensor data; andcause an automatic response relative to operation of the working element based on the determination of the presence of the density gradient.2. The construction site status monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to:compare the sensor data to a predetermined material threshold, andwherein determining the presence of the density gradient in the working material is based on the comparison of the sensor data to the predetermined material threshold.3. The construction site status monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the automatic response comprises causing an indicator associated with the construction device to be actuated.4. The construction site status monitoring device of claim 3 , wherein the indicator comprises a light associated with construction device.5. The construction site status monitoring device of claim 3 , wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of status lights claim 3 , wherein the plurality of status lights are actuated based on the determination of the presence of the density gradient.6. The construction site status monitoring device of claim 3 , wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to:generate a material density map based on the determination of the presence of the ...

Remote Non-Destructive Testing

An inspection apparatus for enabling a remotely-located expert to monitor an inspection by a non-expert, the apparatus comprising an inspection device capable of being operated by the non-expert, which is configured to generate inspection data indicative of a condition of a test object, and a communication unit configured to: divide the inspection data into first and second data; transfer the first data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a first time, to facilitate substantially real-time monitoring of the inspection by the expert; and transfer the second data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a second time, which is later than the first time, to facilitate non-real time monitoring of the inspection by the expert.

CANTILEVER, ULTRASOUND ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPY DEVICE COMPRISING THE CANTILEVER, METHOD OF USING THE SAME AND LITHOGRAPHIC SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

A cantilever () for an ultrasound acoustic microscopy device is provided comprising a transmission tip () to contact a sample () to therewith transmit an ultrasound acoustic signal as an ultrasound acoustic wave into the sample. The cantilever further comprises a reception tip () separate from the transmission tip () to contact the sample to receive an acoustic signal resulting from reflections of the ultrasound wave from within the sample. 1. An ultrasound acoustic microscopy device comprising:a carrier for carrying a sample;a signal generator configured to generate an actuation signal having a frequency of at least 1 GHz to be converted into an ultrasound acoustic signal for transmission;{'claim-text': ['a transmission tip configured to contact a sample to transmit the ultrasound acoustic signal as an ultrasound acoustic wave into the sample, and', 'a reception tip, separate from the transmission tip, to contact the sample to receive an acoustic signal resulting from reflections of the ultrasound acoustic wave from within the sample;'], '#text': 'a scanning head including a cantilever with separate tips for transmitting an acoustic wave into the sample and for receiving acoustic waves reflected from features within the sample, the separate tips comprising:'}a signal processor configured to generate an image signal in response to a sensor signal generated in response to the acoustic signal resulting from reflections received by the reception tip; anda scanning mechanism configured to displace the scanning head relative to the sample, along a surface of the sample.2. The ultrasound acoustic microscopy device according to claim 1 , wherein the reception tip is configured to receive the reflection as the acoustic signal to be converted into the sensor signal.3. The ultrasound acoustic microscopy device according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission tip and/or elements acoustically coupled therewith are of a construction or have dimensions different from the reception ...

ULTRASONIC PROBE, ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

An ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including the same, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, which relate to a method for changing a pulse signal received by an ultrasonic probe by controlling a switching element mounted to an ultrasonic probe during pulse inversion harmonic imaging. The ultrasonic probe includes: a transducer array configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal; a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to the transducer array so as to transmit a pulse signal received from a main body of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus to the transducer array; and a switching circuit configured to change a waveform of the pulse signal received by the PCB and transmitted to the transducer array. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:a transducer array configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal;a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to the transducer array so as to transmit a pulse signal received from a main body of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus to the transducer array; anda switching circuit configured to change a waveform of the pulse signal received by the PCB and transmitted to the transducer array.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the switching circuit includes:a first switching element and a second switching element,wherein the first switching element is connected to any one of a pulse signal reception terminal, a ground terminal, and a predetermined terminal, and the second switching element is connected to any one of the pulse signal reception terminal, the ground terminal, and the predetermined terminal.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein:the transducer array includes a plurality of transducer elements; andthe switching circuit includes a plurality of switching circuits corresponding to respective transducer elements.4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3 , wherein:if the first switching element is connected to the pulse signal ...

COMBINED ULTRASOUND AND PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING OF METAL OBJECTS

Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided. 115-. (canceled)16. A method comprising:generating a photoacoustic image of at least a portion of a sample comprising a metal object;generating an ultrasound image of at least the portion of the sample comprising the metal object; andemploying a filtering technique so as to at least partially remove or reduce an echographic pattern due to acoustic reverberation from the photoacoustic or ultrasound image.17. The method of wherein the echographic pattern resembles a comet tail.18. The method of wherein the filtering technique is a frequency-based filter selected by means of the frequency of the echographic pattern.19. The method of wherein the filtering technique is a wavelet-based filter.20. The method of wherein the filtering technique is a correlation-based filter based off of a multi-wavelength imaging technique.22. The method of further comprising determining the location or positioning of the metal object within the sample by using an overlay of the photoacoustic image and the ultrasound image.23. The method of wherein the sample comprises a biological tissue claim 16 , the method further comprising at least partially determining the composition of the biological tissue proximate to at least a portion of the metal object.24. The method of wherein the metal object comprises at least one metal object selected from the group consisting of: a coronary artery stent claim 16 , a needle claim 16 , a brachytherapy seed claim 16 , a surgical staple and an orthopedic implant.25. The method of further comprising exposing at least a portion of the sample to electromagnetic radiation from a pulsed laser.26. The method of wherein the ...

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING DEFECTS IN A STRUCTURE BY TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING MECHANICAL WAVES IN THIS STRUCTURE

A device for imaging defects in a structure includes N transmitters and P receivers to be distributed over at least one surface of the structure and a central unit controlling the transmitters and receivers to sequentially record Q≤N×P signals (S) obtained from electrical signals provided by the receivers of Q different transmitter/receiver pairs, after reception of mechanical waves transmitted by the transmitters of these Q pairs. It further stores Q first and Q second corresponding reference signals (S, S), representative of the structure without defects and differing by random noise. A central processing unit is programmed to: correlate each signal obtained with the corresponding first reference signal, in such a way as to construct an image of probabilities of defects; correlate each first reference signal with the corresponding second reference signal, in such a way as to construct a reference noisy image; and subtract the reference noisy image from the image of probabilities of defects. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the N transmitters is part of the P receivers.3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the N transmitters and of the P receivers is an actuator or a sensor chosen from the set consisting of:a piezoelectric transducer,an electromagnetic acoustic transducer,a microelectromechanical or nanoelectromechanical transducer,a fiber-optic sensor, anda laser sensor.4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the N transmitters and of the P receivers is capable of transmitting or receiving guided waves in the structure claim 1 , in particular Lamb or Rayleigh waves.5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the Q second reference signals (S) differ from the Q first reference signals (S) by random noise claim 1 , simulated or measured claim 1 , the standard deviation of which is between that of a noise measurable in the Q first reference signals (S) and that of a useful ...

Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging Based on Seismic Full Waveform Inversion

This disclosure provides a system and method for producing ultrasound images based on Full Waveform Inversion (FWI). The system captures acoustic/(an)elastic waves transmitted through and reflected and/or diffracted from a medium. The system performs an FWI process in a time domain in conjunction with an accurate wave propagation solver. The system produces 3D maps of physical parameters that control wave propagation, such as shear and compressional wavespeeds, mass density, attenuation, Poisson's ratio, bulk and shear moduli, impedance, and even the fourth-order elastic tensor containing up to 21 independent parameters, which are of significant diagnostic value, e.g., for medical imaging and non-destructive testing. 1. A system for producing ultrasound images , comprising:a transmitting element, configured to emit a signal having a special band of frequencies specified by a priori knowledge of a medium and an image reconstruction algorithm, wherein the transmitting element has a precisely known and controlled location within the system;a receiving element, configured to capture acoustic/(an)elastic waves that are emitted by the transmitting element and that are transmitted through and reflected from the medium, wherein the receiving element has a small lateral extent and a precisely known and controlled location within the system;a processor; anda non-transitory computer readable medium containing programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:convert the captured acoustic/(an)elastic waves into observed imaging data;perform a Full Waveform Inversion process in a time domain on the observed imaging data against synthesized data derived from a simulated model of the observed imaging data using an accurate wave propagation solver;use the synthesized data to generate image representations of the medium; andstore or display the image representations of the medium.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional receiving ...

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TOMOGRAPHICALLY VISUALIZING VISCOELASTICITY OF TISSUE

A device according to an embodiment includes an optical system employing the OCT, and tomographically visualizes the viscoelasticity of tissue of an object. The device includes an optical mechanism that guides light from a light source to the tissue of the object to scan the tissue, a loading device that applies deformation energy to the tissue, a control computation unit that computes tomographic distribution of the viscoelasticity of the tissue by controlling driving of the loading device and the optical mechanism and processing an optical interference signal from the optical system on the basis of the driving, and a display device that displays the viscoelasticity of the tissue in a form of tomographic visualization. The loading device is a non-contact loading device that loads acoustic radiation pressure in the tissue by outputting ultrasonic waves toward a focus point set in the object. 1. A viscoelasticity visualizing device that includes an optical system using optical coherence tomography , and tomographically visualizes viscoelasticity of tissue of an object to be measured , the viscoelasticity visualizing device comprising:an optical mechanism, the optical mechanism guiding light from a light source to the tissue to scan the tissue;a loading device that applies deformation energy to the tissue;a control computation unit that computes tomographic distribution of viscoelasticity of the tissue by controlling driving of the loading device and the optical mechanism, and processing an optical interference signal from the optical system on the basis of the driving; anda display device that displays the viscoelasticity of the tissue in a form of tomographic visualization, whereinthe loading device is a non-contact loading device that loads acoustic radiation pressure in the tissue by outputting ultrasonic waves to a focus point set in the object.2. The viscoelasticity visualizing device according to claim 1 , wherein an axis of light emitted toward the object is ...

Simulation-Supported Defect Evaluation Using Ultrasound

An ultrasound device for examining a component may include a measuring device for performing an ultrasonic measurement of the component and an analysis device. The ultrasound device may be designed to quantify structural elements, such as defects, in the component. For this purpose, the analysis device may be designed to determine a number and a respective position of at least one internal structural element of the component as a function of the ultrasonic measurement data from the measuring device using a reconstruction method, and to use a simulator to determine at least one character of each structural element by simulating the ultrasound measurement and adapting each model as a function of each ascertained position using a respective model for the at least one structural element. 1. A method for examining a component , the method comprising:performing an ultrasound inspection by emitting ultrasound into the component and recording ultrasound measurement values from the component,generating a reconstruction of an internal structure of the component based on the ultrasound measurement values using a predetermined reconstruction process,determining, from the reconstruction, a number and a respective position of at least one structural element of the internal structure,based on the respective position of each structural element of the internal structure, positioning a respective model of each structural element in a simulation model of the component, each model comprising at least one adjustable model parameter which describes a characteristic of the respective structural elementby means of the simulation model, simulating the ultrasound inspection and thereby generating simulation values, wherein the simulation values represent ultrasound measurement values that would occur if the component embodied the structural elements having the characteristic specified by each model,determining a difference between the simulation values and the ultrasound measurement values, ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION CONTINUOUS SCAN IMAGING USING VOLD-KALMAN FILTERING

A method of imaging a test subject includes providing one or more moveable sensors to sense an attribute of the test subject (e.g., acoustic pressure), wherein the attribute has a tonal noise component and a broadband noise component. A rotational sensor is provided to sense a rotational velocity of a rotational element of the test subject. Each of the moveable sensors are moved along a path while continuously acquiring test data that is indicative of the rotational velocity of the rotational element, the sensed attribute, the position, and the orientation of each of the moveable sensors. A set of transfer functions corresponding to points in space that have been visited by the moveable sensors are constructed, each of the transfer functions relating the test data of the moveable sensors to the test data of the rotational sensor. A visual representation of the tonal noise component of the attribute in a region adjacent the test subject is produced using the set of transfer functions. 1. A method of imaging a test subject , comprising:providing one or more moveable sensors to sense an attribute of the test subject, the attribute having a tonal noise component and a broadband noise component;providing a rotational sensor to sense a rotational velocity of a rotational element of the test subject;moving each of the moveable sensors along a path while continuously acquiring test data that is indicative of the rotational velocity of the rotational element, sensed attribute, the position, and the orientation of each of the moveable sensors;constructing a set of transfer functions corresponding to points in space that have been visited by the moveable sensors, each of the transfer functions relating the test data of the moveable sensors to the test data of the rotational sensor; andproducing a visual representation of the tonal noise component of the attribute in a region adjacent the test subject using the set of transfer functions.2. The method of claim 1 , further ...

METHOD FOR ACQUIRING SIGNALS BY ULTRASOUND PROBING, CORRESPONDING COMPUTER PROGRAM AND ULTRASOUND PROBING DEVICE

A method for acquiring signals via ultrasound probing including: controlling L emission transducers and N reception transducers in order to simultaneously receive, for each of M successive emissions, N measurement signals; obtaining a matrix of ultrasound time signals having a size of N×M. An initial matrix ([MC′]), having a size of L×M', for encoding the successive emissions is previously defined for a number M′ of successive initial emissions strictly greater than M. A calculation of acoustic field is carried out for each of the M′ initial emissions. A reduced encoding matrix ([MC]), having a size of L×M, is obtained by removal of M′−M columns of the initial encoding matrix ([MC′]) on the basis of a selection criterion applied to the M′ calculations of acoustic fields. Finally, the control of the L emission transducers for the M successive emissions is encoded using the reduced encoding matrix ([MC]). 1. A method for acquiring signals via ultrasound probing , comprising the following steps:controlling L emission transducers for M successive emissions of ultrasound waves towards a zone of interest,controlling N reception transducers in such a way as to receive simultaneously and over a predetermined time, for each of the M successive emissions, N measurement signals, measuring in particular echoes caused by reflections of the emission in question in the zone of interest,{'sub': 'i,j', 'claim-text': [{'sub': 'i,j', 'an initial matrix [MC′], having a size of L×M′, for encoding the successive emissions is previously defined for a number M′ of successive initial emissions strictly greater than M, each coefficient MC′of this matrix representing a multiplication factor applied to a common excitation time signal e(t) for its emission by the i-th emission transducer at the time of the j-th emission,'}, 'a calculation of acoustic field is carried out for each of the M′ successive initial emissions,', 'a reduced encoding matrix [MC], having a size of L×M, is obtained from ...