Robust tracking of moving sound source using scaled unscented particle filter

Tracking an active sound source involves the modeling of non-linear non-Gaussian systems. To address this problem, this paper proposed scaled unscented particle filter (SUPF) algorithm for tracking moving sound source. The particle filter part of the SUPF provides the general probabilistic framework to handle non-linear non-Gaussian systems, and the scaled unscented Kalman filter (SUKF) part of the SUPF generates better proposal distributions by taking into account the most recent observation. Meanwhile, models used in SUPF algorithm were also explored for the sound source motion, observation and the likelihood of the sound source location in the light of the Langevin process. Compared with the conventional PF approach, the simulated results demonstrated that the SUPF algorithm had superior tracking performance.     

Study on fast linear scanning for a new laser scanner

In the field of lidar system design, there is a need for laser scanners that offer fast linear scanning, are small size and have small a rotational inertia moment. Currently, laser scanners do not meet the above needs. A new laser scanner based on two amplified piezoelectric actuators is designed in this paper. The laser scanner has small size, high mechanical resonance frequencies and a small rotational inertia moment. The size of the mirror is 20 mm×15 mm. To achieve fast linear scanning performance, an open-loop controller is designed to compensate the hysteresis behavior and to restrain oscillations that are caused by the mechanical resonances of the scanner's mechanical structure. By comparing measured scanning waveforms, nonlinearities and scan line images between the uncontrolled and controlled scanner, it was found that the scanning linearity of linear scanning was improved The open-loop controlled laser scanner realizes linear scanning at 250 Hz with optical scan angle of ±12 mrad.     

Dual beam method for laser welding of galvanized steel: Experimentation and prospects

Laser welding of zinc-coated steel sheets in lap configuration poses a challenging problem, because of the zinc vapours spoiling the quality of the weld. In continuation to the earlier work, the novel solution of dual laser beam method for lap welding of galvanized steel sheets is discussed here in view of the recently obtained observations and ensuing concerns. In this method the precursor beam cuts a slot, thus making an exit path for the zinc vapours, while the second beam performs the needed welding. The metallurgical analysis of the welds is encouraging showing absence of zinc in the welded area. In the current work on this technique, new experimental results have been obtained verifying the earlier observations. Along with this, the possibility of using a transversely split-up beam for the welding purposes with this approach is discussed and analyzed in this paper. This new technique is expected to be very useful in prospective industrial applications requiring higher welding throughput along with the needed quality.