| From: | Adam Getchell <acgetchell@*******.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Ultrasound vision |
| Date: | Wed, 3 Feb 1999 09:47:41 -0800 |
Shadowrun, we have interesting research conducted jointly by Scripp's
Oceanographic Institute (aka UC San Diego) and the U.S. Navy on "acoustic
daylight".
These are sensors (using no lenses, I might add, in reference to someone
who thought it was impossible to make an image without a lens in
contravariance with linear algebra transmission matrices) that use the
background ambient sounds in the ocean to "see", in much the same way as
our eyes use background light.
Arrays with 1,000,000 or more sensing elements have been able to
distinguish surface texture between smooth spheres and rough ones at some
tens of meters. These research also explains the heretofore mysterious
ability of dolphins and whales to discern incredibly small details using
their sonar.
A future ultrasound sensor would probably take the form of a faceplate
(much like a welders) or dish that would incorporate solid state sensor
elements and overlay the image accordingly (especially if they could be
made of transparent forms of Gallium Arsenide).
Such a system would be completely passive, yet generate all the benefits of
Shadowrun "ultrasound" sight with additional bonuses (as the sensor has a
wide field of view in contrast to Ultrasound's narrow cone). It would also
have a limited ability to see around corners due to bending of waves (the
angle would be small, probably less than 15 degrees). Vision would be
distorted due to this and doppler effects, so it might be a bit unsettling
at first.
It's tempting to write this up as "Ultrasound II", but perhaps that would
fan the fires of those looking for the ubersensor. But then, the OICW Block
4 is worse, I suppose. ;-)
>But then, I'm a navy freak, and discovered and understood how sonar worked
>years ago. It's the same principle.
>
>Slipspeed
--Adam
acgetchell@*******.edu
"Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability in the opponent." --Sun Tzu
