Rattletale: Phase-Coherent Telekinetic Imaging to Detect Tattletale Signs of Structural Defects or Potential Failure

Abstract

(Tele) kinetic imaging (e.g. kinetic sonar, radar, etc.) provides visuo-acoustic feedback in which subject matter undergoes vibrational or other acoustic stimulation and the response to the stimulation is imaged. Specifically, the imaging uses active sonar to cause microscopic vibrations in the subject matter, while a special kind of lock-in amplifier is used to image the effects of these microscopic vibrations. The effects of the vibrations are imaged using optical, radar, or sonar sensing. The method works in air (e.g. we can look at a wooden fence or circuit board and see which fence boards or components on the board are loose), or underwater (e.g. to look at ocean-going vessels underwater and see which of them are in danger of emminent failure). Kinetic imaging could be particularly useful in emergency preparedness, such as trying to navigate a safe path through a building or city just after an earthquake or terrorist attack.