EMBEDDED INTERACTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to an embedded interaction system comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers (3) controllable by a control module (5) to generate at least one focused ultrasonic acoustic wave flux, referred to as an ultrasonic acoustic pulse, configured to interact with at least one sending device (7) equipped with a receiving module (9) sensitive to said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: EMBEDDED INTERACTION SYSTEM technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic transducers. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Ultrasonic transducers have many applications in industry and the medical field. They can be used for obstacle detection, defect detection, or sterilization in the pharmaceutical industry. Ultrasonic transducers are also used in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.

[0003] Prior art also includes systems comprising ultrasonic transducers that create a focused ultrasound beam at a point, providing a sensation of touch to a person. Such a system, called a haptic system, comprises a set of individually controllable ultrasonic transducers to generate ultrasonic pulses. A control circuit activates the emitting transducers with phase shifts between them to focus the emitted waves at a given focal point. This generates, in the vicinity of the focal point, a pressure strong enough to be felt by a person.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to use ultrasonic transducers in an ingenious way to create new industrial applications. Description of the invention

[0005] This objective is achieved with an embedded interaction system comprising a set of ultrasonic transducers controllable by a control module to generate at least one focused ultrasonic acoustic wave flux, called an ultrasonic acoustic pulse configured to interact with at least one sending device equipped with a receiver module sensitive to said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse.

[0006] This allows for interaction (data transfer or remote action) between a device integrating the embedded system and a receiving device in complete safety because the interaction can only take place within a cone of emission of a given volume, where the ultrasonic acoustic waves propagate.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the embedded interaction system is configured to generate a series of ultrasonic acoustic pulses carrying information.

[0008] This allows data to be transferred or communicated (for example, like Morse code) to a fixed or mobile device securely.

[0009] According to one embodiment, said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse carries a directional pressure adapted to actuate a predetermined function in the receiving device.

[0010] This allows for the safe and intelligent remote action to be carried out, such as the actuation of one (or more) acoustic membrane, a push button or any sensor sensitive to acoustic pressure emitted by the embedded system.

[0011] Advantageously, the embedded interaction system is intended to be embedded in a mobile or fixed device among the following devices: vehicle, aircraft, machine, remote control device.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment, the embedded interaction system is intended to be embedded in a set of devices to generate a set of elementary interactions whose combination is necessary to create a specific interaction with the receiving device.

[0013] According to one aspect of an embodiment, the set of devices carries a set of data blocks whose concatenation is necessary for the reconstruction of secure information and each of said set of devices is configured to transfer the data block it carries to the receiving device which is configured to reconstruct the secure information from the set of data blocks.

[0014] The receiving device receives the data blocks sequentially so that the overall information can be read. This makes it possible to decrypt a set of data, each of whose sub-parts can be provided by different devices incorporating embedded systems, which, once assembled, constitute the entire set of information.

[0015] According to another aspect of an embodiment, the apparatus set carries a set of elementary directional pressures, the concatenation of which is necessary for the reconstitution of a specific action, and each of said apparatus set is configured to transfer the elementary directional pressure that it carries to the receiving device.

[0016] Advantageously, the embedded interaction system is designed to generate ultrasonic acoustic pulses configured to interact with several recipient devices.

[0017] Advantageously, the ultrasonic transducers are PMUT type piezoelectric transducers arranged in a set of matrices and sub-matrices.

[0018] Advantageously, the control module is configured to control the emission of ultrasonic pulses from the sub-matrices with phase shifts between the different sub-matrices so as to focus the emitted waves at a given point in space.

[0019] Controlling sub-matrices reduces technological routing and therefore optimizes surface integration. This makes it possible to generate high acoustic pressure from a smaller surface area.

[0020] According to one aspect, each ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible membrane suspended on a rigid support and a piezoelectric conversion element fixed on the flexible membrane.

[0021] The invention also relates to a receiving device comprising a receiver module configured to capture said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse emitted by the embedded interaction system according to any one of the above characteristics. The receiving device may be contained within a mobile or fixed apparatus.

[0022] Advantageously, the receiving device includes an embedded interaction system.

[0023] The invention also relates to a mobile or fixed device comprising an embedded interaction system according to any one of the above characteristics. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the description of exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration only and in no way limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embedded interaction system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an ultrasonic transducer of the haptic interface of [Fig.1];

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a pressure curve in Pa as a function of distance in cm for a silicon PMUT transducer;

[0028] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the control of the ultrasonic transducers by the control module;

[0029] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embedded interaction system, according to first and second preferred embodiments of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a particular application of the embedded interaction system, according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The concept behind the invention is to propose an embedded system comprising ultrasonic transducers to transmit data or operate a specific function remotely and securely.

[0032] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embedded interaction system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] The embedded interaction system is suitable for being embedded in a mobile or fixed device 2 such as a vehicle, aircraft, drone, machine, remote control device, etc.

[0034] According to the invention, the embedded interaction system 1 comprises a set of ultrasonic transducers 3 which are advantageously arranged in a set of matrices or sub-matrices 4.

[0035] The set of ultrasonic transducers 3 is controllable by a control module 5 to generate at least one focused beam of ultrasonic acoustic waves, referred to as an ultrasonic acoustic pulse. The frequency of the ultrasonic pulses can be between 20 kHz and 10 THz.

[0036] Each ultrasonic acoustic pulse is configured to interact with at least one receiving device 7 equipped with a receiving module 9 sensitive to the ultrasonic acoustic pulse emitted by the embedded interaction system 1. The receiving module 9 includes sensors 11 that convert the acoustic pulse into an electrical signal. These sensors 11 may also be acoustic transducers. The receiving device 7 may be a mobile or fixed device, which may also include an embedded interaction system.

[0037] By 'interaction' between the embedded interaction system 1 and the receiver module 9, we mean a remote mechanical action, a data transfer or a communication link.

[0038] This interaction between a device 2 incorporating the embedded interaction system 1 and the receiving device 7 can only occur within a specific emission cone 13 of a given volume, where the ultrasonic acoustic waves propagate. Thus, the interaction is inviolable outside this emission cone 13, which is very limited in space. This allows the interaction to be carried out safely.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the embedded interaction system 1 can be embedded in a set of mobile devices 2 to generate a set of elementary interactions whose combination is necessary to create a specific interaction with the sending device 7. This provides more security to the action performed on the receiving device 7.

[0040] Furthermore, the control module 5 is an electronic circuit integrated into the embedded interaction system 1. Alternatively, the control module 5 can be a software application or a circuit included in the device 2 integrating the embedded interaction system 1.

[0041] In addition, the embedded interaction system 1 includes a power supply 15 intended to provide a voltage to the ultrasonic transducers 3 and optionally to the control module 5 when the latter is also included in the system embedded interaction system 1. Alternatively, the power supply 15 can be included in the device 2 integrating the embedded interaction system 1.

[0042] It should be noted that for certain applications, the control module 5 can even be integrated into an external device linked to the embedded interaction system 1.

[0043] According to one aspect of an embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers 3 are piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers, known as PMUTs (Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers). PMUTs can be made of ceramic or silicon. Other types of transducers may be used.

[0044] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an ultrasonic transducer used in the embedded interaction system of the [Fig.1].

[0045] This example relates to a PMUT 3 transducer comprising a flexible diaphragm 15 suspended by its periphery on a rigid support 17. The rigid support 17 is, for example, made of silicon or ceramic. The diaphragm 15 is fixed, by its lower surface, to the upper surface of the support 17. The diaphragm 15 may have a circular, rectangular, or square shape.

[0046] The PMUT 3 transducer further includes a piezoelectric conversion element 19 fixed to the membrane, on its upper face. The piezoelectric conversion element comprises two electrodes 21a, 21b.

[0047] Applying a voltage between the electrodes 21a, 21b of the piezoelectric conversion element 19 causes a deformation of the membrane 15, generating an ultrasonic acoustic wave. Conversely, a deformation of the membrane 15 generates a voltage that can be used to measure an ultrasonic acoustic wave received by the PMUT transducer 3. This type of transducer is described in detail in the applicant's patent application FR3092680.

[0048] A PMUT 3 transducer can operate at different ultrasonic frequencies depending on its size or the technology used (silicon, ceramic, or other). As a non-limiting example, we consider here the case of a silicon-type PMUT transducer operating at 100 kHz.

[0049] Indeed, [Fig.3] illustrates the pressure curve in Pa as a function of distance in cm for a silicon PMUT transducer.

[0050] More specifically, this curve is derived from measurements carried out for a single PMUT 3 transducer at 100 kHz operating under a drive voltage of 5 V. For example, the curve shows that the PMUT 3 transducer generates an acoustic pressure of the order of 0.15 Pa at a distance of 30 cm.

[0051] It should be noted that the acoustic pressure increases almost linearly with increasing voltage. Thus, for a drive voltage of 48 V, the PMUT 3 transducer generates an acoustic pressure of approximately 1.45 Pa at a distance of 30 cm.

[0052] Furthermore, the pressures add up almost linearly. Thus, using, for example, 140 PMUT transducers, a pressure of approximately 200 Pa can be obtained at 30 cm. A pressure of 200 Pa is used here only as an example, given that it is pressure that produces a haptic effect. Of course, the receiving module 9 can be sensitive to a pressure lower than 200 Pa.

[0053] The diameter of a circular PMUT transducer is approximately 800 µm for a silicon-type transducer and approximately 5 mm for a ceramic-type transducer. It should be noted that the diameter depends on the stiffness of the membrane 15, which is related to its thickness and constituent materials. The diameters considered above are indicative and taken as examples in the dimensioning of a matrix or sub-matrix 4 of PMUT transducers 3.

[0054] Thus, using silicon-type PMUT transducers and with a spacing of approximately 300 pm between the membranes 15 of neighboring transducers 3, a matrix 4 of transducers 3 with a surface area of ​​approximately 1.5 x 1.5 cm² can be constructed, generating a pressure of 200 Pa at a distance of 30 cm. It should be noted that the 300 pm spacing between membranes is an indicative spacing that is sufficient to ensure the strength of the matrix 4 while keeping the membranes close to each other.

[0055] The dimensions of the matrices and / or sub-matrices 4 of transducers 3 can be determined according to the emission frequencies of the PMUT transducers, the technology used (silicon or ceramic), the driving voltage of these, and the sensitivity of the receiver modules 9.

[0056] The table below shows the sizing of some configurations. The first column indicates the technology used (silicon or ceramic), the second column indicates the surface area of ​​a transducer matrix, the third column indicates the drive voltage, the fourth column indicates the distance for a pressure of 200 Pa, the fifth and sixth columns indicate the pressures exerted at 30 cm and 50 cm respectively, the seventh column indicates the number of transducers forming the matrix, and the eighth column indicates the diameter of each transducer. Teehso Surface matrix» Transducer diameter Distance P “ 283 Pa Pressure at 38 cm Pressure at 58 cm Transducer fiber Transducer diameter 4.5x4.5 œn» 12 V ■ S cm 107 Pa 62.9 Pa 16 5 mm piezo ceramic 4.5x4.5 tstn* 48 V 62 cm 428 Pa 252 Pa 16 5 mm 16*16 an' « V 215 cm 17 sPa 1.8 kPa 256 5 mm 16*16 an' 48 V 598 cm 8.8 sPa 4.0 kPa 256 5 mm Tsermo Surface matrix transducer diameter Distance P » 208 Pa Pressure at 30 cm Pressure at S8 cm Transducer diameter 1x1 cm* 12 V 1.1 cm 8 8 Pa 3.4 Pa 36 300 pm PMUÎ AiN 1*1 crrÿs 48 V 5 cm 27.2 Pa 13 3Pa 36 860 pm layer 7*7 cm* 12 V 50 cm 6 .52 *Pa 0.2? kPa 2308 600 pm 7*7 cm* 83 V 131 cm 2.08 kPa 1.08 KPa 28ü§ 800 pm

[0057] Thus, depending on the desired application, we can have a small, lightweight matrix with a low drive voltage which is very suitable for an embedded system 1. The transducer matrix 4 can be sized to have an action from a few centimeters to several meters depending on the drive voltage and the sensitivity of the receiver module 9.

[0058] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the control of the ultrasonic transducers by the control module.

[0059] The control module 5 is configured to control the sub-matrices 4 of transducers 3 with phase shifts between the different sub-matrices 4 so as to focus the flux of emitted acoustic waves onto a focal point 23 over a predetermined distance. This distance can, for example, be between 1 cm and 300 cm. This makes it possible to generate, in the vicinity of the focal point, a pressure strong enough to be captured by the receiver module 9.

[0060] Furthermore, the power supply 15 is configured to provide the transducers 3 with a drive voltage that can be between 5V and 50V. Advantageously, one drive track is used for each sub-matrix 4. Thus, each drive track groups a plurality of transducers 3, which reduces technological routing and optimizes surface integration while enabling the implementation of the acoustic beamforming technique.

[0061] Thus, the embedded interaction system 1 can generate a high acoustic pressure (on the order of 200 Pa) while exhibiting a high surface integration (from a few mm2 to a few cm2) of transducers 3 and a long range (from a few centimeters to several meters).

[0062] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embedded interaction system, according to first and second preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0063] The example in [Fig.5] shows a device 2 (for example, a mobile object) integrating an embedded interaction system 1.

[0064] According to the first embodiment, the embedded interaction system 1 is configured to generate a series of ultrasonic acoustic pulses carrying information intended to be transmitted to a sending device 7. The series of ultrasonic acoustic pulses includes pulses configured according to a predetermined code, for example like Morse code, understandable by the sending device 7.

[0065] More specifically, the control module 5, in association with a memory 25 storing information and the coding of acoustic pulses, transforms the digital data into electrical signals and accordingly controls the sub-arrays 4 of ultrasonic transducers 3 as described in relation to [Fig. 4]. The memory 25 may be included in the control module 5, in the embedded interaction system 1, or in the device 2 incorporating this system 1.

[0066] Upon receiving the series of ultrasonic acoustic pulses, the receiver module 9 of the sending device 7 transforms these pulses into electrical signals. These signals are then processed and transformed back into digital data by an electronic processing circuit 27 integrated into the sending device 7.

[0067] Thus, data can be safely transmitted through a limited emission cone 13 from the device 2 integrating the embedded interaction system 1 to the sending device 7.

[0068] In addition, the receiving device 7 may also include an embedded interaction system 1 enabling the latter to also transmit data to the device 2, thus generating a dialogue between them.

[0069] According to a particular aspect of this first embodiment, the embedded interaction system 1 is intended to be embedded in a set of devices 2 carrying a set of data blocks whose concatenation is necessary for the reconstruction of secure information. In this case, each of the set of devices 2 is configured to transfer the data block it carries to the receiving device 7. The latter is configured to reconstruct the secure information from the set of data blocks. This application enables data encryption.

[0070] According to the second embodiment of [Fig. 5], the embedded interaction system 1 is configured to generate an ultrasonic acoustic pulse carrying a directional pressure (or pressing force) suitable for activating a predetermined function in the receiving device 7. For example, the directional pressure can perform a safe and remote mechanical action on a button push button, or an acoustic membrane of the receiver module 9, which activates a specific function of the sending device 7.

[0071] Advantageously, the control module 5 is configured to control the sub-matrices 4 of transducers 3 so as to focus the emitted acoustic wave fluxes according to determined emission angles to create preferential axes for the emission of ultrasonic pulses.

[0072] According to a particular application of this embodiment, the embedded interaction system 1 can be integrated into an autonomous mobile device 2 to go into an area difficult for a human to access, in order to operate or activate a certain function.

[0073] According to another particular aspect, the embedded interaction system 1 is intended to generate ultrasonic acoustic pulses configured to interact with several receiving devices 7.

[0074] Furthermore, as before, the embedded interaction system 1 can be intended to be embedded in a set of devices 2 carrying a set of elementary directional pressures whose sequential concatenation is necessary for the reconstruction of a specific action. In this case, each of the set of devices 2 is configured to transfer the elementary directional pressure it carries to the receiving device 7, thus performing an encryption of actions.

[0075] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a particular application of the embedded interaction system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0076] According to this example, the mobile device 2 is a car and the receiving device 7 is a garage door opening mechanism. The embedded interaction system 1 is integrated, for example, into the bumper of the car 2 and the receiver module 9 is integrated into the garage door opening mechanism 7.

[0077] Thus, the opening mechanism 7 is intended to operate the opening of the garage door by emitting an ultrasonic acoustic pulse from the car 2. This action is contactless and the nature of the ultrasonic acoustic pulse is predetermined specifically to the coupling of the two elements: car / door.

Claims

Demands

1. Embedded interaction system, characterized in that it comprises an array of ultrasonic transducers (3) controllable by a control module (5) to generate at least one focused ultrasonic acoustic wave flux, referred to as an ultrasonic acoustic pulse configured to interact with at least one receiving device (7) equipped with a receiving module (9) sensitive to said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse, the embedded interaction system (1) being intended to be embedded in an array of devices (2) to generate a set of elementary interactions the combination of which is necessary to create a specific interaction with the receiving device (7).

2. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the embedded interaction system (1) is configured to generate a series of ultrasonic acoustic pulses carrying information.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse carries a directional pressure suitable for actuating a predetermined function in the receiving device (7).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embedded interaction system (1) is intended to be embedded in a mobile or fixed device (2) among the following devices: vehicle, drone, aircraft, machine, remote control device.

5. 5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of devices (2) carries a set of data blocks whose concatenation is necessary for the reconstruction of secure information and in that each of said set of devices (2) is configured to transfer the data block it carries to the receiving device (7) which is configured to reconstruct the secure information from the set of data blocks.

6. 6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly of devices (2) carries a set of elementary directional pressures, the concatenation of which is necessary for the reconstitution of a specific action, and in that each of said assembly of devices is configured to transfer the elementary directional pressure it carries to the receiving device (7).

7. 7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embedded interaction system (1) is intended to generate ultrasonic acoustic pulses configured to interact with several receiving devices (7).

8. 8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducers (3) are PMUT type piezoelectric transducers arranged in a set of matrices and sub-matrices (4).

9. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the control module (5) is configured to control the emission of ultrasonic pulses from the sub-matrices (4) with phase shifts between the different sub-matrices (4) so ​​as to focus the emitted waves at a given point in space.

10. 10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each ultrasonic transducer (3) comprises a flexible membrane (15) suspended on a rigid support (17) and a piezoelectric conversion element (19) fixed on the flexible membrane.

11. 11. Receiver device comprising a receiver module configured to capture said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse emitted by the on-board interaction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that it is included in a mobile or fixed apparatus.

13. 13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises an embedded interaction system.

14. 14. Mobile or fixed device characterized in that it comprises an embedded interaction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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