57 results about "Modulated ultrasound" patented technology

Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

Methods for determining the shear modulus of a tissue of an individual are disclosed. In one embodiment, an acoustic pulse is transmitted and a reference echo signal is received. A first push pulse is transmitted at a second location of the individual. A second push pulse is transmitted at a third location of the individual. A series of tracking pulses are transmitted at the first location and a tracking echo signal is received from each tracking pulse. The effect of the first and second push pulses on the tissue is determined through analysis of the tracking echo signals. The shear modulus of the tissue is calculated based on the effect of the push pulses on the tissue. A system for imaging a region of tissue is presented.

The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for the modulation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. A method of creating haptic feedback using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of ultrasound waves with a common focal point using a phased array of ultrasound transducers, the common focal point being a haptic feedback point, and modulating the generation of the ultrasound waves using a waveform selected to produce little or no audible sound at the haptic feedback point.

A system and method for imaging the localized viscoelastic properties of tissue is disclosed. An oscillatory radiation force is applied to tissue in order to induce a localized oscillatory motion of the tissue. The phase and amplitude of the induced localized oscillatory motion of the tissue is also detected while the oscillatory radiation force is being applied. The viscous properties of the tissue are determined by a calculation of a phase shift between the applied oscillatory radiation force and the induced localized oscillatory motion of the tissue. The oscillatory force force inducing local oscillatory motion may be a single amplitude modulated ultrasound beam.

A method of using an integrated intraluminal imaging system includes an optical coherence tomography interferometer (OCT), an ultrasound subsystem (US) and a phase resolved acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography subsystem (PR-RAF-OCE). The steps include performing OCT to generate a returned optical signal, performing US imaging to generate a returned ultrasound signal, performing PR-ARF-OCE to generate a returned PR-ARF-OCE signal by generating a amplitude modulated ultrasound beam or chirped amplitude modulated ultrasound beam to frequency sweep the acoustic radiation force, measuring the ARF induced tissue displacement using phase resolved OCT method, and the frequency dependence of the PR-ARF-OCE signal, processing the returned optical signal, the returned ultrasound signal and the measured frequency dependence of the returned PR-ARF-OCE optical coherence elastographic signal to quantitatively measure the mechanical properties of the identified tissues with both spectral and spatial resolution using enhanced materials response at mechanically resonant frequencies to distinguish tissues with varying stiffness, to identify tissues with different biomechanical properties and to measure structural and mechanical properties simultaneously.

Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

Parametric loudspeakers that are based on a modulated ultrasound carrier signal produce strong directional patterns. This strong directional patterns require a direct transmission path from the loudspeaker to the audience. Obstacles in this path have a reflecting or absorbing effect. The invention describes a mechanical arrangement of a parametric loudspeaker with a mobile reflector. The arrangement allows tracking of the emitted sound in the direction of a moving audience. The invention provides for advantageous installation possibilities, for example in the rooflining of vehicles or as a mobile system.

The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for the modulation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. A method of creating haptic feedback using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of ultrasound waves with a common focal point using a phased array of ultrasound transducers, the common focal point being a haptic feedback point, and modulating the generation of the ultrasound waves using a waveform selected to produce little or no audible sound at the haptic feedback point.

The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for the modulation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. A method of creating haptic feedback using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of ultrasound waves with a common focal point using a phased array of ultrasound transducers, the common focal point being a haptic feedback point, and modulating the generation of the ultrasound waves using a waveform selected to produce little or no audible sound at the haptic feedback point.

A system and method are presented for generating a localized audible sound field at a designated spatial location. The method comprises: providing sound-data indicative of an audible sound to be produced and location-data indicative of a designated spatial location at which the audible sound is to be produced; and utilizing the sound-data and determining frequency content of at least two ultrasound beams to be transmitted by an acoustic transducer system including an arrangement of a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements for generating said audible sound. The at least two ultrasound beams include at least one primary audio modulated ultrasound beam, whose frequency contents includes at least two ultrasonic frequency components selected to produce the audible sound after undergoing non-linear interaction in a non linear medium, and one or more additional ultrasound beams each including one or more ultrasonic frequency components. The location-data is utilized for determining at least two focal points for the at least two ultrasound beams respectively such that focusing the at least two ultrasound beams on the at least two focal points enables generation of a localized sound field with the audible sound in the vicinity of the designated spatial location.

The focussing ultrasonic modulation reflection type optical chromatographic imaging method utilizes the focussing ultrasonic technique to make modulation and tissue location of the laser injected into deep biological tissue, and uses optical technique to make high-sensitivity detection and real-time high-speed. Fourier transform to process signal, and can obtain the chromatogram of pathologic changed tissue region. The injection laser mand modulation ultrasonic wave are coaxially-retained, and its signal exciting device and receiving device adopt homoside reflection mode. Said optical chromatographic imaging equipment is formed from laser, optical polarization component, ultrasonic component, photo-electric conversion component, signal display and real-time rapid Fourier transform module and computer.

Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

A first drone equipped with a high energy Directional Ultrasound Parametric Speaker Array and a second drone equipped with an Acoustic Dispersion Cannon are used to fight wildfire. The first drone is distanced far from a burning flame but in close proximity to a fire target. Both drones are guided by GPS to communicate with remote operators. Once the target is locked, the first drone blasts the target with Amplitude Modulated Ultrasound. The Ultrasound is self-demodulated into a lower frequency audio sound when it encounters a hot flame of richly charged ions. The lowered frequency sound pushes and pulls the flame forward and backward rapidly away from the combustion source, causing it to be disconnected from the flame which instantly cools down and is extinguished. The second drone blasts the combustible source with powerful sonic shockwaves to disperse the still hot particulates further apart to prevent the source being reignited.

An apparatus worn by a user utilizing projected sound in a companion device for a mobile phone. The apparatus includes a an attachment device for attaching the apparatus to the user and an interface for using the mobile phone from the apparatus. The user interfaces with the apparatus to perform operations upon the mobile phone. A mechanism is utilized to establish a voice channel with the mobile phone for performing phone operations through the mobile phone. In addition, the apparatus includes a speaker for projecting directional sound through the speaker. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a parabolic reflector. In another embodiment, modulated ultrasound is emitted from the speaker. The apparatus may be mounted to a watch, a shoulder of the user, or a vehicle.

An ultrasonic transceiver device and remote output devices controlled by the transceiver for use by domestic pets. The transceiver utilizes a fixed interval edge detect modulation system to lock out stray environmental noise thereby, avoiding false triggering and greatly increasing the working range. Output devices include: a wireless pet containment system in which ultrasonic transmitters are mounted on a series of posts defining the perimeter of the containment area and a receiver device adapted to be worn by a domestic animal. Upon receiving the transmitted ultrasound the receiver device sounds a warning tone followed by an electric shock to train the animal to stay within the perimeter; a sonic alarm system to deter a domestic animal from entering a restricted area whereby, an ultrasonic transmitter is worn by the animal and a receiver with an alarm output is placed in a stationary location to sound an alarm chasing the animal from the area in which the receiver is placed; a remote pet training device whereby a hand held transmitter is carried by a human trainer and a receiver unit is worn by the pet, the receiver produces a set of training tones in response to the modulated ultrasound produced by the transmitter; and a remotely operated pet door which automatically opens under its own power when it receives a signal from an ultrasonic transmitter worn by a pet.

A parametric loudspeaker system comprises a pre-compensator (305) for generating a pre-compensated envelope signal by applying a pre-compensation to the input audio signal where the pre-compensation compensates for distortion of in-air demodulation of the modulated ultrasound signal. A pre-modulator (307) generates a complex base band signal generating a phase signal from the pre-compensated envelope signal using a predetermined function for determining a phase signal from an amplitude signal such that the corresponding complex signal has either suppressed negative or positive frequencies. The complex base band signal is then generated to have an amplitude corresponding to the pre-compensated envelope signal and a phase corresponding to the phase signal. A modulator (309) quadrature modulates the complex base band signal on an ultrasonic quadrature carrier and an output circuit (311) drives the ultrasound transducer (301) from the modulated signal. The invention may allow effective yet low resource pre-compensation for a suppressed or single sideband modulated modulated ultrasound signal.

A MEMS speaker that may include a membrane positioned in a first plane, wherein the membrane may be configured to oscillate at a first frequency thereby generating an ultrasonic acoustic signal; and an acoustic modulator that may include a blind and a shutter; wherein the blind may be positioned in a second plane; wherein the shutter may be positioned in a third plane; wherein the first plane, the second plane and the third plane may be substantially separated from each other; and wherein the acoustic modulator may be configured to (a) receive or generate a shutter control signal and a blind control signal, and (b) modulate, in response to the shutter control signal and the blind control signal, the ultrasonic acoustic signal such that an audio signal may be generated.

A parametric loudspeaker system comprises a pre-compensator (305) for generating a pre-compensated envelope signal by applying a pre-compensation to the input audio signal where the pre-compensation compensates for distortion of in-air demodulation of the modulated ultrasound signal. A pre-modulator (307) generates a complex base band signal generating a phase signal from the pre-compensated envelope signal using a predetermined function for determining a phase signal from an amplitude signal such that the corresponding complex signal has either suppressed negative or positive frequencies. The complex base band signal is then generated to have an amplitude corresponding to the pre-compensated envelope signal and a phase corresponding to the phase signal. A modulator (309) quadrature modulates the complex base band signal on an ultrasonic quadrature carrier and an output circuit (311) drives the ultrasound transducer (301) from the modulated signal. The invention may allow effective yet low resource pre-compensation for a suppressed or single sideband modulated modulated ultrasound signal.

Methods for determining the shear modulus of a tissue of an individual are disclosed. In one embodiment, an acoustic pulse is transmitted and a reference echo signal is received. A first push pulse is transmitted at a second location of the individual. A second push pulse is transmitted at a third location of the individual. A series of tracking pulses are transmitted at the first location and a tracking echo signal is received from each tracking pulse. The effect of the first and second push pulses on the tissue is determined through analysis of the tracking echo signals. The shear modulus of the tissue is calculated based on the effect of the push pulses on the tissue. A system for imaging a region of tissue is presented.

Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied trans-abdominally and directed at the cervix. Ultrasound energy is widely used in medical applications such as diagnostic imaging, therapeutic heating and noninvasive surgery.

The invention provides a method and device for directionally solidifying a liquid / solid interface based on ultrasonic wave modulation. In the method, a group of ultrasonic waves is added near a peripheral liquid / solid interface of a crystallizer; the ultrasonic waves spread in a liquid phase to form a sound current; and the sound current forces the liquid phase to flow and stirs the liquid phase. The intensity of the sound current is related to the transmitting power and frequency of ultrasonic waves; and by modulating the transmitting power and frequency of the ultrasonic waves, a flat liquid / solid interface can be obtained. The device has the characteristics that a group of ultrasonic wave transmitting probes are added in a heat insulation layer at the lower end of a furnace, and the probes are externally connected with an ultrasonic signal source. By adjusting the applied ultrasonic waves to accurately control the melt to flow, the radial temperature and solute of the liquid / solid interface are re-distributed uniformly so as to ensure that the solidification material grows in a flat interface manner, the shortcomings are reduced, and the crystal quality and preparation efficiency are improved.

A method for locating a mobile device is disclosed. Initially, a set of modulated ultrasound signals and a set of radio signals are separately broadcast from a group of transmitters. The ultrasound signals include at least one symbol configured for pulse compression. After the receipt of a demodulated ultrasound signal from a mobile device, wherein the demodulated ultrasound signal is derived from the modulated ultrasound signals, transmitter identifier and timing information are extracted from the demodulated ultrasound signal. Timing information include, for example, the arrival time of the demodulated ultrasound signal in relation to the start time of its transmission. After the locations of the transmitters have been ascertained from the transmitter identifier information, the location of the mobile device can be determined based on the timing information and the locations of the transmitters.

An apparatus (500, 600) comprising an ultrasound transducer element (300) for generating an ultrasonic beam (302) through a target zone (308, 538). The ultrasonic beam has an ultrasound frequency. The apparatus comprises a magnetic resonance system (502) with a resonant frequency modulator (542, 544, 516) for modulating a magnetic resonance frequency relative to a magnetic resonance of molecules in the target zone at the ultrasound frequency. Instructions cause a processor to repeatedly generate (100, 204) first gradient commands (562) which cause a magnetic field gradient coil to generate a first gradient magnetic field (710, 810) through the target zone. The gradient magnetic field has field lines directed in a first direction (304). The processor repeatedly modulates (102, 206) the magnetic resonance frequency at the ultrasound frequency, generates (104, 208) ultrasound commands (566), acquires (106, 210) magnetic resonance data from the target zone, and generates (108, 212) second gradient commands (564).

Techniques described herein generally relate to generating an audio signal with a speaker. In some examples, a speaker device is described that includes a membrane and a shutter. The membrane can be configured to oscillate along a first directional path and at a first frequency effective to generate an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The shutter can be positioned about the membrane and configured to modulate the ultrasonic acoustic signal such that an audio signal can be generated.

A speaker device mixes an audible frequency band signal wave with a modulated wave obtained by modulating an ultrasonic frequency band carrier wave with an audible frequency band signal so as to generate a synthesis wave, and drives an ultrasonic transducer with the synthesis wave so as to reproduce a signal sound.

A first drone equipped with a high energy Directional Ultrasound Parametric Speaker Array and a second drone equipped with an Acoustic Dispersion Cannon are used to fight wildfire. The first drone is distanced far from a burning flame but in close proximity to a fire target. Both drones are guided by GPS to communicate with remote operators. Once the target is locked, the first drone blasts the target with Amplitude Modulated Ultrasound. The Ultrasound is self-demodulated into a lower frequency audio sound when it encounters a hot flame of richly charged ions. The lowered frequency sound pushes and pulls the flame forward and backward rapidly away from the combustion source, causing it to be disconnected from the flame which instantly cools down and is extinguished. The second drone blasts the combustible source with powerful sonic shockwaves to disperse the still hot particulates further apart to prevent the source being reignited.

Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied transabdominally and directed at the cervix.

An intracranial prosthesis comprised of a flat body having an interior ultrasound-compatible window and means about the outer portion capable of engaging a plurality of diagnostic instruments and / or intracranial delivery systems so that a practicing medical professional can monitor certain parameters of a patient or deliver therapeutic agents to the patient while using an ultrasound-monitoring device to image the patient's brain. The prosthesis is designed to allow for the continuous, uninterrupted, simultaneous monitoring of a number of parameters of a patient's brain at the patient's bedside.

Efficiency-modulated ultrasonic dental inserts (12) are disclosed for preventing the overpowering of power-sensitive tips (18). The inserts (12) are useful in a handpiece (10) having an induction coil (20) disposed about a well and operable with an adjustable power supply having a maximum power output setting. An efficiency-modulated magnetostrictive element (14) is adapted to be received in the well. A velocity transducer (16) has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to a distal end of the magnetostrictive element (14). A power-sensitive tip (18) has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the velocity transducer (16). The efficiency of the magnetostrictive element (14) is matched with the power range of the tip (18) to prevent overpowering the tip (18) at the maximum power output setting.

The invention discloses a continuous modulation ultrasonic ranging method, device and system. The continuous modulation ultrasonic ranging method comprises the following steps: forming a first sine wave signal, and using the first sine wave signal to excite an ultrasonic transducer to be vibrated; using a second sine wave signal at a specific moment to carry out amplitude modulation on the first sine wave signal, and using the moment as a start moment point for ranging timing; receiving an echoed signal emitted by a detected target through receiving the ultrasonic transducer; carrying out amplitude modulation on the echoed signal to acquire the second sine wave signal, and determining an arrival moment point of the echoed signal according to the modulated second sine wave signal; and calculating a distance between an ultrasonic signal and the detected target according to the start moment point and the arrival moment point so as to completely perform ranging. Relative to a conventionalamplitude identification way, the measuring method has the advantages that the receiving / sending time point of the ultrasonic signal can be acquired, so that the distance between the ultrasonic signaland the detected target can be accurately acquired.