Phased-Array Acoustic Field Control With Precomputed Transfer Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for producing an acoustic field using control points face limitations when a large number of control points are used, leading to slower solution times and reduced ability to control acoustic fields of larger volumes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a plurality of control points with known spatial relationships to an array of transducers, assigning amplitudes to these points, and using eigenvalue decomposition to determine valid phases and amplitudes that optimize the acoustic field's distribution across the control points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large number of control points are used to control the acoustic field, then the coverage and precision of acoustic field control is improved, but the solution time increases and becomes less predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the transfer function matrix H that describes the acoustic field propagation characteristics between transducers and control points. This preliminary computation allows the system to quickly determine transducer phases and amplitudes for any desired control point configuration without performing complex real-time calculations, thus reducing solution time while maintaining precision for large numbers of control points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional iterative numerical optimization methods with a closed-form mathematical solution using the transfer function matrix approach. By formulating the problem as a matrix operation where the desired control point amplitudes directly determine the required transducer phases and amplitudes, the system achieves predictable and fast computation times even for large numbers of control points
2Volume of stationary object
If a large number of control points are used, then the ability to control larger acoustic field volumes is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer function matrix H is pre-computed based on the geometric configuration of transducers and control points, capturing all acoustic propagation characteristics in advance. This allows the system to handle large acoustic field volumes with many control points using simple matrix operations rather than complex iterative computations, reducing computational complexity while enabling larger field control
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer function matrix approach provides a universal solution that can handle any number of control points and any desired amplitude distribution across the acoustic field. The same matrix H can be used for different field volumes and configurations, making the system scalable and computationally efficient for large-scale acoustic field control without increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in faster and more predictable solution times, enabling the support of a higher number of control points and the real-time updating of control points, as well as the control of larger acoustic field volumes.
Implementation Method 1
operating the transducer array to cause one or more of the transducers to output an acoustic wave each having an initial amplitude and phase
Implementation Method 2
the effect that producing a modelled acoustic field having the assigned amplitude with a particular phase at the control point has on the consequential amplitude and phase of the modelled acoustic field at the other control points
Data Source
AI summary
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.