Ultrasonic Phase Computing for Spatial Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic spatial haptic feedback devices face challenges in forming interference patterns with complex shapes, as interference between ultrasonic waves can cancel out acoustic radiation pressure, making it difficult to achieve desired haptic feedback patterns.

Innovation Solution

A phase computing device and method that determine space coordinates and calculate initial phases for ultrasonic vibrators to maximize energy densities at specific points, using iterative gradient descent computations and evaluation functions to optimize the interference pattern, ensuring efficient convergence and accurate haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultrasonic waves are used to form spatial haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be presented in space, but interference of opposite phase occurs causing ultrasonic waves to cancel out acoustic radiation pressure at different points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback stabilityVSAvoidopposite phase interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase parameters of ultrasonic waves emitted by each vibrator in the array. By calculating and adjusting the initial phase of each vibrator based on its position and the target interference pattern coordinates, the system ensures constructive interference at desired points while avoiding destructive interference. This parameter optimization resolves the opposite phase interference problem and stabilizes haptic feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the initial phase for each vibrator before generating the ultrasonic waves. By pre-computing the optimal phase distribution based on the target spatial coordinates and interference pattern requirements, the system prevents opposite phase interference from occurring in the first place, rather than trying to correct it afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If phase control is performed for each vibrator to achieve desired sound pressure distribution, then spatial haptic feedback can be formed, but computation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference pattern precisionVSAvoidcomputation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interference pattern formation into independent calculations for each vibrator. By dividing the overall problem into individual vibrator phase calculations based on their respective positions and distances to target points, the system can compute optimal phases efficiently without requiring complex full-wave simulations, thus reducing computation time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex iterative wave simulation with a direct mathematical calculation method. Instead of using time-consuming mechanical wave propagation simulations to determine phase distributions, the system uses analytical calculations based on distance, wavelength, and target coordinates to directly compute the optimal initial phase for each vibrator, significantly reducing computation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the formation of ultrasonic interference patterns with complex shapes, providing strong and stable haptic feedback by optimizing the initial phases of ultrasonic vibrators, reducing computation time, and enhancing convergence efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

forms mutually strengthening points and lines on a space by interference of ultrasonic waves emitted by the individual vibrators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

presents haptic feedback to the air by an acoustic radiation pressure thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 3

calculates an initial phase of each vibrator, a sum of energy densities of the wave motion at respective points of the space coordinates being maximum in the initial phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy density optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS11263878B2Phase computing device, phase computing method, haptic presentation system, and program

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A phase computing device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a coordinate determination unit and a computing unit.The coordinate determination unit determines space coordinates at which an interference pattern of wave motion emitted from a vibrator phased array is to be presented, the wave motion including ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, or other waves. The computing unit calculates an initial phase of each vibrator, a sum of energy densities of the wave motion at respective points of the space coordinates being maximum in the initial phase.