Ultrasound Transducer Array for Simultaneous Haptic and Sound Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interfaces struggle to generate both localized 'mid-air' haptic effects and sound effects simultaneously, limiting user immersion in applications like virtual reality.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal haptic and sound interface that uses an array of ultrasound transducers connected to a control circuit, capable of modulating signals to generate tactilely detectable acoustic pressures in one focal zone and audibly detectable pressures in another, allowing for simultaneous or successive generation of haptic and sound effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single array of ultrasound transducers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate both localized haptic effects and sound effects simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single array of ultrasound transducers to perform both haptic effect generation and sound effect generation through signal modulation. The control circuit modulates the transducer signals to create tactilely detectable acoustic pressures for haptic effects and audibly detectable acoustic pressures for sound effects, allowing one device to fulfill multiple functions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for haptic and visual effects, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate haptic and visual effect systems into a single integrated ultrasound transducer array. By combining the functionality of both systems into one device with a unified control circuit, the patent reduces integration complexity while maintaining functional versatility. The same transducer array generates both types of effects through different signal modulation approaches.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound frequencies above 20 kHz are used for haptic effects, then haptic localization precision is improved, but audible sound generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the ultrasound carrier frequencies with different low-frequency signals. For haptic effects, the transducers are modulated at frequencies that stimulate tactile receptors, while for sound effects, they are modulated at audible frequencies. This allows the same high-frequency ultrasound transducers to generate both localized haptic effects and audible sound by changing the modulation parameters.
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
The interface achieves spatially and temporally coherent generation of haptic and sound effects, enabling enhanced user immersion with precise control over focal zones and effect timing, suitable for applications in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of identical ultrasound transducers of the piezoelectric micromachined (PMUT) type generating a haptic effect
Implementation Method 2
a certain number of transducers are activated in order to obtain a general pressure pulse with a certain amplitude
Implementation Method 3
generate, with the ultrasound waves emitted by at least some of the transducers, an acoustic pressure that is tactilely detectable in at least one first focal zone
Implementation Method 4
generate, with the ultrasound waves emitted by at least some of the transducers, an acoustic pressure that is audibly detectable in at least one second focal zone
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal haptic interface has a control circuit and an an array with a plurality of ultrasound transducers connected to the circuit. The control circuit is configured to modulate the signals sent to the transducers in order to generate, with the ultrasound waves emitted by at least some of the transducers, an acoustic pressure that is tactilely detectable in at least one first focal zone; and/or generate, with the ultrasound waves emitted by at least some of the transducers, an acoustic pressure that is audibly detectable in at least one second focal zone.