Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that includes a sensing device and an integrated optical system for authentication. For instance, the sensing device can be an ultrasonic sensing device that can generate an image of a fingerprint and the optical system can transmit light to a finger through the ultrasonic scanning device. In some instances, the acoustic biometric sensing device can generate a liveness parameter associated with a finger based on a reflection of the light.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that combines sensing with an actuator for two way communication between a finger on a surface and the device. The sensor can also function as an actuator. A finger can be authenticated based on an image of the finger generated by the sensor and also based on a response to energy delivered to the finger by the actuator. Two way communication can provide more robust authentication than fingerprint sensing alone.

Abstract: Propagation of leaky Lamb waves in pipe walls is used to provide a clamp-on acoustic flow meter for single-phase fluid flow in pipes. The received acoustic signals can be analyzed analytically, or by matching to numerical models, or with machine learning. In a preferred embodiment, variation of penetration depth of the leaky Lamb waves into the fluid flow with frequency provides an approach for measuring flow rate vs. radius with a clamp-on flow meter.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that includes a sensing device and an integrated optical system for authentication. For instance, the sensing device can be an ultrasonic sensing device that can generate an image of a fingerprint and the optical system can transmit light to a finger through the ultrasonic scanning device. In some instances, the acoustic biometric sensing device can generate a liveness parameter associated with a finger based on a reflection of the light.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: A medical device includes a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array configured to emit ultrasound to target tissue, and at least one thermoelectric cooler mechanically coupled with the CMUT array and configured to cool non-target tissue heated by the ultrasound. The medical device may be implemented in a catheter together with a solid thermal conductor coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and extending along the catheter, to conduct heat away from the thermoelectric cooler. A catheter or catheter sleeve includes a tubular wall for insertion into a body channel, and at least one thermoelectric cooler coupled to the tubular wall for cooling the body channel wall. A catheter sleeve includes tubular casing for insertion into a body channel and capable of encasing a catheter, and at least one sensor coupled to the tubular casing for sensing one or more properties of the body channel wall, such as temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that combines sensing with an actuator for two way communication between a finger on a surface and the device. The sensor can also function as an actuator. A finger can be authenticated based on an image of the finger generated by the sensor and also based on a response to energy delivered to the finger by the actuator. Two way communication can provide more robust authentication than fingerprint sensing alone.

Abstract: Improved localization of the capsule in acoustic capsule endoscopy is provided by using analysis of the frames of the acoustic images to deduce the relative motion of the capsule from frame to frame. This idea can be supplemented with any combination of: further localization methods; propulsion of the capsule via acoustic radiation reaction; bidirectional communication and system level feedback control; energy harvesting; photoacoustic (or x-ray acoustic) imaging; and adding therapy and/or sensor capabilities to the capsule.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: We provide a novel technique for coupling focused ultrasound into the brain. The ultrasound beam can be used for therapy or neuro-modulation. We excite a selected Lamb wave mode in the skull that mode converts into longitudinal waves in the brain. The benefits of our approach is in improved efficiency, reduction in heating of the skull, and the ability to address regions in the brain that are close or far from the skull.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: A method of multi-touch detection on a touchscreen by imparting Lamb waves inside a touchscreen, using a first ultrasound transducer having a polarization direction positioned to excite lowest order symmetric Lamb waves (S0), detecting the S0 Lamb waves, using a second ultrasound transducer, where the transducers are connected to the touchscreen, controlling the transducers to selectively and repeatedly pulse the output S0 Lamb waves output to propagate the S0 Lamb waves inside the touchscreen and reflect from each edge of the touchscreen to form a base signal distribution of S0 reverberant Lamb waves across the touchscreen, where a single or a multi-touch perturbation in the reverberant Lamb waves absorbs a portion of the base signal, where the absorption forms an alteration in the base signal and is seen as a signal variation by the controller when received by the second ultrasound transducer, where the controller identifies and locates the perturbation.

Abstract: As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus and/or method involves a plurality of transducer elements that convert energy waves conveyed via a multi-directional radiation pattern into electrical charge. A power-accumulation circuit accumulates electrical charges from each of the plurality of transducer elements, with each of the transducer elements being arranged at different respective off-axis angles relative to an axis at which the energy is being conveyed. The power-accumulation circuit accumulates energy from each of the individual energy-transduction areas, such that energy received at different respective off-axis angles contributes to the accumulation of electrical charge.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods, systems, and apparatuses that include a pressure-sensor arrangement including a plate structure and a plurality or array of pressure-sensor cells. Additionally, the methods, systems, and apparatuses include integrated circuitry communicatively coupled to the pressure-sensor arrangement that senses pressure changes exhibited by changes in capacitance or vibrational characteristics.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is provided that includes a substrate, a bottom conductive layer disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate, a cavity disposed into a top surface of the substrate, a nonconductive layer disposed on the substrate top surface and on the cavity, a CMUT plate disposed on the nonconductive layer and across the cavity, a top conductive layer disposed on a top surface of the CMUT plate, a pressure control via that spans from the cavity to an ambient environment, and an active pressure controller connected to the pressure control via, wherein the active pressure controller is capable of actively varying a pressure differential across the CMUT plate.

Abstract: Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) having a pre-charged floating electrode are provided. Such CMUTs can operate without an applied DC electrical bias. Charge can be provided to the floating electrode after or during fabrication in various ways, such as injection by an applied voltage, and injection by ion implantation.