Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein in which multi-level square wave excitation signals are used instead of or in addition to fully-analog excitation signals to drive an array of transceiver elements to create a sound field. Use of multi-level square wave excitation signals produces acceptable transceiver output with reduced complexity, cost, and/or power consumption as compared with use of fully-analog excitation signals. In addition, use of such signals facilitates system implementation using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and is not as restricted in voltage level and speed. At the same time, the benefits and applications of fully-analog excitation signals (e.g., acoustic holography, beam superposition, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvements, suppression of parasitic modes, increased material penetration, potential for coded pulsing algorithms and suppression of side lobes in ultrasonic field) can still be achieved with multi-level square wave excitation signals.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a signal generation circuit, an amplifier, and a matching circuit as a transmission-side circuit. The signal generation circuit includes a driving signal generation circuit that generates a driving signal for transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and reception and a reverberation suppression signal generation circuit that generates a reverberation suppression signal for suppressing reverberation occurring at the ultrasonic transducer from which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted. The reverberation suppression signal generation circuit generates the reverberation suppression signal having a frequency of 1/2 times the frequency of the driving signal and applies the reverberation suppression signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a time delayed from the driving signal by a half wavelength.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a source of physiological affliction within a moving enclosed structure, such as a vehicle, which defines an interior. The system includes: at least one pressure fluctuation generator, at least one pressure sensor located to sense pressure indicative of the interior of the structure; and at least one controller configured to: determine, from the first pressure sensor information, at least one pressure disturbance within the interior of the structure; and control the at least one pressure fluctuation generator to cancel the at least one pressure disturbance within the interior of the structure. In an example, the at least one pressure disturbance includes infrasonic pressure fluctuations (infrasound). In an example, the physiological affliction includes motion sickness or nauseogenicity.

Abstract: A problem is to increase possibility of extracting data from sound in a system which transmits data using the sound as a transmission medium. Frames are transmitted while shifting the transmission timing among a plurality of frequency bands, whereby tolerance for multipath fading, noise mixing, or the like is obtained and improvement of a substantial transmission rate can be expected compared to a case where one frame is transmitted using only one frequency band. When selecting blocks forming a frame, since a block is selected under a condition that a time period necessary for collecting sound, on which the blocks to be selected are superimposed, becomes shorter, even if a phenomenon, in which a substantial rate of data transmission decreases, occurs, it becomes possible to suppress a decrease in rate.

Abstract: Implementations are provided for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data through sonic communication. A transmit device having a sonic transducer transmits a sonic carrier signal through the air with a digital representation of the data with a modulation protocol using sonic transmission frequencies in accordance with present invention. The sonic transducer operates to transmit the one or more sonic carrier signals carrying the modulated data over the air with sufficient gain to carry the signal to a receiver device where the data is demodulated using at least one sonic transducer of a receive device. The receive device may be configured to perform the demodulation of the data at one or more sonic transmission frequencies and in accordance with a sonic modulation protocol to provide a binary representation of the data. Ambient noise captured by the receiver device is processed along with the data transmitted over the sonic carrier signals.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an ultrasonic receiver for detecting ultrasonic energy received at a first surface of the ultrasonic receiver. The ultrasonic receiver includes an array of pixel circuits disposed on a substrate, each pixel circuit in the array including at least one thin film transistor (TFT) element and having a pixel input electrode electrically coupled to the pixel circuit. The ultrasonic receiver is fabricated by forming a piezoelectric layer so as to be in electrical contact with the pixel input electrodes. Forming the piezoelectric layer includes coating a solution containing a polymer onto the array of pixel circuits, crystallizing the polymer to form a crystallized polymer layer and poling the crystallized polymer layer.

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbedding process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed for the purposes of reducing the time needed for germination of a plant and the time needed for full maturity growth of the resultant plant. This invention teaches that ultrasound applied to the shell of a seed will develop micro-punctures which enable the faster absorption of water and other liquid nutrients into the seed structure. The sonic energy may be at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 20 minutes, and can utilize either a sinusoidal waveform or an alternating ultrasonic transmission consisting of a saw tooth wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, followed by a square wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, or such similar combination of ultrasonic transmissions. The treated seed tends to grow into a mature plant at a substantially accelerated rate.

Abstract: Techniques have been developed for transmitting and receiving information conveyed through the air from one portable device to another as a generally unperceivable coding within an otherwise recognizable acoustic signal. For example, in some embodiments in accordance with the present invention(s), information is acoustically communicated from a first handheld device toward a second by encoding the information in a signal that, when converted into acoustic energy at an acoustic transducer of the first handheld device, is characterized in that the acoustic energy is discernable to a human ear yet the encoding of the information therein is generally not perceivable by the human. The acoustic energy is transmitted from the acoustic transducer of the first handheld device toward the second handheld device across an air gap that constitutes a substantially entirety of the distance between the devices.

Abstract: In an oscillator (100), a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators (111 to 113) supported by vibrator support mechanisms (120) individually output highly directional sound waves. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators (111 to 113) is formed by dividing a laminated body of an elastic member and a piezoelectric substance by the vibrator support mechanisms (120). Since it is not necessary to arrange the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in a matrix, the entirety of a device can be small-sized. A sound deflection unit that deflects a sound wave which is output by at least one of the piezoelectric vibrators may be further included.

Abstract: A CMUT on CMOS imaging chip is disclosed. The imaging chip can use direct connection, CMOS architecture to minimize both internal and external connection complexity. Intelligent power management can enable the chip to be used for various imaging applications with strict power constraints, including forward-looking intra-vascular ultrasound imaging. The chip can use digital logic to control transmit and receive events to minimize power consumption and maximize image resolution. The chip can be integrated into a probe, or catheter, and requires minimal external connections. The chip can comprise integrated temperature control to prevent overheating.

Abstract: Embodiments related to addition of a variable mass load to the shell of a marine vibrator to compensate for air spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; a driver disposed at least partially within the outer shell and coupled thereto; and a mass load coupled to an exterior surface of the outer shell; wherein the marine vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the mass load.

Abstract: Fullerenes, when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, generate acoustic waves. A photoacoustic tomography method using a material comprising fullerenes is disclosed that includes irradiating the material with a radiation beam such as a laser. The resultant photoacoustic effect produced by the material is detected by at least one detector. A photoacoustic tomography system using a material comprising fullerenes is also described.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound probe and an operating method of the ultrasound probe which can select a power transmission channel and/or a wireless power transmission method that are most appropriate in an environment in which power transmission channels exist. The operating method of the ultrasound probe includes operations of obtaining a plurality of pieces of information about power transmission channels; displaying a power transmission channel list, based on the plurality of pieces of information about the power transmission channels; selecting a power transmission channel from the power transmission channel list; and receiving wireless power that is transmitted via the selected power transmission channel.

Abstract: Herein is presented, a low power on-die 60 GHz distribution network for a beamforming system that can be scaled as the number of transmitters increases. The transmission line based power splitters and quadrature hybrids whose size would be proportional to a quarter wavelength (˜600 ?m) if formed using transmission lines are instead constructed by inductors/capacitors and reduce the area by more than 80%. An input in-phase I clock and an input quadrature Q clock are combined into a single composite clock waveform locking the phase relation between the in-phase I clock and quadrature Q clock. The composite clock is transferred over a single transmission line formed using a Co-planar Waveguide (CPW) coupling the source and destination locations over the surface of a die. Once the individuals the in-phase I and quadrature Q clocks are required, they can be generated at the destination from the composite clock waveform.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe device includes capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers, a band control unit and a bias voltage change unit. Each of the transducers belongs to one of groups, each of the groups includes at least one of the transducers. The band control unit determines the bias voltage value which varies for each of the groups, and a timing to apply the direct-current bias voltage having the bias voltage value so that all frequencies included in an operating frequency are transmitted and/or received by the ultrasonic probe device during an operation period. The bias voltage change unit changes the direct-current bias voltage to be applied to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers in accordance with the bias voltage value and the timing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter of an ultrasonic occupancy sensing device has adjustable ultrasonic signal output amplitude to prevent overload of an ultrasonic sensor associated with the ultrasonic occupancy sensing device. A circuit for controlling the operating voltage to a power driver of the ultrasonic transmitter allows field adjustment of the output thereof so that an optimal level (amplitude) for the transmitted ultrasonic signal may be found in an area of actual use (e.g., field adjustable).

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a document attribute using acoustics are provided. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a feature of a document using acoustics includes emitting a first acoustic signal from a first acoustic transmitter to a first acoustic receiver while a document is between the first acoustic transmitter and the first acoustic receiver, and emitting a second acoustic signal from a second acoustic transmitter to a second acoustic receiver while the document is between the second acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver. The second acoustic signal differs from the first acoustic signal. The method also includes determining the presence of a feature of the document using at least one of the first acoustic signal or the second acoustic signal.

Abstract: Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) arrays and techniques for frequency shaping in pMUT arrays are described, for example to achieve both high frequency and low frequency operation in a same device. The ability to operate at both high and low frequencies may be tuned during use of the device to adaptively adjust for optimal resolution at a particular penetration depth of interest. In embodiments, various sizes of piezoelectric membranes are fabricated for tuning resonance frequency across the membranes. The variously sized piezoelectric membranes are lumped together by two or more separate electrode rails, enabling independent addressing between the two or more subgroups of sized transducer elements. Signal processing of the drive and/or response signals generated and/or received from each of the two or more electrode rails may achieve a variety of operative modes for the device, such as a near field mode, a far field mode, and an ultra wide bandwidth mode.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a computer-implemented method for generating a modulated acoustic carrier signal for wireless transmission from a speaker of a transmit device to a microphone of a receive device. Aspects of the exemplary embodiments include converting a message to binary data; modulating one or more selected frequencies for one or more acoustic carrier signals based on the binary data to generate one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals; filtering the one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals to remove any unintended audible harmonics created during modulation, including; equalizing the modulated acoustic carrier signal to pre-compensate for known degradations that will occur further along a signal path; setting a level of the modulated acoustic carrier signal for the intended application; and storing the modulated acoustic carrier signal in a buffer for subsequent output and transmission by the speaker.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: Encoding and decoding methods are provided. An information object is encoded according to a preset encoding scheme. A preset set of bits is selected from the encoded information object and the selected set of bits is output as a sample. A control packet including information on a sample number is generated. The sample is assembled with the control packet. The sample is modulated into a sound signal according to a preset scheme. An input sound signal is demodulated according to the preset scheme. Sample bits and control packet bits containing information of the sample are separated from each other in demodulated received bits. Address information corresponding to each bit of the sample is generated according to the control packet. A soft decision of the sample bits is summed for each piece of the generated address information. A sample decoding of the summed soft decision of the sample bits is performed.

Abstract: Information is communicated to an individual by directing an acoustic signal transcranially to a target region in the brain. The target region is stimulated to produce a cognitive effect, and the cognitive effect is modulated or encoded to carry the desired information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe (60) comprising: an ultrasound transducer (12) having an emission surface (24) for generating ultrasound waves, and an acoustical lens (12) with a first part (64) having an inner surface (66) facing the emission surface (24), wherein the inner surface (64) comprises a plurality of protrusions (74) and/or recesses (76) for scattering reflections of ultrasound waves.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: To provide a technique for making it possible to perform proximity communication using an apparatus not including a special proximity communication device. Transmission data is acquired. Output sound data of a PCM format obtained by encoding the transmission data is output, the output sound data indicating sound in an inaudible frequency band. A DA converter is caused to convert the output sound data, whereby a speaker is caused to output sound corresponding to the output sound data. The output sound data indicates sound having a plurality of sections with sound and soundless sections between the adjacent sections with sound according to the transmission data and that the output sound data indicates a sine curve in which the amplitude of the sections with sound increases from a start time and decreases after reaching a maximum.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including a modulation unit (22) that modulates a sound signal to a modulation wave for a parametric speaker; an oscillator (12) to which the modulation wave is input; an equalizer (26) that corrects a frequency characteristic of a sound wave that is demodulated by the modulation wave; and a control unit (20) that selects a carrier frequency of the modulation wave and changes setting of the equalizer (26) on the basis of the selected carrier frequency. Thus, it is possible to provide the electronic device capable of correcting the frequency characteristic of the sound wave that is demodulated, for each carrier frequency of the modulation wave.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor has: a diaphragm that includes at least two partial regions for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals, the two partial regions possessing different resonance characteristics; and at least one electromechanical transducer coupled to the diaphragm, to which transducer a control signal having at least two different control signal frequencies is applied. In this context, a first control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a first partial region of the diaphragm, and a second control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a second partial region of the diaphragm. Alternatively, two electromechanical transducers are used, which are coupled to a diaphragm and have different resonance characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for real-time execution of ultrasound system actions includes processor and memory to store instructions. Execution of the instructions causes processor to receive a task list including task actions that include next task action in task list. Next task action includes task instructions. Processor determines whether next task instruction in next task action is a timed instruction that includes a timestamp field having a time value indicating a time at which next task action is to be executed, and a hardware-enable field indicating hardware elements required to be available before execution of timed instruction. If next task instruction is not a timed instruction, processor may execute next task instruction. If next task instruction is timed instruction, processor determines whether time value has expired. If time value has expired, processor signals an error has occurred, and if time value has not expired, processor waits for time value. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of adaptively scheduling ultrasound device actions starts with an electronic circuit included in an adaptive scheduler selecting a next task in a task list. The task list may include tasks scheduled to be performed by an ultrasound system. Each of the tasks may include a plurality of task actions. The electronic circuit may then determine if a task action included in the next task can start. This determination may include determining if the task action can be completed without interfering with a start of a higher priority task in the task list. When the electronic circuit determines that the next task action can start, the electronic circuit may signal to a beam associated with the task action to start and perform the task action. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated single channel or multi-channel ultrasound transmitter that minimizes the number of input connections to a controller such as an FPGA, field programmable gate array, or a custom integrated circuit in an ultrasound system. The method is accomplished by integrating, in low voltage logic, a means to store and or program the patterns required for the transmitter output. The number of logic input connections can be further reduced by further integrating, in low voltage logic, programmable individual time delays and frequency divider for each transmitter output.

Abstract: A plurality of phased array acoustic communication devices are used to communicate data along a tubulation, such as a well. The phased array acoustic communication devices employ phased arrays of acoustic transducers, such as piezoelectric transducers, to direct acoustic energy in desired directions along the tubulation. The system is controlled by a computer-based controller. Information, including data and commands, is communicated using digital signaling.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ultra-high frequency sound waves with frequencies between (1 GHz-10 GHz) is proposed. The apparatus comprises a magnetic phonon-gain medium configured to generate high frequency non-equilibrium phonons by non-equilibrium magnons having the magnon velocity exceeding the sound velocity in the magnetic phonon-gain medium. The non-equilibrium magnons having the magnon velocity exceeding the sound velocity in the magnetic phonon-gain medium are generated by injected non-equilibrium electrons having spin opposite to the direction of magnetization of the magnetic phonon-gain medium. The apparatus further comprises a means for outputting the ultra-high frequency non-equilibrium phonons.

Abstract: An ultrasonic emitter comprises a support member operable to support an ultrasonic emittive material. The support member includes a plurality of support ribs. The ultrasonic emittive material is coupled to upper portions of the support ribs so as to be carried by the support member. A protective screen has a plurality of apertures formed therein, the protective screen being in contact with the ultrasonic emittive material atop the support ribs such that the spacing between the ultrasonic emittive material and the protective screen is substantially zero atop the support ribs.

Abstract: A Doppler compensation system includes a transmitter unit for transmitting a signal, wherein the transmitted signal being associated with an emission time-scale, a receiving unit for receiving a signal, wherein the received signal is associated with a receive time-scale that is not equivalent to the emission time-scale, and a Doppler compensating unit configured to estimate an inverse temporal distortion function, wherein the Doppler compensating unit implements the inverse temporal distortion function to estimate the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing radiated power from a linear array of acoustic projectors. In one case, the method realizes omni-directional acoustic beam patterns from a linear array of acoustic projectors contained within an acoustically-impervious enclosure with an acoustically transparent aperture. In another case, the method realizes an efficient set of beams for a conventional horizontal projector array or a similar acoustic projector array, which may be within an acoustically transparent enclosure. Drive signals are determined by finding a mutual impedance matrix that characterizes the interdependence of the acoustic projectors and solving an eigenvalue problem for the mutual impedance matrix. One of the eigenvalues is selected on the basis that it maximizes radiated power, and the corresponding eigenvectors are used to derive the corresponding drive signals.

Abstract: A parametric system for generating audible sound, comprising a transducer array configured to emit modulated ultrasonic waves in a converging wave pattern toward a focal volume, where the modulated ultrasonic waves are configured to demodulate to generate audible sound waves in the focal volume, and where the generated audible sound waves emanate from the focal volume with a diverging wave pattern.

Abstract: A description is given of a sonotrode (18) for connection to an ultrasonic vibration transducer (2, 3) comprising a connecting portion (4), which extends along a first axis (16) and is attached by a first end (42) to the vibration transducer (2, 3) or is connected thereto, wherein the connecting portion (4) is made to vibrate almost exclusively along the first axis (16) by the ultrasonic vibration transducer (2, 3).

Abstract: Described herein are devices and systems that transmit data from a first device using an ultrasonic digital modem to a second device that receives the ultrasonic signal and can interpret the ultrasonic signal. The second device may be a telecommunications device such as a smartphone running an ultrasonic digital modem receiver application. In particular, devices, systems and methods for encoding and transmitting an ultrasonic signal that includes both digital (e.g., FSK) and analog signal components. Such hybrid ultrasonic signals may efficiently and reliably transmit information, and particularly biological information. Also described herein are devices, systems and methods for securely transmitting ultrasonic signals using encryption keys that may be read by the receiving device using a separate (e.g., non-ultrasound modality) from the transmitting device.

Abstract: A transmission circuit transmits an ultrasonic signal from an ultrasonic vibrator by driving a terminal voltage of the ultrasonic vibrator using a first pulse signal and then further driving the terminal voltage using a second pulse signal having an opposite phase to the first pulse signal. At least one of a pulse number of the second pulse signal and a pulse level of the terminal voltage is arbitrarily set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and a system for measuring pressure, variation in sound pressure, a magnetic field, acceleration, vibration, or the composition of a gas. The sensor comprises an ultrasound transmitter, a cavity, and a passive sensor element. In accordance with the invention the sensor includes antenna means for receiving radio frequency signals (f1, f2), and connecting means connecting the antenna to the ultrasound transmitter for using the radio frequency signals for providing energy for driving the ultrasound transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method to enable vibration mediated communication between electrical devices such as photovoltaic solar panel controllers. The electrical devices may be connected to a mesh network with individual router devices. The individual router devices will send and receive data packets by creating or detecting vibrations in a solid vibration conducting media (such as the solar power wiring) that connects the individual electrical devices. Often at least one centralized control device is used to periodically request sensor data packets from the individual router devices and electrical devices. When the electrical devices are photovoltaic solar arrays, the centralized control device may, for example, be used to compute the proper adjustments for the solar arrays that will optimize the overall power output from the photovoltaic solar array. The control device will then send adjustment data packets back to the individual router devices through the mesh network, thus optimizing overall power output.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an ultrasonic device includes a transmission circuit for outputting a first through n-th (where n is an integer 2 or greater) drive signal to first through n-th driving electrode line belonging to the ultrasonic device, as well as a control unit for controlling the transmission circuit. In a case where the phase difference between an i-th (where i is an integer 1?i?n?1) drive signal and an i+1-th drive signal is a first phase difference, the transmission circuit outputs the first through n-th drive signals at a greater voltage amplitude than a case where the phase difference between the i-th drive signal and the i+1-th drive signal is a second phase difference greater than the first phase difference.

Abstract: A plurality of spatially located ultrasound beacons are provided in known locations within a distributed communications system. Each of the ultrasound beacons is configured to emit ultrasound pulses that can be received by client devices in ultrasound communication range of the ultrasound beacons. The client devices are configured to analyze the received ultrasound pulses from the beacons to determine their time-difference of arrival and as a result, their location in the distributed communications systems. Use of ultrasound pulses can provide greater resolution in location determination of client devices since ultrasound waves experience strong attenuation in building walls, ceilings, and floors, thus avoiding detection of ultrasound waves from other ultrasound beacons not located in proximity to the client devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting audio tokens includes an acoustic transmitter to generate a range of audio frequencies including an infrasonic range, a sonic range, and an ultrasonic range. An audio token generator assembles the audio tokens, which include a timestamp and an identifier, and modulates the audio token in to the range of audio frequencies. A synchronizer determines the timestamp relative to an input audio stream and a mixer mixes the audio stream and the audio token for presentation by the acoustic transmitter. An apparatus for receiving the audio tokens includes an acoustic receiver to receive the range of audio frequencies. An audio token extractor extracts the audio token including the timestamp and the identifier from the range of audio frequencies. An interpreter determines user information responsive to at least one of the timestamp and the identifier and a user interface element present the user information to a user.

Abstract: A switching circuit for transmission channel for ultrasound applications is electrically coupled between a connection terminal and a low voltage output terminal. The switching circuit includes a receiving switch, a high voltage clamp circuit electrically coupled between the connection terminal and a central node, and a low voltage clamping switch electrically coupled between said central node and a reference voltage. The receiving switch is a low voltage switch and is electrically coupled between the central node and the low voltage output terminal. The clamping switch and the receiving switch are controlled in a complementary way with respect to each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer element chip includes a substrate, ultrasonic transducer elements and a reinforcing member. The substrate defines openings arranged in an array pattern. The ultrasonic transducer elements are respectively disposed at the openings on a first surface of the substrate. The reinforcing member is fixed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface of the substrate. The reinforcing member includes linear groove parts formed on a surface of the reinforcing member fixed on the substrate so that internal spaces of the openings and an external space of the substrate are in communication with each other via the linear groove parts. The linear groove parts extend along a plane of the surface of the reinforcing member, and they are arranged at an interval in a first direction smaller than a width of each opening on the second surface of the substrate in the first direction.