Abstract: Described herein are techniques for tracking objects (including human body parts such as a hand), namely: 1) two-state transducer interpolation in acoustic phased-arrays; 2) modulation techniques in acoustic phased-arrays; 3) fast acoustic full matrix capture during haptic effects; 4) time-of-flight depth sensor fusion system; 5) phase modulated spherical wave-fronts in acoustic phased-arrays; 6) long wavelength phase modulation of acoustic field for location and tracking; and 7) camera calibration through ultrasonic range sensing.

Abstract: Strategies for managing an “always on” solution for volumes with enhanced interactive haptic feedback and its implications are addressed. Ultrasound transducer arrays may be mounted on a person (such as on a head mounted display or other wearable accessory). This array may utilize some form of 6 degree-of-freedom tracking for both the body and hands of the user. The arrays coordinate to project focused acoustic pressure at specific locations on moving hands such that a touch sensation is simulated. Using wearable microphones, the ultrasonic signal reflected and transmitted into the body can be used for hand and gesture tracking.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to manipulate a given parametrized haptic curve in order to yield a smooth phase function for each acoustic transducer which minimizes unwanted parametric audio. Further, the impulse response of a haptic system describes the behavior of the system over time and can be convolved with a given input to simulate a response to that input. To produce a specific response, a deconvolution with the impulse response is necessary to generate an input.

Abstract: To resolve an issue related to the calibration of optical cameras in transducer-based mid-air haptic systems, the magnification of the motion induced on an optical camera by an acoustic field modulated at specific frequencies reveals very small temporal variations in video frames. This quantized distortion is used to compare different acoustic fields and to solve the calibration problem in an automatized manner. Further, mechanical resonators may be excited by ultrasound when it is modulated at the resonant frequency. When enough energy is transferred and when operating at the correct frequency, a user in contact with the device can feel vibration near areas of largest displacement. This effect can be exploited to create devices which can produce haptic feedback while not carrying a battery or exciter when in the presence of an ultrasonic source.

Abstract: Improved algorithm techniques may be used for superior operation of haptic-based systems. An eigensystem may be used to determine for a given spatial distribution of control points with specified output the set of wave phases that are the most efficiently realizable. Reconstructing a modulated pressure field may use emitters firing at different frequencies. An acoustic phased-array device uses a comprehensive reflexive simulation technique. There may be an exchange of information between the users and the transducer control processors having the ability to use that information for optimal haptic generation shadows and the like. Applying mid-air haptic sensations to objects of arbitrary 3D geometry requires that sensation of the object on the user's hand is as close as possible to a realistic depiction of that object. Ultrasonic haptics with multiple and/or large aperture arrays have high-frequency update rates required by the spatio-temporal modulation.

Abstract: An integrated transparent ultrasonic audio speaker and touchscreen panel, includes a first transparent layer comprising a first base layer and a first conductive layer; and a second transparent layer disposed adjacent the first transparent layer, the second transparent layer comprising a second base layer and a second conductive layer; wherein the second transparent layer is a touchscreen.

Abstract: Described is a screen surface layer comprising a plurality of light-emitting pixels including a plurality of red pixels, a plurality of green pixels and a plurality of blue pixels; a transducer layer comprising a plurality of acoustic transducers, wherein the transducer layer is affixed below the screen surface layer; and a cover layer having a plurality of cylinder-shaped perforations, wherein the cover layer is affixed above the screen surface layer. In addition, an average “transducer model” describing a phasor distribution in space may be produced describing the output signal at the carrier frequency in the air at a known spatial offset from an averaged transducer. Further, phased array systems may have numerous individual transducer elements that will likely fail before the product incorporating the transducers reaches end-of-life. By detecting such failed transducers, the transducer array may function at peak performance by working around the missing transducer output.

Abstract: A transparent ultrasonic emitter includes a first transparent base layer; a transparent conductor disposed on the first transparent base layer; a second transparent base layer; and a partially open transparent conductive layer disposed on the second transparent base layer between the first and second transparent base layers, wherein the partially open conductive layer comprises conductive portions, the conductive portions having a thickness and being arranged to define one or more open volumes adjacent the second transparent base layer.