An acoustic imaging metamaterial is provided for obtaining edge detection information of a tangible object. The acoustic imaging metamaterial includes a longitudinally extending phononic crystal substrate that defines a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A first structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the first major surface, and a second structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the second major surface. In various aspects, the first and second structurally rigid grating layers are identical in shape and dimensions, and are aligned with one another. The acoustic imaging metamaterial is configured to redirect, confine, and/or manipulate an incident acoustic wave resulting in a high contrast image used for extracting edge detection information of the tangible object. The background medium fluid of the system can be air or a fluid such as water.

An acoustic imaging metamaterial is provided for obtaining edge detection information of a tangible object. The acoustic imaging metamaterial includes a longitudinally extending phononic crystal substrate that defines a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A first structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the first major surface, and a second structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the second major surface. In various aspects, the first and second structurally rigid grating layers are identical in shape and dimensions, and are aligned with one another. The acoustic imaging metamaterial is configured to redirect, confine, and/or manipulate an incident acoustic wave resulting in a high contrast image used for extracting edge detection information of the tangible object. The background medium fluid of the system can be air or a fluid such as water.

Transducer assembly transmits ultrasonic energy towards a zone acoustically coupled to an object or area of interest, and comprises a piezoelectric subassembly matching a curved support layer disposed behind said subassembly. Piezoelectric subassembly comprises piezoelectric elements and metal connections. Piezoelectric elements are disposed along a first azimuth direction to form parallel curved segments of piezoelectric elements extending in a second elevation direction, each being in contact with a corresponding metal connection extending in the elevation direction for transmitting/receiving electric signals to/from each piezoelectric segment. The subassembly has a a central part comprising piezoelectric material and a lateral part comprising resin material incorporating the metal connections so that each curved segment results in a sequence of resin/piezoelectric/resin materials disposed along the elevation direction with the extension and curvature of the piezoelectric material in the central part defining the elevation focussing of the transducer assembly. A corresponding manufacturing process is also disclosed.

Transducer assembly transmits ultrasonic energy towards a zone acoustically coupled to an object or area of interest, and comprises a piezoelectric subassembly matching a curved support layer disposed behind said subassembly. Piezoelectric subassembly comprises piezoelectric elements and metal connections. Piezoelectric elements are disposed along a first azimuth direction to form parallel curved segments of piezoelectric elements extending in a second elevation direction, each being in contact with a corresponding metal connection extending in the elevation direction for transmitting/receiving electric signals to/from each piezoelectric segment. The subassembly has a a central part comprising piezoelectric material and a lateral part comprising resin material incorporating the metal connections so that each curved segment results in a sequence of resin/piezoelectric/resin materials disposed along the elevation direction with the extension and curvature of the piezoelectric material in the central part defining the elevation focussing of the transducer assembly. A corresponding manufacturing process is also disclosed.

A system providing various improved calibration techniques for haptic feedback is described. An acoustic field is defined by one or more control points in a space within which the acoustic field may exist. Each control point is assigned an amplitude value equating to a desired amplitude of the acoustic field at the control point. Because complete control of space is not possible, controlling the acoustic field at given points yields erroneous local maxima in the acoustic field levels at other related positions. In relation to mid-air haptic feedback, these can interfere in interactions with the space by creating secondary effects and ghost phenomena that can be felt outside the interaction area. The level and nature of the secondary maxima in the acoustic field is determined by how the space is controlled. By arranging the transducer elements in different ways, unwanted effects on the acoustic field can be limited and controlled.

A system providing various improved calibration techniques for haptic feedback is described. An acoustic field is defined by one or more control points in a space within which the acoustic field may exist. Each control point is assigned an amplitude value equating to a desired amplitude of the acoustic field at the control point. Because complete control of space is not possible, controlling the acoustic field at given points yields erroneous local maxima in the acoustic field levels at other related positions. In relation to mid-air haptic feedback, these can interfere in interactions with the space by creating secondary effects and ghost phenomena that can be felt outside the interaction area. The level and nature of the secondary maxima in the acoustic field is determined by how the space is controlled. By arranging the transducer elements in different ways, unwanted effects on the acoustic field can be limited and controlled.

A transducer assembly comprises a housing and a plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements. Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water. Each sonar beam is transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal. The frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other.

A transducer assembly comprises a housing and a plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements. Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water. Each sonar beam is transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal. The frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other.

An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.

An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.