SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN A COMPUTATIONAL ACOUSTIC-POTENTIAL FIELD

摘要

A novel system and method based on three-dimensional acoustic-manipulation technology is disclosed. By changing the distribution of an acoustic-potential field generated by ultrasonic phased arrays, objects can be levitated and animated. Various distributions of acoustic-potential fields can be generated in accordance with the present invention, including acoustic-potential fields having arbitrary shapes, including any three-dimensional shapes. One or more ultrasonic phased arrays surrounding a workspace can be used to generate standing waves of various shapes to provide the acoustic-potential fields. Objects can be suspended at the nodes of the acoustic-potential field so that the ultrasound distribution (i.e., the desired arbitrary shape) is visualized. The system and method can be used to realize floating screen or mid-air raster graphics, mid-air vector graphics, and interaction with levitated objects. The system and method can also be used in other applications, including cleaning applications.

主权项

1. A method of generating an acoustic-potential field, comprising the steps of:
generating a first common focal line of ultrasound using a first phased array of ultrasonic transducers and a second phased array of ultrasonic transducers to provide a first beam of standing waves between the first and the second phased arrays, wherein the first phased array and the second phased array are opposite each other along a first axis; and generating a second common focal line of ultrasound using a third phased array of ultrasonic transducers and a fourth phased array of ultrasonic transducers to provide a second beam of standing waves between the third and the fourth phased arrays, wherein the third phased array and the fourth phased array are opposite each other along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.