Spatial Sound Modulation through Manual Reconfiguration of Phased Plate

TL;DR

This paper introduces a manually reconfigurable ultrasonic phased array that physically adjusts transducer phases via a shaped plate, reducing computational complexity and cost, and enabling versatile ultrasonic wave focusing.

Contribution

It presents a novel, physically reconfigurable phased array system that simplifies ultrasonic beam steering without extensive digital control, broadening application possibilities.

Findings

Successfully focused ultrasonic waves at various locations

Reduced computational and hardware requirements compared to traditional systems

Demonstrated potential for diverse applications like haptics and education

Abstract

Ultrasonic phased array technology, while versatile, often requires complex computing resources and numerous amplifier components. We present a Manually Reconfigurable Phased Array that physically controls transducer position and phase, offering a simpler alternative to traditional phased array transducers (PAT). Our system uses a conductor rod-connected transducer array with an underlying plate that modulates the phase state through its shape and electrode arrangement. This approach enables variable phase reconstruction with reduced computational demands and lower cost. Experimental results demonstrate the device's capability to focus ultrasonic waves at different spatial locations. The system's design facilitates the creation of acoustic fields without extensive digital control, potentially broadening applications in areas such as aerial haptics, audio spotlighting, and educational demonstrations of acoustic phenomena. This work contributes to the development of more accessible and computationally efficient acoustic phased array systems.