Metamaterials and Acoustic Lenses in Haptic Systems

Abstract

The properties of metamaterials are derived both from the inherent properties of their constituent materials and from the geometrical arrangement of those materials. Metamaterials may be stacked or otherwise manipulated to transform substantially monochromatic signal into a second signal having a desired amplitude and phase. Metamaterials may be used with acoustic devices to create haptic feedback with desired properties or to transform the shape of certain devices. Metamaterials may be used in rotating devices with openings that transform a monochromatic signal into a non-monochromatic signal.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A system comprising:
 a printed circuit board having a plurality of acoustic transducers installed thereon;   an acoustic pipe structure comprising:   a plurality of acoustic pipes, wherein each of the plurality of acoustic pipes has an entry point and an exit point;   wherein each of the plurality of acoustic pipes is associated with one of the plurality of acoustic transducers;   wherein the entry point of each of the plurality of acoustic pipes is capable of collecting an acoustic signal emitted from its associated acoustic transducer;   wherein each of the plurality of acoustic pipes is capable of carrying an acoustic signal emitted from its associated acoustic transducer from its entry point to its exit point; and   wherein the curvature of each of the plurality of acoustic pipes is substantially minimized.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein the location of the exit points of each of the plurality of acoustic pipes produce a modified aggregate acoustic signal. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein the location of the exit points of each of the plurality of acoustic pipes is arranged in a hemispheric shape. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein the entry point of each of the each of the plurality of acoustic pipes operates as a Helmholtz resonator. 
     
     
         15 - 21 . (canceled)