`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`February 14, 2002
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7: G06F3/02, 3/033
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/JP01/06680
`
`(22) International Application Date:
`
`(25) Language of International Application:
`
`(26) Language of International Publication:
`
`(30) Priority Rights Data
`
`Patent Application 2000-240473 August 8, 2000
`
`Patent Application 2001-228390 July 27, 2001
`
`(71) Patent Applicant (for all designated countries
`excluding USA) NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
`
`August 3, 2001
`
`Japanese
`
`Japanese
`
`JP
`JP
`
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 02/12991 A1
`[JP/JP]; 2-11-1, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
`(JP) 100-6150
`(72) Inventor; and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (only for USA) Masaaki
`FUKUMOTO [JP/JP]; 9-2-12 B-507 Sugita,
`Isogo-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 235-
`0033 (JP). Toshiaki SUGIMURA [JP/JP] 3-51-1
`E-405 Nokendai, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-
`shi, Kanagawa-ken 236-0057 (JP)
`
`
`(74) Agent Kenji KAWASAKI; Asahi Patent Office,
`Toyo Building 7th Floor, 1-2-10 Nipponbashi,
`Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027 (JP).
`
`
`(81) Designated countries (domestic) AU, CN, KR, SG,
`US
`
`/Continued below/
`
`(54) Title: ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, VIBRATION GENERATOR, VIBRATORY INFORMING METHOD
`AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION
`
`(54) Title of the Invention: ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, VIBRATION GENERATOR, VIBRATORY
`INFORMING METHOD AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION
`
`(57) Abstract: An electronic apparatus generates a
`vibration by actuating a vibratory actuator upon detecting
`a fact that an operational input to a touch panel or an
`operating key is received. The electronic apparatus
`vibrates the touch panel and the operating key in the
`direction perpendicular to the surface thereof or vibrates
`the housing of the electronic apparatus. The vibratory
`actuator comprises a weight, a member for supporting the
`weight reciprocating in the air and coupled with a
`member of the electronic apparatus to be vibrated, e.g.
`the touch panel or the housing, or the base member of the
`vibratory actuator abutting on the member to be vibrated,
`and a mechanism for reciprocating the weight by
`applying a magnetic force or an electrostatic force
`thereto.
`
`
`
`
`
`102…TOUCH PANEL
`103…DISPLAY SECTION
`111…KEY INPUT SECTION
`112…MEMORY
`114…DRIVE SIGNAL GENERATING CIRCUIT
`115…VIBRATORY ACTUATOR
`a…DRIVE SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
`
`WO 02/12991 A1
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 1
`
`
`
`WO 02/12991 A1
`
`(84) Designated countries (broad): Europe
`Patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR,
`GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR).
`
`Petition prescribed in Rule 4.17:
`- Petition related to disclosure that is not
`disadvantageous for specifying KR, and
`exemption for lack of novelty (Rule 4.17 (v))
`- Petition related to disclosure that is not
`disadvantageous for specifying KR, and
`exemption for lack of novelty (Rule 4.17 (v))
`- Petition related to disclosure that is not
`disadvantageous for specifying KR, and
`exemption for lack of novelty (Rule 4.17 (v))
`
`
`
`Attached publications:
`- International Search Report
`- Petition related to disclosure that is not
`disadvantageous, and exemption for lack of
`novelty
`
`
`
`
`For 2 character codes and other abbreviations,
`refer
`to "Guidance Notes for Codes and
`Abbreviations" included at the beginning of each
`PCT Gazette
`
`
`
`(57) Abstract:
`
`An electronic apparatus drives a vibration actuator when it is detected that an operation input to
`a touch panel or operation key has been received, and generates a vibration. The electronic
`apparatus causes vibration of the touch panel or operating key by this vibration in a direction
`perpendicular to the surface of the touch panel or operating key. Alternatively, the housing of
`the electronic apparatus is made to vibrate. Furthermore, the vibration actuator contains a
`weighted body, a supporting member that supports the weighted body in a reciprocally movable
`manner, and is connected to a vibrated member of the electronic apparatus such as the touch
`panel or housing, or the like, or to a base member of the vibration actuator that contacts with
`the vibrated member, and a mechanism that provides a magnetic force or an electrostatic force
`or the like to the weighted body in order to cause reciprocal movement.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 2
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`Specification
`Title of the Invention: ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, VIBRATION GENERATOR,
`VIBRATORY INFORMING METHOD AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING
`INFORMATION
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention relates to a user interface for an electronic apparatus,
`and to a vibration generating mechanism.
`
`BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY
`Various types of electronic apparatuses such as Personal Digital Assistants
`(PDA), personal computers, and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and the like have a
`user interface such as, for example, operating buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and
`the like. The user inputs characters through the user interface and inputs operations to
`the electronic apparatus such as selection of a process to execute, and the like.
`Incidentally, mobile electronic apparatuses with a keyboard or operating
`buttons have poor pressing feel when a key or operating button is pressed because
`the keys and operating buttons have been made small, lightweight, and thin, in
`conjunction with the move to reduce the size, weight, and thickness of mobile
`electronic apparatuses. Therefore, the user must look at the display contents of the
`screen to confirm whether or not a pressing operation of a key or the operating
`button has been received by the mobile electronic apparatus.
`Furthermore, the touch operation is performed on the touch panel using the
`fingertip or an accessory pen on electronic apparatuses provided with a touch panel,
`for example. At this time, if the manner of touching by the fingertip or pen on the
`touch panel is poor, or if the level of pressing is weak, the touch operation will be
`ineffective. Therefore, the user still must look at the display contents of the screen
`to confirm whether or not the touch operation on the touch panel has been received
`by the electronic apparatus.
`Furthermore, there are electronic apparatuses that notify the user that an
`operation input has been received using a beep sound, but notification by these
`sounds are mostly ineffective in noisy areas such as when on the town, for example.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic apparatus that
`can easily confirm that an operation input has been received or a response of the
`electronic apparatus to an operation input, without the user looking at the screen, and
`also to provide a vibration generator notification method using vibration, and a
`method of controlling notification.
`In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the present invention provides
`an electronic apparatus containing an operating part that receives an operation input, a
`vibration generator that provides vibration to a grasping part of the electronic
`apparatus, and vibration controlling means that generates vibration from the vibration
`generator when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for notifying by vibration in an
`electronic apparatus causing vibration of a grasping part of the electronic apparatus by
`causing generation of vibration from a vibration generator contained in the electronic
`apparatus, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that an
`operation input was received by vibrating a grasping part of the electronic apparatus.
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 3
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus, comprising:
`an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator that provides
`vibration to the operating part; and vibration controlling means that generates vibration
`from the vibration generator when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is
`detected; the vibration generator comprising: a weighted body; a supporting member that
`supports in air the weighted body in a reciprocally movable manner, and is connected to
`the operating part, or a base member of the vibration generator that is in contact with the
`operating part; and motive force generating means that provides a motive force for
`causing reciprocal motion in the weighted body. Furthermore, the present invention
`provides a method of notifying by vibrating an electronic apparatus, comprising: driving a
`vibration generator contained in the electronic apparatus, and causing vibration of the
`operating part by causing reciprocal motion in a weighted body supported in air in a
`reciprocally movable manner by a supporting member that is connected to the operating
`part or a base member of the vibration generator that is in contact with the operating part.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by vibrating an operating part.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus containing
`an operating part that receives an operation input, a vibration generator that provides
`vibration to an operator, and vibration controlling means that generates vibration from
`the vibration generator when execution of a process that was instructed by the operation
`input to the operating part is detected as completed. Furthermore, the present invention
`provides a method for notifying by vibration in an electronic apparatus comprising:
`providing vibration to a user by causing generation of vibration from a vibration
`generator provided in the electronic apparatus when completion of execution of a
`process instructed by the operating input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`execution of the process instructed by the operating input is completed.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; a first vibration
`generator that provides vibration to the operating part; and a vibration generator that
`provides vibration to a grasping part of the electronic apparatus; and vibration
`controlling means that generates vibration from at least one of the first vibration
`generator and the second vibration generator as specified beforehand by the
`operator, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of notifying by vibration
`in an electronic apparatus, comprising: providing vibration to an operator by causing
`generation of vibration from at least one of a first vibration generator that provides
`vibration to the operating part and a second vibration generator that provides vibration
`to the grasping part of the electronic apparatus, as specified beforehand by the
`operator, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that an
`operation input was received by vibrating a region specified beforehand by the operator.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input;
`a first vibration generator that provides vibration to the operating part; and a
`vibration generator that provides vibration to a grasping part of the electronic apparatus;
`detecting means that detects if the electronic apparatus is held by an operator; and
`vibration controlling means that selects at least one of the first vibration generator and the
`second vibration generator based on the detection results of the detecting means, and
`causes vibration of the selected vibration generator, when receipt of an operation input to
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 4
`
`
`
`
`
`3
`
`the operating part is detected. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of
`notifying by vibrating an electronic apparatus, comprising selecting one or more of the
`first vibration generator that provides vibration to the operating part, provided in the
`electronic apparatus, and a second vibration generator that provides vibration to the
`grasping part of the electronic apparatus, based on detection results of a sensor that
`detects whether or not the electronic apparatus is being grasped by an operator, and
`provides vibration to the operator by causing generation of vibration from the selected
`vibration generator, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that an
`operation input was received, by vibrating different regions of the electronic apparatus,
`based on whether or not the electronic apparatus is being grasped by the operator.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: a display panel with a touch panel overlaid thereon;
`a vibration generator provided in the display panel; an elastic member configured
`using an elastic body, that supports the display panel in a manner that can vibrate by the
`vibration generated from the vibration generator; and vibration controlling means that
`causes generation of vibration from the vibration generator when receipt of a touch
`operation to the touch panel is detected; the vibration generator comprising: a weighted
`body; a supporting member that supports in air the weighted body in a reciprocally
`movable manner, and is connected to the display panel or a base member of the vibration
`generator that is in contact with the display panel; and motive force generating means that
`provides a motive force for causing reciprocal motion to the weighted body.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`a touch operation has been received by causing vibration of the touch panel and the
`display panel.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: a display panel with a touch panel overlaid thereon;
`a vibration generator that provides vibration to the display panel and
`supports the display panel; vibration controlling means that causes generation of
`vibration from the vibration generator when receipt of a touch operation to the touch
`panel is detected; the vibration generator comprising: a weighted body; a supporting
`member that supports in air the weighted body in a reciprocally movable manner,
`and is connected to the display panel or a base member of the vibration generator
`that is in contact with the display panel; and motive force generating means that
`provides a motive force for causing reciprocal motion to the weighted body.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`a touch operation has been received by causing vibration of the touch panel and the
`display panel.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: a display; a touch panel that covers the display surface of the display; a
`vibration generator provided between the display and the touch panel, that supports
`the touch panel on the display screen, and that provides vibration to the display
`panel; vibration controlling means that causes generation of vibration from the
`vibration generator when receipt of a touch operation to the touch panel is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`a touch operation was received by vibrating an the touch panel.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: a display; a touch panel that covers the display surface of the display; a
`vibration generator that provides vibration to the touch panel and is installed on the
`touch panel; a vibration absorbing member provided between the display and the
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 5
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`touch panel, that absorbs the vibrational component that is transferred to the display,
`of the vibration generated by the vibration generator; and vibration controlling
`means that causes generation of vibration from the vibration generator when receipt
`of a touch operation to the touch panel is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that a
`touch operation was received by vibrating only the touch panel on the display screen.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator
`provided such that at least a portion is exposed to the outside from the housing of the
`electronic apparatus, and that provides direct vibration to an operator; vibration
`controlling means that generates vibration from the vibration generator when receipt
`of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`a touch operation was received by providing a vibration to the operator directly
`from the vibration generator.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator
`that provides vibration to a portion of the housing of the electronic apparatus that is
`different from the operating part; and vibration controlling means that specifies the
`type of operation input, and causes generation of vibration from the vibration
`generator in a vibration form that corresponds to the type of operation input, when
`receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected. Furthermore, the present
`invention provides a method for notifying by vibrating the electronic apparatus,
`comprising specifying the type of operation input, and causing generation of vibration
`of vibration from a vibration generator provided in the electronic apparatus, in a
`vibration form corresponding to the type of operation input, and causing vibration to a
`portion of the housing of the electronic apparatus that is different from the operating
`part, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that an
`operation input was received by vibrating a portion of the housing that is different than
`the operating part with a vibration form corresponding to the type of operating input.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator
`that provides vibration to a portion of the housing of the electronic apparatus that is
`different from the operating part; and changing means that changes a parameter
`value for controlling the electronic apparatus based on the operation input to the
`operating part; and vibration controlling means that causes generation of vibration
`from the vibration generator in a vibration form that corresponds to the parameter
`value that was changed by the changing means based on the operation input, when
`receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input that changes a parameter value was received by vibrating a portion
`of the housing that is different than the operating part with a vibration form
`corresponding to the changed parameter value
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input;
`a vibration generator that provides vibration to the operating part; and
`vibration controlling means that specifies the type of operation input, and
`causes generation of vibration from the vibration generator in a vibration form that
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 6
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`corresponds to the type of operation input, when receipt of an operation input to the
`operating part is detected;
`the vibration generator comprising: a weighted body; a supporting member
`that supports in air the weighted body in a reciprocally movable manner, and is
`connected to the operating part, or a base member of the vibration generator that is
`in contact with the operating part; and motive force generating means that provides
`a motive force for causing reciprocal motion in the weighted body.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of notifying by vibrating an
`electronic apparatus, comprising: specifying the type of operation input, driving a
`vibration generator contained in the electronic apparatus, and causing vibration of the
`operating part by causing reciprocal motion in a weighted body supported in air in a
`reciprocally movable manner by a supporting member that is connected to the operating
`part or a base member of the vibration generator that is in contact with the operating part.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by vibrating the operating part with a vibration
`form corresponding to the type of operating input.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus, comprising:
`an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator that provides
`vibration to the operating part; and changing means that changes a parameter value for
`controlling the electronic apparatus based on the operation input to the operating part; and
`vibration controlling means that causes generation of vibration from the vibration
`generator in a vibration form that corresponds to the parameter value that was changed by
`the changing means based on the operation input, when receipt of an operation input to
`the operating part is detected, the vibration generator comprising: a weighted body; a
`supporting member that supports in air the weighted body in a reciprocally movable
`manner, and is connected to the operating part, or a base member of the vibration
`generator that is in contact with the operating part; and motive force generating means
`that provides a motive force for causing reciprocal motion in the weighted body.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input that changes a parameter value was received by vibrating the
`operating part with a vibration form corresponding to the changed parameter value.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input, and detects the level
`of pressing of the operation input; a vibration generator that provides vibration to
`the operator; and vibration controlling means that causes generation of vibration
`from the vibration generator in a vibration form that corresponds to the pressing
`level of the operation input that was detected by the operating part, when receipt of
`an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that an
`operation input that changes a parameter value was received by a vibration form
`corresponding to the changed parameter value.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input, and detects the level
`of pressing of the operation input; a vibration generator that provides vibration to
`the operator; and vibration controlling means that causes generation of vibration
`from the vibration generator in a vibration form that corresponds to the pressing
`level of the operation input that was detected by the operating part, when receipt of
`an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 7
`
`
`
`
`
`6
`
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by a vibration form corresponding to the pressing
`level of operating input.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; sound generating
`means that provides a notification sound to the operator; a vibration generator that
`provides vibration to the operator; and notification controlling means that notifies
`the operator that an operation input has been received using one or more of the
`sound generating means and the vibration generator, specified beforehand by the
`operator, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for controlling notification in
`an electronic apparatus, comprising notifying the operator that an operation input
`has been received using one or more of the sound generating means and the
`vibration generator provided in the electronic apparatus, specified beforehand by the
`operator, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by a sound or vibration, as specified beforehand by
`the operator.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input;
`sound generating means that provides a notification sound to the operator; a
`vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator; and measuring means
`that measures the volume of sound around the electronic apparatus; and notification
`controlling means that selects one or more of the sound generating means and the
`vibration generator based on the measurement results of the measuring means, and
`notifies the operator that an operation input has been received using the selected
`means, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of controlling notification in
`an electronic apparatus, comprising: selecting one or more of the sound generating
`means and the vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator, provided
`in the electronic apparatus, based on the measurement results of the measuring
`device that measures the noise volume around the electronic apparatus, and
`notifying the operator that an operation input has been received, using the selected
`means, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by vibration or sound, depending on the volume of
`noise in the area around the electronic apparatus.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input;
`sound generating means that provides a notification sound to the operator; a
`vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator; and receiving means that
`receives a signal specifying at least one of the sound generating means or the vibration
`generator from a base station that covers an area where the electronic apparatus exists;
`and notification controlling means that notifies the operator that an operation input has
`been received using one or more of the sound generating means and the vibration
`generator, specified by the signal received from the receiving means, when receipt of an
`operation input to the operating part is detected. Furthermore, the present invention
`provides a method of controlling notification in an electronic apparatus, comprising
`notifying the operator that an operation input has been received using one or more of
`the sound generating means that provides a notification sound to the operator, and a
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 8
`
`
`
`
`
`7
`
`vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator, specified by the signal
`received from a base station that covers the area where the electronic apparatus exists,
`when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by vibration or sound, depending on instructions
`from the base station that covers the area where the electronic apparatus exists.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus, comprising:
`an operating part that receives an operation input; a vibration generator that can cause
`generation of noise at the same time as providing vibration to an operator; and drive
`controlling means that synthesizes a drive signal for causing generation of vibration and
`driving the vibration generator, and an audio signal for causing generation of a sound by
`driving the vibration generator, and applying the synthesized signals to the vibration
`generator, when causing generation of sound and vibration from the vibration generator,
`when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected. Furthermore, the
`present invention provides a method for notifying by vibration in an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: synthesizing a drive signal for causing generation of vibration and driving the
`vibration generator, and an audio signal for causing generation of a sound by driving the
`vibration generator, and generating sound at the same time as providing vibration to the
`operator by driving the vibration generator using the synthesized signal, when causing
`generation of sound and vibration from the vibration generator provided in the electronic
`apparatus, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received by vibrating using the vibration generator, and
`generates a sound from the vibration generator based on the audio signal.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus,
`comprising: an operating part that receives an operation input; sound generating
`means that provides a notification sound to the operator;
`a vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator; and
`acquiring means that acquires positional information for the electronic apparatus;
`notification controlling means that selects one or more of the sound generating means and
`the vibration generator based on positional information acquired by the acquiring means,
`and notifies the operator that an operation input has been received using the selected
`means, when receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected. Furthermore,
`the present invention provides a method of controlling notification in an electronic
`apparatus, comprising: selecting one or more of the sound generating means and the
`vibration generator that provides vibration to the operator, provided in the electronic
`apparatus, based on the positional information of the electronic apparatus, and notifying
`the operator that an operation input has been received, using the selected means, when
`receipt of an operation input to the operating part is detected.
`With the present invention, the electronic apparatus notifies the operator that
`an operation input was received, by vibration or sound, depending on the current
`position of the electronic apparatus.
`Furthermore, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus, comprising:
`an operating panel that receives a touch operation; a plurality of vibration generators
`that provide vibration to the operating panel; detecting means that detects the touch
`position on the operating panel; vibration controlling means that selects one or more of
`the plurality of vibration generators based on the touch position of the touch operation
`that was detected by the detecting means, and causes generation of vibration from the
`vibration generator that was selected, when receipt of a touch operation to the touch
`panel is detected. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for notifying by
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1108 - PAGE 9
`
`
`
`
`
`8
`
`vibration in an electronic apparatus, comprising: detecting a touch position when receipt
`of a touch operation to the touch panel is detected, selecting one or more of the plurality
`of vibration generators provided in the electronic apparatus, based on the touch
`position, and providing vibration to the operator by causing generation of vibration
`from the vibration generator that was selected.
`With the present