USOO7006641B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Saiki et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`(54) DRIVING CIRCUIT,
`ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-ACOUSTIC
`TRANSDUCER, AND PORTABLE TERMINAL
`APPARATUS
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(75) Inventors: Shuji Saiki, Nara (JP); Sawako Usuki,
`Hyogo (JP)
`(73) Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
`Ltd., Osaka (JP)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/548,119
`(22) Filed:
`Apr. 12, 2000
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Apr. 14, 1999 (JP)
`................................. 11-106250
`Apr. 27, 1999
`(JP) .
`... 11-119443
`Nov. 22, 1999 (JP)
`................................. 11-331216
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H03G 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 381/98; 340/7.2; 340/7.6;
`340/384.72
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 381/162,
`381/164, 151,98; 340/384.72, 7.6, 7.58,
`340/407.1, 384.5, 384.7,384.73,384.6, 384.71,
`340/7.2
`See application file for complete Search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,700,390 A * 10/1987 Machida ..................... 704/500
`5,076,260 A 12/1991 Komatsu ..................... 601/59
`5,271,062 A * 12/1993 Sugita et al. .............. 381/71.3
`5,524,061 A *
`6/1996 Mooney et al.............. 381/151
`6,023,515 A * 2/2000 McKee et al. .............. 381/150
`6,208.237 B1 * 3/2001 Saiki et al. .............. 340/388.1
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`EP
`O 845 928 A2 6/1998
`JP
`8275,293
`10/1996
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Vivian Chin
`ASSistant Examiner-Con P. Tran
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A circuit of the present invention is a driving circuit for
`driving a vibrator having a mechanical vibration System
`which resonates at a resonance frequency. The driving
`circuit outputs to the vibrator at least two signals of different
`frequencies which are included in a frequency range includ
`ing the resonance frequency. The vibrator has a function of
`converting an electric Signal into at least one of a Sound and
`a vibration.
`
`54 Claims, 27 Drawing Sheets
`
`t
`
`Antenno
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`signal
`generator
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 1 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`100
`5
`
`FIG. 1
`7
`
`
`
`
`
`Electric
`signal
`generator
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 2 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.2
`
`
`
`10b
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 3 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`
`
`
`
`K-44A14 AO-7
`7
`.
`. . . . . .
`.
`
`4444 N N
`N N
`NNNNNNNNNNY
`
`serhNere YN r
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 4 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.4
`
`1
`-2-15 - 1 -0.5 0 (0.5
`Displacement mm)
`
`1.5 2
`
`FIG.6
`5000
`4000
`3000
`2000
`1000
`O
`-1000
`-2000
`-3000
`-4000
`-5000
`1
`-2-1.5 - 1 -0.5 0 (0.5
`Displacement mm)
`
`s 75
`
`N -
`
`1.5 2
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 5 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 6
`
`1
`
`-20
`
`CDr??? 10
`OOOCD
`
`NCD
`
`LO
`
`FIG.7
`
`10
`
`O
`
`1
`
`-20
`
`OC) r?
`
`|×
`
`
`
`b
`
`140150
`100
`Frequency (Hz)
`
`200
`
`100
`150
`Frequency (Hz)
`
`200
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 6 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`CONVENTIONAL ART
`
`FIG. 8
`10
`
`O
`
`-20
`
`50
`
`fo 150
`100
`Frequency (Hz)
`
`200
`
`N
`
`FIG.S.
`5000
`4000
`3000
`2000
`1000
`O
`-1000
`-2000
`-5000
`-4000
`-5000;
`
`.
`.
`.
`Displacement mm
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 7 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`50
`
`100
`150
`Frequency (Hz)
`
`200
`
`FIG. 1 1
`
`
`
`Wb
`
`50
`
`150
`100
`Frequency (Hz)
`
`200
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 8 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`
`
`FIG. 12
`dB)
`10
`
`O
`
`f2
`f
`Frequency
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 9 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 13A
`
`:
`:
`
`WOveform f2
`
`Time
`
`Time
`
`FIG. 13B Output waveform
`force characteristics
`
`FIG. 13C
`
`Input
`WOveform f1
`
`Time
`
`FIG. 1 3D Output waveform
`force characteristics
`
`:
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 10 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 14A.
`Input
`Waveform f1 + f2
`
`Time
`
`FIG. 14B
`Output Waveform
`(force characteristics)
`
`
`
`:
`
`Time
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 11 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 11 Of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`
`
`5P6 P7 P8
`
`Frequency
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 12 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 16A
`
`
`
`16
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 13 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 13 Of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 1 7A
`
`
`
`
`
`------------
`'it still As
`
`O
`
`ryyyy
`--------------
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 14 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 14 of 27
`
`FIG. 18A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.--
`
`HAINT
`appy
`
`
`
`l t
`WMAM
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 15 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 15 Of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG. 19
`
`
`
`133b
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 16 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 16 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.20
`
`
`
`| |
`
`|
`
`| | | | |
`
`f01
`
`f03
`f02
`Frequency
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 17 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 17 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.21A
`+ F-------------------
`------------------------
`Ayyyy
`A Hill Hill
`HH
`Hist
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.21B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`3 ---
`O in Allar
`I arewette
`-------------
`
`
`
`Time
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 18 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 18 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.22A
`
`
`
`
`
`I WA t H s '. A.
`Tupy
`A "'
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Time
`
`FIG.22B
`
`
`
`
`
`H.H.F.
`eleased
`"por"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Time
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 19 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 19 of 27
`Sheet 19 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`120
`120
`
`101
`
`10
`
`10
`
`104
`10
`
`106
`
`10
`
`108
`
`—h>
`
`—_
`
`—_b» >
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 20 of 43
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 20 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 20 0f 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.24
`
`10
`
`-2 O
`
`fo
`Frequency
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 21 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 21 of 27
`Sheet 21 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`Pere
`
` elvallbval
`wilanail
`or
`
`
`
`FIG.25A
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 22 of 43
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 22 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 22 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`FIG.26A
`+ F------------------
`-------------------------
`E--------------
`Fiat
`FlyyyyyFrryFFFF:
`-----------------
`
`O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`behabahu
`"Trayne
`I r
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Time
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 23 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`Feb. 28, 2006
`FIG.27A
`
`Sheet 23 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ht E.
`gyAAHHEEAA
`----
`----
`
`
`
`
`
`I
`Hill
`A.
`-- if
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.27B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`f
`..I.
`that
`in A.
`kill
`R I .
`sy py Ty I
`
`Time
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 24 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 24 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`200
`
`5
`
`FIG.28 7
`
`
`
`
`
`Electric
`signal
`generator
`
`Acoustic signol
`generator
`
`12
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 25 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 25 0f 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`SS O
`sighal
`OCSS
`p SeC Sg
`
`
`
`
`
`Electric
`signo
`generator
`
`16
`
`
`
`FIG. 3 2
`
`CONVENTIONAL ART
`
`
`
`3200
`5
`
`222222 A.
`3-a II
`1674
`222222&N
`
`
`
`
`
`44.
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 26 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 26 of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`yuajed‘S'0)
`
`
`9007‘87“A
`LTJ®97WOUS
`TaTr9°900°LSA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`007
`
`/ |
`
`
`
`Reception
`signal
`
`
`processing
`section
`
` Electric
`
`
`signal
`generator
`
`/LO
`QO
`
`
`\
`
`p
`
`igna
`
`!
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 27 of 43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 27 Of 27
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`CONVENTIONAL AR
`
`FTC 33
`
`
`
`Frequency
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 28 of 43
`
`

`

`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`1
`DRIVING CIRCUIT,
`ELECTRO-MECHANICAL-ACOUSTIC
`TRANSDUCER, AND PORTABLE TERMINAL
`APPARATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`efficient. Particularly, for a mobile information terminal
`apparatus Such as a portable telephone, whose driving
`Source is a battery, a strong desire exists to maximize the
`efficiency of a transducer and thereby reduce the power
`consumption thereof, So as to allow the apparatus to be used
`for a long period of time.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to one aspect of this invention, there is pro
`Vided a driving circuit for driving a vibrator having a
`mechanical vibration System which resonates at a resonance
`frequency. The driving circuit outputs to the vibrator at least
`two signals of different frequencies which are included in a
`frequency range including the resonance frequency. The
`Vibrator has a function of converting an electric Signal into
`at least one of a Sound and a vibration.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal having a frequency which is
`lower than the resonance frequency and a Second Signal
`having a frequency which is higher than the resonance
`frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal and a Second Signal. The driving
`circuit outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized Signal obtained
`by adding together the first signal and the Second Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal and a Second Signal. The driving
`circuit outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized Signal obtained
`by adding together the first signal and the Second Signal
`while shifting a phase of the first Signal and a phase of the
`Second signal from each other.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal and a Second Signal. At least one
`of the first signal and the Second Signal includes a Sine wave
`Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal and a Second Signal. At least one
`of the first signal and the Second Signal includes a rectan
`gular Wave signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`further includes a limiter for limiting a peak output voltage
`of the Synthesized Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the synthesized
`Signal is a Sine wave signal which is obtained by Synthesiz
`ing together a plurality of groups of frequency Signals, each
`group including a first pair of adjacent frequency signals and
`a Second pair of adjacent frequency Signals, the first pair of
`adjacent frequency signals being Synthesized together in
`reverse phase, and the Second pair of adjacent frequency
`Signals being Synthesized together in phase.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the vibrator includes
`a magnetic circuit Section and at least one Suspension.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Suspension
`includes a linear Suspension.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit is
`an electric Signal generator for generating a frequency signal
`for a vibration or an electric-acoustic Signal for a Sound.
`According to another aspect of this invention, there is
`provided a driving circuit for driving a vibrator having a
`mechanical vibration System having predetermined vibra
`tion force VS frequency characteristics. The mechanical
`vibration system has different vibration force Vs frequency
`characteristics for an increasing frequency Sweep and for a
`decreasing frequency Sweep within a predetermined fre
`quency range. The predetermined frequency range is defined
`between a lower limit frequency which represents a lowest
`
`15
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to an electro-mechanical
`acoustic transducer for generating a ringing tone or a ringing
`Vibration for a portable terminal apparatuS Such as a portable
`telephone, a pager or a PHS (personal handy phone set), and
`a method for driving the Same.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Conventionally, a portable terminal apparatus Such as a
`portable telephone, a pager or a PHS includes a plurality of
`Vibrators which are connected to an electric Signal generator
`So as to Selectively generate a bell tone or a vibration for
`alerting the user of an incoming call.
`There is a demand in the art to reduce the Size and weight
`of a portable terminal apparatus. For example, Japanese
`Laid-Open Publication No. 8-275293 of Motorola, Inc.,
`discloses a portable telephone using a single unit electro
`mechanical-acoustic transducer capable of generating a tone
`and a vibration.
`FIG. 32 illustrates a structure of Such a conventional
`electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer 3200. Referring to
`FIG. 32, a movable mass 1 is supported by a planar
`nonlinear Spring member 2. An electromagnetic coil 4 is
`enclosed in a coil form 3. A permanent magnet 5 is fixed to
`the periphery of the movable mass 1 opposite to the elec
`tromagnetic coil 4. Although not shown in FIG. 32, the
`periphery of the coil form 3 is attached to a Soundboard (e.g.,
`a casing of a portable telephone).
`In the electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer 3200, an
`alternating magnetic field is generated in response to a drive
`Signal applied to the electromagnetic coil 4, thereby pro
`ducing an alternating excitation force between the electro
`magnetic coil 4 and the permanent magnet 5 thus vibrating
`the movable mass 1. This vibration is transmitted to the
`Soundboard, thereby providing a vibratory alert Signal when
`the portable telephone receives an incoming call. The trans
`ducer 3200 also generates an audible Signal based on a
`Similar principle. In order to obtain a large Vibration force,
`a planar nonlinear Spring member is employed as the mem
`45
`ber 2 for supporting the movable mass 1. FIG.33 is a graph
`illustrating the relationship between the displacement and
`the frequency of a planar nonlinear Spring member. It is
`known in the art that a nonlinear Spring member exhibits a
`Vibration characteristic called a “jumping phenomenon'
`(see, for example, YOSHIHISA "Speaker,” Rikokenkyusha
`(March 1973). This is a phenomenon in which the displace
`ment of the nonlinear Spring member changes from
`A->B->C->D when the frequency is increased, and from
`D->C->E->F->A when the frequency is decreased.
`In the F-B frequency range, the displacement character
`istics are influenced by the direction of the applied fre
`quency signal (i.e., whether it is increased or decreased).
`Thus, a stable vibration cannot be obtained. In view of this,
`the conventional electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer
`3200 uses a drive signal which sweeps in the A-F frequency
`range, where the displacement characteristics are not influ
`enced by the direction of the frequency signal. Where the
`A-F frequency range is employed, the vibration force is
`large at frequency F and very Small at frequency A. There
`fore, the vibration output obtained while the frequency
`Signal Sweeps acroSS the A-F frequency range may not be
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 29 of 43
`
`

`

`3
`frequency in the predetermined frequency range and an
`upper limit frequency which represents a highest frequency
`in the predetermined frequency range. The driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a first signal having a frequency
`within the frequency range and a Second Signal having a
`frequency which is lower than the lower limit frequency.
`The Second Signal is output to the vibrator concurrently with
`or prior to the first signal. The vibrator has a function of
`converting an electric Signal into at least one of a Sound and
`a vibration.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the vibrator includes
`a magnetic circuit and at least one Suspension.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Suspension
`includes a nonlinear Suspension.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Suspension has
`stiffness S such that when the stiffness S is expressed by a
`multidimensional function with respect to a displacement X,
`an X term of the multidimensional function has a non-zero
`value.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit is
`an electric Signal generator for generating a frequency signal
`for a vibration or an electric-acoustic Signal for a Sound.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Second Signal
`includes a Swept frequency Signal whose frequency continu
`ously varies over time.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Second Signal
`includes a plurality of point frequency Signals.
`In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the
`first Signal and the Second Signal includes an increasing
`Signal whose frequency increases over time.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the first Signal
`includes a swept frequency signal whose frequency continu
`ously varies over time. The first signal has a first turning
`frequency at which the frequency of the first signal Stops
`increasing and Starts decreasing and a Second turning fre
`quency at which the frequency of the first signal Stops
`decreasing and Starts increasing. The first turning frequency
`is lower than the upper limit frequency. The Second turning
`frequency is higher than the lower limit frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the first Signal
`includes at least one point frequency Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first signal and the Second Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first Signal and the Second signal while
`shifting a phase of the first Signal and a phase of the Second
`Signal from each other.
`In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the
`first signal and the Second Signal includes a Sine wave signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the
`first signal and the Second Signal includes a rectangular wave
`Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`further includes a limiter for limiting a peak output voltage
`of the Synthesized Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the synthesized
`Signal is a Sine wave signal which is obtained by Synthesiz
`ing together a plurality of groups of frequency Signals, each
`group including a first pair of adjacent frequency signals and
`a Second pair of adjacent frequency Signals, the first pair of
`adjacent frequency signals being Synthesized together in
`reverse phase, and the Second pair of adjacent frequency
`Signals being Synthesized together in phase.
`According to Still another aspect of this invention, there is
`provided an electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer, includ
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`4
`ing: a vibrator having a mechanical vibration System which
`resonates at a resonance frequency; and a driving circuit for
`driving the vibrator. The driving circuit outputs to the
`Vibrator at least two signals of different frequencies which
`are included in a frequency range including the resonance
`frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal having a frequency which is
`lower than the resonance frequency and a Second Signal
`having a frequency which is higher than the resonance
`frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal having a frequency which is
`lower than the resonance frequency and a Second Signal
`having a frequency which is higher than the resonance
`frequency. The driving circuit outputs to the vibrator a
`Synthesized Signal obtained by adding together the first
`Signal and the Second Signal. The driving circuit Selectively
`changes the Synthesized Signal by changing at least one of a
`frequency of the first Signal, a frequency of the Second
`Signal, a frequency interval between the frequency of the
`first signal and the frequency of the Second Signal, a phase
`of the first signal, a phase of the Second Signal, a Voltage
`level of the first Signal, and a Voltage level of the Second
`Signal.
`According to Still another aspect of this invention, there is
`provided an electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer, includ
`ing: a vibrator having a mechanical vibration System having
`predetermined vibration force VS frequency characteristics,
`and a driving circuit for driving the vibrator. The mechanical
`vibration system has different vibration force Vs frequency
`characteristics for an increasing frequency Sweep and for a
`decreasing frequency Sweep within a predetermined fre
`quency range. The predetermined frequency range is defined
`between a lower limit frequency which represents a lowest
`frequency in the predetermined frequency range and an
`upper limit frequency which represents a highest frequency
`in the predetermined frequency range. The driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a first signal having a frequency
`within the frequency range and a Second Signal having a
`frequency which is lower than the lower limit frequency.
`The Second Signal is output to the vibrator concurrently with
`or prior to the first signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first signal and the Second signal. The
`driving circuit Selectively changes the Synthesized Signal by
`changing at least one of a frequency of the first Signal, a
`frequency of the Second signal, a frequency interval between
`the frequency of the first signal and the frequency of the
`Second Signal, a phase of the first Signal, a phase of the
`Second Signal, a Voltage level of the first signal, and a
`Voltage level of the Second Signal.
`According to Still another aspect of this invention, there is
`provided a portable terminal apparatus, including: a vibrator
`having a mechanical vibration System which resonates at a
`resonance frequency; an antenna for receiving an incoming
`call signal; a reception Signal processing Section for pro
`cessing the incoming call Signal So as to output an electric
`Signal to the vibrator; and a driving circuit for driving the
`vibrator. The driving circuit outputs to the vibrator at least
`two signals of different frequencies which are included in a
`frequency range including the resonance frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal having a frequency which is
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 30 of 43
`
`

`

`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`S
`lower than the resonance frequency and a Second Signal
`having a frequency which is higher than the resonance
`frequency.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes a Switching Section for connecting
`the vibrator to one of the driving circuit and the reception
`Signal processing Section based on an output from the
`reception signal processing Section.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes a signal Synthesis Section for
`Synthesizing together the electric Signal output from the
`reception signal processing Section and the output from the
`driving circuit.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes: a first Switch provided between
`the reception Signal processing Section and the Signal Syn
`thesis Section; a Second Switch provided between the driving
`circuit and the Signal Synthesis Section; and a third Switch
`provided between the Signal Synthesis Section and the vibra
`tor.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the first Switch, the
`Second Switch and the third Switch operate based on a signal
`which is output from the reception Signal processing Section.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the at least two
`Signals include a first signal having a frequency which is
`lower than the resonance frequency and a Second Signal
`having a frequency which is higher than the resonance
`frequency. The driving circuit outputs to the vibrator a
`Synthesized Signal obtained by adding together the first
`Signal and the Second Signal. The driving circuit Selectively
`changes the Synthesized Signal by changing at least one of a
`frequency of the first Signal, a frequency of the Second
`Signal, a frequency interval between the frequency of the
`first signal and the frequency of the Second Signal, a phase
`of the first signal, a phase of the Second Signal, a Voltage
`level of the first Signal, and a Voltage level of the Second
`Signal.
`According to Still another aspect of this invention, there is
`provided a portable terminal apparatus, including: a vibrator
`having a mechanical vibration System having predetermined
`Vibration force VS frequency characteristics, an antenna for
`receiving an incoming call Signal; a reception Signal pro
`cessing Section for processing the incoming call signal So as
`to output an electric Signal to the Vibrator, and a driving
`circuit for driving the vibrator. The mechanical vibration
`System has different vibration force VS frequency character
`istics for an increasing frequency Sweep and for a decreasing
`frequency Sweep within a predetermined frequency range.
`The predetermined frequency range is defined between a
`lower limit frequency which represents a lowest frequency
`in the predetermined frequency range and an upper limit
`frequency which represents a highest frequency in the
`predetermined frequency range. The driving circuit outputs
`to the vibrator a first Signal having a frequency within the
`frequency range and a Second signal having a frequency
`which is lower than the lower limit frequency. The second
`Signal is output to the vibrator concurrently with or prior to
`the first Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes a Switching Section for connecting
`the vibrator to one of the driving circuit and the reception
`Signal processing Section based on an output from the
`reception signal processing Section.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes a signal Synthesis Section for
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`Synthesizing together the electric Signal output from the
`reception signal processing Section and the output from the
`driving circuit.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the portable terminal
`apparatus further includes: a first Switch provided between
`the reception Signal processing Section and the Signal Syn
`thesis Section; a Second Switch provided between the driving
`circuit and the Signal Synthesis Section; and a third Switch
`provided between the Signal Synthesis Section and the vibra
`tor.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first signal and the Second signal. The
`driving circuit Selectively changes the Synthesized Signal by
`changing at least one of a frequency of the first Signal, a
`frequency of the Second signal, a frequency interval between
`the frequency of the first signal and the frequency of the
`Second Signal, a phase of the first Signal, a phase of the
`Second Signal, a Voltage level of the first signal, and a
`Voltage level of the Second Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first signal and the Second Signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the driving circuit
`outputs to the vibrator a Synthesized signal obtained by
`adding together the first Signal and the Second signal while
`shifting a phase of the first Signal and a phase of the Second
`Signal from each other.
`In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the
`first signal and the Second Signal includes a Sine wave signal.
`In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the
`first signal and the second signal includes a rectangular wave
`Signal.
`Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the
`advantage of providing an electro-mechanical-acoustic
`transducer capable of providing a stable and efficient vibra
`tion output.
`This and other advantages of the present invention will
`become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and
`understanding the following detailed description with refer
`ence to the accompanying figures.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main part of an
`electro-mechanical-acoustic
`transducer according to
`Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary
`Vibrator of the electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer
`according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 3A is a top view illustrating the vibrator according
`to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a baffle being
`removed;
`FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vibrator
`according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`displacement and the applied force of a Suspension of a
`Vibrator according to Embodiment 1 of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`displacement and the Stiffness of the Suspension;
`FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of a vibrator according to
`Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 7 is another graph illustrating the relationship
`between the vibration force and the frequency of the vibra
`tor,
`
`Exhibit 1013 - Page 31 of 43
`
`

`

`US 7,006,641 B1
`
`7
`FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of a conventional vibrator
`using a linear Suspension;
`FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`displacement and the Stiffness of a Second nonlinear SuS
`pension according to Embodiment 1 of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of the vibrator according
`to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of the vibrator according
`to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, also illustrating
`input frequency points,
`FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of the vibrator according
`to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIGS. 13A to 13D illustrate the input/output characteris
`tics obtained when a single frequency is input to the electro
`mechanical-acoustic transducer according to Embodiment 1
`of the present invention;
`FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the input/output character
`istics obtained when a Synthesized frequency Signal is input
`to the electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer according to
`Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating variations in the vibration
`force VS frequency characteristics of the vibrator according
`to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
`FIG. 16A illustrates a waveform of a synthesized signal
`obtained by adding together a plurality of frequency signals
`in phase;
`FIG. 16B illustrates a waveform of a vibration force
`obtained by the Synthesized signal;
`FIG. 17A illustrates a waveform of a synthesized signal
`obtained by adding together a plurality of frequency signals
`while adjusting the phase thereof by the electro-mechanical
`acoustic transducer according to Embodiment 1 of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 17B illustrates a waveform of a vibration force
`obtained by the Synthesized signal;
`FIG. 18A illustrates a waveform of a vibration force
`obtained by the electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer
`according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when
`the vibration force VS frequency characteristics of the vibra
`tor are shifted toward the low frequency Side;
`FIG. 18B illustrates a waveform of a vibration force
`obtained by the electro-mechanical-acoustic transducer
`according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when
`the vibration force VS frequency characteristics of the vibra
`tor are shifted toward the high frequency Side;
`FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a linear suspension
`according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
`FIG.20 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
`Vibration force and the frequency of an electro-mechanical
`acoustic transducer using the linear Suspension according to
`Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
`FIG. 21A illustrates a waveform of a voltage level accord
`ing to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
`FIG. 21B illustrates a waveform of a vibration force
`according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
`FIG. 22A