U.S. patent application number 15/632195 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for a mobile telephone utilizing cartilage condution.
The applicant listed for this patent is Finewell Co., Ltd., Rohm Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hiroshi HOSOI, Yoji HOSOI, Masashi MORIMOTO, Masahide Tanaka.
Application Number | 20180279049 15/632195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49783294 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180279049 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
HOSOI; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
A MOBILE TELEPHONE UTILIZING CARTILAGE CONDUTION
Abstract
There is provided is a stereo headphone provided with a pair of
earphones having a cartilage conduction unit, a sheath unit
connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and a piezoelectric
bimorph of a vibration source connected to the cartilage conduction
unit covered by the sheath unit without making contact with the
inner wall thereof. The cartilage conduction unit is an elastic
body. The cartilage conduction unit is in contact with the entrance
to the external auditory meatus and has a passage hole in
communication with the external auditory meatus. The vibration
source is supported by a thick portion on the tragus side at the
periphery of the passage hole. In accordance with a more specific
feature, the thick portion is provided. The outer shape of the
sheath has a thickness in the direction of the earhole that is less
than the thickness in the direction orthogonal thereto.
Inventors: |
HOSOI; Hiroshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; HOSOI; Yoji; (Osaka, JP) ; MORIMOTO;
Masashi; (Kyoto, JP) ; Tanaka; Masahide;
(Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rohm Co., Ltd.
Finewell Co., Ltd. |
Kyoto
Osaka |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170353797 A1 |
December 7, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
49783294 |
Appl. No.: |
15/632195 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14584206 |
Dec 29, 2014 |
9729971 |
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15632195 |
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PCT/JP2013/067781 |
Jun 28, 2013 |
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14584206 |
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15266048 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
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PCT/JP2013/067781 |
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14334998 |
Jul 18, 2014 |
9479624 |
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15266048 |
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PCT/JP2012/066376 |
Jun 27, 2012 |
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14334998 |
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13556367 |
Jul 24, 2012 |
8886263 |
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15266048 |
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13951164 |
Jul 25, 2013 |
8918149 |
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13556367 |
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13489971 |
Jun 6, 2012 |
8521239 |
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13951164 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/086 20130101;
H04R 2410/05 20130101; H04R 2460/01 20130101; H04M 1/03 20130101;
H04R 2420/07 20130101; H04R 2499/11 20130101; H04R 1/1041 20130101;
H04R 17/00 20130101; H04R 1/1083 20130101; H04R 5/02 20130101; H04M
1/6058 20130101; H04R 29/001 20130101; H04R 1/02 20130101; H04R
1/1075 20130101; H04R 2225/61 20130101; H04R 2460/13 20130101; H04R
5/033 20130101; H04M 1/05 20130101; H04R 5/027 20130101; H04R
2460/17 20130101; H04R 25/606 20130101; H04R 5/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 5/033 20060101
H04R005/033; H04R 1/02 20060101 H04R001/02; H04M 1/03 20060101
H04M001/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2012 |
JP |
2012-010355 |
Jan 23, 2012 |
JP |
2012-011340 |
Feb 20, 2012 |
JP |
2012-034413 |
Feb 21, 2012 |
JP |
2012-035592 |
Mar 12, 2012 |
JP |
2012-054308 |
Mar 16, 2012 |
JP |
2012-061048 |
Mar 22, 2012 |
JP |
2012-065613 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
JP |
2012-095464 |
Apr 23, 2012 |
JP |
2012-097302 |
May 25, 2012 |
JP |
2012-120173 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
JP |
2012-136291 |
Jun 19, 2012 |
JP |
2012-137707 |
Jun 22, 2012 |
JP |
2012-141328 |
Jun 29, 2012 |
JP |
2012147753 |
Jul 4, 2012 |
JP |
2012150941 |
Jul 27, 2012 |
JP |
2012166976 |
Aug 6, 2012 |
JP |
2012173611 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
JP |
2012197484 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
JP |
2012203407 |
Oct 16, 2012 |
JP |
2012229176 |
Oct 22, 2012 |
JP |
2012233009 |
Nov 5, 2012 |
JP |
2012243480 |
Nov 16, 2012 |
JP |
2012252203 |
Dec 7, 2012 |
JP |
2012268649 |
Feb 18, 2013 |
JP |
2013028997 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
JP |
2013062171 |
May 20, 2013 |
JP |
2013106416 |
Jun 17, 2013 |
JP |
2013126623 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A mobile telephone comprising: a sound signal source unit
configured to output an audio signal; a cartilage conduction
vibration source configured to be vibrated by the audio signal from
the sound signal source unit; a cartilage conduction unit to which
vibrations of the cartilage conduction vibration source are
transmitted; and an equalizer configured to perform a first
equalization of the audio signal in which a total frequency
characteristic of sound pressure in the external auditory meatus
caused by direct air conduction from the cartilage conduction unit
and also by cartilage conduction from the cartilage conduction unit
is substantially flat in a predetermined frequency region.
22. The mobile telephone according to claim 21, wherein a
high-band-side end of the predetermined frequency region is 3.4 kHz
or higher.
23. The mobile telephone according to claim 22, wherein the
high-band-side end of the predetermined frequency region is 7 kHz
or higher.
24. The mobile telephone according to claim 22, wherein a
low-band-side end of the predetermined frequency region is 300 Hz
or lower.
25. The mobile telephone according to claim 21, wherein the first
equalization is that a frequency characteristic of sound pressure
in the external auditory meatus caused only by the direct air
conduction from the cartilage conduction unit is excessive in a
high-band portion of the predetermined frequency region.
26. The mobile telephone according to claim 25, wherein the
high-band portion of the predetermined frequency region is 3 kHz or
higher.
27. The mobile telephone according to claim 21, wherein the
equalizer is further configured to perform a second equalization of
the audio signal in which a frequency characteristic of sound
pressure caused by direct air conduction from the cartilage
conduction unit is substantially flat in a predetermined frequency
region.
28. The mobile telephone according to claim 27, wherein the
frequency characteristic of sound pressure in the second
equalization is of outer part of the ear.
29. The mobile telephone according to claim 27, wherein the
equalizer is further configured to switch between the first
equalization and the second equalization.
30. The mobile telephone according to claim 21 further comprising
an earphone jack at which the audio signal from the sound signal
source unit is outputted, wherein the equalizer is further
configured to perform a second equalization of the audio signal for
output form the earphone jack, wherein the first equalization and
the second equalization is different.
31. The mobile telephone according to claim 30, wherein the
equalizer is configured to perform the first equalization ranging
to 7 kHz for the cartilage conduction vibration source and the
second equalization ranging to 20 kHz for the earphone jack.
32. The mobile telephone according to claim 21, wherein the
equalizer is further configured to perform an additional
equalization of the audio signal in which a frequency
characteristic of sound pressure in the external auditory meatus
caused by cartilage conduction from the cartilage conduction unit
with an entrance of the external auditory meatus occluded is
substantially flat in the predetermined frequency region.
33. The mobile telephone according to claim 32, wherein the
additional equalization is that the total frequency characteristic
is reduced in a high-band portion of the predetermined frequency
region.
34. A mobile telephone comprising: a sound signal source unit
configured to output an audio signal; a cartilage conduction
vibration source configured to be vibrated by the audio signal from
the sound signal source unit; a cartilage conduction unit to which
vibrations of the cartilage conduction vibration source are
transmitted; and an equalizer configured to perform an equalization
of the audio signal in which a frequency characteristic of sound
pressure caused by direct air conduction from the cartilage
conduction unit is substantially flat in a predetermined frequency
region.
35. The mobile telephone according to claim 34, wherein the
equalization is that a total frequency characteristic of sound
pressure in the external auditory meatus caused by direct air
conduction from the cartilage conduction unit and also by cartilage
conduction from the cartilage conduction unit is reduced in a
high-band portion in the predetermined frequency region.
36. The mobile telephone according to claim 35, wherein the total
frequency characteristic is reduced in a high-band portion higher
than about 3 kHz.
37. The mobile telephone according to claim 34 further comprising
an earphone jack at which the audio signal from the sound signal
source unit is outputted, wherein the equalizer is further
configured to perform an equalization of the audio signal for
output form the earphone jack, wherein the equalization for the
cartilage conduction vibration source and the equalization for the
earphone jack is different.
38. The mobile telephone according to claim 37, wherein the
equalizer is configured to perform the equalization ranging to 7
kHz for the cartilage conduction vibration source and the
equalization ranging to 20 kHz for the earphone jack.
39. A mobile telephone comprising: a sound signal source unit
configured to output an audio signal; a cartilage conduction
vibration source configured to be vibrated by the audio signal from
the sound signal source unit; a cartilage conduction unit to which
vibrations of the cartilage conduction vibration source are
transmitted; an earphone jack at which the audio signal from the
sound signal source unit is outputted; and an equalizer configured
to perform an equalization of the audio signal for vibration of the
cartilage conduction unit and an equalization of the audio signal
for output form the earphone jack, wherein the equalization for the
cartilage conduction vibration source and the equalization for the
earphone jack is different.
40. The mobile telephone according to claim 39, wherein the
equalizer is configured to perform the equalization ranging to 7
kHz for the cartilage conduction vibration source and the
equalization ranging to 20 kHz for the earphone jack.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The various inventions disclosed in the present
specification relate to a mobile telephone, an incoming talk unit
or cartilage conduction vibration source or cartilage conduction
vibration device for a mobile telephone or the like, a mobile
telephone accessory device, a sound output device, an sound signal
output device, a listening device, or an incoming/outgoing talk
device, or a stereo earphone and a method for using an
earphone.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, various different mobile telephones have
been proposed for various different objectives. For example, to
provide a mobile telephone permitting clear listening even in the
presence of loud noise, there has been proposed a mobile telephone
in which a bone conduction speaker is employed, the mobile
telephone being provided with the bone conduction speaker as well
as with external auditory meatus stoppage means (Patent Document
1). On the other hand, in another proposed method for using a bone
conduction speaker, a manual operation is used to adjust the
pressure of contact between the tragus and a vibrating surface to
be brought into contact with the tragus, whereby the ratio at which
audio information through cartilage conduction and audio
information through air conduction are transmitted can be altered
in accordance with the magnitude of outside noise (Patent Document
2). In yet another proposal, a piezoelectric element is used as a
vibration source of bone conduction. A further proposal for a
mobile telephone is a wireless communication function headset that
is wirelessly communicatively connected to a communication
apparatus capable of audio communication via a communication
network, the wireless communication function headset permitting
audio communication with a party on the line via the communication
apparatus (Patent Document 3). In yet another proposal, an
eyeglasses-type interface device is provided with an audio unit
that includes a bone conduction earphone, a microphone, and a
display unit for displaying, on a lens, movie information that has
been sent to a wireless communication unit from a mobile telephone
or the like (Patent Document 4). It is typical for a
"smartphone"-type mobile telephone to be sheathed in a soft cover,
as an accessory device. Various other mobile telephone accessory
devices, such as headsets for wired or short-range wireless
communication with a mobile telephone, have also been proposed.
LIST OF CITATIONS
Patent Literature
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP-A 2003-348208 [0004] [Patent Document
2] JP-B 4541111 [0005] [Patent Document 3] JP-A 2006-86581 [0006]
[Patent Document 4] JP-A 2005-352024
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] However, there are yet many problems to be reviewed in
relation to a stereo earphone.
[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is
to provide a stereo earphone that makes use of cartilage
conduction.
Solution to Problem
[0009] In order to achieve the above-noted object, the present
invention provides a stereo earphone provided with a pair of
earphones having a cartilage conduction unit, a sheath unit
connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and a vibration source
connected to the cartilage conduction unit in the sheath unit
without touching the inner wall thereof.
[0010] According to a specific feature of the present invention,
the cartilage conduction unit is an elastic body. According to
another specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit is contact
with the entrance to the external auditory meatus and has a passage
hole in communication with the external auditory meatus.
[0011] According to a more specific feature of the present
invention, the stereo earphone has an opening and closing mechanism
for opening and closing the passage hole.
[0012] According to a more specific feature of the present
invention, the vibration source is connected to the cartilage
conduction unit so that the upper end of the vibration source is
positioned further above the lower end of the passage hole.
According to another specific feature, the cartilage conduction
unit has a thick portion at the periphery of the passage hole, and
the thick portion supports the vibration source. According to
another specific feature, the thick portion is provided on the
tragus side.
[0013] According to another specific feature of the present
invention, the vibration source is a piezoelectric bimorph, one end
thereof being supported by the cartilage conduction unit.
[0014] According to another specific feature of the present
invention, the outer shape of the sheath has a thickness in the
direction of the ear hole that is less than the thickness in the
direction orthogonal thereto.
[0015] According to another specific feature of the present
invention, a guide part for directing the sheath to the intertragic
notch is provided to the sheath.
[0016] According to another specific feature of the present
invention, each of the pair of earphones has a second sheath
connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and a second vibration
source connected to the cartilage conduction unit inside the second
sheath without making contact with the inner wall thereof.
According to a more specific feature of the present invention, the
sheath is arranged so as to be accommodated in the intertragic
notch, and the second sheath is arranged so as to be accommodated
in the anterior notch of the auricle. According to a more specific
feature of the present invention, differently equalized audio
signals are inputted from different channels to the vibration
source and the second vibration source, respectively.
[0017] According to another specific feature of the present
invention, provided is a stereo earphone provided with a pair of
earphones having a cartilage conduction unit and an adhesive sheet
provided to a contact part between the cartilage conduction unit
and the ear cartilage. According to a specific feature, the
adhesive sheet is provided to the portion where the cartilage
conduction unit is in contact with the cavum conchae. According to
another specific feature, the adhesive sheet is provided to the
portion where the cartilage conduction unit is in contact with the
outer side of the auricle.
[0018] According to another feature of the present invention,
provided is a stereo earphone provided with a pair of earphones
having a cartilage conduction unit that closely bonds to the rear
outer side of the base of the auricle. According to a specific
feature, the cartilage conduction unit is caused to closely bond to
the auricle while avoiding the upper outer side of the base of the
auricle. According to another specific feature, the pair of
earphones is fitted to the rear surface side of the left and right
auricles, respectively, and the pair of earphones are mutually
symmetrical in shape.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0019] As described above, in accordance with the present
invention, it is possible to provide an advantageous stereo
earphone in which cartilage conduction is used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment
of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the present
invention (first embodiment);
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of the first embodiment
illustrating the functions of the state of right ear use and the
state of left ear use;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of a controller in
the first embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second
embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention (second embodiment);
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment
of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the present
invention (third embodiment);
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth
embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention (fourth embodiment);
[0027] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 9A and 9B are conceptual block diagrams illustrating
the elements of the configuration pertaining to an earplug bone
conduction effect of the fourth embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a fifth
embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention (fifth embodiment);
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
in the fifth embodiment of FIG. 11;
[0032] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are perspective views illustrating
the sixth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention, where FIG. 13A is a front perspective
view, FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 13C is a
cross-sectional view along the B-B cross-section of the rear
perspective view of FIG. 13B (sixth embodiment);
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
in the sixth embodiment of FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C;
[0034] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are perspective views illustrating a
seventh embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of
the present invention, where FIG. 15A is a front view, FIG. 15B is
a rear view, and FIG. 15C is an elemental cross-sectional view
along the B-B cross-section of the rear perspective view of FIG.
15B (seventh embodiment);
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
in the seventh embodiment of FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C;
[0036] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are perspective views illustrating
the eighth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention, where FIG. 17A is a front view, FIG. 17B
is a rear view, and FIG. 17C is an elemental cross-sectional view
along the B-B cross-section of the rear perspective view of FIG.
17B (eighth embodiment);
[0037] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are perspective views illustrating
the ninth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention, where FIG. 18A is a front view, FIG. 18B
is a rear view, and FIG. 18C is an elemental cross-sectional view
along the B-B cross-section of the rear perspective view of FIG.
18B (ninth embodiment);
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a tenth
embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention (tenth embodiment);
[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an eleventh
embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention (eleventh embodiment);
[0040] FIGS. 21A and 21B are side views of the eleventh embodiment
illustrating the functions of the state of right ear use and the
state of left ear use;
[0041] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views illustrating the
twelfth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect of
the present invention (twelfth embodiment);
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
in the twelfth embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B;
[0043] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating the
thirteenth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention (thirteenth embodiment);
[0044] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views illustrating the
fourteenth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention (fourteenth embodiment);
[0045] FIG. 26 is a diagram of the system of a fifteenth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (fifteenth
embodiment);
[0046] FIG. 27 is a diagram of the system of a sixteenth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (sixteenth
embodiment);
[0047] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of the sixteenth embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a seventeenth embodiment
(seventeenth embodiment);
[0049] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
of an incoming/outgoing-talk unit in the seventeenth embodiment of
FIG. 29;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
of the incoming/outgoing talk unit in an eighteenth embodiment
(eighteenth embodiment);
[0051] FIG. 32 is a diagram of the system of a nineteenth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(nineteenth embodiment);
[0052] FIG. 33 is a diagram of the system of a twentieth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (twentieth
embodiment);
[0053] FIG. 34 is a side view of the elements of a twenty-first
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(twenty-first embodiment);
[0054] FIG. 35 is a top view of a twenty-second embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (twenty-second
embodiment);
[0055] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a twenty-third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (twenty-third
embodiment);
[0056] FIG. 37 is a diagram of the system of a twenty-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(twenty-fourth embodiment);
[0057] FIG. 38 is block diagram of a twenty-fifth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (twenty-fifth
embodiment);
[0058] FIGS. 39A and 39B are cross-sectional views of the elements
of the twenty-fifth embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating a modification
example of the tenth embodiment in FIG. 19;
[0060] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a twenty-sixth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (twenty-sixth
embodiment);
[0061] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of the twenty-sixth embodiment of
FIG. 41;
[0062] FIG. 43 is a flow chart relating to the operation of the
controller in the twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 42, and shows
step S42 of FIG. 10 in more detail;
[0063] FIGS. 44A and 44B are perspective views and cross-sectional
views of a twenty-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention (twenty-eighth embodiment);
[0064] FIGS. 45A and 45B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
first modification example and a second modification example of the
twenty-eighth embodiment;
[0065] FIGS. 46A and 46B are cross-sectional views of a third
modification example and a fourth modification example of the
twenty-eighth embodiment;
[0066] FIGS. 47A and 47B are perspective views illustrating a
twenty-ninth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and a modification example thereof (twenty-ninth
embodiment);
[0067] FIGS. 48A and 48B are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views of a thirtieth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (thirtieth embodiment);
[0068] FIGS. 49A and 49B are longitudinal cross-sectional views and
a latitudinal cross-sectional views of a thirty-first embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (thirty-first
embodiment);
[0069] FIGS. 50A and 50B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
first modification example and a second modification example of the
thirty-first embodiment;
[0070] FIGS. MA and MB are perspective views of a thirty-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a piezoelectric bimorph element adapted for use in
the mobile telephone (thirty-second embodiment);
[0071] FIGS. 52A and 52B are transparent perspective views of a
thirty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and a modification example thereof (thirty-third
embodiment);
[0072] FIGS. 53A and 53B are external perspective views of the
thirty-third embodiment and the modification example thereof;
[0073] FIG. 54 is a transparent perspective view of a thirty-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(thirty-fourth embodiment);
[0074] FIG. 55 is a transparent perspective view relating to a
thirty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (thirty-fifth embodiment);
[0075] FIGS. 56A and 56B are transparent perspective views relating
to a thirty-sixth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (thirty-sixth embodiment);
[0076] FIG. 57 is a transparent perspective view relating to a
thirty-seventh embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (thirty-seventh embodiment);
[0077] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional block diagram relating a
thirty-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (thirty-eighth embodiment);
[0078] FIGS. 59A, 59B and 59C are back surface transparent views
and cross-sectional views illustrating the manner in which a
cartilage conduction vibration source is anchored to the mobile
telephone in the thirty-eighth embodiment;
[0079] FIG. 60 is a flow chart of the operation of a controller
3439 in the thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 58;
[0080] FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D are cross-sectional views of a
thirty-ninth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and various modification examples thereof (thirty-ninth
embodiment);
[0081] FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C are cross-sectional views and a
transparent perspective views of the elements of a fortieth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention as well
as various modification examples thereof (fortieth embodiment);
[0082] FIGS. 63A and 63B are cross-sectional views of a forty-first
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(forty-first embodiment);
[0083] FIGS. 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D are cross-sectional views of
various modification examples of the forty-first embodiment;
[0084] FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C and 65D are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-second embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention (forty-second embodiment);
[0085] FIGS. 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention (forty-third embodiment)
[0086] FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and 67C are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-fourth embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention (forty-fourth embodiment);
[0087] FIGS. 68A and 68B are cross-sectional views relating to a
forty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (forty-fifth embodiment);
[0088] FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional view relating to a forty-sixth embodiment according
to an aspect of the present invention (forty-sixth embodiment);
[0089] FIGS. 70A and 70B are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a forty-seventh embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (forty-seventh
embodiment);
[0090] FIGS. 71A, 71B and 71C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to a modification example of the
forty-sixth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention
[0091] FIGS. 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D and 72E are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to a forty-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (forty-eighth
embodiment);
[0092] FIGS. 73A and 73B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the
elements of the forty-eighth embodiment and a modification example
thereof;
[0093] FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to a forty-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and a modification
example thereof (forty-ninth embodiment);
[0094] FIG. 75 is a block diagram combining a partial
cross-sectional view relating to a fiftieth embodiment according to
an aspect of the present invention (fiftieth embodiment);
[0095] FIG. 76 is a block diagram combining a partial
cross-sectional view relating to a fifty-first embodiment according
to an aspect of the present invention (fifty-first embodiment);
[0096] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view and interior block diagram
relating to a fifty-second embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention (fifty-second embodiment);
[0097] FIGS. 78A, 78B and 78C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to the fifty-second embodiment of
FIG. 77;
[0098] FIG. 79 is a graph illustrating an example of measurement
data of the mobile telephone configured on the basis of the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C;
[0099] FIGS. 80A and 80B are side views and cross-sectional views
of an ear, intended to illustrate the relationship between the
detailed structure of the ear and the mobile telephone of the
present invention;
[0100] FIG. 81 is a block diagram of a fifty-third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (fifty-third
embodiment);
[0101] FIG. 82 is a block diagram of a fifty-fourth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (fifty-fourth
embodiment);
[0102] FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a fifty-fifth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (fifty-fourth embodiment);
[0103] FIG. 84 is a block diagram of the fifty-fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C;
[0104] FIGS. 85A and 85B are side views intended to describe the
distribution of vibration energy in a mobile telephone in the
fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C;
[0105] FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a fifty-sixth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (fifty-sixth embodiment);
[0106] FIG. 87 is a block diagram of a fifty-seventh embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (fifty-seventh
embodiment);
[0107] FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a fifty-eighth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (fifty-eighth embodiment);
[0108] FIGS. 89A, 89B and 89C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a fifty-ninth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (fifty-ninth embodiment);
[0109] FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a sixtieth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (sixtieth embodiment);
[0110] FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a sixty-first embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (sixty-first embodiment)
[0111] FIGS. 92A, 92B and 92C are perspective views and side views
of a sixty-second embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (sixty-second embodiment);
[0112] FIG. 93 is a block diagram of the sixty-second embodiment of
FIG. 93;
[0113] FIGS. 94A, 94B, 94C and 94D are side cross sectional views
of cordless handsets in the sixty-second embodiment of FIGS. 92A,
92B and 92C and modification examples thereof;
[0114] FIGS. 95A, 95B and 95C are cross sectional views of a
sixty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (sixty-third embodiment);
[0115] FIGS. 96A, 96B, 96C and 96D are perspective views, cross
sectional views, and a top view of a sixty-fourth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (sixty-fourth
embodiment);
[0116] FIGS. 97A, 97B, 97C and 97D are perspective views, cross
sectional views, and a top view of a sixty-fifth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (sixty-fifth
embodiment);
[0117] FIGS. 98A, 98B, 98C and 98D are perspective views, cross
sectional views, and a top view of a sixty-sixth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (sixty-sixth
embodiment);
[0118] FIGS. 99A, 99B and 99C are perspective views and cross
sectional views of a sixty-seventh embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (sixty-seventh embodiment);
[0119] FIG. 100 is a cross sectional view of a sixty-eighth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(sixty-eighth embodiment);
[0120] FIGS. 101A, 101B and 101C are system configuration diagrams
and usage description diagrams of a sixty-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (sixty-ninth
embodiment);
[0121] FIG. 102 is a block diagram of the sixty-ninth
embodiment;
[0122] FIGS. 103A and 103B are perspective views of a seventieth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventieth embodiment);
[0123] FIG. 104 is a block diagram of the seventieth
embodiment;
[0124] FIGS. 105A, 105B and 105C are perspective views and cross
sectional views of a seventy-first embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention (seventy-first embodiment);
[0125] FIG. 106 is a block diagram of the seventy-first
embodiment;
[0126] FIG. 107 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventy-second embodiment);
[0127] FIGS. 108A and 108B are timing charts of power supply
control to a charge pump circuit in the seventy-second
embodiment;
[0128] FIG. 109 is flowchart of operation of an application
processor in the seventy-second embodiment;
[0129] FIGS. 110A, 110B, 110C and 110D are perspective views
relating to a seventy-third embodiment according to an aspect of
the present invention (seventy-third embodiment);
[0130] FIGS. 111A, 111B and 111C are perspective views showing
several video phone modes in the seventy-third embodiment;
[0131] FIG. 112 is a flowchart showing videoconferencing processing
in the seventy-third embodiment;
[0132] FIG. 113 is a flowchart showing the details of Step S376 of
FIG. 112;
[0133] FIG. 114 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventy-fourth embodiment)
[0134] FIG. 115 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-fifth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventy-fifth embodiment);
[0135] FIG. 116 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-sixth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventy-sixth embodiment);
[0136] FIG. 117 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-seventh
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(seventy-seventh embodiment);
[0137] FIGS. 118A and 118B are cross sectional views of a front
surface and a side surface relating to a seventy-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (seventy-eighth
embodiment);
[0138] FIGS. 119A and 119B are cross sectional views of a front
surface and a side surface relating to a seventy-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (seventy-ninth
embodiment);
[0139] FIGS. 120A and 120B are cross sectional views of a front
surface and a side surface relating to an eightieth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention (eightieth
embodiment);
[0140] FIGS. 121A, 121B and 121C are cross sectional views of a
side surface relating to an eighty-first embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention, and a first modification example
and second modification example thereof (eighty-first
embodiment);
[0141] FIG. 122 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
(eighty-second embodiment);
[0142] FIG. 123 is a flowchart of an application processor in the
eighty-second embodiment of FIG. 122;
[0143] FIGS. 124A and 124B are perspective views relating to an
eighty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention (eighty-third embodiment);
[0144] FIG. 125 is a perspective view showing a modification
example of the eighty-third embodiment of FIGS. 124A and 124B;
[0145] FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C are perspective views and cross
sectional views relating to an eighty-fourth embodiment according
to an aspect of the present invention (eighty-fourth
embodiment);
[0146] FIG. 127 is a block diagram of the eighty-fourth embodiment
of FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C;
[0147] FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C depict cross sectional views of a
modification example of the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 126A,
126B and 126C;
[0148] FIG. 129 is a block diagram of a modification example of the
eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C;
[0149] FIGS. 130A, 130B and 130C are perspective views and cross
sectional views relating to an eighty-fifth embodiment according to
an aspect of the present invention and a modification example
thereof (eighty-fifth embodiment);
[0150] FIG. 131 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-sixth
embodiment of the present invention (eighty-sixth embodiment);
[0151] FIGS. 132A, 132B and 132C depict graphs relating to the
eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131, which show image depictions of
frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric bimorph element, of
ear cartilage, and of the drive output to the piezoelectric bimorph
element;
[0152] FIG. 133 is a flowchart of a controller in the eighty-sixth
embodiment of FIG. 131;
[0153] FIGS. 134A and 134B depict perspective views showing a
modification example of the eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG.
131;
[0154] FIG. 135 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-seventh
embodiment of the present invention (eighty-seventh
embodiment);
[0155] FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and 136E are perspective views
and cross sectional views relating to an eighty-eighth embodiment
of the present invention (eighty-eighth embodiment);
[0156] FIGS. 137A and 137B are side views describing a call
condition in the eighty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B,
136C, 136D and 136E;
[0157] FIGS. 138A, 138B, 138C and 138D depict cross sectional views
showing modification examples of the eighty-eighth embodiment of
FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and 136E;
[0158] FIGS. 139A and 139B are system configuration diagrams of an
eighty-ninth embodiment of the present invention (eighty-ninth
embodiment);
[0159] FIGS. 140A and 140B are system configuration diagrams of a
ninetieth embodiment of the present invention (ninetieth
embodiment);
[0160] FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C are cross sectional views and a
block diagram relating to a ninety-first embodiment of the present
invention (ninety-first embodiment);
[0161] FIGS. 142A and 142B are system configuration diagrams of a
ninety-second embodiment of the present invention (ninety-second
embodiment);
[0162] FIGS. 143A, 143B and 143C depict side views of an ear, for
showing a modification example of the ninety-second embodiment;
[0163] FIGS. 144A and 144B are back views and block diagrams of a
ninety-third embodiment of the present invention (ninety-third
embodiment);
[0164] FIGS. 145A and 145B are back cross sectional views and block
diagrams of a ninety-fourth embodiment of the present invention
(ninety-fourth embodiment);
[0165] FIG. 146 is a block diagram of a ninety-fifth embodiment of
the present invention (ninety-fifth embodiment);
[0166] FIGS. 147A, 147B and 147C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a ninety-sixth embodiment of the present
invention (ninety-sixth embodiment);
[0167] FIG. 148 is a block view of a mobile telephone portion of
the ninety-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 147A, 147B and 147C;
[0168] FIG. 149 is flowchart showing the function of a control unit
of the ninety-sixth embodiment of FIG. 148;
[0169] FIGS. 150A, 150B, 150C and 150D are front perspective views
of a ninety-seventh embodiment of the present invention
(ninety-seventh embodiment);
[0170] FIG. 151 is a flowchart showing the control unit function of
the ninety-seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0171] FIG. 152 is a flowchart showing the details of step S554 and
step S560 of FIGS. 150A, 150B, 150C and 150D;
[0172] FIGS. 153A, 153B and 153C are cross-sectional views and
block views related to a ninety-eighth embodiment of the present
invention (ninety-eighth embodiment);
[0173] FIG. 154 is a table showing measurement values of the
ninety-eighth embodiment;
[0174] FIG. 155 is a circuit diagram showing the details of a
combination circuit of a voltage booster circuit and an analog
output amplifier that can be used in the seventy-fourth embodiment
and the seventy-fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 114 and FIG.
115;
[0175] FIGS. 156A and 156B are diagram of the system of a
ninety-ninth embodiment of the present invention (ninety-ninth
embodiment);
[0176] FIGS. 157A, 157B, 157C and 157D are side views of the
ear-hooking unit in the various modifications of the ninety-ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 156A and 156B;
[0177] FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a one-hundredth embodiment of the present
invention (one-hundredth embodiment);
[0178] FIGS. 159A and 159B are schematic cross-sectional views and
circuit diagrams showing the details of the structure of the
piezoelectric bimorph of the one-hundredth embodiment shown in
FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C;
[0179] FIGS. 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D and 160E are cross-sectional
views for describing the configuration for mass-producing the
piezoelectric bimorph module in the one-hundredth embodiment of
FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C;
[0180] FIG. 161 is a block view related to a one-hundred first
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred first
embodiment);
[0181] FIG. 162 is a block view of a first modification of the
one-hundred first embodiment shown in FIG. 161;
[0182] FIG. 163 is a block view of a second modification of the
one-hundred first embodiment shown in FIG. 161;
[0183] FIGS. 164A and 164B are partially cutaway detailed circuit
diagrams of when the feature of the one-hundred first embodiment of
FIG. 161 has been applied to the circuit of FIG. 155;
[0184] FIG. 165 is a block view related to a one-hundred second
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred first
embodiment);
[0185] FIG. 166 is a flowchart showing the function of the
application processor in the one-hundred second embodiment;
[0186] FIGS. 167A, 167B, 167C, 167D, 167E and 167F are graphs for
visually showing the frequency characteristics of the one-hundred
second embodiment;
[0187] FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E are perspective views
and cross-sectional views of a one-hundred third embodiment of the
present invention (one-hundred third embodiment);
[0188] FIG. 169 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
principal elements of the one-hundred third embodiment shown in
FIG. 168(D);
[0189] FIGS. 170A, 170B, 170C and 170D are perspective views and
cross-sectional views of a one-hundred fourth embodiment of the
present invention (one-hundred fourth embodiment);
[0190] FIG. 171 is a block view related to a one-hundred fifth
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred fifth
embodiment);
[0191] FIG. 172 is an expanded system block view of the one-hundred
fifth embodiment of FIG. 171;
[0192] FIG. 173 is a flowchart of the control unit of the mobile
telephone in the one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG. 171;
[0193] FIG. 174 is a flowchart of the control unit of the headset
in the one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG. 171;
[0194] FIG. 175 is a block view related to a one-hundred sixth
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred sixth
embodiment);
[0195] FIGS. 176A, 176B, 176C and 176D are schematic views for
describing an image of the automatic adjustment of the direction of
directivity and the sharpness of the directivity of the microphone
in the one-hundred sixth embodiment of FIG. 175;
[0196] FIG. 177 is a flowchart of the control unit of the mobile
telephone in the one-hundred sixth embodiment of FIG. 175;
[0197] FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E are perspective views
and cross-sectional views related to a one-hundred seventh
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred seventh
embodiment);
[0198] FIG. 179 is a graph of Fletcher and Munson equal-loudness
curves;
[0199] FIG. 180 is a flowchart of the application processor in the
one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and
178E, which calls on FIG. 87;
[0200] FIGS. 181A, 181B, 181C, 181D, 181E and 181F are
cross-sectional views relating to a one-hundred eighth embodiment
and a modification thereof of the present invention (one-hundred
eighth embodiment);
[0201] FIGS. 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F and 182G are
schematic views of the one-hundred ninth embodiment of the present
invention (one-hundred ninth embodiment);
[0202] FIGS. 183A, 183B, 183C, 183D and 183E are schematic views of
a one-hundred tenth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred tenth embodiment);
[0203] FIGS. 184A, 184B, 184C and 184D are schematic views of the
one-hundred eleventh embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred eleventh embodiment);
[0204] FIGS. 185A, 185B, 185C and 185D are schematic views of a
one-hundred twelfth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred twelfth embodiment);
[0205] FIGS. 186A, 186B, 186C, 186D and 186E are schematic views of
the one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred thirteenth embodiment);
[0206] FIGS. 187A, 187B, 187C, 187D and 187E are schematic views of
the one-hundred fourteenth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred fourteenth embodiment);
[0207] FIGS. 188A, 188B, 188C, 188D, 188E and 188F are schematic
views of the one-hundred fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention (one-hundred fifteenth embodiment);
[0208] FIGS. 189A, 189B, 189C, 189D, 189E and 189F are schematic
views of the one-hundred sixteenth embodiment of the present
invention (one-hundred sixteenth embodiment);
[0209] FIGS. 190A, 190B, 190C and 190D are schematic views of the
one-hundred seventeenth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred seventeenth embodiment);
[0210] FIGS. 191A and 191B are conceptual perspective views of the
one-hundred seventeenth embodiment of FIGS. 190A, 190B, 190C and
190D;
[0211] FIGS. 192A, 192B, 192C and 192D are cross-sectional
schematic views of the one-hundred eighteenth embodiment of the
present invention (one-hundred eighteenth embodiment);
[0212] FIGS. 193A, 193B and 193C are schematic views and block
views of the one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of the present
invention (one-hundred nineteenth embodiment);
[0213] FIGS. 194A, 194B, 194C, 194D and 194E are schematic views of
the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred twentieth embodiment);
[0214] FIGS. 195A, 195B, 195C and 195D are schematic views of the
one-hundred twenty-first embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred twenty-first embodiment);
[0215] FIGS. 196A, 196B, 196C and 196D are schematic views of the
one-hundred twenty-second embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred twenty-second embodiment);
[0216] FIGS. 197A, 197B, 197C and 197D are schematic views of the
one-hundred twenty-third embodiment of the present invention
(one-hundred twenty-third embodiment);
[0217] FIG. 198 is a schematic view of a one-hundred twenty-fourth
embodiment of the present invention (one-hundred twenty-fourth
embodiment);
[0218] FIG. 199 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elements
and a block view of the one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment shown
in FIG. 198;
[0219] FIG. 200 is a flowchart of the control unit of the
one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 199;
[0220] FIG. 201 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elements
and a block view of the one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment of the
present invention (one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment);
[0221] FIG. 202 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elements
and a block view of the one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment of the
present invention (one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment); and
[0222] FIG. 203 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elements
and a block view of the one-hundred twenty-seventh embodiment of
the present invention (one-hundred twenty-seventh embodiment).
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
First Embodiment
[0223] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment
of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the present
invention. In FIG. 1, a mobile telephone 1 comprises an upper part
7 having a display unit 5 or the like, and a lower part 11 having a
keypad or other operation unit 9 and a microphone or other
outgoing-talk unit 23 for picking up audio uttered from the mouth
of an operator, and is configured such that the upper part 7 can be
folded onto the lower part 11 by a hinge unit 3. An earphone or
other incoming-talk unit 13 for transmitting audio to an ear of the
operator is provided to the upper unit 7, and together with the
outgoing-talk unit 23 of the lower part 11 constitutes a telephone
function unit. A videoconferencing in-camera 17, which is able to
photograph the face of an operator looking at the display unit 5 in
a case in which the mobile telephone 1 is to be used as a video
phone and which is also used when a self-portrait is taken, is also
arranged on the upper part 7. The upper part 7 is further provided
with a pair of infrared light emitting units 19, 20 constituting a
proximity sensor for detecting that the mobile telephone 1 is
abutting an ear for purposes of a call, and with a shared infrared
light proximity sensor 21 for receiving infrared light reflected
from the ear. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a backside camera is
provided to the backside of the upper part 7, and the camera is
able to capture an image of a subject that is on the backside of
the mobile telephone 1 and is being monitored with the display unit
5.
[0224] The upper part 7 is further provided with a right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and a left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, which comprise a
piezoelectric bimorph element or the like for contacting the
tragus, at the upper corner of the inside (the side that touches
the ear). The right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and
the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 are constituted
so as not to protrude from the outer wall of the mobile telephone
and hinder the design, but are provided to the corners of the outer
wall of the mobile telephone whereby contact is effectively made
with the tragus. It is thereby possible both to listen to the audio
from the incoming-talk unit 13, and to listen by bone conduction
from the cartilage of the tragus. Also, as has been disclosed in
the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the tragus is known to
receive the greatest auditory sensation among the mastoid process
of the ear, the cartilage surface of the rear of the opening of the
outer ear, the tragus, the sideburn part, and all the other
constituents of the ear cartilage; and is known to have a greater
elevation in the bass register than other locations when pressure
is increased by pushing. This knowledge is described in detail in
Patent Document 2, for which reference can accordingly be made
thereto.
[0225] The mobile telephone 1 rotates slightly clockwise when
brought up against the right ear in FIG. 1, and takes on a
downward-right state in FIG. 1. Providing the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 to the lower angle of
incline of the upper end of the ear side of such a mobile telephone
makes it possible to naturally bring the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 in contact with the tragus
of the right ear without causing the vibration unit to protrude
from the outer wall of the mobile telephone. This state is a
posture approximating the normal state of a telephone call, and is
awkward for neither the person making the telephone call nor any
onlookers. Because the incoming-talk unit 13 is in the vicinity of
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24, audio
information through the tragus cartilage and audio information
through the external auditory meatus will both be transmitted to
the ear. At this time, because the same audio information will be
transmitted by different sound-generating pairs and pathways, the
phasing between the two is adjusted so as to prevent the same from
canceling each other out.
[0226] On the other hand, the mobile telephone 1 rotates slightly
counter-clockwise when brought up against the left ear in FIG. 1,
and takes on a downward-left state in FIG. 1. The state becoming
such that the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 is
provided to the lower angle of incline of the upper end of the ear
side of the mobile telephone, it is possible to naturally bring the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 into contact with
the tragus of the left ear, as is the case with the right ear.
Because this state is a posture approximating the normal state of a
telephone call, and because the incoming-talk unit 13 is in the
vicinity of the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 and
both audio information through the tragus cartilage and audio
information through the external auditory meatus are transmitted to
the ear, the fact that the phasing between the two is adjusted is
similar to the case of the right ear.
[0227] Because the pair of infrared light emitting units 19, 20 in
the above-described proximity sensor emit light alternating in time
division, the shared infrared light proximity sensor 21 is able to
identify from which light-emitting unit the reflective light coming
from the infrared light has been received, and is thereby able to
judge which of the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24
and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 has been
brought up against the tragus. It is thereby possible to determine
at which ear the mobile telephone 1 is being used, and to cause the
vibration unit of the side against which the tragus abuts to
vibrate and to turn off the other one. However, because of the
individual variations regarding up to which ear the mobile
telephone 1 is brought and regarding the shape of the ear, the
first embodiment is configured such that, as will be described
later, an acceleration sensor is further housed, the direction in
which the mobile telephone 1 is inclined being detected by the
gravitational acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and
the vibration unit on the side at the lower angle of incline is
made to vibrate while the other is turned off. The aforementioned
right ear use and left ear use will again be described, using the
drawings adapted to the respective modes of use.
[0228] The upper part 7 is further provided with an
environment-noise microphone 38, which is arranged on the outside
(the back surface not brought up against the ear) so as to pick up
environment noise, and which is implemented as means for preventing
conduction of the vibration of the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 26. The environment-noise microphone 38 further picks up audio
uttered from the mouth of the operator. The environment noise
picked up by the environment-noise microphone 38 and the operator's
own voice, upon undergoing wavelength inversion, are mixed into the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26; the environment noise and
the operator's own voice, which are contained in the audio
information through the incoming-talk unit 13, are canceled to
facilitate listening comprehension of the party on the line. A more
detailed description of this function will be provided later.
[0229] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile telephone 1 illustrating
the functions of the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit
24 and left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26; FIG. 2A
illustrates a state in which the mobile telephone 1 is held in the
right hand and brought up against the right ear 28. On the other
hand, FIG. 2B illustrates a state in which the mobile telephone 1
is held in the left hand and brought up against the left ear 30.
FIG. 2A is a drawing viewed from the right side of the face, and
FIG. 2B is a drawing viewed from the left side of the face;
therefore, each show the back surface of the mobile telephone 1
(the reverse side of FIG. 1). The mobile telephone 1 is indicated
by dashed lines, in order to depict the relationship between the
mobile telephone 1 and the right ear 28 and left ear 30.
[0230] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the mobile telephone 1 is
inclined slightly counterclockwise (the relationship of the reverse
surface with FIG. 1) in FIG. 2 when the same is brought up against
the right ear 28, and takes on a diagonally downward-left state in
FIG. 2. Because the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit
24 is provided to the lower angle of incline of the upper end of
the ear side of such a mobile telephone, the same can naturally be
brought into contact with the tragus 32 of the right ear 28. As has
already been described, this state is a posture approximating the
normal state of a telephone call, and is awkward neither to the
person making the telephone call nor to onlookers. On the other
hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the mobile telephone 1 is inclined
slightly clockwise (the relationship of the reverse side with FIG.
1) in FIG. 2 when the same is brought up against the left ear 30,
and takes on a diagonally downward-right state in FIG. 2. Because
the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 is provided to
the lower angle of incline of the upper end of the ear side of such
a mobile telephone, the same can naturally be brought into contact
with the tragus 34 of the left ear 30. This state as well, as is
the case with the right ear 28, is a posture approximating the
normal state of a telephone call, and is awkward neither to the
person making the telephone call nor to onlookers.
[0231] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the first embodiment, the same
portions being given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1, and
a description having been omitted unless necessary. The mobile
telephone 1 is controlled by a controller 39, which operates in
accordance with a program stored in a memory unit 37. The memory
unit 37 is further able to temporarily store data needed for the
control of the controller 39 and also to store various measurement
data and/or images. The display unit 5 displays on the basis of the
control of the controller 39 and on the basis of display data held
by a display driver 41. The display unit 5 has a display backlight
43, the controller 39 adjusting the brightness thereof on the basis
of the brightness of the surroundings.
[0232] A telephone function unit 45, which includes the
incoming-talk unit 13 and the outgoing-talk unit 23, is capable of
connecting with a wireless telephone line using a telephone
communication unit 47, which is under the control of the controller
39. A speaker 51 provides ring alerts and various types of guidance
by the control of the controller 39, and also outputs the other
party's voice during a videoconferencing function. The audio output
of the speaker 51 is not to be outputted from the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, because it is not possible
to bring a cartilage conduction vibration unit up against the ear
during a videoconferencing function. An image processing unit 53 is
controlled with the controller 39 and processes an image
photographed by a videoconferencing function in-camera 17 and a
backside main camera 55, and inputs the image resulting from the
processing into the memory unit 37.
[0233] As described above, the pair of infrared light emitting
units 19, 20 in the proximity sensor emit light alternating in time
division on the basis of the control of the controller 39.
Accordingly, the reflected infrared light inputted into the
controller 39 by the shared infrared light proximity sensor 21
allows for identification of reflected light by the infrared light
from either light-emitting unit. When reflected light is detected
from both the infrared light emitting units 19, 20, the controller
39 runs a cross comparison to determine which of the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 has been brought up against
the tragus. Further, the acceleration sensor 49 detects the
orientation of the detected gravitational acceleration. The
controller 39 determines, on the basis of the detection signal,
whether the mobile telephone 1 is inclined in the state of FIG. 2A
or FIG. 2B; as has been described with FIG. 2, the vibration unit
on the side at the lower angle of incline is made to vibrate and
the other is turned off.
[0234] The mobile telephone 1 further possesses a phase adjustment
mixer unit 36 for running phase adjustment for the audio
information from the controller 39 and for transmitting to the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26. More specifically, the
phase adjustment mixer unit 36 uses the audio information
transmitted to the incoming-talk unit 13 from the controller 39 as
a benchmark to run phase adjustment for the audio information from
the controller 39 and transmits to the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, in order to prevent the
mutual canceling out of the audio information generated from the
incoming-talk unit 13 and transmitted via the tympanic membrane
from the external auditory meatus and of the same audio information
generated from either the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 24 or left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 and
transmitted via the cartilage of the tragus. The phase adjustment
is a relative adjustment between the incoming-talk unit 13 and the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, and therefore the
configuration may be such that the audio information transmitted
from the controller 39 to the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 and left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit
26 is used as a benchmark for adjusting the phase of the audio
information transmitted from the controller 39 to the incoming-talk
unit 13. In this case, the audio information to the speaker 51 is
also adjusted in the same phase as the audio information to the
incoming-talk unit 13.
[0235] In addition to having the first function described above of
preventing the mutual canceling out of the audio information from
the incoming-talk unit 13 and the identical audio information from
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, the phase
adjustment mixer unit 36 also has a second function through
collaboration with the environment-noise microphone 38. In this
second function, the environment noise picked up by the
environment-noise microphone 38 and the operator's own voice, upon
undergoing wavelength inversion by the phase adjustment mixer unit
36, are mixed into the audio information of the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26; the environment noise and
the operator's own voice, which are contained in the audio
information through the incoming-talk unit 13, are thereby canceled
to facilitate listening comprehension of the audio information of
the party on the line. At this time, the mixing is done also taking
into consideration the phase adjustment that is based on the first
function, so as to effectively cancel out the environment noise and
the operator's own voice regardless of the different transmission
routes of the audio information from the incoming-talk unit 13 and
the audio information from either the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26.
[0236] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the controller 39
in the first embodiment of FIG. 2. To provide a description
primarily of the function of the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 26, the flow of FIG. 4 illustrates an abstraction of the
operation, focusing on related functions; the controller 39 also
contains typical mobile telephone functions and other operations
not represented in the flow of FIG. 4. The flow of FIG. 4 begins
when a main power source is turned on by the operation unit 9 of
the mobile telephone 1; and in step S2 an initial startup and a
check of each unit function are performed and a screen display on
the display unit 5 is started. Next, in step S4, the functions of
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 are turned off to proceed on
to step S6. Step S6 is a check of the presence or absence of an
e-mail operation and/or Internet operation, as well as other
operations in which radio operations are not used, such as various
settings and also downloaded games (which hereinafter are
collectively referred as "non-call operations"). In the case of
these operations, execution proceeds on to step S8 for non-call
processing, and then arrives at step S10. However, the function in
non-call operations is not assumed to be a function of the
incoming-talk unit 13 and/or the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 and left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit
26 in the upper part 7 of the mobile telephone 1 that is performed
brought up against the ear. On the other hand, step S6 proceeds
directly on to step S10 when no non-call operations are
detected.
[0237] In step S10, there is performed a check for whether or not
there is an incoming call by mobile radio waves. A case of no
incoming call proceeds on to step S12; there is performed a check
for whether or not there has been a response from the other party
to a call request from the mobile telephone 1. A case in which a
response is detected proceeds on to step S14. On the other hand, a
case in which it is detected by mobile radio waves in step S10 that
there is an incoming call moves on to step S16, in which there is
performed a check for whether the mobile telephone 1 is open; i.e.,
a check for whether the upper part 7 has gone from a state of being
folded over the lower part 11 to an opened state as in FIG. 1. A
case in which it is not possible to detect that the mobile
telephone 1 is open returns to step S10; thereafter, step S10 and
step S16 are repeated and the flow pauses for the mobile telephone
1 to be open. However, when, during this repetition, the incoming
call is terminated while the mobile telephone 1 remains unopened,
the flow moves from step S10 to step S12. On the other hand, a case
in which it has been detected in step S16 that the mobile telephone
1 is open proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the outgoing-talk unit
23 and the incoming-talk unit 13 are turned on to move on to step
S18. In step S18, there is a check whether or not the call is a
videoconferencing function, the flow moving on to step S20 when the
call is not a videoconferencing function; at this point in time,
there is a confirmation of whether or not the call is cut off, the
flow moving on to step S22 when the call is not cut off
[0238] In step S22, there is performed a check for whether or not
the infrared light proximity sensor 21 detects contact with an ear,
and the flow proceeds to step S24 when no contact is detected. On
the other hand, in step S22 the flow returns to step S14 when the
infrared light proximity sensor 21 does not detect contact with an
ear; as follows, step S14 and from step S18 to S22 are repeated and
detection by the proximity sensor in step S22 is awaited. In step
S24, there is performed a check for whether an incline of the right
ear call state has occurred as illustrated in FIG. 2A, on the basis
of the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 49. In a case in
which this is true, the flow proceeds to step S26; the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 is turned on, and the flow
moves on to step S28. On the other hand, in a case in which it
cannot be detected in step S24 that the incline of the right ear
call state has occurred, the flow proceeds on to step S30 after the
detection signal of the acceleration sensor 49 signifies that the
left ear call state as illustrated in FIG. 2B has been detected;
the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 is turned on,
and the flow moves on to step S28.
[0239] In the above description of FIG. 4, the flow is described as
proceeding on to step S24 regardless of whether the infrared
reflected light detected by the infrared light proximity sensor 21
comes from the infrared light emitting unit 19 or 20, and in step
S24 the signal of the acceleration sensor 49 is used to detect
whether or not the incline is in the right ear call state. However,
because the infrared light proximity sensor 21 can also be used to
detect whether or not the incline is in the right ear call state,
the configuration may be such that, instead of the signal of the
acceleration sensor 49 in step S24, the incline is judged to be in
the right ear call state when the output of the infrared light
proximity sensor 21 in the light-emitting timing of the infrared
light emitting unit 19 is greater than that in the light-emitting
timing of the infrared light emitting unit 20. Also, the
configuration in step S24 may be such that the judgment of whether
or not the incline is in the right ear call state is made together
with the signal of the acceleration sensor 49 and the results of a
comparison of the outputs of the infrared light proximity sensor 21
in the light-emitting timings of the infrared light emitting units
19, 20.
[0240] In step S28, there is performed a check for whether or not
the call state has been cut off, the flow returning to step S24
when the call has not been cut off; as follows, step S24 to step
S30 are repeated until a call interruption is detected in step S28.
Support is thereby provided for switching the hand holding the
mobile telephone 1 during a call, between the right ear call state
and the left ear call state. On the other hand, in a case in which
a call interruption is detected in step S28, the flow moves on to
step S32, in which either the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 or the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 26 that is in an on state, as well as the incoming-talk unit
13 and the outgoing-talk unit 23, are turned on, and the flow then
moves on to step S34. On the other hand, in a case in which a call
request response has been detected in step S12, the flow moves
directly on to step S34. In a case in which there is detected to be
a videoconferencing function in step S18, the flow moves on to the
videoconferencing function processing of step S36. The
videoconferencing function processing involves imaging one's face
using the videoconferencing function in-camera 17, outputting the
voice of the other party using the speaker 51, switching the
sensitivity of the outgoing-talk unit 23, displaying the face of
the other party on the display unit 5, or the like. Once such
videoconferencing function processing has concluded, the flow
proceeds to step S38, which turns off the speaker 51, the
incoming-talk unit 13, and the outgoing-talk unit 23, whereupon the
flow moves on to step S34. In a case in which a call interruption
is detected in step S20, the flow also moves on to step S38, but
since the speaker 51 is not originally turned on at that time, the
incoming-talk unit 13 and the outgoing-talk unit 23 are turned off
and the flow moves on to step S34.
[0241] In step S34, there is a check for the presence or absence of
an operation to turn off the primary power source; the flow is
terminated when there is a turning-off operation. On the other
hand, when there is no detection of an operation to turn off the
primary power source in step S34, the flow returns to step S6,
whereupon steps S6 to step S38 are repeated. As described above,
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 will not be turned
on when the mobile telephone 1 is not open, when the mobile
telephone 1 is not in the call state, when the call state is
enabled but is a videoconferencing function, or when an ordinary
call state is enabled but the mobile telephone 1 is not brought up
against the ear. Once the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 24 or the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 is
in the on state, then as long as a call interruption is not
detected, it will not be turned off except when on/off switching of
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 is performed.
Second Embodiment
[0242] FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a second embodiment
of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the present
invention. Structurally there is much in common in the second
embodiment, and so corresponding portions have been given like
reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and a description
has been omitted. The mobile telephone 101 of the second embodiment
has an integrated type with no movable parts, rather than a folding
one separated into an upper part and a bottom part. Accordingly,
the "upper part" in such a case does not signify a separated upper
part but rather signifies the portion at the top of the integrated
structure.
[0243] In the second embodiment, the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 26 assume a form of being constantly exposed on the outer wall
of the mobile telephone 101, whereas in the first embodiment, the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 assume a form of being
housed while sandwiched between the upper part 7 and the lower part
11 when the mobile telephone 1 is folded shut. The essential points
of the internal structure of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG. 4 can
be applied to the second embodiment as well. Regarding the
above-described structural differences, step S16 of the flowchart
of FIG. 4 is left out; in a case in which an incoming telephone
call is confirmed in step S10, the flow moves directly on to step
S14.
Third Embodiment
[0244] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment
of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the present
invention. Structurally there is much in common in the third
embodiment, and so corresponding portions have been given like
reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and a description
has been omitted. The mobile telephone 201 of the third embodiment
has a structure in which the upper part 107 is able to slide
relative to the lower part 111. In the structure of the third
embodiment, the up-down relationship is lost in the state in which
the upper part 107 is placed on top of the lower part 111, but the
"upper part" in the third embodiment signifies the portion that
comes up when the mobile telephone 201 is extended.
[0245] In the third embodiment, full functionality is available in
the state in which, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper part 107 is
extended to expose the operation unit 9, and also basic
functionality, such as responding to incoming calls and/or
participating in a call, is also available in a case in which the
upper part 107 is placed on top of the lower part 111 and the
operation unit 9 is concealed. In the third embodiment as well, the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 assume a form of being
constantly exposed on the outer wall of the mobile telephone 201 in
both the state in which, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mobile
telephone 201 is extended, and the state in which the upper part
107 is placed on top of the lower part 111. The essential points of
the internal structure of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG. 4 can be
applied to the third embodiment as well. However, as described
above, the third embodiment allows calls to take place even when
the upper part 107 is placed on top of the lower part 111, and
therefore, similarly with respect to the second embodiment, step
S16 of the flowchart in FIG. 4 is left out; in a case in which an
incoming call is confirmed in step S10 the flow moves directly on
to step S14.
[0246] The implementation of the variety of features of the present
invention as described above is not to be limited to the above
embodiments; they can be implemented in other aspects as well. For
example, because the above embodiments support both right ear usage
and left ear usage from changing hands and/or changing users,
although the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and
the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 have been
provided, the cartilage conduction vibration unit may be singular
in a case that assumes usage of only the right ear or of only the
left ear for cartilage conduction.
[0247] Also, although the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 24 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26
have originally been provided with the assumption that each would
abut the tragus of the right ear and the tragus of the left ear,
respectively, cartilage conduction is also possible in an ear
cartilage constituent other than the tragus, such as the mastoid
process or the cartilage surface of the rear of the opening of the
outer ear, as has been disclosed in Patent Document 2; therefore,
both the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 may be used when,
for example, the right ear is used, by simultaneously pushing
against appropriate points on the right ear cartilage. In this
sense, the two cartilage conduction vibration units 24, 26 need not
be limited to right ear usage and left ear usage. Both are turned
on at the same time in such a case, instead of only turning on
either one of the two cartilage conduction vibration units 24, 26,
as in the embodiments.
[0248] Further, although the incoming-talk unit 13 and the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 are to be turned on at the
same time in the embodiments above, the configuration may be such
that the incoming-talk unit 13 is to be turned off when either the
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 or the left ear
cartilage conduction unit 26 is turned on. In such a case, there is
no longer a need for phase adjustment of the audio information.
Fourth Embodiment
[0249] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth
embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention. Structurally there is much in common in the
fourth embodiment; therefore, corresponding portions have been
given like reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and a
description has been omitted. A mobile telephone 301 of the fourth
embodiment has an integrated type with no movable parts, rather
than a folding one separated into an upper part and a bottom part,
similarly with respect to the second embodiment. Also, this
embodiment is configured as a "smartphone," which has a
large-screen display unit 205 provided with graphical user
interface (GUI) functionality. In the fourth embodiment as well,
"upper part" does not signify a separated upper part but rather
signifies the portion at the top of the integrated structure.
However, in the fourth embodiment, a keypad or other operation unit
209 is displayed on the large-screen display unit 205, and the GUI
is operated in accordance with how a finger is touched and/or
swiped relative to the large-screen display unit 205.
[0250] The cartilage conduction vibration functionality in the
fourth embodiment is assigned to a cartilage conduction vibration
unit, which has a vibration conductor 227 and a cartilage
conduction vibration source 225, comprising a piezoelectric bimorph
or the like. The cartilage conduction vibration source 225 is
arranged to be in contact with the lower part of the vibration
conductor 227, the vibration thereof being conducted to the
vibration conductor 227. The cartilage conduction vibration source
225 is constituted so as not to protrude from the outer wall of the
mobile telephone (front view shown in FIG. 7) and hinder the
design, similarly with respect to the first to third embodiments,
but the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 225
is transmitted laterally by the vibration conductor 227, causing
the two ends 224 and 226 thereof to vibrate. The two ends 224 and
226 of the vibration conductor 227 are located on the inner angle
of the top part 7 of the mobile telephone 301, which is in contact
with the tragus, and therefore, similarly with respect to the first
to third embodiments, effectively come into contact with the tragus
without protruding from the outer wall of the mobile telephone.
Thus, the right end part 224 and left end part 226 of the vibration
conductor 227 respectively constitute the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 mentioned in the first
embodiment. However, because the vibration conductor 227 does not
vibrate only at the right end 224 and left end 226 thereof but
vibrates as a whole, it is possible in the fourth embodiment to
transmit audio information regardless of where on the top inner
edge of the mobile telephone 301 contact with the ear cartilage is
made. Because the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 225 is guided to a desired location by the vibration
conductor 227, and no requirement is made that the cartilage
conduction vibration source 225 itself be arranged on the outer
wall of the mobile telephone 301, the configuration of such a
cartilage conduction vibration unit is advantageous in that a
greater amount of freedom is provided for the layout and in that
the cartilage conduction vibration unit can be installed on a
mobile telephone lacking any available extra space.
[0251] The fourth embodiment adds two further functionalities.
However, these functionalities are not specific to the fourth
embodiment, and can be applied to the first to third embodiments as
well. One of the additional functionalities serves to prevent
accidental operation of the cartilage conduction vibration unit.
All of the first to fourth embodiments detect when the mobile
telephone is brought up against an ear using the infrared light
emitting units 19, 20 and the infrared light proximity sensor 21;
however, in the first embodiment, for example, there is a concern
that the proximity sensor will detect a case in which the inside of
the mobile telephone 1 is lowered and placed on a desk or the like,
and will accordingly falsely confirm that the mobile telephone 1
has been brought up against an ear, proceeding from step S22 of the
flow of FIG. 4 to step S24. Because the same is not also true for
the incline of the right ear call state detected in step S24, there
is a possibility that the flow will proceed to step S30 and the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 will erroneously be
turned on. The vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit
results in a comparatively large amount of energy, so vibration
noise may be created with the desk when such mistaken operation
occurs. To prevent this, the fourth embodiment is configured such
that a horizontal stationary state is detected using the
acceleration sensor 49, and, when applicable, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 225 is prohibited from vibrating. This
point will be described in greater detail later.
[0252] Next, a description will be provided for the second
additional functionality in the fourth embodiment. In each of the
embodiments of the present invention, audio information is
transmitted by having either the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 24 or the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 26 (in the fourth embodiment, the right end part 224 or left
end part 226 of the vibration conductor 227) brought into contact
with the tragus of the right ear or left ear; however, the contact
pressure can be increased to obstruct the hole of the ear with the
tragus, thereby creating an earplug bone conduction effect and
conducting the audio information at an even higher volume. Further,
because environment noise is blocked by the obstruction of the ear
hole with the tragus, use in such a state achieves a listening
status with dual effects, in which unnecessary environment noise is
reduced and necessary audio information is increased; and is
appropriate, for example, for calls to take place noisy
environments or other situation. When the earplug bone conduction
effect occurs, one's own voice becomes louder due to bone
conduction from the vocal cords, and there is also a discomfort
from the resulting imbalance in left and right auditory sensation.
To ease the discomfort of one's own voice during the occurrence of
such an earplug bone conduction effect, the fourth embodiment is
configured such that the information of one's own voice picked up
from the outgoing-talk unit 23 is subjected to phase inversion and
transmitted to the cartilage conduction vibration source 225,
canceling out the sound of one's own voice. This point will be
described in greater detail later.
[0253] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment, in which
the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts from
FIG. 7. Also, because there are many portions in common with the
first to third embodiments, corresponding portions are each
assigned these same reference numerals. A description has been
omitted for these identical or shared portions, unless there is a
particular need. Although the telephone function unit 45 is
illustrated in somewhat greater detail in the fourth embodiment,
the configuration is shared among the first to third embodiments.
More specifically, the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 and the
earphone 213 of FIG. 8 correspond to the incoming-talk unit 13 in
FIG. 3, and the outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the
microphone 223 in FIG. 8 correspond to the outgoing-talk unit 23 in
FIG. 3. On the other hand, the cartilage conduction vibration
source 225 and the vibration conductor 227 in FIG. 7 are depicted
together in FIG. 8 as the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228.
The outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 transmits a part of the audio
from the operator picked up by the microphone 223 to the
incoming-talk-processing unit 212 as a sidetone, and the
incoming-talk-processing unit 212 superimposes the operator's own
sidetone onto the voice of the calling party from the telephone
communication unit 47 and outputs same to the earphone 213, whereby
the balance between the bone conduction and air conduction of one's
own voice in the state in which the mobile telephone 301 is brought
up against an ear is made to approximate a natural state.
[0254] The outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 further outputs a part
of the audio from the operator picked up by the microphone 223 to
an acoustics adjustment unit 238. The acoustics adjustment unit 238
adjusts the acoustics of one's own voice, which are to be outputted
from the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228 and transmitted to
the cochlea, to acoustics approximating the operator's own voice
transmitted to the cochlea by internal body conduction from the
vocal cords during the occurrence of the earplug bone conduction
effect; and effectively cancels out both. Also, a waveform inverter
240 subjects one's own voice, the acoustics of which have been
adjusted in this manner, to waveform inversion, and outputs same to
the phase adjustment mixer unit 236. When the pressure detected by
a pressure sensor 242 is at or above a predetermined range and the
state corresponds to one in which the ear hole is obstructed at the
tragus by the mobile telephone 301, the phase adjustment mixer unit
236 mixes the output from the waveform inverter 240 according to an
instruction from the controller 239 and drives the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 228. The excessive amount of one's own
voice that occurs during the earplug bone conduction effect is
thereby cancelled out, thus easing the discomfort. At this time,
the degree of cancellation is regulated such that an amount of
one's own voice equivalent to the sidetone remains without being
cancelled out. On the other hand, a case in which the pressure
detected by the pressure sensor 242 is lower than the predetermined
level corresponds to a state in which the ear hole is not
obstructed at the tragus and the earplug bone conduction effect
does not occur; therefore, the phase adjustment mixer unit 236 will
not mix the wavelength inversion output of one's own voice from the
waveform inverter 240, on the basis of the instruction of the
controller 239. However, the configuration may reverse the
positions of the acoustics adjustment unit 238 and the waveform
inverter 240 in FIG. 8. Moreover, the acoustics adjustment unit 238
and the waveform inverter 240 may be integrated as a function
within the phase adjustment mixer unit 236.
[0255] FIG. 9 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the
elements of the state in which the mobile telephone 301 is brought
up against the tragus of the right ear in the fourth embodiment,
and provides a description of how one's own voice is cancelled out
during the occurrence of the earplug bone conduction effect. FIG. 9
also depicts a particular embodiment of the pressure sensor 242;
the configuration assumes that the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 225 is a piezoelectric bimorph element. Equivalent parts have
been given like reference numerals as in FIGS. 7 and 8, and a
description has been omitted unless there is a particular need.
[0256] FIG. 9A illustrates the state in which the mobile telephone
301 is brought up against the tragus 32 to such an extent that the
tragus 32 does not obstruct the ear hole 232. In such a state, the
phase adjustment mixer unit 236 drives the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 225 on the basis of the audio information of the
calling party from the incoming-talk-processing unit 212. The
pressure sensor 242 is configured so as to monitor a signal
appearing on a signal line linking the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 225 to the phase adjustment mixer unit 236, and
detects signal variations that are based on strain to the cartilage
conduction vibration unit (a piezoelectric bimorph element) 225
that is applied depending on the pressure on the vibration
conductor 227. Thus, when the cartilage conduction vibration unit
225 for transmitting audio information by being brought into
contact with the tragus 32 comprises a piezoelectric bimorph
element, the piezoelectric bimorph element can be made to also
serve as a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure on the tragus
32. The pressure sensor 242 further monitors a signal appearing on
a signal line linking the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 to the
phase adjustment mixer unit 236. The signal appearing therein is
not affected by the pressure on the tragus 32 and can therefore be
utilized as a reference signal for determining the pressure.
[0257] In FIG. 9A, as described above, the tragus 32 is in a state
that does not obstruct the ear hole 232, and the pressure sensor
242 determines that the pressure is small; therefore, on the basis
of this determination, the controller 239 instructs the phase
adjustment mixer unit 236 not to mix one's own waveform-inverted
voice from the waveform inverter 240 into the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 225. On the other hand, FIG. 9B illustrates the
state in which the mobile telephone 301 presses more strongly on
the tragus 32 in the direction of arrow 302 and the tragus 32
obstructs the ear hole 232. This state generates the earplug bone
conduction effect. The pressure sensor 242 determines that the ear
hole 232 has been obstructed on the basis of a detection of an
increase to or above a predetermined pressure, and, on the basis of
this determination, the controller 239 instructs the phase
adjustment mixer unit 236 to mix one's own waveform-inverted voice
from the waveform inverter 240 into the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 225. The discomfort of one's own voice during the
occurrence of the earplug bone conduction effect is eased as
described above. Conversely, when a reduction at or above a
predetermined pressure from the state in FIG. 9B is detected by the
pressure sensor 242, the state is determined to be one in which, as
in FIG. 9A, the ear hole 232 is not obstructed, and the mixing of
one's own waveform-inverted voice is discontinued. However, the
pressure sensor 242 determines that there has been a transition
between the states of FIGS. 9A and 9B on the basis of the absolute
amount of pressure and the directionality of the pressure change.
However, in a state of silence in which neither party speaks, the
pressure sensor 242 detects the pressure by directly applying a
pressure monitor signal, which is inaudible by ear, to the direct
bone conduction vibration unit 225.
[0258] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
239 in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8. However, because the flow
of FIG. 10 has many points in common with the flow of the first
embodiment in FIG. 4, corresponding parts have been given like step
numerals, and a description has been omitted unless needed. FIG. 10
also illustrates an abstraction of the operation that focuses on
related functions, in order to primarily provide a description of
the function of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228.
Accordingly, similarly with respect to the case in FIG. 4, the
controller 239 also contains typical mobile telephone functions and
other operations not represented by the flow of FIG. 10. FIG. 10
uses boldface print to illustrate points of difference with FIG. 4,
and thus the following description focuses on these portions.
[0259] Step S42 integrates step S6 and step S8 of FIG. 4, and is
therefore illustrated such that the non-call processing of step S42
includes the case of directly proceeding to the next step without
any non-call operation, but the content thereof is identical to
step S6 and step S8 in FIG. 4. Step S44 integrates step S10 and
step S12 of FIG. 4, and is therefore illustrated as a step for
checking the presence or absence of a call state between two
parties regardless of whether the call is incoming from the other
party or is outgoing from oneself, but the content thereof is
identical to step S6 and step S8 in FIG. 4. However, the fourth
embodiment does not contain a step that would correspond to step
S16 in FIG. 4, because the configuration is not such that the
mobile telephone 301 is opened or closed.
[0260] Step S46 relates to the first addition function in the
fourth embodiment and therefore checks for whether the mobile
telephone 301 has left the hand-held state and remained stationary
in a horizontal state for a predetermined period of time (for
example, 0.5 seconds). When the proximity sensor has made a
detection in step S22, step S48 is first reached in a case in which
it is confirmed in step S46 that there is no such horizontal
stationary state; the cartilage conduction vibration source 225 is
then turned on. On the other hand, in a case in which a horizontal
stationary state is detected in step S46, the flow proceeds on to
step S50, which turns off the cartilage conduction vibration source
225, and the flow returns to step S14. However, step S50
corresponds to when, in a flow repetition to be described later,
the cartilage conduction vibration source 225 reaches step S46 in
an on state and a horizontal stationary state has been detected;
therefore, when the cartilage conduction vibration source 225
reaches step S50 in an off state, the flow returns to step S14
without any action being performed.
[0261] Step S52 relates to the second added function in the fourth
embodiment, and checks for the occurrence of the earplug bone
conduction effect, which is caused by the mobile telephone 301
pressing strongly on the tragus 32 and obstructing the ear hole
232. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 9, this is checked by
the presence or absence of a change at or above a predetermined
pressure and the directionality thereof by the pressure sensor 242.
In a case in which there is a detection of the state in which the
earplug bone conduction effect is created, the flow proceeds to
step S54, which adds the waveform-inversion signal of one's own
voice to the cartilage conduction vibration source 225, and the
flow then moves on to step S58. On the other hand, in a case in
which there is a detection in step S52 of a state in which the
earplug bone conduction effect is not created, the flow moves on to
step S56, and then on to step S58 without adding the
waveform-inversion signal of one's own voice to the cartilage
conduction vibration source 225. In step S58, there is performed a
check for whether or not a call state has been cut off; when the
call is not cut off, the flow returns to step S22, following which
step S22 and step S46 to S58 are repeated until a call interruption
is detected in step S58. Support is thereby provided for the
generation and elimination of the earplug bone conduction effect
during a call.
[0262] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be restricted to individual respective
embodiments, but rather can be substituted or combined with other
appropriate embodiments. For example, the flow chart of the fourth
embodiment in FIG. 10 does not have the configuration in the flow
chart of the first embodiment in FIG. 4 for switching the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26, but the configuration may
be such that the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24
and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit such as in the
first embodiment are utilized as the configuration of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 228 in the tenth embodiment; thus, in
addition to support for the generation and elimination of the
earplug bone conduction effect in repeating the loop of step S22
and steps S46 to S58, support is additionally provided for
switching the mobile telephone to the other hand between the right
ear call state and the left ear call state by the function
according to steps S24 to S26 from FIG. 4. It is also possible to
add to the first to third embodiments the functionality of checking
for the horizontal stationary state and turning off the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 228 in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 10.
It is moreover possible in the first through third embodiments to
utilize the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228 as in the
fourth embodiment.
Fifth Embodiment
[0263] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a fifth
embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention. The fifth embodiment is founded on the fourth
embodiment of FIG. 7, and shares the majority of the structure
thereof; thus, corresponding parts have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. Also, to
avoid complicating the illustration, the assignment of the
reference numerals themselves has also been omitted for those
portions for which the description has been omitted, but the
functions and names of the common parts in the drawings are common
with FIG. 7. However, a more detailed description of the
configuration calls on the essential points of the block diagram of
the fourth embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9. A first point of difference
in the fifth embodiment from the fourth embodiment lies in that a
mobile telephone 401 is provided with a double-push button 461,
which makes it possible to set a so-called touch panel function (a
function in which the large-screen display unit 205, on which the
key pad or other operation unit 209 is displayed, is touched with a
finger and the GUI is operated by the detection of this touch
position and/or the detection of this swipe) to off, and also which
is only usable when this touch panel function has been set to off.
The touch panel function can be set to off by operating the touch
panel itself, and the touch panel can also be set to return to on
by pressing the double-push button 461 for a predetermined period
of time or longer. The double-push button 461, when usable, also
has a function for initiating a call with a first push and for
interrupting a call when there is a second push during the call (an
alternate switching function performed by pushing whether the
device is on or off). The above-described first push of the
double-push button 461 is performed either to call a specific party
or to respond to an incoming call, a call being initiated thereby
in either case.
[0264] A second point of difference in the fifth embodiment from
the fourth embodiment lies in that the fifth embodiment is
configured so as to function by the combination of the mobile
telephone 401 with a softcover 463 for housing same. Although FIG.
11, for the sake of describing the configuration, depicts the
softcover 463 as if it were transparent, the softcover 463 is
actually opaque, and the mobile telephone 401 cannot be seen from
the outside in the state in which the mobile telephone 401 is
housed in the softcover 463 as in FIG. 11.
[0265] The above-described double-push button 461 is also able to
function when the double-push button 461 is pushed from on the
softcover 463 in the state in which the mobile telephone 401 has
been housed in the softcover 463. Furthermore, the softcover 463 is
configured so as to interlock with the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 228 comprising the cartilage conduction vibration
source 225 and vibration conductor 227 of the mobile telephone 401,
allowing for a call to take place in the state in which the mobile
telephone 401 is housed in the softcover 463. The following
provides a description thereof.
[0266] The softcover 463 is made using an elastic material that has
acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage (a silicone
rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a butadiene rubber; a
natural rubber; a structure formed using these varieties of rubber
in which air bubbles are sealed; a structure, such as can be seen
in transparent packaging sheet materials or the like, in which a
layer of groups of air bubbles is sealed separated by a thin film
of synthetic resin; or the like). The vibration conductor 227 for
transmitting vibration from the cartilage conduction vibration
source 225 is in contact with the inside of the softcover when the
mobile telephone 401 is housed therein. The outside of the
softcover 463 is brought up against the ear with the mobile
telephone 401 housed therein, whereby the vibration of the
vibration conductor 227 is transmitted to the ear cartilage over a
broad area of contact by the interposition of the softcover 463.
Sound from the exterior of the softcover 463, which resonates in
accordance with the vibration of the vibration conductor 227, is
further transmitted to the tympanic membrane from the external
auditory meatus. Sound source information from the cartilage
conduction vibration source 225 can thereby be heard as a loud
sound. Environment noise can also be blocked, because the softcover
463, which is brought up against the ear, has a form such that the
external auditory meatus is obstructed. Increasing the force with
which the softcover 463 is pressed against the ear furthermore
gives the result of substantially completely obstructing the
external auditory meatus, and sound source information from the
cartilage conduction vibration source 225 can be heard as an even
louder sound due to the earplug bone conduction effect. Detection
is done via the softcover 463, but, similarly with respect to the
fourth embodiment, in the state in which the earplug bone
conduction effect is created, the waveform inversion signal from
the outgoing-talk unit 23 (the microphone 223) is added to the
signal of one's own voice, on the basis of the detection of
pressure by the cartilage conduction vibration source 225.
[0267] In a call state in which the mobile telephone 401 remains
housed in the softcover 463, the vibration of the vibration
conductor 227, which is transmitted to the softcover 463, is also
transmitted to the outgoing-talk unit 23, which has the potential
to generate a Larsen effect. To block acoustic conduction between
the vibration conductor 227 and the outgoing-talk unit 23 as a
countermeasure therefor, the softcover 463 is provided in between
the two with an insulation ring unit 465 having an acoustic
impedance different from that of the body of the softcover. The
insulation ring unit 465 can be formed by either integrating or
joining a material different from the material of the body of the
softcover. The insulation ring unit 465 may also be formed by
joining a layer having a different acoustic impedance to either the
outside or the inside of the softcover 463, which are molded with
the same material. Moreover, a plurality of insulation ring units
465 may be interposed between the vibration conductor 227 and the
outgoing-talk unit 23 so that the insulating effect may be
increased.
[0268] In order for the softcover 463 to permit a call to take
place in the state in which the mobile telephone 401 remains housed
therein, the vicinity of the outgoing-talk unit 23 (the microphone
223) is configured as a microphone cover unit 467, which does not
interfere with the air conduction of sound. Such a microphone cover
unit 467 takes a sponge-like structure such as that of, for
example, an earphone cover or the like.
[0269] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
239 (borrowing from FIG. 8) in the fifth embodiment of FIG. 11.
However, parts that the flow of FIG. 12 shares with the flow of
FIG. 10 have been given like step reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. FIG. 12 also primarily serves
to describe the functions of the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 228 and therefore depicts an abstraction of the operation that
focuses on the related functions. Accordingly, similarly with
respect to FIG. 10 or the like, the controller 239 in the fifth
embodiment also contains typical mobile telephone functions and
other operations that are not represented in the flow in FIG.
12.
[0270] When the flow of FIG. 12 reaches step S62, a check is
performed for whether or not the touch panel has been set to off by
the operation described above. When same has not been set to off,
the flow moves on to step S64, and the function of the double-push
button 461 is deactivated, whereupon the flow moves on to step S66
before arriving at step S34. The portion illustrated as typical
processing in step S66 collectively integrates step S14, steps S18
to S22, step S32, step S36, step S38, and steps S42 to S58 in FIG.
10 (i.e., the portions between steps S4 and S34). In other words,
in a case in which step S62 transitions to step S64, the flow in
FIG. 12 implements similar functions to those of FIG. 10.
[0271] On the other hand, when it is detected in step S62 that the
touch panel has been set to off, the flow moves on to step S68, in
which the function of the double-push button 461 is activated. The
flow then proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the function of the
touch panel is deactivated, and in step S72, the presence or
absence of a first push on the double-push button 461 is detected.
In a case in which herein no push is detected, the flow moves on
directly to step S34. On the other hand, in a case in which a first
push on the double-push button 461 is detected in step S72, the
flow proceeds to step S74, which detects whether or not the mobile
telephone 401 has been housed in the softcover 463. This detection
is made possible, for example, by the function of the infrared
light-emitting units 19, 20 and the infrared light proximity sensor
21, which constitute the proximity sensor.
[0272] When housing in the softcover 463 is detected in step S74,
the flow proceeds to step S76, which turns the outgoing-talk unit
23 on, and turns the incoming-talk unit 13 off. Further, step S78
turns the cartilage conduction vibration source 225 on and the flow
proceeds to step S80, which places the mobile telephone 401 in a
call state. When a call state is already in effect, the same is
continued. On the other hand, in a case in which housing in the
softcover 463 is not detected in step S74, the flow moves on to
step S82, which turns both the outgoing-talk unit 23 and the
incoming-talk unit 13 on; further, step S84 turns the cartilage
conduction vibration source 225 off and the flow proceeds to step
S80. Step S86, which follows step S80, runs processing for the
earplug bone conduction effect, and then the flow moves on to step
S88. The processing for the earplug bone conduction effect in step
S86 is collectively illustrated by steps S52 to S56 in FIG. 10.
[0273] In step S88, the presence or absence of a second push on the
double-push button 461 is detected. When there is no detection, the
flow returns to step S74, following which steps S74 to S88 are
repeated until there is a detection of a second push on the
double-push button 461. There is a constant check for whether the
mobile telephone 401 is housed in the softcover 463 during this
repetition during a call; therefore, when, for example, environment
noise is loud and listening comprehension at the incoming-talk unit
13 is impaired, support is provided for the user to house the
mobile telephone 401 in the softcover 463 and thereby block
environment noise and further ease listening comprehension by the
earplug bone conduction effect.
[0274] On the other hand, when a second push on the double-push
button 461 is detected in step S88, the flow moves on to step S90,
which interrupts the call; step S92 also turns all sending and
receiving functions off and the flow arrives at step S34. In step
S34, there is performed a check for whether the primary power
source is off; therefore, when there is no detection of the primary
power source being off, the flow returns to step S62, following
which steps S62 to S92 and step S34 are repeated. Further, during
this repetition, step S64 provides support for setting the touch
panel to off by the previously described operation of the touch
panel or for releasing the off setting by a long press on the
double-push button 461, and therefore switch is possible with
appropriate, ordinary processing.
Sixth Embodiment
[0275] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are perspective views illustrating
the sixth embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a front perspective view
similar to FIG. 7, but, as will be described later, because the
sixth embodiment is constituted as a digital camera provided with
mobile telephone functions, FIG. 13A is rotated 90 degrees relative
to FIG. 7 and depicted at the angle of the state of use as a
digital camera. FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view thereof (a
front perspective view in a case viewed as a digital camera), and
FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view in the B-B sectional plane in
FIG. 13B.
[0276] The sixth embodiment is founded on the fourth embodiment of
FIG. 7, and has the majority of the structure thereof in common;
thus, corresponding parts have been given like reference numerals,
and a description thereof has been omitted. Also, to avoid
complicating the illustration, the assignment of the reference
numerals themselves has also been omitted for those portions for
which the description has been omitted, but the functions and names
of the common parts in the drawings are in common with those of
FIG. 7. However, a more detailed description of the configuration
calls on the essential points of the block diagram of the fourth
embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9. A first point of difference in the
sixth embodiment from the fourth embodiment lies in that a mobile
telephone 501 is constituted as a digital camera provided with
mobile telephone functions. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 13B,
the first point of difference is that a zoom lens 555 provided with
high optical performance is utilized as the imaging lens of the
backside main camera. The zoom lens 555 projects out during use in
the state illustrated by the single dotted line in FIG. 13B, but,
during non-use, takes a so-called collapsible lens configuration,
which retracts to a position forming a plane identical to that of
the outer surface of the mobile telephone 501. A strobe 565 and a
shutter release button 567 for projecting auxiliary light when the
subject is dark are also provided. The mobile telephone 501 also
has a grip unit 563 suited for when the camera is held in the right
hand.
[0277] A second point of difference in the sixth embodiment from
the fourth embodiment lies in that the grip unit 563, similarly
with respect to the softcover 463 in the fifth embodiment, is made
using a material that has acoustic impedance approximating that of
ear cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber
and a butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; or a structure formed
from these varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed),
and is provided with an elasticity suited for providing a
satisfactory grip sensation. Also, unlike the arrangement in the
fourth embodiment, a cartilage conduction vibration source 525 is
arranged on the reverse side of the grip unit 563. As is clear from
the cross-section in FIG. 13C, the cartilage conduction vibration
source 525 is in contact with the rear side of the grip unit
563.
[0278] Accordingly, bringing the grip unit 563 up against the ear
transmits the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 525 to the ear cartilage over a broad area of contact by the
interposition of the grip unit 563. Moreover, sound from the
exterior of the grip unit 563, which resonates according to the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 525, is
transmitted to the tympanic membrane from the external auditory
meatus. Sound source information from the cartilage conduction
vibration source 525 can thereby be heard as a loud sound. Also,
similarly with respect to the fifth embodiment, the grip unit 563,
which is brought up against the ear, takes on a form such that the
external auditory meatus is obstructed, and can therefore block
environment noise. Further similarly with respect to the fifth
embodiment, increasing the force for pressing the grip unit 563
gives the result of substantially completely obstructing the
external auditory meatus, and sound source information from the
cartilage conduction vibration source 525 can be heard as an even
louder sound due to the earplug bone conduction effect. Detection
is made via the grip unit 563, but, similarly with respect to the
fifth embodiment, in the state in which the earplug bone conduction
effect is created, the waveform inversion signal from a microphone
or other outgoing-talk unit 523 is added to the signal of one's own
voice, on the basis of the detection of pressure by the cartilage
conduction vibration source 525.
[0279] Unlike the fourth embodiment, the outgoing-talk unit 523 is
provided not to the front surface of the mobile telephone 501 but
rather to the end surface thereof, as is clear from FIG. 13B.
Accordingly, the outgoing-talk unit 523 can consistently pick up
the user's voice both when the incoming-talk unit 13 is brought up
against the ear for a call and when the grip unit 563 on the
reverse side is brought up against the ear for a call. The settings
can be switched using a switch button 561 for either activating the
incoming-talk unit 13 or for activating the cartilage conduction
vibration source 525. In the state in which the zoom lens 555
projects in the state illustrated by the single dotted line in FIG.
13B, it is inappropriate to bring the grip unit 563 up against the
ear for a call; therefore, when the switch button is operated in
such a state and the setting is changed to activate the cartilage
conduction vibration source 525, the zoom lens 555 collapses
automatically, the execution of this switch being reserved until
the collapse is complete.
[0280] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
239 (borrowing from FIG. 8) in the sixth embodiment of FIG. 13.
However, parts that the flow of FIG. 14 shares with the flow of
FIG. 10 have been given like step reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. FIG. 14 also illustrates an
abstraction of the operation that focuses on related functions, in
order to primarily provide a description of the function of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 228. Accordingly, similarly
with respect to FIG. 10 and the like, in the sixth embodiment as
well, the controller 239 also contains typical mobile telephone
functions and other operations not represented by the flow in FIG.
14.
[0281] In the flow of FIG. 14, there is performed a check for
whether there has been an operation to initiate a call once step
S104 is reached. In a case in which there has not been an
operation, the flow moves directly on to step S34. On the other
hand, in a case in which an operation to initiate a call is
detected, the flow proceeds to step S106, in which there is
performed a check for whether the cartilage conduction has been set
using the switch button 561. When the cartilage conduction has been
set, there is a check in step S108 for whether the zoom lens 555 is
projecting out. A result in which the zoom lens 555 is not
projecting out moves on to step S110, in which the outgoing-talk
unit 523 is turned on and the incoming-talk unit 13 is turned off;
step S112 turns the cartilage conduction vibration source 525 on
and then the flow moves on to step S46.
[0282] On the other hand, in a case in which no cartilage
conduction setting is detected in step S106 the flow moves on to
step S114, in which the outgoing-talk unit 523 and the
incoming-talk unit 13 are turned on; step S116 turns the cartilage
conduction vibration source 525 off and the flow moves on to step
S118. Furthermore, in a case in which it is detected in step S108
that the zoom lens 555 is projecting out when it is also detected
in step S106 that the cartilage conduction has been set, the flow
moves on to step S111, which instructs that the zoom lens 555 be
collapsed, and the flow moves on to step S114. However, in a case
in which collapsing has already been initiated, the instruction is
that same be continued. As will be described later, steps S106 to
S116 are repeated until the call state is cut off Thus, there is an
instruction to collapse in step S111 in accordance with a cartilage
conduction setting detection in step S106, and after the collapsing
has been initiated, the state of steps S114 and S116 is maintained
without the flow moving on to step S110 until the collapsing is
completed and the projection of the zoom lens 555 is no longer
detected in step S108.
[0283] Steps S46 to S56, which follow step S112, are consistent
with FIG. 10 and therefore a description thereof has been omitted.
Upon the move to step S54 or steps S56 to S118, a check is done for
whether the call state has been cut off, and in a case in which a
call interruption is not detected, the flow returns to step S106,
following which steps S106 to S118 and steps S46 to S56 are
repeated. When, for example, environment noise is loud and when
listening comprehension is impaired at the incoming-talk unit 13,
support can thereby be provided for the user to operate the switch
button 561 during a call to switch to the cartilage conduction
setting and thereby block environment noise or further ease
listening comprehension by the earplug bone conduction effect, and
the like. Also, at this time the zoom lens 555 is automatically
collapsed when in the projecting state.
Seventh Embodiment
[0284] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are perspective views illustrating
the seventh embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention. A mobile telephone 601 of the seventh
embodiment, similarly with respect to the first embodiment, is
configured such that an upper part 607 can be folded onto a lower
part 611 by a hinge unit 603. FIG. 15A is a front perspective view
similar to FIG. 1, and FIG. 15B is a rear perspective view thereof.
FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the elements in the B-B
sectional plane in FIG. 15B. The majority of the structure of the
seventh embodiment is shared with that of the first embodiment, and
therefore corresponding parts have been assigned the same reference
numerals, and a description has been omitted. Also, to avoid
complicating the illustration, the assignment of the reference
numerals themselves has also been omitted for those portions for
which the description has been omitted, but the functions and names
of the common parts in the drawings are common with FIG. 1.
Furthermore, although the overview is shared with the first
embodiment, a more detailed description of the internal
configuration calls on the essential points of the block diagram of
the fourth embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0285] A first point of difference in the seventh embodiment from
the first embodiment lies in that, as depicted in FIG. 15B, a
cartilage conduction output unit 663 having a broad surface area is
provided in the vicinity of the hinge of the upper part 607. The
cartilage conduction output unit 663 is similar to the softcover
463 in the fifth embodiment and/or to the grip unit 563 in the
sixth embodiment, and is made using a material that has acoustic
impedance approximating that of ear cartilage (a silicone rubber; a
mixture of a silicone rubber and a butadiene rubber; a natural
rubber; or a structure formed using these varieties of rubber in
which air bubbles are sealed), and is provided with an elasticity
suited for protecting against collision of a foreign object against
the outer wall of the mobile telephone 601. Unlike the arrangement
in the first embodiment, a cartilage conduction vibration source
625 is arranged behind the cartilage conduction output unit 663. As
is clear from the cross-section of FIG. 15C, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 625 is in contact with the rear surface
of the cartilage conduction output unit 663.
[0286] Accordingly, folding the mobile telephone 601 and bringing
the cartilage conduction output unit 663 up against the ear
transmits the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 625 to the ear cartilage over a broad area of contact by the
interposition of the cartilage conduction output unit 663. Sound
from the exterior of the cartilage conduction output unit 663,
which resonates in accordance with the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 625, is further transmitted to the
tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus. Sound source
information from the cartilage conduction vibration source 625 can
thereby be heard as a loud sound. Also, similarly with respect to
the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, the cartilage
conduction output unit 663, which is brought up against the ear,
takes on a form such that the external auditory meatus is
obstructed, and can therefore block environment noise. Further
similarly with respect to the fifth embodiment and the sixth
embodiment, increasing the force with which the cartilage
conduction output unit 663 is pressed to the ear gives the result
of substantially completely obstructing the external auditory
meatus, and sound source information from the cartilage conduction
vibration source 625 can be heard as an even louder sound due to
the earplug bone conduction effect. Detection is done via the
cartilage conduction output unit 663, but, similarly with respect
to the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, in the state in
which the earplug bone conduction effect is created, the waveform
inversion signal from a microphone or other outgoing-talk unit 623
is added to the signal of one's own voice, on the basis of the
detection of pressure by the cartilage conduction vibration source
625.
[0287] A second point of difference in the seventh embodiment from
the first embodiment lies in that, as depicted in FIG. 15A, the
outgoing-talk unit 623 is provided to the lower end surface of the
lower part 611, rather than to the front surface of the lower part
611 of the mobile telephone 601. Accordingly, the outgoing-talk
unit 623 can consistently pick up the user's voice both when the
mobile telephone 601 is opened and the incoming-talk unit 13 is
brought up against the ear for a call and when the mobile telephone
601 is closed and the cartilage conduction output unit 663 is
brought up against the ear for a call. In a case in which the
mobile telephone 601 is set to support switching cartilage
conduction, switching occurs automatically such that the
incoming-talk unit 13 is activated when the mobile telephone 601 is
opened and a cartilage conduction vibration source 625 is activated
when the mobile telephone 601 is closed. On the other hand, in a
case in which there is no setting to support switching the
cartilage conduction, the cartilage conduction vibration source 525
will not automatically be activated; rather, ordinary speaking and
listening function regardless of whether the mobile telephone 601
is open or closed.
[0288] As is clear from the rear perspective view in FIG. 15B, the
back surface of the mobile telephone 601 is provided with a
backside main camera 55, a speaker 51, and a back surface display
unit 671. The back surface of the mobile telephone 601 is further
provided with a pushbutton 661, which becomes active when the
cartilage conduction switching support is set and the mobile
telephone 601 is closed. Similarly with respect to the fifth
embodiment, the pushbutton 661 has the functions of initiating a
call with a first push, and of interrupting a call when pushed a
second time during a call. The first push of the pushbutton 661 is
performed either to place an outgoing call to a specific party or
to respond to an incoming call, a call being initiated thereby in
either case.
[0289] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
239 (borrowing from FIG. 8) in the seventh embodiment of FIGS. 15A,
15B and 15C. However, parts that the flow of FIG. 16 shares with
the flow of FIG. 14 have been given like step reference numerals,
and a description thereof has been omitted. FIG. 16 also
illustrates an abstraction of the operation that focuses on related
functions, in order to primarily provide a description of the
function of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228.
Accordingly, in the seventh embodiment, the controller 239 also
contains typical mobile telephone functions and other operations
not represented by the flow of FIG. 16, similarly with respect to
FIG. 14 and the like.
[0290] In the flow of FIG. 16, a call is initiated and when step
S122 is reached, there is performed a check for whether cartilage
conduction switching support has been set. In a case in which
cartilage conduction switching support is confirmed to have been
set in step S122, the flow proceeds to step S124, which checks for
whether or not the mobile telephone 601 has been opened; i.e., has
gone from the state in which the upper part 607 is folded on top of
the lower part 611 to the state of being opened as in FIGS. 15A,
15B and 15C. In a case in which it is confirmed that the mobile
telephone 601 has not been opened and the upper part 607 is folded
on top of the lower part 611, the flow moves on to step S110, which
turns the outgoing-talk unit 623 on and turns the incoming-talk
unit 13 off; step S112 turns the cartilage conduction vibration
source 625 on and then the flow moves on to step S46. Thus, it
becomes possible to listen using the cartilage conduction output
unit 663 in the state in which the mobile telephone 601 is folded
up.
[0291] On the other hand, in a case in which it is not detected in
step S122 that the cartilage conduction switching support has been
set, no question is posed as to whether or not the mobile telephone
601 is folded up, but rather the flow moves on to step S114, which
turns the outgoing-talk unit 623 and the incoming-talk unit 13 on
together; step S116 then turns the cartilage conduction vibration
source 625 off and moves on to step S118. In a case in which it is
detected in step S106 that the cartilage conduction switching
support has been set, the flow moves on to step S114 even when it
is confirmed in step S124 that the mobile telephone 601 is
open.
[0292] The flow in FIG. 16 also has a check for whether or not the
call state has been cut off in step S118; the flow returns to step
S122 in a case in which a call interruption is not detected,
following which step S122, step S124, steps S114 to S118 and steps
S46 to S56 are repeated. Thus, in a case in which the cartilage
conduction switching support has been pre-set, when, for example,
environment noise is loud and when listening comprehension is
impaired at the incoming-talk unit 13, support can be provided for
the user to fold up the mobile telephone 601 during the course of a
call and switch to listening by the cartilage conduction output
unit 663, and thereby block environment noise or further ease
listening comprehension by the earplug bone conduction effect, and
the like.
[0293] To summarize the features of the aforementioned fifth to
sixth embodiments, the mobile telephone comprises a cartilage
conduction vibration source and a conductor for guiding the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source to the ear
cartilage; the conductor either is configured as an elastic body,
or is large enough to be in contact with the ear cartilage at a
plurality of points or is large enough to be in contact with the
ear cartilage and obstruct the external auditory meatus, or has a
surface area at least approximating that of an earlobe, or has an
auditory impedance approximating the auditory impedance of ear
cartilage. Any of these features or a combination thereof makes it
possible to listen effectively to sound information by the
cartilage conduction vibration source. The use of these features is
also not to be limited to the above-described embodiments. For
example, it is also possible to constitute the present invention
without having the conductor be an elastic body, by the use of the
advantages of the materials, sizes, surface areas, arrangements,
and structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments.
Eighth Embodiment
[0294] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are perspective views illustrating
the eighth embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an
aspect of the present invention. The eighth embodiment is similar
to the sixth embodiment of FIG. 13, and is configured as a digital
camera provided with a mobile telephone function; similarly with
respect to FIG. 13, FIG. 17A is a front perspective view, FIG. 17B
is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view
in the B-B sectional plane in FIG. 17B. The eighth embodiment
shares the majority of the structure with the sixth embodiment of
FIG. 13; thus, corresponding parts have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted.
[0295] The point of difference in the eighth embodiment from the
sixth embodiment lies in that, as is clear from the cross-section
of FIG. 17C, a cartilage conduction vibration source 725 is
embedded inside a grip unit 763. The grip unit 763, similarly with
respect to the sixth embodiment in FIG. 13, is made using a
material that has acoustic impedance approximating that of ear
cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a
butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; or a structure formed using
these varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed), and is
provided with an elasticity suited for providing a satisfactory
grip sensation. A more detailed description of the internal
configuration, similarly with respect to the sixth embodiment,
calls on the essential points of the block diagram of the fourth
embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0296] A flexible connection wire 769 in FIG. 17C connects the
cartilage conduction vibration source 725, which is embedded inside
the grip unit 763, with the phase adjustment mixer unit 236 of FIG.
8 or other circuit portion 771. The structure as illustrated by the
cross-sectional view in FIG. 17C, for embedding the cartilage
conduction vibration source 725 inside the grip unit 763, can be
achieved by an integrated mold in which the cartilage conduction
vibration source 725 and the flexible connection wire 769 are
inserted into the grip unit 763. The same can also be achieved by
dividing the grip unit 763 into two bodies, where the flexible
connection wire 769 and the cartilage conduction vibration source
725 serve as a boundary, and by bonding the two grip units 763
across the flexible connection wire 769 and the cartilage
conduction vibration source 725.
[0297] The eighth embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment in
that bringing the grip unit 763 up against the ear transmits the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 725 to the
ear cartilage over a broad area of contact by the interposition of
the grip unit 763; in that sound from the exterior of the grip unit
763, which resonates in accordance with the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration source 725, is further transmitted
to the tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus; in that
environment noise can also be blocked, because the grip unit 763,
which is brought up against the ear, has a form such that the
external auditory meatus is obstructed; and in that increasing the
force pressing the grip unit 763 to the ear furthermore gives the
result of substantially completely obstructing the external
auditory meatus, and sound source information from the cartilage
conduction vibration source 725 can be heard as an even louder
sound due to the earplug bone conduction effect. In the state in
which the earplug bone conduction effect is created, the adding of
the waveform inversion signal from the microphone or other
outgoing-talk unit 523 to the signal of one's own voice, on the
basis of the detection of pressure by the cartilage conduction
vibration source 625, is the same as in the sixth embodiment.
However, because the cartilage conduction vibration source 725 is
embedded in the grip unit 763 in the eighth embodiment, the state
in which the earplug bone conduction effect is created is detected
by the strain to the cartilage conduction vibration source 725,
which is caused by the strain to the grip unit 763 due to an
increase in the pushing force.
[0298] The significance of embedding the cartilage conduction
vibration source 725 inside an elastic body such as the grip unit
763 in the eighth embodiment lies not only in obtaining a favorable
conduction of sound, as described above, but also in counteracting
impact on the cartilage conduction vibration source 725. A
piezoelectric bimorph element, which is used as the cartilage
conduction vibration source 725 in the eighth embodiment, has
properties for resisting impact. Herein, configuring the cartilage
conduction vibration source 725 so as to be enveloped
circumferentially, as in the eighth embodiment, can provide
cushioning against impact resulting from the rigid structure of the
mobile telephone 701, and can facilitate implementation in the
mobile telephone 701, which is constantly exposed to such risks as
being dropped. The elastic body enveloping the cartilage conduction
vibration source 725 not only functions simply as a cushioning
material, but also functions as a configuration for more
effectively transmitting the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 725 to the ear as described above.
Ninth Embodiment
[0299] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are perspective views illustrating
the ninth embodiment of a mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention. A mobile telephone 801 of the ninth
embodiment, similarly with respect to the seventh embodiment, is
configured such that an upper part 807 can be folded onto the lower
part 611 by a hinge unit 603. In FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, which are
similar to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, FIG. 18A is a front perspective
view, FIG. 18B is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 18C is a
cross-sectional view in the B-B sectional plane in FIG. 18B. The
eighth embodiment in FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C share the majority of
the structure with the seventh embodiment of FIGS. 15A, 15B and
15C; thus, corresponding parts have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted.
[0300] A point of difference in the ninth embodiment from the
seventh embodiment lies in that, as is clear from the cross-section
of FIG. 18C, a cartilage conduction vibration source 825 is
sandwiched between a cartilage conduction output unit 863 and an
internal cushioning material 873. The cartilage conduction output
unit 863, similarly with respect to the cartilage conduction output
unit 663 in the seventh embodiment, is made using a material that
has acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage (a
silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a butadiene
rubber; a natural rubber; or a structure formed using these
varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed), and is
provided with an elasticity suited for protecting against the
collision of a foreign object against the outer wall of the mobile
telephone 801. The internal cushioning material 873 can be
constituted of any material provided that the material is an
elastic body having the purpose of providing cushioning, but can
also be made of the same material as the cartilage conduction
output unit 863. A more detailed description of the internal
configuration, which is similar to the seventh embodiment, calls on
the essential points of the block diagram of the fourth embodiment
in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0301] As illustrated by the cross-section in FIG. 18C, the
cartilage conduction vibration source 825 and a flexible connection
wiring 869 are sandwiched in between the cartilage conduction
output unit 863 and the internal cushioning material 873. The
flexible connection wire 869, similarly with respect to the eighth
embodiment, connects the cartilage conduction vibration source 825
with the phase adjustment mixer unit 236 of FIG. 8 or other circuit
portion 871. These structures, in which the cartilage conduction
vibration source 825 and the flexible connection wire 869 are
sandwiched in between the cartilage conduction output unit 863 and
the internal cushioning material 873, are integrated within a
cartilage conduction output unit 875; such a cartilage conduction
output unit 875 is fitted into the upper part 807 of the mobile
telephone 801.
[0302] The ninth embodiment is also similar to the seventh
embodiment in that bringing the cartilage conduction output unit
863 up against the ear transmits the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 825 to the ear cartilage over a broad
area of contact by the interposition of the cartilage conduction
output unit 863; in that sound from the cartilage conduction output
unit 863, which resonates in accordance with the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration source 825, is transmitted to the
tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus; in that
environment noise can be blocked, because the cartilage conduction
output unit 863, which is brought up against the ear, has a form
such that the external auditory meatus is obstructed; and in that
increasing the force pressing the cartilage conduction output unit
863 to the ear gives the result of substantially completely
obstructing the external auditory meatus, and sound source
information from the cartilage conduction vibration source 825 can
be heard as an even louder sound due to the earplug bone conduction
effect. In the state in which the earplug bone conduction effect is
created, the adding of the waveform inversion signal from the
microphone or other outgoing-talk unit 623 to the signal of one's
own voice, on the basis of the detection of pressure by the
cartilage conduction vibration source 825, is the same as in the
seventh embodiment. However, in the ninth embodiment, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 825 is sandwiched in between the
cartilage conduction output unit 863 and the internal cushioning
material 873, which both are elastic bodies, and therefore,
similarly with respect to the eighth embodiment, the state in which
the earplug bone conduction effect is created is detected by the
strain to the cartilage conduction vibration source 825, which
accompanies the strain to the cartilage conduction output unit 863
due to an increase in the pushing force.
[0303] The significance of the structure in the ninth embodiment,
in which the cartilage conduction vibration source 825 is
sandwiched between the cartilage conduction output unit 863 and the
internal cushioning material 873, which are both elastic bodies,
lies not only in obtaining a favorable conduction of sound, as
described above, but also in counteracting impact on the cartilage
conduction vibration source 825, which is made of a piezoelectric
bimorph element. In other words, similarly with respect to the
eighth embodiment, configuring the cartilage conduction vibration
source 825 so as to be enveloped circumferentially can provide
cushioning against impact resulting from the rigid structure of the
mobile telephone 801, and can facilitate implementation in the
mobile telephone 801, which is constantly exposed to being dropped
and other risks. The elastic body sandwiching the cartilage
conduction vibration source 825 not only functions merely as a
cushioning material, but also functions as a configuration for more
effectively transmitting the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 825 to the ear as described above, due to the fact
that at least the outer elastic body is molded of a material having
an acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage.
Tenth Embodiment
[0304] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a tenth
embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention. A mobile telephone 901 of the tenth embodiment,
similarly with respect to that of the fourth embodiment, is an
integrated type with no moving parts, and is configured as a
"smartphone," which has a large-screen display unit 205 provided
with GUI functions. There is much in common with the structure
thereof, and accordingly corresponding portions have been given
like reference numerals as in the fourth embodiment, and a
description has been omitted. However, similarly with respect to
the fourth embodiment, the "upper part" in the tenth embodiment
does not signify a separate upper part, but rather signifies the
portion at the top of the integrated structure.
[0305] A point of difference in the tenth embodiment from the
fourth embodiment lies in that a cartilage conduction vibration
source 925, which is made up of a piezoelectric bimorph element or
the like, serves as the cartilage conduction vibration source, and
also takes on the role of a drive source of the incoming-talk unit
for generating sound waves that are transmitted to the tympanic
membrane by air conduction. To provide a more specific description,
the vibration conductor 227, similarly with respect to the fourth
embodiment, is in contact with the upper part of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 and is arranged at the upper side
of the mobile telephone. Furthermore, a cartilage conduction output
unit 963, which, similarly with respect to the seventh embodiment,
is made using a material that has acoustic impedance approximating
that of ear cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone
rubber and a butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; or; a structure
formed using these varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are
sealed), is arranged at the front of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 925. Because the cartilage conduction output unit
963, as will be described later, serves as an incoming-talk unit
for generating sound waves that are transmitted to the tympanic
membrane by air conduction, the tenth embodiment has no special
setting for the incoming-talk unit 13 as in the fourth
embodiment.
[0306] Due to the configuration described above, first, the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 925 is
transmitted laterally by the vibration conductor 227, causing the
two ends 224 and 226 thereof to vibrate, and thus causing either
one thereof to come into contact with the tragus allows sound to be
heard by cartilage conduction. Also, similarly with respect to the
fourth embodiment, the vibration conductor 227 vibrates not only at
the right end 224 and left end 226 thereof but rather vibrates as a
whole. Accordingly, it is possible in the tenth embodiment as well
to transmit audio information regardless of where on the top inner
edge of the mobile telephone 901 is contact made with the ear
cartilage. Then, the vibration conductor 227 is in contact with the
ear cartilage over a broad range and also the cartilage conduction
output unit 963 is in contact with the tragus and other ear
cartilage, when the mobile telephone 901 is brought up against the
ear in such a form that a part of the cartilage conduction output
unit 963 comes into the front of the entrance of the external
auditory meatus, similarly with respect to an ordinary mobile
telephone. Through such contact, sound can be heard by cartilage
conduction. Similarly with respect to the fifth embodiment to the
ninth embodiment, sound from the exterior of the cartilage
conduction output unit 963, which resonates in accordance with the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 925, is
further transmitted to the tympanic membrane from the external
auditory meatus as sound waves. Thus, the cartilage conduction
output unit 963 can function as an incoming-talk unit by air
conduction in the ordinary state of use of a mobile telephone.
[0307] Cartilage conduction conducts differently depending on the
magnitude of force pushing on the cartilage; a more effective
conduction state can be obtained when the pushing force is
increased. This signifies that natural behavior, such as increasing
the force pushing the mobile telephone against the ear when it is
difficult to hear the incoming-talk unit sound, can be utilized to
adjust the volume. Even when such a function is not explained to
the user in, for example, the instruction manual, the user can
still intuitively understand the function through natural behavior.
Configuring the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 in the tenth embodiment such that the vibration
conductor 227, which is a rigid body, and the cartilage conduction
output unit 963, which is an elastic body, can both simultaneously
be in contact with the ear cartilage is intended to permit more
effective volume adjustment primarily through adjusting the force
pushing on the vibration conductor 227, which is a rigid body.
[0308] The employment of the present invention is not to be limited
to the above-described embodiments; other aspects can also benefit
from the various above-described advantages of the present
invention. For example, a resonator that is appropriate as a
speaker other than the material having an acoustic impedance
approaching that of ear cartilage can be arranged at the position
where the cartilage conduction output unit 963 is arranged, in a
case in which the tenth embodiment is configured such that the
combination of the cartilage conduction vibration source 925 and
the cartilage conduction output unit 963 function as a dedicated
incoming-talk unit by air conduction. Such a case is also able to
benefit from the features and advantages of the tenth embodiment,
in which the cartilage conduction vibration source 925, which is
made up of a piezoelectric bimorph element or the like, serves as
the cartilage conduction vibration source, and also serves as a
drive source of the incoming-talk unit for generating sound waves
that are transmitted to the tympanic membrane by air
conduction.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0309] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an eleventh
embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect of the
present invention. The mobile telephone 1001 of the eleventh
embodiment, similarly with respect to that of the fourth
embodiment, is an integrated type with no moving parts, and is
configured as a "smartphone," which has a large-screen display unit
205 provided with GUI functions. There is much in common with the
structure thereof, and so corresponding portions have been given
like reference numerals as in the fourth embodiment, and a
description has been omitted. However, similarly with respect to
the fourth embodiment, the "upper part" in the eleventh embodiment
does not signify a separate upper part, but rather signifies the
portion at the top of the integrated structure.
[0310] A point of difference in the eleventh embodiment from the
fourth embodiment lies in that a right ear vibration unit 1024 and
a left ear vibration unit 1026 are provided not to the front of the
mobile telephone 1001 but rather to a side surface 1007 and to the
side surface of the opposite side, shown without a reference number
with relation to the diagrams, respectively (it shall be noted that
the right ear vibration unit 1024 and the left ear vibration unit
1026 are arranged in a left-right reversal relative to the fourth
embodiment of FIG. 7). In a manner functionally similar to that of
the fourth embodiment, the right ear vibration unit 1024 and the
left ear vibration unit 1026 in the eleventh embodiment are also
configured as the two end parts of the vibration conductor 1027;
the cartilage conduction vibration source 1025, which is made up of
a piezoelectric bimorph element or the like, is arranged in contact
with the lower part of the vibration conductor 1027, the vibration
thereof being transmitted to the vibration conductor 1027. The
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 1025 is
thereby transmitted laterally by the vibration conductor 1027,
causing the two ends 1024 and 1026 thereof to vibrate. The two ends
1024 and 1026 of the vibration conductor 1027 are provided so as to
be in contact with the tragus when the upper end portion of a side
surface (for example, 1007) of the mobile telephone 1001 is brought
up against the ear.
[0311] A microphone or other outgoing-talk unit 1023 is provided to
the lower surface of a mobile telephone 1001 such that audio
uttered by the user can be picked up even in the state in which
either of the right ear vibration unit 1024 or the left ear
vibration unit 1026 is brought up against the tragus. In addition,
the mobile telephone 1001 of the eleventh embodiment is provided
with a speaker 1013 for videoconferencing functions occurring while
the large-screen display unit 205 is being observed; the
sensitivity of the microphone or other outgoing-talk unit 1023 is
switched at the time of the videoconferencing function, and audio
uttered by the user during the observation of the display monitor
205 can be picked up.
[0312] FIGS. 21A and 21B are side views of the mobile telephone
1001 illustrating the function of the right ear vibration unit 1024
and the left ear vibration unit 1026; the method illustrated is in
accordance with FIG. 2. However, as depicted in FIG. 20, the right
ear vibration unit 1024 and the left ear vibration unit 1026 in the
eleventh embodiment are each provided to a side surface of the
mobile telephone 1001. Accordingly, in the eleventh embodiment, the
side surface of the mobile telephone 1001 is brought up against the
tragus, as depicted in FIGS. 21A and 21B, when the mobile telephone
1001 is brought up against the ear. In other words, it is not that
the surface of the display unit 5 of the mobile telephone 1 is
brought up against the tragus, as in FIGS. 2A and 2B; therefore,
the large-screen display unit 205 is not brought up against the ear
and/or cheek and will not be fouled by sebum or the like.
[0313] More specifically, FIG. 21A illustrates the state in which
the mobile telephone 1001 is held in the right hand and is brought
up against the tragus 32 of the right ear 28; the side surface in
view is the side opposite to the one in the mobile telephone 1001
being brought up against the right ear 28, and the surface of the
large-screen display unit 205 depicted by the cross-section is
approximately perpendicular to the cheek and faces the lower rear
of the face. The result is that, as described above, the
large-screen display unit 205 is not brought up against the ear
and/or cheek and does not get fouled with sebum or the like.
Similarly, FIG. 21B illustrates the state in which the mobile
telephone 1001 is held in the left hand and is brought up against
the tragus 34 of the left ear 30; such a case is also similar to
that of FIG. 21A in that, the large-screen display unit 205 being
approximately perpendicular to the cheek and facing the lower rear
of the face, the large-screen display unit 205 is not brought up
against the ear and/or cheek and does not get fouled with sebum or
the like.
[0314] However, such a state of use as in FIG. 21 is implemented
from the state in which the mobile telephone 1001 is held with the
right hand and the large-screen display unit 205 is observed, for
example, in the case of FIG. 21A, by moving the mobile telephone
1001 without shaking the hand, and bringing the right ear vibration
unit 1024 up against the tragus 32. Accordingly, transitioning
between the state of observing the large-screen display unit 205
and the state in which the right ear vibration unit 1024 is brought
up against the tragus 32 is possible by a natural movement of the
right hand, such as by slightly altering the angle between the
elbow and the wrist, without needing to switch the hand holding the
mobile telephone 1001 nor to shake the hand. To simplify the above
description, the state in FIG. 21 has the large-screen display unit
205 substantially perpendicular to the cheek, but the user can
unrestrictedly select the angle of the hand or the posture for
bringing the mobile telephone 1001 up against the ear; the angle of
the large-screen display unit 205 with the cheek therefore need not
be perpendicular, but rather may be moderately inclined. However,
because each of the right ear vibration unit 1024 and the left ear
vibration unit 1026 is provided to a side surface of the mobile
telephone 1001 according to the configuration of the eleventh
embodiment, the large-screen display unit 205 is not brought up
against the ear and/or cheek and will not be fouled by sebum or the
like, regardless of the posture in which the vibration units are
brought up against the tragus 32 or 34.
[0315] As a result of the fact that the large-screen display unit
205 is not hidden by facing the direction of the cheek in the
eleventh embodiment, it is possible that the call destination or
other display content may be seen by other people in front or rear.
Accordingly, to protect privacy in the eleventh embodiment, a
switch is automatically made from an ordinary display to a
privacy-protection display (where, for example, nothing is
displayed) in the state in which the right ear vibration unit 1024
or the left ear vibration unit 1026 is brought up against the ear.
This point will be described in greater detail later.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0316] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views illustrating a
twelfth embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an aspect
of the present invention. FIG. 22A illustrates the state in which a
handle 1181 (to be described later) does not project out, and FIG.
22B illustrates the state in which the handle 1181 does project
out. Similarly with respect to the eleventh embodiment, s cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124 of a mobile telephone 1101 of the
twelfth embodiment is provided to a side surface of the mobile
telephone 1101 (the side surface of the left side seen in FIGS. 22A
and 22B, there being no reference numeral assigned thereto because
the surface is hidden for convenience of illustration). The twelfth
embodiment, being a mobile telephone, is based on an integrated
type with no movable parts that is similar to the eleventh
embodiment, and is configured as a "smartphone" having a
large-screen display unit 205 provided with GUI functions. There is
much in common with the structure thereof, and so corresponding
portions have been given like reference numerals as in the eleventh
embodiment, and a description has been omitted. However, similarly
with respect to the eleventh embodiment, the "upper part" in the
twelfth embodiment does not signify a separate upper part, but
rather signifies the portion at the top of the integrated
structure.
[0317] A point of difference in the twelfth embodiment from the
eleventh embodiment lies in that, in addition to the configuration
of the handle 1181 (to be described later), the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124 is provided to one side surface on
the left seen from FIGS. 22A and 22B in the mobile telephone 1101.
The element that is to be brought up against the ear is limited to
being on the side surface of the left side, and therefore a
microphone or other outgoing-talk unit 1123 is also provided to the
lower surface close to the left side surface of the mobile
telephone 1101, as illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B. However, in
the twelfth embodiment as well, the outgoing-talk unit 1123 is
switched at the time of a videoconferencing function occurring
while the large-screen display unit 205 is being observed, and
audio uttered by the user as they observe the large-screen display
unit 205 can be picked up.
[0318] In the twelfth embodiment, similarly with respect to the
eleventh embodiment, the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124
can be brought up against the tragus of the right ear from the
state in which the large-screen display unit 205 is being viewed,
as in FIGS. 22A and 22B. On the other hand, to bring the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124 up against the tragus of the left
ear, the holding hand can be switched such that the mobile
telephone 1101 faces backwards, the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1124 thereby being made to face the left ear. Use in such a
manner is also possible in the state in which the handle 1181 does
not project out, as in FIG. 22A.
[0319] The following is a description of the function of the
handle. One natural way of holding when the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1124 is brought up against the ear at such an angle
that the large-screen display unit 205 is approximately
perpendicular to the cheek, as in FIGS. 21A and 21B, are embodied
in a form such that the front surface of the mobile telephone 1101
on which the large-screen display unit 205 is provided and the back
surface thereof are sandwiched by the thumb and the other four
fingers, but the fingers at this time are in a state of touching
the large-screen display unit 205; therefore, a concern is
presented in that a mistaken operation is possible and the
comparatively long-term and powerful contact during a call will
result in fingerprint fouling.
[0320] In view whereof, to prevent the fingers from touching the
large-screen display unit 205 while also facilitating holding the
mobile telephone 1101, the twelfth embodiment is configured such
that the handle 1181 projects out from the state in FIG. 22A to the
state in FIG. 22B according to need, it being possible to use the
handle 1181 to hold the mobile telephone. It thereby becomes
possible in the state represented in FIG. 22B to sandwich the
handle 1181 and the end parts of the body of the mobile telephone
1101 with the thumb and the other four fingers, and the mobile
telephone 1101 can be readily held without the large-screen display
unit 205 being touched. The handle 1181 can also be grasped to hold
the mobile telephone 1101 in a case in which the degree of
projection is configured so as to be comparatively larger. However,
similarly with respect to the case of the state in FIG. 22A, the
mobile telephone 1101 can also be held so as to face backwards, the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124 thereby being brought up
against the tragus of the left ear.
[0321] To cause the handle 1181 to project out from the state in
FIG. 22A, a projection operation button 1183 is pushed and the
handle is thereby unlocked and projects slightly outward; the state
in FIG. 22B can therefore be achieved by pulling the handle out.
Because the lock is engaged in the state in FIG. 22B, no problems
are presented even when the handle 1181 is held and the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124 is pushed up against the tragus. To
house the handle 1181, the lock is undone when the projection
operation button 1183 is pushed in the state in FIG. 22B;
therefore, the lock is engaged when the handle 1181 is pushed in so
as to assume the state in FIG. 22A.
[0322] FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
239 (borrowing from FIG. 8) in the twelfth embodiment of FIGS. 22A
and 22B. However, parts that the flow of FIG. 23 shares with the
flow of FIG. 14 have been given like step reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. FIG. 23 also illustrates an
abstraction of the operation that focuses on related functions, in
order to primarily provide a description of the function of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 228. Accordingly, similarly
with respect to FIG. 14 and the like, the controller 239 in the
twelfth embodiment also contains typical mobile telephone functions
and other operations not represented by the flow of FIG. 23. FIG.
23 uses boldface print to illustrate points of difference with FIG.
14, and thus the following description focuses on these
portions.
[0323] In the flow of FIG. 23, there is performed a check for
whether there has been an operation to initiate a call once step
S104 is reached. A case in which there has not been an operation
moves directly on to step S34. On the other hand, in a case in
which an operation to initiate a call is detected, the flow
proceeds to step S132, in which there is performed a check for
whether the handle 1181 is in state of projecting. Then, in a case
of the handle not being in a state of projecting out, the flow
proceeds to step S134, in which there is performed a check for
whether the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124 is in a state
of being in contact with the ear cartilage. Then, in a case in
which a state of contact is detected, the flow proceeds to step
S136. However, in a case in which it is detected in step S132 that
the handle 1181 is in a state of projecting out, the flow moves
directly on to step S136.
[0324] In step S136, the outgoing-talk unit 1123 is turned on, and
in step S138, the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124 is
turned on. On the other hand, the speaker 1013 is turned off in
step S140. Subsequently, proceeding on to step S142, the display of
the large-screen display unit 205 is set to a privacy-protection
display. The privacy-protection display is a state in which either
there is a predetermined display that does not contain private
information, or nothing is displayed at all. At this point in time,
only the display content is altered, without the large-screen
display unit 205 itself being turned off. After the display has
been controlled in such a manner, the flow moves on to step S52. A
case in which the desired state already exists in step S136 to S142
leads to step S52 without anything being done in these steps as a
result.
[0325] On the other hand, in a case in which there is no detection
in step S134 that the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124 is
in a state of being in contact with the ear cartilage, the flow
moves on to step S144, which turns the outgoing-talk unit 1123 on;
in step S146, the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1124 is
turned off. Meanwhile, the speaker 1013 is turned on in step S148.
Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S150, and the display of
the large-screen display unit 205 is set to an ordinary display.
After the display has been controlled in such a manner, the flow
moves on to step S118. A case in which the desired state already
exists in step S144 to S150 also leads to step S118, without
anything being done in these steps as a result.
[0326] Steps S52 to S56, step S118, and step S34, which follow step
S142; as well as step S118 and step S34, which follow step S150,
are shared with FIG. 14, and a description thereof has thereof been
omitted. Upon moving on to step S118, there is performed a check
for whether the call state has been cut off; in a case in which no
call state interruption is detected, the flow returns to step S132,
following which steps S132 to S150 and steps S52 to S56 are
repeated. Switching between the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1124 and the speaker 1013 and also switching the display are
thereby performed automatically, either by moving the handle 1181
in or out or by the contact or non-contact of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124. In the state in which the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1124 has been turned on, switching occurs
automatically between whether or not the waveform inversion signal
of one's own voice is added, which is based on the presence or
absence of the earplug bone conduction effect.
[0327] In the repetition of the aforementioned steps, there may be
an insertion in between steps S142 and S52 of a step for
determining whether a predetermined period of time has passed after
the display of the large-screen display unit 205 is initially
changed to the privacy-protection display in step S142, and also of
a step for turning the large-screen display unit 205 itself off
with the purpose of saving electricity when the predetermined
period of time has passed. At this time, in accordance therewith,
there is an insertion in between steps S148 and S150 of a step for
turning the large-screen display unit 205 on when same has been
turned off. The flow in FIG. 23 can also be used for the eleventh
embodiment in FIG. 20 by the omission of step S132.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0328] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating a
thirteenth embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an
aspect of the present invention. FIG. 24A illustrates a state in
which an incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 (to be described later)
is integrated with a mobile telephone 1201, and FIG. 24B
illustrates a state in which the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281
is separated. The mobile telephone 1201 of the thirteenth
embodiment assumes a state in which a cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1226 is arranged on the side surface 1007 of the
mobile telephone 1201 in the state in FIG. 24A. This is a point of
similarity with the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. The
thirteenth embodiment, being a mobile telephone, is based on an
integrated type with no movable parts that is similar to the
eleventh embodiment and the twelfth embodiment, and is configured
as a "smartphone" having a large-screen display unit 205 provided
with GUI functions. There is much in common with the structure
thereof, and so corresponding portions have been given like
reference numerals as in the twelfth embodiment, and a description
has been omitted. However, similarly with respect to the eleventh
embodiment and the twelfth embodiment, the "upper part" in the
thirteenth embodiment does not signify a separate upper part, but
rather signifies the portion at the top of the integrated
structure.
[0329] The thirteenth embodiment has a similar configuration to
that of FIG. 22A of the twelfth embodiment, except in that, in the
state in FIG. 24A, the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 and
an outgoing-talk unit 1223 are arranged on the right when seen from
FIGS. 24A and 24B. However, the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1226 is brought up against the tragus of the left ear from the
state in which the large-screen display unit 205 is being viewed,
as in FIGS. 24A and 24B. Then, to bring the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1226 up against the tragus of the right ear, the
holding hand is switched such that the mobile telephone 1201 faces
backwards, whereby the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 is
made to face the left ear.
[0330] A point of difference in the thirteenth embodiment from the
twelfth embodiment lies in that the incoming/outgoing-talk unit
1281, which comprises the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226
and the outgoing-talk unit 1223, can be separated from the mobile
telephone 1201, as in FIG. 24B. The incoming/outgoing-talk unit
1281 can be inserted into and released from the mobile telephone
1201 by the operation of an insertion/release locking button 1283.
The incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 further possesses an
incoming/outgoing-talk operation unit 1209, and also a controller
1239 for the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 and the
outgoing-talk unit 1223, the controller comprising a power supply
unit. The incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 also possesses a
Bluetooth.TM. or other short-range communication unit 1287, which
is capable of wireless communication with the mobile telephone 1201
using radio waves 1285; the user's voice, which is picked up from
the outgoing-talk unit 1223, and also information on the state of
the contact of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 with
the ear are sent to the mobile telephone 1201, and the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1226 vibrates on the basis of the audio
information received from the mobile telephone 1201.
[0331] The incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 separated out in the
manner described above functions as a pencil incoming/outgoing-talk
unit; the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 is held
unrestrictedly and brought into contact with the tragus of either
the right ear or the left ear, whereby a call can take place.
Increasing the contact pressure on the tragus can yield the ear
plug bone conduction effect. The incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281
being in the separated state, sound can be heard by air conduction
even when either the surface around the long axis of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1226 or the tip thereof is brought up
against the ear. In addition to the method for using the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281, in which the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit ordinarily is housed in the mobile
telephone 1201 as in FIG. 24A and is then separated out as
appropriate like in FIG. 24B, there is also a possible method for
using the incoming/outgoing-talk unit such that, in the separated
state as in FIG. 24B, for example, the mobile telephone 1201 being
housed in an inner pocket or bag and the incoming/outgoing-talk
unit 1281 being inserted into an outer breast pocket like a pencil,
only the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 is used for operation and
for calls to take place when outgoing and incoming calls are made.
The cartilage conduction vibration unit 1226 can also function as a
vibrator for incoming calls.
[0332] A pencil incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281 such as in the
thirteenth embodiment is not to be limited to the case of
comprising a combination with a specialized mobile telephone 1201
having a housing unit. For example, a configuration as an accessory
of a typical mobile telephone having a short-range communication
function using Bluetooth.TM. or the like is also possible.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0333] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views illustrating a
fourteenth embodiment of the mobile telephone according to an
aspect of the present invention. FIG. 25A illustrates the state in
which an incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 (to be described later)
is housed in a mobile telephone 1301, and FIG. 25B illustrates the
state in which the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 is pulled out.
The mobile telephone 1301 of the fourteenth embodiment assumes a
state in which a cartilage conduction vibration unit 1326 is
arranged on the side surface 1007 of the mobile telephone 1301 in
the state in FIG. 25A. This is a point of similarity with the
eleventh to thirteenth embodiments. The fourteenth embodiment,
being a mobile telephone, is based on an integrated type with no
movable parts that is similar to the eleventh to thirteenth
embodiments, and is configured as a "smartphone" having a
large-screen display unit 205 provided with GUI functions. There is
much in common with the structure thereof, and so corresponding
portions have been given like reference numerals as in the
thirteenth embodiment, and a description has been omitted. However,
similarly with respect to the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments,
the "upper part" in the fourteenth embodiment does not signify a
separate upper part, but rather signifies the portion at the top of
the integrated structure.
[0334] The fourteenth embodiment, in the state in FIG. 25A, also
has a similar configuration to that of FIG. 24A of the thirteenth
embodiment. A point of difference in the fourteenth embodiment from
the thirteenth embodiment lies in that, as illustrated in FIG. 25B,
the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 has a wired connection with
the mobile telephone 1301 rather than a wireless one. Similarly
with respect to the thirteenth embodiment, the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 can be inserted into and released
from the mobile telephone 1301 by the operation of the
insertion/release locking button 1283. The incoming/outgoing-talk
unit 1381 has a cable 1339 for respectively connecting the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1326 with the outgoing-talk
unit 1323, and also the outgoing-talk unit 1323 with the mobile
telephone 1301. In the housed state in FIG. 25A, the portion of the
cable 1339 that is between the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1326 and the outgoing-talk unit 1323 is housed in a groove of the
side surface 1007, and the portion thereof that is between the
outgoing-talk unit 1323 and the mobile telephone 1301 is
automatically wound up within the mobile telephone 1301 by a spring
when the outgoing-talk unit 1323 is housed. The outgoing-talk unit
1323 is also provided with a remote control operation unit for
operating at the time of outgoing and incoming calls. In the manner
described above, in the fourteenth embodiment, the user's voice,
which is picked up from the outgoing-talk unit 1323, and also
information on the state of the contact of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1326 with the ear are transmitted to the mobile
telephone 1301 by wire, and the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1326 vibrates on the basis of the audio information received by
wire from the mobile telephone 1301.
[0335] The incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 pulled out as in FIG.
25B is used by being hooked onto the cartilage of the lower part of
the entrance to the external auditory meatus such that the portion
of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1326 is in contact with
the tragus. Then, the outgoing-talk unit 1323 in this state is
located close to the mouth, and can therefore pick up the user's
voice. Holding the portion of the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1326 and increasing the contact pressure on the tragus can
yield the ear plug bone conduction effect. In addition to the
method for using the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 in which the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit ordinarily is housed in the mobile
telephone 1301 as in FIG. 25A and is then pulled out as appropriate
like in FIG. 25B, there is also a possible method for using the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit such that, in the state in which the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 is pulled out as in FIG. 25B, for
example, the mobile telephone 1301 remains housed in an inner
pocket or the like and the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1326
of the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 remains hooked on the ear.
The cartilage conduction vibration unit 1326 can also function as a
vibrator for incoming calls, similarly with respect to the
thirteenth embodiment.
[0336] A wired earphone-type incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 such
as in the fourteenth embodiment is not to be limited to the case of
comprising a combination with a specialized mobile telephone 1301
having a housing unit. For example, a configuration as an accessory
of a typical mobile telephone having an external
earphone-microphone connection terminal is also possible.
[0337] The various features indicated in each of the embodiments
described above are not necessarily specific in each case to an
individual embodiment; the features of each of the embodiments can
be combined or rearranged with the features of other embodiments as
appropriate, wherever it is possible to make use of the advantages
thereof.
[0338] The implementation of the variety of features indicated in
each of the embodiments described above is not to be limited to the
above embodiments; the features can be implemented in other
embodiments as well, wherever it is possible to benefit from the
advantages thereof. For example, arranging the cartilage conduction
vibration unit on the side surface relative to the display surface
in the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, being a configuration in
which audio information is transmitted from the tragus by cartilage
conduction, can thereby facilitate contact with the tragus and use
the tragus as a conduction point for sound information. It is
accordingly possible to achieve a listening posture free of
discomfort, and approximating that of a conventional telephone in
which one listens using the ear. The transmission of audio by
cartilage conduction also does not require the formation of a
closed space at the front of the entrance to the external auditory
meatus, as is the case with air conduction, and is therefore
appropriate for arrangement on the side surface. Furthermore,
because audio information is conducted by cartilage conduction,
there is a low percentage of air conduction caused by the vibration
of the vibrator, and sound can be transmitted to the user's
external auditory meatus without substantial sound leakage to the
exterior, even though the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
arranged on the side surface of the mobile telephone, which is
narrow. This is due to the fact that, in cartilage conduction,
sound does not enter the external auditory meatus as air conduction
sound but rather is transmitted due to the contact of the sound
energy with the cartilage, the sound being generated thereafter
inside the external auditory meatus by the vibration of the tissue
in the ear. Accordingly, the utilization of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit in the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments
is also very effective when a sound information output unit is
arranged on the side surface relative to the display surface, there
being no concern that the incoming-talk unit sound will be heard by
neighboring people due to sound leakage, which would be annoying,
nor that any sensitive information will be leaked.
[0339] However, from the standpoint of benefiting from the
advantage of being able to prevent the display surface from being
fouled by contact with the ear and/or cheek when audio information
is being listened to, the arrangement on the side surface relative
to the display surface is not to be limited to a case in which the
audio information output unit that is to be arranged is the
cartilage conduction vibration unit. For example, the configuration
may be such that the audio information output unit is an earphone
that works by air conduction, the earphone being provided to the
side surface relative to the display surface. The configuration may
also be such that the audio information output unit is a bone
conduction vibration unit hitting against a bone at the front of
the ear (the zygomatic arch), a bone at the rear of the ear (the
mastoid part), or the forehead, the unit being arranged on the side
surface relative to the display surface. Due to the arrangement on
the side surface relative to the display surface, the display
surface will not be in contact with the ear and/or cheek when audio
information is being listened to; therefore, even in cases where
these audio information output units are used, advantages can also
accrue in regard to being able to prevent fouling of the display
surface. In cases in which such units are used, moreover, a
microphone can be arranged on the side surface relative to the
display surface in a case in which the arrangement of the earphone
and/or bone conduction vibration unit is limited to one side
surface, as in the twelfth to fourteenth embodiments. Similarly
with respect to the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, when the
earphone is brought up against the ear for a call in a posture such
as is represented in FIG. 21, or, alternatively, when the bone
conduction vibration unit is held to a bone at the front or rear of
the ear for a call, setting the display surface to a
privacy-protection display makes it possible to prevent a display
containing private information from being viewed by other people,
either in the front or rear or to the left or right.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0340] FIG. 26 is a diagram of the system of a fifteenth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The fifteenth
embodiment is configured as an incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a
mobile telephone, and forms a mobile telephone system together with
a mobile telephone 1401. The fifteenth embodiment takes the
configuration of a system in common with the configuration of the
system in the state in which the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281
is separated from the mobile telephone 1201, as in FIG. 24B in the
thirteenth embodiment; therefore, portions that are in common have
been given like reference numerals, a description thereof being
omitted unless there is a particular need. The mobile telephone
1401, similarly with respect to the mobile telephone 1201 of the
thirteenth embodiment, is not to be limited to the case of being
specially configured to be used in combination with an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit; rather, the case may also be one of a
configuration as a typical mobile telephone having, for example, a
short-range communication function using Bluetooth.TM. or the like.
The incoming/outgoing-talk unit in such a case then assumes a
configuration as an accessory of such a typical mobile telephone
1401, similarly with respect to the thirteenth embodiment. A more
detailed description of these two cases will be provided later.
[0341] A point of difference in the fifteenth embodiment from the
thirteenth embodiment lies in that the incoming/outgoing-talk unit
is configured as a headset 1481, rather than in a pencil-type
format such as in the thirteenth embodiment. The
incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1481 conforms with the thirteenth
embodiment in being provided with an outgoing-talk unit 1423 and a
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1426 comprising a piezoelectric
bimorph element; in being provided with a controller 1439, which
comprises a power supply unit for the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1426 and the outgoing-talk unit 1423; and in being
provided with the incoming/outgoing-talk operation unit 1409. The
incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1481 further conforms with the
thirteenth embodiment in being provided a short-range communication
unit 1487 compliant with Bluetooth.TM. or another scheme and
capable of wireless communication with the mobile telephone 1401
using radio waves 1285; in sending to the mobile telephone 1401 the
user's voice, which is picked up from the outgoing-talk unit 1423,
and also information on the state of the contact made by the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1426 with the ear; and in
causing the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1426 to vibrate on
the basis of the audio information received from the mobile
telephone 1401.
[0342] There shall next be provided a description of the
configuration specific to the fifteenth embodiment. The headset
1481 is attached to the right ear 28 by an ear-hooking unit 1489.
The headset 1481 is provided with a movable unit 1491 that is held
by an elastic body 1473, and the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1426 is held by the movable unit 1491. The configuration is
such that the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1426 is in
contact with the tragus 32 in the state in which the headset 1481
is attached to the right ear 28 by the ear-hooking unit 1489. The
elastic body 1473 makes it possible to bend the movable unit 1491
in the direction of the tragus 32, and also functions as a
cushioning material for the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1426, protecting the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1426
against mechanical impact due to the headset 1481.
[0343] Sound information can be listened to via ordinary cartilage
conduction in the state in FIG. 26. However, when listening
comprehension of sound information is impaired due to environment
noise, the movable unit 1491 is pushed from the exterior and
thereby bent, and the pressure contact of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1426 on the tragus 32 is increased, whereby the
tragus 32 is made to block the hole of the ear. The ear plug
conduction effect, which has also been described in the other
embodiments, can thereby be generated, and even louder audio
information can be transmitted. Obstructing the hole of the ear
with the tragus 32 further allows environment noise to be blocked.
Information on one's own voice, which is picked up from the
outgoing-talk unit 1423, is also subjected to phase inversion on
the basis of the mechanical detection of the bent state of the
movable unit 1491, and is then transmitted to the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1426, to cancel out one's own voice. A
more detailed description of the merits or other advantageous
attributes thereof has been described in the other embodiments, and
thus has been omitted.
Sixteenth Embodiment
[0344] FIG. 27 is a diagram of the system of a sixteenth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The sixteenth
embodiment is also configured as a headset 1581 for creating an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for the mobile telephone 1401,
similarly with respect to the fifteenth embodiment, and forms a
mobile telephone system together with the mobile telephone 1401.
The sixteenth embodiment has much in common with the fifteenth
embodiment, and therefore parts that are in common have been given
like reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted
unless there is a particular need. The mobile telephone 1401, as
has been described in the fifteenth embodiment, may in some cases
have a special configuration, and may in other cases be configured
as a typical mobile telephone. A description of these two cases
will be provided later.
[0345] A point of difference in the sixteenth embodiment from the
fifteenth embodiment lies in that the entirety of a movable unit
1591 is made using an elastic material that has acoustic impedance
approximating that of ear cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture
of a silicone rubber and a butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; or a
structure formed using these varieties of rubber in which air
bubbles are sealed). A cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526,
which comprises a piezoelectric bimorph element or the like, is
embedded inside the movable unit 1591, similarly with respect to
the eighth embodiment. Such a configuration allows the movable unit
1591, including the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526, to be
bent toward the tragus 32 under its own elasticity. Although
omitted from the diagrams for simplicity, the circuit portions of
the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526, the controller 1439,
and the like are connected by a connection wire similar to the
flexible connection wire 769 in FIG. 17C.
[0346] In the sixteenth embodiment, the movable unit 1591 is in
contact with the tragus 32 in the state represented in FIG. 27;
sound information from the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526
is conducted to the tragus 32 by cartilage conduction via the
elastic material of the moveable unit 1591. The benefits from such
a configuration are similar to those described in the fifth to
tenth embodiments. Furthermore, when listening comprehension of
sound information is impaired due to environment noise, the movable
unit 1591 is pushed from the exterior and thereby bent, and the
pressure contact of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526 on
the tragus 32 is increased, whereby the tragus 32 is made to block
the hole of the ear. The ear plug conduction effect can thereby be
generated, and even louder sound information can thereby be
transmitted, similarly with respect to the fifteenth embodiment.
The fact that environment noise can be blocked by the obstruction
of the hole of the ear by the tragus 32 is also similar to the
fifteenth embodiment. Another similarity with the fifteenth
embodiment is the fact that information on one's own voice, which
is picked up from the outgoing-talk unit 1423, can also be
subjected to phase inversion on the basis of the mechanical
detection of the bent state of the movable unit 1591 and then
transmitted to the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526 to
cancel out one's own voice.
[0347] Furthermore, in the sixteenth embodiment, because the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526 is embedded inside the
movable unit 1591, the elastic material constituting the movable
unit 1591 functions as a cushioning material for protecting the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1526 against mechanical impact
to the headset 1581 and also for further protecting the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1526 against mechanical impact to the
movable unit 1591 itself.
[0348] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of the sixteenth embodiment,
identical portions being given identical reference numerals to
those in FIG. 27. Also, because the configuration of the block
diagram has many portions in common with the fourth embodiment,
corresponding portions are each assigned the same reference
numerals as each respective part. Also, a description has been
omitted for these identical or shared portions, unless there is a
particular need. In the sixteenth embodiment, the
incoming-talk-processing unit 212 and the earphone 213 in FIG. 28
correspond to the incoming-talk unit 13 in FIG. 27, and the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the microphone 223 in FIG. 28
correspond to the outgoing-talk unit 23 in FIG. 27. Similarly with
respect to the fourth embodiment, the outgoing-talk-processing unit
222 transmits a part of the audio from the operator picked up by
the microphone 223 to the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 as
sidetone, and the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 superimposes
the operator's own sidetone onto the voice of the calling party
from the telephone communication unit 47 and outputs same to the
earphone 213, whereby the balance between the bone conduction and
air conduction of one's own voice in the state in which the mobile
telephone 1401 is brought up against an ear is made to approximate
a natural state.
[0349] A point of difference in the block diagram of the sixteenth
embodiment in FIG. 28 from the block diagram of the fourth
embodiment in FIG. 8 lies in that the mobile telephone 301 of the
fourth embodiment in FIG. 8 is divided in the sixteenth embodiment
of FIG. 28 into the mobile telephone 1401 and the headset 1581 for
creating the incoming/outgoing-talk unit. Specifically, FIG. 28
corresponds to a block diagram of the case in the sixteenth
embodiment in which the mobile telephone 1401 is specially
configured to be used in combination with the headset 1581.
[0350] More specifically, in FIG. 28, the output of the phase
adjustment mixer unit 236 is wirelessly sent externally by a
short-range communication unit 1446 using Bluetooth.TM. or the
like. The short-range communication unit 1446 also inputs audio
signals received wirelessly from an external microphone into the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222. Furthermore, although a
depiction and description has been omitted in the other
embodiments, FIG. 28 depicts a power supply unit 1448, which has a
storage battery for supplying power to the entire mobile telephone
1401.
[0351] On the other hand, the configuration of the headset 1581 has
a short-range communication unit 1487 for intercommunication with
the short-range communication unit 1446 of the mobile telephone
1401 using radio waves 1285, and also has a power supply unit 1548
for supplying power to the entire headset 1581. The power supply
unit 1548 supplies power by a replaceable battery or by a built-in
storage battery. The controller 1439 of the headset 1581 wirelessly
sends audio picked up from the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1423
to the mobile telephone 1401 from the short-range communication
unit 1487, and also controls the drive of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1526 on the basis of audio information that has been
received by the short-range communication unit 1487. Furthermore,
the controller 1439 transmits an operation to receive an incoming
call or to send an outgoing call, which is performed by the
operation unit 1409, to the mobile telephone 1401 from the
short-range communication unit 1487. A bending detection unit 1588
mechanically detects the bent state of the movable unit 1591, and
the controller 1439 transmits the bending detection information
from the short-range communication unit 1487 to the mobile
telephone 1401. The bending detection unit 1588 can comprise, for
example, a switch that is turned on mechanically when the bending
reaches or exceeds a predetermined angle. The controller 239 of the
mobile telephone 1401 controls the phase adjustment mixer unit 236
on the basis of the bending detection information received by the
short-range communication unit 1446, and determines whether or not
to add, to the audio information from the incoming-talk-processing
unit 212, the signal of the waveform inverter 240 that is based on
one's own voice transmitted from the outgoing-talk unit
(microphone) 1423 to the outgoing-talk-processing unit 222.
Seventeenth Embodiment
[0352] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the case in which, in the
sixteenth embodiment of FIG. 27, the mobile telephone 1401 is
configured as a typical mobile telephone, and the headset 1581 is
configured as an accessory thereof; the diagram serves to provide a
description as the seventeenth embodiment in order to avoid
confusion with FIG. 28. The configuration of FIG. 29 has much in
common with FIG. 28, and therefore identical parts have been given
reference numerals identical to those in FIG. 28, a description
thereof having been omitted unless there is a particular need.
[0353] As described above, the mobile telephone 1601 in the
seventeenth embodiment in FIG. 29 is configured as a typical mobile
telephone comprising a short-range communication function using
Bluetooth.TM. or the like. Specifically, the short-range
communication unit 1446 inputs to the outgoing-talk-processing unit
222 audio information from an external microphone that is similar
to what is inputted from the microphone 223, and also externally
outputs audio information that is similar to what is outputted to
the earphone 213. The controller 239 is used to switch the audio
information that is inputted from and outputted to external
elements through the short-range communication unit 1446 relative
to the internal microphone 223 and earphone 213. As described
above, in the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29, the functions of
the acoustics adjustment unit 238, the waveform inverter 240, and
the phase adjustment mixer unit 236 in the sixteenth embodiment in
FIG. 28 are transferred to the headset 1681.
[0354] In accordance therewith, the configuration of the headset
1681 in the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29 differs from that of
the sixteenth embodiment in FIG. 28 on the following points. The
configuration is such that, although listening audio information
received using the short-range communication unit 1487 by the
control of a controller 1639 of the headset 1681 is inputted to the
phase adjustment mixer unit 1636, audio information from the
waveform inverter 1640 can also additionally be inputted thereto.
Also, according to need, the phase adjustment mixer unit 1636 mixes
the audio information from the waveform inverter 1640 into the
received listening audio information and drives a cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1626. More specifically, a part of the
audio from the operator that has been picked up by the
outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1423 is inputted to the acoustics
adjustment unit 1638, and the acoustics of one's own voice to be
transmitted to the cochlea from a cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1628, which comprises the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1626, are adjusted to acoustics approximating the operator's own
voice transmitted to the cochlea by conduction in the body from the
vocal cords when the ear plug bone conduction effect is generated,
and the two are effectively canceled out. The waveform inverter
1640 subjects one's own voice, which has undergone acoustic
adjustment in this manner, to waveform inversion, and outputs the
same according to need to the phase adjustment mixer unit 1636.
[0355] The mixing control shall now be described in detail. When
the bending of the movable unit 1591 detected by the bending
detection unit 1588 reaches or exceeds a predetermined angle and a
state is in effect in which the hole of the ear is obstructed by
the tragus, which is pushed thereby, the phase adjustment mixer
unit 1636 mixes the output from the waveform inverter 1640 and
drives the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1628, depending on
an instruction from the controller 1639. The excessive amount of
one's own voice that occurs during the earplug bone conduction
effect is thereby cancelled out, thus easing the discomfort. At
this time, the degree of cancellation is regulated such that an
amount of one's own voice equivalent to the sidetone remains
without being cancelled out. On the other hand, when the bending
detection unit 1588 does not detect a predetermined or greater
amount of bending, the state in effect is one in which the hole of
the ear is not obstructed by the tragus and the earplug bone
conduction effect is not created; therefore, the phase adjustment
mixer unit 1636 does not mix the waveform inversion output of one's
own voice from the waveform inverter 1640, on the basis of an
instruction from the controller 1639. Similarly with respect to the
fourth embodiment, the configuration of the seventeenth embodiment
of FIG. 29 may invert the positions of the acoustics adjustment
unit 1638 and the waveform inverter 1640. Furthermore, the
acoustics adjustment unit 1638 and the waveform inverter 1640 may
be integrated as a function within the phase adjustment mixer unit
1636. It is a point of similarity with the sixteenth embodiment
that the controller 1639 transmits an operation to receive an
incoming call or to send an outgoing call, which is performed by
the operation unit 1409, to the mobile telephone 1601 from the
short-range communication unit 1487.
[0356] The block diagrams in FIGS. 28 and 29 can be applied not
only to the configuration of the system diagram in FIG. 27, but
also the system diagram of the fifteenth embodiment in FIG. 26.
They can also be applied to the thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 24A
and 24B and the fourteenth embodiment of FIGS. 25A and 25B when the
bending detection unit 1588 is read as the pressure sensor 242 as
in FIG. 8. However, in the case of a reading as the thirteenth
embodiment, in the case in which the incoming/outgoing-talk unit
1281 is incorporated into the mobile telephone 1201 as in FIG. 24A,
a contact unit for directly connecting the two is provided to the
mobile telephone 1201 and the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281. In
the state in FIG. 24A, the wireless communication exchange between
the mobile telephone 1201 and the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1281
by a short-range communication unit is automatically switched to
communication via such a contact unit. In the case of a reading as
the fourteenth embodiment, a connector contact for establishing a
wired connection between the two is provided to the mobile
telephone 1301 and the incoming/outgoing-talk unit 1381 instead of
the short-range communication unit.
[0357] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of the operation of the controller
1639 of the headset 1681 in the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29.
The flow in FIG. 30 starts when the primary power supply is turned
on by the operation unit 1409; in step S162, there is performed a
check for initial startup and for the functions of each unit. Next,
in step S164, there is an instruction for a short-range
communication connection with the mobile telephone 1601, and the
flow moves on to step S166. When a short-range communication is
established on the basis of the instruction in step S164, the
headset 1681 enters a state of constant connection with the mobile
telephone 1601 unless the primary power supply is subsequently
turned off. In step S166, there is performed a check for whether
short-range communication with the mobile telephone 1601 has been
established; the flow moves on to step S168 when establishment is
confirmed.
[0358] In step S168, there is performed a check for whether or not
an incoming signal from the mobile telephone 1601 has been
transmitted through a short-range communication. Then, when there
is an incoming signal, the flow proceeds to step S170, in which a
drive is performed such that the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1626 has an incoming signal vibration. This incoming signal
vibration may have an audible frequency, or may vibrate in a low
frequency region with a large enough amplitude that the vibration
can be felt with the tragus 32. Next, in step S172, there is
performed a check for whether an incoming signal has been stopped
by an outgoing call stop operation or the like from the party
making the call; when there is no stop, the flow proceeds to step
S174, in which there is performed a check for whether there has
been a receiving operation by the operation unit 1409. Then, when
there is a receiving operation, the flow moves on to step S176. On
the other hand, when there is no receiving operation in step S174,
the flow returns to step S170, following which a loop of steps S170
to S174 is repeated unless either the incoming signal vibration of
the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 is stopped or a
receiving operation is performed.
[0359] On the other hand, in a case in which no incoming signal is
detected in step S168, the flow moves on to step S178, in which
there is performed a check for whether there has been a one-touch
outgoing call operation to a registered call destination by the
operation unit 1409. The flow proceeds to step S180 when an
outgoing call operation is detected; the outgoing call operation is
transmitted to the mobile telephone 1601 to make an outgoing call,
and there is performed a check for whether or not a signal to the
effect that a call connection has been established by a response
from the other party thereto has been transmitted from the mobile
telephone 1601. When it is confirmed that a call connection has
been established in step S180, the flow moves on to step S176.
[0360] In step S176, the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626
is turned on in order for audio information to be listened to, and
in step S182 the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1423 is turned on
in order for speaking to be performed; the flow then moves on to
step S184. In step S184, there is performed a check for whether it
has been detected that the movable unit 1591 is bent at or above a
predetermined angle. When bending has been detected, the flow then
proceeds to step S186, in which the waveform inversion signal of
one's own voice is added to the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1626; the flow then moves on to step S188. On the other hand, when
there is no detection in step S184 that the bending is at or above
the predetermined angle, the flow moves on to step S190, and then
on to step S188 without the waveform inversion signal of one's own
voice being added to the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626.
In step S188, there is performed a check for whether or not a
signal to the effect that the call state has been cut off has been
received from the mobile telephone 1601; when the call has not been
cut off, the flow returns to step S176, following which steps S176
to S188 are repeated until a call interruption is detected in step
S188. Support is thereby provided for the generation and
elimination of the earplug bone conduction effect that is based on
the bending of the movable unit 1591 during a call.
[0361] On the other hand, when it is detected in step S188 that a
call interruption signal has been received from the mobile
telephone 1601, the flow proceeds to step S192, in which listening
using the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 is turned off
and speaking using the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1423 is
turned off; the flow then moves on to step S194. In step S194,
there is performed a check for whether a no-call state has
continued for a predetermined period of time or longer; when this
is true, the flow moves on to step S196. In step S196, there is a
shift to a power-saving standby state, such as one in which the
clock frequency is lowered to the minimum level required to
maintain the standby state of the short-range communication unit
1487; processing is also done to permit an interruption for
reinstating the short-range communication unit 1487 to an ordinary
call state, in response to the receipt of an incoming call signal
from the mobile telephone 1601 or an outgoing call operation of the
operation unit 1409. Then, after such processing, the flow moves on
to step S198. On the other hand, when there is no detection in step
S194 of a no-call state lasting a predetermined period of time or
longer, the flow moves directly on to step S198. However, the flow
also moves directly on to step S198 when it is not possible in step
S166 to confirm that short-range communication has been
established, or when there is no detection in step S178 of an
outgoing call operation, or when it is not possible in step S180 to
confirm that a telephone connection has been established.
[0362] In step S198, there is performed a check for whether the
primary power supply has been turned off by the operation unit
1409, the flow being terminated in a case in which it is detected
that the primary power supply has been turned off. On the other
hand, in a case in which it is not detected that the primary power
supply has been turned off, the flow returns to step S166,
following which steps S166 to S198 are repeated until primary power
supply is turned off, to support various changes to the state of
the headset 1681.
[0363] The flow in FIG. 30 can be applied not only to the
configuration of the system diagram in FIG. 27, but also to the
system diagram of the fifteenth embodiment in FIG. 26. The same can
also be applied to the thirteenth embodiment in FIGS. 24A and 24B
or to the fourteenth embodiment in FIGS. 25A and 25B when the
"bending detection" in step S184 is read as a detection of the
presence or absence of the state in which the "earplug bone
conduction effect" is generated, as in step S52 of FIG. 10.
Eighteenth Embodiment
[0364] FIG. 31 is a flow chart of the controller of a headset in
which, instead of having the bending be detected by a mechanical
switch in the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 30, the configuration
is such that same is achieved using software; the description is
provided as an eighteenth embodiment, in order to avoid confusion
with FIG. 30. Steps that FIG. 31 has in common with FIG. 30 have
been given like step reference numerals, a description thereof
having been omitted unless there is a particular need. FIG. 31 uses
boldface print and bold frames to illustrate points of difference,
and thus the following description focuses on these portions. More
specifically, the eighteenth embodiment is configured such that,
with the assumption that the cartilage conduction vibration unit
1626 is a piezoelectric bimorph element and conforming to the
fourth embodiment in FIG. 9, a signal appearing on a signal wire
for connecting the phase adjustment mixer unit 1636 and the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 is monitored, and changes
in the signal appearing for the cartilage conduction vibration unit
(which is a piezoelectric bimorph element) 1626 are monitored by
the strain that is based on the operational impact from the bending
of the movable unit 1591 or at the moment of recovery from the
bending thereof. The signal change is then processed by software,
whereby the bending state is detected.
[0365] On the basis of the assumption above, there shall now be
provided a description of how FIG. 31 is different from FIG. 30.
First, step S200 is depicted by the consolidation of steps S170 to
S174, step S178, and step S180 in FIG. 30, the content thereof
being identical. Then, when a telephone connection is established
on the basis of an operation to receive an incoming call or of the
response of the other party to an outgoing call, the flow moves on
to step S176; when there is no telephone connection, the flow moves
on to step S198.
[0366] Steps S202 to S210 are steps that relate to detecting
bending; once steps S182 to S202 are reached, first, a signal
appearing on the input terminal of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1626 (the signal wire connecting the phase
adjustment mixer unit 1636 and the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1626) is sampled. In step S204, drive output of the cartilage
conduction unit going from the controller 1639 to the phase
adjustment mixer unit 1636 at the same timing is sampled at the
same timing. Subsequently, in step S206, the difference between
these sampling values is calculated, and in step S208, there is a
detection for whether the calculated difference is at or above a
predetermined value. This function corresponds to the function of
the pressure sensor 242 in FIG. 9, but whereas the pressure state
is continuously detected by the pressure sensor 242 of FIG. 9, the
system in FIG. 27 uses operational impact from bending or at the
moment of recovery from bending to perceive changes to the bending
state.
[0367] When it is detected in step S208 that the two sampling
values have generated a difference at or above the predetermined
value, the flow moves on to step S210. It is not known at the stage
in step S208 whether the difference in the two sampling values at
or above the predetermined value has been generated due to bending
or has been generated due to recovery from bending. However, after
the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 has been turned on in
step S176, there is a check in step S210 for whether the number of
times a difference has been generated is an odd number, on the
basis of the difference generation history. When the number of
times is an odd number, the flow moves on to step S186, and when
the number of times is an even number, the flow moves on step S190.
Because the movable unit 1591 necessarily alternates between
bending and recovering from bending, there can be an alternation
between whether or not the phase-inverted signal of one's own voice
is added each time there is an operational impact in the manner
described above. However, the difference generation history can be
reset using the operation unit 1409 in the event that the
difference count is ever inverted by a mistaken operation.
[0368] Step S212 is depicted by the consolidation of step S194 and
step S196 in FIG. 30, the content thereof being identical. As
described above, similarly with respect to the fourth embodiment
and the like, the sensor function of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1626 itself is utilized in the eighteenth embodiment
to detect the bending of the movable unit 1591, whereby the state
in which the earplug bone conduction effect occurs is determined to
be in effect. The flow of FIG. 31 can be applied not only to the
configuration of the system diagram in FIG. 27, but also to the
system diagram of the fifteenth embodiment in FIG. 26. Also, in a
case such as in the fifth to tenth embodiments, in which the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is held by an elastic body, the
scheme in FIG. 31 for detecting the occurrence of the earplug bone
conduction effect can also be utilized in a case in which there is
no continuous strain on the cartilage conduction vibration unit in
the state in which the earplug bone conduction effect occurs.
Nineteenth Embodiment
[0369] FIG. 32 is a structural diagram illustrating the system of
the nineteenth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention. The nineteenth embodiment is also configured as an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and together
with the mobile telephone 1401 creates a mobile telephone system.
In the nineteenth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit is configured as eyeglasses 1781.
Because the nineteenth embodiment assumes a system configuration in
common with that of the fifteenth embodiment, common parts have
been given like reference numerals; in a case in which there is no
particular description, that configuration is shared with that of
the fifteenth embodiment. Also, in the nineteenth embodiment as
well, the mobile telephone 1401 may in some cases have a special
configuration to be used in combination with the eyeglasses 1781
creating an incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and may in other cases be
configured as a typical mobile telephone having a short-range
communication function. In the latter case, the eyeglasses 1781
take on a configuration as an accessory of the mobile telephone
1401, similarly with respect to the fifteenth embodiment.
[0370] In the nineteenth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 32, a
movable unit 1791 is rotatably attached to the temple piece of the
eyeglasses 1781; in the state depicted, a cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1726 is in contact with the tragus 32 of the right
ear 28. The movable unit 1791 can be rotationally withdrawn to a
position along the temple of the eyeglasses 1781 as indicated by
the single-dotted line 1792 in a case in which same is not to be
used. The cartilage conduction vibration unit 1726 can be made to
vibrate at low frequency in this withdrawn state as well; it can
thereby be known that there is an incoming call when the vibration
of the temple of the eyeglasses 1781 is felt on the face. The
outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723 is arranged at the front
portion of the temple of the eyeglasses 1781. The controller 1739,
which comprises a power supply unit, is arranged at the portion of
the temple on the eyeglasses 1781, and controls the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1726 and the outgoing-talk unit
(microphone) 1723. A Bluetooth.TM. or other type of short-range
communication unit 1787, which is capable of wireless communication
with the mobile telephone 1401 by radio waves 1285, is further
arranged at the portion of the temple on the eyeglasses 1781,
sending audio from the user, which is picked up by the
outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723, to the mobile telephone 1401,
and also making it possible to cause the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1726 to vibrate on the basis of the audio
information that is received from the mobile telephone 1401. The
rear end part of the temple of the eyeglasses 1781 is provided with
an incoming/outgoing-talk operation unit 1709. Since the temple of
the eyeglasses 1781 is a portion that comes against a bone at the
rear of the ear 28 (the mastoid part), it is supported in a backed
state, and incoming/outgoing-talk operations, such as pressing on
the temple from the front side, can be easily performed without
causing the eyeglasses 1781 to deform. The arrangement of each of
the aforementioned elements is not to be limited to the description
above; all or a part of the elements may be integrated in the
movable unit 1791 as appropriate.
[0371] The movable unit 1791, having an elastic body 1773
interposed partway therealong, is pushed from the outside and
caused to bend when listening comprehension of audio information is
impaired by environment noise; the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 1726 is then pushed on the tragus 32 with greater pressure,
whereby the tragus 32 more readily obstructs the hole of the ear.
The ear plug conduction effect, which has also been described in
the other embodiments, can thereby be generated, and even louder
audio information can thereby be transmitted. Information on one's
own voice, which is picked up from the outgoing-talk unit
(microphone) 1723, is also subjected to phase inversion on the
basis of the mechanical detection of the bent state of the movable
unit 1791. The information is then transmitted to the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1726, and one's own voice is canceled
out. These are points in common with the fifteenth embodiment.
[0372] The block diagrams of FIGS. 28 and 29 can be applied to the
nineteenth embodiment by reading "headset" as "eyeglasses." The
flow charts of FIGS. 30 and 31 can also be applied to the
nineteenth embodiment.
Twentieth Embodiment
[0373] FIG. 33 is a diagram of the system of the twentieth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
twentieth embodiment is also configured as an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and together
with the mobile telephone 1401 creates a mobile telephone system.
The twentieth embodiment takes the configuration of a system in
common with that of the nineteenth embodiment in FIG. 32;
therefore, portions that are in common have been given like
reference numerals, a description thereof being omitted unless
there is a particular need. Also similarly with respect to the
nineteenth embodiment, the mobile telephone 1401 in the twentieth
embodiment as well may in some cases have a special configuration
to be used in combination with a pair of eyeglasses 1881 creating
an incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and may in other cases be
configured as a typical mobile telephone having a short-range
communication function. In the latter case, the eyeglasses 1881
take on a configuration as an accessory of the mobile telephone
1401, similarly with respect to the nineteenth embodiment.
[0374] A point of difference in the twentieth embodiment from the
nineteenth embodiment lies in that the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1826 is provided within an ear-hook unit 1893, by
which the temple of the eyeglasses 1881 comes up against the base
of the ear 28. As a result thereof, the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1826 is transmitted to the outer side
1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28; air conduction
sound is generated from the inner wall of the external auditory
meatus for transmission to the tympanic membrane via the cartilage
around the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and a part is
also transmitted directly to the inner ear through the cartilage.
The outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28,
against which the temple of the eyeglasses 1881 comes, being close
to the inner entrance of the external auditory meatus, is suitable
for generating air conduction to the interior of the external
auditory meatus from the cartilage around the entrance to the
external auditory meatus and for direct conduction to the inner ear
through the cartilage.
[0375] The ear-hook unit 1893 is further provided with an ear
pushing detection unit 1888 at the portion coming up against the
rear side of the ear lobe. The ear pushing detection unit 188
mechanically detects the state in which the ear lobe is pushed due
to the palm of the hand coming against the ear 28 when there is
loud external noise, in order to block same; the controller 1739
transmits this ear pushing detection information to the mobile
telephone 1401 from the short-range communication unit 1787. The
ear pushing detection unit 1888 can be made of, for example, a
switch that is mechanically turned on when pushed by the rear side
of the ear lobe. The controller 239 of the mobile telephone 1401
(in the case in which the configuration calls on that of FIG. 28)
controls the phase adjustment mixer unit 236 on the basis of the
bending detection information received by the short-range
communication unit 1446, and determines whether or not to add, to
the audio information from the incoming-talk-processing unit 212,
the signal of the waveform inverter 240 that is based on one's own
voice transmitted from the microphone 1723 to the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 via the short-range communication
unit 1446. A configuration relating to a countermeasure for when
the earplug bone conduction effect is generated, similarly with
respect to the nineteenth embodiment, can also be configured by
calling on FIG. 29.
Twenty-first Embodiment
[0376] FIG. 34 is a side view of the elements of the twenty-first
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
twenty-first embodiment is also configured as an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and together
with the mobile telephone 1401 (not shown) creates a mobile
telephone system, similarly with respect to the twentieth
embodiment. The twenty-first embodiment takes the configuration of
a system analogous to that of the twentieth embodiment in FIG. 33;
therefore, portions that are in common have been given like
reference numerals, a description thereof being omitted unless
there is a particular need. More specifically, a point of
difference is that, whereas the incoming/outgoing-talk unit of the
twentieth embodiment is configured as specialized eyeglasses, the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit of FIG. 34 is configured as an
eyeglasses attachment 1981 that can be attached to an ear-hook unit
1900 of the temple of ordinary eyeglasses. The configuration is
otherwise consistent with that of the twentieth embodiment in FIG.
33. Also similarly with respect to the twentieth embodiment, the
mobile telephone 1401 (not shown) in the twenty-first embodiment
may in some cases have a special configuration to be used in
combination with the eyeglasses attachment 1981 creating an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and may in other cases be configured
as a typical mobile telephone having a short-range communication
function. In the latter case, the eyeglasses attachment 1981 takes
on a configuration as an accessory of the mobile telephone 1401,
similarly with respect to the twentieth embodiment.
[0377] The eyeglasses attachment 1981 is molded as a
one-size-fits-all elastic body cover capable of covering the
variously sized and/or shaped ear-hook unit 1900; when the ear-hook
unit 1900 is inserted from the opening of one end thereof, the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1926 comes into contact with
the top side of the ear-hook unit 1900. This contact may be
achieved directly or via the coating of the elastic body of the
eyeglasses attachment 1981. For this purpose, the elastic body is
preferably selected to be of a material having an acoustic
impedance that approximates that of ear cartilage. The
aforementioned direct or indirect contact transmits the vibration
of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1926 to the ear-hook
unit 1900, the vibration thereof then being transmitted to the
outer side of the base of the ear 28; therefore, similarly with
respect to the twentieth embodiment, air conduction sound is
generated from the inner wall of the external auditory meatus for
transmission to the tympanic membrane via the cartilage around the
entrance to the external auditory meatus, and a part is also
transmitted directly to the inner ear through the cartilage.
[0378] Each of the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723, the
controller 1739, the short-range communication unit 1787, the
incoming/outgoing-talk operation unit 1709, and the ear pushing
detection unit 1888 provided to the eyeglasses 1881 in the
twentieth embodiment is arranged within the eyeglasses attachment
1981 in the twenty-first embodiment in FIG. 34; however, the
functions thereof are shared and therefore a description has been
omitted. Although not depicted, in a case in which, for example,
the ear-hook unit 1900 on the right is covered with the eyeglasses
attachment 1981, a dummy cover molded from an elastic body having
the same outer shape, material, and weight is provided as an
ear-hook unit on the left. Covering the eyeglasses attachment 1981
makes it possible to keep the left-right balance when the
eyeglasses are worn. Since the eyeglasses attachment 1981 and the
dummy cover are molded using the same elastic body, they can
accordingly be configured such that each can be worn as desired as
either the left or right ear-hook unit by being slightly deformed.
For example, as the inverse of the description above, the left
ear-hook unit can be covered with the eyeglasses attachment 1981
and the right ear-hook unit can be covered with the dummy cover.
There is accordingly no need to market an assortment of eyeglasses
attachments 1981 for either right ear use or left ear use.
Twenty-Second Embodiment
[0379] FIG. 35 is a top view of the twenty-second embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The twenty-second
embodiment is also configured as an incoming/outgoing-talk unit for
a mobile telephone, and together with the mobile telephone 1401
(not shown) creates a mobile telephone system, similarly with
respect to the twenty-first embodiment. The twenty-second
embodiment takes the configuration of a system analogous to that of
the twenty-first embodiment in FIG. 34; therefore, portions that
are in common have been given like reference numerals, a
description thereof being omitted unless there is a particular
need. The incoming/outgoing-talk unit of the twenty-second
embodiment, similarly with respect to the twenty-first embodiment,
is also configured as an eyeglasses attachment 2081 that is molded
as a one-size-fits-all elastic body cover capable of covering the
variously sized and/or shaped ear-hook unit 1900 in ordinary
eyeglasses.
[0380] A point of difference in the twenty-second embodiment in
FIG. 35 from the twenty-first embodiment in FIG. 34 lies in that
each of the constituent elements of the incoming/outgoing-talk
unit, which in the twenty-first embodiment are arranged
concentratedly in the eyeglasses attachment 1981, one side of which
is covered with the ear-hook unit 1900, are distributed in the left
and right ear-hook unit 1900. More specifically, the eyeglasses
attachment 2081 of the twenty-second embodiment is made of a
right-side elastic body cover 2082, a left-side elastic body cover
2084, and a dual-purpose glass-cord cable 2039 for connecting same
to be able to communicate via a wire; each of the constituent
elements of the incoming/outgoing-talk unit being arranged in a
distributed fashion therein. For convenience of description, the
elastic body cover 2082 is intended for use on the right ear and
the elastic body cover 2084 is intended for use on the left ear,
but each of the ear-hook units 1900 can be covered with this pair
of elastic body covers in a left-right inversion.
[0381] In the aforementioned basic configuration, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1926, the incoming/outgoing-talk
operation unit 1709, and the ear pushing detection unit 1888 are
arranged on the right-side elastic body cover 2082. Similarly with
respect to the twenty-first embodiment, the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1926 is thereby transmitted to
the cartilage around the opening of the external auditory meatus
via the ear-hook unit 1900. Air conduction sound is generated from
the wall inside the external auditory meatus and transmitted to the
tympanic membrane, and a part is transmitted directly to the inner
ear through the cartilage.
[0382] On the other hand, the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723,
the controller 1739, and the short-range communication unit 1787
are arranged on the left-side elastic body cover 2084. The dual-use
glass-cord cable 2039 has a glass cord design so that the
eyeglasses can be hung on the neck when removed, and functions
through wiring that connects each of the constituent elements of
the incoming/outgoing-talk unit, which are arranged in a
distributed fashion in the right-side elastic body cover 2082 and
the left-side elastic body cover 2084. Connecting the right-side
elastic body cover 2082 and the left-side elastic body cover 2084
using the dual-use glass-cord cable 2039 prevents one side from
being misplaced when removed from the eyeglasses.
Twenty-Third Embodiment
[0383] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of the twenty-third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The twenty-third
embodiment, similarly with respect to either the nineteenth
embodiment or the twentieth embodiment, includes eyeglasses 2181
configured as an incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, and together with the mobile telephone 1401 (not shown)
creates a mobile telephone system. Similarly with respect to the
twenty-second embodiment, each element constituting the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit in the twenty-third embodiment is
arranged in a distributed fashion to a right temple unit 2182 and a
left temple unit 2184. The individual constituent elements and the
functions thereof can be understood in accordance with the block
diagram of the seventeenth embodiment in FIG. 29 and that of the
top view of the twenty-second embodiment in FIG. 35; therefore,
portions that are in common have been given like reference
numerals, a description thereof being omitted unless there is a
particular need. In the twenty-third embodiment as well, the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1826 arranged
at the right temple unit 2182 is transmitted to the outer side of
the cartilage of the base of the ear 28; this causes the cartilage
around the entrance to the external auditory meatus to vibrate,
whereby air conduction sound generated from the wall inside the
external auditory meatus is transmitted to the tympanic membrane,
and a part of the cartilage vibration is directly transmitted to
the inner ear through the cartilage.
[0384] The twenty-third embodiment in FIG. 36 further has a
configuration for visualizing a three-dimensional ("3D") image
received from the mobile telephone 1401 in a lens unit 2186. The
lens unit 2186 of the eyeglasses 2181 is provided with a right lens
2110 and a left lens 2114 originally intended for eyeglasses, and
functions as ordinary eyeglasses. Furthermore, when the short-range
communication unit 1787 receives 3D image information from the
mobile telephone 1401, the controller 1639 instructs a 3D display
drive unit 2115 to display same. The 3D display drive unit 2115, on
the basis thereof, causes a right eye image and left eye image to
be displayed on a right display unit 2118 and a left display unit
2122, respectively. These images are imaged on the retinas of the
right eye and the left eye by a right eye light-guiding optical
system 2129 and a left eye light-guiding optical system 2141, which
comprise an imaging lens, a half mirror, and other components; and
it will be possible to appreciate the 3D image in an aesthetic
sense. This 3D image is viewed in a form that is synthesized with
or superimposed on a raw image that enters the retinas from the
right lens 2110 and the left lens 2114.
Twenty-Fourth Embodiment
[0385] FIG. 37 is a diagram of the system of the twenty-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
twenty-fourth embodiment is also configured as an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and together
with the mobile telephone 1401 creates a mobile telephone system.
The incoming/outgoing-talk unit of the twenty-fourth embodiment,
although being configured as an ear-hook unit 2281 used for hearing
aids or the like, otherwise takes the configuration of a system in
common with that of the twentieth embodiment in FIG. 33; therefore,
portions that are in common have been given like reference
numerals, a description thereof being omitted unless there is a
particular need. Also similarly with respect to the twentieth
embodiment, the mobile telephone 1401 in the twenty-fourth
embodiment may in some cases have a special configuration to be
used in combination with the ear-hook unit 2281 creating an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and may in other cases be configured
as a typical mobile telephone having a short-range communication
function. In the latter case, the ear-hook unit 2281 takes on a
configuration as an accessory of the mobile telephone 1401,
similarly with respect to the twentieth embodiment.
[0386] In the twenty-fourth embodiment, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 2226 is arranged at a position coming up against the
rear part of the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of
the ear 28. As a result thereof, similarly with respect to the
twentieth embodiment, the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 2226 is transmitted to the outer side 1828 of the
cartilage of the base of the ear 28; air conduction sound is
generated from the inner wall of the external auditory meatus for
transmission to the tympanic membrane via the cartilage around the
entrance to the external auditory meatus, and a part is also
transmitted directly to the inner ear through the cartilage. The
outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28, being
close to the inner entrance of the external auditory meatus
thereof, is suitable for generating air conduction to the interior
of the external auditory meatus from the cartilage around the
entrance to the external auditory meatus and for direct conduction
to the inner ear through the cartilage. However, in the case in
which the incoming/outgoing-talk unit is configured as an ear-hook
unit 2281, as in the twenty-fourth embodiment, there is a great
degree of freedom in the arrangement of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 2226 for making contact with the outer side 1828 of
the cartilage of the base of the ear 28; therefore, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 2226 can be arranged at an optimum
position, taking into consideration the mounting layout and
vibration conduction effect for the structure of the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit. Accordingly, similarly with respect to
the twentieth embodiment, in the twenty-fourth embodiment there may
also be employed an arrangement by which the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 2226 comes up against the upper part of the outer
side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28.
[0387] The ear-hook unit 2281, similarly with respect to the case
of the eyeglasses 1881 in the twentieth embodiment, is provided
with an outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723, a controller 1739, a
short-range communication unit 1787, an incoming/outgoing-talk
operation unit 1709, and an ear pushing detection unit 1888, the
associated functions being consistent therewith and an attendant
description accordingly being omitted. In the case of the ear-hook
unit 2281 of the twenty-fourth embodiment, the outgoing-talk unit
(microphone) 1723 is arranged frontwardly with respect to the
ear.
Twenty-Fifth Embodiment
[0388] FIG. 38 is block diagram of the twenty-fifth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The twenty-fifth
embodiment is consistent with the twentieth to twenty-third
embodiments in that the cartilage conduction vibration units 2324
and 2326 are arranged at the ear-fitting parts of the temples of an
eyeglasses-type device and in that the vibration is transmitted to
the outer side of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28; however,
this embodiment is configured not as an incoming/outgoing-talk unit
of a mobile telephone but rather as 3D television viewing
eyeglasses 2381, and together with a 3D television 2301 creates a
3D television viewing system. The twenty-fifth embodiment makes it
possible to experience stereo audio information; the vibration of a
right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 arranged at the
right temple unit 2382 is transmitted to the outer side of the
cartilage of the base of the right ear via a contact unit 2363, and
causes the cartilage around the entrance to the external auditory
meatus to vibrate, air conduction sound that is thereby generated
from the wall inside the external auditory meatus being transmitted
to the right tympanic drum, and a part of the cartilage conduction
being transmitted directly to the inner ear through the cartilage.
Similarly, the vibration of a left-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 2326 arranged at the left temple unit 2384 is
transmitted to the outer side of the cartilage of the base of the
left ear via a contact unit 2364, and causes the cartilage around
the entrance to the external auditory meatus to vibrate, whereby
air conduction sound that is generated from the wall inside the
external auditory meatus is transmitted to the left tympanic drum,
and a part of the cartilage conduction is transmitted directly to
the inner ear through the cartilage.
[0389] The viewing eyeglasses 2381 are configured to be wearable
over ordinary eyeglasses by any person wearing the same; in this
case, the vibrations of the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 2324 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 2326 are respectively transmitted to the cartilage of the base
of the left and right ears, which are in direct contact therewith
via the contact units 2363 and 2364, and are also respectively
transmitted to the ear-hook units of the left and right temples of
the ordinary eyeglasses and indirectly transmitted to the cartilage
of the base of the ear via the ear-hook units. The contact units
2363 and 2364 are configured in a shape such that cartilage
conduction appropriate for the cartilage of the base of the ear is
generated, both in a case in which a person without eyeglasses
wears the viewing eyeglasses 2381 and in a case in which they are
worn over ordinary eyeglasses. A description thereof will be
provided further below.
[0390] The 3D television 2301 generates an audio signal from a
stereo audio signal unit 2331 on the basis of the control of the
controller 2339; an infrared communication unit 2346 transmits this
audio signal to an infrared communication unit 2387 of the viewing
eyeglasses 2381 using infrared rays 2385. The controller 2339 of
the viewing eyeglasses 2381 outputs a left and a right audio signal
from a right audio drive unit 2335 and a left audio drive unit 2336
on the basis of the received audio signal, and causes the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326 to vibrate. The
aforementioned infrared communication unit 2387, the controller
2339, the right audio drive unit 2335, the left audio drive unit
2336, as well as a shutter drive unit 2357, a right shutter 2358
and a left shutter 2359 (to be described later), together with a
power supply unit 2348, are arranged on an eyeglasses primary unit
2386.
[0391] On the other hand, the 3D television 2301 sends a video
signal of a video signal unit 2333 to a display driver 2341 on the
basis of the control of the controller 2339, and displays a 3D
image on a 3D screen 2305 comprising a liquid crystal display unit
or the like. The controller 2339 further synchronizes with the 3D
image display to generate a synchronization signal from a 3D
shutter synchronization signal unit 2350, and the infrared
communication unit 2346 transmits this synchronization signal to
the infrared communication unit 2387 of the viewing eyeglasses 2381
using the infrared rays 2385. The controller 2339 of the viewing
eyeglasses 2381 controls the shutter drive unit 2357 on the basis
of the received synchronization signal, and opens the right shutter
2358 and the left shutter 2359 in alternation. A right eye image
2360 and a left eye image 2362, which are displayed in alternation
on the 3D screen 2305, are thereby made to be incident on the right
eye and the left eye in synchronization. In the twenty-fifth
embodiment, the stereo audio signal for driving the cartilage
conduction vibration unit and the 3D shutter synchronization signal
are thus transmitted by the infrared communication between the
infrared communication units 2346 and 2387. These two signals are
sent in parallel by either time division or by synthesis. The
communication therebetween is not to be limited to communication by
infrared rays, but rather may be achieved using short-range
wireless communication, as in other embodiments.
[0392] FIGS. 39A and 39B are cross-sectional views of the elements
of the aforementioned twenty-fifth embodiment; the cross-section of
the right temple unit 2382 is illustrated in a state in which the
viewing eyeglasses 2381 have been worn since the ordinary
eyeglasses were put on. FIG. 39A is a cross-section of the right
temple unit 2382 relating to the twenty-fifth embodiment, and FIG.
39B illustrates a cross-section of a modification example thereof.
First, a description of FIG. 39A shall be provided. A contact unit
2363 is provided to the portion of the bottom of the right temple
unit 2382 that is worn on the ear 28. This contact unit 2363
comprises an elastic body having an acoustic impedance
approximating that of ear cartilage, and the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 is held in the right
temple unit 2382 configured so as to be enveloped therein. The
cross-section of the contact unit 2363, as is clear from FIG. 39A,
is provided with a groove into which the ear-hook unit 2300 of the
ordinary eyeglasses is to be fitted. The right temple unit 2382 of
the viewing eyeglasses 2381 achieves reliable contact with the
ear-hook unit 2300 of the temple of the ordinary eyeglasses, and
the elasticity of the contact unit 2363 prevents the contacted
portions of the right temple unit 2382 and the ear-hook unit 2300
from buzzing due to vibration. In the state of FIG. 39A, the
vibration of the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324
is transmitted to the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base
of the right ear 28, in direct contact therewith via the contact
unit 2363, and is also transmitted to the ear-hook unit 2300 of the
right temple of the ordinary eyeglasses, and indirectly transmitted
to the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28
via this ear-hook unit 2300.
[0393] On the other hand, in a case in which a person without
eyeglasses wears the viewing eyeglasses 2381 directly, the entire
contact unit 2363 is in direct contact with the outer side 1828 of
the cartilage of the base of the right ear 28, and transmits the
vibration of the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324
thereto. The outer side of the contact unit 2363 is beveled, and
therefore the right temple unit 2382 will fit to the ear 28 without
discomfort even in this case.
[0394] Next, in a modification example in FIG. 39B, as is clear
from the cross-sectional view thereof, a contact unit 2363 is
provided to the portion of the bottom of the right temple unit 2382
that is worn on the ear 28, similarly with respect to FIG. 39A.
Also similarly with respect to FIG. 39A, the contact unit 2363
comprises an elastic body having an acoustic impedance
approximating that of ear cartilage, and the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 is held at the right
temple unit 2382 configured so as to be enveloped therein. As is
clear from FIG. 39B, the cross-sectional shape of the contact unit
2363 is different in the modification example, a concave slope
being provided instead of the groove; the right temple unit 2382 of
the viewing eyeglasses 2381 thereby achieves reliable contact with
the outer side of the ear-fitting part 2300 of the temple of the
ordinary eyeglasses so as to be hooked on the ear 28, and the
elasticity of the contact unit 2363 prevents the contact portions
of the right temple unit 2382 and the ear-hook unit 2300 from
buzzing due to vibration. In the state of FIG. 39B, the vibration
of the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 is
transmitted to the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of
the right ear 28, in direct contact therewith via the contact unit
2363, and is also transmitted to the ear-hook unit 2300 of the
right temple of the ordinary eyeglasses, and indirectly transmitted
to the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28
via this ear-hook unit 2300.
[0395] On the other hand, in a case in which a person without
eyeglasses wears the viewing eyeglasses 2381, the entire contact
unit 2363 is in direct contact with the outer side 1828 of the
cartilage of the base of the right ear 28, and transmits the
vibration of the right ear conduction vibration unit 2324 thereto.
The outer side of the contact unit 2363 is also beveled in the case
of the modification example in FIG. 39B; the right temple unit 2382
is fitted to the ear 28 without discomfort even in a case in which
the viewing eyeglasses 2381 are worn directly. As is clear from
FIG. 39B, it is the contact with the ear cartilage of the bottom or
the outer side of the temple of the eyeglasses that is essential in
cartilage conduction, and not with the facial cartilage at the
inner side of the temple of the eyeglasses; the shape of the
contact unit is determined to meet this purpose.
[0396] As described above, in the twentieth to twenty-fifth
embodiments, the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
unit 2324 is transmitted to the outer side of the cartilage of the
base of the ear. This causes the cartilage around the entrance to
the external auditory meatus to vibrate, whereby air conduction
sound that is generated from the wall inside the external auditory
meatus is transmitted to the tympanic membrane, and a part of the
cartilage conduction is directly transmitted to the right inner ear
through the cartilage. Favorable conduction by contact with the
outer side of the ear cartilage can accordingly be achieved merely
by wearing the eyeglasses in an ordinary state. By contrast, in a
case using conventional bone conduction, the bone at the front or
the rear of the ear must be tightly tucked in by the portion of the
inner side of the temple of the eyeglasses, which results in pain
and renders long-term usage unbearable. The present invention does
not have such a problem, it being possible to listen comfortably to
audio information while experiencing a sensation similar to that of
ordinary eyeglasses.
[0397] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be restricted to individual embodiments, but
rather can be substituted or combined with other appropriate
embodiments. For example, in the description of the twenty-first
embodiment in FIG. 34, the ear-hook unit of the other temple is
covered with a dummy cover, but the configuration of FIG. 34 can be
prepared as a pair; when the ear-hook units of the left and right
temples are made to be each covered, it becomes possible to listen
to stereo audio signals as in the twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG.
38. The two ear-hook units can also be connected by wireless
connection at this time, but a connection by the dual-use
glass-cord cable as in the twenty-second embodiment of FIG. 35 is
also possible. Regarding the feature of the glass cord, a link
between the configuration of FIG. 34 and the dummy cover in the
twenty-first embodiment may be made with a glass cord, thus
preventing misplacement. Regarding the aforementioned feature of
achieving a stereo effect, when the twenty-third embodiment of FIG.
36 is also configured such that the constituent elements are not
divided into left and right similarly with respect to the
description above, but rather two sets of the required constituent
elements are prepared and each is positioned at the left and right
temple units, it becomes possible not only to make an image into 3D
but also to listen to stereo audio signals, as in the twenty-fifth
embodiment of FIG. 38. Referring to the twenty-fifth embodiment, a
part the left-right configuration at this time can be shared as
appropriate (for example, at least the controller and the power
supply).
[0398] In the aforementioned embodiments, the effects of the
present invention have been described by way of example using a
mobile telephone and an incoming/outgoing-talk unit thereof or 3D
video viewing eyeglasses. However, the advantages of the present
invention are not to be limited thereto; the invention can be
implemented in other applications. For example, the various
features of the present invention described above would also be
effective when implemented in a hearing aid.
[0399] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be limited to the individual embodiments; rather,
wherever it is possible to benefit from the feature of an
embodiment, same may be variously implemented in an embodiment in
which the feature has been modified. For example, FIG. 40 is a
perspective view illustrating a modification example of the tenth
embodiment in FIG. 19. In this modification example as well,
similarly with respect to FIG. 19, the cartilage conduction
vibration source 925, which comprises a piezoelectric bimorph
element or the like, serves as the cartilage conduction vibration
source, while also taking the role of a drive source of the
incoming-talk unit for generating sound waves that are transmitted
to the tympanic membrane by air conduction. However, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 stretches to the side of the mobile
telephone 901 in the modification example of FIG. 40, the right end
224 and left end 226 thereof being made to vibrate. Sound can
accordingly be heard by cartilage conduction due to either one
thereof being caused to contact the tragus, similarly with respect
to the nineteenth embodiment. The cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 vibrates as a whole, rather than vibrating at only the
right end 224 and left end 226 thereof. Audio information can
accordingly be transmitted regardless of where on the top inner
edge of the mobile telephone 901 contact with the ear cartilage is
made, similarly with respect to FIG. 19. Also, a point of
similarity with FIG. 19 lies in that the cartilage conduction
output unit 963, which is made of a material having an acoustic
impedance approximating that of ear cartilage, is arranged
frontwardly with respect to the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925.
[0400] The following is a possible modification example for the
twenty-third embodiment of FIG. 36. Namely, the outgoing-talk unit
(microphone) 1723 in the twenty-third embodiment is an ordinary air
conduction microphone, but when the outgoing-talk unit (microphone)
1723 is instead a bone conduction microphone (a microphone or
pickup of the bone conduction contact type), it becomes possible to
selectively pick up the audio of the speaking party without picking
up any undesired sound when in the presence of noise. It further
becomes possible to speak in an undertone that will not disturb the
surroundings. It is natural that the temples of eyeglasses are
generally in contact with the bone at the front of the ear (the
zygomatic arch, or a part of the temporal bone on the zygomatic
arch) or the bone at the rear of the ear (the mastoid process of
the temporal bone). Accordingly, calling on FIG. 36, arranging the
outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723, which is constituted of a
microphone of the bone conduction contact type, at the contact unit
with the aforementioned bones in the left temple unit 2184 of the
eyeglasses makes it possible to pick up the audio of the speaking
party by bone conduction. Dividing the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1826 and the outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1723,
constituted of a microphone of the bone conduction contact type, to
the left and right temple units 2182 and 2184, as in FIG. 36, makes
it possible to prevent the microphone of the bone conduction
contact type from picking up the vibration from the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1826.
[0401] In the twenty-third embodiment of FIG. 36 or a modification
example as described above, it is also possible to omit the
configuration related to 3D display from the lens unit 2186 and to
make an ordinary eyeglasses configuration with only the right lens
2110 and left lens 2114.
[0402] On the other hand, the following is another possible
modification example, for the twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 38.
Specifically, since the twenty-fifth embodiment is configured as
the viewing eyeglasses 2381, the sound source of the stereo audio
information resides in the 3D television 2301, and the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326 are made to vibrate on the
basis of the audio signal received by the infrared communication
unit 2387. However, when the configuration is instead such that a
stereo audio signal unit serving as the sound signal source unit of
the stereo audio information, and an audio memory for providing
data thereto, are housed in the eyeglasses primary unit 2386 or one
of the right temple unit 2382 and the left temple unit 2384 of FIG.
38, or are divided and then housed in both, then the present
invention can be configured as an independent portable music
player. Calling on FIG. 38 to facilitate understanding of the
configuration of such a modification example, the aforementioned
stereo audio signal unit and audio memory for providing data
thereto are to be included in the controller 2339. In the case of
this modification example, there is no need for a link with the 3D
television 2301; therefore, instead of the right shutter 2358, the
left shutter 2359, and the shutter drive unit 2357 in FIG. 38, a
right lens and left lens of ordinary eyeglasses such as in the
twenty-third embodiment of FIG. 36 are arranged on the eyeglasses
primary unit 2386.
[0403] In the case of the above-described modification example in
which the right lens and left lens are arranged at the eyeglasses
primary unit 2386 to make ordinary eyeglasses, the controller, the
audio drive unit, the infrared communication units, the power
supply unit, and the other respective constituent elements arranged
at the eyeglasses primary unit 2386 in FIG. 38 may be divided and
arranged at the right temple unit and the left temple unit as
appropriate, as in the twenty-third embodiment of FIG. 36, thereby
preventing any increase in the size of the eyeglasses primary unit
2386. The infrared communication unit 2387 in the modification
example is responsible for functions such as inputting sound source
data from a PC or other external sound source data holding device.
Using a handheld remote control or the like, the infrared
communication unit 2387 can be made to function as a wireless
communication unit for adjusting the volume from the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326, or for adjusting the
balance of the left and right vibration output. It is furthermore
possible to receive the audio information of a mobile telephone
when the portable music player is linked to the mobile telephone.
In such a case, when the portable music player is provided with an
air conduction microphone or a bone conduction microphone, the
portable music player can be made to function as a device of the
mobile telephone used for incoming talk or outgoing talk made with
an external party.
[0404] The above-described innovative arrangement of the
constituent elements to the eyeglasses primary unit 2386 and to the
right temple unit 2382 and left temple unit 2384 is not to be
limited to the aforementioned modification example. For example,
the controller 2339, the infrared communication unit 2387, the
power supply unit 2348, the right audio drive unit 2335, and the
left audio drive unit 2336 may also be divided and arranged in the
right temple unit 2382 and the left temple unit 2384 as appropriate
in the case of the actual viewing eyeglasses 2381 in the
twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 38.
Twenty-Sixth Embodiment
[0405] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the twenty-sixth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a mobile telephone. A mobile telephone 2401 of the twenty-sixth
embodiment, similarly with respect to that of the modification
example of the tenth embodiment depicted in FIG. 40, is an
integrated type with no moving parts, and is configured as a
"smartphone", which has the large-screen display unit 205 provided
with GUI functions. There is much in common with the structure
thereof, and so corresponding portions have been given like
reference numerals as in FIG. 40, and a description has been
omitted. Similarly with respect to the tenth embodiment and the
modification example thereof, "upper part" in the twenty-sixth
embodiment also does not signify a separated upper part but rather
signifies the portion at the top of the integrated structure.
[0406] A point of difference in the twenty-sixth embodiment from
the modification example of the tenth embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 40 lies in that the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 925 has a dual purpose as a vibration source for
creating a feedback sensation for a touch operation in the touch
panel function of the large-screen display unit 205. More
specifically, a vibration isolation material 2465 made of a vinyl
system, a urethane system, or another system is provided between
the cartilage conduction vibration source 925 and the configuration
located therebelow (the large-screen display unit 205), the
configuration being such that an audio signal from the cartilage
conduction is prevented from being likely to be transmitted to the
large-screen display unit 205 or the like, due to the difference in
acoustic impedance or the like. On the other hand, when the
large-screen display unit 205 is touched and any type of input from
the touch panel function thereof is thereby accepted, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 is made to vibrate at a low
frequency at or below the audible range, in order to provide
feedback to the finger that has touched the same. The vibration
frequency is selected to be a frequency that substantially matches
the resonance frequency of the vibration isolation material 2465;
therefore, the vibration isolation material 2465 resonates due to
the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 925,
which vibration is then transmitted to the large-screen display
unit 205. The vibration isolation material 2465, which prevents
vibration in the audio region, thus functions as a vibration
transmission material for low-frequency vibration for feedback.
Low-frequency vibration can thereby be transmitted to the finger
that touched the large-screen display unit 205, and it can be known
that the touch input has been accepted. To prevent conflation of
the impact of the touch operation itself with the feedback
vibration in response thereto, the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 is provided with a predetermined delay from the moment
of touch, and is made to provide the feedback vibration after the
touch impact has settled.
[0407] The twenty-sixth embodiment is provided with an operation
button 2461, which is used for operations such as turning the touch
panel function of the large-screen display unit 205 on and off.
Also, for the sake of simplifying the drawings, the configuration
of the twenty-sixth embodiment omits the cartilage conduction
output unit 963, which has been provided to the modification
example of the tenth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 40; however,
same can be provided as desired.
[0408] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of the twenty-sixth embodiment;
identical portions have been given like reference numerals to those
in FIG. 41, and a description thereof has been omitted. The
configuration of the block diagram in FIG. 42 has many points in
common with the block diagram of the fourth embodiment in FIG. 8,
and can call on the configuration of the conceptual block diagram
of the elements in FIG. 9; therefore, parts of the configuration in
common with FIG. 8 have been given like reference numerals and a
description thereof has been omitted.
[0409] The large-screen display unit 205 of FIG. 42 is illustrated
as having a touch panel 2468, and a touch panel driver 2470, which
is controlled by a controller 2439 and drives the touch panel 2465;
however, this is not specific to the twenty-sixth embodiment, but
rather is shared with other embodiments in which the large-screen
display unit 205 has a touch panel function, and has merely been
omitted from the diagrams of the other embodiments in order to
avoid complication. FIG. 42 illustrates vibration isolation
materials 2465 respectively for the portions of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 and the touch panel 2468, but this
has been described in such a manner merely because of the space
limitations of the block diagram. The vibration isolation material
2465 is the same, and the description does not mean that it is
separated and provided to respective positions on the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 and the touch panel 2468. In other
words, the intended illustration in FIG. 42 is that the vibration
isolation material 2465 resonates due to the low-frequency
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 925, which
vibration is transmitted to the touch panel 2468.
[0410] As illustrated in FIG. 42, the twenty-sixth embodiment is
provided with a low-frequency source 2466 for generating a drive
signal of a frequency that substantially matches the resonance
frequency of the vibration isolation material 2465; the controller
2439 instructs that a low frequency be outputted from the
low-frequency source 2466 after a predetermined delay has elapsed
from when the touch panel driver 2470 senses the touch of a finger
and accepts the input. The phase adjustment mixer unit 2436 drives
the cartilage conduction vibration source 925 on the basis of a
signal from the telephone function unit 45 in a call state;
however, the signal from the telephone function unit 45 being
blocked during a non-call operation state in which the touch panel
2468 is operated, the cartilage conduction vibration source 925 is
instead driven on the basis of a signal from the low frequency
source 2466. However, in a call state, the phase unit adjustment
mixer unit 2436 blocks the signal from the low frequency source
2466.
[0411] The function of the controller 2439 of FIG. 42 in the
twenty-sixth embodiment calls on the flow chart of the fourth
embodiment in FIG. 10. Also, the dual purpose of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 as a touch operation feedback
sensation vibration source, which is a feature of the twenty-sixth
embodiment, can be understood as a detailed function of step S42 in
FIG. 10.
[0412] As described above, FIG. 43 serves to provide a detailed
illustration of step S42 in FIG. 10; when the flow starts, step
S222 first has a check for whether a non-call operation has been
performed. This step is similar to step S6 in the first embodiment
of FIG. 4, and is a check for the presence or absence of an e-mail
operation and/or Internet operation, as well as other operations in
which radio operations are not used, such as various settings and
also downloaded games, and other non-call operations. Then, when
there has been such an operation, the flow proceeds to step S224,
in which there is performed a check for whether or not the touch
panel 2468 is in a non-sensing state. When a non-sensing state is
not in effect, the cartilage conduction vibration unit, including
the cartilage conduction vibration source 925, is turned on in step
S226. On the other hand, in a case in which it is detected in step
S224 that the touch panel 2468 is in a non-sensing state, a
non-call operation signifies one by the operation button 2461, and
the flow therefore moves on to step S228, in which there is button
setting processing corresponding to the operation. Subsequently, in
step S230, there is performed a check for whether the touch panel
2468 has been set to be activated by the button operation; when
this is true, the flow moves on to step S226. However, in either a
case in which there is no detection in step S222 of a non-call
operation, or a case in which there is no detection in step S230 of
a setting to activate the touch panel 2468, the flow is immediately
terminated.
[0413] When the cartilage conduction vibration unit is turned on in
step S226, the flow proceeds to step S232, in which the phase
adjustment mixer unit 2436 is controlled to sever the output from
the telephone function unit 45; in step S234, the output of the low
frequency source 2466 is connected to the cartilage conduction
vibration source 925, and the flow arrives at step S236. In step
S236 there is a check for the presence or absence of a touch panel
operation; when there is a touch panel operation, the flow proceeds
to step S238, and there is response processing in accordance with
the operation. The flow then proceeds to step S240, in which a
predetermined period of delay (for example, 0.1 seconds) is allowed
to pass, and the flow moves on to step S242. In step S242, a low
frequency is outputted from the low frequency source 2466 for a
predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds), and the
operation sensation is fed back to the finger with which the
operation is performed; the flow then proceeds to step S244.
[0414] In step S244, there is performed a check for whether the
touch panel 2468 has been in an operation-less state for a
predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds) or longer
after the latest touch panel operation; when this is not true, the
flow returns to step S236. Afterwards, steps S236 to S244 are
repeated as long as the touch panel 2468 is continuously operated
for a predetermined period of time; the touch panel input and the
operation sensation feedback by the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 are continued.
[0415] On the other hand, when there is a detection in step S244
that the touch panel 2468 has remained in an operation-less state
for the predetermined period of time or longer, the flow moves on
to step S246, in which the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
turned off; in step S248, the phase adjustment mixer unit 2436 is
further controlled and the output from the telephone function unit
45 is connected to the cartilage conduction vibration source 925;
and in step S250, the output of the low frequency source 2466 is
severed, the flow then terminating for the time being. The flow
thereafter being executed in accordance with FIG. 10, when no call
is detected in step S44 of FIG. 10, the flow immediately moves to
step S34; when the primary power supply is not off, the flow then
returns to step S42; therefore, the flow in FIG. 43 is resumed.
There is accordingly a swift return to step S236 whenever the
operation of the touch panel lasts for the predetermined period of
time and the flow in FIG. 43 from step S244 terminates, and the
touch panel input and the operation sensation feedback by the
cartilage conduction vibration source 925 can be continued.
[0416] The implementation of the present invention is not to be
limited to the aforementioned embodiments; various modifications
are possible. For example, the vibration isolation material 2465 in
the twenty-sixth embodiment is not limited to a material having a
band-pass filter function for transmitting the vibration of the
resonance frequency, and may be a material having a low-pass filter
function for blocking the vibration from the telephone function
unit 45 at or above a predetermined frequency, which is in the
audio signal region, and for transmitting the vibration of the low
frequency source 2466 for the touch operation feedback, which is in
a lower frequency region.
Twenty-Seventh Embodiment
[0417] The following calls on FIGS. 41 to 43 in the twenty-sixth
embodiment to provide a description of the twenty-seventh
embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the "touch panel
2468" in FIG. 42 is to be read as a "motion sensor 2468," and the
"touch panel driver 2470" is to be read as a "motion sensor driver
2470." The twenty-seventh embodiment, as with the twenty-sixth
embodiment, is configured such that, in a case in which the
cartilage conduction vibration source 925 has a dual purpose for a
touch operation in the GUI function of the large-screen display
unit 205, a configuration is presented in that the cartilage
conduction vibration source, rather than merely being utilized as a
low frequency output element for touch sensation feedback, is
additionally used as an impact input element for detecting a touch
on the mobile telephone 2401. For this purpose, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 925 in the twenty-seventh embodiment is
constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element. The specific
configuration for the dual purpose of the piezoelectric bimorph
element as an impact input element can be configured calling on the
block diagram of the fourth embodiment described in FIG. 9 and on
the flow chart of the eighteenth embodiment described in FIG.
31.
[0418] More specifically, the GUI function of the large-screen
display unit 205 in the twenty-seventh embodiment, as mentioned
above, is configured to make use not of a contact-type touch panel,
but rather of a motion sensor 2468 for contactless detection of the
motion of a finger in the vicinity of the large-screen display unit
205. The impact detection function of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 925, which comprises a piezoelectric bimorph
element, is used as an impact sensor for detecting the touch of a
finger (corresponding to the "click" of a mouse or the like) for
determining a function that is selected without contact. As a more
specific example, scrolling and the selecting of an icon on the
large-screen display unit 205 are conducted by the detection of the
contactless motion of a finger, and the touch impact on the mobile
telephone 2401 corresponding to a "click" operation is detected by
the dual purpose of the piezoelectric bimorph element, whereby an
operation of "CONFIRM" or "ENTER" is performed. The touch at this
time is not on the large-screen display unit 205 but rather may be
at any desired place on the outer wall of the mobile telephone, and
therefore a "click" operation can be performed without leaving a
fingerprint on the large-screen display unit 205.
[0419] The vibration isolation material 2465 in the twenty-seventh
embodiment, which calls on FIG. 41, blocks the vibration from the
telephone function unit 45 in the audio signal region, and
transmits the transmittable components of the impact vibration in
the band-pass filter region or low-pass filter region to the
cartilage conduction vibration source 925, which comprises a
piezoelectric bimorph. A point in common with the twenty-sixth
embodiment lies in that after the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 detects the touch impact of a finger, a low frequency is
generated from the low frequency source 2466 after a predetermined
period of delay has passed, and the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 is made to vibrate, providing feedback to the finger
that performed the touch. Then, in such a case, there is a need to
switch the piezoelectric bimorph element to function as an input
element and function as an output element, but this switch can be
performed utilizing the aforementioned period of delay.
[0420] The implementation of the present invention is not to be
limited to the aforementioned embodiments; various modification
examples are possible. For example, instead of the impact detection
function of the piezoelectric bimorph element, the acceleration
sensor 49 in FIG. 42 may be used for detecting the click impact in
the contactless-type motion sensor as in the twenty-seventh
embodiment. Both the function of the acceleration sensor 49 and the
impact detection function of the piezoelectric bimorph element may
also be used in combination as appropriate.
[0421] The dual purpose of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 as a low frequency vibration source, which is a feature
of the twenty-sixth embodiment and the twenty-seventh embodiment,
is also not limited to the purpose of providing touch sensation
feedback to a finger, but rather can also have the purpose of a
dual use as a vibrator for providing a noiseless notification of an
incoming call to the mobile telephone 2401. In such a case, as
shall be apparent, the introduction of the vibration signal of the
low frequency source 2466 to the cartilage conduction vibration
source 925 is not a touch detection but rather a response to an
incoming call signal, at which time a delay is unnecessary. The
introduction of the vibration signal is repeated continuously
(interspersed, for example, by an interval of 0.5 second in which
vibration is stopped) for a comparatively long period of time (for
example, 2 seconds).
[0422] Each of the various features indicated in each of the
embodiments described above is not necessarily specific to an
individual embodiment; the features of each of the embodiments can
be combined or rearranged with the features of other embodiments as
appropriate, wherever it is possible to make use of the advantages
thereof. For example, it is possible to combine the aforementioned
eyeglasses-type stereo portable music player described as a
modification example of the twenty-fifth embodiment in FIG. 38, as
an external incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone
provided with such features as in the twenty-sixth embodiment or
the twenty-seventh embodiment. In such a case, stereo playback from
a sound source housed in the music player can be enjoyed, and also
audio signals can be received from the sound source of the mobile
telephone to enjoy stereo playback. A hands-free call with the
mobile telephone can then be made using an air conduction
microphone or bone conduction microphone housed in the
eyeglasses-type portable music player.
Twenty-Eighth Embodiment
[0423] FIGS. 44A and 44B relate to the twenty-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 44A is a
perspective view illustrating a part of the upper end side thereof,
and FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 44A. The twenty-eighth embodiment is
configured as a mobile telephone 2501, and is similar to the fourth
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7; the vibration of a cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is transmitted to a vibration
conductor 2527, the two end parts thereof being in respective
contact with the right tragus and the left tragus, whereby sound
can be listened to by cartilage conduction. Accordingly, the "upper
part" in the twenty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 44A and 44B do not
signify a separated upper part but rather signifies the portion at
the top of the integrated structure.
[0424] A point of difference in the twenty-eighth embodiment of
FIGS. 44A and 44B from the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7
lies in the holding structure for holding the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 and the vibration conductor 2527 in the
mobile telephone 2501. For the configuration for inputting an audio
signal into the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 and the
like there can be appropriately used the configuration according to
the first to twenty-seventh embodiments, and therefore an
illustration and description thereof has been omitted. The
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 of the twenty-eighth
embodiment is configured as a piezoelectric bimorph element (and is
hereinafter referred to as the "piezoelectric bimorph element
2525"), but, as in FIG. 44B, the structure piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is one in which piezoelectric ceramic sheets 2598,
2599 are respectively bonded to the two sides of a metal sheet
2597, the circumference thereof being hardened using a resin.
Vibration in this structure goes in the Y-Y' direction illustrated
in FIG. 44B. Accordingly, the resin surface of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 has a larger Y-Y' direction component of
vibration, and a smaller X-X' direction component of vibration.
[0425] Assuming the above-described structure for the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525, the holding structure of the twenty-eighth
embodiment is such that, as is clear from the cross-sectional view
of FIG. 44B, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is sandwiched
from the X-X' direction, which has a smaller vibration component,
by a holding body 2516. The holding body 2516 and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 are joined using a bonding agent, and the
holding body 2516 is rigidly coupled to the mobile telephone 2501.
On the other hand, regarding the Y-Y' direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, a gap 2504 is provided in FIG.
44B in between the holding body 2516 and the inner surface side
serving as the right side; vibration is unrestrictedly permitted in
the Y-Y' direction in the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, and
the vibration component therein is less likely to be transmitted to
the holding body 2516. A bonding agent is also used to join the
vibration conductor 2527 rigidly to the outer surface side serving
as the left side in FIG. 44B in the Y-Y' direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. The mobile telephone 2501 also
has an opening part 2501a for exposing the vibration conductor
2527. Then, the vibration isolation material 2565 comprising an
elastic body based on vinyl, urethane, or another substance is used
to fill in the space between the vibration conductor 2527 and the
holding body 2516, and the opening part 2501a of the mobile
telephone 2501. Vibration is unrestrictedly permitted in the Y-Y'
direction of the vibration conductor 2527, and the vibration
component of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is less likely
to be transmitted to the holding body 2516 and the mobile telephone
2501. In the description above, the gap 2504 may also be configured
so as to be filled in by an elastic body similar to the vibration
isolation material 2565.
[0426] Due to the holding structure as described above, the force
of the hand holding the mobile telephone 2501 is rigidly applied to
the vibration conductor 2527, whereby the contact with the right
tragus or left tragus and the pressure thereof can be easily
controlled. Because the structure is such that vibration is
unrestrictedly permitted in the Y-Y' direction of the vibration
conductor 2527, the vibration conductor 2527 vibrates efficiently
and the vibration thereof is transmitted to the cartilage of the
ear; also, the vibration of the vibration conductor 2527 can be
effectively prevented from being transmitted to the mobile
telephone 2501 and generating unneeded air conduction.
[0427] FIGS. 45A and 45B are a cross-sectional views relating to
modification examples of the twenty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 44A
and 44B. FIG. 45A is a cross-sectional view of a first modification
example, and is illustrated in conformity with FIG. 44B, portions
in common being given like reference numerals. Similarly, FIG. 45B
illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second modification
example. In the first modification example, illustrated by FIG.
45A, the gap 2504 is stretched over the entire space between the
holding body 2516 and the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, and
an auxiliary holding unit 2506 for holding the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 between the two from the X-X' direction is
provided. The rigid material of the auxiliary holding unit 2506 is
selected to have a different acoustic impedance from either both of
or at least one of the holding body 2516 and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525. The auxiliary holding unit 2506 may be an
elastic body provided that there is no problem in terms of holding
force. The auxiliary holding unit 2506 is configured to be arranged
at the center part to avoid the vibration surface of the Y-Y'
direction in the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525; therefore,
even with an integrated molding of the same material, as a part of
the holding body 2516, there is a more pronounced effect relative
to FIG. 44(B) in permitting vibration in the Y-Y' direction in the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and in reducing the transmission
of vibration to the mobile telephone 2501.
[0428] The second modification example of FIG. 45B also takes a
configuration in which the gap 2504 is spread over the entire space
between the holding body 2516 and the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525; however, a plurality of screws 2508 provided to important
points in the middle part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
are used to sandwich the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from
the X-X' direction. The screws 2508 are threaded such that the
sharp tips thereof are slightly wedged into the surface of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, ensuring the holding of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525.
[0429] FIGS. 46A and 46B are cross-sectional views relating to yet
further modification examples of the twenty-eighth embodiment of
FIGS. 44A and 44B. FIG. 46A is a cross-sectional view of a third
modification example, and, similarly with respect to FIGS. 45A and
45B are, illustrated in conformity with FIG. 44B, shared portions
being given shared reference numerals. Similarly, FIG. 46B
illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth modification
example. In the third modification example illustrated in FIG. 46A,
the surface of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is molded
using a resin such that a concavity 2580 is formed, and a convexity
corresponding thereto is integrally molded in the holding body
2516. The engagement between these convex and concave parts ensures
that the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held by the holding
body 2516. Upon assembly, the slight elasticity of the holding body
2516 may be utilized for fitting of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525; alternatively, the configuration may be such that the
holding body 2516 is constituted as two divided bodies, and after
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is sandwiched therebetween,
same are integrally screwed together.
[0430] In the fourth modification example illustrated by FIG. 46B,
the surface of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is molded
with a resin such that a convexity 2590 is formed, and a concavity
corresponding thereto is integrally molded in the holding body
2516. Then, similarly with respect to FIG. 46A, the engagement of
these convex and concave parts ensures the holding of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 by the holding body 2516. Upon
assembly, similarly with respect to FIG. 46A, the configuration may
be such that the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 may be fitted
using the slight elasticity of the holding body 2516, or such that
the holding body 2516 is constituted as two divided bodies, and
after the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is sandwiched
therebetween, the same are integrally screwed together.
Twenty-Ninth Embodiment
[0431] FIGS. 47A and 47B relate to the twenty-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 47A is a
perspective view illustrating a part of the upper end side thereof,
and FIG. 47B is a perspective view illustrating a part of the upper
end side in a modification example thereof. The twenty-ninth
embodiment has a holding structure that is substantially the same
as that of the twenty-eighth embodiment in FIGS. 44A and 44B, but
has a different configuration, in which the vibration conductor in
contact with the right tragus or the left tragus is exposed to the
surface of the mobile telephone from openings 2501b and 2501c
provided to the outer wall of the mobile telephone 2501. Portions
in common with FIGS. 44A and 44B are accordingly given the same
reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. The
following provides only a description of the disparities relative
to the twenty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 44A and 44B. The
twenty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 44A and 44B are configured such
that the vibration conductor 2527 is exposed in a strip on the
entire upper end part of the mobile telephone 2501, both end parts
thereof being in contact with the right tragus and left tragus
respectively and also being capable of being in contact with the
ear cartilage over a broad surface area. By contrast, the
twenty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 47A is configured such that the
vibration conductor is divided into a right ear vibration conductor
2524 and a left ear vibration conductor 2526, which are
respectively bonded to the two ends of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525. Then, only a portion of the separated right ear
vibration conductor 2524 and left ear vibration conductor 2526 is
made to be respectively exposed from the opening parts 2501b and
2501c of the two corner parts at the top end of the mobile
telephone 2501. For this reason, the vibration isolation material
2565 for filling in the space between the mobile telephone 2501 and
the right ear vibration conductor 2524 and left ear vibration
conductor 2526 is also provided in respective separations.
[0432] On the other hand, the modification example of the
twenty-ninth modification example illustrated by FIG. 47B is
configured such that only the left ear vibration conductor 2526 is
bonded to the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. Then, only a
portion of the left ear vibration conductor 2526 is exposed from
the opening part 2501b of the corner part at the top end of the
mobile telephone 2501. The vibration isolation material 2565 for
filling in the space between the left ear vibration conductor 2526
and the mobile telephone 2501 is provided only to the left side
corner part of the mobile telephone 2501. Also, the modification
example of the twenty-ninth embodiment illustrated by FIG. 47B,
although simplifying the configuration of FIG. 47A and being
configured for dedicated left ear usage, is also capable of being
configured such that the vibration conductor is exposed from an
opening part provided to the right corner part for a configuration
as a mobile telephone especially for right ear usage. As yet
another modification of the modification example of the
twenty-ninth embodiment illustrated by FIG. 47B, the piezoelectric
bimorph element can also be directly exposed from the opening part,
without the vibration conductor being interposed, in a case in
which the surface of the piezoelectric bimorph element is fashioned
into a shape suited for the outer surface of the mobile telephone.
Such a modification is also possible in the twenty-ninth embodiment
illustrated by FIG. 47A and in the twenty-eighth embodiment
illustrated by FIGS. 44A and 44B.
Thirtieth Embodiment
[0433] FIGS. 48A and 48B relate to the thirtieth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 48A is a
perspective view illustrating a part of the upper end side thereof,
and FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 48A. The thirtieth embodiment is configured
as a mobile telephone 2601 and is similar to the thirteenth
embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 24A and 24B and/or the fourteenth
embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 25A and 25B. The cartilage
conduction vibration unit is arranged on the side surface of the
mobile telephone. The thirtieth embodiment of FIG. 48, similarly
with respect to the twenty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 44A and 44B,
also features a holding structure for permitting vibration for ear
cartilage conduction in the piezoelectric bimorph element and for
reducing the transmission of vibration to the mobile telephone;
therefore, portions in common with the twenty-eighth embodiment
have been given like reference numerals, and a description thereof
has been omitted. Another point of similarity with the
twenty-eighth embodiment lies in the configuration for inputting an
audio signal to the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, of
which a depiction and description has been omitted.
[0434] The thirtieth embodiment of FIG. 48 is configured such that
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is fitted into the side
surface of the mobile telephone, but, as illustrated by FIG. 48B,
the interior of the fitted-in part is curved; as a result thereof,
a ridge part 2525a of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
brought into contact with the inner surface of the curved part of
the mobile telephone 2601. Due to such contact, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is positioned in the fitting-depth direction,
reinforcing the holding force relative to the direction pushing in
on the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. A crescent gap 2604 is
created in the Y-Y' direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 due to the contact structure as described above, permitting
free vibration. The piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
fundamentally held from the X-X' direction in the thirtieth
embodiment as well. For the sake of simplicity, the illustration in
FIG. 48 is such that a part of the integral structure of the mobile
telephone 2601 serves as the holding structure, but the
configuration may also be such that a structure such as the holding
body 2516 of the twenty-eighth embodiment and of the twenty-ninth
embodiment is utilized, and anchored on the mobile telephone 2601.
The structure can otherwise be understood with reference to FIGS.
44A and 44B, and therefore a description thereof has been omitted.
The various modification examples illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46
can also be applied to the thirtieth embodiment of FIG. 48.
Thirty-First Embodiment
[0435] FIGS. 49A and 49B relate to a thirty-first embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 49A is a
longitudinal sectional view illustrating a part of the upper end
side thereof. FIG. 49B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the
same portions, and can be understood to be similar to FIG. 48B. The
thirty-first embodiment is configured as a mobile telephone 2701,
and is similar to the thirtieth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 48;
the cartilage conduction vibration unit is arranged on the side
surface of the mobile telephone. The feature thereof lies in the
holding structure for permitting vibration for ear cartilage
conduction in the piezoelectric bimorph element and for reducing
the transmission of vibration to the mobile telephone; therefore,
portions in common with the thirtieth embodiment of FIG. 48 have
been given like reference numerals, and a description thereof has
been omitted. Another point of similarity with the thirtieth
embodiment lies in the configuration for inputting an audio signal
to the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 and the like, for
which a depiction and description has been omitted.
[0436] A point of difference in the thirty-first embodiment of
FIGS. 49A and 49B from the thirtieth embodiment of FIG. 48 lies in
the holding structure of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525.
The piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, similarly with respect to
the thirtieth embodiment, takes a structure in which it is fitted
into a groove in the side surface of the mobile telephone 2701, but
as is clear from the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 49A
and the transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 49B, the inner
surface of the groove becomes a corrugated surface 2794; as a
result thereof, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held by a
plurality of apices of the corrugated surface 2794, and a plurality
of gaps 2704 are created in between the two. For the sake of
simplicity, the illustration in FIGS. 49A and 49B is also such that
a part of the integral structure of the mobile telephone 2701
serves as the holding structure, but the configuration may also be
one in which there is adopted a structure such as the holding body
2516 of the twenty-eighth embodiment and of the twenty-ninth
embodiment, and same is anchored to the mobile telephone 2701. This
is also a point of similarity with modification examples to be
described later.
[0437] FIGS. 50A and 50B are longitudinal cross-sectional views
illustrating modification examples of the thirty-first embodiment,
and can be understood with reference to FIG. 49A. FIG. 50A is a
first modification example, wherein a vibration conductor 2727
(silicon, urethane, or the like) is provided to the side of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 that comes up against the ear
cartilage. FIG. 50B is a second modification example. A vibration
isolation material 2765 is interposed between the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 and the mobile telephone 2701, and the surface
at which the vibration isolation material 2765 comes up against the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 serves as the corrugated surface
2795. A modification example that combines the vibration conductor
2727 in the first modification example of FIG. 50A with the
vibration isolation material 2765 in the second modification
example of FIG. 50B is also possible.
Thirty-Second Embodiment
[0438] FIGS. 51A and 51B are perspective views of a thirty-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
thirty-second embodiment is configured as a piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 suited for use in, for example, the mobile telephone
2501 of the twenty-ninth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 47A. FIG.
51A is an external perspective view of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 of the thirty-second embodiment, and FIG. 51B is a
transparent perspective view thereof. For convenience of
illustration, FIGS. 51A and 51B have been drafted such that the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is rotated 90 degrees from the
state of FIG. 47A, where the Y-Y' direction becomes the vertical
direction.
[0439] The holding body 2516 of the twenty-ninth embodiment of FIG.
47A, similarly with respect to that of the twenty-eighth embodiment
of FIGS. 44A and 44B, sandwiches the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 from the X-X' direction illustrated in FIG. 44B; vibration in
the Y-Y' direction is unrestrictedly permitted, and the vibration
component is prevented from being transmitted to the holding body
2516. Furthermore, the holding body 2516 is configured so as to
sandwich the middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525, in which the right ear vibration conductor 2524 and the left
ear vibration conductor 2526 are respectively bonded to both
ends.
[0440] The piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 illustrated in FIGS.
51A and 51B assume a configuration permitting the holding of the
middle part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from the X-X'
direction, as described above. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG.
51A, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 of the thirty-second
embodiment is configured such that electrodes 2597a and 2598a for
inputting a drive signal are positioned at the middle portion of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. Both end portions of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are thereby released from a
wired connection, and free vibration is permitted. Moreover, the
direction in which the electrodes 2597a and 2598a project out is
configured so as to assume a direction along the Y-Y' direction of
the vibration direction. Thereby, when the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is sandwiched from the X-X'
direction, the electrodes 2597a and 2598a are not obstructive and
there is no need to provide the holding body 2516 with a special
configuration, despite the arrangement of the electrodes 2597a and
2598a at the middle portion.
[0441] To permit such an arrangement of the electrodes, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is configured, as illustrated in
FIG. 51B, such that the electrode 2597a, which is drawn out from
the middle portion of a metal sheet 2597, is curved upward at 90
degrees, and the electrodes 2598a, which are drawn out from
piezoelectric ceramic sheets 2598 and 2599, and respectively
connected to each one, are also curved upward at 90 degrees, each
projecting from the upper surface of the resin. The middle portion
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 can thereby be readily
supported sandwiched from the X-X' direction, without an electrode
projecting out to the X-X' direction.
[0442] Also, as a modification of FIGS. 51A and 51B, the
configuration can also be such that each of the electrode 2597a
that is drawn out from the middle part of the metal sheet 2597 and
the electrodes 2598a that are drawn out from the middle parts of
the piezoelectric ceramic sheets 2598 and 2599 project out from the
side surface of the resin. In such a case, to sandwich and support
the middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from
the X-X' direction, the holding body 2516 is provided with a void
for avoiding a portion that would interfere with the electrodes,
and connects a signal line; alternatively, a socket structure is
provided to the inner side of the holding body 2516 and a
connection is made with the electrodes. In such a case as well, the
holding body 2516 must be provided with a special configuration;
however, no change is needed to provide the electrodes 2597a and
2598a to the middle part, and therefore it is possible to benefit
from the advantage of releasing the two end portions of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from wired connections and
enabling free vibration.
Thirty-Third Embodiment
[0443] FIGS. 52A and 52B relate to a thirty-third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a mobile telephone 2801. FIG. 52A is a transparent perspective
view in which a part of the upper end side thereof is viewed from
the rear, and FIG. 52B is a transparent perspective view in which a
part of the upper end side in the modification example thereof is
viewed from the side surface of the opposite side. The thirty-third
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 52A has a holding structure that is
substantially similar to that of the twenty-ninth embodiment in
FIG. 47A, but has a different configuration in which a pair of
vibration conductors 2824 and 2826 that are in contact with the ear
cartilage are exposed on the surface of the mobile telephone.
[0444] Specifically, the vibration conductors 2524 and 2526 in the
twenty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 47A and 47B are directly exposed
at the upper corner parts of the mobile telephone 2501. By
contrast, in the thirty-third embodiment of FIGS. 52A and 52B,
corner parts 2801d, 2801e serve as a part of a sufficiently strong
outer wall of the mobile telephone 2801 itself, and each of the
vibration conductors 2824 and 2826 are exposed on the display
surface side of the mobile telephone 2801 in such as form as to be
guarded by the corner parts. A detailed description of this exposed
state and the significance thereof will be provided later. The
configuration is otherwise shared with that of the twenty-ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 47A and 47B; therefore, in FIGS. 52A and 52B
portions that are in common have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. The
thirty-third embodiment also serves as an example of the
implementation of the piezoelectric bimorph elements 2525
illustrated in the thirty-second embodiment, and also illustrates
the positions of the electrodes 2597a and 2598a together.
[0445] In the modification example of the thirty-third embodiment
in FIG. 52B, the same configuration as the vibration unit described
with reference to FIG. 52A is attached such that the side surface
of the mobile telephone 2801 is made to vibrate as in the thirtieth
embodiment of FIG. 48 and/or the thirty-first embodiment of FIGS.
49A and 49B. In the modification example of the thirty-third
embodiment in FIG. 52B as well, the vibration conductor 2824, which
is the upper of the pair of vibration conductors, is guarded by the
sufficiently strong corner part 2801d of the mobile telephone 2801
and is exposed to the side surface of the mobile telephone 2801.
The vibration conductor 2826, which is lower, is not originally
positioned at a corner part and is therefore guarded naturally.
[0446] FIGS. 53A and 53B are external perspective views in which
each of the thirty-third embodiment of FIGS. 52A and 52B and the
modification example thereof is viewed from the front; FIG. 53A
belongs to the thirty-third embodiment, and FIG. 53B belongs to the
modification example thereof. The configuration in FIGS. 53A and
53B also has much in common with the twenty-sixth embodiment of
FIG. 41 and the like; therefore, portions that are in common have
been given like reference numerals, and a description thereof has
been omitted.
[0447] As is clear from FIG. 53A, a pair of vibration conductors
2824 and 2826 are respectively exposed on the surface of the
large-screen display unit 205 of a mobile telephone 2801 in such a
form as to be respectively guarded by the corner parts 2801d and
2801e of the mobile telephone 2801. Similarly with respect to the
twenty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 47, a vibration isolation material
2865 is also used in the thirty-third embodiment of FIG. 53A to
fill in the space between the pair of vibration conductors 2824 and
2826 and the mobile telephone 2801.
[0448] Herein, a description will be provided for the significance
of the aforementioned configuration of the thirty-third embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53. The corner parts 2801d and 2801e of
the mobile telephone 2801 are at sites that are suitable for coming
up against the tragus or other ear cartilage, but are
simultaneously also at sites that facilitate the direct application
of impact when a drop or other event occurs. Accordingly, in a case
assuming a configuration such as, for example, that of the
twenty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 47, the vibration conductors 2524
and 2526, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to which same are
bonded, the holding body 2516 thereof, and other vibration units
must have a configuration that is resilient against collision. By
contrast, according to the configuration of the thirty-third
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53, the vibration conductors
2524 and 2526 are guarded by the original corner parts 2801d and
2801e of the mobile telephone 2801; therefore, a countermeasure for
impacts is more readily realized than in the case of the
twenty-ninth embodiment.
[0449] In the modification example of FIG. 53B as well, as is clear
from the diagram, the vibration conductor 2824, which is the upper
of the pair of vibration conductors, is guarded by the corner part
2801d of the mobile telephone 2801 and is exposed to the side
surface of the mobile telephone 2801. The vibration conductor 2826,
which is lower, is positioned at a side surface that is less prone
to the direct application of impact. Similarly with respect to the
case of FIG. 53A, the vibration isolation material 2865 is used to
fill in the spaces between the pair of vibration conductors 2824
and 2826 and the mobile telephone 2801.
[0450] In a case in which, as in the modification examples of the
thirty-third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 52B and 53B, the
vibration conductors 2824 and 2826 are provided to two points on
the side surface (one point of which is in the vicinity of the
upper part corner 2801), it becomes possible for both to come up
against two points of the ear cartilage in the longitudinal
direction. In such a case, when the space between the vibration
conductor 2824 and the vibration conductor 2826 is on the order of
2 to 5 cm, the upper vibration conductor 2824 is also able to come
up against the ear cartilage when the lower vibration conductor
2826 comes up against the tragus. As shall be apparent, the use
such that the upper vibration conductor 2824 is brought up against
the tragus for listening is discretionary. Similarly, in the case
of the thirty-third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 52A and 53A as
well, the vibration conductors 2824 and 2826 can also be brought up
against two points of the ear cartilage in the transverse
direction. The divided use of the vibration conductor 2824 for
abutting the right tragus and of the vibration conductor 2826 for
abutting the right tragus, such as in the twenty-ninth embodiment
of FIG. 47, is also discretionary.
[0451] In any event, abutting the ear cartilage at two points
permits the energies of both the simultaneously vibrating vibration
conductors 2824 and 2826 to be introduced to the ear cartilage; the
transmission is therefore energy-efficient. On the other hand, in a
case in which the mobile telephone 2801 is pushed strongly against
the tragus to obtain the earplug bone conduction effect, the
pushing on and obstructing of the tragus is more readily achieved
by bringing merely a single vibration conductor at the corner part
up against the tragus.
Thirty-Fourth Embodiment
[0452] FIG. 54 is a transparent perspective view relating to a
thirty-fourth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, the embodiment being configured as a mobile telephone
2901. The thirty-fourth embodiment is configured such that the side
surface of the a mobile telephone 2901 is made to vibrate, as in
the thirtieth embodiment of FIGS. 48A and 48B and/or the
thirty-first embodiment of FIGS. 49A and 49B, but both side
surfaces are made to be capable of vibrating so as to be able to
support both the case of right-hand-held and the case of
left-hand-held usage. In other words, the thirty-fourth embodiment
of FIG. 54 substitutes the pair of vibration conductors 2824 and
2826 in the thirty-third embodiment of FIG. 52A with a pair of
vibration conductors 2924 and 2926 for a side surface arrangement;
the vibration conductors 2924 and 2926 assume a vertically long
shape so as to achieve contact with the ear cartilage over a broad
range of the side surface. The holding structure of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is shared with that of the
thirty-third embodiment of FIG. 52A, but a more detailed
illustration has been omitted in order to avoid complication.
[0453] In the thirty-fourth embodiment, the color of the vibration
conductors 2924 and 2926 is made to be different from the color of
the outer wall of the mobile telephone 2901, and the configuration
may also be such that the user knows that the configuration is such
that sound is listened to from the side surface and also knows what
portion is thereupon brought up against the ear. On the other hand,
in a case in which the user is notified that the configuration is
such that sound is listened to from the side surface and what
portion is thereupon brought up against the ear, there may be
employed a design for implementing surface processing such that it
is unknown whether the color of the vibration conductors 2924 and
2926 has been rendered as the same color as the color of the outer
wall of the mobile telephone 2901, and such that the boundary with
the outer wall of the mobile telephone 2901 is further unknown. The
configuration of the thirty-fourth embodiment is otherwise shared
with that of, for example, the twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 41,
and therefore portions that are in common have been given like
reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted.
Thirty-Fifth Embodiment
[0454] FIG. 55 is a transparent perspective view relating to a
thirty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, the embodiment being configured as a mobile telephone
3001. The thirty-fifth embodiment is also configured such that the
two side surfaces of the mobile telephone 3001 are made to vibrate
across a broad range, similarly with respect to the thirty-fourth
embodiment of FIG. 54. However, a point of difference from the
thirty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 54 lies in that a pair of
piezoelectric bimorph elements 3024 and 3026 are arranged in a
vertically long position such that each of the two side surfaces
can be independently controlled. It accordingly becomes possible to
cause only the one piezoelectric bimorph element that is being used
to vibrate automatically, similarly with respect to the first to
third embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 6. The holding of the
piezoelectric bimorph elements 3024 and 3026 can utilize the
holding structures in each of the embodiments described in FIGS. 44
to 52 and the like, as appropriate, and therefore a more detailed
illustration has been omitted in order to avoid complexity.
[0455] The thirty-fifth embodiment may also be configured such
that, when the piezoelectric bimorph elements 3024 and 3026 are
arranged on the side surfaces, the piezoelectric bimorph elements
3024 and 3026 are covered with a material such as that of the
vibration conductor 2527 in the thirtieth embodiment in FIGS. 48A
and 48B, the color of the vibration conductor being made to be
different from the color of the outer wall of the mobile telephone
3001, such that the user learns that the configuration is such that
sound is listened to from the side surface and knows what portion
is thereupon brought against the ear. On the other hand, similarly
with respect to the thirty-fifth embodiment, in a case in which the
user is notified that the configuration is such that sound is
listened to from the side surface and is notified of what portion
is thereupon brought up against the ear, there may be employed a
design for implementing surface processing such that it is unknown
whether the color of the vibration conductor has been rendered as
the same color as the color of the outer wall of the mobile
telephone 3001, and such that the boundary with the other side
surface portion in the outer wall of the mobile telephone 3001 is
unknown. The configuration of the thirty-fifth embodiment is
otherwise shared with that of, for example, the twenty-sixth
embodiment of FIG. 41, and therefore portions that are in common
have been given like reference numerals, and a description thereof
has been omitted.
Thirty-Sixth Embodiment
[0456] FIGS. 56A and 56B are transparent perspective views relating
to a thirty-sixth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3101 and a
mobile telephone 3201. The configuration of the thirty-sixth
embodiment of FIGS. 56A and 56B are substantially consistent with
that of the thirty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 55, but the mobile
telephone is configured as a left-handed mobile telephone 3101
illustrated in FIG. 56A and as a right-handed mobile telephone 3201
illustrated in FIG. 56B so as to provide the market with the
ability to select either one. In other words, the left-handed
mobile telephone 3101 of FIG. 56A is provided with a piezoelectric
bimorph element 3024 for coming up against the left tragus, and the
right-handed mobile telephone 3201 illustrated in FIG. 56B is
provided with a piezoelectric bimorph element 3026 for coming up
against the left tragus. Since usage is limited to a single side,
for microphones and other outgoing-talk units, the left-handed
mobile telephone 3101 of FIG. 56A is provided with an outgoing-talk
unit (microphone) 1223 at the bottom of the left side surface, and
the right-handed mobile telephone 3201 of FIG. 56B is provided with
an outgoing-talk unit (microphone) 1123 at the bottom of the right
side surface. The outgoing-talk units (microphones) 1123 or 1223
are similar to those of the twelfth embodiment or the thirteenth
embodiment; during a videoconferencing function in which the
large-screen display unit 205 is being observed, the outgoing-talk
units (microphones) 1123 and 1223, which serve as outgoing-talk
units, are switched, and are able to pick up audio uttered by the
user while the large-screen display unit 205 is being observed.
[0457] In the thirty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 56A and 56B, as
described above, the piezoelectric bimorph elements and/or
microphones and other audio-related configurations relating to
listening and speaking are integrated at the side surface of the
mobile telephone; and the visual-related configuration of the
large-screen display unit 205 and the like is integrated at the
front surface of the mobile telephone. Therefore, as the side
surface is used when the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201 is brought
up against the face at the ear or the like and the front surface is
used when the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201 is being watched with
the eyes, the two surfaces of the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201
describing a 90.degree. angle can be used separately, and the front
surface of the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201 can be prevented from
having the display surface 205 or the like fouled by the face.
[0458] In the thirty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 56A and 56B, the
side surface that is the opposite side at which the piezoelectric
bimorph element 3024 or 3026 is not arranged is primarily used to
hold the mobile telephone, and therefore, in a natural manner of
holding with the hands, the side surface is covered with a material
3101f or 3201f that is rough to the touch, facilitating holding and
also permitting a clear understanding of which side is brought up
against the ear. The thirty-sixth embodiment, similarly with
respect to the thirty-fifth embodiment, may also be configured such
that the color of the vibration conductor for covering the
piezoelectric bimorph element 3024 or 3026 is different from the
color of the outer wall of the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201. In a
case in which the side surface of the opposite side in the
thirty-sixth embodiment is covered with the material 3101f or 3201f
that is rough to the touch, as described above, then the side
surface of the side for listening to sound can be recognized, and
accordingly there may be employed a design for implementing surface
processing such that it is unknown whether the color of the
vibration conductor has been rendered as the same color as the
color of the outer wall of the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201, and
such that the boundary with the other side surface portion in the
outer wall of the mobile telephone 3101 or 3201 is further unknown.
The configuration of the thirty-fifth embodiment is otherwise
shared with that of, for example, the twenty-sixth embodiment of
FIG. 41, and therefore portions that are in common have been given
like reference numerals, and a description thereof has been
omitted.
[0459] However, the terms "right-handed" and "left-handed" in the
thirty-sixth embodiment anticipate, for example, a state in which
the side surface to which the piezoelectric bimorph element 3024 is
provided comes up against the left ear cartilage when the side
surface of the mobile telephone 3101 comes up against the ear,
without the wrist being turned, directly out of the state in which
the mobile telephone 3101 of FIG. 56A is held with the left hand
and the display surface 205 is viewed. However, the user's method
of use is discretionary; when the wrist is rotated 180.degree. to
turn the mobile telephone 3101 of FIG. 56A over when the mobile
telephone 3101 is held in the right hand and brought up against the
ear, the side surface of the side to which the piezoelectric
bimorph element 3024 is provided can be brought up against the
right ear cartilage. Accordingly, the terms "right-handed" and
"left-handed" are merely provisional; the user is capable of
purchasing either one and unrestrictedly selecting how to use same.
The mobile telephone 3101 of FIG. 56A can accordingly be identified
as being "right-handed" for a user who turns the wrist for use in
the manner described above.
Thirty-Seventh Embodiment
[0460] FIG. 57 is a transparent perspective view relating to a
thirty-seventh embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3301. The
thirty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 57 has many portions in common
with the modification example of the tenth embodiment in FIG. 40;
therefore, portions in common have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. A point of
difference in the thirty-seventh embodiment from the modification
example of the tenth embodiment lies in that the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is covered with a cartilage conduction output
unit 3363, in which not only the front surface but also the upper
side and the front, rear, left, and right sides at the top edge of
the mobile telephone 3301 are formed of a material having an
acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage. This
cartilage conduction output unit 3363, similarly with respect to
the cartilage conduction output unit 963 in the tenth embodiment or
in the modification example thereof, is formed using, for example,
a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a butadiene
rubber; a natural rubber; or a material having a structure formed
using these varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are
sealed.
[0461] According to the configuration of the thirty-seventh
embodiment, cartilage conduction can be obtained by any site
anywhere on the top of the mobile telephone 3301 coming up against
ear cartilage; therefore, sound can be listened to at an optimal
volume merely by bringing the top part of the mobile telephone 3301
up against the ear, regardless of the location thereon.
[0462] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be restricted to individual respective
embodiments; they can be substituted or combined with other
appropriate embodiments.
Thirty-Eighth Embodiment
[0463] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional block diagram relating to a
thirty-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3401. The
thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 58 shares many portions with the
twenty-sixth embodiment or the twenty-seventh embodiment, and
therefore portions that are in common have been given the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 42 and a description thereof has been
omitted. A point of difference in the thirty-eighth embodiment from
the twenty-sixth embodiment or from the twenty-seventh embodiment
lies in it being configured such that the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, which is constituted of a piezoelectric
bimorph element, is anchored to a chassis structure 3426 of the
mobile telephone 3401, and the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is transmitted to the entire
surface of the mobile telephone 3401. In anchoring the
piezoelectric bimorph element constituting the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, to actively transmit the vibration thereof,
the gap 2504 such as in FIG. 44B is not provided, but rather there
is a close bond to the chassis structure 3426, and the vibration in
the primary vibration direction (the Y-Y' direction) is likely to
be transmitted to the chassis structure 3426. The entire surface of
the mobile telephone 3401 thereby acts as a vibration conductor,
and cartilage conduction can be obtained regardless of what
location on the surface of the mobile telephone 3401 is brought up
against the ear cartilage.
[0464] Because the thirty-eighth embodiment has the aforementioned
configuration, in a case in which a large portion of the surface
area of the front surface or the back surface of the mobile
telephone 3401 is brought up against the entire cartilage of the
ear, similarly with respect to the fifth to ninth embodiments, the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is
transmitted to the ear cartilage over a broad contacted surface
area of the surface of the mobile telephone 3401 via the chassis
structure 3426. Air conduction sound that is generated by the
vibration of the surface of the mobile telephone 3401 is also
transmitted from the external auditory meatus to the tympanic
membrane. Sound source information from the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 can thereby be heard as a loud sound. The
surface of the mobile telephone 3401 that is brought up against the
ear assumes a form such that the external auditory meatus is
obstructed, and therefore environment noise can be blocked.
Increasing the force pushing the mobile telephone 3401 against the
ear furthermore gives the result of substantially completely
obstructing the external auditory meatus, and sound source
information from the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 can
be heard as an even louder sound due to the earplug bone conduction
effect.
[0465] In a case in which the side surface of the thirty-eighth
embodiment is brought up against the ear cartilage, then the front
surface of the mobile telephone to which the display surface and
the like are provided can be prevented from being fouled by contact
with the face, similarly with respect to the eleventh to fourteenth
embodiments, the thirtieth embodiment, the thirty-first embodiment,
the modification example of the thirty-third embodiment, and the
thirty-fourth to thirty-sixth embodiments. Furthermore, in a case
in which the upper edge corner of the thirty-eighth embodiment is
brought up against the ear cartilage, contact with the tragus is
readily achieved, and pushing on the tragus to obstruct the
external auditory meatus can readily obtain the earplug bone
conduction effect, similarly with respect to the first to fourth
embodiments, the tenth embodiment and the modification example
thereof, the twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth embodiments, and the
thirty-third embodiment. The thirty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 57
is configured such that cartilage conduction can be obtained by any
site anywhere on the top of the mobile telephone 3301 being brought
up against ear cartilage, but the thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG.
58 expands on this feature; it is possible to listen to sound at an
optimal volume merely by bringing the upper part of the mobile
telephone 3401 up against the ear, at anywhere on the surface of
the mobile telephone 3401, regardless of the place.
[0466] In the thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 58, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is anchored to the chassis
structure 3426 such that the primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element (the Y-Y' direction) assumes an
orientation orthogonal to that of a GUI display unit 3405
(conceptualized in the block diagram in FIG. 58, but is the
large-screen display unit 205 having a touch panel function, when
calling on the perspective view of FIG. 41, which relates to the
twenty-sixth embodiment) (A cross-section of the anchoring is not
illustrated in FIG. 58, but the manner of the anchoring will be
described later). A large portion of the surface area of the front
surface or the rear surface of the mobile telephone 3401, to which
the GUI display unit 3405 is provided, thereby vibrates
efficiently. There is comparatively less energy in the
non-vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element (the
X-X' direction), due to the anchoring of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, but because vibration does occur, sound can
be listened to by cartilage conduction whenever a side surface of
the mobile telephone 3401 is brought up against the ear cartilage.
It shall be noted that the GUI display unit 3405 of FIG. 58 is
illustrated as a consolidation of the large-screen display unit 205
of FIG. 42, the display driver 41, and the touch panel driver
2470.
[0467] In the embodiment of FIG. 58, similarly with respect to the
twenty-seventh embodiment, a function is selected by a motion
sensor for the contactless detection of the motion of the finger in
the vicinity of the GUI display unit 3405, and an impact detection
function of the piezoelectric bimorph element constituting the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is utilized as an impact
sensor for detecting the touch of a finger for determining the
selected function. The impact sensor 3442 illustrated in FIG. 58
has a function similar to that of the pressure sensor 242
illustrated in FIG. 9, and extracts an impact detection signal of
the piezoelectric bimorph element. The aforementioned arrangement
of the primary vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph
element (the Y-Y' direction) to be oriented orthogonally with
respect to that of the GUI display unit 3405 is suited for
detecting a touch from the front surface or the back surface of the
mobile telephone 3401. The embodiment of FIG. 58, similarly with
respect to the twenty-seventh embodiment, has the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 serve a dual purpose as a low
frequency output element for touch sensation feedback, but the
aforementioned arrangement of the primary vibration direction of
the piezoelectric bimorph element (the Y-Y' direction) is suited
for efficiently transmitting feedback vibration to a finger for a
touch from the front surface or back surface of the mobile
telephone 3401. The embodiment of FIG. 58, similarly with respect
to the description in the twenty-sixth embodiment, has the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 serve a dual purpose as
a vibration source of a vibrator for providing a noiseless
notification of an incoming call to the mobile telephone 3401.
[0468] The embodiment of FIG. 58, further similarly with respect to
the fourth embodiment and similarly with respect to the
twenty-seventh embodiment, is configured such that a horizontal
stationary state is detected by the acceleration sensor 49, and
when this is true, the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525
is prohibited from vibrating. The potential generation of vibration
noise with a desk due to the output of the other party's voice can
thereby be prevented in a case in which the mobile telephone 3401
is placed on a desk or the like during a call. It is also
appropriate to activate the aforementioned GUI operation or
incoming call vibrator function in a case in which the mobile
telephone 3401 is placed on a desk or the like, and thereof in such
a case, the configuration is such that the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 is not prohibited from vibrating whenever the
horizontal stationary state is detected by the acceleration sensor
49. A more detailed description of this point will be provided
later as a function of the controller 3439.
[0469] To configure the embodiment of FIG. 58 such that the chassis
structure 3426 of the mobile telephone 3401 is actively made to
vibrate, there is the possibility that such vibration will be
transmitted to the microphone 223 and result in the Larsen effect.
As a countermeasure thereof, in order to block acoustic conduction
between the chassis structure 3426 and microphone 223 of the mobile
telephone 3401, an insulation ring unit 3465 having an acoustic
impedance different from that of the chassis structure 3426 is
provided in between the two. A countermeasure for preventing the
Larsen effect in a circuit-like manner is achieved using a signal
conduction pathway from the outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 to
the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 in the telephone function
unit 45.
[0470] FIGS. 59A, 59B and 59C are back surface transparent views
and cross-sectional views illustrating the manner in which the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is anchored to the
chassis structure 3426 of the mobile telephone 3401 in the
thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 58. FIG. 59A is a back surface
perspective view illustrating a part of the top end side of the
mobile telephone 3401 of the thirty-eighth embodiment, and FIG. 59B
is a cross-sectional view illustrating the B-B cross-section of
FIG. 59A. FIG. 59C is a transparent perspective view in which a
part of the top end side in a modification example of the
thirty-eighth embodiment is viewed from the side surface of the
opposite side. The configuration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element is similar to that in FIG. 44B, and therefore portions that
are in common have been given like reference numerals.
[0471] As is clear from FIG. 59A, in the thirty-eighth embodiment,
the metal sheet 2597 of the piezoelectric bimorph element
constituting the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is
arranged so as to be parallel to the front surface of the mobile
telephone 3401; as a result thereof, the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 is anchored to the chassis structure 3426
such that the Y-Y' direction, which is the primary vibration
direction, is oriented to be orthogonal to the GUI display unit
3405. As is clear from FIG. 59B, the piezoelectric bimorph element
constituting the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is
tightly secured on the inner side of the chassis structure 3426
without any gap, the configuration being such that the vibration in
the primary vibration direction (the Y-Y' direction) is prone to
being transmitted to the surface of the chassis structure 3426.
[0472] In a modification example of the thirty-eighth embodiment in
FIG. 59C, the metal sheet 2597 of the piezoelectric bimorph element
constituting the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is
arranged so as to be in parallel with the side surface of the
mobile telephone 3401; as a result thereof, the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is anchored to the chassis
structure 3426 such that the Y-Y' direction, which is the primary
vibration direction, is oriented to be orthogonal to the side
surface of the mobile telephone 3401. Cartilage conduction can
thereby be efficiently obtained when the side surface of the mobile
telephone 3401 is brought up against the ear. There is
comparatively less energy in the non-vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element (the X-X' direction), due to the
anchoring of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, but
because vibration does occur, sound can be listened to by cartilage
conduction whenever the front surface or back surface of the mobile
telephone 3401 is brought up against the ear cartilage. In the
modification example of the thirty-eighth embodiment in FIG. 59C as
well, similarly with respect to FIG. 59B, the piezoelectric bimorph
element constituting the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525
is tightly secured to the inner side of the chassis structure 3426,
without any gap, the configuration being such that the vibration in
the primary vibration direction (the Y-Y' direction) is likely to
be transmitted to the surface of the chassis structure 3426.
[0473] FIG. 60 is a flow chart of the operation of a controller
3439 in the thirty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 58. The flow of FIG.
60 illustrates an abstraction of the operation that focuses on
related functions, in order to primarily provide a description of
the control of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525; the
controller 3439 also contains typical functions of mobile
telephones and other operations not represented in the flow of FIG.
60. The flow of FIG. 60 begins when a main power source of the
mobile telephone 3401 is turned on; in step S262 an initial startup
and a check of each unit function are performed and a screen
display on the GUI display unit 3405 is started. Subsequently, in
step S264, the function of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 2525 is turned off and the flow moves on to step S266.
[0474] In step S266, there is performed a check for whether or not
the mobile telephone 3401 is in the middle of a call. When the line
is newly connected, a call is in progress and therefore the flow
proceeds to step S268, in which the outgoing-talk-processing unit
222 and the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 are turned on; the
flow then moves on to step S270. In a case in which the line is
connected and a call has already been in progress, the flow
proceeds from step S266 to step S268; in such a case, the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the incoming-talk-processing
unit 212 are continuously kept on and the flow moves on to step
S270.
[0475] In step S270, there is performed a check for whether or not
a horizontal stationary state has been detected by the acceleration
sensor 49; when there is no horizontal stationary state, the flow
moves on to step S272, which turns on the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, whereupon the flow moves on to step S274.
However, when the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is
already on, the on state continues. On the other hand, when there
is a detection of a horizontal stationary state in step S270, the
flow proceeds to step S276, which checks for whether the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the incoming-talk-processing
unit 212 are in an on state. Then, in such a case, since an on
state is in effect, the flow proceeds to step S278. The cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is turned off and the flow moves
on to step S274. When the cartilage conduction vibration source
2525 is already off, the off state continues. In step S274, there
is performed a check for whether or not a call is in progress; when
a call is in progress, the flow returns to step S270. Thereafter,
as long as a call is in progress, steps S270 to S278 are repeated.
Thus, when the mobile telephone 3401 is temporarily placed on a
desk or the like during a call, then whenever the voice of the
other party is received, the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 is interrupted therebetween, and the
generation of uncomfortable noise from vibration with the desk is
prevented. As shall be apparent, when a horizontal stationary state
is not detected in step S270, the cartilage conduction vibration
source 2525 is turned on in step S272 and the call is
reactivated.
[0476] On the other hand, when it is detected in step S266 that a
state in which a call is not in progress is in effect or that a
call is not in progress due to the termination of the call, the
flow proceeds to step S280, the outgoing-talk-processing unit 222
and the incoming-talk-processing unit 212 are turned off, and the
flow moves on to step S282. However, when the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the incoming-talk-processing
unit 212 are off, the off state continues and the flow moves on to
step S282. In step S282, there is performed a check for whether
there is an incoming call; when there is no incoming call, the flow
moves on to step S284, in which there is performed a check for
whether or not a GUI mode is in effect. Then, when a GUI mode is in
effect, the flow proceeds to step S286, in which there is impact
sensor detection processing; then, in step S288, there is touch
sensation feedback processing, and the flow moves on to step S290.
The flow moves directly on to step S290 when there is no operation
at all, and when there is an operation, Steps S286 and S288 perform
processing for implementing impact sensor detection and touch
sensation feedback, which are based on the operation.
[0477] In step S290, the low frequency source 2466 is turned on and
prepared for the input of a touch sensation feedback signal or the
like. The flow then proceeds to step S270, in which there is a
check for the presence or absence of a detection of a horizontal
stationary state. Then, when there is no horizontal stationary
state, the flow moves on to step S272, in which the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is turned on and prepared for the
input of a touch sensation feedback signal or the like. The flow
moves on to step S276 when a horizontal stationary state is
detected in step S270, but in such a case, the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222 and the incoming-talk-processing
unit 212 are not on, and therefore the flow still moves on to step
S272, and the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is turned
on. Thus, the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is turned
on when the low frequency source 2466 is turned on, even when a
horizontal stationary state is detected. When the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 is turned on, the impact sensor
function thereof is also maintained.
[0478] On the other hand, when an incoming call is detected in step
S282, the flow proceeds to step S292, a "vibe" signal for providing
a notification of the incoming call is outputted; the flow then
moves on to step S290. In such a case as well, the low frequency
source 2466 is turned on in step S290 and the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 is turned on in step S272, but the flow also
moves on to step S272 even when the horizontal stationary state is
detected in step S270, and the fact that the cartilage conduction
unit 2525 is turned on is a point of similarity with the case in
which the GUI mode is in effect.
[0479] When it is detected in step S274 that no call is in
progress, the flow moves on to step S296, in which there is
performed a check for whether the primary power supply has been
turned off. Once the low frequency source 2466 is turned on in step
S290, no call is in progress even when step S274 is reached, and
therefore the flow moves on to step S296. When there is no
detection made in step S284 that a GUI mode is in effect, the flow
proceeds to step S294, the low frequency source 2466 is turned off,
and the flow then arrives at step 296. When it is detected in step
S296 that the primary power supply has been turned off, the flow is
terminated. On the other hand, in a case in which there is no
detection made in step S296 that the primary power supply is off,
the flow returns to step S266, following which steps S266 to S296
are repeated and various situational changes are supported.
[0480] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be limited to the above embodiments; rather,
wherever it is possible to benefit from the feature of an
embodiment, same can also be implemented in other aspects. The
various features of each of the embodiments described above are not
to be restricted to individual respective embodiments, but rather
can be substituted or combined with other appropriate embodiments.
For example, regarding the control of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 relating to being horizontally stationary,
the thirty-eighth embodiment described above can be configured such
that, in a case in which there is check for whether or not a
videoconferencing function mode is in effect and the mode is in
effect, the videoconferencing function speaker is turned on in
tandem with the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 being
turned off in step S278 of FIG. 60.
[0481] The mode in the thirty-eighth embodiment in which the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 is supported by the
chassis structure 3426 of the mobile telephone 3401 is not to be
limited to a rigid, direct anchoring such as in the thirty-eighth
embodiment. For example, the rigid support may be indirect, via
another holding structure, provided that it remains possible to
transmit vibration. The support is also not necessarily limited to
being rigid; rather, holding may be achieved via an elastic body,
provided that the acoustic impedance is approximated and vibration
is transmitted to the chassis surface.
Thirty-Ninth Embodiment
[0482] FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D are cross-sectional views
relating to a thirty-ninth embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention as well as to various modification examples
thereof, and is configured as mobile telephones 3501a to 3501d. The
thirty-ninth embodiment is consistent with, for example, the
thirty-eighth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for
the arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525,
which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element (and which
hereinafter is described using the example of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525). Therefore, the diagram does not contain
those portions for which no description is needed, and of the
illustrated portions, shared portions have been given like
reference numerals, a description thereof having been omitted
unless there is a particular need.
[0483] FIG. 61A relates to the thirty-ninth embodiment, and is a
cross-sectional view in which the mobile telephone 3501a is viewed
from above as being cut in a plane that is perpendicular to the
side surface thereof and to the display surface of the GUI display
unit 3405. As is clear from the diagram, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is arranged along one side surface of the mobile
telephone 3501a as in the modification example of the thirty-eighth
embodiment in FIG. 59C. However, in the thirty-ninth embodiment of
FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D, the primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 (the Y-Y' direction) is not
perpendicular to the side surface, but rather is supported so as to
incline relative to the side surface. More specifically, the side
surface of the thirty-ninth embodiment is provided with an inclined
side surface 3507a to which four beveled side surface ridge
portions are provided; the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 has a
primary vibration surface (the "outer surface of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 that is in parallel with the metal sheet 2597"
is defined as the "primary vibration surface") that is bonded to
one inner side of the inclined side surface 3507a for support. The
primary vibration direction (which is the Y-Y' direction, and is
the direction perpendicular to the primary vibration surface) of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 thereby becomes
perpendicular to the inclined side surface 3507a.
[0484] Due to such a structure, the user of the mobile telephone
3501a can prevent the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405
from being fouled by contact with the cheek, and can also readily
bring the inclined side surface 3507a of the mobile telephone 3501a
up against the ear cartilage. The configuration, which integrates
the audio-related configuration into the side surface of the mobile
telephone and integrates the visual-related configuration into the
front surface of the mobile telephone, as has already been
described in the other embodiments, is significant in that the uses
of the two surfaces of the mobile telephone 3501a can be divided
such that the side surface is utilized when the mobile telephone
3501a is brought up against the ear or other part of the face and
the front surface is utilized when the mobile telephone is watched
with the eyes, and in that the front surface of the mobile
telephone 3501a can be prevented from having the display surface of
the GUI display unit 3405 fouled by the face. However, rather than
causing the side surface in its entirety to make perpendicular
contact with the ear during the usage of the side surface, it is
also possible to conceive of a usage state in which the mobile
telephone 3501a is caused to make contact with the ear such that
the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405 is turned slightly
toward the face. The thirty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 61A is
configured in anticipation of such usage.
[0485] As mentioned above, the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 61A
has the direction of arrow 25A serving as the primary vibration
direction in the inclined side surface 3507a, in which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is bonded to the inner side, but
since the primary vibration direction is inclined, there is created
a vibration component having a direction that is perpendicular to
the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, illustrated by
arrow 25B. A side surface vibration component illustrated by arrow
25C is also created. Sound can thereby be listened to even in a
case in which the front surface of the mobile telephone 3501a (the
display surface of the GUI display unit 3405) or the back surface
thereof, and, furthermore, either of the two side surfaces of the
mobile telephone 3501a, is brought up against the ear cartilage.
Any position of the mobile telephone 3501a can accordingly be
discretionarily used, taking the direction of arrow 25A as the best
direction. In the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 61A, the inclined
side surface 3507a assumes an incline that is close to the display
surface of the GUI display unit 3405; therefore, the vibration
component of the direction illustrated by arrow 25B is greater than
the vibration component of the direction illustrated by arrow
25C.
[0486] FIG. 61B is a first modification example of the thirty-ninth
embodiment; the mobile telephone 3501b is configured such that the
incline of the inclined side surface 3507b is substantially
45.degree. relative to the display surface of the GUI display unit
3405, whereby the vibration component of the direction illustrated
by arrow 25B becomes substantially even with the vibration
component of the direction illustrated by arrow 25C. By contrast,
FIG. 61C is a second modification example of the thirty-ninth
embodiment. The mobile telephone 3501c is configured such that the
inclined side surface 3507c assumes an incline that is close to the
side surface, whereby the vibration component of the direction
illustrated by arrow 25C becomes greater than the vibration
component of the direction illustrated by arrow 25B.
[0487] FIGS. 61A to 61C are extreme illustrations for describing a
broad overview of the inclines, but the extreme directivity in the
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is not
maintained after having been transmitted to the mobile telephones
3501a to 3501c; therefore, subtle changes in the orientation of the
primary vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 provided to the side surface of the mobile telephone will not
incur perceptible changes to the vibration components. However,
there is great significance in adjusting the arrangement direction
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 as in the thirty-ninth
embodiment and the modification examples thereof, when the best
position of the contact with the ear cartilage is considered. For
example, in a case as in FIGS. 61A to 61C in which a planar
inclined side surface is provided, it is of practical utility for
the front surface of the mobile telephones 3501a to 3501c (the
display surface of the GUI display unit 3405) and the inclined side
surfaces 3507a to 3507c to be imparted with an incline of between
approximately 30 to 60.degree..
[0488] FIG. 61D is a third modification example of the thirty-ninth
embodiment; the side surface of a mobile telephone 3501d serves as
a semicylindrical surface 3507d. The configuration is such that
support is provided by pushing on the inner side of the
semicylindrical surface 3507d such that the primary vibration
direction of arrow 25A assumes a substantially 45.degree. angle
relative to the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, and
the vibration component of the direction illustrated by arrow 25B
becomes substantially equivalent to the vibration component of the
direction illustrated by arrow 25C. The user is thereby able to
bring up against the ear cartilage any desired place across the
front surface of the mobile telephone 3501d (the display surface of
the GUI display unit 3405) or across the back surface thereof, from
the semicylindrical surface 3507d of the side surface. In the third
modification example of the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 61D,
the primary vibration direction of arrow 25A is not limited to a
case of having a substantially 45.degree. angle relative to the
display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, and can be
established in various inclines such as in FIGS. 61A to 61C.
Another possible configuration is one in which it is possible to
adjust the incline of holding and in which a service for altering
the incline in accordance with the user's desire can be
provided.
Fortieth Embodiment
[0489] FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C represent cross-sectional views and a
transparent perspective views of the elements relating to a
fortieth embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention
as well as to various modification examples thereof, and is
configured as mobile telephones 3601a to 3601c. The fortieth
embodiment is also consistent with the thirty-eighth embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for the arrangement of the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, which is constituted of
a piezoelectric bimorph element (and which hereinafter is described
using the example of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525).
Therefore, the diagram does not contain those portions for which no
description is needed, and of the illustrated portions, shared
portions have been given like reference numerals, a description
thereof having been omitted unless there is a particular need.
[0490] FIG. 62A relates to the fortieth embodiment, and is a
cross-sectional view in which the mobile telephone 3601a is viewed
from above as being cut in a plane that is perpendicular to a side
surface 3607 thereof and to the display surface of the GUI display
unit 3405. As is clear from the diagram, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is arranged along one side surface 3607 of the mobile
telephone 3601a as in the modification example of the thirty-eighth
embodiment in FIG. 59C. However, in the fortieth embodiment of
FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C, similarly with respect to the thirty-ninth
embodiment, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 has a primary
vibration direction (the Y-Y' direction) that is not perpendicular
to the side surface, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 being
supported so as to be inclined relative to the side surface 3607.
The fortieth embodiment is configured such that the vibrations from
the primary vibration surfaces of the two sides of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are respectively transmitted to
the mutually orthogonal side surface 3607 and display surface of
the GUI display unit 3405.
[0491] More specifically, the chassis of the mobile telephone 3601a
of the fortieth embodiment in FIG. 62A is provided with a first
support structure 3600a that extends to the inner side from the
side surface 3607, and is bonded to one primary vibration surface
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525; and is also provided
with a second support structure 3600b that extends to the inner
side from the chassis on the display surface of the GUI display
unit 3405, and is bonded to the other primary vibration surface of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. The primary vibration in
the direction illustrated by arrow 25A is thereby broken down into
the vibration component illustrated by arrow 25D and the vibration
component illustrated by arrow 25E having a direction orthogonal
thereto, each of which being respectively transmitted to the side
surface 3607 and the chassis surface on the display surface of the
GUI display unit 3405. Thus, the vibration of the two primary
vibration surfaces in the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
transmitted broken down into orthogonal directions of the mobile
telephone 3601a; and the vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 can be heard regardless of which portion of the front
surface, the back surface, or the side surface of the mobile
telephone 3601a is brought up against the ear cartilage. The
fortieth embodiment in FIG. 62A is provided with the first support
structure 3600a and the second support structure 3600b so as to
sandwich the same portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
from two sides.
[0492] By contrast, FIG. 62B is a transparent perspective view in
which the elements of the mobile telephone 3601b of a first
modification example of the fortieth embodiment are viewed from
within. As is clear from FIG. 62B, in the first modification
example of the fortieth embodiment, the first support structure
3600a and the second support structure 3600b are provided so as to
be bonded to the mobile telephone 3601b in positions where the
primary vibration surfaces facing the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 mutually cross. The operation to bond to the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is thereby facilitated, the degree of freedom
with which the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 vibrates is less
inhibited, and the vibration thereof can be efficiently transmitted
to the chassis of the mobile telephone 3601b.
[0493] FIG. 62C is a cross-sectional view in which the mobile
telephone 3601c of a second modification example of the fortieth
embodiment is viewed from the side having been cut along a plane
that is perpendicular to a side surface 3607a and the top surface.
In the fortieth embodiment of FIG. 62A, the primary vibration
directions of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are broken
down into vibration components having directions perpendicular to
the front surface and the side surfaces respectively, but in the
second modification example of the fortieth embodiment in FIG. 62C,
the primary vibration directions of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 are broken down into vibration components having
directions that are perpendicular to the front surface and the top
surface respectively.
[0494] More specifically, as is clear from FIG. 62C, the chassis of
the mobile telephone 3601c in the second modification example of
the fortieth embodiment is provided with a first support structure
3600c that extends to the inner side from the top surface, and is
bonded to one primary vibration surface of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525. The chassis of the mobile telephone 3601c in
the second modification example of the fortieth embodiment is also
provided with a second support structure 3600d that extends to the
inner side from the chassis on the display surface of the GUI
display unit 3405, and is bonded to the other primary vibration
surface of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. The primary
vibration in the direction illustrated by arrow 25A is thereby
broken down into the vibration component illustrated by arrow 25F
and the vibration component illustrated by arrow 25E having a
direction orthogonal thereto, each being respectively transmitted
to the top surface and the chassis surface on the display surface
of the GUI display unit 3405. Thus, the vibration of the two
primary vibration surfaces in the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is transmitted broken down into orthogonal directions of the
mobile telephone 3601c; the vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 can be heard regardless of which portion of the front
surface, the back surface, the top surface, or the bottom surface
of the mobile telephone 3601c is brought up against the ear
cartilage. The second modification example of the fortieth
embodiment in FIG. 62C has a cross-sectional view of a form in
which the first support structure 3600c and the second support
structure 3600d are provided such that the same portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is sandwiched from both sides,
similarly with respect to FIG. 62A; however, the configuration may
be such that, as in FIG. 62B, crossing portions of the two surfaces
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are respectively
bonded.
[0495] The second modification example of the fortieth embodiment
in FIG. 62C is not only suited for listening to sound by bringing
the front surface or the rear surface of the mobile telephone 3601c
alongside the ear cartilage, but is also appropriate for usage in
which the top surface of the mobile telephone 3601c is brought up
against the ear cartilage in such a form as to lightly push upward.
This embodiment is also appropriate in that by such usage, not only
is the display surface prevented from being fouled by contact with
the face, but increasing the force pushing upward on the top
surface obstructs the external auditory meatus with the tragus, and
the earplug bone conduction effect is readily created.
Forty-First Embodiment
[0496] FIGS. 63A and 63B are cross-sectional views relating to a
forty-first embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3701. The
forty-first embodiment is also consistent with the thirty-eighth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for the
arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525,
which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element (and which
hereinafter is described using the example of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525); therefore, the diagram does not contain
those portions for which no description is needed, and of the
illustrated portions, shared portions have been given like
reference numerals, a description thereof having been omitted
unless there is a particular need.
[0497] FIG. 63A is a cross-sectional view in which the mobile
telephone 3701 of the forty-first embodiment is viewed from above
as being cut in a plane that is perpendicular to a side surface
3707 thereof and to the display surface of the GUI display unit
3405. As is clear from the diagram, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is arranged along the top surface of the mobile
telephone 3701 as in the thirty-eighth embodiment in FIG. 59A. The
primary vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 (the Y-Y' direction) is a direction that is perpendicular to
the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405. Specifically, the
middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is bonded
to a support structure 3700a that extends to the inner side from
the back surface of the mobile telephone 3701, and the two end
portions of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are supported
together as free ends in a state in which vibration is not
hampered. As a result, the counteraction of the free vibration of
the two end portions of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 as
illustrated by arrow 25G and arrow 25H is transmitted to the
chassis of the mobile telephone 3701 via the support structure
3700a from the middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525.
[0498] FIG. 63B is a cross-sectional view in which the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 63A is viewed from the side of the mobile
telephone 3701; it can be understood that the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is supported by the support structure 3700a in which
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 extends to the inner side
from the back surface of the mobile telephone 3701, and also that
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is arranged along the top
surface of the mobile telephone 3701. As shown in FIGS. 63A and
63B, the structure, in which a part of the primary vibration
surface of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is supported on
the inner side of the chassis of the mobile telephone 3701 and a
part of the primary vibration surface is permitted to
unrestrictedly vibrate in an unsupported manner, is appropriate for
efficiently transmitting the vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 to the chassis of the mobile telephone without adding
any substantive change to the acoustic properties thereof. The
support at the middle of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
such as in the forty-first embodiment is also particularly
appropriate in a case of a piezoelectric bimorph element having a
terminal positioned at the middle of the element, as in the
thirty-second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 51A and 51B.
[0499] FIGS. 64A, 64B 64C and 64D illustrate various modification
examples of the forty-first embodiment of FIGS. 63A and 63B, and,
similarly with respect to FIG. 63A, is a cross-sectional view in
which the mobile telephone 3701 is viewed from above as being cut
in a plane that is perpendicular to the side surface 3707 thereof
and to the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405.
[0500] FIG. 64A is a first modification example of the forty-first
embodiment, and is particularly suited to a case in which the
terminal 2525b of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
positioned at an end part of the element, the center of gravity is
unbalanced, and the free vibration of the terminal 2525b
illustrated by arrow 25G is slightly confined by the electrode
connection to the element, compared to the vibration of the entire
free end illustrated by arrow 25H. To compensate for the
unbalancing, the first modification example of FIG. 64A shifts the
position of the support structure 3701b to the left in the diagram
compared to the support structure 3700a of the forty-first
embodiment of FIGS. 63A and 63B.
[0501] FIG. 64B is a second modification example of the forty-first
embodiment; each of the two ends of the piezoelectric bimorph
element is bonded to a pair of support structures 3700c and 3700d
that extend to the inner side from the back surface of the mobile
telephone 3701. The vibration of the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element illustrated by arrow 25I is thereby
freed, and the counteraction of this vibration is transmitted to
the chassis of the mobile telephone 3701 via the support structures
3700c and 3700d.
[0502] FIG. 64C is a third modification example of the forty-first
embodiment, the terminal 2525b being bonded to a support structure
3700e extending inward from the back surface of the mobile
telephone 3701, whereby the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
supported on a cantilever structure. The counteraction of the
vibration of the free ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 illustrated by arrow 25H is thereby transmitted to the chassis
of the mobile telephone 3701 via the support structure 3700e.
[0503] FIG. 64D is a fourth modification example of the forty-first
embodiment; the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is bonded to the
inner side of the chassis of the back surface of the mobile
telephone 3701 interposed by a two-sided bonding sheet 3700f
comprising an elastic body. The two-sided bonding sheet 3700f
comprising an elastic body is made using an elastic body that has
conductivity from the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to the
chassis (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a
butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; a structure formed using these
varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed; or the like)
or the like. Due to such elastic bonding, each portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 obtains a degree of free
vibration illustrated by arrows 25G, 25H, and 25I, and the
vibration thereof is transmitted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 3701 via the two-sided bonding sheet 3700f.
[0504] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be restricted to individual respective
embodiments, but rather can be substituted or combined with other
appropriate embodiments. For example, the support structure of the
forty-first embodiment in FIGS. 63 and 64, in which consideration
is given to the free vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525, can also be applied to the case of the inclined holding of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 in the thirty-ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D and the fortieth
embodiment of FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C. Specifically, the support
structure in FIG. 62B has a point in common in the sense that the
two ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are supported
and the middle part is freed. There is no limitation to this
example; for example, rather than bonding the entire vibration
plane to the inner side of the inclined side surface, it is also
possible in the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and
61D and the modification examples thereof to provide a projection
unit analogous to the support structure 3700a of FIG. 63A to the
inclined side surface, only the middle portion of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 being bonded thereto to make the two end parts
thereof into free ends. Alternatively, it is also possible in the
thirty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D and the
modification examples thereof to interpose an elastic body, as in
the fourth modification example of the forty-first embodiment in
FIG. 64D, when the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
bonded.
[0505] The implementation of the features of the present invention
described above is not to be limited to the aspects in the above
embodiments; the invention can be implemented using other aspects
as well, wherever it is possible to benefit from the advantages
thereof. For example, although the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIGS.
61A, 61B, 61C and 61D have been described with the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 being bonded to and supported by the inner
side of the inclined side surface inside the mobile telephone, the
specific structure for support is not to be limited thereto. For
example, referring to the thirty-first embodiment of FIGS. 49A and
49B, the structure may be one in which a groove may be provided to
the outer side of the inclined side surface and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is fitted into this groove from the outer
side.
Forty-Second Embodiment
[0506] FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-second embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3801.
The forty-second embodiment is consistent with the thirty-eighth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for the
arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525,
which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element (and which
hereinafter is described using the example of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525), and except for the holding structure
thereof; therefore, the diagram does not contain those portions for
which no description is needed, and of the illustrated portions,
shared portions have been given like reference numerals, a
description thereof having been omitted unless there is a
particular need.
[0507] FIG. 65A is a cross-sectional view in which the mobile
telephone 3801 of the forty-second embodiment is viewed from above
as being cut in a plane that is perpendicular to a side surface
3807 thereof and to the display surface of the GUI display unit
3405. FIG. 65B is a cross-sectional view in which the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 65A is viewed from the side of the mobile
telephone 3801. As is clear from FIG. 65A, the piezoelectric
element 2525 is arranged along the top surface of the mobile
telephone 3801, similarly with respect to the thirty-eighth
embodiment in FIG. 59A, the forty-first embodiment in FIGS. 63A and
63B, or the like. The primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is the direction perpendicular
to the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, as illustrated
by arrow 25G. Thus, the forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A, 65B,
65C, and 65D, in essence, has one side of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 supported by a cantilever structure, similarly with
respect to the modification example of the forty-first embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 64C. The counteraction of the vibration of the
free end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 illustrated by
arrow 25G is thereby transmitted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 3801.
[0508] A point of difference in the forty-second embodiment of
FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D from the modification example of the
forty-first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 64C lies in it being
configured such that an upper part corner 3824, which is a site on
the chassis of the mobile telephone 3801 that is appropriate for
being brought up against the tragus or other ear cartilage, is made
to vibrate particularly efficiently, and also such that it is
possible for the structure of the upper part corner 3824, which is
also a site that is likely to bear the direct application of impact
when a drop or the like occurs, to avoid having a structure that is
low in terms of collision resistance. Specifically, as illustrated
in FIGS. 65A and 65B, one end of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is inserted and held in a hole of a support structure 3800a
extending inward from the side surface 3807 and the top surface
3807a of the mobile telephone 3801, as a holding end 2525c. The
holding end 2525c is an end to which the terminal 2525b is not
provided. Thus, making the one end to which the terminal 2525b is
not provided into a holding end 2525c permits the support position
to be brought closer to the vicinity of the upper part corner 3824.
By contrast, the other end to which the terminal 2525b is provided
is made to vibrate as a free end. The terminal 2525b is connected
to a circuit 3836 and flexible wiring 3836a installed in the
chassis; the free vibration of the other end to which the terminal
2525b is provided will not be substantively hampered. The circuit
3836 comprises an amp or the like for boosting the drive voltage of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525.
[0509] Due to the configuration described above, the counteraction
of the free vibration of the other end of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 illustrated by arrow 25G is transmitted to the chassis
of the mobile telephone 3801 via the support structure 3800a from
the holding end 2525c of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. At
this time, the support structure 3800a, as described above, is
configured so as to extend to the inner side from the side surface
3807 and the top surface 3807a of the mobile telephone 3801 at the
upper part corner 3824 of the chassis; therefore, the counteraction
of the free vibration of the other end of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is efficiently transmitted to the upper part corner
3824. As described above, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
held in the inner side of the chassis of the mobile telephone 3801,
and therefore the structure of the upper part corner 3824, which is
also a site that is prone to the direct application of an impact,
will not have low resistance to collision.
[0510] FIG. 65C is a first modification example of the forty-second
embodiment; the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held such
that the primary vibration direction becomes the direction
perpendicular to the top surface 3807a, as illustrated by arrow
25J. The structure is otherwise similar to that of the forty-second
embodiment of FIGS. 65A and 65B, and therefore a description
thereof has been omitted. The first modification example in FIG.
65C has a large vibration component in the direction perpendicular
to the top surface 3807a, and is therefore suited for usage in
which the top surface side of the upper part corner 3824 of the
mobile telephone 3801 is brought up against the ear cartilage in
such a form as to push lightly upward. This embodiment is also
appropriate in that, due to such use, not only can the display
surface of the GUI display unit 3405 be prevented from being fouled
by contact with the face, but also increasing the force pushing
upward on the top surface 3807a obstructs the external auditory
meatus with the tragus, and the earplug bone conduction effect is
readily created. The first modification example in FIG. 65C,
similarly with respect to the forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A
and 65B, can be used upon the display surface side of the upper
part corner 3824 of the mobile telephone 3801 being brought up
against the ear cartilage. In such a case as well, increasing the
force with which the display surface is pushed against the ear
cartilage makes it possible for the external auditory meatus to be
obstructed with the tragus, and the earplug bone conduction effect
can readily be created.
[0511] FIG. 65D is a second modification example of the
forty-second embodiment. The primary vibration direction is
inclined 45.degree. relative to the top surface 3807a, as
illustrated by arrow 25K. The vibration components are thereby
broken down into the direction that is perpendicular to the top
surface 3807a and the direction that is perpendicular to the
display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, which is orthogonal
thereto, and comparable cartilage conduction can be obtained
regardless of the direction from which the upper part corner 3824
comes into contact with the ear cartilage.
Forty-Third Embodiment
[0512] FIGS. 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 3901.
The forty-third embodiment is consistent with the thirty-eighth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for the
arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525,
which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element (and which
hereinafter is described using the example of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525), and except for the holding structure
thereof. Therefore, the diagram does not contain those portions for
which no description is needed, and of the illustrated portions,
shared portions have been given like reference numerals, a
description thereof having been omitted unless there is a
particular need.
[0513] FIG. 66A is a cross-sectional view in which the mobile
telephone 3901 of the forty-third embodiment is viewed in profile
as being cut in a plane that is perpendicular to the upper surface
3907a thereof and to the display surface of the GUI display unit
3405. FIG. 66B is a cross-sectional view in which the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 66A is viewed from above the mobile telephone
3901. In the forty-third embodiment of FIGS. 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D,
similarly with respect to the forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A,
65B, 65C, and 65D, the one end in the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 to which the terminal 2525b is not provided serves as a
holding end 2525c and is supported by a cantilever structure. A
point of difference in the forty-third embodiment from the
forty-second embodiment lies in that, as is clear from FIG. 66A,
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is arranged in parallel to
the side surface of the mobile telephone 3901, similarly with
respect to the thirty-ninth embodiment in FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and
61D and the modification examples thereof. Further, the primary
vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
the direction that is perpendicular to the display surface of the
GUI display unit 3405, as illustrated by arrow 25M.
[0514] Accordingly, in the forty-third embodiment of FIGS. 66A,
66B, 66C and 66D as well, an upper part corner 3924, which is a
site on the chassis of the mobile telephone 3901 appropriate for
being brought up against the tragus or other ear cartilage,
vibrates particularly efficiently, and the structure of the upper
part corner 3924 can avoid being low in terms of collision
resistance. Specifically, similarly with respect to the
forty-second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 66A and 66B, one
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is inserted into and
held in a hole of the support structure 3900a extending inward from
the side surface and the top surface of the mobile telephone 3901,
as a holding end 2525c. Accordingly, the one end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to which the terminal 2525b is
not provided is made into a holding terminal 2525c in the
forty-third embodiment as well, whereby the support position can be
brought closer to the vicinity of the upper part corner 3924. This
embodiment is otherwise consistent with the forty-second
embodiment, and therefore a description has been omitted.
[0515] FIG. 66C is a first modification example of the forty-third
embodiment; the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held such
that the primary vibration direction becomes the direction
perpendicular to the side surface 3907, as illustrated by arrow
25N. The configuration is otherwise similar to that of the
forty-third embodiment in FIGS. 66A and 66B, and therefore a
description thereof has been omitted. The first modification
example in FIG. 66C has a large vibration component in the
direction perpendicular to the side surface 3907, and is therefore
suited for usage in which the side surface 3907 of the mobile
telephone 3901 is brought up against the ear cartilage and contact
between the face and the display surface of the GUI display unit
3405 is avoided. In the first modification example in FIG. 66C,
similarly with respect to the forty-third embodiment in FIGS. 66A
and 66B, the display surface side of the mobile telephone 3901 can
be brought up against the ear cartilage for use. In such a case as
well, in a case in which the upper part corner 3924 is pushed
against the ear cartilage, increasing the force thereof makes it
possible to obstruct the external auditory meatus with the tragus,
and to readily create the earplug bone conduction effect.
[0516] FIG. 66D is a second modification example of the forty-third
embodiment. The primary vibration direction is inclined 45.degree.
relative to the side surface 3907, as illustrated by arrow 25P. The
vibration components are thereby broken down into the direction
that is perpendicular to the side surface 3907 and to the direction
that is perpendicular to the display surface of the GUI display
unit 3405, which is orthogonal thereto, and comparable cartilage
conduction can be obtained regardless of the direction from which
the upper part corner 3924 comes into contact with the ear
cartilage.
Forty-Fourth Embodiment
[0517] FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and 67C are cross-sectional views
relating to a forty-fourth embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 4001.
The forty-fourth embodiment is consistent with the thirty-eighth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60, except for the structure
and arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525,
which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph element, and except
for the holding structure thereof. Therefore, the diagram does not
contain those portions for which no description is needed, and of
the illustrated portions, shared portions have been given like
reference numerals, a description thereof having been omitted
unless there is a particular need.
[0518] FIG. 67A is a cross-sectional view (which includes a partial
conceptual block diagram) in which the mobile telephone 4001 of the
forty-fourth embodiment is viewed from above as being cut in a
plane that is perpendicular to the side surface thereof and to the
display surface of the GUI display unit 3405, and is a
cross-sectional view that can be understood to be similar with
respect to the forty-second embodiment of FIG. 65A. FIGS. 67B1 and
67B2 are cross-sectional views in which the B1-B1 cross-section and
B2-B2 cross-section of the elements in FIG. 67A are viewed from the
side of the mobile telephone 4001, respectively. FIG. 67C is a
detailed cross-sectional view of the important elements of FIG. 67A
(including a partial conceptual block diagram). Portions in FIGS.
67B1, 67B2, and 67C that correspond to FIG. 67A have been given
like reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted
unless there is a particular need.
[0519] The forty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and
67C, similarly with respect to the forty-second embodiment of FIGS.
65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D, have the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
supported in parallel with the top surface, but differs from the
forty-second embodiment in that the one end side to which the
terminal 2525b is provided is supported by the cantilever
structure, and in that a circuit 4036 for driving the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is integrated with the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 for a configuration as a vibration unit. This
embodiment is consistent with the forty-second embodiment in that
the upper part corner, which is an appropriate site on the chassis
of the mobile telephone 4001 to be brought up against the tragus or
other ear cartilage, vibrates particularly efficiently, and also in
that the upper part corner avoids having a structure that is low in
terms of collision resistance.
[0520] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 67A and 67C, the
terminal 2525b of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
connected to a circuit 4036 that is mounted onto the terminal 2525b
using a wire 4036a. The terminal 2525b of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 and the circuit 4036 are re-packaged using a resin
package 4025 having an acoustic impedance approximating that of the
resin in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 has been
packaged, and are integrated as a vibration unit. A connection pin
4036b penetrates the resin package 4025, projects outward from the
circuit 4036, and makes contact with a controller and power supply
unit 4039 secured to the chassis of the mobile telephone 4001.
[0521] As illustrated in FIG. 67C, the circuit 4036 comprises an
amp 4036c for boosting the drive voltage of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525, and an adjustment unit 4036d for electrically
compensating for the variances of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525. The adjustment unit 4036d performs adjustments so as to
operate to prevent variances in the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 relative to the power feed and control from the controller and
power supply unit 4039; therefore, after adjustments are done,
repackaging is done with the resin 4024. As an alternative
configuration, it is possible for repackaging to be performed so
that an adjustment operation unit or adjustment circuit pattern of
the adjustment unit 4036d is exposed on the surface of the resin
package 4025, and so that adjustments can be performed after
assembly.
[0522] In the forty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and
67C, similarly with respect to the forty-second embodiment, a
support structure 4000a extending inward from the side surface and
top surface 4007a of the mobile telephone 4001 is provided, a
portion of the resin package 4025 of the vibration unit formed by
repackaging being inserted into a hole thereof, whereby the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held. As has already been
described, in the forty-fourth embodiment, one end side to which
the terminal 2525b is provided is supported, and one end 2525c to
which the terminal 2525b is not provided serves as a unrestrictedly
vibrating end. The counteraction of the free vibration of the one
end 2525c is then transmitted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 4001 via the support structure 4000a from the resin
package 4025.
[0523] The various features indicated in the embodiments of the
present invention can be unrestrictedly substituted or combined
whenever the benefits thereof can be utilized. For example, in the
forty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and 67C, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is supported in parallel with
the top surface, and the primary vibration direction thereof
becomes the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the
GUI display unit 3405, as illustrated by arrow 25H. However, the
integrated packaging structure of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 and the circuit 4036 illustrated in the forty-fourth
embodiment is not to be limited to the arrangement of FIGS. 67A,
67B1, 67B2 and 67C, but rather can be utilized in a support
arrangement such as in the modification example of the forty-second
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 65C and 65D, and in the forty-third
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 66A to 66D and the modification
example thereof. The utilization thereof may be done in conformity
with the relationships between FIGS. 65A and 67A, and in each case,
the one end of the side of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
to which the terminal 2525b is provided serves as the support side,
similarly with respect to FIG. 65A.
[0524] The support structures 3800a, 3900a, and 4000a in the
forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D to the
forty-fourth embodiment in FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and 67C are also
not limited as extending inward from the side surface and top
surface of the mobile telephone 4001; rather, a variety of support
structures are possible. For example, a support structure may be
configured so as to extend from only one of either the side surface
or the top surface. Moreover, a variety of other structures are
possible, including one extending from either the front surface or
the back surface, one extending from the front surface and the top
surface; one extending from the rear surface and the top surface;
one extending from the side surface and the front surface; one
extending from the side surface and the rear surface; or one
extending from the rear side of the corner part as an elongation
from all three of the top surface, the side surface, and the front
surface. In each case, providing the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 or the support unit of the resin packaging 4025 integrated
therewith to the inner side of the chassis in the vicinity of the
corner part can allow the corner part to avoid having a structure
that is low in terms of collision resistance while also causing the
corner part to vibrate efficiently due to the counteraction of the
free vibration of the other end.
[0525] The various features indicated in each of the embodiments of
the present invention are also not necessarily specific to
individual embodiments; rather, the features of each respective
embodiment can be modified and used or combined and used as
appropriate, whenever it is possible to utilize the benefits
thereof. For example, in the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the second
embodiment of FIG. 5, the third embodiment of FIG. 6, and the
thirty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 55, the interior of the mobile
telephone is provided with two piezoelectric bimorph elements
respectively for right ear use and left ear use. However, examples
in which each of a plurality of piezoelectric bimorph elements is
provided to a plurality of places in the mobile telephone in order
to obtain desired cartilage conduction from a plurality of
directions are not to be limited to these embodiments. On the other
hand, in the thirty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C and
61D, the fortieth embodiment of FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C, the second
modification example of the forty-second embodiment in FIG. 65D,
and the second modification example of the forty-third embodiment
in FIG. 66D, a single primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element is given an incline and the vibration
component is divided in a case in which cartilage conduction is to
be generated in a plurality of directions, such as between the side
surface and the front surface or between the top surface and the
front surface; however, configurations for generating cartilage
conduction in a plurality of directions are not to be limited to
these embodiments.
Forty-Fifth Embodiment
[0526] FIGS. 68A and 68B are cross-sectional views relating to the
forty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and serves to illustrate another example relating to the
configuration described above in which cartilage conduction is
generated in a plurality of directions, such as between the side
surface and front surface, and between the top surface and the
front surface. Specifically, in a mobile telephone 4101a of the
forty-fifth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 68A and a mobile
telephone 4101b of a modification example thereof illustrated in
FIG. 68B, two piezoelectric bimorph elements are utilized in
imitation of the thirty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 55 and the like,
instead of the dividing of the vibration component of a single
piezoelectric bimorph elements such as in the fortieth embodiment
of FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C. Then, the primary vibration directions
of these piezoelectric bimorph elements 4124 and 4126 are set off
from each other by 90.degree. so as to become parallel to the front
surface and side surface or to the front surface and top surface,
respectively, the bimorph elements being supported on the inner
side of the chassis of the mobile telephone. Similarly with respect
to the fortieth embodiment of FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C, cartilage
conduction is thereby generated in a plurality of directions, such
as between the side surface and front surface or between the top
surface and front surface. The configuration of the forty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 68A and 68B are shared with that of the
fortieth embodiment of FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62C, other than the fact
that two piezoelectric bimorph elements are utilized; therefore,
identical portions have been given like reference numerals, and
extraneous description has been omitted. It shall be noted that
FIGS. 68A and 68B correspond to FIGS. 62A and 62C,
respectively.
[0527] In FIGS. 68A and 68B, the longitudinal directions of the two
piezoelectric bimorph elements illustrate a parallel arrangement,
but the arrangement of the plurality of piezoelectric bimorph
elements is not limited thereto. For example, another possible
arrangement is one in which the longitudinal directions of the two
piezoelectric bimorph elements are mutually orthogonal, where one
is along the top surface and the other is along the side surface.
Furthermore, the support of the plurality of piezoelectric bimorph
elements in which the primary vibration directions are set off from
each other is not limited to the inner side of the chassis of the
mobile telephone as in FIGS. 68A and 68B; rather, for example, the
support may be on the outer side of the chassis, as in the
thirtieth and thirty-first embodiments and the modification
examples thereof illustrated in FIGS. 48 to 50.
Forty-Sixth Embodiment
[0528] FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional view relating to a forty-sixth embodiment according
to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured as a
mobile telephone 4201. The forty-sixth embodiment is consistent
with the thirty-eighth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 60,
except for the arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 2525, which is constituted of a piezoelectric bimorph
element, and except for the holding structure thereof; therefore,
the diagram does not contain those portions for which no
description is needed, and of the illustrated portions, shared
portions have been given like reference numerals, a description
thereof having been omitted unless there is a particular need.
[0529] FIG. 69A is a perspective view in which the mobile telephone
4201 of the forty-fourth embodiment is viewed from the front
surface; the four corner parts, which are susceptible to collision
when the mobile telephone 4201 is dropped by mistake or in other
circumstances, are provided with elastic body units 4263a, 4263b,
4263c, 4263d, which serve as protectors. The inner sides of the
elastic body units 4263a and 4263b found at the two upper corner
parts have a dual purpose as units for holding the piezoelectric
bimorph element, and the outer sides of the elastic body units
4263a and 4263b have a dual purpose as cartilage conduction units
for making contact with the ear cartilage. For this reason, at
least the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b utilize an elastic
material having an acoustic impedance approximating that of ear
cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a
butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; a structure formed using these
varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed; a structure,
such as can be seen in transparent packaging sheet materials and
the like, in which a layer of groups of air bubbles is sealed
separated by a thin film of synthetic resin; or the like).
[0530] FIG. 69B is a cross-sectional view in the B1-B1 sectional
plane of FIG. 69A, with a cross-section of the mobile telephone
4201 in the plane perpendicular to the front surface and the side
surface. As is clear from FIG. 69B, the two ends of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are supported by the inner sides
of the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b. The elastic body unit
4263a supports the terminal 2525b side of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525, and a flexible wiring 3836a for establishing a
connection between the terminal 2525b and the circuit 3836 passes
through the elastic body unit.
[0531] The elastic body units 4263a and 4263b are anchoringly
supported on the chassis of the mobile telephone 4201, but the two
ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 are ensured a
certain degree of freedom to move by vibration, due to the
elasticity of the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b, and the
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is less
hampered. The middle part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
is not in contact with anything and is free to vibrate. The outer
sides of the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b, serve as an outer
wall of the corner parts of the mobile telephone 4201, and have a
dual purpose in acting as protectors for collisions with an
external unit, and as cartilage conduction units for making contact
with the ear cartilage. The mobile telephone 4201 can thereby be
brought into contact with either of the right ear or the left ear
for the purpose of cartilage conduction, as has been described in,
for example, the first embodiment in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Furthermore,
because the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b have a different
acoustic impedance from that of the chassis of the mobile telephone
4201, the conduction component from the elastic body units 4263a
and 4263b to the chassis of the mobile telephone 4201 can be
reduced, and efficient cartilage conduction from the elastic body
unit 4263a or 4263b to the ear cartilage can be achieved.
[0532] FIG. 69C is a cross-sectional view in the B2-B2 sectional
plane illustrated in FIG. 69A or FIG. 69B, with a cross-section of
the mobile telephone 4201 in the plane perpendicular to the front
surface and the top surface. It can be understood from FIG. 69C as
well that the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b hold the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and are anchoringly supported on
the chassis of the mobile telephone 4201, and also that the outer
sides thereof, without the outer wall of the corner parts of the
mobile telephone 4201, serve as protectors for collisions with an
external unit, and have a dual purpose as cartilage conduction
units for making contact with the ear cartilage. As is clear from
FIG. 69C, the forty-sixth embodiment assumes a structure in which
the elastic body units 4263c and 4263d, which are at the lower two
corners, function exclusively as protectors, and are covered by the
chassis of the mobile telephone 4201.
Forty-Seventh Embodiment
[0533] FIGS. 70A and 70B relate to the forty-seventh embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 70A is a
perspective view illustrating a part of the upper end side thereof,
and FIG. 70B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the B-B
cross-section of FIG. 70A. The seventieth embodiment is configured
as a mobile telephone 4301, and assumes a structure in which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is fitted into the side surface
of the mobile telephone. Such a structure has much in common with
the thirtieth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 48, and therefore
common portions have been given like reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. Further, similarly with
respect to FIG. 48, FIGS. 70A and 70B omit an illustration and
description of the configuration for inputting an audio signal into
the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, and the like.
[0534] A point of difference in the forty-seventh embodiment of
FIGS. 70A and 70B from the thirtieth embodiment of FIGS. 49A and
49B lies in the structure of the portions for transmitting the
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to the ear
cartilage. Namely, in the forty-seventh embodiment of FIGS. 70A and
70B, the side surface of the mobile telephone 4301 is provided with
a concavity 4301a that has a very slight step (for example, 0.5
mm), and is arranged such that the vibration plane of the
piezoelectric element 2525 comes to a bottom part of this concavity
4301a. The vibration plane of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 may be exposed at the bottom part of the concavity 4301a, but
in the forty-seventh embodiment, the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is covered with a thin protective layer 4227. This protective
layer 4227 is applied or coated on with an elastic material, in
order to prevent stretching of the vibration plane due to vibration
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from being hampered.
[0535] Due to the structure described above, it is possible to
bring the vibration plane of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
into direct contact with the ear cartilage wherever possible, and
also it is possible to provide protection against damage to the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from any collision with an
external unit. Specifically, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
is arranged at the bottom of the concavity 4301a and is at a
position that is lower only by the step from the outer surface of
the chassis of the mobile telephone 4301; because of the step, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 will not directly collide with
an external unit even were the side surface of the chassis of the
mobile telephone to collide with an external unit. As illustrated
in FIG. 70A, in the forty-seventh embodiment, the concavity 4301a
is provided to a place slightly lowered from the corner part in the
side surface of the mobile telephone 4301, to prevent any damage to
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 due to collision at the
corner part. Ear cartilage is soft; therefore, it is readily
deformed at the place of the very slight step and can be brought
into contact with the vibration plane of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 or the covered surface thereof, even with an
arrangement such that the vibration plane of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 comes to the bottom part of the concavity
4301a.
[0536] The various features indicated in the various embodiments of
the present invention can be unrestrictedly modified, substituted
or combined whenever the benefits thereof can be utilized. For
example, the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b are arranged in the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C so as to be
symmetrical relative to the center of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525, but the support of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is not to be limited to such an arrangement; another possible
arrangement is an eccentric one in which the center of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is closer to either of the
opposing corner parts. For example, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525, rather than being completely symmetrical relative to
the center thereof, has a slightly different weight and degree of
freedom to vibrate at the side that is not the side that has the
terminal 2525b. The wiring 3836a also passes through the elastic
body unit 4263a for supporting the terminal 2525b, and passes
through to the circuit 3836. The configuration for eccentrically
supporting the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 between the two
corner parts is effective in compensation for asymmetry such as
described above. The respective lengths of the elastic body units
4263a and 4263b must be determined depending on the length of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and on the width of the chassis
of the mobile telephone 4201. In other words, the elastic body
units 4263a and 4263b require enough length to reach up to the two
ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from the outer
surface of the two corner parts of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 4201. The configuration for eccentrically supporting the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 between the two corner parts is
effective in that the length can be adjusted as above while keeping
the layout of the implemented parts inside the mobile telephone in
consideration. In a case in which the elastic body unit 4263a or
4263b becomes longer, the configuration is such that the elastic
body unit 4263a or 4263b is elongated inward so as not to make
contact with the inner surface of the chassis, and reaches the end
part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, whereby it is also
possible to increase the degree of freedom with which the end part
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 vibrates.
[0537] FIGS. 71A, 71B and 71C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a modification example of the
forty-sixth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and serves to illustrate the implementation of a
configuration in a case in which the elastic body unit is longer,
as described above. Specifically, a case in which, as illustrated
in FIGS. 71A, 71B and 71C, the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b
become longer utilizes a configuration in which there are provided
elongation units 4263e and 4263f, by which the elastic body units
4263a and 4263b are elongated inward so as not to make contact with
the inner surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 4201, the
two end parts of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 being held
by these elongation units 4263e and 4263f. According to such a
configuration, the elongation units 4263e and 4263f do not make
contact with the inner surface of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 4201, and therefore elastic deformation is readily
possible, and the two end parts of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 can be held by such elongation units 4263e and 4263f,
whereby the degree of freedom with which the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 vibrates can be increased. The configuration of FIGS.
71A, 71B and 71C are otherwise consistent with that of FIGS. 69A,
69B and 69C, and therefore shared portions have been given like
reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted.
[0538] The various features indicated in the various embodiments of
the present invention can be unrestrictedly modified, substituted,
or combined whenever the benefits thereof can be utilized. For
example, each of the embodiments above has been described with the
cartilage conduction vibration source comprising a piezoelectric
bimorph element or the like. However, barring particular cases
described as pertaining to a configuration specific to the
piezoelectric bimorph element, the various features of the present
invention are not to be limited to cases in which a piezoelectric
bimorph element is utilized as the cartilage conduction vibration
source; the advantages thereof can also be realized in a case in
which an electromagnetic vibrating element, a super
magnetostrictive element, or other diverse elements are used for
the cartilage conduction vibration source.
Forty-Eighth Embodiment
[0539] FIGS. 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D and 72E are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a forty-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a mobile telephone 4301. The forty-eighth embodiment serves as
an example of a case in which an electromagnetic vibrating element
is used as the cartilage conduction vibration source in the
configuration of the forty-sixth embodiment in FIGS. 69A, 69B and
69C. FIG. 72A is a perspective view in which the mobile telephone
4301 of the forty-eighth embodiment is viewed from the front
surface thereof; the outer appearance is similar to that of the
perspective view of the forty-sixth embodiment in FIG. 69A. In
other words, in the forty-eighth embodiment as well the four corner
parts, which are susceptible to collision when the mobile telephone
4301 is dropped by mistake or in other circumstances, are provided
with elastic body units 4363a, 4363b, 4363c, and 4363d, which serve
as protectors. The elastic body units 4363a and 4363b, which are at
the upper two corners, have a dual purpose as units for holding the
cartilage conduction vibration source, and the outer sides of the
elastic body units 4363a and 4363b have a dual purpose as cartilage
conduction units for making contact with the ear cartilage. Then,
the elastic body units 4363a and 4363b, similarly with respect to
the forty-sixth embodiment, utilize an elastic material having an
acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage (a silicone
rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber and a butadiene rubber; a
natural rubber; a structure formed using these varieties of rubber
in which air bubbles are sealed; a structure, such as can be seen
in transparent packaging sheet materials and the like, in which a
layer of groups of air bubbles is sealed separated by a thin film
of synthetic resin; or the like).
[0540] FIG. 72B is a cross-sectional view in the B-B sectional
plane of FIG. 72A, wherein the mobile telephone 4301 (represented
as 4301a in FIG. 72B) is sectioned along the plane perpendicular to
the front surface and the side surface. As is clear from FIG. 72B,
each of electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326a and 4324a is
embedded in the elastic body units 4363a and 4363b, respectively.
The primary vibration direction thereof is the direction
perpendicular to the front surface of the mobile telephone 4301 to
which a GUI display unit is provided, as illustrated by arrow 25M.
In the configuration in which the electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326a and 4324a or other cartilage conduction vibration
sources are embedded in the elastic body units 4363a and 4363b, the
elastic body units 4363a and 4363b have a dual purpose as a
protector function and a cartilage conduction unit function, as
described above, and also, as described in the embodiment of FIGS.
17A, 17B and 17C, additionally have yet another purpose as a
cushioning function for guarding the cartilage conduction vibration
source against impact.
[0541] In the configuration in which, as in the forty-eighth
embodiment in FIG. 72B, the separate electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326a and 4324a are provided to the elastic body unit
4363a and 4363 respectively, the electromagnetic vibrating elements
4326a and 4324a can be controlled independently. Accordingly,
similarly with respect to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1 to 4, the configuration can be made to be such that the inclined
direction of the mobile telephone 4301 is detected according to the
gravity acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and, in
accordance with which of the elastic body units 4363a and 4363b is
brought up against the ear (in other words, in accordance with
against which among the right ear and left ear the corner part of
the mobile telephone has been brought, as illustrated in FIG. 2),
the electromagnetic vibrating element on the side at the lower
angle of inclination is made to vibrate, and the other is turned
off. This is also similar to a modification example that will be
described later.
[0542] FIG. 72C is a cross-sectional view of the first modification
example of the forty-eighth embodiment, and, similarly with respect
to FIG. 72B, is a cross-sectional view in the B-B sectional plane
of FIG. 72A, wherein the mobile telephone 4301 (represented as
4301b in FIG. 72C) is sectioned along the plane perpendicular to
the front surface and the side surface. Similarly with respect to
the forty-eighth embodiment, the first modification example also
has the electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326b and 4324b embedded
in the elastic body units 4363a and 4363b, respectively. However,
the primary vibration direction thereof becomes the direction
perpendicular to the side surface of the mobile telephone 4301, as
illustrated by arrow 25N. This modification example is otherwise
similar to the forty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 72B.
[0543] FIG. 72D is a cross-sectional view of the second
modification example of the forty-eighth embodiment, and, similarly
with respect to FIG. 72B, is a cross-sectional view in the B-B
sectional plane of FIG. 72A, wherein the mobile telephone 4301
(represented as 4301c in FIG. 72D) is sectioned along the plane
perpendicular to the rear surface and the side surface. In the
second modification example, similarly with respect to the
forty-eighth embodiment, each of the electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326c and 4324c is embedded in the elastic body units
4363a and 4363b, respectively. However, the primary vibration
direction thereof becomes a direction inclined 45.degree. from the
side surface of the mobile telephone 4301, as illustrated by arrow
25P. For this reason, similarly with respect to the second
modification example of the forty-third embodiment in FIG. 66D, the
vibration components are broken down into the direction that is
perpendicular to the side surface and to the direction that is
perpendicular to the front surface, which is orthogonal thereto,
and comparable cartilage conduction can be obtained regardless of
the direction from which the either the elastic body unit 4363a or
4363b comes into contact with the ear cartilage. This modification
example is otherwise similar to the forty-eighth embodiment of FIG.
72B.
[0544] FIG. 72E is a cross-sectional view of the third modification
example of the forty-eighth embodiment, and, similarly with respect
to FIG. 72B, is a cross-sectional view in the B-B sectional plane
of FIG. 72A, wherein the mobile telephone 4301 (represented as
4301d in FIG. 72E) is sectioned along the plane perpendicular to
the front surface and the side surface. In the third modification
example, electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d, 4326e, and
4324d, 4324e are embedded in the elastic body units 4363a, 4363b,
respectively. The vibration direction of the electromagnetic
vibrating elements 4326d and 4324d is the direction perpendicular
to the side surface, illustrated by arrow 25D, and that of the
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326e and 4324e becomes the
direction perpendicular to the front surface, illustrated by arrow
25E. Similarly with respect to the forty-fifth embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 68A and 68B, earplug bone conduction is
thereby generated to the side surface and the front surface from a
plurality of different cartilage conduction vibration sources.
[0545] In the configuration in which, as in the third modification
example of the forty-eighth embodiment in FIG. 72E, vibration that
is directed perpendicularly with respect to the side surface is
generated from the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324d and the
like and vibration that is directed perpendicularly with respect to
the front surface is generated from the electromagnetic vibrating
element 4324e and the like, it is possible to independently control
the electromagnetic vibrating elements 4324d and 4324e having
different vibration directions. Specifically, a possible
configuration is one in which the incline direction of the mobile
telephone 4301 is detected by gravity acceleration, which is
detected by an acceleration sensor such as the acceleration sensor
49 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, where, in
accordance with whether the elastic body unit 4363b is brought up
against the ear from the side surface or the front surface, the
electromagnetic vibrating element on the side brought up against
the ear is made to vibrate and the vibration of the other one is
turned off. Such independent control of the plurality of cartilage
conduction vibration sources having different vibration directions
is not limited to the case of the electromagnetic vibrating
elements in FIG. 72D; rather, there are other possible cases of
configurations in which, for example, the piezoelectric bimorph
elements 4124 and 4126 of the forty-fifth embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 68A and 68B are utilized.
[0546] FIGS. 73A and 73B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the
elements of the forty-eighth embodiment and the modification
examples thereof. FIG. 73A enlarges the portions of the elastic
body unit 4363b and the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a of
FIG. 72B, and in particular provides a detailed illustration of the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a. The electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324a has a yoke 4324h for holding a magnet 4324f
and a central magnetic pole 4324g in a housing thereof, the yoke
being suspended midair in a corrugation damper 4324i. A top plate
4324j, which has a gap, is anchored to the magnet 4324f and the
central magnetic pole 4324g. The magnet 4324f, the central magnetic
pole 4324g, the yoke 4324h, and the top plate 4324j become
integrally movable in the vertical direction when viewed in FIGS.
73A and 73B relative to the housing of the electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324a. On the other hand, a voice coil bobbin
4324k is anchored to the inside of the housing of the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a, and a voice coil 4323m
wrapped therearound penetrates into the gap of the top plate 4324j.
In such a configuration, when an audio signal is inputted into the
voice coil 4323m, relative displacement occurs between the yoke
4324h and the like, and the housing of the electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324a; the vibration thereof is transmitted to
the ear cartilage in contact therewith via the elastic body unit
4363b.
[0547] FIG. 73B illustrates a fourth modification example of the
forty-eighth embodiment, and provides an enlarged illustration of
the portions corresponding to FIG. 73A. The internal configuration
of the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a is similar to that
of FIG. 73A; therefore, to avoid complication, an illustration of
the reference numerals of each unit has been omitted, and the
description thereof has also been left out. The fourth modification
example in FIG. 73B assumes a configuration in which the corner
part of the mobile telephone 4401 is provided with a stepped unit
4401g, the outer side thereof being covered by the elastic body
unit 4463b. The front surface side of the stepped unit 4401g is
provided with a window unit 4401f, the electromagnetic vibrating
element 4324a being bonded to the rear side of the elastic body
unit 4463b that faces the portion of the window unit 4401f. A
cushioning unit 4363f comprising an elastic body is also bonded to
the opposite side of the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a.
The cushioning unit 4363f is provided with a gap so as to not be in
contact with the rear side of the stepped unit 4401g in the
ordinary vibrating state, and acts as a cushioning material for
preventing the elastic body unit 4463b thereabove from making
contact with and being unrestrictedly pushed into the rear side of
the stepped unit 4401g when there is an excessive push against the
elastic body unit 4463b from collision with an external unit or the
like. Adverse events such as when the electromagnetic vibrating
element 4324a detaches due to deformation of the elastic body unit
4463b are thereby prevented. The cushioning unit 4363f functions as
a balancer in the ordinary vibrating state, and therefore the shape
and weight thereof or the like can be adjusted to design the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a to have optimal acoustic
properties. The cushioning unit 4363f may be a rigid body rather
than an elastic body in a case of functioning only as a balancer.
Although not depicted in FIG. 73B, the corner part of the opposite
side in the fourth modification example of the forty-eighth
embodiment (corresponding to the position of the elastic body unit
4363a in FIG. 72B) also assumes a configuration having left-right
symmetry with FIG. 73B.
[0548] The fourth modification example in FIG. 73B is based on the
arrangement of the electromagnetic vibrating elements in the
orientation in FIG. 72B. However, a configuration such as that of
the fourth modification is not limited thereto, and can also be
applied to the arrangement of the electromagnetic vibrating
elements in the various orientations in FIGS. 72C to 72E.
[0549] In the forty-eighth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 72 and
73A, the elastic body unit 4363b and the electromagnetic vibrating
element 4324a are configured as replaceable unit parts. When the
outer appearance of the elastic body unit 4363b is sullied by
collision with an external unit, in terms of aesthetics, the
elastic body unit 4363b and the electromagnetic vibrating element
4324a can be replaced as a unit. This is a point of similarity with
the fourth modification example of the forty-eighth embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 73B as well; the elastic body unit 4463b, the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a, and the cushioning unit
4363f are configured as a replaceable unit part. When the outer
appearance of the elastic body unit 4463b is damaged in terms of
aesthetics, the whole can be replaced as a unit. Such a
configuration as a unit part is a useful feature that is consistent
with the fact that the elastic body unit 4463b or the like is
configured as a protector and is a part positioned at a corner part
predicted to collide with an external unit. The configuration is
also a useful feature that is consistent with the fact that the
corner susceptible to collision is a suitable location for making
contact for cartilage conduction. Furthermore, the feature in which
the cartilage conduction vibration units are configured as
replaceable unit parts is fundamentally consistent with the
configuration of the other portions of the mobile telephone, and is
useful in providing a commercial product to which cartilage
conduction vibration units having acoustic properties that are
optimized in accordance with the user's age or other parameters
(for example, where the shape and/or weight of the cushioning unit
4363f illustrated in FIG. 73B are adjusted) are attached. The
feature is also fundamentally consistent with the configuration of
the other portions of the mobile telephone and is useful in
providing a commercial product that can be modified not only for
acoustic properties but also in accordance with user preferences;
for example, in accordance with a request regarding which of the
cartilage conduction vibration units from FIGS. 72B to 72E is
used.
[0550] The specific configuration in which the cartilage conduction
vibration source is provided to the elastic body unit of the corner
part is not limited to what is illustrated in FIGS. 73A and 73B;
the design can be modified where appropriate. For example, the
cushioning unit 4363f illustrated in FIG. 73B may be bonded to the
rear side of the stepped unit 4401g, instead of being bonded to the
opposite side of the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a. In
such a case, the cushioning unit 4363f is provided with a gap so as
to prevent contact with the opposite side of the electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324a in the ordinary vibrating state. The
cushioning unit 4363f may also be omitted in a case in which the
elastic body unit 4463b is able to withstand pushing due to
collision with an external unit or another cause.
[0551] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be limited to the above embodiments; rather,
wherever it is possible to benefit from the feature of an
embodiment, same can also be implemented in other embodiments. The
various features of each of the embodiments described above are not
to be restricted to individual respective embodiments, but rather
can be substituted or combined with other appropriate embodiments.
The forty-eighth embodiment and the modification examples thereof
serve as illustrations of examples in which the electromagnetic
vibrating element is utilized as a cartilage conduction vibration
unit and in which independently controllable and separate
electromagnetic vibrating elements are provided to the elastic body
units at different corners. However, the implementation of the
present invention is not to be limited thereto. For example, in a
case in which, as has already been described, a piezoelectric
bimorph element is utilized as the cartilage conduction vibration
unit, the cartilage conduction vibration units separately provided
to different corners as in the first embodiment of FIG. 1 can be
controlled independent of each other. In such a case, referring to
the forty-eighth embodiment, the piezoelectric bimorph element can
also be provided to the elastic body units at different corners.
Conversely, even a case in which an electromagnetic vibrating
element is utilized as the cartilage conduction vibration unit can
be configured such that the vibration of a single electromagnetic
vibrating element is transmitted to the left and right corners, as
in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 7, the fifth embodiment of FIG.
11, the tenth embodiment of FIG. 19, the eleventh embodiment of
FIG. 20, and the like. In such a case, referring to the
forty-eighth embodiment, the vibration conductors to the left and
right corner parts can be constituted of elastic bodies regardless
of whether the cartilage conduction vibration unit is a
piezoelectric bimorph element or an electromagnetic vibrating
element. Also, referring to the forty-sixth embodiment and the
modification examples thereof, the configuration may be such that
the two sides of the electromagnetic vibrating element are
supported by elastic bodies provided to the left and right corner
parts, depending on the shape of the electromagnetic vibrating
element.
Forty-Ninth Embodiment
[0552] FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a forty-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention as well as to a
modification example thereof, and is configured as a mobile
telephone 4501. The forty-ninth embodiment is consistent with the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C except for the
configuration for switching air conduction (to be described later);
therefore, like reference numerals have been assigned and the
description thereof is called upon. More specifically, the
forty-ninth embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 74A to 74D, of which
FIGS. 74A to 74C correspond to FIGS. 69A to 69C, which relate to
the forty-sixth embodiment. FIG. 74D is an enlarged view of the
elements of FIG. 74C. FIG. 74E is an enlarged view of the elements
relating to a modification of the forty-ninth embodiment.
[0553] As is clear from the B2-B2 cross-sectional view of FIG. 74C,
the forty-ninth embodiment is provided with a transparent resonance
chamber 4563 such that the display unit 3405 is covered. The
transparent resonance chamber 4563 has air removal holes partially
provided to the interior side of the mobile telephone 4501 in the
hollow. The transparent resonance chamber 4563 is extremely thin,
and therefore the user can observe the display unit 3405 through
the transparent resonance chamber 4563. As is clear from FIGS. 74B
and 74C, the middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is provided with a vibration conductor 4527 that can slide in
the vertical direction. When the vibration conductor 4527 is at the
position indicated by the solid line illustrated in FIG. 74C, the
transmission of vibration from the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to the transparent resonance
chamber 4563 is cut off, and when the vibration conductor 4527 is
at the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 74C and comes
into contact with the upper part of the transparent resonance
chamber 4563, the vibration of the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is transmitted to the
transparent resonance chamber 4563 via the vibration conductor
4527, whereby air conduction sound is generated from the entire
transparent resonance chamber 4563 and the entire transparent
resonance chamber 4563 becomes a surface speaker. This aspect is
clearly illustrated by the enlarged view of the elements of FIG.
74D. The up and down of the vibration conductor 4527 is performed
by causing an external manual operation knob 4527a of the mobile
telephone 4501 to slide up and down. The manual operation knob
4527a has a click function for determining the two up-down
positions. The vibration conductor 4527 also is resilient so as to
effectively make contact with the transparent resonance chamber
4563 when made to slide to the position of the dotted line.
[0554] As described above, air conduction sound is generated from
the entire transparent resonance chamber 4563 and cartilage
conduction is generated from the elastic body units 4263a and 4263b
in the state in which the vibration conductor 4527 is at the
position indicated by the dotted line in FIGS. 74C to 74D. The user
can accordingly bring the elastic body unit 4263a or 4263b up
against to ear to listen to sound by cartilage conduction, and can
also bring any desired portion of the display unit 3405 to which
the transparent resonance chamber 4563 is provided close to or up
against the ear to listen to sound by air conduction. Thus, a
variety of uses become possible in accordance with the user's
preferences and status. On the other hand, the transmission of
vibration to the transparent resonance chamber 4563 is cut off and
the generation of air conduction sound from the transparent
resonance chamber 4563 can be stopped in the state in which the
vibration conductor 4527 is at the position indicated by the solid
line illustrated in FIGS. 74C to 74D; therefore, because sound
leakage by air conduction is prevented, particularly in the state
in which the environment is quiet, it is possible to listen to
sound by cartilage conduction while preventing any disturbance to
the surroundings or leakage of sensitive information.
[0555] The modification example of the forty-ninth embodiment in
FIG. 74E is configured such that a vibration conductor 4527b is
made to rotate, whereby vibration from the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is intermittently transmitted to
the transparent resonance chamber 4563. Specifically, when the
vibration conductor 4527b is at the position indicated by the solid
line illustrated in FIG. 74E, the vibration conductor 4527b
separates from both the middle portion of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 and the transparent resonance chamber 4563, and the
transmission of vibration is cut off. On the other hand, when the
vibration conductor 4527b is rotated clockwise and is at the
position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 74E, the vibration
conductor 4527b is in contact with both the middle portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and the upper part of the
transparent resonance chamber 4563, and the vibration of the middle
portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is transmitted to
the transparent resonance chamber 4563 via the vibration conductor
4527b. This modification example is otherwise similar to the
forty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 74A to 74D. The rotation of the
vibration conductor 4527b is performed by the rotation of an
external manual operation dial 4527c of the mobile telephone 4501.
The manual operation dial 4527c has a click function for
determining the two positions of the rotation. The vibration
conductor 4527b is resilient as well, and, when rotated to the
position of the dotted line, presses effectively against the middle
portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and the upper
part of the transparent resonance chamber 4563.
[0556] Switching between cartilage conduction and air conduction in
the manner described above is not to be limited to the forty-ninth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E and to
the modification examples thereof; various configurations are
possible. For example, in FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and the transparent resonance
chamber 4563 are secured, and the vibration conductor 4527 or 4527b
is moved therebetween, whereby intermittent vibration is performed.
However, intermittent vibration between the two can also be
performed instead by rendering at least one of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 and the transparent resonance chamber 4563
movable. The movement at this time may be performed by at least a
part of either the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 or the
transparent resonance chamber 4563. Furthermore, FIGS. 74A, 74B,
74C, 74D and 74E serve to illustrate an example of switching
between the case of cartilage conduction together with air
conduction and the case of only cartilage conduction (to be
precise, there is also a slight air conduction component, but for
the sake of simplicity, this case is hereinafter referred to as
"only cartilage conduction"), but another possible configuration is
one in which, in exchange, the switching is between a case of only
cartilage conduction and a case of only air conduction or the
switching is between a case of cartilage conduction together with
air conduction and a case of only air conduction. Also, FIGS. 74A,
74B, 74C, 74D and 74E serve to illustrate an example of manual
switching, but another possible configuration is one in which a
noise sensor for differentiating between whether the environment is
quiet or not is provided and the vibration conductor 4527 or 4527b
is automatically driven on the basis of the output of the noise
sensor, whereby a case of cartilage conduction together with air
conduction is automatically switched to a case of cartilage
conduction only when the noise detected by the noise sensor is at
or above a predetermined level.
Fiftieth Embodiment
[0557] FIG. 75 is a block diagram relating to a fiftieth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a mobile telephone 4601. The fiftieth embodiment is based on the
configuration of the third modification example of the forty-eighth
embodiment, the cross-section of which is illustrated in FIG. 72E;
the electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d, 4326e, 4324d, and
4324e thereof are controlled by a configuration that is
substantially consistent with the block diagram of the first
embodiment in FIG. 3. In terms of the need to describe the
arrangement, the portions of the electromagnetic vibrating elements
are illustrated by a composite of the cross-sectional views.
Because the fiftieth embodiment is configured as described above,
portions in FIG. 75 that are shared with FIGS. 3 and 72E are
assigned shared reference numerals, and a description thereof has
been left out, except where necessary. The fiftieth embodiment is
not provided with any incoming-talk unit other than the
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d, 4326e, 4324d, and 4324e,
and therefore the phase adjustment mixer unit 36, a right ear drive
unit 4624, a left ear drive unit 4626, a reduced air conduction
automatic switching unit 4636, and the electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326d, 4326e, 4324d, and 4324e (which are illustrated in
FIG. 75) constitute the incoming-talk unit in the telephone
function unit 45 (which in FIG. 3 is the incoming-talk unit 13).
The fiftieth embodiment configured in the manner described above
assumes separate embodiments relating to the switch between
cartilage conduction and air conduction illustrated in the
forty-ninth embodiment, the switch being performed both
electrically and automatically. The following description focuses
on this point.
[0558] As described in FIG. 72E as well, the fiftieth embodiment of
FIG. 75 assumes a configuration in which cartilage conduction is
respectively generated from a plurality of different
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326e, 4326d, 4324e, and 4324d,
to the side surface and the front surface. The pair of
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d and 4326e, which are
embedded in the elastic body unit 4363a, are controlled by the left
ear drive unit 4262, and the pair of electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4324d and 4324e, which are embedded in the elastic body
unit 4363b, are controlled by the right ear drive unit 4264. In
such a configuration, similarly with respect to the first
embodiment, the acceleration sensor 49 is used to detect which of
the elastic body unit 4363a and the elastic body unit 4363b is in a
state of being brought up against an ear, where either the right
ear drive unit 4624 or the left ear drive unit 4626 is turned on
and the other is turned off. In addition, either the pair of
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d and 4326e or the pair of
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4324d and 4324e is rendered able
to vibrate and the other is rendered unable to vibrate.
[0559] The fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75 is further provided with
an environment-noise microphone 4638 for differentiating between
whether or not the environment is quiet. When the noise detected by
the environment-noise microphone 4638 is at or above a
predetermined level, the reduced air conduction automatic switching
unit 4636 functions according to a command from the controller 39
and causes the pair of electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d and
4326e or the pair of electromagnetic vibrating elements 4324d and
4324e to vibrate. On the other hand, in a quiet situation, which is
determined by the controller 39 when the noise detected by the
environment-noise microphone 4638 is at or below a predetermined
level, only the electromagnetic vibrating element 4326d or the only
the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324d is made to vibrate,
according to the function of the reduced air conduction switching
unit 4636, and the vibration of the electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326e and 4324e is stopped. However, for the purpose of
detecting the magnitude of environment noise, instead of there
being separately provided a dedicated environment-noise microphone
4638 such as in FIG. 75, the microphone output in the outgoing-talk
unit 23 of the telephone function unit 45 may be used to extract
the noise component. The extracting can be performed by analyzing
the frequency spectrum of the microphone output, utilizing the
microphone output from when audio is interrupted, or the like.
[0560] The following is a description of the significance of the
configuration described above. As illustrated in FIG. 72E as well,
the vibration direction of the electromagnetic vibrating elements
4326d and 4324d in the fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75 is the
direction perpendicular to the side surface, and the vibration
direction of the electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326e and 4324e
is the direction perpendicular to the front surface. Because the
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326e and 4324e vibrate in the
direction perpendicular to the front surface on which the display
unit 5 or the like is arranged, the entire front surface, which in
the mobile telephone 4601 has a large surface area, resonates and
has a larger vibration component than the vibration of the side
surface from the electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326d and
4324d. For this reason, and with respect to the forty-ninth
embodiment, the case in which the pair of electromagnetic vibrating
elements 4326e and 4326d vibrate or the case in which the pair of
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4324e and 4324d vibrate
corresponds to the "case of cartilage conduction plus air
conduction." On the other hand, the case in which only the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4326d vibrates or the case in
which only the electromagnetic vibrating element 4324d vibrates
corresponds to the "case of cartilage conduction only." However, a
certain amount of an air conduction component remains in the "case
of cartilage conduction only," as has been described in the
forty-ninth embodiment, and therefore the distinction between these
cases is based on a strictly relative comparison of the size of the
air conduction component.
[0561] As has been described above, in a case in which the
electromagnetic vibrating elements 4326e and 4326d vibrate or in a
case in which the electromagnetic resonators 4324e and 4324d
vibrate, the user can bring the elastic body unit 4263a or 4263b
against the ear to listen to sound by cartilage conduction, and can
also bring any desired portion of the front surface of the mobile
telephone 4601 close to or up against the ear to listen to sound by
air conduction. Thus, a variety of uses become possible in
accordance with the user's preferences and status. On the other
hand, in a case in which only the electromagnetic vibrating element
4326d vibrates or in a case in which only the electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324d vibrates, because relatively less air
conduction is generated and sound leakage by air conduction is
prevented, particularly in the state in which the environment is
quiet, it is possible to listen to sound by cartilage conduction
while preventing any disturbance to the surroundings or leakage of
sensitive information. In the fiftieth embodiment, air conduction
is automatically reduced in a state in which the environment is
quiet, due to the functions of the environment-noise microphone
4638 and the reduced air conduction automatic switching unit
4636.
[0562] Although the fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75 is configured
using electromagnetic vibrating elements, the configuration for
electrically and automatically switching between cartilage
conduction and air conduction is not limited to the case in which
the electromagnetic vibrating elements are used as cartilage
conduction vibration sources. For example, as in the forty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 68A and 68B, in a case in which a plurality of
independently controllable piezoelectric bimorph elements are
provided to mutually different directions, the same can be
automatically controlled in conformity with the fiftieth
embodiment. Another possible configuration in the fiftieth
embodiment of FIG. 75 is one in which a transparent resonance
chamber 4563 for generating air conduction is provided, such as in
the forty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E, and
one or both of the electromagnetic vibrating element 4326e and the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324e is brought into constant
contact with such a transparent resonance chamber 4563, whereby air
conduction is actively generated from the front surface of the
mobile telephone 4601.
[0563] The various features of the embodiments described above are
not limited to implementation in the aforedescribed embodiments,
and may be implemented in other aspects as well, provided that the
advantages thereof can be enjoyed by doing so. Moreover, the
various features of the embodiments are not limited to
implementation in their individual embodiments, and combinations
which incorporate features of other embodiments, as appropriate,
are acceptable. For example, in the present invention,
ear-contacting units for cartilage conduction are provided to the
corner parts of the mobile telephone. This feature will now be
considered, for example, for the mobile telephone 301 configured as
a smartphone as in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 7 (which
hereinafter is referred to as the smartphone 301, for the sake of
simplicity). The smartphone 301 as in FIG. 7 has a large-screen
display unit 205 provided with GUI functions on the front surface
thereof, and assumes an arrangement in which an ordinary
incoming-talk unit 13 is relegated to the upper angled region of
the smartphone 301. Moreover, since the ordinary incoming-talk unit
13 is provided to the middle portion of the part of the smartphone
301, there is assumed an arrangement in which it is difficult to
bring the large-screen display unit 205 up against the cheek bone
and to bring the incoming-talk unit 13 close to the ear in a case
in which the smartphone 301 is brought up against the ear; and
pressing the ordinary incoming-talk unit 13 strongly against the
ear so that the voice of the other party can be better heard incurs
a result where the large-screen display unit 205 is in contact with
the ear or cheek and is fouled by sebum or the like. By contrast,
when the right ear vibration unit 224 and the left ear vibration
unit 226 are arranged at the corner parts of the smartphone 301 in
FIG. 7, as is illustrated in FIG. 2 which relates to the first
embodiment, the corner parts of the smartphone 301 are accommodated
in the recess around the entrance to the external auditory meatus
in the vicinity of the tragus 32. It thereby becomes possible to
readily push the audio output unit of the smartphone 301 against
the area around the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and
contact made by the large-screen display unit 205 with the ear or
cheek can be naturally avoided even in a case of strong pushing.
Such an arrangement of the audio output unit at the corner part of
the mobile telephone is not limited to the case of using cartilage
conduction, and is useful also in a case of an incoming-talk unit
that uses an ordinary air conduction speaker. In such a case, air
conduction speakers for right ear use and left ear use are
preferably provided to the two corners of the upper part of the
smartphone.
[0564] As has already been described, cartilage conduction conducts
differently depending on the amount of force pushing on the
cartilage, and a state of effective conduction can be obtained by
increasing the amount of force that is pushing. This means that
when it is difficult to hear the incoming sound, a natural behavior
such as increasing the force pushing the mobile telephone against
the ear can be utilized to adjust the volume. Furthermore, when the
amount of pushing force is increased until a state in which the
hole of the ear is obstructed, the volume is further increased due
to the earplug bone conduction effect. Even when such a function is
not explained to the user in, for example, the instruction manual,
the user can still intuitively understand the function through
natural behavior. Such an advantage in terms of usage can also be
achieved in an artificial sense in a case of an incoming-talk unit
in which an ordinary air conduction speaker is used, without the
cartilage conduction vibration unit being used as the audio output
unit, and can serve as a useful feature of the mobile
telephone.
Fifty-First Embodiment
[0565] FIG. 76 is a block diagram relating to a fifty-first
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a mobile telephone 4701. The fifty-first embodiment
does not utilize a cartilage conduction vibration unit as the audio
output unit as described above but rather uses an ordinary air
conduction speaker, and is configured such that automatic volume
adjustment can be artificially achieved by a natural behavior. In
terms of the need to describe the arrangement of the outer
appearance, a composite schematic view of the mobile telephone is
illustrated in the block diagram. The majority of the block diagram
of FIG. 76 is consistent with the first embodiment of FIG. 3, and
the majority of the general overview is consistent with the fourth
embodiment of FIG. 7; therefore, portions in common have been given
like reference numerals, and a description thereof has been left
out except where necessary. A volume/acoustics automatic adjustment
unit 4736, a right ear drive unit 4724, a left ear drive unit 4726,
a right ear air conduction speaker 4724a, and a left ear air
conduction speaker 4726a illustrated in FIG. 76 constitute the
incoming-talk unit in the telephone function unit 45 (which in FIG.
3 is the outgoing-talk unit 13).
[0566] The right ear air conduction speaker 4724a of the
fifty-first embodiment in FIG. 76 is controlled by the right ear
drive unit 4524, and the left ear air conduction speaker 4726a is
controlled by the right ear drive unit 4526. Also, similarly with
respect to the fiftieth embodiment, the acceleration sensor 49 is
used to detect which of the right ear air conduction speaker 4724a
and the left ear air conduction speaker 4726a is in a state of
being brought up against an ear, where either the right ear drive
unit 4524 or the left ear drive unit 4526 is turned on and the
other is turned off. In addition, either the right ear air
conduction speaker 4724a or the left ear air conduction speaker
4726a is turned on and the other is turned off.
[0567] A right ear pressure sensor 4742a and a left ear pressure
sensor 4742b are respectively provided to the vicinity of the right
ear air conduction speaker 4724a and the left ear air conduction
speaker 4726a and detect pressure on whichever of the right ear air
conduction speaker 4724a or left ear air conduction speaker 4726a
is turned on. A left/right pressure sensor processing unit 4742
analyzes the magnitude of the detected pressure and sends
volume/acoustics control data to the controller 39. The controller
39 commands a volume/acoustics automatic adjustment unit 4736 on
the basis of the volume/acoustics control data and automatically
adjusts the volume of whichever of the right ear drive unit 4524 or
left ear drive unit 4526 is on. The volume is basically adjusted
such that the volume increases with an increase in pressure and,
when it is difficult to listen to the incoming-talk unit sound, is
set so as to be a suitable response to a natural behavior such as
increasing the force pushing the mobile telephone 4701 against the
ear.
[0568] A supplementary detailed description of the function of the
volume/acoustics automatic adjustment unit 4736 will now be
provided. To avoid unstable volume changes due to changes in
pressure, first, volume changes are configured such that the volume
only undergoes stepwise changes in the increasing direction and in
accordance only with an increase in pressure. Furthermore, to avoid
unintentional volume changes, the volume/acoustics automatic
adjustment unit 4736 is configured such that volume increases in a
stepwise manner in reaction only to when a predetermined pressure
increase lasts on average for a predetermined period of time (for
example, 0.5 seconds) or longer. The volume/acoustics automatic
adjustment unit 4736 is also configured such that volume is
instantaneously lowered to a baseline state in a case in which it
is detected that the state in which the pressure has fallen to a
predetermined value (corresponding to the state in which whichever
of the right ear air conduction speaker 4724a or left ear air
conduction speaker 4726a is turned on is brought away from the ear)
or lower has lasted for a predetermined period of time (for
example, 1 second) or longer. The user is thereby able to
intentionally bring the mobile telephone 4701 slightly away from
the ear in a case in which the volume has been excessively
increased or the like (which is also consistent with a natural
operation such as bringing a sound source away from the ear when
the sound is too loud), and once the volume has been reset to the
baseline state, the force of the pressure is again increased to
achieve a desired volume.
[0569] The volume/acoustics automatic adjustment unit 4736 is
further able to automatically adjust the acoustics. This function
is related to the environment-noise microphone 38 described in
relation to the first embodiment in FIG. 3. Namely, in the first
embodiment, the environment noise picked up by the
environment-noise microphone 38, is mixed into the right-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 24 and the left-ear
cartilage-conduction vibration unit 26 upon undergoing wavelength
inversion; the environment noise, which is contained in the audio
information through the incoming-talk unit 13, is canceled and the
audio information of the party on the line becomes easier to
comprehend through listening. The volume/acoustics automatic
adjustment unit 4736 in the fifty-first embodiment utilizes this
function to turn the noise-canceling function off when the pressure
is equal to or less than a predetermined value and to turn the
noise-canceling function on when the pressure is equal to or above
a predetermined value. The degree to which the environment noise
inversion signal is mixed can also be adjusted in a stepwise
manner, whereby the noise-canceling function, rather than merely
being turned on and off, can also undergo continuous or stepwise
increases and decreases. Thus, the volume/acoustics automatic
adjustment unit 4736 is capable of automatically adjusting not only
the volume but also the acoustics, on the basis of the output of
the left/right pressure sensor processing unit 4742. The
fifty-first embodiment of FIG. 76 is an embodiment that serves to
illustrate that the aforementioned advantage, in which the right
ear audio output unit and the left ear audio output unit are
arranged at the corner parts of the smartphone, is not limited to a
case in which cartilage conduction is used; benefits may also
accrue therefrom in a case in which an outgoing-talk unit using
ordinary air conduction speakers is utilized.
[0570] The various features of the embodiments described above are
not limited to implementation in the aforedescribed embodiments,
and may be implemented in other aspects as well, provided that the
advantages thereof can be enjoyed by doing so. Moreover, the
various features of the embodiments are not limited to
implementation in their individual embodiments, and combinations
which incorporate features of other embodiments, as appropriate,
are acceptable. The various features of each of the embodiments
described above are not to be limited to the above embodiments;
rather, wherever it is possible to benefit from the feature of an
embodiment, the same can also be implemented in other embodiments.
The various features of each of the embodiments are not to be
restricted to individual respective embodiments, but rather can be
substituted or combined with other appropriate embodiments. For
example, in the fifty-first embodiment of FIG. 76, a determination
is made as to which of the right ear air conduction speaker 4724a
or left ear air conduction speaker 4726a is to be turned on
according to the output of the acceleration sensor 49, but the
configuration may be such that the outputs of the right ear
pressure sensor 4742a and left ear pressure sensor 4742b are used
to turn on whichever of the right ear air conduction speaker 4724a
or left ear air conduction speaker 4726a has more pressure, and to
turn the other off.
[0571] Also, the fifty-first embodiment of FIG. 76 is provided with
the right ear air conduction speaker 4724a and the left ear air
conduction speaker 4726a as well as the right ear pressure sensor
4742a and left ear pressure sensor 4742b corresponding thereto, but
when there is only the purpose of automatic volume/acoustics
adjustment by pressure, then a single conventional air conduction
speaker may be provided to the middle of the upper part of the
mobile telephone, and a single pressure sensor may be provided
correspondingly with respect thereto. Furthermore, the fifty-first
embodiment of FIG. 76 has illustrated how environment noise is
canceled out by waveform inversion as a fundamental configuration
of the automatic adjustment of acoustics by the volume/acoustics
automatic adjustment unit 4736, but such a configuration is not
provided by way of limitation. For example, the configuration may
be such that the volume/acoustics automatic adjustment unit 4736 is
provided with a filter for cutting out environment noise (for
example, a low-frequency-band-cutting filter), the filter being
turned off when the pressure is at or below a predetermined value
and the filter function being turned on when the pressure is at or
above a predetermined value. The configuration may also be such
that, instead of a low-frequency band or the like being cut out by
the filter, the gain of the low-frequency band is dropped (or the
gain of a high frequency area is raised). The filter function or
the frequency-band-selective gain function can also be adjusted in
a stepwise manner, whereby the filter function or the
frequency-selective gain function, rather than merely being turned
on and off, can also alter the environment noise reduction
capability in a stepwise or continuous manner in accordance with
the pressure.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
Fifty-Second Embodiment
[0572] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view relating to a fifty-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a mobile telephone 4801. FIG. 77 provides a
cross-sectional view of the mobile telephone 4801, depicted in
order to describe the support structure and arrangement of
piezoelectric bimorph elements 2525a and 2525b serving as cartilage
conduction vibration sources, while the interior of the
cross-sectional view, which relates to the control of the mobile
telephone, depicts not an actual arrangement but rather a block
diagram. The block diagram portion, being founded on the block
diagram of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, essentially
omits a depiction of shared portions, with the exception of those
needed to understand the interrelationships, and like portions,
when depicted, have been assigned like reference numerals, a
description thereof being omitted unless needed.
[0573] The fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77, similarly with
respect to the forty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D
and 74E and the fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75, is configured as an
embodiment permitting the interchange of "the case of cartilage
conduction plus air conduction" and "the case of cartilage
conduction only. "Further, the fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77,
similarly with respect to the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A,
69B and 69C, has elastic body units 4863a, 4863b, 4863c, and 4863d
serving as protectors provided to the four corners susceptible to
impact when the mobile telephone 4801 is accidentally dropped.
However, rather than a two-sided support structure for the elastic
body units 4863a, 4863b to support the piezoelectric bimorph
elements 2525a and 2525b, a single side thereof is supported on a
cantilever structure, similarly with respect to the forty-second
embodiment of FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D and the forty-third
embodiment of FIGS. 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D. As above, the
fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77 is related to features of
various embodiments having already been described, wherefore a
repetitive description of the individual features has been avoided
unless needed, since the same are readily understood from the
descriptions of the corresponding embodiments.
[0574] First, the structure and arrangement of the fifty-second
embodiment of FIG. 77 will now be described. As has already been
mentioned, the four corners of the mobile telephone 4801 are
provided with the elastic body units 4863a, 4863b, 4863c, and
4863d, serving as protectors. The outer sides of the corners of
such elastic members are beveled in a smooth convex shape to
prevent the occurrence of slight pain when held against the ear
cartilage. Although a more detailed description will also be
provided later, the shape of the corner parts allows for a suitable
fit with the cartilage around the external auditory meatus and for
comfortable listening by cartilage conduction.
[0575] In the fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525b for the right ear and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525a for the left ear are employed as described
above, and can be controlled separately, similarly with respect to
the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. The piezoelectric
bimorph elements 2525b and 2525a are appropriately long enough to
obtain suitable frequency output properties, but in order for both
to be compactly arranged within the mobile telephone 4801, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525b for the right ear, as
illustrated in FIG. 77, is laid horizontally, the end to which no
terminal is provided being supported by the elastic body unit
4863b. On the other hand, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525a
for the left ear is stood upright, the end to which no terminal is
provided being supported by the elastic body unit 4863a (however,
the vertical and horizontal arrangement of the piezoelectric
bimorph elements for the right ear and for the left ear may be
inverted from the description above). A terminal is provided to the
other ends of each of the piezoelectric bimorph elements 2525b and
2525a, but serves as a free end in terms of the support structure
due to the connection thereof with the controller 39 by a flexible
lead. Thus, the vibration of the free ends of the piezoelectric
bimorph elements 2525b and 2525a exhibits opposite actions on the
elastic body unit 4863b and the elastic body 4863a, and cartilage
conduction can be obtained by bringing the same into contact with
the ear cartilage. The primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph elements 2525b and 2525a is the direction
perpendicular to the plan in FIG. 77.
[0576] Next, the manner in which the piezoelectric bimorph elements
2525b and 2525a are controlled will be described. The piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525b for the right ear, which is supported by the
elastic body unit 4863b, is driven by a right ear amplifier 4824
via a switch 4824a. On the other hand, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525a for the left ear, which is supported by the elastic
body unit 4863a, is driven by a left ear amplifier 4826 via a
switch 4826a. An audio signal from the phase adjustment mixer unit
36 is inputted into the right ear amplifier 4824 and the left ear
amplifier 4826; the audio signal to the left ear amplifier 4826 is
phase-inverted by a waveform inverter 4836b and then inputted via a
switch 4836a. As a result, in the state depicted in FIG. 77,
vibrations having mutually inverted phases are conducted to and
mutually canceled out in the chassis of the mobile telephone 4801
from the elastic body unit 4863a and the elastic body unit 4863b,
and the generation of air conduction sound from the entire surface
of the chassis of the mobile telephone 4801 is substantially
eliminated.
[0577] In a case where, for example, the cartilage of the right ear
is brought into contact with the elastic body unit 4863b, there
will be direct cartilage conduction to the ear cartilage from the
elastic body 4863b, whereas, by contrast, the vibration of the
elastic body unit 4863a reaches the elastic body unit 4863b and is
conducted to the ear cartilage as cartilage conduction only after
having been first conducted to the chassis of the mobile telephone
4801. Accordingly, since a difference emerges in the intensities of
the phase-inverted vibrations, the difference will be conducted to
the ear cartilage as cartilage conduction from the elastic body
unit 4863b without having been canceled out. The same is also true
of a case where the cartilage of the left ear is brought into
contact with the elastic body unit 4863a. Accordingly, the state
depicted in FIG. 77 in the fifty-second embodiment becomes a state
corresponding to the "case of cartilage conduction only" in the
forty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E and the
fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75. An air conduction eliminating gain
adjustment unit 4836c serves to adjust the gain of the left ear
amplifier 4826 so as to cancel out vibration to the chassis of the
mobile telephone 4801 from the elastic body unit 4863a and the
elastic body unit 4863b as described above, whereby the generation
of air conduction sound will be minimized. Also, rather than being
provided to the left ear amplifier 4826 side, the aforesaid switch
4836a, waveform inverter 4836b, and air conduction eliminating gain
adjustment unit 4836c may also be instead provided to the right ear
amplifier 4824 side. Alternatively, the air conduction eliminating
gain adjustment unit 4836c only may be provided to the right ear
amplifier 4824 side.
[0578] The fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77 is provided with the
environment-noise microphone 4638 for determining whether or not
the environment is silent. When the noise detected by the
environment-noise microphone 4638 is at or above a predetermined
amount, the switch 4836a is switched to a signal pathway (the lower
one in FIG. 77) by a command from the controller 39. An audio
signal from the phase adjustment mixer unit 36 is thereby conducted
to the left ear amplifier 4826 without waveform inversion. At such
a time, the vibration conducted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 4801 from the elastic body unit 4863a and the elastic
body unit 4863b is not canceled out, but rather air conduction
sound from the entire surface of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 4801 is conversely generated at a two-fold increase. Such
a state serves as a state corresponding to the "case of cartilage
conduction plus air conduction" in the forty-ninth embodiment of
FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and 74E and the fiftieth embodiment of
FIG. 75. Because of the two-fold increase in air conduction sound
from the entire surface of the chassis, such a state is suitable
for a case where the mobile telephone 4801 is taken away from the
ear and audio is listened to, as is done during a videoconferencing
function or similar circumstances; in the case of the
videoconferencing function mode, the switch 4836a is switched to
the signal pathway (the lower one in FIG. 77) by a command from the
controller 39 irrespective of the detection of the
environment-noise microphone 4638.
[0579] In circumstances determined to be silent by the controller
39 when the noise detected by the environment-noise microphone 4638
is at or below a predetermined amount, the switch 4836a is switched
to the state depicted in FIG. 77 by a command from the controller
39. As described above, the vibrations conducted to the chassis of
the mobile telephone 4801 from the elastic body unit 4863a and the
elastic body unit 4863b are thereby mutually canceled out,
substantially eliminating the generation of air conduction sound,
which serves as a state corresponding to the "case of cartilage
conduction only."
[0580] Further, similarly with respect to the first embodiment, it
is possible in the fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77 for the state
of whether the elastic body unit 4863a or the elastic body unit
4863b has been brought up against the ear to be detected by an
acceleration sensor 49, and for the switch 4824a and a switch 4826a
to be controlled by the control of the controller 39. Then, the
operation unit 9 can be used to switch between a two-sided
always-on mode in which both the switch 4824a and the switch 4826a
are on irrespective of the state detected by the acceleration
sensor 49, and a one-sided on mode in which one of either the
switch 4824a or the switch 4826a is turned on and the other is
turned off on the basis of the state detected by the acceleration
sensor 49. In the one-sided on mode, for example, the switch 4824a
is turned on and the switch 4826a is turned off when the right ear
is brought up against the elastic body unit 4863b. The inverse
occurs when the left ear is brought up against the elastic body
unit 4863a.
[0581] The one-sided on mode further incorporates the function of
the environment-noise microphone 4638; when the environmental noise
detected by the environment-noise microphone 4638 is at or above a
predetermined amount, one of either the switch 4824a or the switch
4826a is turned on and the other is turned off on the basis of the
state detected by the acceleration sensor 49. In circumstances
determined to be silent by the controller 39 when the noise
detected by the environment-noise microphone 4638 is at or below a
predetermined amount, both the switch 4824a and the switch 4826a
are turned on by a command from the controller 39 irrespective of
the state detected by the acceleration sensor 49, the switch 4836a
being switched to the state depicted in FIG. 77, and the vibrations
conducted to the chassis of the mobile telephone 4801 from the
elastic body unit 4863a and the elastic body unit 4863b are thus
mutually canceled out.
[0582] FIGS. 78A, 78B and 78C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to the fifty-second embodiment of
FIG. 77. FIG. 78A is a perspective view in which the mobile
telephone 4801 of the fifty-second embodiment is seen from the
front surface, and illustrates the manner in which the outer
surfaces of the corners of the elastic body units 4863a, 4863b,
4863c, and 4863d provided as protectors to the four corners of the
mobile telephone 4801 are beveled so as to have a smooth, convex
shape. As described above, such an outer surface shape of the
corner parts of the mobile telephone 4801 prevents the occurrence
of slight pain when the elastic member 4863a or 4863b is brought up
against the ear cartilage, and also allows for the corner parts of
the mobile telephone 4801 to be suitably fitted to the cartilage
around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus inside the
auricle, permitting comfortable listening by cartilage conduction.
The occlusion of the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
by the beveled corner parts produces the earplug bone conduction
effect, which intensifies the audio signal from the mobile
telephone 4801 in the external auditory meatus and also makes it
easier to listen to the audio signal in the presence of noise, due
to the noise of the external environment being blocked by the
occlusion of the entrance part of the external auditory meatus.
[0583] FIG. 78B is a cross-sectional view cutting through the
mobile telephone 4801 on the B1-B1 cross-sectional plane of FIG.
78A, on the plane perpendicular to the front view and side view;
FIG. 78C is a cross-sectional view cutting through the mobile
telephone 4801 on the B2-B2 cross-sectional plane illustrated in
FIGS. 78A or 78B, on the plane perpendicular to the plan view and
the top view. The manner in which the outer surfaces of the corners
of the elastic body units 4863a, 4863b, 4863c, and 4863d are
beveled so as to have a smooth, convex shape will be readily
understood from either of FIGS. 78B or 78C. As illustrated by the
arrow 25g in FIGS. 78B and 78C, the primary vibration direction of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525b is the direction
perpendicular to the display surface of the GUI display unit 3405.
Further, as illustrated by the arrow 25m in FIG. 78B, the primary
vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525a is
the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the GUI
display unit 3405.
[0584] Although each of the switches 4824a, 4826a, and 4836a in the
fifty-second embodiment are symbolically depicted in FIG. 77 as
mechanical switches, in practice the same are preferably
constituted of electrical switches. Also, except in the case of
switching between the two-sided always-on mode and the one-sided on
mode, the switches in the fifty-second embodiment have been
depicted by way of the example of automatically switching on the
basis of the results detected by the acceleration sensor 49 and/or
the environment-noise microphone 4638, but the configuration may
also permit manual switching as desired, by the operation unit 9.
It is also possible to omit the switches, as appropriate. For
example, when the fifty-second embodiment is simplified so as to
always be in the connection state depicted in FIG. 77, a mobile
telephone is obtained in which the generation of air conduction
sound from the entire surface of the chassis is substantially
eliminated and cartilage conduction occurs when the elastic body
unit 4863a or the elastic body unit 4863b is brought into contact
with the ear cartilage.
[0585] The various features of each embodiment described above are
not to be restricted to individual respective embodiments, but
rather can be substituted or combined with other appropriate
embodiments. For example, although the fifty-second embodiment of
FIGS. 77 and 78 employs the piezoelectric bimorph elements as
cartilage conduction vibration sources, the cartilage conduction
vibration sources may be substituted for other vibrators, such as
with the magnetic vibrators in the forty-eighth embodiment of FIGS.
72 and 73, the fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75, or the fifty-first
embodiment of FIG. 76.
[0586] FIG. 79 is a graph illustrating an example of measurement
data of the mobile telephone configured on the basis of the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C. In the graph of
FIG. 79, the mobile telephone 4201 of the forty-sixth embodiment
(in which configuration the vibration from the vibration source
inside the outer wall is transmitted to the surface of the outer
wall) is used to illustrate, in relation to the frequency, the
sound pressure within the external auditory meatus 1 cm from the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus when, without contact
with the auricular helix, the surface of the outer wall of the
corner parts of the mobile telephone 4201 is brought into contact
with at least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus, according to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
which have been used to describe the first embodiment. In the
graph, the vertical axis is the sound pressure (in dBSPLs), and the
horizontal axis is the frequency on a logarithmic scale (in Hz). In
terms of the contact pressure relationship between the surface of
the outer wall of the corner parts of the mobile telephone 4201 and
the cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory
meatus, the graph uses a solid line to illustrate the sound
pressure during a non-contact state, a short-dashed line to
illustrate the sound pressure in a state of slight contact (10
grams of contact pressure), a single-dotted line to illustrate the
sound pressure in a state in which the mobile 4201 is being used
normally (250 grams of contact pressure), and a double-dotted line
to illustrate the sound pressure in a state in which the external
auditory meatus is occluded by increased contact pressure (500
grams of contact pressure). As illustrated, the sound pressure
increases from the non-contact state due to contact of 10 grams of
contact pressure and increases further due to the contact pressure
increasing to 250 grams; the sound pressure increases even more
when the contact pressure is increased further from such a state to
500 grams.
[0587] It will be readily understood from the graph of FIG. 79 that
when the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone 4201,
which has the vibration source arranged inward from the surface of
the outer wall and is configured such that the vibration of the
vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer wall,
is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage
around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus without
making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure in the
external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus has an increase of at least 10 dB in the
main frequency range of speech (500 Hz to 2,300 Hz), compared to
the non-contact state (to be contrasted with the non-contact state
illustrated by the solid line and the state in which the mobile
telephone 4201 is being used normally, illustrated by the
single-dotted line).
[0588] It will also be readily understood from the graph of FIG. 79
that when the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone
4201 is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
without making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure
in the external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus has an at least 5 dB change in the
main frequency range of speech (500 Hz to 2,500 Hz) according to
the change in contact pressure (to be contrasted with the slight
contact state illustrated by the short-dashed line and the contact
state in the state in which the mobile telephone 4201 is being used
normally, illustrated by the single-dotted line).
[0589] It will further be readily understood from the graph of FIG.
79 that when the entrance part of the external auditory meatus is
occluded by the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone
4201 being brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
without making contact with the auricular helix (for example, when
the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone 4201 is
strongly pressed against the outside of the tragus, thus folding
the tragus over and occluding the external auditory meatus), the
sound pressure in the external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus has an increase of at
least 20 dB in the main frequency range of speech (300 Hz to 1,800
Hz) compared to the non-contact state (to be contrasted with the
non-contact state illustrated by the solid line and the state in
which the external auditory meatus is occluded, illustrated by the
double-dotted line).
[0590] The measurements in FIG. 79 are all in a state in which the
output of the vibration source does not change. The measurements in
FIG. 79 for the state where the surface of the outer wall is
brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage
around the external auditory meatus without making contact with the
auricular helix are performed in a state where the surface of the
outer wall was in contact from the outside of the tragus. The
measurements in FIG. 79 made in a state of the external auditory
meatus being occluded were performed by creating a state where the
external auditory meatus was occluded by the tragus being folded
due to being more strongly pressed against from the outside, as
described above.
[0591] As described above, the measurements in FIG. 79 were
performed in a state where the surface at the corner parts of the
outer wall in the mobile telephone 4201 of the forty-sixth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C were brought into
contact with the outside of the tragus, but the corner parts of the
forty-sixth embodiment serve as the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b
acting as protectors, and are constituted of a material different
from the other portions of the outer wall. The vibration source is
supported on the inner surface of the corner parts of the outer
wall constituted of the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b. The corner
parts of the outer wall of the mobile telephone 4201 are
susceptible to impact from the outside, and are firmly bonded to
prevent the occurrence of relative deviation between the outer wall
and the other portions even in a case of being constituted of the
elastic body units 4263a, 4263b.
[0592] The measurement graph of FIG. 79 is merely an example; upon
further scrutiny, there are individual differences. Also, the
measurement graph of FIG. 79 was measured in a state where the
surface of the outer wall was brought into contact only with a
small surface area of the outside of the tragus, for the sake of
simplifying and standardizing the phenomenon. However, an increase
in sound pressure due to contact also relies on the area of contact
with the cartilage, and in a case where the surface of the outer
wall is brought into contact with the ear cartilage around the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus without making
contact with the auricular helix, the increase in sound pressure is
elevated further when there is contact with a portion of the
cartilage wider than around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus. In consideration of the facts above, the values
illustrated in the measurement graph of FIG. 79 have a certain
universality in illustrating the configuration of the mobile
telephone 4201, and can be reproduced by a non-specific number of
test subjects. Further, the measurement graph of FIG. 79 was
achieved by the tragus being pressed from the outside when the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus is occluded, thus
increasing the contact pressure and folding the tragus over, but
similar results are also obtained in a case where the corner parts
of the mobile telephone 4201 are pressed on the entrance part of
the external auditory meatus, which is then occluded. The
measurements in FIG. 79 were measured by the vibration source being
held on the inside of the corner parts of the outer wall, as in the
mobile telephone 4201 of the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A,
69B and 69C, but there is no limitation thereto, and the
measurements are also reproducible in other embodiments as well.
For example, the measurements are also reproducible with a
configuration in which the vibration source is held on the interior
of the elastic body units 4363a, 4363b serving as protectors, as
illustrated in FIGS. 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D and 72E (for example, an
embedded configuration).
[0593] In other words, the measurement graph of FIG. 79 suffices to
explain the characteristic of the mobile telephone of the present
invention, in that when the surface of the outer wall of the mobile
telephone, which has the vibration source arranged inward from the
surface of the outer wall and is configured such that the vibration
of the vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer
wall, is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
without making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure
inside the external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the entrance
part of the external auditory meatus has an at least 10 dB increase
in at least a part (for example, 1,000 Hz) of the main frequency
range of speech (500 Hz to 2,300 Hz), compared to the non-contact
state.
[0594] The graph in FIG. 79 also suffices to explain the
characteristic of the mobile telephone of the present invention, in
that when the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone is
brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage
around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus without
making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure inside
the external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the entrance part of
the external auditory meatus has an at least 5 dB increase in at
least a part (for example, 1,000 Hz) of the main frequency range of
speech (500 Hz to 2,500 Hz) due to the increase in contact
pressure.
[0595] The graph in FIG. 79 further suffices to explain the
characteristic of the mobile telephone of the present invention, in
that when the entrance part of the external auditory meatus is
occluded by the surface of the outer wall of the mobile telephone
4201 being brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
without making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure
in the external auditory meatus about 1 cm from the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus has an increase of at least 20 dB
in at least a part (for example, 1,000 Hz) of the main frequency
range of speech (300 Hz to 1,800 Hz) compared to the non-contact
state.
[0596] The mobile telephone of the present invention as confirmed
by the measurements in the graph of FIG. 79 is significant in the
following manner. Namely, the present invention provides a mobile
telephone having a vibration source arranged inward from the
surface of an outer wall, and volume adjustment means, the
vibration of the vibration source being transmitted to the surface
of the outer wall, and sound being listened to by bringing the
surface of the outer wall into contact with at least a part of the
ear cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory
meatus without making contact with the auricular helix; the
features thereof are defined as follows. Namely, in a room where
the noise level (the A-weighted sound pressure level) is 45 dB or
less, the mobile telephone being brought into proximity with the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus and the surface of
the outer wall being arranged so as to not be in contact, the
volume is minimized and pure sound at 1,000 Hz is generated from
the vibration source. In addition, narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz
(1/3 octave-band noise) at a marginal level where the pure sound at
1,000 Hz is masked and cannot be heard is generated from a
loudspeaker at a position separated from the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus by 1 m. This can be confirmed by
sequentially increasing narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz and
determining the magnitude at which pure sound at 1,000 Hz is masked
and can no longer be heard. The narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz is
subsequently increased by 10 dB from the marginal level, but
according to the mobile telephone of the present invention,
bringing the surface of the outer wall into contact with at least a
part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular helix
makes it possible to listen to pure sound at 1,000 Hz without the
need to adjust or change the volume adjusting means.
[0597] When the narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz is further increased
by 20 dB from the marginal level as determined above, according to
the mobile telephone of the present invention, bringing the surface
of the outer wall into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
without making contact with the auricular helix makes it possible
to listen to pure sound at 1,000 Hz without the need to adjust or
change the volume adjusting means.
[0598] FIGS. 80A and 80B are side views and a cross-sectional views
of an ear, intended to illustrate the relationship between the
detailed structure of the ear and the mobile telephone of the
present invention. FIG. 80A is a side view of the left ear 30,
where a position 4201a shown with a single-dotted line depicts the
state where the corner part of the mobile telephone 4201 is brought
into contact with the outside of the tragus. The position 4201a
corresponds to the state in which the measurements of FIG. 79 were
performed. Meanwhile, a position 4201b shown by the double-dotted
line is a depiction of the state where the corner part of the
mobile telephone 4201 is brought into contact with a portion of
cartilage wider than that around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus. At the position 4201b, an increase in sound
pressure greater than what is illustrated in FIG. 79 can be
achieved through the contact with the ear cartilage.
[0599] FIG. 80B is a cross-sectional view of the right ear 28, and
depicts the manner in which the vibration of the vibration source
generated from the corner part of the mobile telephone 4201 is
conducted to the tympanic membrane 28a. The mobile telephone 4201
in the state in FIG. 80B has been brought into contact with a
portion of cartilage wider than that around the entrance part of
the external auditory meatus, according to the position 4201b in
FIG. 80A (though it may not be evident from the portion of the
cross-sectional view alone, the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus is not occluded in such a state). A vibration 28b
generated from the corner part of the mobile telephone 4201 is
conducted to the cartilage around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus from the portion of contact, and air conduction
sound is subsequently generated in the external auditory meatus 28c
from the cartilage part external auditory meatus surface. The air
conduction sound then proceeds through the inside of the external
auditory meatus 28c and reaches the tympanic membrane 28a. Direct
air conduction 28d is also generated from the corner part of the
mobile telephone 4201, and naturally also proceeds through the
inside of the external auditory meatus 28c and reaches the tympanic
membrane 28a. In the state where the mobile telephone 4201 is not
in contact with the cartilage, solely the direct air conduction 28
reaches the tympanic membrane 28a.
[0600] An additional description shall now be provided for the
frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
used in the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C and
elsewhere. The frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 used in embodiments of the present invention
in regard to the generation of direct air conduction are not flat;
rather, the generation of air conduction at frequencies below
substantially approximately 1 kHz is correspondingly less than at
frequencies above the boundary. Such a frequency characteristic in
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 in regard to the generation
of direct air conduction is ideally matched to the frequency
characteristic in a case where there is air conduction sound from
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 in the external auditory
meatus directly via the cartilage. Namely, the sound pressure in
the external auditory meatus according to the frequency
characteristics in air conduction sound through cartilage
conduction is greater in frequencies below about 1 kHz than
frequencies that are higher than this boundary. Therefore, in a
case involving the use of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 of
the frequency characteristic described above for the generation of
direct air conduction, the fact that the two are complementary
results in the frequency characteristic of sound reaching the
tympanic membrane being approximately flat. Thus, the cartilage
conduction vibration source used in the present invention exhibits
a frequency characteristic for the generation of air conduction
sound that trends inversely with respect to the frequency
characteristic in cartilage conduction.
[0601] FIG. 79, which is the measurement data from the forty-sixth
embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, provide a specific
description of such facts. In the graph of FIG. 79, sound pressure
is viewed by applying a sine wave with a varying frequency at the
same voltage to the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 having the
structure illustrated in FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, wherefore the
sound pressure in non-contact illustrated by the solid line in the
graph of FIG. 79 substantially exhibits the frequency
characteristic for generating air conduction sound generated from
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. In other words, as is clear
from the solid line in the graph of FIG. 79, the frequency
characteristic for generating air conduction sound by the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is not flat, but rather, when
there is a focus on a band between, for example, 100 Hz and 4 kHz,
then the comparative sound pressure is low primarily in the
low-frequency band (for example, 200 Hz to 1.5 kHz), and the sound
pressure is high primarily in the high-frequency band (for example,
1.5 kHz to 4 kHz) (the sound pressure measured in FIG. 79 is that
in the external auditory meatus at about 1 cm from the entrance
part of the external auditory meatus, and therefore the influence
of the effect of unoccluded ear gain in increasing sound pressure
is observed between 2.5 kHz and 3.5 kHz, but it is clear that the
high-frequency band has a relatively higher sound pressure than the
low-frequency band even when interpreted with this portion
subtracted). Thus, viewed from FIG. 79 as well, the frequency
characteristic of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 used in
the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C and elsewhere
is not flat, but rather the generated air conduction sound at low
frequencies will be readily understood to be relatively less than
that at high frequencies, the boundary being substantially at about
1 kHz.
[0602] Next, in the graph of the normal state of contact 250g shown
in FIG. 79 with a single-dotted line, a marked increase in sound
pressure compared to the state of non-contact is observed beginning
at a few hundred Hz, closer to the lower-frequency region than to 1
kHz; the increase persists until at least about 2.5 kHz.
Accordingly, the frequency characteristic of sound measured in the
external auditory meatus for the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525, which is the same vibration source, exhibits a clear
difference between direct air conduction and air conduction through
cartilage conduction (that is, air conduction through cartilage
conduction has a large increase in sound pressure, particularly at
a few hundred Hz to 2.5 kHz, compared to direct air conduction). As
a result, as illustrated by the graph of the normal state of
contact 250g shown in FIG. 79 by the single-dotted line, as regards
the sound pressure in the external auditory meatus in the case of
air conduction through cartilage conduction, the frequency
characteristic of the sound that reaches the tympanic membrane as a
result is closer to being flat than in the case of direct air
conduction illustrated by the solid line.
[0603] Additionally, a state of external auditory meatus occlusion
500g illustrated by FIG. 79 with a double-dotted line has a further
pronounced increase in sound pressure between a few hundred Hz to 1
kHz, due to the earplug bone conduction effect, and the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, which is the same vibration
source, exhibits disparate frequency characteristic clearly
different from both the state of normal contact 250g and the state
of non-contact. However, because unoccluded ear gain ceases to be
present in the state of external auditory meatus occlusion 500g
illustrated with the double-dotted line, presumably there appears a
result such that the effect from the peak sound pressure at 2.5 kHz
to 3.5 kHz observed in the state of open external auditory meatus
has disappeared.
Fifty-Third Embodiment
[0604] FIG. 81 is a block diagram of a fifty-third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The fifty-third
embodiment, similarly with respect to the twenty-fifth embodiment
of FIG. 38, is configured as 3D television viewing eyeglasses 2381
by which stereo audio information can be experienced, and forms a
3D television viewing system together with a 3D television 2301.
Also similarly with respect to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the
vibration of a right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324
arranged at a right temple unit 2382 is transmitted to the outer
side of the cartilage of the base of the right ear via a contact
unit 2363, and the vibration of a left-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 2326 arranged at a left temple unit 2384 is
transmitted to the outer side of the cartilage of the base of the
left ear via a contact unit 2364. The fifty-third embodiment has
much in common with the twenty-fifth embodiment, and shared
portions have therefore been given like reference numerals, a
description thereof having been omitted unless there is a
particular need. Further, although a depiction in FIG. 81 has been
omitted, the internal configuration of the 3D television 2301 is
the same as is illustrated in FIG. 38.
[0605] The fifty-third embodiment of FIG. 81, similarly with
respect to the twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 38, uses the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 having a similar structure to
that of the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, as
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326. In other words,
the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and the
left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326 exhibit a
frequency characteristic for the generation of direct air
conduction that trends inversely with regard to the frequency
characteristic in cartilage conduction, the generation of air
conduction at frequencies below substantially approximately 1 kHz
being correspondingly less than at frequencies above the boundary.
Specifically, the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit
2324 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326
employed in the fifty-third embodiment of FIG. 81 have a difference
of 5 dB or greater between the mean air conduction output from 500
Hz to 1 kHz and the mean air conduction output from 1 kHz to 2.5
kHz, compared to an average, typical speaker designed in
consideration of air conduction, and exhibit a frequency
characteristic that would be undesirable for a typical speaker.
[0606] A point of difference in the fifty-third embodiment of FIG.
81 from the twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 38 lies in that the
driving of the above-described right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 2324 and left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 2326 is performed via a frequency characteristic correction
unit 4936. The frequency characteristic correction unit 4936 is
provided with a cartilage conduction equalizer 4938 for correcting
the frequency characteristic of the sound pressure serving as air
conduction sound in the external auditory meatus so as to approach
flatness, in consideration of the frequency characteristic specific
to cartilage conduction. The cartilage conduction equalizer 4938
fundamentally corrects the frequency characteristic of the drive
signals to the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324
and to the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326
equally, but it is also possible to utilize separately corrections
for the variations between the right-ear cartilage-conduction
vibration unit 2324 and the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit 2326. The frequency characteristic correction unit 4936 is
further provided with a cartilage conduction low-pass filter 4940
for trimming higher frequencies (e.g., trimming 10 kHz and higher).
The cartilage conduction low-pass filter 4940 is intended to
prevent the unpleasant outward divergence of air conduction,
because the right-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2324 and
the left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration unit 2326 in the
fifty-third embodiment are shaped such that the ear is not covered.
The characteristics of the low-pass filter have been determined in
consideration that the frequency region advantageous for cartilage
conduction (for example, 10 kHz and lower) not be trimmed. In terms
of acoustics, it is disadvantageous for an audio device to trim out
the audible range (for example, 10 kHz to 20 kHz) and the frequency
band thereabove, and the configuration is therefore such that the
functions of the cartilage conduction low-pass filter 4940 can be
turned off manually in an environment where consideration need not
be given to the unpleasant outward divergence of air
conduction.
Fifty-Fourth Embodiment
[0607] FIG. 82 is a block diagram of a fifty-fourth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention. The fifty-fourth
embodiment, similarly with respect to the fourth embodiment of FIG.
8, is configured as a mobile telephone 5001. The fifty-fourth
embodiment has much in common with the fourth embodiment, and
shared portions have therefore been given like reference numerals,
a description thereof having been omitted unless there is a need.
The fifty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 82, similarly with respect to
the fifty-third embodiment of FIG. 81, uses the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 having a similar structure to that of the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, serving as the
vibration source of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228. In
other words, the vibration source of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 228 exhibits a frequency characteristic for the
generation of direct air conduction that trends inversely with
regard to the frequency characteristic in cartilage conduction, the
generation of air conduction at frequencies below substantially
approximately 1 kHz being correspondingly less than at frequencies
above the boundary. Specifically, as with the fifty-second
embodiment, the piezoelectric bimorph element employed in the
fifty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 82 has a difference of 5 dB or
greater between the mean air conduction output from 500 Hz to 1 kHz
and the mean air conduction output from 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz, compared
to an average, typical speaker designed with the expectation of air
conduction, and exhibits a frequency characteristic that would be
undesirable for a typical speaker.
[0608] A point of difference in the fifty-fourth embodiment of FIG.
82 from the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8 lies in the manner in which
the above-described piezoelectric bimorph element of the vibration
source of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228 is driven,
being performed via a cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 for
trimming higher frequencies (e.g., trimming 2.5 kHz and higher) and
via a cartilage conduction equalizer 5038. The cartilage conduction
equalizer 5038, similarly with respect to the fifty-third
embodiment, corrects the frequency characteristic of the sound
pressure serving as air conduction sound in the external auditory
meatus so as to approach flatness, in consideration of the
frequency characteristic specific to cartilage conduction. An audio
signal passed via the cartilage conduction equalizer 5038 will have
undergone a frequency characteristic correction in consideration of
the frequency characteristic specific to cartilage conduction, and
therefore has a different frequency characteristic from an audio
signal to the speaker 51 for a videoconferencing function, in which
the generation of direct air conduction is presumed.
[0609] The cartilage conduction equalizer 5038 of the fifty-fourth
embodiment, upon detection by the pressure sensor 242 of the state
where the ear hole is blocked and the earplug bone conduction
effect occurs, automatically switches the frequency characteristic
to be corrected from the frequency characteristic used in the
normal state of contact to the frequency characteristic used in the
state where the earplug bone conduction effect is generated. The
difference in correction for the frequency correction to which a
switch is thereupon made corresponds to, for example, the
difference between the single-dotted line (normal contact 250g) and
double-dotted line (external auditory meatus occlusion 500g) in
FIG. 79. Specifically, the frequency characteristic is corrected so
as to prevent an over-emphasis of the lower sound region when the
earplug bone conduction effect occurs and so as to compensate for
the loss of unoccluded ear gain due to the occlusion of the
external auditory meatus, thus attenuating the change in acoustics
between the presence and absence of the earplug bone conduction
effect.
[0610] The cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 in the
fifty-fourth embodiment has the objectives of preventing sound in
the band that can be heard by ear from leaking out and of
protecting privacy, and is particularly useful at times of silence.
The characteristics of the cartilage conduction low-pass filter
5040 have been determined in consideration that the frequency band
at which contact with the ear cartilage has a pronounced effect in
increasing sound pressure (for example, 2.5 kHz and lower) not be
trimmed. The audio of the mobile telephone, from the start, is
trimmed at 3 kHz or higher, but the band from a few hundred Hz to
about 2.5 kHz, where the effect of cartilage conduction in
increasing sound pressure is high even without unoccluded ear gain,
is actively used; frequencies at 2.5 kHz and higher, other than the
band at which the effect specific to cartilage conduction emerges,
are trimmed, whereby the aforementioned privacy protection can
reasonably be fulfilled. As noted above, the effects of the
cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 are particularly
important at times of silence, and therefore, in a preferred
configuration, can be turned on and off manually, or can be
automatically turned on only in times of silence by the
environment-noise microphone 4638 provided in the fiftieth
embodiment of FIG. 75 or a similar element. In the configuration in
which the cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 can be turned
on and off manually, there is the expectation that noise is louder
when the cartilage conduction equalizer 5038 uses the frequency
characteristic of the state where the earplug bond conduction
effect occurs; therefore, the cartilage conduction low-pass filter
5040 is configured so as to be forcibly turned off when turned on
manually.
[0611] The implementation of the features of the present invention
illustrated by the embodiments above is not to be limited to the
respective embodiments above. For example, the fifty-third
embodiment and fifty-fourth embodiment above combine the cartilage
conduction vibration source and cartilage conduction equalizer for
imparting the generation of air conduction sound having a frequency
characteristic that differs from the normal frequency
characteristic for generating air conduction in that the final
frequency characteristic of air conduction sound having passed
through cartilage conduction approaches flatness; however, it is
also possible to omit either one thereof. For example, the
cartilage conduction equalizer can be omitted when the cartilage
conduction vibration source used is well suited for the frequency
characteristic of cartilage conduction. Conversely, another
possible configuration is one where the cartilage conduction
vibration source employed has a frequency characteristic for
imparting the generation of air conduction sound according to a
normal air conduction speaker, and the function adapted to bring
the final frequency characteristic of air conduction having passed
through cartilage conduction closer to flatness is concentrated in
the cartilage conduction equalizer.
Fifty-Fifth Embodiment
[0612] FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a fifty-fifth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, which is
configured as a mobile telephone 5101. The fifty-fifth embodiment
is consistent with the forty-sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
69A, 69B and 69C, except for the holding structure of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525, which is constituted of a
piezoelectric bimorph element, and except for the addition of a
T-coil (described later), and therefore shared portions have been
assigned like reference numerals and a description thereof has been
omitted unless there is a need.
[0613] First, the holding structure for the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 in the fifty-fifth embodiment shall now be
described. As is clear from the perspective view in FIG. 83A, the
left and right corner parts of the mobile telephone 5101 are
provided with cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126 composed of
a hard material. Examples of suitable materials for the cartilage
conduction units 5124 and 5126 include an ABS resin,
fiber-reinforced plastic, or high-toughness fine ceramic. Elastic
bodies 5165b and 5165a made of a vinyl-based, urethane-based, or
other type of material are interposed between the cartilage
conduction units 5124 and 5126 and the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5101, and function as a vibration isolation material and
as a cushioning material.
[0614] As is also clear from FIGS. 83B and 83C, the cartilage
conduction units 5124 and 5126 are structured to hold the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 at the inside thereof. The
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is also structured to be held at
the chassis of the mobile telephone 5101, without making direct
contact, by the interposed elastic bodies 5165b and 5165a. The
vibration energy of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
thereby concentrated on the cartilage conduction units 5124 and
5126, and also thereby prevented from being dispersed to the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5101.
[0615] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 83A by the short-dashed
line, a T-coil 5121 is arranged inside the center of the upper part
of the mobile telephone 5101 in the fifty-fifth embodiment. The
T-coil 5121 is intended to transmit audio information by
electromagnetic induction to a hearing aid provided with a
corresponding T-coil. A description of the relationship between the
manner in which the T-coil transmits audio information and the
manner in which cartilage conduction transmits audio information
will be provided later.
[0616] FIG. 84 is a block diagram of the fifty-fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, in which like portions have been assigned
like reference numerals to those in FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C and a
description thereof has been omitted. The configuration of the
block diagram of FIG. 84 has much in common with the block diagram
of the fifty-fourth embodiment in FIG. 82. Since these elements can
be referenced, shared parts of the configuration have been given
like reference numerals and a description thereof has been
omitted.
[0617] The fifty-fifth embodiment includes the T-coil 5121, as has
already been described, and in a case where the user of the mobile
telephone 5101 is wearing a hearing aid provided with a T-coil,
audio information can be transmitted to the hearing aid by
electromagnetic induction through the T-coil 5121. The T-coil
function of the hearing aid provided with a T-coil can be turned on
and off, the configuration being such that a selection can be made
to turn the microphone of the hearing aid on or off in a case where
the T-coil has been turned on. Correspondingly, a switch 5121a of
the mobile telephone 5101 of the fifty-fifth embodiment can be
turned on or off in response to an operation of the operation unit
9 and a selection can be made as to whether or not to cause the
T-coil 5121 to function. In a case where a selection is made to
turn the T-coil 5121 on, there is provided a switch 5121b for
forcibly turning off, in conjunction therewith, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 228, which includes the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525.
[0618] As has already been described, in the state where the ear is
plugged as well, cartilage conduction generates air conduction
sound within the external auditory meatus along with the earplug
bone conduction effect. As a result, in a case where the entrance
to the external auditory meatus is blocked by the hearing aid,
sound can still be heard without the T-coil 5121 being turned on,
due to cartilage conduction, the vibration source of which is the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525. The cartilage conduction occurs
fundamentally due to the cartilage conduction unit 5124 or 5126
being brought into contact with the ear cartilage, but bringing the
cartilage conduction unit 5124 or 5126 into contact with the
hearing aid also makes cartilage conduction possible due to the
generation of air conduction sound inside the external auditory
meatus due to the vibration thereof being conducted to the ear
cartilage around the hearing aid. Also, depending on the manner in
which the cartilage conduction unit 5124 or 5126 is held
thereagainst, contact can be made with both the ear cartilage and
the hearing aid, air conduction sound being generated inside the
external auditory meatus in such a state of concurrence. Thus, the
mobile telephone 5101 of the present invention can be utilized by
the user of the hearing aid even in the state where the T-coil 5121
has been turned off.
[0619] The switch 5121b is intended to prevent the simultaneous
occurrence of the above-described cartilage conduction when the
switch 5121a has been turned on to cause the T-coil 5121 to
function, and the occurrence of any awkwardness compared to sound
normally listened to with the T-coil, and is also intended to
prevent the unnecessary consumption of power due to cartilage
conduction during the operation of the T-coil 5121. To prevent
accidental confusion where cartilage conduction is turned off when
the T-coil 5121 is turned on by a mistaken operation, the
configuration is such that typically a menu to turn the T-coil 5121
on will not appear in the operation menu of the operation unit 9
displayed on the large-screen display unit 205; in a preferred
configuration, the T-coil 5121 will not turn on unless a
predetermined procedure is followed to intentionally operate the
operation unit 9.
[0620] FIGS. 85A and 85B are side views for describing the manner
in which the vibration energy is distributed in the mobile
telephone 5101 in the fifty-fifth embodiment described above, and
has much in common with FIG. 2; shared portions have therefore been
given like reference numerals and a description thereof has been
omitted. As illustrated in FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, the cartilage
conduction units 5124 and 5126, which directly hold the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, are held at the chassis of the
mobile telephone 5101 by the interposed elastic bodies 5165b and
5165a. The vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
thereby effectively conducted to the ear cartilage from the
cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126, and moreover the
vibration is less prone to be conveyed to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5101, because the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
not in direct contact therewith. In other words, the structure is
such that the vibration energy of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is concentrated on the cartilage conduction units 5124 and
5126, and is not dispersed to the chassis of the mobile telephone
5101.
[0621] A specific description by way of FIGS. 85A and 85B shall now
be provided. Because the vibration energy is concentrated on the
cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126, the amplitude and
acceleration of vibration are greatest at positions (1) and (2) on
the surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5101 (see the
encircled numbers 1, 2 in FIGS. 85A and 85B), and a position (3)
between the cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126 on the chassis
of the mobile telephone 5101 (see the encircled number 3 in FIGS.
85A and 85B) has somewhat less amplitude and acceleration of
vibration. Also, a position (4) and a position (5) (see the
encircled numbers 4, 5 in FIGS. 85A and 85B) are separated from the
positions (1) and (2) in that order, and have correspondingly
decreasing amplitude and acceleration of vibration on the surface
of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5101. For example, the
amplitude and acceleration of vibration on the surface of the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5101 at the position (5), which is
separated from each of the positions (1) and (2) by 5 cm or more,
become 1/4 or less (25% or less) of the amplitude and acceleration
of vibration on the surface at the cartilage conduction units 5124
and 5126. FIG. 85A illustrates the state where the mobile telephone
5101 in which vibration is thus distributed is held up to the right
ear 28 and suitable cartilage conduction is obtained, and FIG. 85B
illustrates the state where the mobile telephone 5101 is held up to
the left ear 30 and similarly suitable cartilage conduction is
obtained.
[0622] The feature by which the vibration energy for the cartilage
conduction described above is concentrated at the parts of expected
contact with the ear cartilage at the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus is not limited to the fifty-fifth embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 83 to 85, and also appears in several other
embodiments that have already been described. For example, the
first to third, eleventh to fourteenth, twenty-ninth to
thirty-third, thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, forty-second to
forty-fourth, forty-sixth to fiftieth, fifty-second, and
fifty-fifth embodiments are examples where the vibration
acceleration or amplitude of vibration at the parts of expected
contact is greater than the vibration acceleration or amplitude of
vibration at portions separated from the parts of expected contact,
this effect being particularly pronounced in configurations as in
the twenty-ninth, thirtieth to thirty-third, forty-second to
forty-third, forty-sixth to fiftieth, fifty-second, and fifty-fifth
embodiments, as will be described later. For reasons that will be
described later, the vibration acceleration or amplitude of
vibration decreases monotonically, relative to the parts of
expected contact, as the distance from the parts of expected
contact increases.
[0623] The parts of expected contact, at which the vibration energy
for cartilage conduction is concentrated in the present invention,
do not protrude from the chassis, and are not shaped so as to
hinder the use of the mobile telephone. Further, the parts of
expected contact are found at positions removed from both the
central up-down axis and central left-right axis of the chassis,
and are suitably disposed in contact with the ear cartilage at the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus. Specifically, the
parts of expected contact are found at corner parts or an upper
side part or side surface part in the vicinity of the corner parts
of the mobile telephone. In other words, the arrangement
configuration described above obtains a suitable configuration by
which the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular
helix.
[0624] As described above, in the present invention, the vibration
energy can be concentrated at the parts of expected contact with
the ear cartilage at the entrance part of the external auditory
meatus not only in the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83 to 85 but
also in other embodiments. To classify this feature, firstly, the
twenty-ninth embodiment, the thirtieth embodiment, the second
modification example of the thirty-first embodiment, the
thirty-second embodiment, the thirty-third embodiment, and the
fifty-fifth embodiment are first examples where elastic bodies
create an isolation between the parts of expected contact and the
chassis of the mobile telephone, whereby the feature is realized.
The twenty-ninth embodiment, the thirtieth embodiment, the
thirty-second embodiment, and the thirty-third embodiment are
second examples where the primary vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element is avoided and the same is supported
on the chassis of the mobile telephone, whereby the vibration
energy is concentrated at the parts of expected contact. The
thirtieth embodiment, the thirty-first embodiment, and the
forty-seventh embodiment are third examples where there is a
reduced surface area of contact between the parts of expected
contact and the chassis of the mobile telephone supporting the
same, whereby the vibration energy is concentrated at the parts of
expected contact. The forty-second to forty-fourth embodiment, the
forty-sixth embodiment and the modification example thereof, the
forty-eighth to fiftieth embodiments, the fifty-second embodiment,
and the fifty-fifth embodiment are fourth examples where the
holding position of the vibrator is limited to the vicinity of the
parts of contact, whereby the vibration energy is concentrated at
the parts of expected contact. The forty-sixth embodiment and the
modification example thereof, the forty-eighth to fiftieth
embodiments, the fifty-second embodiment, and the fifty-fifth
embodiment are fifth examples where the parts of expected contact
have a different material from that of the chassis of the mobile
telephone, whereby the vibration energy is concentrated at the
parts of expected contact. However, as is clear from the fact that
some embodiments are duplicated in the classifications described
above, the features classified as above can in practice be employed
in a plurality of combinations.
[0625] The various features of the present invention described
above are not limited to the embodiments described above. For
example, as a modification example of the fifty-fifth embodiment,
another possible configuration is one where a hole having a greater
cross-sectional area than that of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is opened at each of the elastic bodies 5165b and 5165a, the
cross-section of which is illustrated by FIG. 83B, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 being held through the holes by
the cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126. Such a case is
structured such that the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 does
not make direct contact with the elastic bodies 5165b and 5165a,
and it becomes possible to prevent the vibration energy of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 from being dispersed to the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5101 via the elastic bodies 5165b
and 5165a.
[0626] The fifty-fifth embodiment described above, similarly with
respect to the forty-sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 69A, 69B
and 69C, is structured such that the vibration of both ends of a
single piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is conducted to the left
and right cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126; however, the
implementation of a feature such as that of the fifty-fifth
embodiment is not to be limited thereto. For example, the holding
structure of the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C
may be applied to the structure in which one side of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is supported by the cantilever
structure, as in the forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A, 65B,
65C, and 65D. Furthermore, in a configuration as in the
fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77, where the right ear
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525b and the left ear piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525a are employed, the holding structure of the
fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C may be applied to
the manner in which the same are each supported by the cantilever
structure.
[0627] As has already been described, the ability to independently
control the right ear and left-ear cartilage-conduction vibration
unit s, as in the first to third embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 7 and
the fifty-second embodiment in FIG. 77, makes it possible to stop
the vibration of the vibration unit, which is not brought into
contact with the ear cartilage. In such a case, in the distribution
of vibration energy in the case where the vibration of the
cartilage conduction unit 5126 is stopped in FIG. 85A illustrating
the state where the cartilage conduction unit 5124 is held against
the right ear 28, the amplitude and acceleration of vibration are
greatest at the position (1); the amplitude and acceleration of
vibration subsequently decrease at the position (3), the position
(2), the position (4), and the position (5), in this order. By
contrast, in the distribution of vibration energy in the case where
the vibration of the cartilage conduction unit 5124 is stopped in
FIG. 85B illustrating the state where the cartilage conduction unit
5126 is held against the left ear 30, the amplitude and
acceleration of vibration are greatest at the position (2); the
amplitude and acceleration of vibration subsequently decrease at
the position (3), the position (1), the position (4), and the
position (5), in this order.
Fifty-Sixth Embodiment
[0628] FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a fifty-sixth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, which is
configured as a mobile telephone 5201. The fifty-sixth embodiment
is consistent with the fifty-fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
83A, 83B and 83C, except for the holding direction of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 constituted of the piezoelectric
bimorph element; shared portions have been given like reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted unless there
is a need.
[0629] In the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, the
metal sheet 2597 of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525
is arranged so as to be parallel to the front surface of the mobile
telephone 5101, and the primary vibration direction is oriented
orthogonal to the GUI display unit 3405. By contrast, in the
fifty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C, a metal sheet
2599 of a cartilage conduction vibration unit 5225 is arranged so
as to be perpendicular to the front surface of the mobile telephone
5201, as a result of which the primary vibration direction of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 5225 becomes parallel to the
GUI display unit 3405, similarly with respect to the first
modification example of the forty-second embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 65C. The configuration of the fifty-sixth embodiment is
suitable for usage where, the front surface side of a corner part
(the cartilage conduction unit 5124 or 5126) of the mobile
telephone 5201 being held against the ear cartilage identically
with respect to the case illustrated in FIGS. 85A and 85B, the top
surface side of the corner part is held against the ear cartilage
in such a form as to lightly push upward, similarly with respect to
the first modification example of the forty-second embodiment.
Because the vibration is concentrated on the cartilage conduction
unit 5124 or 5126, sufficient cartilage conduction can be obtained
merely by bringing only the front surface side of a corner part
(the cartilage conduction unit 5124 or 5126) up against the ear
cartilage.
[0630] In the fifty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C,
because the primary vibration direction of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 5225 is parallel to the front surface of the mobile
telephone 5201 (which includes the GUI display unit 3405), there is
a smaller vibration component transmitted to the front surface and
rear surface, which account for a large surface area of the outer
surfaces of the mobile telephone 5201. As a result, there can be a
further reduction in sound leakage due to air conduction sound
generated at such portions of the large surface area.
[0631] The cartilage conduction vibration unit 5225 oriented in the
manner described above as in the fifty-sixth embodiment of FIGS.
86A, 86B and 86C are not limited to the fifty-sixth embodiment, but
rather can also be employed in the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS.
69A, 69B and 69C, the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 71A, 71B and
71C, the forty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D and
74E, and other embodiments.
Fifty-Seventh Embodiment
[0632] FIG. 87 is a block diagram relating to a fifty-seventh
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, which
is configured as a mobile telephone 5301. A piezoelectric bimorph
element 5325 constituting the cartilage conduction vibration unit
in the fifty-seventh embodiment has a drive circuit configured as a
power management circuit for supplying, together with a single-chip
integrated power management IC 5303, power to each of the parts of
the mobile telephone 5301.
[0633] The integrated power management IC 5303 has a power
management unit 5353 and supplies different, respectively
predetermined power voltages to an RF circuit unit 5322 connected
to an analog baseband unit 5313 and an antenna 5345 and coupled to
a digital baseband unit 5312, and to other elements constituting
the telephone communication unit, on the basis of the power supply
from a battery 5348. The power management unit 5353 further
supplies different, respectively predetermined power voltages to:
an application processor 5339 corresponding to the controller 39 or
the like illustrated in other embodiments, a camera unit 5317
(depicted as a consolidation of the backside main camera and
videoconferencing function in-camera illustrated in other
embodiments), a liquid crystal display device 5343 and touch panel
5368 in a display unit 5305, and other elements. The application
processor 5339, which is linked with a memory 5337 (depicted as a
consolidation of a program holding function and a data writing and
holding function), controls the entirety of the mobile telephone
5301 and is capable transferring signals with external apparatuses
via a memory card 5319 (depicted as a consolidation of a slot and a
card) and a USBTM connection terminal 5320.
[0634] The power management unit 5353 also supplies different,
respectively predetermined power voltages to a controller 5321, an
analog front-end unit 5336, an amplifier 5341 for a
videoconferencing function speaker 5351, a cartilage conduction
acoustic signal processing unit 5338, a charge pump circuit 5354,
and other elements within the integrated power management IC 5303.
The charge pump circuit 5354 is intended to boost the voltage for
the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325, which requires high
voltage.
[0635] The analog front-end unit 5336 receives an analog audio
signal from the application processor 5339, which is outside the
integrated power management IC 5303 and supplies the same to the
videoconferencing function speaker 5351 via the amplifier 5341,
also supplying the analog audio signal to an earphone jack 5314 and
the cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit 5338. The
analog front-end unit 5336 also transmits an analog audio signal
picked up from the user by the microphone 5323 to the outside
application processor 5339.
[0636] The charge pump circuit 5354 operates to boost voltage in
cooperation with an exterior attached condenser 5355, which is
connected via exterior attached terminals 5355a and 5355b, and
supplies to the amplifier 5340 the voltage needed to drive the
piezoelectric bimorph element 5325. The audio signal from the
analog front-end unit 5336 thereby drives the piezoelectric bimorph
element 5325 via the cartilage conduction acoustic signal
processing unit 5338 and the amplifier 5340. Examples corresponding
to the functions of the cartilage conduction acoustic signal
processing unit 5338 include the acoustics adjustment unit 238 and
waveform inverter 240 illustrated in the fourth embodiment of FIG.
8, the cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 and cartilage
conduction equalizer 5038 illustrated in the fifty-fourth
embodiment of FIG. 82, but there is no limitation thereto.
[0637] The controller 5321 transfers digital control signals with
the application processor 5339, which is outside the integrated
power management IC 5303, and controls the power management unit
5353. The controller 5321 controls the analog front-end unit 5336
on the basis of a command from the application processor 5339, and
performs such operations as switching between sending the analog
audio signal received from the application processor 5339 to the
amplifier 5341 or sending the same to the cartilage conduction
acoustic signal processing unit 5338, in order to drive the
videoconferencing function speaker 5351. The analog front-end unit
5336 also performs such processing as preventing the "popping
sound" that accompanies the switching from being outputted to the
earphone jack 5314 and other elements.
[0638] The controller 5321 also transfers digital control signals
with the application processor 5339, which is outside the
integrated power management IC 5303, and controls the cartilage
conduction acoustic signal processing unit in a manner relating to
the acoustics adjustment, waveform inversion, the cartilage
conduction low-pass filter, and the cartilage conduction equalizer,
among others as exemplified above.
[0639] Because the fifty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 87, as
described above, has the drive circuit of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit configured as a single-chip integrated IC together
with a power management circuit, the cartilage conduction vibration
unit can be driven directly, and power voltage can be supplied to
the cartilage conduction vibration unit integratedly with the
supply of power voltage to the various constituent elements inside
the mobile telephone, it being possible to also integrate the
control thereof. Also, having the cartilage conduction acoustic
signal processing unit for the cartilage conduction vibration unit
configured as a single-chip integrated IC together with a power
management part further allows for the control of the audio signals
of the piezoelectric bimorph element to be integrated. In a case
where the piezoelectric bimorph element is employed as the
cartilage conduction vibration unit, although high voltage is
needed to drive the same, having the drive circuit of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit configured as a single-chip integrated IC
together with a power management unit, as in the fifty-seventh
embodiment of FIG. 87, makes it possible to drive the piezoelectric
bimorph element without the need to add a separate chip for a
boosted-voltage circuit. Having the cartilage conduction acoustic
signal processing unit dedicated to driving the cartilage
conduction vibration unit configured as a single-chip integrated IC
together with a power management part further allows for the
control of the audio signals of the piezoelectric bimorph element
to be integrated. It is accordingly possible to endow the mobile
telephone with a suitable cartilage conduction function merely by
inputting an ordinary audio signal to the integrated IC and
connecting the cartilage conduction vibration unit to the
integrated IC.
[0640] Further, having the analog-front end unit configured as a
single-chip integrated IC together with the power management unit
allows for the output of audio signals to be collectively switched
and adjusted. Specifically, the transfer of digital control signals
between the integrated IC and the application processor, relating
to the functions of the overall mobile telephone inclusive of the
functions of the cartilage conduction vibration unit, can be
integrated with the transfer of analog audio signals between the
integrated IC and the application processor.
[0641] The circuit configuration in which the drive circuit of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is configured as the power
management unit and the single-chip integrated IC, as in the
fifty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 87, can also be applied to the
various other embodiments that have already been described.
Fifty-Eighth Embodiment
[0642] FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C are perspective view and a
cross-sectional view relating to a fifty-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, which is
configured as a mobile telephone 5401. The fifty-eighth embodiment
is consistent with the fifty-fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
83A, 83B and 83C, except for a configuration intended as a
countermeasure against sound leakage due to air conduction sound
(described later), and therefore shared portions have been given
like reference numerals and a description thereof has been omitted
unless there is a need.
[0643] In the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C,
similarly with respect to the fifty-fifth embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, there is slight vibration conducted to the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5401 via the elastic bodies 5165b
and 5165a from the cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126
composed of a hard material, which hold the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525. The front surface and rear surface of the
mobile telephone 5401, which account for a large surface area of
the outer surfaces thereof, are thereby made to vibrate, and slight
sound leakage due to air conduction sound is generated. In the
fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C, the outer
surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5401, except for the
portions of the GUI display unit 3405 and the microphone 23, is
covered by an elastic body 5463, as a countermeasure against such
sound leakage. Herein, the elastic body 5463 is bonded so as to be
integrated with the chassis of the mobile telephone 5401. The
portion of the GUI display unit 3405 then becomes an opening part
so as not to hinder GUI operation. The portion of the microphone 23
is configured as the microphone cover unit 467 having a sponge-like
or similar structure that will not hinder the air conduction of
audio, similarly with respect to the fifth embodiment of FIG.
11.
[0644] The elastic body 5463 for covering the outer surface of the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5401 is preferably made of the same
vinyl-based, urethane-based, or other type of vibration insulation
material and cushioning material as the elastic bodies 5165b and
5165a, or such a material similar thereto. The cartilage conduction
units 5124 and 5126 composed of a hard material, which hold the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, are, in the
fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C, thereby in
contact with the chassis of the mobile telephone 5401 through being
included via the elastic bodies 5165b, 5165a and the elastic body
5463. The cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 accordingly
does not make direct contact with the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5401.
[0645] Also, because the elastic body 5463 is not an
insertable/releasable cover as in the fifth embodiment of FIG. 11,
but is bonded so as to be integrated with a large portion of the
surface area of the surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone
5401, the vibration of the large portion of the surface area of the
surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5401 is suppressed
by the weight and elasticity thereof in both the interior and
exterior directions over the amplitude of vibration, and vibration
energy is also absorbed. The surface of the mobile telephone 5401,
which is contact with the air, is also given elasticity. The air
conduction sound generated from the surface of the chassis of the
mobile telephone 5401, caused by the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525 across the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5401, is thereby attenuated. On the other hand, because
the elastic body 5463 has an acoustic impedance approximating that
of the ear cartilage, there is favorable cartilage conduction to
the ear cartilage from the cartilage conduction units 5124 and
5126. The manner in which the elastic body 5463 covers the surface
of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5401 also functions as a
protection for when the mobile telephone 5401 collides with an
external unit.
Fifty-Ninth Embodiment
[0646] FIGS. 89A, 89B and 89C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a fifty-ninth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, which is
configured as a mobile telephone 5501. The fifty-ninth embodiment
is consistent with the forty-second embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D, except for a configuration intended as a
countermeasure against sound leakage due to air conduction sound,
and therefore portions shared by cross-sectional views in FIGS. 89B
and 89C with the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 65A and 65B have
been assigned like reference numerals, and a description thereof
has been omitted unless there is a need. The perspective view of
FIG. 89A is consistent with the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIG.
88A, and therefore shared portions have been assigned like
reference numerals and a description thereof has been omitted
unless there is a need.
[0647] In the fifty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 89A, 89B and 89C, one
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held in a hole in
a support structure 3800a for holding the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, the support structure 3800a extending inward
from a side surface 3807 and top surface 3807a of the mobile
telephone 5501. The vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 2525 is therefore conducted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5501 via the side surface 3807 and top surface 3807a of
the mobile telephone 5501 from the support structure 3800a, and the
front surface and rear surface of the mobile telephone 5501, which
account for a large surface area of the outer surfaces thereof, are
therefore made to vibrate. There is also greater sound leakage due
to the air conduction sound generated thereby than there is in the
case of the fifty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C.
However, in the fifty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 89A, 89B and 89C,
similarly with respect to the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A,
88B and 88C, the outer surface of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5501, except for the portions of the GUI display unit
3405 and the microphone 23, is covered by an elastic body 5563, as
a countermeasure against such sound leakage. Herein, the elastic
body 5563 is bonded so as to be integrated with the chassis of the
mobile telephone 5501. The portion of the GUI display unit 3405
then becomes an opening part so as not to hinder GUI operation. The
portion of the microphone 23 is configured as the microphone cover
unit 467 having a sponge-like or similar structure that will not
hinder the air conduction of audio, similarly with respect to the
fifth embodiment of FIG. 11. This is a point of similarity with the
fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C.
[0648] The elastic body 5563 for covering the outer surface of the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5501 is preferably made of a
vinyl-based, urethane-based, or other type of vibration insulation
material and cushioning material, similarly with respect to the
fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C. Due to the above
configuration, in the fifty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 89A, 89B and
89C as well, the vibration of a large portion of the surface area
of the surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5501 is
suppressed by the weight and elasticity of the covering elastic
body 5563 in both the interior and exterior directions over the
amplitude of vibration, and vibration energy is also absorbed. The
surface of the mobile telephone 5501, which is contact with the
air, is also given elasticity. The air conduction sound generated
from the surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5501,
caused by the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source 2525, is thereby attenuated. On the other hand, because the
elastic body 5563 has an acoustic impedance approximating that of
the ear cartilage, there is favorable cartilage conduction to the
ear cartilage from the upper part corner 3824, which is a suitable
site to be brought up against the tragus or other part of the ear
cartilage. A further point of similarity with the fifty-eighth
embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C are that the manner in which
the elastic body 5563 covers the surface of the chassis of the
mobile telephone 5501 also functions as a protection for when the
mobile telephone 5501 collides with an external unit.
Sixtieth Embodiment
[0649] FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a sixtieth embodiment according
to an aspect of the present invention, which is configured as a
mobile telephone 5601. The sixtieth embodiment is consistent with
the forty-sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C,
except for a configuration intended as a countermeasure against
sound leakage due to air conduction sound, and therefore shared
portions are given like reference numerals, and a description
thereof has been omitted unless there is a need.
[0650] In the sixtieth embodiment of FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C,
similarly with respect to the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A,
69B and 69C, elastic body units 5663a and 5663b, serving as
protectors, are provided to the two corners of the upper part of
the mobile telephone 5601. The inner sides thereof have a dual
purpose as units for holding both ends of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525, and the outer sides have a dual purpose as
cartilage conduction units for making contact with the ear
cartilage. The elastic body units 5663a and 5663b utilize an
elastic material having an acoustic impedance approximating that of
ear cartilage (a silicone rubber; a mixture of a silicone rubber
and a butadiene rubber; a natural rubber; a structure formed using
these varieties of rubber in which air bubbles are sealed; a
structure, such as can be seen in transparent packaging sheet
materials and the like, in which a layer of groups of air bubbles
is sealed separated by a thin film of synthetic resin; or the
like).
[0651] In the sixtieth embodiment of FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C as
well, a substantial component of the vibration of the elastic body
units 5663a and 5663b for holding the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 is conducted to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5601, and the front surface and rear surface of the
mobile telephone 5601, which account for a large surface area of
the outer surfaces thereof, are made to vibrate, thus generating
air conduction sound. However, in the sixtieth embodiment of FIGS.
90A, 90B and 90C as well, there extends in a sheet-shaped manner
from the elastic body units 5663a and 5663b an elastic body 5663
composed of the same material, as a countermeasure against sound
leakage caused by the aforesaid air conduction sound; the elastic
body 5663 covers the outer surfaces of the mobile telephone 5601
except for the portions of the GUI display unit (the same part as a
GUI display unit 3405 in FIGs.88 and 99) and the microphone 23. In
the sixtieth embodiment of FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C as well,
similarly with respect to the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A,
88B and 88C and the fifty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 89A, 89B and
89C, the elastic body 5663 is bonded so as to be integrated with
the chassis of the mobile telephone 5601. The portion of the GUI
display unit 3405 then becomes an opening part so as not to hinder
GUI operation. The portion of the microphone 23 is configured as
the microphone cover unit 467 having a sponge-like or similar
structure that will not hinder the air conduction of audio,
similarly with respect to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 11. This is
a point of similarity with the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS.
88A, 88B and 88C and the fifty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 89A, 89B
and 89C.
[0652] Due to the above configuration, in the sixtieth embodiment
of FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C as well, the vibration of a large portion
of the surface area of the surface of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5601 is suppressed by the weight and elasticity of the
covering elastic body 5663 in both the interior and exterior
directions over the amplitude of vibration, and vibration energy is
also absorbed. The surface of the mobile telephone 5601, which is
in contact with the air, is also given elasticity. The air
conduction sound generated from the surface of the chassis of the
mobile telephone 5601, caused by the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source 2525, is thereby attenuated. The manner
in which the elastic body 5663 covers the surface of the chassis of
the mobile telephone 5601 also functions as a protection for those
portions other than the elastic body units 5663a and 5663b.
Sixty-First Embodiment
[0653] FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C are perspective views and a
cross-sectional views relating to a sixty-first embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, which is
configured as a mobile telephone 5701. The sixty-first embodiment
is consistent with the fifty-fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
83A, 83B and 83C, except for a configuration intended as a
countermeasure against sound leakage due to air conduction sound,
and therefore shared portions are given like reference numerals,
and a description thereof has been omitted unless there is a
need.
[0654] In the sixty-first embodiment of FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C,
similarly with respect to the fifty-fifth embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, both ends of the cartilage conduction
vibration source 2525 are held by the cartilage conduction units
5124 and 5126 composed of a hard material, and are supported by the
chassis of the mobile telephone 5701 via the elastic bodies 5165b
and 5165a. In such a structure, as has already been described in
the fifty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 88A, 88B and 88C, there is
slight vibration conveyed to the chassis of the mobile telephone
5701, thus generating sound leakage due to air conduction sound
generated from the front surface and rear surface thereof. As a
countermeasure to this sound leakage, the sixty-first embodiment of
FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C have a pressure-fixation structure 5701h
made of a screwed-in metal sheet or the like for pressing and
affixing internal configuration components 5748 of the mobile
telephone 5701, including a battery and the like, to the inner
surface of the chassis of the mobile telephone 5701. The weight of
the internal configuration 5748, including the battery and the
like, is thereby integrated with the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5701, and the vibration of a large portion of the surface
area of the chassis is thereby suppressed across both the interior
and exterior directions in the amplitude thereof, wherefore the
generation of air conduction sound is attenuated.
[0655] In the sixty-first embodiment of FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C,
there is further a surplus space within the chassis of the mobile
telephone 5701, which is filled in with a sound-absorbent packing
material 5701i composed of nonwoven cloth or the like. The surplus
space within the chassis of the mobile telephone 5701 is thereby
finely sub-divided and the air within the chassis is prevented from
resonating, thus attenuating the generation of air conduction
sound. To facilitate understanding, FIG. 91C provides a simplified
depiction of the manner in which the internal configuration 5748,
the pressure fixation structure 5701h, and the sound-absorbent
packing material 5701i are packed, but the structure therefor is in
practice very complex; also, the pressure fixation structure 5701h
is not limited to pressing and fixing the internal configuration
5748 only to the rear surface side of the mobile telephone 5701, as
is depicted. For the fine sub-division of the surplus space within
the chassis of the mobile telephone 5701, a barrier wall also may
be provided to the inner side of the chassis, instead of packing in
the sound-absorbing packing material 5701i.
[0656] The implementation of the various features of the present
invention illustrated by the embodiments above is not to be limited
to the respective embodiments above. For example, in FIGS. 88 to 90
above, on the rear surface and other portions accounting for a
large surface area of the outer surfaces of the mobile telephone,
the width of the cross-sections of the elastic bodies for covering
has been depicted as being approximately equivalent to the width of
the cross-section of the chassis. However, as long as the strength
of the chassis is maintained, the thickness of the cross-section of
the chassis can be reduced as much as possible, and the thickness
of the cross-section of the elastic body for covering the same can
be increased as much as possible, so that the chassis theoretically
comprises the elastic body, and the effect of preventing sound
leakage is improved. At such a time, a configuration in which the
barrier wall for finely sub-dividing the surplus space is provided
to the interior of the chassis is further advantageous in retaining
strength, and contributes to rendering the chassis thinner.
[0657] In the sixtieth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 90A, 90B and
90C, the elastic body units 5663a and 5663b having multiple
purposes as protectors, as parts for holding both ends of the
cartilage conduction vibration source 2525, and as cartilage
conduction units are contiguous with the elastic body 5663, being
of the same material, but there is no limitation to such a
configuration. For example, the elastic body units 5663a and 5663b
may be components that are separated from the elastic body 5663, or
may necessarily not be in contact. The elastic body units 5663a and
5663b may also be constituted of a different material from that of
the elastic body 5663.
[0658] Further, for the sake of simplicity, the fifty-eighth to
sixtieth embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 88 to 90 depict
configurations in which the vibration of the chassis of the mobile
telephone is covered and suppressed by an exterior elastic body,
and the sixty-first embodiment of FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C depict a
configuration in which the vibration of the chassis of the mobile
telephone is suppressed by the pressure fixation of the weight of
the internal configuration of the mobile telephone. However, there
is no limitation to the case where these elements are employed
separately, as in the embodiments, but rather the configuration may
be such that the two are used concurrently and the vibration of the
interior and exterior of the chassis of the mobile telephone is
suppressed therefrom.
Sixty-Second embodiment
[0659] FIGS. 92A, 92B and 92C are perspective views and a side
views of a sixty-second embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, configured as a land-line telephone 5800. As
shown in perspective view in FIG. 92(A), the land-line telephone
5800 includes a telephone base station 5801 and a cordless handset
5881. The telephone base station 5801 is furnished with a display
unit 5805, a videoconferencing camera 5817, a videoconferencing
microphone 5823, a videoconferencing speaker 5851, and the
like.
[0660] FIG. 92(B) shows the handset 5881 of the land-line telephone
5800 in a state positioned upright in a charger 5848. This handset
5881 is identical to the cordless handset 5881 in FIG. 92(A), and
is therefore illustrated with the same symbol. As shown in FIG.
92(B), the cordless handset or the handset 5881 (hereinafter, both
shall be denoted as "cordless handset 5881") has a cartilage
conduction unit 5824 that defines a gentle convex face; when the
cordless handset 5881 is placed against the ear, this cartilage
conduction unit 5824 fits naturally into a depression of the ear
having the external auditory meatus as the bottom, coming into
contact with the ear cartilage over a wide area. The cordless
handset (or handset) 5881 also has an outgoing-talk unit 1423
comparable to that shown in the mobile telephone embodiment.
[0661] FIG. 92(C) illustrates a side surface of the cordless
handset (or handset) 5881, and shows the cordless handset (or
handset) 5881 placed against an ear 30, at which time the gentle
convex face of the cartilage conduction unit 5824 fits into the
depression of the ear having the external auditory meatus as its
bottom, and comes into contact with the ear cartilage over a wide
area. As will be clear from the side view in FIG. 92(C), in the
sixty-second embodiment, the cartilage conduction unit 5824 has a
shape defined by a portion of a spherical face. In an ordinary
handset, the ear-contacting part has a concave face for forming a
closed space to the front of the ear; however, the handset for
cartilage conduction according to the present invention conversely
has a convex face, and can be given a natural shape readily fitting
into the depression of the ear having the external auditory meatus
as its bottom.
[0662] FIG. 93 is a block diagram of the sixty-second embodiment,
in which identical components have been assigned the same reference
numerals as in FIGS. 92A, 92B and 92C. Additionally, as the
configuration shown in the block diagram has much in common with
the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29, the same reference numerals
as those assigned to these parts have been assigned to
corresponding portions. Descriptions of these identical or
corresponding portions are omitted, unless there is a particular
need. Even for portions not assigned identical numerals, for
example, the videoconferencing camera 5817, the portion corresponds
to the videoconferencing inside camera 17 in the mobile telephone
1601 of FIG. 29, and the functions thereof are basically identical.
Moreover, while the sixty-second embodiment pertains to a land-line
telephone and therefore represents a different system from a mobile
telephone, the telephone functionality is basically identical, and
therefore the illustration of a telephone function unit 5845 in
FIG. 93 is similar. This is true of the power supply unit as well:
while the power source differs, the functions are basically
identical, and therefore the same reference numeral as in FIG. 29
is assigned. FIG. 93 also illustrates charging contacts 1448a and
1548a, for charging the cordless handset (or handset) 5881 while
placed in the telephone base station 5801 or the charger 5848.
[0663] FIGS. 94A, 94B, 94C and 94D show side cross sectional views
of cordless handsets in the sixty-second embodiment of FIGS. 92A,
92B and 92C and modification examples thereof, showing the
relationship of a piezoelectric bimorph element constituting the
cartilage conduction vibration source, and the cartilage conduction
unit having a convex face. FIG. 94(A) shows a side cross sectional
view of the cordless handset 5881 of the sixty-second embodiment,
in which a vibration conductor 5827 is affixed to the inside of a
cartilage conduction unit 5824, with the center part of a
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525d being supported by this
vibration conductor 5827. Both ends of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525d can vibrate freely, the counteraction thereof being
transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 5824 via the vibration
conductor 5827.
[0664] FIG. 94(B) is a side cross sectional view of a cordless
handset 5881a in a first modification example of the sixty-second
embodiment. Whereas the cartilage conduction unit 5824 in the
cordless handset 5881a of the sixty-second embodiment was a partial
spherical face, the cartilage conduction unit 5824a in the first
modification example has an acute-angled conical (cone) shape. The
configuration whereby the vibration conductor 5827a is affixed to
the inside of the cartilage conduction unit 5824a, and supports the
center part of a piezoelectric bimorph element 2525e, is shared
with the sixty-second embodiment.
[0665] FIG. 94(C) is a side cross sectional view of a cordless
handset 5881b in a second modification example of the sixty-second
embodiment. As in the first modification example, the cartilage
conduction unit 5824b in the cordless handset 5881b of the second
modification example has an acute-angled conical (cone) shape. In
the second modification example of FIG. 94(C), a vibration
conductor 5827b is affixed to the inside of the cartilage
conduction unit 5824b, and supports one end of a piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525f. The other end of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525f can vibrate freely, the counteraction thereof being
transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 5824b via the
vibration conductor 5827b.
[0666] FIG. 94(D) is a side cross sectional view of a cordless
handset 5881c in a third modification example of the sixty-second
embodiment. As in the first modification example and the second
modification example, the cartilage conduction unit 5824c in the
cordless handset 5881c of the third modification example has an
acute-angled conical (cone) shape. In the third modification
example of FIG. 94(D), a low-end piezoelectric bimorph element
2525g and a high-end piezoelectric bimorph element 2525h are
respectively bonded directly to the inside of the cartilage
conduction unit 5824c, such that the vibrating surface side thereof
is in contact therewith. In so doing, vibration of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525g and the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525h is transmitted directly to the cartilage conduction
unit 5824c. In this way, through the complementary use of multiple
cartilage conduction vibration sources of different frequency
characteristics, the frequency characteristics of cartilage
conduction can be improved.
[0667] In the modification examples of FIG. 94(B) to FIG. 94(D),
the convex-faced cartilage conduction unit is of conical (cone)
shape. By adopting such a configuration, the side surface of the
conical element (cone) fits into the external auditory meatus,
irrespective of individual differences in the size of the external
auditory meatus, so that cartilage conduction from the entire
circumference of the external auditory meatus can be achieved.
Sixty-Third Embodiment
[0668] FIGS. 95A, 95B and 95C are cross sectional views relating to
a sixty-third embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, which is configured as stereo headphones 5981. FIG.
95(A) is a cross sectional view of the stereo headphones 5981 in
their entirety, which have a right ear cartilage conduction unit
5924 and a left ear cartilage conduction unit 5926. The right ear
cartilage conduction unit 5924 and the left ear cartilage
conduction unit 5926 are respectively of conical (cone) convex
shape. A piezoelectric bimorph element 2525i and a piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525j are respectively bonded to the inside of the
right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924, such that the vibrating
surface side thereof is in contact therewith. This construction is
basically one shared with the third modification example of the
sixty-second embodiment in FIG. 94(D). Likewise, a piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525k and a piezoelectric bimorph element 2525m are
respectively bonded to the inside of the left ear cartilage
conduction unit 5926, such that the vibrating surface side thereof
is in contact therewith.
[0669] FIG. 95(B) and FIG. 95(C) describe a feature whereby, by
adopting a convex face of conical (cone) shape for the right ear
cartilage conduction unit 5924 (and the left ear cartilage
conduction unit 5926), the right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924
(and the left ear cartilage conduction unit 5926) can be made to
fit into an external auditory meatus 30a, irrespective of
individual differences in the size of the external auditory meatus
30a; and respectively show a representative enlarged section of the
right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924 in the sixty-third
embodiment. FIG. 95(B) shows a case of use of the stereo headphones
5981 by an individual whose external auditory meatus 30a is
relatively small, in which case a section comparatively towards the
distal end of the conical element of the right ear cartilage
conduction unit 5924 contacts the entire circumference of the
external auditory meatus 30a. In contrast to this, FIG. 95(C) shows
a case of use of the stereo headphones 5981 by an individual whose
external auditory meatus 30a is relatively large, in which case the
conical element of the right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924
slips more deeply into the external auditory meatus, so that a
section comparatively towards the basal end of the conical element
contacts the entire circumference of the external auditory meatus
30a. However, as will be clear from an examination of FIG. 95(B)
and FIG. 95(C), the depth to which the conical element of the right
ear cartilage conduction unit 5924 slips into external auditory
meatus 30a has no significant effect on cartilage conduction, and
by adopting a conical shape for the right ear cartilage conduction
unit 5924, the right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924 can be made
to unfailingly contact the entire circumference of the external
auditory meatus 30a in satisfactory fashion, irrespective of
individual differences in the size of the external auditory meatus
30a. Like the right ear cartilage conduction unit 5924, the left
ear cartilage conduction unit 5926 will also be made to contact the
entire circumference of the external auditory meatus 30a in
satisfactory fashion, irrespective of individual differences in the
size of the external auditory meatus 30a.
[0670] By configuring a stereo audio output device by using a pair
of sound output devices like those of the sixty-third embodiment,
having a cartilage conduction unit with a convex face of conical
shape, and a cartilage conduction vibration source for transmitting
vibration to the cartilage conduction unit, the cartilage
conduction units can be slipped in from the left and the right and
pressed respectively into the external auditory meatus of each ear,
whereby satisfactory contact of the convex face of conical shape of
the cartilage conduction unit against the entire circumference of
the external auditory meatus can be achieved.
[0671] In the sixty-third embodiment, the conical elements of the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 5924 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 5926 are configured with an obtuse angle like that
in the third modification example of the sixty-second embodiment in
FIG. 94(D); however, a configuration having an acute angle would be
acceptable if needed. In this case, the distal end would be rounded
to avoid posing any danger. In the sixty-third embodiment, two
piezoelectric bimorph elements each having identical frequency
characteristics are bonded to the right-ear cartilage conduction
unit 5924 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 5926; however,
ones having different frequency characteristics, like those in the
third modification example of the sixty-second embodiment in FIG.
94(D), would be acceptable as well. A configuration in which the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 5924 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 5926 are each furnished with a single piezoelectric
bimorph element would be acceptable as well. In this case, instead
of direct adhesion, a configuration in which the element is
supported via the vibration conductor, as in the sixty-second
embodiment and modification examples thereof in FIG. 94(A) to FIG.
94(C), would also be acceptable.
[0672] The features of the several inventions described above are
not limited to the aforedescribed embodiments, and implementation
in other embodiments is possible. For example, in the
aforedescribed sixty-second embodiment and sixty-third embodiment,
it would be possible to adopt, as the cartilage conduction
vibration source thereof, another vibration source such as an
electromagnetic vibrator of the sort shown in other aforedescribed
embodiments, instead of piezoelectric bimorph elements. Moreover,
whereas the aforedescribed sixty-second embodiment described
configuration as a handset of a land-line telephone, and the
aforedescribed sixty-third embodiment as headphones, respectively,
implementation of the features described above is not limited to
these. That is, it is possible for the various features described
in relation to providing a convex face to the cartilage conduction
vibration unit in the aforedescribed embodiments to be implemented,
for example, in a configuration for earphones or in a configuration
for a headset, as shown in other aforedescribed embodiments.
Implementation in a land-line telephone is not limited to the
features shown in the aforedescribed sixty-second embodiment, and
it is possible for various features which are shown in yet other
embodiments by way of an embodiment such as a mobile telephone, to
be implemented in the handset of a land-line telephone, as
appropriate.
Sixty-Fourth Embodiment
[0673] FIGS. 96A, 96B, 96C and 96D are perspective views, a cross
sectional views, and atop view relating to a sixty-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a mobile telephone 6001. The sixty-fourth embodiment
has much in common with the fifty-fifth embodiment shown in FIGS.
83A, 83B and 83C, except for the holding structure of the cartilage
conduction unit 2525 (hereinafter denoted as piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525) which is constituted by a piezoelectric bimorph
element; therefore corresponding portions have been given like
reference numerals, and a description has been omitted unless
necessary.
[0674] In the sixty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 96A, 96B, 96C and
96D, as in the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C,
the main vibration direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is oriented orthogonal to a GUI display unit 3405, and
features a characteristic holding structure. FIG. 96(A) is a
perspective view of the mobile telephone 6001 of the sixty-fourth
embodiment seen from the front face; the structure for holding the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is produced by integral molding
of a right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024, a left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6026, and a linking unit 6027 linking these, from a
hard material. The piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is supported
at the inside of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024,
whereby it is possible for vibration thereof to be transmitted
directly to the right ear cartilage contacted by the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6024. Further, vibration of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 supported by the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6024 is transmitted as well to the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6026 through the linking unit
6027 which serves as a vibration conductor, whereby it is possible
to achieve cartilage conduction, without the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6026 contacting the left ear cartilage.
[0675] Further, the aforedescribed hard, integrally molded
structure is attached to the chassis of the mobile telephone 6001
via an elastic body 6065 made of ethylene resin, urethane resin, or
the like, so that the hard, integrally molded structure directly
contacts the chassis of the mobile telephone 6001. Consequently,
the elastic body 6065 functions as a vibration isolating material
and a cushioning material, and also mitigates transmission of
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 to the chassis
of the mobile telephone 6001. In so doing, the risk of bothering
people nearby, or loss of privacy, due to audible receiver sounds
caused by air-conducted sound generated by vibration of the chassis
of the mobile telephone 6001 can be prevented. Moreover, because
the elastic body 6065 transmits vibration for the purpose of
cartilage conduction, good cartilage conduction can be obtained
even when the front surface side of a corner of the elastic body
6065 is placed against the ear cartilage.
[0676] FIG. 96(B) is a top cross sectional view of the mobile
telephone 6001 taken in the B1-B1 cross section in FIG. 96(A) (a
cross section of the mobile telephone 6001 cut through the center).
FIG. 96(B) shows a top center cross section, from which it may be
appreciated that the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
supported in cantilever fashion to the inside of the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6024 in the integrally molded structure,
with the side thereof at which a terminal 2525b is furnished
serving as the held end. While the details of the structure are
omitted from the illustration, the inside of the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6024, which holds the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 via the terminal 2525b, is provided with a
connection space and a connecting wire leadout slot therefor.
[0677] Meanwhile, as will be clear from FIG. 96(B), the other end
2525c of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is a free vibrating
end, to which an inertial weight (inertial bob) 6025 has been
attached. The inertial weight 6025 increases the eight of the other
end 2525c, thereby suppressing movement of the other end 2525c
through inertia, and increasing the vibration energy drawn from the
held end side through vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 as counteraction thereof. Stated another way, the held
end side of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 increases the
component that vibrates together with the hard, integrally molded
structure with the inertial weight 6025 side as the fulcrum
point.
[0678] Moreover, as will be clear from FIG. 96(B), the linking unit
6027 is thinner than the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6026, so that the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6026 are linked in "shoulder pole" fashion so as to
bypass the internal components of the mobile telephone 6001. In so
doing, it is possible to devise a layout for an in-camera 6017 and
the like, which are preferably situated in the upper part of the
mobile telephone 6001. The thickness of the linking unit 6027 need
merely be one sufficient to achieve rigid fastening of the
positional relationships of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
6024 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6026, so linking
structures other than that shown in FIGS. 96A, 96B, 96C and 96D are
possible. Moreover, seen from the standpoint of functionality as a
cartilage conduction unit as well, it is sufficient for the linking
unit 6027 to have a relatively small cross sectional area, and
therefore there is a greater degree of freedom in relation to
placement of components inside the mobile telephone 6001 in
relation to the linking unit 6027.
[0679] FIG. 96(C) is an exterior view of the mobile telephone 6001
seen from the top face, in which the integrally molded structure
including the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024, the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6026, and the linking unit 6027
linking these is exposed. An elastic body 6065 sandwiching these
from both sides is exposed as well. In FIG. 96(C), the
interrelationships of the internal piezoelectric bimorph element
2525, the inertial weight 6025, and the in-camera 6017, as well as
the boundary lines of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6024,
the linking unit 6027, and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
6026, are shown by broken lines.
[0680] FIG. 96(D) is an upper part cross sectional side view of the
mobile telephone 6001 taken in the B2-B2 cross section in FIG.
96(A)-(C). In this cross sectional side view as well, the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6024 is attached to the chassis of the
mobile telephone 6001 via the elastic body 6065 serving as an
isolating material and a cushioning material, so as to have no
direct contact with the mobile telephone 6001 chassis.
Sixty-Fifth Embodiment
[0681] FIGS. 97A-97D are perspective views, cross sectional views,
and a top view of a sixty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect
of the present invention, configured as a mobile telephone 6101.
The sixty-fifth embodiment has much in common with the sixty-fourth
embodiment of FIGS. 96A, 96B, 96C and 96D, except for a different
shape for a right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124, a left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6126, and a linking unit 6127, and in
association therewith, a different shape for an elastic body 6165.
Therefore, the discussion focuses mainly on the different portions,
assigning like symbols to and the common portions and omitting
descriptions thereof unless necessary.
[0682] From the perspective view in FIG. 97(A) it will be clear
that in the sixty-fifth embodiment, the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6124, the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6126,
and the linking unit 6127 linking these are integrally molded from
hard material, to a shape covering the upper part of the mobile
telephone 6101. In association therewith, the elastic body 6165 is
interposed at a location sandwiched vertically between the
integrally molded structure and the chassis of the mobile telephone
6101, so that there is no direct contact between the two.
[0683] FIG. 97(B) is an upper part cross sectional view of the
mobile telephone 6101 in the B1-B1 cross section in FIG. 97(A).
Because the B1-B1 cross section is a cross section taken of the
mobile telephone 6101 cut from the center, there is basically no
difference from the sixty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 96(B); however,
when the B1-B1 cross section is shifted in parallel fashion to
approach towards the front surface side or the back face side of
the mobile telephone 6101, the resultant cross section differs from
the sixty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 96A-96D, as will be clear from
FIG. 97(A). As will be appreciated from FIG. 97(B), in the
sixty-fifth embodiment, the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
supported in cantilever fashion to the inside of the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6124, with an end part 2525c not
furnished with a terminal 2525c serving as the held end. Meanwhile,
the end part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 where the
terminal 2525b is furnished constitutes a free vibrating end, to
which an inertial weight 6125 is attached. While the details of the
structure are omitted from the illustration, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is attached via the terminal 2525b to the
inside of the inertial weight 6125, which is provided with a
connection space and a connecting wire leadout slot therefor.
Selection of the held end and the inertial weight attachment end in
this manner is not a characteristic feature of the sixty-fifth
embodiment, and the attachment method of the sixty-fifth embodiment
may be adopted in the sixty-fourth embodiment, or vice-versa.
[0684] As will be clear from FIG. 97(B), in the sixty-fifth
embodiment as well, the linking unit 6127 is thinner than the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6126, so that the right-ear cartilage conduction
unit 6124 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6126 are
linked in "shoulder pole" fashion to bypass the internal components
of the mobile telephone 6101. In the sixty-fifth embodiment, it is
possible in terms of strength for the linking unit 6127 to be even
thinner, as the linking unit 6127 has considerable width and covers
the entire top face. Further, depending on the design, it is
possible to configure the linking unit 6127 to cover not only the
top face, but also to wrap around to the front surface side and the
back face side, so that the linking unit 6127 can be even
thinner.
[0685] FIG. 97(C) is an exterior view of the mobile telephone 6101
seen from the top face, in which the integrally molded structure
including the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124, the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6126, and the linking unit 6127
linking these is visible. In FIG. 97(C) as well, the
interrelationships of the internal piezoelectric bimorph element
2525, an inertial weight 6125, and an in-camera 6117, as well as
the boundary lines of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124,
the linking unit 6127, and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
6126, are shown by broken lines.
[0686] FIG. 97(D) is an upper part cross sectional side view of the
mobile telephone 6101 taken in the B2-B2 cross section in FIG.
97(A)-(C). In the cross sectional side view of the sixty-fifth
embodiment as well, the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124 is
attached to the chassis of the mobile telephone 6101 via an elastic
body 6165 serving as an isolating material and a cushioning
material, so as to have no direct contact with the mobile telephone
6101 chassis.
Sixty-Sixth Embodiment
[0687] FIGS. 98A-98D are perspective views, a cross sectional
views, and a top view relating to a sixty-sixth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, configured as a
mobile telephone 6201. The sixty-sixth embodiment likewise has much
in common with the sixty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 96A-96D and the
sixty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D, except for a different
shape for a right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224, a left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6226, and a linking unit 6227, and in
association therewith, a different shape for an elastic body 6265.
Therefore, the discussion focuses mainly on the different portions,
assigning like symbols to and the common portions and omitting
descriptions thereof unless necessary.
[0688] From the perspective view in FIG. 98(A) it will be clear
that in the sixty-sixth embodiment, the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6224 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
6226 are exposed to the outside, while the linking unit 6227 which
links these inside the chassis is not visible from the outside. In
association therewith, from the outside, the elastic body 6265 is
visible only in portions isolating the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6224 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
6226 from the chassis of the mobile telephone 6201, and there is no
direct contact between the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6226 and the chassis of
the mobile telephone 6201. Consequently, the sixty-sixth embodiment
may be said to have an external appearance in common with that of
the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, albeit in
relation to the external appearance only. The internal structure
does differ however, in the manner described below.
[0689] FIG. 98(B) is an upper part cross sectional side view of the
mobile telephone 6201 taken in the B1-B1 cross section in FIG.
98(A). From FIG. 98(B), it will be clear that in the sixty-sixth
embodiment, the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224 and the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6226 are linked inside the
chassis by the linking unit 6227. The linking unit 6227 does not
contact the chassis interior. A function of transmitting to the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6226 the vibration of the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224 which supports the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, and a function of rigid
integration of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224 and the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6226, are possible with the
linking unit 6227 inside the chassis as in the sixty-sixth
embodiment.
[0690] FIG. 98(C) is an exterior view of the mobile telephone 6201
from the top face; at both corners in the upper part of the mobile
telephone 6201, the elastic body 6265 is visible, blocking the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6224 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6226, respectively, as well as vibration thereof,
from the chassis. In FIG. 98(C) as well, the interrelationships of
the internal piezoelectric bimorph element 2525, an inertial weight
6225, an in-camera 6217, and the linking unit 6227 are shown by
broken lines.
[0691] FIG. 98(D) is an upper part cross sectional side view of the
mobile telephone 6201 taken in the B1-B1 cross section in FIG.
98(A)-(C) The cross sectional side view of the ninety-eighth
embodiment is basically no different from the sixty-fifth
embodiment of FIG. 97(B); however, when the B2-B2 cross section is
shifted in parallel fashion to approach towards the center side
from a side surface of the mobile telephone 6201, the resultant
cross section differs from the sixty-fifth embodiment of FIGS.
97A-97D, as is clear from FIG. 98(A).
[0692] In the sixty-fourth to sixty-sixth embodiments of the
preceding FIGS. 96 to 98, the main vibration direction of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 was described as being oriented
orthogonal to the GUI display unit 3405. However, the orientation
at which the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held in these
embodiments is not limited to this, and the main vibration
direction of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 may be oriented
parallel to the GUI display unit 3405 (the vertical direction of
the mobile telephone). Setting of the main vibration direction of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is accomplished in the
manner discussed in detail previously in the fifty-sixth embodiment
of FIGS. 86A, 86B and 86C in relation to the fifty-fifth embodiment
of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C.
Sixty-Seventh Embodiment
[0693] FIGS. 99A-99C are perspective views and a cross sectional
views relating to a sixty-seventh embodiment according to an aspect
of the present invention, configured as a mobile telephone 6301. In
the sixty-seventh embodiment, the structure of the sixty-sixth
embodiment of FIGS. 98A-98D, in which the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit are
rigidly linked by a linking unit, is applied in the fifty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C; however, other features are
common to both, and therefore these common portions have been
assigned the same symbols as in the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS.
83A, 83B and 83C, omitting descriptions thereof unless
necessary.
[0694] As will be clear from FIG. 99(B), in the sixty-seventh
embodiment, a right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6324 and a
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6326 are linked rigidly into an
integrated body inside the chassis by a linking unit 6327. The
linking unit 6327 does not contact the chassis interior. This
feature of the sixty-seventh embodiment may be said to belong in
common to the sixty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 98A-98D. However,
viewed in terms of functionality, in the sixty-seventh embodiment
of FIGS. 99A-99C, vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525 is transmitted directly to the right cartilage conduction unit
6324 and the left cartilage conduction unit 6326, respectively, and
in this sense alone, the vibration transmission path afforded by
the linking unit 6327 is redundant.
[0695] However, even in cases in which, as the sixty-seventh
embodiment, it is not necessary to transmit vibration between the
right cartilage conduction unit 6324 and the left cartilage
conduction unit 6326, integration of the two by the linking unit
6327 is highly significant in terms of achieving stable attachment
to the chassis. To describe in more specific terms, ordinarily,
when an elastic body 6365 disposed between the chassis, and the
right cartilage conduction unit 6324 and the left cartilage
conduction unit 6326, is made softer or thicker in order to
suppress transmission of vibration between the two, the result of
doing so is that the hold of the right cartilage conduction unit
6324 and the left cartilage conduction unit 6326 on the chassis
becomes unstable. In contrast to this, when the right cartilage
conduction unit 6324 and the left cartilage conduction unit 6326
are rigidly linked by the linking unit 6327 as in the sixty-seventh
embodiment, the relative positions of both are maintained, so that
both can be more stably attached to the chassis, even when the
elastic body 6365 is made softer or thicker.
Sixty-Eighth Embodiment
[0696] FIG. 100 is a cross sectional view relating to a
sixty-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, configured as a mobile telephone 6401. In the
sixty-eighth embodiment, the structure of the sixty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D, in which the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit are
rigidly linked by a linking unit, is applied in the fifty-second
embodiment of FIG. 77; however, other features are shared by both,
and therefore these common portions have been assigned the same
symbols as in the fifty-second embodiment of FIG. 77, omitting
descriptions thereof unless necessary.
[0697] In the sixty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 100, in the same
manner as in the sixty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D, a
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6424, a left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6426, and a linking unit 6427 linking these are
integrally molded from a hard material, to a shape covering the
upper part of the mobile telephone 6401. An elastic body 6465 is
interposed at a location sandwiched vertically between this
integrally molded structure and the chassis of the mobile telephone
6401, so that there is no direct contact between the two. A
right-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525q is attached to the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6424, and a left-ear
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p to the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6426, respectively, doing so such that the elements
are supported at one side thereof by a cantilever structure. As in
the seventy-seventh embodiment, the right-ear piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525q and the left-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p
are controllable in mutually independent fashion.
[0698] In the sixty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 100, in the same
manner as in the sixty-seventh embodiment of FIGS. 99A-99C, the
primary significance of the linking unit 6427 is to rigidly link
the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6424 and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6326, to maintain the relative positions
of both, so that both can be attached in a more stable manner to
the chassis, even when the elastic body 6465 is made softer or
thicker.
[0699] In the sixty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 100, further,
vibration of the left-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p is
transmitted towards the direction of the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6424, and vibration of the right-ear piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525q is transmitted towards the direction of the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6426, via the linking unit 6427.
In this manner, in the sixty-eighth embodiment, vibration of the
left-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p and vibration of the
right-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525q become admixed within
the integrally molded structure of the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6424, the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6426,
and the linking unit 6427 linking these. As a result, when
vibrations of mutually reversed waveform are generated by the
left-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p and the right-ear
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525q, the vibrations cancel out each
other within the integrally molded structure, suppressing the
occurrence of air-conducted sound based on vibration transmitted
from the integrally molded structure to the chassis of the mobile
telephone 6401. In this state as well, when either the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6424 or the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit 6426 is placed in contact with ear cartilage, the vibration of
the right-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525q or the right-ear
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p, which are directly held
thereby, will be greater than the vibration traveling through the
linking unit 6427, and therefore the differential thereof will be
conducted to the ear cartilage in satisfactory fashion.
[0700] The various features shown in the preceding embodiments are
not limited to implementation in the respective embodiments, and
implementation in various other embodiments is possible. For
example, by modifying the sixty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 100 to
omit the right-ear piezoelectric bimorph element 2525q,
implementation in accordance with the sixty-fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 97A-97D are possible. Stated another way, because vibration
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525p, which is supported by
the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6426, is transmitted to the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6424 as well through the
linking unit 6427, it is possible to achieve good cartilage
conduction, despite the fact that the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6424, which does not hold a piezoelectric bimorph
element, is placed in contact against the cartilage of the right
ear. As may be seen from this modification example, the arrangement
for holding the cartilage conduction vibration source which
transmits vibration through the linking unit is not limited to an
arrangement in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held
in a sideways long direction as in the sixty-fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 97A-97D, and it would be possible for the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525p to be held in a vertical long direction as in
the aforedescribed modification example of the sixty-eighth
embodiment of FIG. 100. These are merely examples, and it would be
possible for cartilage conduction vibration sources to be to
arranged and held in any of various other formats and orientations,
according to the layout of the various components inside the mobile
telephone.
Sixty-Ninth Embodiment
[0701] FIGS. 101A-101C are system configuration diagrams and a
usage description diagrams of a sixty-ninth embodiment according to
an aspect of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 101(A), the
sixty-ninth embodiment is constituted as a mobile telephone system
comprising an ordinary mobile telephone 1601, and an ultra-compact
mobile telephone 6501 having a cartilage conduction unit 6524. The
two are capable of short-range communication by radio waves 6585 of
a communication system such as Bluetooth.TM. or the like. The
mobile telephone system of the sixty-ninth embodiment has much in
common with the sixteenth embodiment of FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 and
with the seventeenth embodiment shown in the block diagram of FIG.
29. Therefore, the description of the sixty-ninth embodiment, as
relates to the external appearance, is based on FIG. 27; and in as
relates to the internal configuration, is based on the block
diagram of FIG. 29, assigning the same reference numerals to the
common portions, and omitting descriptions unless necessary.
[0702] As mentioned above, the sixty-ninth embodiment of FIGS.
101A-101C differ from the sixteenth embodiment and the seventeenth
embodiment in that a cartilage conduction output portion capable of
short-range communication with the ordinary mobile telephone 1601
is constituted as the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 which is
capable of functioning independently. It is possible, using the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501, to make call operations
directed to the ordinary mobile telephone, through an operating
unit 6509 and a display unit 6505. The characteristic features of
this embodiment reside in the outgoing-talk unit and the
incoming-talk unit thereof. First, with regard to the incoming-talk
unit, the cartilage conduction unit 6524 is situated in a corner of
the upper part of the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501, and a
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held in cantilever fashion in
a longitudinal direction in the interior thereof. In this sense,
the configuration of the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 of the
sixty-ninth embodiment is shared with the forty-third embodiment of
the FIGS. 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D. Meanwhile, the outgoing-talk unit
is furnished with a contact type bone conduction microphone 6523
situated close to a corner of the lower part of the ultra-compact
mobile telephone 6501. The ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 is
used by placing the cartilage conduction unit 6524 in contact with
the ear cartilage of the tragus or the like, while placing the bone
conduction microphone 6523 against the cheekbone or lower
jawbone.
[0703] FIG. 101(B) shows a state in which, just as shown in FIG.
2(A), the cartilage conduction unit 6524 is placed in contact with
the ear cartilage of the tragus or the like, with the display unit
6505 oriented to face the cheek, and the bone conduction microphone
6523 is placed against the cheekbone. In FIG. 101(B), the cartilage
conduction unit 6524 and the bone conduction microphone 6523 are
illustrated in order to show their vertical positional
relationships; however, in the case of usage as shown in the
drawing, these would be positioned to the rear, and therefore would
not actually be visible from the front.
[0704] Meanwhile, FIG. 101(C) shows a state in which, just as shown
in FIG. 21(A), the cartilage conduction unit 6524 is placed in
contact with the ear cartilage of the tragus or the like, from the
side surface side with the display unit 6505 oriented to face
frontward, and the bone conduction microphone 6523 is placed
against the cheekbone. Due to the small size of the ultra-compact
mobile telephone 6501 of the sixty-ninth embodiment, the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 can be used in whichever
direction is easiest to hold, either as shown above in FIG. 101(B)
or FIG. 101(C). When used as shown in FIG. 101(C), by taking care
not to grip the display screen 6505 with the fingers, soiling of
the display screen 6505 due to contact of the display screen 6505
against the cheek can be prevented. By varying the angle at which
the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 is placed against the face,
the bone conduction microphone 6523 can also be positioned against
the upper part of the lower jawbone while keeping the cartilage
conduction unit 6524 in contact with the ear cartilage of the
tragus or the like.
[0705] Because the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 and the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 each have separate phone
numbers, it is possible for them to be used independently from one
another. Pairing of the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 and the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 by short-range communication
will be described next. The ordinary mobile telephone 1601, due to
its size, is not infrequently stowed inside a purse or the like
when not being used, while the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501
can be easily placed in a shirt pocket or the like, and kept in
possession at all times.
[0706] In a first example of pairing of the two devices, the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501, while kept in possession in
the aforedescribed manner, may be used as an incoming call vibrator
for the ordinary mobile telephone 1601. That is, when there is an
incoming call to the ordinary mobile telephone 1601, it is
transferred to the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 through the
radio waves 6585 of the short-range wireless system, whereupon the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 is operated as a incoming call
vibrator, and can reliably alert the user of an incoming call to
the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 which is being carried in a
purse or the like. In the sixty-ninth embodiment, a dedicated
incoming call vibrator, such as an eccentric motor, is employed as
the incoming call vibrator of the ultra-compact mobile telephone
6501; however, as will be discussed below, it is possible for the
cartilage conduction vibration unit to be vibrated to be employed
concomitantly as an incoming call vibrator, as shown in the
thirteenth embodiment.
[0707] In a second example of pairing of the two devices, the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501, while kept in possession in
the aforedescribed manner, may be used as a handset for the
ordinary mobile telephone 1601. That is, when there is an incoming
call to the ordinary mobile telephone 1601, it is transferred to
the to the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 through the radio
waves 6585 of the short-range wireless system, whereupon after call
answer operation has been performed on the ultra-compact mobile
telephone 6501, it possible for the call to take place through the
cartilage conduction unit 6524 and the bone conduction microphone
6523. In so doing, it is possible for a call to take place in a
manner taking full advantage of cartilage conduction in the
ordinary mobile telephone 1601. Naturally, the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601 may remain in the purse or the like at this
time.
[0708] In a third example of pairing of the two devices, the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 may be used as a handset when
the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 is in videoconferencing mode. In
videoconferencing mode, conversation takes place with the ordinary
mobile telephone 1601 held away from the face, and therefore there
is a considerable distance from microphone to mouth, and also the
voice of the other caller is output from a speaker situated away
from the ear; thus, from an acoustic standpoint, there are numerous
problems in terms of the effects of noise, loss of privacy, and the
like. In contrast to this, by using the ultra-compact mobile
telephone 6501 as a handset, it is possible for a call to take
place in a manner that takes full advantage of cartilage
conduction, with the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 in
videoconferencing mode. The details of the above pairing will be
discussed below.
[0709] FIG. 102 is a block diagram of the sixty-ninth embodiment,
in which like portions are assigned the same symbols as in FIGS.
101A-101C. As described above, the block diagram of FIG. 102 has
much in common with the block diagram of FIG. 29, and therefore the
same reference numerals as those assigned to these parts have been
assigned to the corresponding portions. In particular, the ordinary
mobile telephone 1601 in FIG. 102 has the same configuration as in
in FIG. 29. However, a portion of the configuration is omitted in
FIG. 102. For convenience in description, the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601, which is depicted as being situated at the top in
FIG. 29, is depicted as being situated at the bottom in FIG.
102.
[0710] When there is an incoming call to the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601, this is transferred from a short-range
communication unit 1446 to a short-range communication unit 6546 by
the radio waves 6585, whereupon a controller 6539 prompts an
incoming call vibrator 6525 to vibrate according to a
pre-established ordinary mobile telephone incoming call alert
pattern. The controller 6539 also prompts the display unit 6505 to
display an alert of an incoming call to the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601.
[0711] When a call answer operation is input from the operating
unit 6509, this is transferred from the short-range communication
unit 6546 to the short-range communication unit 1446 by the radio
waves 6585, whereupon a controller 239 of the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601 initiates the call by a telephone function unit 45.
In so doing, an incoming-talk tone signal is transferred from an
incoming-talk processing unit 212 of the ordinary mobile telephone
1601 to the short-range communication unit 6546 of the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 via the short-range
communication unit 1446. In response to this, the incoming-talk
processing unit 6512 of the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501
prompts the cartilage conduction unit 6524 to vibrate. Meanwhile,
an outgoing-talk tone picked up by the bone conduction microphone
6523 is transferred from an outgoing-talk processing unit 6522 of
the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 to the short-range
communication unit 1446 of the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 via
the short-range communication unit 6546. In response, the ordinary
mobile telephone 1601 transmits an outgoing-talk tone signal via a
telephone communication unit 47.
[0712] On the other hand, when there is an incoming call to the
ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501, the controller 6539 prompts
the incoming call vibrator 6525 to vibrate according to a
pre-established ultra-compact mobile telephone incoming call alert
pattern. The controller 6539 also prompts the display unit 6505 to
display an alert of an incoming call to the ultra-compact mobile
telephone 6501.
[0713] When a call answer operation is performed from the operating
unit 6509, the controller 6539 initiates the call through a
telephone communication unit 6545. In so doing, the incoming-talk
processing unit 6512 prompts the cartilage conduction unit 6524 to
vibrate in response to the incoming-talk signal received by the
telephone communication unit 6547. Meanwhile, on the basis of the
outgoing-talk tone picked up by the bone conduction microphone
6523, the outgoing-talk processing unit 6522 transmits an
outgoing-talk tone signal via the telephone communication unit
6547.
[0714] By establishing different vibration patterns for the
incoming call vibrator 6525 in the above manner, it is possible to
distinguish which device is being called. Additionally, the device
being called is displayed on the display unit 6505 in the
aforedescribed manner. Regardless of which device is called, call
reception can be initiated by the same operation to the operating
unit 6509 in the aforedescribed manner. As in the other
embodiments, the controller 6539 operates according a program
stored in a memory unit 6537. The memory unit 6537 can temporarily
store data necessary for control by the controller 6539, as well as
store measurement data and images of various kinds. A power supply
unit 6548 supplies each part of the ultra-compact mobile telephone
6501 with the necessary power.
Seventieth Embodiment
[0715] FIGS. 103A and 103B are perspective views of a seventieth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
constituted as a mobile telephone 6601. The mobile telephone 6601
of the seventieth embodiment has much in common with the mobile
telephone system of the sixty-ninth embodiment in FIGS. 101A-101C
and FIG. 102, and therefore the same reference numerals are
assigned to the common portions, omitting descriptions unless
necessary.
[0716] A point of difference between the seventieth embodiment of
FIGS. 103A and 103B and the sixty-ninth embodiment is that the
short-range communication-enabled cartilage conduction output
portion, rather than being configured as a mobile telephone capable
of functioning independently, is instead configured as an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit that is part of the mobile
telephone 6601. In this sense, the configuration of the seventieth
embodiment is shared with that of the thirteenth embodiment of
FIGS. 24A and 24B. The following specific description is based on
FIGS. 103A and 103B.
[0717] As shown in FIG. 103(A), a mobile telephone 6601 comprises a
mobile telephone lower part 6601a and a mobile telephone upper part
6601b, the two being separable. An appropriate known means, such as
a planar fastener, mating structure, or the like, is utilized for
joining and separation of the mobile telephone lower part 6601a and
the mobile telephone upper part 6601b. As in other embodiments, the
mobile telephone upper part 6601b is furnished with a cartilage
conduction unit 6626 situated in a corner of the upper portion of
the mobile telephone 6601, in the interior of which a piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is held in cantilever fashion in a
lateral/longitudinal direction. This structure is shared with the
forty-second embodiment of FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D, but with
the left-right orientation reversed. On the one hand, the
incoming-talk unit is furnished with a contact type bone conduction
microphone 6523 situated close to the other corner of the upper
part of the mobile telephone 6601. An upper part operating unit
6609 is used to perform call answer operation and the like, while
separated from the mobile telephone lower part 6601a; as shown in
FIG. 103(A), when joined to the mobile telephone lower part 6601a,
operation is disabled, to prevent operation by mistake.
[0718] The mobile telephone 6601 is normally used in the state
shown in FIG. 103(A), with the mobile telephone lower part 6601a
and the mobile telephone upper part 6601b joined. At this time,
vibration of a piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and operation of
an ordinary microphone 223 are enabled, while a bone conduction
microphone 6523 and an ordinary earphone 213 are disabled. The way
in which the device is used in this state is shared with other
mobile telephone embodiments.
[0719] It is possible for the mobile telephone 6601 of the
seventieth embodiment to be further used with the mobile telephone
upper part 6601b separated from the mobile telephone lower part
6601a as shown in FIG. 103(B). At this time, in the mobile
telephone upper part 6601b, vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 as well as operation for the bone conduction
microphone 6523 and the upper part operating unit 6609, are
enabled. In the mobile telephone lower part 6601a as well, the
ordinary microphone 22 and the ordinary earphone 213 are enabled.
Switching of the aforedescribed bone conduction microphone 6523,
the ordinary earphone 213, and the upper part operating unit 6609
between the enabled and disabled states takes place automatically,
based on a determination as to whether the mobile telephone lower
part 6601a and the mobile telephone upper part 6601b are joined or
separated, as discussed below. In this way, in the state shown in
FIG. 103(B), the mobile telephone lower part 6601a functions
independently as an ordinary mobile telephone, while the mobile
telephone upper part 6601b functions as a wireless
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for the mobile telephone lower
part 6601a.
[0720] The way in which the device is used in the state of FIG.
103(B) in the aforedescribed manner can be understood according to
the sixty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 101A-101C. Specifically, like
the ultra-compact mobile telephone 6501 of the sixty-ninth
embodiment, it is possible for the separated mobile telephone upper
part 6601b to function firstly as an incoming call vibrator;
secondly, to make possible cartilage conduction calling while the
mobile telephone lower part 6601a is kept in a purse or the like
for example; and thirdly, to make possible cartilage conduction
calling in videoconferencing mode with the mobile telephone lower
part 6601a held away from the face. During cartilage conduction
calling, in the same manner as with the ultra-compact mobile
telephone 6501 of the sixty-ninth embodiment, the cartilage
conduction unit 6626 is placed in contact with the with the ear
cartilage of the tragus or the like, and the bone conduction
microphone 6523 is placed against the cheekbone or lower
jawbone.
[0721] As shown in FIG. 103(B), the mobile telephone upper part
6601b is furnished with a clip 6601c for clipping to the mouth of a
pocket of clothing or the like. While joined to the mobile
telephone lower part 6601a, this clip 6601c is accommodated within
a housing recess 6601d and is not visible from the outside, as
shown in FIG. 103(A). The mobile telephone upper part 6601b is
further furnished with a pair of charging contacts 6648a which, in
the joined state, contact auxiliary charging contacts 1448b
provided to the mobile telephone lower part 6601a. In the joined
state shown in FIG. 103(A), when the mobile telephone lower part
6601a is being charged, the mobile telephone upper part 6601b is
charged at the same time, via contact between the auxiliary
charging contacts 1448b and the charging contacts 6648a. Contact
versus non-contact by the auxiliary charging contacts 1448b and the
charging contacts 6648a is a parameter utilized in determining
whether the mobile telephone lower part 6601a and the mobile
telephone upper part 6601b are joined or separated as mentioned
above, and automatically switches the bone conduction microphone
6523, the ordinary earphone 213, and the upper part operating unit
6609 between the enabled and disabled states.
[0722] FIG. 104 is a block diagram of the seventieth embodiment, in
which like portions are assigned the same symbols as in FIG. 102.
FIG. 104 has much in common with the block diagram of the
sixty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 102, and therefore the same
reference numerals as those assigned to these parts have been
assigned to the corresponding portions.
[0723] A first point of difference between the mobile telephone
upper part 6601b of FIG. 104 and the ultra-compact mobile telephone
6501 of FIG. 102 resides in a feature whereby a power supply unit
6648 is charged from the charging contacts 1448a. A second point
resides in a feature of providing the upper part operating unit
6609, which transmits to a controller 6638 a call answer operation
during separation in the aforedescribed manner. On the basis of the
state of the charging contacts 6648a, the controller 6638
determines whether a contact state or a non-contact state exists,
and in a state in which the contact state is determined to exist,
the controller 6639 disables the operating unit 6609, and does not
accept operations therefrom. A third point resides in a feature
whereby the mobile telephone upper part 6601b is not constituted as
an independently functioning telephone function unit, but rather
serves as an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 6645 for the mobile
telephone upper part 6601b. A fourth point resides in a feature
whereby, in a state like that described above, in which the
charging contacts 6648a have been determined to be in the contact
state, the controller 6639 enables the bone conduction microphone
6523 of the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 6645.
[0724] A first point of difference between the mobile telephone
lower part 6601a of FIG. 104 and the ordinary mobile telephone 1601
of FIG. 102 resides a feature whereby, when the power supply unit
1448 is charged by an external charger via the main charging
contacts 1448a, a portion thereof can be supplied to the charging
contacts 6648a of the mobile telephone upper part 6601b via the
auxiliary charging contacts 1448b. A second point resides a feature
whereby, when the auxiliary charging contacts 1448b are determined
to be in the contact state, the controller 239 enables the ordinary
earphone 213 of the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 45.
Seventy-First Embodiment
[0725] FIGS. 105A-105C are perspective views and a cross sectional
views of a seventy-first embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, constituted as a mobile telephone 6701. The
mobile telephone 6701 of the seventy-first embodiment has much in
common with the mobile telephone 6601 of the seventieth embodiment
in FIGS. 103A and 103B and FIG. 104, and therefore the same
reference numerals are assigned to the common portions, omitting
descriptions unless necessary.
[0726] A main difference between the seventy-first embodiment of
FIGS. 105A-105C and the seventieth embodiment is a structure in
which the fact that the mobile telephone is separable into an upper
part and a lower part is utilized to largely prevent vibration of a
cartilage conduction unit furnished in the upper part from being
transmitted to the lower part when the two are joined. The
following specific description is based on FIGS. 105A-105C.
[0727] As shown in FIG. 105(A), the mobile telephone 6701 of the
seventy-first embodiment, like the seventieth embodiment, comprises
a mobile telephone lower part 6701a and a mobile telephone upper
part 6701b, the two being separable. In the mobile telephone upper
part 6701b, the mobile telephone 6701 upper part is furnished with
a hard left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6726 in the left corner
of the upper part of the mobile telephone 6701, and in the interior
thereof a piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held in cantilever
fashion in a lateral/longitudinal direction. Further, the mobile
telephone upper part 6701b is furnished with a hard right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6724 in the right corner of the upper
part of the mobile telephone 6701 upper part. The left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6726 and the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6724 are integrally linked by a hard linking unit
of the same material, so that vibration of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 received by the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit 6726 is transmitted to the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
6724 as well. In this sense, the seventy-first embodiment has
aspects in common with the sixty-fourth to sixty-seventh
embodiments in FIGS. 96A-96D to FIGS. 99A-99C. While not depicted
in FIGS. 105A-105C in order to avoid complexity, the linking unit
for linking the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6726 and the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6724 can be one for which the
structure of the linking units 6027, 6127, 6227, and 6327 in FIGS.
96A-96D to FIGS. 99A-99C, or an analogous structure, is adopted, as
appropriate. The mobile telephone upper part 6701b of the
seventy-first embodiment is not furnished with a bone conduction
mic.
[0728] In the seventy-first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 105(A),
transmission of vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525
of the mobile telephone upper part 6701b to the mobile telephone
lower part 6701a is largely prevented by anchoring an elastic body
6765 to the upper end of the mobile telephone lower part 6701a. The
significance of the elastic body 6765 is comparable to that of the
elastic bodies 6065, 6165, 6265, and 6365 in the sixty-fourth to
sixty-seventh embodiments of FIGS. 96A-96D to FIGS. 99A-99C. In the
case of the seventy-first embodiment, in view of the fact that the
one side of the joined section is made up by the elastic body 6765,
it would be possible to utilize the elasticity thereof to
constitute a planar fastener. For example, as shown in fragmentary
cross sectional view in FIG. 105(B), the joining face on the mobile
telephone upper part 6701b side may be furnished with a plurality
of fungiform protrusions 6701c, while the surface on the opposing
elastic body 6765 side may be furnished with a plurality of small
openings 6765a at corresponding locations. The diameter of the
openings 6765a is set to one smaller than the head section of the
fungiform protrusions 6701c, but larger than the root section. By
means of such a configuration, the mobile telephone upper part
6701b and the elastic body 6765 can be joined through respective
fitting of the fungiform protrusions 6701c into the openings 6765a
in opposition to the elasticity of the elastic body 6765. The
planar fastener structure shown in FIG. 105(B) can in principle be
utilized for anchoring the elastic body 6765 and the mobile
telephone lower part 6701a as well. In this case, the heads of the
fungiform protrusions 6701c to be furnished to the upper surface of
the mobile telephone lower part 6701a would not be smoothly
spherical in shape as in in FIG. 105(B), but instead, for example,
a sharp triangular shape, to provide a so-called "fixed" structure
which, once driven into the openings of the elastic body 6765, will
not become dislodged.
[0729] FIG. 105(C) shows a state in which the mobile telephone
upper part 6701b is separated from the mobile telephone lower part
6701a. From the drawing it is clear that the auxiliary charging
contacts 1448b are furnished to the surface of the elastic body
6765. In order to avoid complexity, in FIG. 105(C), the fungiform
protrusions 6701c and the openings 6765a shown in FIG. 105(B) have
been omitted from the illustration. In the seventy-first
embodiment, when the mobile telephone upper part 6701b has been
separated, to listen to a call, either the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6724 or the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6726
is placed in contact with the ear cartilage, while to speak, the
ordinary microphone 223 of the mobile telephone lower part 6701a is
used, just as in the joined state of FIG. 105(A). For
videoconferencing use, the ordinary microphone 223 is used while
placed in videoconferencing mode. Neither the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6724 nor the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
6726 is designed for exclusive use in the right ear or the left
ear, and therefore can be placed in contact with any ear cartilage.
Moreover, both of the cartilage conduction units could be utilized
instead of just one, for use while placed in contact with cartilage
at two locations.
[0730] FIG. 106 is a block diagram of the seventy-first embodiment,
in which like portions have been assigned the same symbols as in
FIGS. 105A-105C. The block diagram of FIG. 106 has much in common
with the block diagram of the seventieth embodiment in FIG. 104,
and therefore the same reference numerals as those assigned to
these parts have been assigned to the corresponding portions, and
descriptions omitted. FIG. 106 differs from FIG. 104 in that the
outgoing-talk processing unit and the bone conduction microphone
are omitted.
[0731] The various features shown in the embodiments of the present
invention are not necessarily unique to the individual embodiments
in which they appear, and insofar as it is possible to utilize the
advantages thereof, the features of the respective embodiments may
be utilized in modified form, or utilized in combination, as
appropriate. For example, the bone conduction microphone in the
sixty-ninth to seventy-first embodiments may instead be configured
as an ordinary microphone for picking up air-conducted sound. In
the seventieth embodiment, the bone conduction microphone may be
omitted, as in the seventy-first embodiment. Conversely, it would
be possible to adopt a bone conduction microphone in the
seventy-first embodiment. At this time, it would be preferable to
situate the bone conduction microphone in the center of the mobile
telephone upper part 6710b between the right cartilage conduction
unit 6724 and the left cartilage conduction unit 6726. In this
case, because the cartilage conduction units and the bone
conduction microphone are close together, a method of use in which
the bone conduction microphone is placed against to bone behind the
ear, and the cartilage conduction units are placed against the back
side of the ear cartilage, as in the twentieth embodiment of FIG.
33 and the twenty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 37, would be possible
as well.
[0732] The cartilage conduction units in the sixty-ninth to
seventy-first embodiments are configured using piezoelectric
bimorph elements as the cartilage conduction vibration sources, but
there is no limitation to this, and electromagnetic vibrators like
those shown in other aforedescribed embodiments may be adopted as
the cartilage conduction vibration sources. In the seventieth
embodiment, the cartilage conduction vibration source is supported
at one corner of the mobile telephone upper part, while the bone
conduction microphone is situated at the other; however, in a case
in which cartilage conduction vibration sources for the right ear
and the left ear, respectively, are furnished at both corners of
the mobile telephone upper part, it would be preferable to situate
the bone conduction microphone in the center of the mobile
telephone upper part between the pair of cartilage conduction
vibration sources.
[0733] Further, the means for charging the mobile telephone upper
part from the mobile telephone lower part in the seventieth
embodiment or seventy-first embodiment is not limited to the
electrical contacts shown in these embodiments, and may instead be
configured to involve contactless charging through electromagnetic
induction, for example.
[0734] In the seventy-first embodiment, the elastic body 6765 is
anchored to the mobile telephone lower part 6701a side, with the
mobile telephone upper part 6701b being detachably attached to the
elastic body 6765; however, there is no limitation to this
particular implementation. For example, in an arrangement opposite
that of the seventy-first embodiment, it would be possible to
configure the elastic body 6765 to be anchored to the mobile
telephone upper part 6701b side, with the mobile telephone lower
part 6701a being detachably attached to the elastic body 6765.
Seventy-Second Embodiment
[0735] FIG. 107 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a mobile telephone 6801. Like the fifty-seventh
embodiment of FIG. 87, in the seventy-second embodiment, the drive
circuit for a piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 serving as the
cartilage conduction vibration source is configured as a
single-chip integrated power management IC 5303, together with a
power management circuit for supplying power to each of the parts
of the mobile telephone 6801. The block diagram of FIG. 107 has
much in common with the block diagram of FIG. 87, and therefore the
same reference numerals are assigned to like parts, and
descriptions are omitted. In the mobile telephone 6801 of the
seventy-second embodiment, the cartilage conduction units are not
separable as in the seventieth embodiment and the seventy-first
embodiment; instead, as in the sixty-fifth embodiment of FIGS.
97A-97D for example, the cartilage conduction units 6124, 6126 are
anchored to the mobile telephone body, and the piezoelectric
bimorph element or other cartilage conduction vibration source 2525
are held thereby. Consequently, during videoconferencing, the
cartilage conduction unit is held away from the ear, and instead
air-conducted sound is emitted from a videoconferencing speaker
5351.
[0736] The seventy-second embodiment of FIG. 107 and the
fifty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 87 differ in terms of control of
the power supply to a charge pump circuit 5354, and in control
associated therewith. Set forth in specific terms, the charge pump
circuit 5354 is connected, via a switch circuit 5354a, to a power
management circuit 5353, the power supply being controlled through
on/off switching of the switch circuit 5354a by a controller 5321.
Specifically, supply of power to the charge pump circuit 5354 is
initiated by turning on the switch circuit 5354a in response to an
incoming call signal or a call request signal, and is halted by
turning off the switch circuit 5354a in response to call disconnect
operation. In interlocking fashion with switching off of the switch
circuit 5354a, the controller 5321 also halts a pair of phase
inversion clocks (3) which are supplied to the charge pump circuit
5354 by the controller 5321.
[0737] During on/off switching of the charge pump circuit 5354, the
voltage becomes unstable in transient fashion, and this causes
popping sounds to be generated by the piezoelectric bimorph element
5325. In order to prevent this, a muting circuit 5340a is inserted
between an amplifier 5340 and the piezoelectric bimorph element
5325. Then, under the control of the controller 5321, the muting
circuit 5340a is turned on for a predetermined time interval prior
to on/off switching of the charge pump circuit 5354, so that
voltage fluctuations of the amp 5340a are not transmitted to the
piezoelectric bimorph element 5325. The muting circuit 5340a stays
on for a somewhat longer time interval than the time interval
needed for the charge pump circuit 5354 to stabilize, then unmutes
by turning off at a timing at which the voltage can be expected to
have stabilized. Through such on/off switching of the muting
circuit 5340a, it is possible to prevent generation of popping
sounds during on/off switching of the charge pump circuit 5354, as
well as to drive the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 once the
charge pump circuit 5354 has reached a power supply state with no
popping sounds.
[0738] FIGS. 108A and 108B are timing charts showing power supply
control to the charge pump circuit 5354 in the seventy-second
embodiment. FIG. 108(A) is a timing chart in a case in which a
telephone receives an incoming call; firstly, at timing t1 at which
an incoming call is received in the standby state, the muting
circuit 5340a switches on. Upon entering a state at timing t2, in
which the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 is thereby unaffected
by voltage fluctuations of the amp 5340, the switch circuit 5354a
switches on, and supply of power from the power management circuit
5353 to the charge pump circuit 5354 is initiated, initiating
supply of phase inversion clocks (3) from the controller 5321 as
well. As shown conceptually by diagonal lines in FIG. 108(A), from
initial startup until reaching a predetermined voltage, the output
voltage of the charge pump circuit 5354 is not stable during a
transient period. The muting circuit 5340a goes on and maintains a
muted state during a time slot sufficient to cover this transient
period, then unmutes by turning off at a timing t3 at which the
voltage can be expected to have stabilized. In so doing, regardless
of when a call answer operation is performed, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 5325 will be in a state of readiness that enables
cartilage conduction calling. The reason for prompting such an
operation at the point in time that an incoming call signal is
received is so that the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 reliably
enters the activated state when the call is initiated, as there are
conceivably cases in which the call answer operation is performed
very rapidly.
[0739] Next, the call is initiated at arbitrary timing t4 once a
call answer operation is performed. Then, when a call disconnect
operation is made at timing t5, in response to this, firstly, the
muting circuit 5340a turns on. Then, upon entering a state at
timing t6, in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 will not
be affected by voltage fluctuations of the amp 5340, the switch
circuit 5354a switches off, power supply from the power management
circuit 5353 to the charge pump circuit 5354 is interrupted, and
supply of phase inversion clocks (3) from the controller 5321 is
halted as well. As shown conceptually by diagonal lines in FIG.
108(A), during halting of function of the charge pump circuit 5354,
the output voltage is not stable during a transient period. The
muting circuit 5430a stays on during a time slot sufficient to
cover this transient period, then turns off at a timing t7 at which
stability can be expected to have halted. In so doing, generation
of popping sounds from the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 can
be prevented, even when the charge pump circuit 5354 turns off
[0740] FIG. 108(B) is a timing chart in the case of placing a
telephone call. At timing t1, a contact input operation is
initiated by selecting phonebook data or through manual input. At
this point in time, as it is not certain whether a call will
actually be placed, the power supply to the charge pump circuit
5354 is suspended. At arbitrary timing t2, at which the contact
input operation is completed and a call request operation is
performed, in response to this, firstly, the muting circuit 5340a
turns on. Then, in the same manner as in FIG. 108(A), upon entering
a state at timing t3 in which the piezoelectric bimorph element
5325 will not be affected by voltage fluctuations of the amp 5340,
the switch circuit 5354a switches on, and power supply from the
power management circuit 5353 to the charge pump circuit 5354 is
initiated, initiating supply of phase inversion clocks (3) from the
controller 5321 as well. In the same manner as in FIG. 108(A), the
muting circuit 5430a turns off at timing t4, at which the voltage
can be expected to have stabilized. The call is then initiated at
timing t5, by a call answer operation performed by the called party
in response to the call request. Due to the sufficient length of
time until a call answer operation is performed by the called party
in response to the call request, upon entering the startup process
of the pump charge circuit 5354 in response to the call request
operation, the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 can reliably be
anticipated to be in the activated state in reliable fashion at the
time of initiation of the call, as shown in FIG. 108(B). Even when
the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 enters the activated state
due to a call request operation, the call is not initiated unless
the called party performs a call answer operation; however, because
it is conceivable that call setup would not take place in time if
the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 does not start up until
after the called party performs a call answer operation, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 is placed in the activated state
without waiting for the call to be set up.
[0741] Next, when a call disconnection operation is performed at
timing t6, in response to this, firstly, the muting circuit 5340a
turns on, in the same manner as in FIG. 108(A). Then, upon entering
a state at timing t7, in which the piezoelectric bimorph element
5325 will not be affected by voltage fluctuations of the amp 5340,
the switch circuit 5354a switches off, supply of power from the
power management circuit 5353 to the charge pump circuit 5354 is
interrupted, and supply of phase inversion clocks (3) from the
controller 5321 is halted as well. In the same manner as in FIG.
108(A), the muting circuit 5430a stays on during a time slot
sufficient to cover the transient period when functioning of the
charge pump circuit 5354 halts, then turns off at a timing t8 at
which stability can be expected to have halted. In so doing, in the
same manner as in FIG. 108(A), generation of popping sounds or the
like from the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 can be prevented,
even when the charge pump circuit 5354 turns off. As described
above, there may be cases in which the called party fails to
perform a call answer operation in response to the call request
operation, and at such times a disconnect operation is performed
without setting up the call. In this case, FIG. 108(B) may be
understood to mean that no call state exists from t5 to t6 which
are depicted between the call request operation at t2 and the
disconnect operation at t6.
[0742] FIG. 109 is a flowchart of operation of an application
processor 5339 in the seventy-second embodiment shown in FIG. 107
and FIGS. 108A and 108B. The flow in FIG. 109 primarily describes
the functions of power supply control to the charge pump circuit
5354, and therefore operations centered on related functions have
been extracted for illustration. Consequently, in the
seventy-second embodiment, there are other operations of the
application processor 5339, such as typical functions of mobile
telephones and like, which are not represented in the flow of FIG.
109. The flow of FIG. 109 starts when the main power source of the
mobile telephone 6801 is turned on, and in Step S302, initial
startup and a function check of each unit are performed, as well as
initiating screen display on a display unit 5305. Next, in Step
S304, supply of power to the charge pump circuit 5354 turns off,
and the routine advances to Step S306. Thus, the mobile telephone
6801 of the seventy-second embodiment firstly turns off the supply
of power to the charge pump circuit 5354 and starts up.
[0743] In Step 306, a check for an incoming call is performed, and
in the event there is an incoming call, the routine advances to
Step S308, and checks whether or not there is a videoconference. In
event there is no videoconference, the routine advances to Step
S310, and the muting circuit 5340a is instructed to initiate muting
for a predetermined time interval. Next, advancing to Step S312, an
instruction to turn on the charge pump circuit 5354 is issued, and
the routine advances to Step S314. To facilitate understanding,
Step S310 and Step S312 are described as being functions of the
application processor 5339; however, in actual practice, sequence
control to mute for a predetermined time interval and to power on
the charge pump circuit 5354 is delegated to the integrated power
management IC 5303. In this case, in Step S310, an instruction to
turn on the charge pump circuit 5354 is simply issued from the
application processor 5339 to the controller 5321, and the routine
advances to Step S314.
[0744] In Step S314, a check is made to determine whether or not a
call answer operation has been performed, and in the event that no
operation is detected, the routine returns to Step S306, and
repeats Step S306 to Step S312 for as long as the incoming call is
ongoing. In this case, in the event that the muting for a
predetermined time interval and powering on of the charge pump
circuit 5354 have been completed, Step S310 and Step S312 are
omitted. On the other hand, when a call answer operation has been
detected in Step S314, the routine advances to the call process of
Step S328.
[0745] On the other hand, in the case that no incoming call is
detected in Step S306, the routine advances to Step S316. When an
incoming videoconference is detected in Step S308, the routine
advances to Step S318, performs videoconferencing processes, and
advances to Step S316. The videoconferencing processes of Step S318
correspond to processes lasting from initiation of
videoconferencing to calling and disconnection thereof.
Consequently, advance from Step S318 to Step S316 takes place when
the videoconference is disconnected. The videoconferencing
processes include a process for emitting the voice of the other
caller from an air-conduction speaker during the call. In this way,
in cases in which a videoconference is detected, the telephone is
used with the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325 held away from the
ear cartilage, and therefore from the outset, no power is fed to
the charge pump circuit 5354.
[0746] In Step S316, a check is made to determine whether or not a
contact input operation has been performed, and in the event that
an input operation has been performed, the routine proceeds to Step
S320, and checks whether a call request operation has been
performed. In the event that a call request operation has been
performed, the routine advances to Step S322, and checks whether a
videoconference request operation has been performed. In the event
that there is no videoconference request, the routine advances to
Step S324, and the muting circuit 5340a is instructed to initiate
muting for a predetermined time interval. Next, advancing to Step
S326, an instruction to turn on the charge pump circuit 5354 is
issued, and the routine advances to Step S328. As in Step S310 and
Step S312, sequence control in relation to Step S324 and Step S326
is delegated to the controller 5321 of the integrated power
management IC 5303.
[0747] On the other hand, in the event that contact input is not
detected in Step S316, or in a case in which no call request
operation has been detected in Step S320, the routine advances to
Step S336. When an incoming videoconference is detected in Step
S322, the routine advances to Step S338, performs videoconferencing
processes, and advances to Step S336. The case of videoconferencing
processes of Step S338 corresponds to the process of awaiting a
call answer operation by the called party, and processes based on a
call answer operation, lasting from initiation of videoconferencing
to calling and disconnection thereof. Consequently, advance from
Step S338 to Step S336 occurs when the videoconference is
disconnected, or when a call request is disconnected in the absence
of a call answer operation by the called party. As in Step S318,
the videoconferencing processes in Step S338 include emitting the
voice of the other caller from an air-conduction speaker during the
call, and from the outset, no power is fed to the charge pump
circuit 5354.
[0748] In Step S328, call processes based on a call answer
operation in Step S314 or a call request operation in Step S320 are
performed. In more specific terms, the call processes in Step S328
refer, in the case of a routine via Step S314, to functions taking
place during the call, and include management to advance to Step
S330 at each of predetermined time intervals and check whether
there has been a disconnect operation. Step S328 and Step S330 are
repeated in this fashion in the absence of a disconnect operation.
On the other hand, in the case of a routine via a call request
operation made in Step S320, the processes refer to the function of
awaiting a call answer operation by called party, and functions
taking place during the call after a call answer operation. In this
case as well, the routine advances to Step S330 at each of
predetermined time intervals, and checks whether there has been a
disconnect operation. At this time, when a disconnect operation has
been detected in Step S330 in the absence of a call answer process
by the called party, as a result, only the called party call answer
operation wait function will have taken place in Step S328.
[0749] Once a disconnect operation is detected in Step S330, the
routine advances to Step S322, and the muting circuit 5430a is
instructed to initiate muting for a predetermined time interval.
Next, the routine advances to Step S334, the charge pump circuit
5354 is instructed to turn off, and the routine advances to Step
S336. As in Step S310 and Step S312, sequence control in relation
to Step S332 and Step S334 is delegated to the controller 5321 of
the integrated power management IC 5303.
[0750] In Step S336, a check is performed to determine whether or
not the main power source has been turned off, and in the event the
power is not detected to be off, the routine returns to Step S306,
and thereafter repeats the aforedescribed series of flows until
detected that the main power source has been turned off. Once
detected that the main power source has been turned off, the flow
terminates.
[0751] The various features shown in the embodiments of the present
invention are not necessarily unique to the individual embodiments
in which they appear, and insofar as it is possible to utilize the
advantages thereof, the features of the respective embodiments may
be utilized in modified form, or utilized in combination, as
appropriate. For example, in the seventy-second embodiment, a
charge pump circuit is adopted as the voltage booster circuit for
driving the piezoelectric bimorph elements, and while this is a
suitable selection, there is no limitation to this, and employment
of other voltage booster circuit, as appropriate, is not
precluded.
Seventy-Third Embodiment
[0752] FIGS. 110A-110D are perspective views relating to a
seventy-third embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, configured as a mobile telephone 6901. In terms of
external appearance, the seventy-third embodiment has much in
common with the fifty-fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 83A, 83B and
83C, and in terms of internal configuration and function has much
in common with the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10;
therefore, the common portions are assigned the same reference
numerals as in these embodiments, and discussions are omitted.
[0753] A point of difference between the seventy-third embodiment
of FIGS. 110A-110D and the fourth embodiment of FIG. 55 is that, as
shown in perspective view from the front in FIG. 110(A), the
videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is situated in proximity to the
lower right corner of the mobile telephone 6901. In the
seventy-third embodiment, there is no extra available space in the
upper part of the mobile telephone 6901, due to the placement of
cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126 and internal cartilage
conduction vibration sources for transmitting vibration thereto.
Therefore, in the seventy-third embodiment, the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917 is situated in proximity to the lower right corner
of the mobile telephone 6901, on the opposite side from the
cartilage conduction units 5124 and 5126, with a display screen
6905 therebetween.
[0754] The seventy-third embodiment is furnished with a display
lamp 6965 comprising an LED or the like, for notifying of incoming
calls or emails, and the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is
situated in proximity to this display lamp 6965. By prompting the
display lamp 6965 to blink randomly during videoconferencing, the
user's line of sight can be directed towards the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917. In so doing, the line of sight of the user's face
displayed on the display unit of the other caller's video phone
will be oriented squarely frontward. This feature will be further
discussed below. FIG. 110(B) is a rear perspective view of the
mobile telephone 6901, and shows the placement of a rear main
camera 6955.
[0755] As shown in FIG. 110(C), the mobile telephone 6901 of the
seventy-third embodiment is used while held in landscape
orientation with the long edges of the display screen 6905 oriented
on the horizontal. Because the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is
situated in proximity to the lower right corner of the mobile
telephone 6901 as seen in FIG. 110(A), when held in landscape
orientation as shown in FIG. 110(C), the camera is at the upper
right corner. In so doing, the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is
able to capture the user's face at a natural angle from the upper
right during a videoconference. Additionally, the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917 is situated such that a direction perpendicular to
the long edges of the display screen 6905 is aligned with a
vertical direction of a captured image as shown in FIG. 110(C). In
cases in which the other caller's video phone is held in landscape
orientation as well, the other caller's face will be displayed on
the display screen 6905. The user's own face is also displayed as
shown in FIG. 110(C), on the display screen of the other caller's
mobile telephone which is being held in landscape orientation. With
regard to portrait orientation versus landscape orientation, the
orientation in which the mobile telephone is held can be detected
through detection of gravitational acceleration by an ordinary
acceleration sensor 49, and the orientation of an image rotated
automatically by 90.degree.; due to the seventy-third embodiment
being configured in this fashion, in videoconferencing mode, the
image rotation function of the acceleration sensor 49 is halted.
When the other caller's mobile telephone is not being held in
landscape orientation, the left and right sides of the user's own
face are cropped at left and right to produce a vertically
elongated image, which is displayed on the display unit of the
other caller's mobile telephone. Moreover, when the other caller's
mobile telephone is not being held in landscape orientation, the
long edge direction of the display screen becomes the vertical
direction of the image, and therefore if nothing were done, the
other caller's face would be displayed in landscape orientation.
Consequently, as discussed below, an image from a mobile telephone
not held in landscape orientation will be automatically rotated by
90.degree., for display on the display screen 6905. At this time,
the other caller's face will be displayed at the center of the
vertically elongated image, and therefore there is empty space in
which nothing is displayed at the left and right of the display
screen 6905. This empty space can be utilized for display of data.
The user's own voice is captured by a microphone 6923 of the video
phone, while the other caller's voice is output from a speaker
6951.
[0756] At this time, the display lamp 6965 is made to blinked
randomly in the manner discussed above (for example, flashed
randomly in several sets per minute, blinking on and off several
times per set, for about 0.5 second each time). An ordinary
videoconference is made while looking at the other caller's face on
the display screen 6905, but this means that the line of sight is
not facing towards the videoconferencing in-camera 6917.
Consequently, on the other caller's screen as well, the line of
sight will not be looking towards the other caller. In contrast to
this, when the user's line of sight, attracted by random flickering
in the aforedescribed manner, is drawn to the display lamp 6965,
his or her line of sight becomes directed towards the
videoconferencing in-camera 6917 which is situated nearby, thus
producing the effect that his or her line of sight is facing the
other caller, on the other caller's screen.
[0757] FIG. 110(D) shows a state in which the display screen 6905
is split, with the other caller's face being displayed in a right
side screen 6905a, and an image captured by the rear main camera
6955 being monitor-displayed in a left side screen 6905b. The
monitor-displayed image is transmitted to the other caller,
together with the user's own face captured by the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917. In so doing, a videoconference conversation can
take place while sending the other caller an image of the user's
own face, together with scenery or the like currently viewed by the
user.
[0758] FIGS. 111A-111C are perspective views showing various
videoconferencing modes in the seventy-third embodiment in the
aforedescribed manner. FIG. 111(A) is the same as FIG. 110(D), and
shows a mode in which the other caller's face is displayed in the
right side screen 6905a, while an image captured by the rear main
camera 6955 monitor-displayed in the left side screen 6905b.
[0759] In contrast to this, FIG. 111(B) shows a mode in which the
other caller's face is displayed in the right side screen 6905a,
while an image transmitted by the other caller is displayed in the
left side screen 6905b. Switching between the modes of FIG. 111(A)
and FIG. 111(B) is accomplished by operation of the mobile
telephones in mutual agreement with the other caller during the
call. It is possible for sent and received images to be still
images, not just video images. When sent or received images contain
large amounts of data, during intervals that images from the rear
main camera 6955 are sent and received, sending and receiving of
images takes place on a time-division basis, stopping transmission
of face image data to one another.
[0760] As will be discussed below, during transmission of a user's
own face, together with scenery or the like currently viewed by the
user, picture quality drops, but is it possible for images from the
rear main camera 6955 and image from the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917 to transmitted in synthesized form. In this case, an
image containing a user's own face and scenery or the like
currently viewed by the user can be transmitted to a mobile
telephone that is not compatible with transmission/reception of
images on two screens.
[0761] FIG. 111(C) shows a state in which an image of scenery or
the like transmitted by the other caller is displayed on the right
side screen 6905a, and an image from the rear main camera 6955 to
be sent to the other caller is monitor-displayed on the left side
screen 6905b. In this case, landscapes or the like viewed by the
callers can be exchanged with one another during a
videoconference.
[0762] FIG. 112 is a flowchart showing videoconferencing processing
in the seventy-third embodiment, and can be understood to describe
the details of videoconferencing processing in Step S36 of the
fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10. When videoconferencing
processing starts, in Step S342, an advisory to the effect that the
mobile telephone 6905 should be used while held in landscape
orientation is displayed on the display screen 6905. This display
continues for a short while, and in parallel therewith, the flow
proceeds directly to Step S346, and the speaker 6901 is turned on.
Then, in Step S348, an advisory announcement to the effect that the
mobile telephone 6905 should be used held in landscape orientation
is made. In parallel with initiating the announcement, the flow
proceeds directly to Step S349, and the function of auto-rotation
of the image according to the orientation of the mobile telephone
6901 detected by the acceleration sensor 49 is halted. Next,
proceeding to Step S350, a check is performed to determine whether
the other caller's mobile telephone is landscape
orientation-compatible. In the event that it is not landscape
orientation-compatible, the flow proceeds to Step S352, in which
the received image display is rotated by 90.degree. so that the
other caller's face appears upright in landscape orientation, then
advances to Step S354. If the phone is one that is landscape
orientation-compatible, the flow advances directly to Step
S354.
[0763] In Step S354, the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is turned
on, and in Step S356, the microphone 6923 is turned on. Then, in
Step S358, a check is performed to determine whether or not the
device is in a "dual camera mode" in which both the
videoconferencing in-camera 6917 and the rear main camera 6955 are
used. The mode can be set manually beforehand, or changed in the
course of a videoconference. In the event that the device is not in
the "dual camera mode," in Step S360, the rear main camera 6955 is
turned off; when already off, nothing is done in this step. Next,
the display screen 6905 is set to full-screen display, and image
transmission/reception processing is performed in Step S364. This
processing is the same as that for an ordinary video phone, with
processing being performed in time units of procedures.
[0764] Once the processing of Step S364 is finished, the routine
proceeds to Step S368, and checks whether or not a time interval
has arrived to randomly flash the display lamp 6965 on the basis of
a simple random number process or the like. Upon arriving at a
flash time, in Step S370, an instruction prompting a single set of
flashes by the LED is issued in order to catch the user's attention
to direct his or her line of sight towards the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917, and the routine advances to Step S372. When the
routine has not yet arrived at a flash time, it proceeds directly
to Step S372. On the other hand, when detected in Step S358 that
the device is in the "dual camera mode," the routine proceeds to
Step S374 in which the rear main camera 6955 is turned on, then
proceeds to the "dual camera mode" processing of Step S376, and
when this process finishes, advances to Step S372. The details of
the "dual camera mode" processing of Step S376 will be discussed
below. In Step S372, it is checked whether a videoconference
disconnect operation has been performed, and in the event that no
such operation has been performed, the routine returns to Step
S358. Step S358 to Step S376 are repeated subsequently until a
disconnect operation is performed. Mode changes can be accommodated
during this repetition as well. On the other hand, in the event
that a disconnect operation is detected in Step S372, the flow
terminates, and the routine advances to Step S38 of FIG. 10.
[0765] FIG. 113 shows the details of "dual camera mode" processing
in Step S376 of FIG. 112. When the flow starts, in Step S382, a
check is performed to determine if the device is in a synthesized
video mode, and when this is the case, proceeds to Step S384, in
which the images from the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 and the
rear main camera 6955 are synthesized, and an instruction to
transmit synthesized video is issued in Step S386. Further, in Step
S388, a full-screen display instruction is issued, in Step S390 an
instruction to display the received synthesized video is issued,
and the routine advances to Step S404. On the other hand, in the
event that the synthesized video mode has not been detected in Step
S382, the routine advances to Step S392.
[0766] In Step S392, a dual screen display instruction is issued,
and in Step S394 an instruction to transmit images from the
videoconferencing in-camera 6917 is issued. Further, in Step S396,
an instruction is issued to display a received image of the other
caller's face on the right side display screen 6905a, whereupon the
routine advances to Step S398. In Step S398, it is checked whether
the mode is one of transmitting images from the rear main camera
6955, and when this is the case, in Step S400, an instruction is
issued to monitor-display images from the rear main camera 6955 on
the left side display screen 6905b, as well as to transmit the
images to the other caller's mobile telephone. The routine then
advances to Step S404.
[0767] On the other hand, in the case of a confirmation in Step
S398 that the device is not in a mode of transmitting images from
the rear main camera 6955, this means that the mode is one of
receiving images from the other caller, and therefore the routine
proceeds to Step S402, whereupon an instruction to display images
received from the other caller's rear main camera on the left side
display screen 6905b is issued, and the routine proceeds to Step
S404. In Step S404, a check is performed to determine whether or
not a time interval to randomly flash the display lamp 6965 has
arrived, and upon arriving at such a flash time, in Step S406, an
instruction to attract attention by blinking the display lamp 6965
is issued, and the routine advances to Step S408. When the routine
has not yet arrived at a flash time, it proceeds directly to Step
S408. The purpose is the same as in Step S368 and Step S370 in FIG.
112.
[0768] In Step S408, a check is performed to determine if a "dual
camera mode" videoconference termination change has been made, and
in the event that no such operation has been performed, the routine
returns to Step S382. Step S382 to Step S408 are repeated
subsequently until a termination operation is performed. Mode
changes can be accommodated during this repetition as well. On the
other hand, in the event that a termination operation is detected
in Step S408, the flow terminates, and the routine advances to Step
S372 of FIG. 112.
[0769] Implementation of the present invention is not limited to
the aforedescribed embodiments, and the various advantages of the
present invention can be enjoyed in other embodiments as well.
Further, these features may be interchanged or utilized in
combination among various embodiments. For example, the flowcharts
shown in FIG. 112 and FIG. 113 can be adopted in the
videoconferencing processing of Step S318 and Step S338 of the
seventy-second embodiment shown in FIG. 109 as well.
[0770] Whereas conventional videoconferencing in-cameras are
arranged such that a direction parallel to the long edges of the
rectangular display screen 6905 coincides with a vertical direction
of image capture, the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 in the
aforedescribed seventy-third embodiment is arranged such that a
direction perpendicular to the long edges of the rectangular
display screen 6905 coincides with the vertical direction of image
capture, as shown in FIG. 110(C). In order avoid confusion in
relation to displayed image rotation stemming from this situation,
in the seventy-third embodiment, once videoconferencing has been
established, the displayed image auto-rotate function based on the
acceleration sensor 49 performed in Step S349 of FIG. 112 is
halted. Then, during a videoconference with another caller, an
ordinary mobile telephone rotates the displayed image by 90.degree.
by performing Step S350 and Step S352. However, countermeasures for
preventing confusion stemming from the arrangement whereby a
direction perpendicular to the long edges of the rectangular
display screen 6905 coincides with the vertical direction of image
capture in the videoconferencing in-camera 6917 are not limited to
this. For example, a configuration whereby, utilizing the display
image auto-rotate function based on the acceleration sensor 49, the
orientation of the displayed image by the auto-rotate function is
corrected by 90.degree., on the basis of whether or not information
indicating that the vertical direction of the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917 diverges by 90.degree. from normal is available,
would also be acceptable. Further, a configuration whereby, in the
same manner as a conventional device, the videoconferencing
in-camera 6917 is arranged such that the direction parallel to the
long edges of the rectangular display screen 6905 coincides with
the vertical direction of image capture, and during
videoconferencing, the display image is always rotated 90.degree.
by the auto-rotate function, would also be acceptable.
[0771] Additionally, in cases in which the vibration source of the
cartilage conduction unit 5124 in the seventy-third embodiment is
configured as a piezoelectric bimorph element, it is possible for
the element to also function as an impact sensor in the manner
described in the fourth embodiment, and therefore a configuration
whereby switching between main camera image transmission mode and
reception mode during a videoconference is performed by detecting
the impact produced by lightly tapping the cartilage conduction
unit 5124 with the index finger, with the mobile telephone 6901
held sideways. Further, in the thirteenth embodiment and the
seventeenth embodiment, the cartilage conduction unit functions as
an incoming call vibrator, and it is possible for the cartilage
conduction unit 5124 or 5126 of the seventy-third embodiment to
likewise be concomitantly employed as a vibrating unit for
notification purposes. For example, the cartilage conduction unit
5124 or 5126 could be configured to produce predetermined vibration
every minute, thereby transmitting passage of time during a
videoconference, to a hand holding the mobile telephone 6901
sideways.
Seventy-Fourth Embodiment
[0772] FIG. 114 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-fourth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a cartilage conduction vibration source device for a
mobile telephone. The seventy-fourth embodiment has, as its
foundation, considerations based on the structure of the ear and on
actual measurement data for the mobile telephone reviewed in FIG.
79 and FIGS. 80A and 80B, as well as a review of the frequency
characteristic correction unit (the cartilage conduction equalizer
5038 and the cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040) in the
fifty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 82 configured on the basis thereof.
Configuration-wise, it relates to functions corresponding to the
analog front end unit 5336 of the integrated power management IC
5303, the cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit
5338, the charge pump circuit 5354, and the amp 5340 in the
fifty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 87 and the seventy-second
embodiment of FIG. 107. Consequently, the details of the
significance of this configuration may be understood through
reference to the disclosures, and description is omitted where
redundant.
[0773] The seventy-fourth embodiment of FIG. 114 provides a
cartilage conduction vibration source device controllable by an
application processor 7039 and a power management circuit 7053 in
an ordinary mobile telephone, and specifically is configured as a
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 (illustrated as an equivalent
circuit, together with a capacitor) as the cartilage conduction
vibration source, and a driver circuit 7003 therefor. The driver
circuit is basically a drive amp for the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013, and incorporates therein an analog acoustic
processing circuit 7038 serving as the frequency characteristic
correction unit. Driving at suitable frequency characteristics,
with the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 as the cartilage
conduction vibration source, is possible simply by connecting an
audio output from the ordinary application processor 7039.
[0774] Stated in more specific terms, an analog sound signal output
by a differential from a speaker analog output unit 7039a of the
application processor 7039 is input to an analog input amp 7036,
and is output through the analog acoustic processing circuit 7038
to analog output amps 7040a and 7040b, then used for differential
driving of the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013. The driver
circuit 7003 incorporates a voltage booster circuit 7054 (in
specific terms, one comprising a charge pump circuit) for the
analog output amps 7040a and 7040b, whereby driving is possible by
inputting, as a power source voltage from a power input unit 7054a,
an output voltage (2.7-5.5 V) of the ordinary power management
circuit 7053.
[0775] The analog acoustic processing circuit 7038 has functions
comparable to the cartilage conduction equalizer 5038 and the
cartilage conduction low-pass filter 5040 in the fifty-fourth
embodiment of FIG. 82, and also functions as a startup sequence
circuit for automatically reducing clicking noises and popping
noises. In some cases, correction of frequency characteristics by
the cartilage conduction equalizer 5038 and the cartilage
conduction low-pass filter 5040 may be established across the
board, while in other cases, custom settings or adjustments are
possible according to factors such as the age of the ear.
Seventy-Fifth Embodiment
[0776] FIG. 115 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-fifth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
seventy-fifth embodiment, like the seventy-fourth embodiment, is
configured as a cartilage conduction vibration source device for a
mobile telephone, and has much in common therewith; therefore, the
same reference numerals are assigned to comparable configurations,
omitting descriptions thereof. Whereas the seventy-fourth
embodiment of FIG. 114 is configured as an all-analog circuit, the
seventy-fifth embodiment of FIG. 115 differs therefrom in that a
digital acoustic processing circuit 7138 is adopted in the driver
circuit 7103.
[0777] However, as in the seventy-fourth embodiment, the input and
output of the driver circuit 7103 are analog, and input analog
signal is converted to a digital signal by a DA conversion circuit
7138a and input to the digital acoustic processing circuit 7138,
while a digital output of the digital acoustic processing circuit
7138 is converted to an analog signal by a DA conversion circuit
7138b, and transferred to the analog output amps 7040a and 7040b.
The input to the driver circuit 7103 is not a differential input;
instead, an analog sound signal from an analog output 7039b of the
application processor 7039 is input. The issue of whether input
takes place by differential signaling or not is not a respective
characterizing feature of the seventy-fourth and seventy-fifth
embodiments, and therefore an appropriate configuration may be
selected, according to the circumstances of connection to the
application processor 7039.
Seventh-Sixth Embodiment
[0778] FIG. 116 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-sixth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
seventy-sixth embodiment, like the seventy-fourth and seventy-fifth
embodiments, is configured as a cartilage conduction vibration
source device for a mobile telephone, and has much in common
therewith; therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to
comparable configurations, omitting descriptions thereof. A point
of difference between the seventy-sixth embodiment of FIG. 116 and
the seventy-fourth or seventy-fifth embodiment is that a digital
sound signal from a digital output unit (12S) 7039c of the
application processor 7039 is input to a driver circuit 7203. Then,
in the same manner as in the seventy-fifth embodiment, a digital
sound signal from the application processor 7038 is directly input
to the digital acoustic processing circuit 7138 by an input unit
7236.
[0779] Digital output from the digital acoustic processing circuit
7138 is converted by a DA conversion circuit 7138c to an analog
signal, which is transferred to an output amp 7240a, as well as
being inverted by an analog output amp 7240b, and employed for
differential driving of the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013. The
issue of whether the analog output of the DA conversion circuit
7138c is inverted by the analog output amp 7240b as in the
seventy-sixth embodiment, or whether two analog signals inverted by
the DA conversion circuit 7138b itself are output as in the
seventy-fifth embodiment, is not a respective characterizing
feature of the seventy-fifth and seventy-sixth embodiments, and any
appropriate configuration may be selected.
Seventy-Seventh Embodiment
[0780] FIG. 117 is a block diagram relating to a seventy-seventh
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention. The
seventy-seventh embodiment, like the seventy-fourth to
seventy-sixth embodiments, is configured as a cartilage conduction
vibration source device for a mobile telephone, and has much in
common therewith; therefore, the same reference numerals are
assigned to comparable configurations, omitting descriptions
thereof. A point of difference between the seventy-seventh
embodiment of FIG. 117 and the seventy-fourth to seventy-sixth
embodiments is that a driver circuit 7303 has an all-digital
configuration. Consequently, a digital sound signal output from the
digital output unit (12S) 7039c of the application processor 7039
is input directly to the digital acoustic processing circuit 7138
by the input unit 7236, and digital output from the digital
acoustic processing circuit 7138 is transferred to class-D power
amps 7340a and 7340b.
[0781] A vibration source module 7313 is provided in combination
with a driver circuit 7303 for outputting a digital drive signal as
in the seventy-seventh embodiment, and is configured as a
piezoelectric bimorph element module incorporating a low-pass
filter (in specific terms, a choke coil for smoothing PWM signals)
7313a for differential PWM signals output from the class-D power
amps 7340a and 7340b. In so doing, even in cases in which the
all-digital driver circuit 7303 has been adopted, by providing this
in combination with the vibration source module 7313, there can be
provided a cartilage conduction vibration source device
controllable by the application processor 7039 and the power
management circuit 7053 in an ordinary mobile telephone, without
the burden of having to provide an external smoothing choke coil
with matched characteristics, or the like.
[0782] In the forty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 67A, 67B1, 67B2 and
67C, there are shown a structure in which the piezoelectric bimorph
element and the circuit form a resin package which is held as an
integrated vibration unit, and the choke coil 7313a of the
seventy-seventh embodiment of FIG. 117 can be thought of as the
most simple example of a circuit that is integrated with a
piezoelectric bimorph element into a resin package, as in the
forty-fourth embodiment. Consequently, the shape and holding
structure reviewed in the forty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 67A,
67B1, 67B2 and 67C could be adopted for the vibration source module
7313 of the seventy-seventh embodiment.
[0783] In the above manner, the seventy-fourth to seventy-seventh
embodiments can provide a cartilage conduction vibration source
device controllable by the application processor 7039 and the power
management circuit 7053 in an ordinary mobile telephone, without
the burden of adjustment and review to achieve good cartilage
conduction, even in the absence of any knowledge or information
about cartilage conduction. The specific configuration is not
limited to those of the seventy-fourth to seventy-seventh
embodiments, and provided that the advantages thereof can be
enjoyed, it is possible to make appropriate changes to the
combination of circuit components. The present invention does not
just feature configuration as a single driver circuit as in the
seventy-fourth to seventy-seventh embodiments, and configurations
involving incorporation as part of a large-scale circuit, such as
the integrated power management IC 5303 in the fifty-seventh
embodiment of FIG. 87 or the seventy-second embodiment of FIG. 107,
are also acceptable.
Seventy-Eighth Embodiment
[0784] FIGS. 118A and 118B are cross sectional views relating to a
seventy-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 7401. FIG.
118(A) is a front cross sectional view of the mobile telephone
7401, and FIG. 118(B) is a side cross sectional view of the mobile
telephone 7401 taken in the B2-B2 cross section of FIG. 118(A). As
shown in FIG. 118(A), the configuration of cartilage conduction
units 7424, 7426 and a linking unit 7427 in the seventy-eighth
embodiment, as well as the structure by which the cartilage
conduction unit 7424 holds in cantilever fashion a piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 as a cartilage conduction vibration source for
transmitting vibration to the cartilage conduction unit 7424, are
shared inter alia with the structure of the sixty-fifth embodiment
shown in FIG. 97(B). Consequently, to avoid redundancy,
descriptions of the significance of these structures are omitted.
Like the sixty-first embodiment of FIGS. 91A, 91B and 91C, a
feature of the seventy-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 118A and 118B are
that the internal weight of the mobile telephone 7410 is utilized
in order to suppress a modicum of sound leakage due to transfer of
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source 2525 to the
chassis of the mobile telephone 7401. The details of the other
internal configuration of the mobile telephone 7401 are shared with
the embodiments described up to this point (for example, the
fifty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 82, the seventy-second embodiment
of FIG. 107, and the like), and therefore in FIGS. 118A and 118B,
illustrations of these have been omitted to avoid complexity.
[0785] A sound leakage suppression structure employed in the
seventy-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 118A and 118B are described
below. In the same fashion as in the sixty-fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 97A-97D, cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and a linking
unit 7427 are integrally molded from a hard material. This hard
material is a material of different acoustic impedance than the
chassis of the mobile telephone 7401. An elastic body 7465 is
interposed, as a vibration isolating material, between the chassis
of the mobile telephone 7401 and the integrally molded structure of
the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the linking unit
7427, and connects the two such that there is not direct contact
between them. This structure provides acoustic blocking between the
chassis of the mobile telephone 7401, and the integrally molded
structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the
linking unit 7427. The preceding structure is shared with
embodiments described previously, but as it constitutes the base of
the sound leakage suppression structure in the seventy-eighth
embodiment, the significance thereof has been summed up once
again.
[0786] A cell 7448 is held at top and bottom by hard cell holders
(an upper holder 7406 and a lower holder 7416). In a center part of
the cell 7448, containment by the rigid holders is avoided, so as
to permit swelling associated with the passage of time during use.
The upper holder 7406 is furnished with a plurality of pins 7408
for connection to the front surface and rear surface of the mobile
telephone 7401, in sections of small cross-sectional area.
Meanwhile, the lower holder 7416, which is situated at a location
away from the plurality of pins 7408, is furnished with a plurality
of elastic bodies 7467 which hold it in a vibration-isolated state,
to the front surface and rear surface of the mobile telephone
7401.
[0787] In so doing, as shown in FIG. 118(B), the cell 7448
installed in the cell holders (the upper holder 7406 and the lower
holder 7416) is placed within a front side chassis 7401a (GUI
display part 7405 side), and when covered up with a rear side
chassis 7401b, the plurality of pins 7408 are respectively
sandwiched between the front side chassis 7401a and the rear side
chassis 7401b and become pressed into contact thereagainst, whereby
the load of the cell 7448 is connected, via the upper holder 7406,
to the chassis of mobile telephone 7401, in proximity to the
cartilage conduction unit 7424. The significance of the
small-cross-sectional area connections afforded by the pins 7408 is
that the load connection locations are specifically concentrated in
proximity to the cartilage conduction unit 7424 in the chassis of
the mobile telephone 7401. This load connection serves to suppress
vibration of the chassis of the mobile telephone 7401 in proximity
to the cartilage conduction unit 7424, which corresponds to the
entrance section for vibration transmission. The effect of this is
comparable, for example, to that of a damper attached to the bridge
of a stringed instrument corresponding to the entrance section for
vibration of the strings, and serves to suppress resonance of the
entire chassis of the mobile telephone 7401.
[0788] Because the cartilage conduction unit 7424 is constituted by
a material of different acoustic impedance than the chassis of the
mobile telephone 7401, and is vibration-isolated with respect to
the chassis of the mobile telephone 7401 by the elastic body 7465,
a high degree of freedom of vibration is ensured, the effect of
vibration suppression due to load connection of the cell 7448 are
minimal, and satisfactory cartilage conduction can be obtained.
[0789] Meanwhile, the plurality of elastic bodies 7467 furnished to
the lower holder 7416 are likewise sandwiched between the front
side chassis 7401a and the rear side chassis 7401b and become
pressed into contact thereagainst, in which state, due to the
elasticity thereof, the lower holder 7416 has a high degree of
freedom with respect to the chassis of the mobile telephone 7401,
and the load connection is weak. Consequently, despite fact that
the lower holder 7416 is held by the plurality of elastic bodies
7467 in a section situated away from the plurality of pins 7408,
specific concentration of the load connection locations provided by
the plurality of pins 7408 is not diminished.
Seventy-Ninth Embodiment
[0790] FIGS. 119A and 119B are cross sectional views relating to a
seventy-ninth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, configured as a mobile telephone 7501. The seventy-ninth
embodiment has much in common with the seventy-eighth embodiment in
FIGS. 118A and 118B, and therefore the same reference numerals are
assigned to common portions, and descriptions thereof are
omitted.
[0791] A point of difference between the seventy-ninth embodiment
and the seventy-eighth embodiment lies is that the lower holder
7416 is also furnished with a plurality of pins 7408, in place of
the plurality of elastic bodies 7467. In so doing, when sandwiched
by the front side chassis 7401a and the rear side chassis 7401b,
the lower holder 7416 is also provided with a small cross-sectional
area connection by the pins 7408. In the case of the seventy-ninth
embodiment, the load connection locations of the cell are
dispersed, but as the vibration suppressing effect is dependent
upon the distance between the load connection locations and the
cartilage conduction unit 7424, the load connection afforded by the
plurality of pins 7408 of the upper holder 7406 remains effective.
Consequently, in cases in which priority is given to using common
parts for the structures of both the upper holder 7406 and the
lower holder 7416 in order to reduce the number of parts, even at
the expense of some vibration suppressing effect, it is possible to
adopt the configuration of the seventy-ninth embodiment.
Eightieth Embodiment
[0792] FIGS. 120A and 120B are cross sectional views relating to an
eightieth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, configured as a mobile telephone 7601. The eightieth
embodiment has much in common with the seventy-eighth embodiment in
FIGS. 118A and 118B, and therefore the same reference numerals are
assigned to common portions, and descriptions thereof are
omitted.
[0793] A point of difference between the eightieth embodiment and
the seventy-eighth embodiment lies is that the elastic body 7465
between the chassis of the mobile telephone 7401 and the integrally
molded structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and
the linking unit 7427 has been omitted. In cases in which
sufficient vibration isolating effect can be obtained simply from
the difference in acoustic impedance between the aforedescribed
integrally molded structure and the chassis, the vibration
suppression of the chassis by load connection of the cell 7448 does
not appreciably extend to the integrally molded structure, and
satisfactory cartilage conduction can be ensured. Consequently, in
cases in which priority is given to reducing the number of parts,
even at the expense of some cartilage conduction efficiency, to
simplify the connection structure of the integrally molded
structure and the chassis, it is possible to adopt the
configuration of the eightieth embodiment.
Eighty-First Embodiment
[0794] FIGS. 121A-121C are side sectional views relating to the
eighty-first embodiment and a modification thereof according to an
aspect of the present invention. The eighty-first embodiment and a
modification thereof have much in common with the seventy-eighth
embodiment in FIGS. 118A and 118B.
[0795] A point of difference between the eighty-first embodiment
and the modification thereof and the seventy-eighth embodiment is
that the weight used for suppressing sound leakage is used as an
internal frame structure of the mobile telephone. The internal
frame structure 7748a constitutes the majority of the weight of the
mobile telephone and is therefore suitable for suppressing sound
leakage.
[0796] FIG. 121(A) is a side sectional view relating to an
eighty-first embodiment, and is configured as a mobile telephone
7701a. As described above, the eighty-first embodiment has much in
common with the seventy-eighth embodiment in FIGS. 118A and 118B,
and therefore the same reference numerals are assigned to common
portions, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0797] In the eighty-first embodiment(A), the weight used for
suppressing sound leakage as described above has the internal frame
structure 7748a of the mobile telephone 7701a. The internal frame
structure 7748a holds the cell 7448, holds the circuits and other
internal structures, and constitutes the majority of the weight of
the mobile telephone. The internal frame structure 7748a is
connected, via the elastic body 7465, to the integrally molded
structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the
linking unit 7427, and constitutes the principal skeletal structure
of a mobile telephone 7701 b. For this reason, the internal frame
structure 7748a, by virtue of the weight thereof, suppresses
vibration of the chassis constituting the surface of the mobile
telephone 7701a in the vicinity of the cartilage conduction unit
7424 in the same manner as the seventy-eighth embodiment of FIGS.
118A and 118B.
[0798] FIG. 121(B) is a side sectional view relating to the
eighty-first embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, configured as a mobile telephone 7701b. The first
modification example of FIG. 121(B) has much in common with the
eighty-first embodiment in FIG. 121(A), and therefore the same
reference numerals are assigned to common portions, and
descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0799] In the first modification example of FIG. 121(B), as in the
eighty-first embodiment of FIG. 121(A), an internal frame structure
7748b is connected, via the elastic body 7465, to the integrally
molded structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and
the linking unit 7427. However, the chassis of the mobile telephone
7701b in the first modification example simply functions as an
exterior component covering the perimeter of the mobile telephone
7701b, and is not directly connected to the integrally molded
structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the
linking unit 7427, but is instead held by the internal frame
structure 7748b via an elastic body 7765 which constitutes the
vibration isolating material. For this reason, portions of the
internal frame structure 7784b in proximity to the cartilage
conduction unit 7424 intervene between the integrally molded
structure and the chassis, in the form of exterior facing
integrated with the internal frame structure 7748b. Thus, in the
first modification example of FIG. 121(B), the internal frame
structure 7748b which constitutes the majority of the weight of the
mobile telephone 7701b is connected to the integrally molded
structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the
linking unit 7427, serving to suppress vibration of the chassis
constituting the outer face of the mobile telephone 7701b, due to
the chassis being held by the internal frame structure 7748b via
the vibration isolating material 7765.
[0800] FIG. 121(C) is a side sectional view relating to a second
modification example of the eighty-first embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention, configured as a mobile telephone
7701c. The second modification example of FIG. 121(C) has much in
common with the first modification example of FIG. 121(B), and
therefore the same reference numerals are assigned to common
portions, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0801] A point of difference between the second modification
example of FIG. 121(C) and the first modification example of FIG.
121(B) is that the elastic body interposed between an internal
frame structure 7748c and the integrally molded structure of the
cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the linking unit 7427 has
been omitted. In cases in which vibration suppression due to an
acoustic impedance differential of the integrally molded structure
and the internal frame structure 7748c does not appreciably extend
to the integrally molded structure, and satisfactory cartilage
conduction can be ensured, it is possible to adopt such a
simplified, direct-connection configuration. That is, in cases in
which priority is given to reducing the number of parts, even at
the expense of some cartilage conduction efficiency, to simplify
the connection structure of the integrally molded structure and the
internal frame structure 7748c, it is possible to adopt the
configuration of the second modification example.
[0802] In the above manner, in the first modification example of
FIG. 121(B) or the second modification example of FIG. 121(C), in
the first instance, the internal frame structure 7748b or 7748c,
which constitutes a majority of the weight, is connected to the
integrally molded structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424,
7426 and the linking unit 7427, suppressing vibration. The chassis,
which represents a small proportion of the weight, is then
connected to the internal frame structure 7748b or 7748c via the
vibration isolating material, suppressing vibration of the chassis
constituting the outside surface of the mobile telephone 7701b or
7701c.
[0803] Various modifications of the aforedescribed embodiments are
possible provided that the advantages thereof can be enjoyed while
doing so. For example, in the seventy-eighth embodiment of FIGS.
118A and 118B, in cases in which the elastic body 7465 has high
vibration isolating effect, the integrally molded structure of the
cartilage conduction units 7424, 7426 and the linking unit 7427,
and the chassis of the mobile telephone 7401, may be configured of
materials having the same acoustic impedance (for example, a common
material for both). In in cases in which the elastic body 7465 has
high vibration isolating effect, there can be achieved a state
comparable to one of different acoustic impedance between the
integrally molded structure of the cartilage conduction units 7424,
7426 and the linking unit 7427, and the chassis of the mobile
telephone 7401, due to interposition of the elastic body 7465,
whereby satisfactory cartilage conduction can be obtained, in spite
of vibration suppression of the chassis due to the weight of the
cell 7448 being connected thereto.
[0804] The features of the present invention described above are
not limited to implementation in the aspects in the aforedescribed
embodiments, and may be implemented in other aspects as well,
provided that the advantages thereof can be enjoyed by doing so.
For example, the structures of the eightieth embodiment shown in
FIGS. 120A and 120B and the second modification example of the
eighty-first embodiment shown in FIG. 121(C) are not limited to
cases in which the cartilage conduction units are made of hard
material, and are also suitable in cases in which the cartilage
conduction units are elastic bodies, as in, for example, the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, and the
modification example thereof in FIGS. 71A, 71B and 71C. The reason
is that a cartilage conduction unit made of an elastic body will
have greatly different acoustic impedance from the chassis, and
even when the weight of the internal structure of the mobile
telephone is connected to the chassis in proximity to the cartilage
conduction unit, cartilage conduction by the cartilage conduction
unit will not be impaired. In a case of applying the eightieth
embodiment of FIGS. 120A and 120B to a structure in which the
cartilage conduction vibration source (piezoelectric bimorph
element) 2525 is supported from both sides by left and right
cartilage conduction units (the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b) as
in the forty-sixth embodiment and the modification example thereof,
the upper holder 7406 may be extended towards the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit (elastic body unit 4263a) side, and the
pins 7408 arranged not just in proximity to the elastic body unit
4263b, but in proximity to the elastic body unit 4263a as well.
Eighty-Second Embodiment
[0805] FIG. 122 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
constituted as a cartilage conduction vibration source device for a
mobile telephone. The eighty-second embodiment has much in common
with the seventy-sixth embodiment of FIG. 116, and therefore the
same reference numerals are assigned to common portions, omitting
descriptions thereof unless necessary. Like the seventy-sixth
embodiment of FIG. 116, the eighty-second embodiment provides a
cartilage conduction vibration source device controllable by the
application processor 7039 and the power management circuit 7053 in
an ordinary mobile telephone, and more specifically, one in which
the cartilage conduction vibration source device is configured as a
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 and a driver circuit 7503
therefor. There are differences between the eighty-second
embodiment of FIG. 122 and the seventy-sixth embodiment of FIG.
116, in terms of the configuration of a digital acoustic processing
circuit 7538, and of gain control in an analog output amp 7540.
[0806] Firstly, the configuration of the digital acoustic
processing circuit 7538 is described. Cartilage conduction can be
defined as cartilage conduction in a broad sense or as cartilage
conduction in a narrow sense. Cartilage conduction in a broad sense
may be defined as sound output from a cartilage conduction unit,
including cartilage-air conduction (the rate at which vibration
transmitted from a cartilage conduction unit to cartilage of the
ear changes to air conduction within the external auditory meatus,
and is propagated to the inner ear through the eardrum),
cartilage-bone conduction (the rate at which vibration transmitted
from a cartilage conduction unit to cartilage of the ear is
propagated directly to the inner ear through bone), and direct air
conduction (the rate at which air-conducted sound generated from a
cartilage conduction unit reaches the eardrum directly without
going through cartilage, and is propagated to the inner ear). In
contrast to this, cartilage conduction in the narrow sense is
defined as sound propagated to the inner ear through cartilage, and
includes the aforedescribed cartilage-air conduction and
cartilage-bone conduction.
[0807] In a normal individual, the proportions of cartilage-air
conduction and cartilage-bone conduction in cartilage conduction in
the narrow sense are such that the latter is about 1/10 or less of
the former, and thus cartilage-air conduction is extremely
important. This is due to extremely poor impedance matching from
cartilage to bone. In contrast to this, in a person with conductive
hearing loss due to an abnormality of the external auditory meatus
or middle ear, the proportion of cartilage-bone conduction is
greater, as compared with a normal individual. This due to impaired
cartilage-air conduction (and of course direct air conduction as
well).
[0808] Next, with regard to the rate of participation by
cartilage-air conduction in the broad sense, as described above, in
a normal individual, participation by cartilage-bone conduction is
small, and therefore one may focus substantially upon the
proportions of cartilage-air conduction and direct air conduction.
As a rule of thumb, cartilage-air conduction predominates in
low-pitched regions, while direct air conduction predominates in
high-pitched regions; at 500 Hz, substantially all conduction is
cartilage-air conduction, while at 4000 Hz, substantially all
conduction is direct air conduction. The frequency components
necessary to discriminate some consonants such as the "sh" sound
lie in a high frequency band close to 4000 Hz in which direct air
conduction predominates. In mobile telephones, due to the fact that
there are no problems whatsoever in terms of language
discrimination during conversation, and to concerns relating to the
amount of information, frequency components of about 3000 Hz and
above are cut, so the importance of cartilage-air conduction is
great.
[0809] With regard to cartilage-bone conduction, as described
above, in a normal individual, the participation of cartilage-bone
conduction in the broad sense is small, and it is thought that the
frequency characteristics thereof are substantially close to flat
from a low-frequency range to a high-frequency range. Incidentally,
when there is a transition from an occluded condition to an
unoccluded condition in the external auditory meatus, in
low-frequency bands (500 Hz or the like), sound pressure within the
external auditory meatus drops, but loudness (the perceived
magnitude of sound) does not drop as much as the sound pressure.
When there is a transition from an unoccluded condition to an
occluded condition in the external auditory meatus, in
high-frequency bands, sound pressure within the external auditory
meatus drops, but loudness does not drop as much as the sound
pressure within the external auditory meatus. This fact suggests
that cartilage-bone conduction exists in both low-frequency bands
and high-frequency bands, albeit to a very small extent.
[0810] In the digital acoustic processing circuit 7538 of FIG. 122,
taking into account the frequency characteristics of cartilage-air
conduction, cartilage-bone conduction, and direct air conduction in
cartilage conduction in the broad sense described above, in
combination with the degrees of participation thereof, a digital
sound signal output from the application processor 7039 is input
respectively to a cartilage-bone conduction equalizer 7538a, a
cartilage-air conduction equalizer 7538b, and a direct air
conduction equalizer 7538c, which respectively perform optimal
equalization in cases of cartilage-bone conduction only,
cartilage-air conduction only, and direct air conduction only.
Equalization here does not refer to equalization for the purpose of
obtaining sounds closely approximating natural sounds, but rather
to acoustic processing taking into account the frequency
characteristics of the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 serving
as the cartilage conduction vibration source, in combination with
the frequency characteristics in the respective transmission rates
of cartilage-bone conduction, cartilage-air conduction, and direct
air conduction, to propagate sound in the most efficient manner in
terms of language discrimination ability. Consequently,
equalization would include cases in which precedence is given to
language discrimination ability, modifying the voice quality
somewhat from its natural state, but not to the extent that the
ability to identify the person is impaired.
[0811] In accordance with an instruction from the application
processor 7039, a synthesis unit 7538d of the digital acoustic
processing circuit 7538 determines a mixing ratio of the outputs
from the cartilage-bone conduction equalizer 7538a, the
cartilage-air conduction equalizer 7538b, and the direct air
conduction equalizer 7538c, and modifies this ratio according to
changes in conditions. The mixing ratio, which is directed in the
first instance to a normal individual, is determined based on the
frequency characteristics of a conversation taking place in a case
in which the cartilage conduction unit is contacting the ear
cartilage and the external auditory meatus is not occluded, but is
modified when there is a change from this state. In specific terms,
since sound not produced in the course of a call, such as playback
of a voice memo, will not be cut off at 3000 Hz and above, the
extent of participation of the direct air conduction equalizer
7538c is boosted. In a case in which the device has been set for
use by a person with conductive hearing loss, the element relying
on bone conduction is greater, and therefore the extent of
participation of the cartilage-bone conduction equalizer 7538a is
boosted. Further, when the occurrence of an earplug bone conduction
effect has been detected, this means that external auditory meatus
is occluded and that there is no direct air conduction, and
therefore the participation of the direct air conduction equalizer
7538c is halted. The details of these processes are discussed
below.
[0812] Next, automatic gain adjustment by the analog output amp
7540 will be described. A maximum input rating at which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 is capable of vibrating has been
specified, and in the event that a signal exceeding this is output
from the analog output amp 7540, the sound becomes distorted, and
bone conduction at the desired frequency characteristics cannot be
achieved. On the other hand, in a case in which the maximum output
from the analog output amp 7540 falls below the maximum input
rating of the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013, cartilage
conduction that fully exploits the capabilities of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 cannot be achieved. A gain
control unit 7540a sequentially monitors the average output of the
DA converter 7138c for a predetermined duration, and controls a
gain adjustment unit 7540b of the analog output amp 7540, doing so
in such a way that the output level of the analog output amp 7540
equals the maximum input rating level of the analog output amp
7540. In so doing, the capabilities of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013 can be utilized to the maximum, and bone conduction at
the desired frequency characteristics can be achieved.
[0813] FIG. 123 is a flowchart showing the functions of the
application processor 7039 in the eighty-second embodiment of FIG.
122. The flow in FIG. 123 describes the functions of the driver
circuit 7503, and therefore operations centered on related
functions have been extracted for illustration; however, there are
other operations of the application processor 7039, such as typical
functions of mobile telephones and like, which are not represented
in the flow of FIG. 123. The flow of FIG. 123 starts when the main
power source of the mobile telephone is turned on. In Step S412,
initial startup and a function check of each unit are performed, as
well as initiating screen display on a display unit of the mobile
telephone. Next, in Step S414, the cartilage conduction unit and
mobile telephone outgoing-talk unit functions are turned off, and
the routine advances to Step S416. Turning off of the cartilage
conduction units is accomplished by turning off the power supply to
the driver circuit 7503 from the power management circuit 7053 of
FIG. 122.
[0814] In Step S416, a check is performed to determine if an
operation to playback a previously recorded voice memo has been
performed. In the event that no voice memo playback operation has
been detected, the routine proceeds to Step S418, and a check is
performed to determine if the current state is one in which another
caller's answer to a telephone call request, or a call through
mobile radio waves based on an incoming call, is in progress. When
the current state is the talk state, the routine proceeds to Step
S420, the cartilage conduction units and the outgoing-talk unit are
turned on, and routine proceeds to Step S422.
[0815] In Step S422, a check is performed to determine if a setting
for a person with conductive hearing loss has been made, and in the
event that this setting has not been made, the routine advances to
Step S424. In Step S424, a check is performed to determine if the
current state is one in which an earplug bone conduction effect has
arisen due to closing of the external auditory meatus, and in the
event this is not the case, the routine proceeds to Step S426, and
advances to Step S428, without applying a signal in which the
waveform of the user's own voice is inverted. The process of
application/non-application of a waveform-inverted signal of the
user's own voice has been described in Step S52 to Step S56 in the
flow of FIG. 10, and therefore the details are omitted here. In
Step S428, proportions of participation by the respective outputs
of the equalizers 7538a, 7538b, and 7538c are set to optimal values
for the talk state appropriate to a normal individual, and the
routine advances to Step S430.
[0816] On the other hand, when a state in which the earplug bone
conduction effect has occurred due to closing of the external
auditory meatus is detected in Step S424, the routine advances to
Step S431, and a waveform-inverted signal of the user's own voice
is added; also, in Step S432, participation by the direct air
conduction equalizer 7538c is halted, whereupon the routine
advances to Step S430. As noted previously, the reason for doing so
is that there is no direct air conduction, due to closure of the
external auditory meatus. In a case in which it has been detected
in Step S422 that a setting for a person with conductive hearing
loss has been made, the routine advances to Step S434, the extent
of participation by the cartilage-bone conduction equalizer 7538a
is boosted, and routine advances to Step S430.
[0817] In Step S430, a check is performed to determine whether the
call has ended, and in the event this is not the case, returns to
Step S422, and repeats Step S422 to Step S434 for as long as the
call has not ended. In so doing, participation by the respective
outputs of the equalizers 7538a, 7538b, and 7538c can be modified
in response to changes in settings or conditions during a call. On
the other hand, in the event that the call is detected to have
ended in Step S430, the routine advances to Step S436, the
cartilage conduction unit and the outgoing-talk unit functions are
turned off, and routine proceeds to Step S438.
[0818] In contrast to this, in the event that a voice memo playback
operation has been detected in Step S416, the routine advances to
Step S440, and the extent of participation by the direct air
conduction equalizer 7538c is boosted. The reason is that, in the
aforedescribed manner, since sound not produced in the course of a
call, such as that of playback of a voice memo, is not cut off at
3000 Hz and above, in terms of sound quality, it is appropriate to
boost participation by direct air conduction. Next, in Step S442,
the cartilage conduction units are turned on, the routine advances
to Step S444, and a voice memo playback process is performed. Then,
once the voice memo playback process is finished, the routine
advances to Step S446, the cartilage conduction unit is turned off,
and routine advances to Step S438. When the talk state is not
detected in Step S418, the routine advances directly to Step
S438.
[0819] In Step S438, a check performed to determine whether the
main power source of the mobile telephone has been turned off, and
in the event that the main power source is not off, Step S416 to
Step S446 are subsequently repeated according to circumstances, for
as long as turning off of the main power source is not detected in
Step S438. In contrast to this, in the event that turning off of
the main power source is detected in Step S438, the flow
terminates.
Eighty-Third Embodiment
[0820] FIGS. 124A and 124B are perspective views relating to an
eighty-third embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and
is configured as a notebook-type large-screen mobile telephone 7601
equipped with mobile telephone functionality. FIG. 124(A) is a
front view of the mobile telephone 7601. The mobile telephone 7601
is provided with a large-screen display unit 7605 that doubles as a
touch panel. The mobile telephone 7601 is further provided with a
cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681
connected to the right edge thereof by a universal joint 7603. The
cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681, at its
upper end, constitutes a cartilage conduction unit 7624, and is
furnished in its medial section with a microphone 7623. As
discussed below, the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 has as structure whereby it
is possible for the cartilage conduction unit 7624 to be withdrawn
upward; in FIG. 124(A), however, the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 is shown in the stowed state
in which it is basically not being used.
[0821] FIG. 124(B) shows a state in a case in which the mobile
telephone functionality of the mobile telephone 7601 is being
utilized; it will be appreciated that it is possible for the
cartilage conduction unit 7624 to be withdrawn upward as shown by
an arrow 7681a, as well as for the cartilage conduction unit 7624
to be lowered forward as shown by an arrow 7681b. Because the
cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 is
connected to the mobile telephone 7601 by the universal joint 7603
in the aforedescribed manner, the direction of lowering is not
limited to the forward direction, and lowering can take place in
any direction.
[0822] Due to the aforedescribed configuration, with the mobile
telephone 7601, for example, placed on a desktop and maintained in
an orientation such that content displayed on the large-screen
display unit 7605 (such as newspapers, e-books, graphics, or the
like) can be viewed, the withdrawn cartilage conduction unit 7624
can be placed by hand against the cartilage of the ear, so that
calls can be made by the mobile telephone. At this time, one's own
voice can be picked up by the microphone 7623, which is positioned
close to the mouth during the call state. However, there is no
limitation to this orientation, and it would be possible, while
holding the mobile telephone 7601 in the hand, to appropriately
adjust the withdrawn length and direction of the cartilage
conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681, to place the
cartilage conduction unit 7624 against the cartilage of the ear.
The cartilage conduction unit 7624 is designed such that, even with
the mobile telephone 7601 placed on the knees, by virtue of a
structure resembling that of an antenna, the withdrawn length
thereof is likewise sufficient to deal with such a case.
[0823] When the mobile telephone 7601 is used in the state shown in
FIG. 124(A), when there is an incoming call to the mobile
telephone, the call can be answered instantaneously by withdrawing
the cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681.
Further, when the operation of withdrawing the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 is interlinked to the
operation of answering the incoming call, one-touch operation is
possible, further improving the ease of use. Likewise, when one
wishes to place a mobile telephone call while using the mobile
telephone 7601 in the state shown in FIG. 124(A), after performing
an operation from the touch panel/large-screen display unit 7605 to
choose a contact to be called, the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 is withdrawn and placed
against the ear. At this time, when the operation of withdrawing
the cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 is
interlinked to the call request operation, the call can be placed
through a one-touch operation.
[0824] In FIG. 124(B), the mobile telephone is shown being used in
an orientation in which the screen is viewed in landscape mode, but
it would be possible to use the unit in portrait mode as well. For
example, when used in portrait mode with the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 side upward, the cartilage
conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 may be used by
extending it to reach the cartilage of the ear from the upper right
corner of the portrait-oriented screen. Both in the case of a
landscape-oriented screen and portrait-oriented screen, the
cartilage conduction unit 7624 may be used while placed against the
cartilage of the right ear, but the mobile telephone 7601 can be
rotated to an orientation affording ease of listening with the left
ear. For example, when the unit is used in landscape mode with the
cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 side
downward, the cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit
7681 can be used by extending it to reach the cartilage of the left
ear from the lower left corner of the portrait-oriented screen.
Further, when used in landscape mode flipped top to bottom from the
state shown in FIG. 124(B), the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681 can be used by extending it
to reach the cartilage of the left ear from the upper left corner
of the landscape-oriented screen. In either case, because the
cartilage conduction unit 7624 is linked to the mobile telephone
7601 by the universal joint 7603 and the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7681, which is extendable and
retractable from the mobile telephone 7601 without being separated
therefrom, the configuration is easy to use, even during use while
being carried around.
[0825] FIG. 125 is a perspective view showing a modification
example of the eighty-third embodiment of FIGS. 124A and 124B, and
like the eighty-third embodiment, is configured as a notebook-type
large-screen mobile telephone 7701 equipped with mobile telephone
functionality. A point of difference between the modification
example of FIG. 125 and the eighty-third embodiment of FIG. 124 is
that the device is provided with a cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7781 connected by a universal
joint 7703 at the upper right corner of the right edge of a touch
panel/large-screen display unit 7705 when used in portrait mode. As
a result, the cartilage conduction unit 7624 is situated at the
bottom end of the cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk
unit 7781. In this modification example, a microphone 7723 is
furnished on the main body side of the mobile telephone 7701.
[0826] Due to the aforedescribed structure, it is possible for the
cartilage conduction unit 7724 to be drawn downward as shown by an
arrow 7781a, as well as raised forward as shown by an arrow 7781b.
As the cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7781
is connected to the mobile telephone 7701 by the universal joint
7701 in the same manner as in the eighty-third embodiment of FIGS.
124A and 124B, the direction of raising is not limited to a forward
direction, and raising can take place in any direction. In the case
of the modification example of FIG. 125, when used as illustrated
in the portrait mode, the cartilage conduction
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7781 is used by extending it to
reach the cartilage of the right ear from the upper right corner of
the portrait-oriented screen. In contrast to this, when, for
example, used in landscape screen mode with the cartilage
conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7781 side down, the
cartilage conduction outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit 7781 is used
by extending it to reach the cartilage of the right ear from the
lower right corner of the landscape-oriented screen. The
modification example of FIG. 125, like the eighty-third embodiment
of FIGS. 124A and 124B, can be used easily while placed against the
left ear in either portrait screen mode or landscape screen mode,
through appropriate rotation of the screen.
[0827] In both the eighty-third embodiment of FIGS. 124A and 124B
and the modification example thereof in FIG. 125, the cartilage
conduction unit may be configured from a piezoelectric bimorph
element, or configured from an electromagnetic vibrator. The
structure of the eighty-third embodiment of FIGS. 124A and 124B and
the modification example thereof in FIG. 125 is not limited to a
cartilage conduction system, and a configuration in which an
earphone comprising an ordinary air-conduction speaker is attached
at the location of the cartilage conduction unit would also be
acceptable.
[0828] Implementation of the present invention is not limited to
the aforedescribed embodiments, and the various advantages of the
present invention can be enjoyed in other embodiments as well.
Further, these features may be interchanged or utilized in
combination among various embodiments. For example, in the
eighty-second embodiment shown in FIG. 122 and FIG. 123, the
cartilage-bone conduction equalizer 7538a, the cartilage-air
conduction equalizer 7538b, and the direct air conduction equalizer
7538c are respectively shown as hardware blocks, but identical
functions could be accomplished through digital acoustic processing
circuit software as well. Further, in the configuration in the
eighty-second embodiment, modification of the equalizers according
to conditions entails modifying the mixing ratios of the outputs of
three equalizers; however, provided that the final output of the
digital acoustic processing circuit 7538 is comparable,
modification of the equalizers may be performed in block.
Eighty-Fourth Embodiment
[0829] FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C are perspective views and a cross
sectional view relating to an eighty-fourth embodiment according to
an aspect of the present invention, configured as an ordinary
mobile telephone 7801 and cartilage conduction soft cover 7863
therefor. FIG. 126(A) is a perspective view of the ordinary mobile
telephone 7801 of the eighty-fourth embodiment and the sheathing
cartilage conduction soft cover 7863, seen from the front face. Due
to the elasticity of the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863, the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is protected in the event that the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is dropped by accident or the like,
and the upper right side corner of the cover also serves as a
cartilage conduction unit 7824, as will be discussed below. The
ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is a mobile telephone of ordinary
smartphone type, having a microphone 23 and an earphone 213
comprising an air-conduction speaker. The left upper part of the
mobile telephone 7801 is furnished with an external earphone jack
for an external earphone. Meanwhile, the cartilage conduction soft
cover 7863 is furnished with an external earphone plug 7885; sound
signals for vibrating the cartilage conduction unit 7824 are
conducted from the external earphone plug 7885 which is plugged
into the external earphone jack.
[0830] To sheath the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 in the
cartilage conduction soft cover 7863, firstly, the cartilage
conduction soft cover 7863 is turned nearly inside-out, and the
external earphone plug 7885 is inserted into the external earphone
jack; thereafter, the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 in its
entirety is sheathed in the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863.
Once the external earphone plug 7885 has been inserted into the
external earphone jack from the outside, sound output from the
earphone 213 turns off, and sound signals for vibrating the
cartilage conduction unit 7824 are output from the external
earphone jack. Because a portion of the cartilage conduction soft
cover 7863 constitutes the cartilage conduction unit 7824, an
elastic material having acoustic impedance close to that of ear
cartilage (silicone rubber, mixtures of silicone rubber and
butadiene rubber, natural rubber, or structure of these with air
bubbles sealed therein) is adopted.
[0831] FIG. 126(B) is a cross-sectional view of an upper part of
the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 taken in B1-B1 cross
section in FIG. 126(A), through a plane perpendicular to the front
surface and the side faces of the cartilage conduction soft cover
7863. From FIG. 126(B) it will be clear that the upper right side
corner of the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 constitutes the
cartilage conduction unit 7824, and an electromagnetic vibrator
7825 constituting a cartilage conduction vibration source is
embedded to the inside thereof. The upper part of the cartilage
conduction soft cover 7863 is furnished with a conduction part
driver 7840 for driving the electromagnetic vibrator 7825, and with
a replaceable power source cell 7848 for supplying power thereto.
The electromagnetic vibrator 7825 vibrates when driven by the
conduction part driver 7840 on the basis of a sound signal input
from the external earphone plug 7885. The direction of vibration is
a direction perpendicular to a large-screen display unit 7805 of
the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 (see FIG. 126(A)) as shown by an
arrow 7825a.
[0832] FIG. 126(C) is a cross-sectional view of an upper part of
the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 taken in B21-B2 cross
section in FIG. 126(A) or FIG. 126(B), through a plane
perpendicular to the front surface and the top face of the ordinary
mobile telephone 7801 and the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863.
As will be appreciated from FIG. 126(C), by sheathing the ordinary
mobile telephone 7801 in the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863,
the electromagnetic vibrator 7825 serving as the cartilage
conduction vibration source is integrated with the ordinary mobile
telephone 7801, and vibrates in response to the sound signal
supplied by the external earphone plug 7885. In so doing, simply by
sheathing the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 in the cartilage
conduction soft cover 7863 without making any additional
modifications, the unit can be transformed into a cartilage
conduction type mobile telephone similar, for example, to the
sixtieth embodiment of FIGS. 90A, 90B and 90C.
[0833] In the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 126A, 126B and
126C, when the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is sheathed in the
cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 in the aforedescribed manner,
the cartilage conduction unit 7824 is formed exclusively in the
right side corner as seen in the drawing. This state is one
suitable for making a call while holding the ordinary mobile
telephone 7801 with the right hand and listening with the right
ear. To hold the unit with the left hand and listen with the left
ear, the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 would be switched between
hands so as to face it rearward and thereby face the cartilage
conduction unit 7824 towards the left ear, in the manner described
in the twelfth embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B and the thirty-sixth
embodiment of FIGS. 56A and 56B.
[0834] FIG. 127 is a block diagram of the eighty-fourth embodiment
of FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C. In the block diagram, the ordinary
mobile telephone 7801 has much in common with the ordinary mobile
telephone 1601 in the sixty-ninth embodiment of FIG. 102, and
therefore the same reference numerals have been assigned to common
parts, and descriptions are omitted. A point of difference between
FIG. 127 and FIG. 102 is that the short-range communication unit
1446 has been omitted from the illustration in FIG. 127, while an
external earphone jack 7846 is illustrated. However, this does not
mean that the ordinary mobile telephone 1601 of FIG. 102 and the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801 of FIG. 127 are in fact different,
but merely that appropriate omission of illustration has been made,
as required by the description.
[0835] As will be clear from the block diagram of FIG. 127, in a
state in which the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 has been sheathed
in the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863, the external earphone
plug 7885 is inserted into the external earphone jack 7846 of the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801, and the conduction unit driver 7840
drives the electromagnetic vibrator 7825 on the basis of sound
signals output from an incoming-talk-processing unit 212 of the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801.
[0836] FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C are cross sectional views showing
a modification example of the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS.
126A, 126B and 126C. Common reference numerals have been assigned
to portions in common with FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C, omitting
descriptions thereof, and describing only the different portions.
FIG. 128(A) is a cross sectional view of the cartilage conduction
soft cover 7963 sheathing the ordinary mobile telephone 7801, seen
from the front face, with the upper part split lengthwise. As will
be clear from FIG. 128(A) and FIG. 128(B), the cartilage conduction
soft cover 7863 of the modification example is furnished with a
cavity 7963a, and an external earphone plug 7985 is arranged in
such a way as to be able move freely within the cavity 7963a.
Consequently, prior to sheathing the ordinary mobile telephone 7801
in the cartilage conduction soft cover 7963, the external earphone
plug 7985 readily inserts into the external earphone jack 7846.
Then, once it is confirmed that the external earphone plug 7985 has
been correctly inserted into the external earphone jack 7846 of the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801, the ordinary mobile telephone 7801
can be sheathed within the cartilage conduction soft cover
7863.
[0837] A second point of difference between the modification
example of FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C and the eighty-fourth
embodiment of FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C are that the cartilage
conduction soft cover 7963 is furnished with a relay external
earphone jack 7946. In so doing, despite the fact that the original
external earphone jack 7846 of the ordinary mobile telephone 7801
is obstructed, in cases in which it is desired to listen to music
or the like, it is possible to use the unit in the customary
manner, through insertion of an ordinary external earphone or the
like into the relay external earphone jack 7946. The relay external
earphone jack 7946 is furnished with a switch 7946a which, in a
case in which a sound signal is being propagated from the external
earphone plug 7985 to the conduction unit driver 7840, and an
ordinary external earphone or the like has been inserted into the
relay external earphone jack 7946, will ordinarily switch the sound
signal from the external earphone plug 7985 so as to be output from
the relay external earphone jack 7946.
[0838] FIG. 129 is a block diagram of a modification example of the
eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C. Common
reference numerals have been assigned to portions in common with
ones in the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 127, and descriptions
thereof are omitted. Identical reference numerals have been
assigned also to portions identical to FIGS. 128A, 128B and 128C,
omitting descriptions unless necessary. As will be clear from FIG.
129, a sound signal from the external earphone plug 7985 is
branched by the switch 7946a; ordinarily, the sound signal will be
propagated from the external earphone plug 7985 to the conduction
unit driver 7840 while mechanically detecting insertion of an
ordinary external earphone or the like into the relay external
earphone jack 7946, to thereby switch the sound signal from the
external earphone plug 7985 by a mechanical switch, so as to be
output from the relay external earphone jack 7946.
Eighty-Fifth Embodiment
[0839] FIGS. 130A-130C are perspective views and a cross sectional
view relating to an eighty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect
of the present invention, and to a modification example thereof,
configured as a mobile telephone 8001 or 8001x. The eighty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 130A-130C have much in common with the
fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B and 83C, and therefore the
same reference numerals have been assigned to common parts, and
descriptions are omitted. The eighty-fifth embodiment of FIGS.
130A-130C differ from the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 83A, 83B
and 83C in that only the right cartilage conduction unit 5124 at
the right side in the drawing is provided, and in terms of the
associated configuration of a microphone 8023 or 8123.
[0840] As will be clear from FIG. 130(A) and from FIG. 130(B)
showing a B1-B1 cross section thereof, in the eighty-fifth
embodiment, the cartilage conduction unit 5124 is furnished at one
side only. Consequently, in the same manner as the twelfth
embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B, the thirty-sixth embodiment of
FIGS. 56A and 56B, and the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 126A,
126B and 126C, in the illustrated state, the cartilage conduction
unit 5124 is used while held against the right ear, but may be
switched between hands so that the mobile telephone faces 8001
rearward, in order to use the cartilage conduction unit 5124 while
held against the left ear. In association therewith, the user's
mouth will be positioned to the front surface side, or to the rear
surface side, of the mobile telephone 8001.
[0841] As will be clear from FIG. 130(A), to accommodate use of the
cartilage conduction unit 5124 from both the front and back sides
in this manner, the microphone 8023 is furnished in lower part of
the right side surface of the mobile telephone 8001. The microphone
8023 is configured such that directionality 8023a to pick up sound
from the front surface side and directionality 8023b to pick up
sound from the rear surface side are symmetrical, and such that the
voice is picked up evenly from the rear side. In so doing, the
user's voice can be picked up evenly, both in cases in which a call
is made with the cartilage conduction unit 5124 placed against the
right ear so that the front surface side of the mobile telephone
8001 is opposed to the face, and in cases in which a call is made
with the cartilage conduction unit 5124 placed against the left ear
so that the rear surface side of the mobile telephone 8001 is
opposed to the face.
[0842] FIG. 130(C) is a modification example of the eighty-fifth
embodiment, showing the mobile telephone 8001x viewed from the
bottom surface side. This modification example of the eighty-fifth
embodiment differs only in the placement of the microphone 8123,
and in other respects is identical to the eighty-fifth embodiment;
therefore only the bottom surface is shown in FIG. 130(C), omitting
the rest from the illustration. As will be clear from FIG. 130(C),
in the modification example of the eighty-fifth embodiment, the
microphone 8123 is furnished at the right side of the lower surface
of the mobile telephone 8001x. In the same manner as in the
eighty-fifth embodiment, the microphone 8123 is constituted such
that directionality 8123a to pick up sound from the front surface
side and directionality 8123b to pick up sound from the rear
surface side are symmetrical. In so doing, in the modification
example as well, the user's voice can be picked up evenly, both in
cases in which a call is made from the front surface side of the
mobile telephone 8001x, and cases in which a call is made from the
rear surface side. It goes without saying that the cartilage
conduction unit 5124 can be employed in common, in both
instances.
[0843] The features of the present invention described above are
not limited to implementation in the aforedescribed embodiments,
and are implementable in other aspects provided that the advantages
thereof can be enjoyed. For example, in the eighty-fourth
embodiment of FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C, the left side in the
drawing is not furnished with a cartilage conduction unit, in order
that the external earphone plug 7885 may be placed there; however,
in cases in which no connection terminal for a sound signal from
the external earphone pack 7846 or the like is present at the upper
surface of the ordinary mobile telephone 7801, it would be
possible, utilizing the space on the upper surface, to have
cartilage conduction units at both the left and right corners.
While a separate power source cell 7848 was provided for operation
of the conduction unit driver 7840, in cases in which the external
output level of the ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is sufficient
for direct driving of the cartilage conduction unit 7824, it would
be possible to omit the power source. In cases in which power
source supply is not necessary for operation of the conduction unit
driver 7840, or in cases in which an output terminal of the
ordinary mobile telephone 7801 is configured such that power source
supply together with the sound signal is possible, there is no need
to have the separate power source cell 7848. Further, in the
eighty-fourth embodiment, the electromagnetic vibrator 7825 was
adopted as the cartilage conduction vibration source, but there is
no limitation to this, and a piezoelectric bimorph element may be
adopted as the cartilage conduction vibration source, as in other
embodiments, as long as it is possible for the conduction unit
driver 7840 to operate on the basis of power supply from a separate
power source or from the ordinary mobile telephone 7801.
[0844] In the eighty-fourth embodiment of FIGS. 126A, 126B and
126C, the mobile telephone accessory device for vibrating the
cartilage conduction unit on the basis of external audio output of
the ordinary mobile telephone was configured as a soft cover;
however, implementation of the present invention is not limited to
this. For example, depending on the shape of the mobile telephone
and the placement of the external audio output terminal, the device
may be configured as a hard case type mobile telephone accessory
device of a shape that clips onto the upper part of the mobile
telephone. In this case, when an external earphone jack is situated
in the upper part of the mobile telephone, it is possible to
utilize an external earphone plug section inserted into the
external earphone jack, to position the mobile telephone accessory
device and to support it in the clipped state.
[0845] In the eighty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 130A-130C, depending
on the directionality settings of the microphone 8023 or 8123,
there is a significant possibility of picking up outside noise;
however, in cases in which the environment-noise microphone of the
first example of FIG. 1 or the fiftieth embodiment of FIG. 75 is
provided, this could be utilized to cancel the outside noise.
Eighty-Sixth Embodiment
[0846] FIG. 131 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-sixth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a mobile telephone 8101. The block diagram of FIG.
131 relating to the eighty-sixth embodiment has much in common with
the block diagram of FIG. 82 relating to the fifty-fourth
embodiment, and therefore identical reference numerals have been
assigned to identical portions, and descriptions are omitted. The
eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131 differs from the fifty-fourth
embodiment of FIG. 82 in terms of the configuration of a cartilage
conduction equalizer 8138, the details of which are discussed
below. Additionally, FIG. 131 depicts an external earphone jack
8146 for connecting an earphone to listen to sound from an
incoming-call processing unit 212, and a short-range wireless
communication unit 8147 for short-range wireless communication with
a mobile telephone accessory device, such as a headset designed to
be worn on the head.
[0847] Next, employing FIGS. 132A-132C, the functions of the
cartilage conduction equalizer 8138 in the eighty-sixth embodiment
of FIG. 131 will be described. FIG. 132(A) is an image diagram of
the frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric bimorph element
constituting a cartilage conduction vibration source in a cartilage
conduction vibration unit 228 employed in the eighty-sixth
embodiment, showing the results of measurements of vibrational
acceleration level at each frequency. As will be clear in FIG.
132(A), the piezoelectric bimorph element vibrates strongly in a
frequency band of 800 Hz and above, but exhibits generally flat
frequency characteristics up to about 10 kHz, aside from a few
peaks and valleys.
[0848] FIG. 132(B) is an image diagram of results of measurements
of vibrational acceleration level of ear cartilage at each
frequency, while a piezoelectric bimorph element like that
described above has been placed into contact with ear cartilage. As
will be clear from FIG. 132(B), ear cartilage exhibits large
vibrational acceleration levels approaching those of the 1-2 kHz
band, even in a band of 1 kHz or below, in which vibration of the
piezoelectric bimorph element serving as the vibration source is
relatively weak. This means that, in the frequency characteristics
of ear cartilage, there is satisfactory transmission of vibration
in a band of 1 kHz or below. Further, as will be clear from FIG.
132(B), despite the fact that vibration of the piezoelectric
bimorph element serving as the vibration source is generally flat,
ear cartilage exhibits a drop in vibrational acceleration level in
a high frequency band starting from around 3 kHz. This means that,
in the frequency characteristics of ear cartilage, vibration
transmission efficiency drops in a high frequency band starting
from around 3 kHz.
[0849] From examination of a graph showing an example of empirical
data for the mobile telephone of the forty-sixth embodiment shown
in FIG. 79 on the basis of the above results, it is understood that
the amplification of sound pressure, for example, in a 300 Hz-2500
Hz band, due to a transition from non-contact state shown by a
solid line to a contact state shown by a single-dotted broken line,
represents an aggregation of air-conducted sound in the non-contact
state, plus air-conducted sound arriving via cartilage conduction
through ear cartilage having the frequency characteristics shown in
FIG. 132(B). The fact that the difference between the non-contact
state shown by the solid line and the contact state shown by the
single-dotted line is smaller in a band to the high-frequency end
of 2500 Hz is consistent with the drop in the vibrational
acceleration level in the high frequency band starting from around
3 kHz, which is observed in the frequency characteristics of ear
cartilage shown in FIG. 132(B).
[0850] Further, in FIG. 79, in a frequency band from about 1 kHz to
above 2 kHz, sound pressure in the non-contact state shown by the
solid line and sound pressure in an unoccluded external auditory
meatus state shown by the single-dotted line exhibit a tendency to
increase or decrease in substantially identical directions, with
respect to frequency change. In contrast to this, sound pressure in
the non-contact state shown by the solid line and sound pressure in
a occluded external auditory meatus state shown by the
double-dotted line in FIG. 79 exhibit a tendency to increase or
decrease in opposite directions overall, with respect to frequency
change. This means that the direct air-conducted sound component,
which has strong effect from about 1 kHz to above 2 kHz, disappears
upon closure of the entrance of the external auditory meatus, so
that the effect of the frequency characteristics of ear cartilage,
in which vibration transmission efficiency drops in the high
frequency band, is expressed directly. As shown above, because the
frequency characteristics of sound pressure in the unoccluded
external auditory meatus state and the frequency characteristics of
sound pressure in the occluded external auditory meatus state
differ as a result of the frequency characteristics of ear
cartilage shown in FIG. 132(B), there is a change in the quality of
sound heard when the external auditory meatus is occluded.
[0851] FIG. 132(C) further shows an image of equalization of the
drive output to a piezoelectric bimorph element for the purpose of
correcting the frequency characteristics of ear cartilage shown in
FIG. 132(B). The solid line shows equalization performed in the
unoccluded external auditory meatus state, and the dashed line
equalization performed in the occluded external auditory meatus
state. This equalization, as well as shifting between gain shown by
the solid line and gain shown by the broken line, are performed by
the cartilage conduction equalizer 8138 which is controlled by a
controller 8139.
[0852] As shown in FIG. 132(C), in the unoccluded external auditory
meatus state, gain in the drive output is increased in the high
frequency band from around 2500 Hz. Gain shift opposite in tendency
from that in the frequency characteristics of ear cartilage shown
in FIG. 132(B) with respect to frequency change is applied thereby,
correcting the small difference between the non-contact state shown
by the solid line and the contact state shown by the single-dotted
line in FIG. 79.
[0853] In the high frequency band from around 2500 Hz, the effect
of direct air conduction entering from the entrance of the external
auditory meatus is large, whereas sound pressure produced by
cartilage conduction is relatively small with respect thereto.
Consequently, in cases in which this can be ignored, assuming the
gain shown by the solid line in FIG. 132(C) to be flat, the
eighty-six embodiment can be modified so as to perform equalization
identical to equalization for ordinary direct air conduction.
[0854] In contrast to this, in the occluded external auditory
meatus state shown by the dashed line in FIG. 132(C), in the high
frequency band from around 2500 Hz, gain in the drive output is
greatly elevated above that in the unoccluded external auditory
meatus state shown by the solid line, as shown by an arrow. This
corrects the frequency characteristics of sound pressure in the
occluded external auditory meatus state, in which the effect of the
frequency characteristics of ear cartilage are expressed directly,
preventing changes in sound quality when the external auditory
meatus is occluded.
[0855] As shown in FIG. 132(B), whereas ear cartilage exhibits a
drop in vibrational acceleration level in a high frequency band
starting from around 3 kHz, vibration per se is still possible, and
therefore drop in sound pressure can be ameliorated by increasing
the gain in the drive output in this frequency band. The extent to
which to increase the gain is decided upon taking into
consideration the fact that, in frequency band, the vibrational
acceleration level of ear cartilage is low, and the efficiency with
which sound pressure is increased despite increasing the drive
output is poor. Moreover, because the sound signal sampling cycle
in the telephone is 8 kHz and audio information above 4 kHz is
absent from the outset, the fact that ear cartilage has frequency
characteristics such that sound signals on the high-frequency band
end are propagated with difficulty as shown in FIG. 132(C) does not
pose a problem, and the principal components of the sound signal
frequency band can be transmitted efficiently. By increasing the
gain at the high-frequency end in a frequency band of 4 kHz and
below in the aforedescribed manner, the sound quality of the sound
signal can be improved.
[0856] The gain shift shown by the solid line and the dashed line
in FIG. 132(C) may be performed automatically, for example, through
detection by the pressure sensor 242 such as in the fifty-fourth
embodiment. Alternatively, a microphone like the environment-noise
microphone 4638 of the fiftieth embodiment could be furnished,
switching automatically according to whether or not noise is
greater than a predetermined level. In this case, on the assumption
that, when noise is greater than a predetermined level, occlusion
of the entrance of the external auditory meatus by the tragus or
the like will have occurred with stronger pressing force against
the ear cartilage naturally occurring as the user attempts to
listen closely, the noise level at which automatic switching takes
place may be set based on average values obtained through
experimentation.
[0857] In preferred practice, the gain shifts shown by the solid
line and the dashed line in FIG. 132(C) will be performed while
employing a moving average value for pressure sensor output or
environment-noise microphone output within a predetermined time
interval, to avoid cumbersome shifting between the two. However,
when the external auditory meatus becomes occluded, due to an
earplug bone conduction effect (herein, the phenomenon designated
thusly is the same as that known as the "external auditory meatus
occlusion effect"), sound becomes louder, and there tends to be a
noticeable change in sound quality; therefore, gain shifting may
incorporate an element of hysteresis whereby, through a
configuration in which shifting takes place relatively slowly, for
example by performing gain shifts in a direction from the solid
line to the dashed line in FIG. 132(C) rapidly in response to a
detected increase in pressing force or environment noise, but
holding back from performing gain shifts in a direction towards the
solid line from the dashed line associated with softer sound, until
change in a decreasing direction has been detected a predetermined
number of times.
[0858] FIG. 133 is a flowchart showing functions of a controller
8139 the eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131. The flow of FIG. 133
primarily describes control of the cartilage conduction equalizer
8138, and therefore operations centered on related functions have
been extracted for illustration, and there are other operations of
the controller 8139, such as typical functions of mobile telephones
and like, which are not represented in the flow of FIG. 133. While
it is possible for the controller 8139 to concomitantly accomplish
functions shown in various other embodiments, to avoid complexity,
illustrations and descriptions of these functions as well have been
omitted in FIG. 133.
[0859] The flow of FIG. 133 starts when the main power source of
the mobile telephone 8101 is turned on, and in Step S452, initial
startup and a function check of each unit are performed, as well as
initiating screen display on a display unit 205 of the mobile
telephone 8101. Next, in Step S454, the functions of the cartilage
conduction unit (the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228) and
the outgoing-talk unit (the outgoing-talk-processing unit 222) of
the mobile telephone 8101 are turned off, and the routine advances
to Step S456.
[0860] In Step S456, a check is performed to determine whether an
earphone or the like has been inserted in the external earphone
jack 8146. Then, in the event that insertion into the external
earphone jack 8146 is not detected, the routine proceeds to Step
S458, in which a check is performed to determine whether
short-range communication has been established with a mobile
telephone accessory device, such as a headset, by a short-range
communication unit 8147. In the event this is not the case either,
the routine proceeds to Step S460, and a check is performed to
determine whether the current state is one in which another
caller's answer to a telephone call request, or a call through
mobile radio waves based on an incoming call, is in progress. When
the current state is the talk state, the routine proceeds to Step
S462, the cartilage conduction unit (the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 228) and the outgoing-talk unit (the
outgoing-talk-processing unit 222) are turned on, and routine
proceeds to Step S464.
[0861] In Step S464, a check is performed to determine whether the
current state is one an earplug bone conduction effect has occurred
due to occlusion of entrance of the external auditory meatus, and
in the event this is not the case, the routine advances to Step
S466, then proceeds to Step S468 without applying a signal in which
the waveform of the user's own voice is inverted. The process of
application/non-application of a waveform-inverted signal of the
user's own voice has been described in Step S52 to Step S56 in the
flow of FIG. 10, and therefore the details are omitted here. In
Step S468, the equalization indicated by the solid line in FIG.
132(C) is established, and the routine advances to Step S470. The
equalization performed in Step S468 involves increasing the gain in
drive output in the high-frequency band from around 2500 Hz, the
equalization being premised on significant participation by
direct-air conduction entering from the entrance of the external
auditory meatus. As a modified embodiment, a configuration like
that described above, in which equalization in Step S468 and
equalization for the purpose of ordinary direct air conduction are
the same, would be acceptable.
[0862] On the other hand, when occurrence of an earplug bone
conduction effect due to occlusion of the entrance of the external
auditory meatus has been detected in Step S464, the routine
advances to Step S471, applying a waveform-inverted signal of the
user's own voice, as well as establishing equalization involving
increased gain in drive output in the high-frequency band from
around 2500 Hz in Step S472, and advances to Step S470.
[0863] In Step S470, a check is performed to determine whether the
call has ended, and in the event this is not the case, returns to
Step S464, repeating Step S464 to Step S472 for as long as the call
has not ended. In so doing, equalization can be shifted between the
solid line and the dash line of FIG. 132(C) in response to changes
in settings or conditions during a call. On the other hand, in the
event that the call is detected to have ended in Step S470, the
routine advances to Step S474, the functions of the cartilage
conduction unit (the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228) and
the outgoing-talk unit (the outgoing-talk-processing unit 212) of
the mobile telephone 8101 are turned off, and the routine proceeds
to Step S476. When the talk state is not detected in Step S460, the
routine advances directly to Step S476.
[0864] In contrast to this, when insertion into the external
earphone jack 8146 has been detected in Step S456, or establishment
of short-range communication with a mobile telephone accessory
device has been detected in Step S458, the routine advances to Step
S478. In Step S478, a check is performed in the same manner as in
Step S460, to ascertain whether a call through mobile radio waves
is in progress. In the event that the device is not currently in
the talk state, the routine proceeds to Step S480, equalization for
the purpose of normal air conduction is established, and the
routine advances to Step S482.
[0865] In Step S482, a check is performed to determine whether the
call has ended, and in the event this is not the case, returns to
Step S480, repeating Step S480 to Step S482 for as long as the call
has not ended. On the other hand, in the event that the call is
detected to have ended in Step S482, the routine advances to Step
S476. When the talk state is not detected in Step S478, the routine
advances directly to Step S476.
[0866] In Step S476, a check is performed to determine whether or
not the main power source of the mobile telephone 8101 has been
turned off, and in the event the main power source is not off, the
routine returns to Step S456, and thereafter repeats Step S456 to
Step S482 for as long as turning off of the main power source is
not detected in Step S476. In contrast to this, once it is detected
in Step S456 that the main power source has turned off, the flow
terminates.
[0867] FIGS. 134A and 134B are perspective views showing a
modification example of the eighty-sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
131. For the description of FIGS. 134A and 134B, borrowing from
FIG. 110(A) and FIG. 100(B) of the seventy-third embodiment which
is similar in external appearance, common portions have been
assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions have been
omitted. FIG. 134(A) is a front perspective view of the mobile
telephone 8101, and FIG. 134(B) is a back perspective view of the
mobile telephone 8101. In FIGS. 134A and 134B, unlike in the
seventy-third embodiment, the in-camera 8117 is situated in an
upper part of the mobile telephone 8101.
[0868] In the modification example of the eighty-sixth embodiment
shown in FIGS. 134A and 134B, the back surface of the mobile
telephone 8101 is furnished with a pressing force sensing unit 8142
for detecting obstruction of the external auditory meatus, as shown
in FIG. 134(B). This pressing force sensing unit 8142 is positioned
at a location of spontaneous touching by the index finger of the
hand when the mobile telephone 8101 is held against the ear by the
user. When the user presses the mobile telephone 8101 forcefully
against the ear to the extent that the external auditory meatus
becomes obstructed, the intensity with which the index finger
supporting this action presses against the pressing force sensing
unit 8142 increases. Obstruction of the external auditory meatus is
thereby detected on the basis of the output of the pressing force
sensing unit 8142.
[0869] In order to avoid unintentional operation, as shown in FIG.
134(A), the upper part of the mobile telephone 8101 is furnished
with a pair of infrared light-emitting units 8119, 8120
constituting proximity sensors for detecting that the mobile
telephone 8101 is contacting the ear for the purpose of a call, and
a common infrared light proximity sensor 8121 for picking up
reflected infrared light from the ear. In so doing, the pressing
force sensing unit 8142 is functional only when the mobile
telephone 8101 is contacting the ear, so that in the event that the
user applies force to the pressing force sensing unit 8142 while,
for example, looking at the display screen 6905 or the like, the
mobile telephone 8101 will not react.
[0870] The pressing force sensing unit 8142 is furnished near a
central portion thereof with a pressure-sensitive protrusion 8142a,
not only as a means for detecting when the intensity of spontaneous
pressing by the index finger exceeds as predetermined level, but
also to enable intentional pressing operations thereof. In this
way, the pressing force sensing unit 8142 can also function as a
manual switch for equalization switching.
Eighty-Seventh Embodiment
[0871] FIG. 135 is a block diagram relating to an eighty-seventh
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a typical mobile telephone 1601 and a headset 8281
capable of short-range communication therewith. FIG. 135 has much
in common with the seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29, and therefore
the same reference numerals are assigned to the common portions,
omitting descriptions unless necessary.
[0872] The eighty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 135 differs from the
seventeenth embodiment of FIG. 29 in that the headset 8281 has a
cartilage conduction equalizer 8238 controlled by a controller
8239. The cartilage conduction equalizer 8238 has functions
resembling those of the cartilage conduction equalizer 8138 of the
eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131, and adopts a piezoelectric
bimorph element having frequency characteristics in common with
that shown in FIG. 132(A), as a vibration source for a cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1626. The device is configured to perform
the equalization shown in FIG. 132(C), in order to handle the
frequency characteristics of ear cartilage shown in FIG. 132(B).
Switching between the solid line and the dashed line of FIG. 132(C)
is performed on the basis of detection by a bending detection unit
1588.
[0873] In the eighty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 135, the sound
signal on which equalization on the premise of normal air
conduction has been performed is transmitted to the headset 8281 by
the mobile telephone 1601 from the short-range communication unit
1446. The headset 8281 is configured to have the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1626, and therefore the equalization
shown in FIG. 132(C) is performed by the cartilage conduction
equalizer 8238, on the basis of the received sound signal.
[0874] Returning to the eighty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 86A, 86B
and 86C to supplement the description, when insertion of the
external earphone jack 8146 has been detected in Step S456 of the
flowchart of FIG. 133, or when establishment of short-range
communication with a mobile telephone accessory device has been
detected in Step S458, normal air equalization is performed. The
reason for doing so is that the device is assumed to be compatible
with normal air type earphones and headsets or, in the case of a
cartilage conduction type headset, to be paired with a headset
which is itself provided with the cartilage conduction equalizer
8238, as in the eighty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 135.
Eighty-Eighth Embodiment
[0875] FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and 136E are perspective views
and cross sectional views relating to an eighty-eighth embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, configured as a
mobile telephone 8201. A feature of the eighty-eighth embodiment
resides in the structure of the cartilage conduction unit, and
therefore the description shall center thereon; configurations
shown in the other embodiments can be adopted, as appropriate, for
the other portions, so illustrations and descriptions of these are
omitted. FIG. 136(A) is a front perspective view of the
eighty-eighth embodiment. The configuration of chassis of the
mobile telephone 8201 is one in which a front panel 8201a of
plastic or the like and a back panel 8201b of plastic or the like
sandwich a metal frame. The metal frame is divided into an upper
frame 8227, a right frame 8201c, a lower frame 8201d, and a left
frame 8201e (not visible in FIG. 136(A)), with elastic bodies 8201f
respectively interposed therebetween. The front panel 8201a is
furnished with a window for a large-screen display unit 8205, and
with a window for a microphone 8223 and a window for an in-camera
8017.
[0876] At an inside center part of the upper frame 8227 an
electromagnetic vibrator 8225 serving as a cartilage conduction
vibration source is anchored in such a way as to vibrate in a
direction perpendicular to the front panel 8201a. The
electromagnetic vibrator 8225 has substantially no contact with
parts other than the upper frame 8227, so vibration of the
electromagnetic vibrator 8225 is propagated only to the upper frame
8227. Vibration of the electromagnetic vibrator 8225 propagated to
the center part of the upper frame 8227 is transmitted to a right
side corner part 8224 and a left side corner part 8226 of the
electromagnetic vibrator 8225, which serve as cartilage conduction
units. In this way, according to the eighty-eighth embodiment, the
metal upper frame 8227 is concomitantly employed for cartilage
conduction, and in the same manner as in other embodiments, upper
corner parts at the left and right of the chassis of the mobile
telephone 8201 (the right side corner part 8224 and the left side
corner part 8226) function as cartilage conduction units. However,
in the eighty-eighth embodiment, in the same manner as in the
fourth embodiment of FIG. 7, the upper frame 8227 does not vibrate
solely at the right side corner part 8224 at the right edge and the
left side corner part 8226 at the left edge, but rather vibrates in
its entirety, whereby audio information can be transmitted
regardless of which part of the inside upper edge side of the
mobile telephone 8201 is placed against the ear cartilage. This
will be discussed in detail below.
[0877] The configuration of the eighty-eighth embodiment is
properly described as one whereby, when the inside upper edge of
the mobile telephone 8201 is placed against the ear cartilage, an
area proximate to the upper edge of the front panel 8201a actually
contacts the ear cartilage. That is, vibration of the upper frame
8227 (including the right side corner part 8224 and the left side
corner part 8226) is propagated to an area proximate to the upper
edge part of the front panel 8201a, from whence it is transmitted
to the ear cartilage. Moreover, as vibration of the upper frame
8227 entails vibration of an area proximate to the upper edge part
of the front panel 8201a over a relatively large surface area,
required air conduction is generated from the upper edge part of
the front panel 8201a as well. The eighty-eighth embodiment can be
said to share this feature in common with the tenth embodiment of
FIG. 19. Specifically, the electromagnetic vibrator 8225 serves as
the cartilage conduction vibration source, and concomitantly as a
drive source for the incoming-call unit, for generating sound waves
which are propagated to the eardrum through ordinary air
conduction. Consequently, in the same manner as in other
embodiments, it is possible to make calls in a manner benefiting
from the advantages of cartilage conduction, in a style in which an
upper corner part of the mobile telephone 8201 placed against the
ear cartilage, such as the tragus; while at the same time it is
possible to make calls in the ordinary style, i.e., with the
vicinity of an upper edge center part of the mobile telephone 8201
placed against the ear. Further, because the upper edge part of the
front panel 8201a vibrates over a relatively wide surface area in
the aforedescribed manner, air-conducted sound can be generated at
the required level from an ordinary mobile telephone, even one not
furnished with an incoming-call unit that relies on air conduction,
such as a speaker. The details of this will be discussed below.
[0878] Moreover, due to being isolated from the right frame 8201c
and the left frame 8201e by the elastic bodies 8201f, transmission
of vibration the upper frame 8227 to the lower part of the chassis
is suppressed, so in the same manner as in other embodiments, the
vibration energy of the electromagnetic vibrator 8225 serving as
the cartilage conduction vibration source can be efficiently
contained within the upper frame 8227. Vibration of the upper frame
8227, by virtue of the contact thereof with the front panel 8201a
in the aforedescribed manner, is manifested as vibration over a
relatively wide surface area in the vicinity of an upper edge
thereof. However, vibration of a lower part of the front panel
8201a is suppressed by the right frame 8201c, the lower frame
8201d, and the left frame 8201e which, due to the interposed
elastic bodies 8201f, have low vibration transmission, whereby
vibration of the front panel 8201a is reduced in the course of
traveling downward (through a portion including the large-screen
display unit 8205), where sound generation is unwanted.
[0879] The upper frame 8227 also concomitantly performs the
function of the antenna 5345 of the telephone function unit shown
in the fifty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 87. In specific terms, the
antenna 5345 includes a transmission antenna and a reception
antenna; in the eighty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C,
136D and 136E, the upper frame 8227 which serves as a cartilage
conduction unit is employed concomitantly as an antenna for
reception as well.
[0880] Further, an external earphone jack 8246 like that in the
eighty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 127 is anchored to the upper frame
8227. In so doing, the upper frame 8227 can be furnished with the
external earphone jack 8246 by means of a structure of utmost
simplicity. In the aforedescribed structure, when the upper frame
8227 vibrates, the external earphone jack 8246 will vibrate as
well; however, when an external earphone plug has been inserted
into the external earphone jack 8246, this is detected, whereby
vibration of the upper frame 8227 is halted. Consequently, in a
state in which cartilage conduction is propagated to ear cartilage,
vibration of the external earphone jack 8246 does not pose a
problem because no external earphone plug is inserted, whereas when
an external earphone plug is inserted, vibration of the upper frame
8227 is halted, so there is no problem in this case either.
Likewise, when the upper frame 8227 vibrates, this vibration is
propagated to the in-camera 8017 as well via internal structures
and the front panel 8201a or the like, but when the device is in
videoconferencing mode using the in-camera 8017, vibration of the
upper frame 8227 is halted, and therefore there is no problem in
this case either.
[0881] Further, a power switch 8209 is situated on the upper frame
8227. To make it possible to slide the power switch 8209 up and
down with respect to the upper frame 8227, it is positioned within
a window in the upper frame 8227, leaving a small gap, so as to not
contact the upper frame 8227. In so doing, when the upper frame
8227 vibrates, the vibration thereof will not be propagated to the
power switch 8209, nor will the inside edge of the window of the
vibrating upper frame 8227 strike or chatter against the power
switch 8209.
[0882] FIG. 136(B) is a B1-B1 cross sectional view of FIG. 136(A),
in which identical portions are assigned the same reference
numerals, omitting discussion thereof unless necessary. As will be
clear from FIG. 136(B), the electromagnetic vibrator 8225 is
anchored to an inside center part of the upper frame 8227, and
connected to a driver circuit terminal by a flexible connector
cable 8225a. Moreover, as will be clear from FIG. 136(B), the
electromagnetic vibrator 8225 has substantially no contact with
parts other than the upper frame 8227. Further, because the elastic
bodies 8201f have been respectively interposed between the upper
frame 8227, the right frame 8201c, and the left frame 8201e,
transmission of vibration of the upper frame 8227 to the lower part
of the chassis is suppressed. In this way, the upper frame 8227 may
be employed concomitantly in suitable fashion as a cartilage
conduction unit.
[0883] As will be clear from FIG. 136(B), the upper frame 8227 is
connected to an antenna terminal of the telephone function unit by
a flexible connector cable 8227a, and thereby employed
concomitantly as a reception antenna. Moreover, the external
earphone jack 8246 is anchored to the upper frame 8227, and
connected to an external output circuit terminal by a flexible
connector cable 8246a. The upper frame 8227 is moreover furnished
with a window for placement of the power switch 8209, making it
possible for the power switch 8209, which has been furnished to a
waterproof power switch unit 8209a, to move up and down without
contacting the upper frame 8227 due to a small gap relative to the
inner edge of the window. The waterproof power switch unit 8209a is
supported by an internal structure 8209b, and connected to a
controller terminal by a wire 8209c. A waterproof packing is
sandwiched between the inside edge of the window of the upper frame
8227 and the waterproof power switch unit 8209a, making it possible
for the upper frame 8227 to vibrate independently of the waterproof
power switch unit 8209a, as well as to prevent water from
infiltrating between the two.
[0884] FIG. 136(C) is a top view of FIG. 136(A), in which identical
portions are assigned the same reference numerals, omitting
discussion thereof unless necessary. As will be clear from FIG.
136(C), an upper edge of the front panel 8201a and an upper edge of
the back panel 8201b are configured to sandwich the upper frame
8227. The external earphone jack 8246 and the power switch 8209 are
exposed on the upper frame 8227.
[0885] FIG. 136(D) is the B2-B2 cross sectional view shown in FIG.
136(A) to FIG. 136(C), in which identical portions are assigned the
same reference numerals, omitting discussion thereof unless
necessary. As will be clear from FIG. 136(D), the front panel 8201a
and the back panel 8201b are configured to sandwich the upper frame
8227. The electromagnetic vibrator 8225 is anchored to the inside
center part of the upper frame 8227. As will be clear from FIG.
136(D), the electromagnetic vibrator 8225 has substantially no
contact with any parts other than the upper frame 8227.
[0886] FIG. 136(E) is the B3-B3 cross sectional view shown in FIG.
136(B), in which identical portions are assigned the same reference
numerals, omitting discussion thereof unless necessary. As will be
clear from FIG. 136(E), the front panel 8201a and the back panel
8201b are configured to sandwich a right corner part 8224 of an
edge part of the upper frame 8227. As will be clear from FIG.
136(E), an elastic body 8201f is interposed between the right
corner part 8224 of the edge part of the upper frame 8227 and the
right frame 8201c, suppressing transmission of vibration of the
upper frame 8227 (including the right corner part 8224) to the
lower part of the chassis (including the right frame 8201c).
[0887] FIGS. 137A and 137B are-is side views of the mobile
telephone 8201, describing a talk state in the eighty-eighth
embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and 136E. FIG. 137(A) is
a view substantially similar to FIG. 2(A) shown in the first
embodiment, and shows the mobile telephone 8201 placed against the
right ear 28 while held in the right hand. Like FIG. 2, FIG. 137(A)
is a view of the face seen from the right side, in which the back
surface side (the rear side in FIG. 136(A)) of the mobile telephone
8201 is visible. As in FIG. 2, the mobile telephone 8201 is shown
by single-dotted lines in order to depict the relationship of the
mobile telephone 8201 and the right ear 28.
[0888] In the mobile telephone 8201 of the eighty-eighth
embodiment, the entire upper frame 8227 vibrates, and in the talk
state of FIG. 137(A), as in FIG. 2(A), the right corner part 8224
contacts the left ear 28 in proximity to the tragus, whereby the
advantages of cartilage conduction during a call are realized in
the same manner as in other embodiments.
[0889] In contrast to this, FIG. 137(B) shows a call being made in
the ordinary style, with an area proximate to the upper edge center
part of the mobile telephone 8201 pressed against the ear. At this
time as well, because a relatively long area 8227b in a center
portion of the upper frame 8227 contacts the cartilage surrounding
the entrance of the external auditory meatus, talk through the
agency of cartilage conduction is possible. Further, as described
previously, because the upper edge part of the mobile telephone
8201 vibrates through a relatively wide surface area, air-conducted
sound can be generated at the required level from an ordinary
mobile telephone. Consequently, in the talk state as in FIG.
137(B), talk is possible through the agency of cartilage conduction
from the center portion of the upper frame 8227, and through the
agency of air-conducted sound entering through the entrance of the
external auditory meatus. An air-conducted sound component entering
through the entrance of the external auditory meatus is present in
the talk state shown in FIG. 137(A) as well, but the proportion
thereof is greater in FIG. 137(B).
[0890] The mobile telephone 8201 of the eighty-eighth embodiment
shares in common with other embodiments the fact that the
advantages of cartilage conduction can be utilized to the maximum
in the call style shown in FIG. 137(A). However, with the mobile
telephone 8201 of the eighty-eighth embodiment, when used as shown
in FIG. 137(B), whether out of user preference or a
misunderstanding of how the device should be used, the device can
nevertheless be used without any problem as an ordinary mobile
telephone, and air-conducted sound can be generated at the required
level, even when the device is not furnished with an incoming-call
unit that relies on air conduction, such as a speaker, and as such
is a commercially viable configuration meeting specifications for
an ordinary mobile telephone.
[0891] While FIGS. 137A and 137B describe the case of use with the
right ear, in the case of using the mobile telephone 8201 with the
left ear, in exactly the same manner, use in a style with the left
corner part 8226 placed in contact with an area proximate to the
tragus of the left ear, as well as talk in the ordinary style with
the upper center part of the mobile telephone 8201 pressed against
the ear, are possible.
[0892] FIGS. 138A, 138B, 138C and 138D are cross sectional views
showing modification examples of the eighty-eighth embodiment of
FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and 136E. The modification examples
relate to configurations whereby vibration energy may be further
concentrated in the proximity to the upper edge of the front panel
8201a which actually contacts the ear cartilage when the inside
upper edge of the mobile telephone 8201 is pressed against the ear
cartilage. FIG. 138(A) is exactly the same as FIG. 136(E), and is
illustrated again for reference. Consequently, FIG. 138(A) is the
B3-B3 cross section in FIG. 136(B), in which the upper frame 8227
and the right corner part 8224 thereof are visible in cross
section. The modification examples are configured such that upper
edge-proximate portions of the front panel 8201a and the back panel
8201b are thinner than other portions, thereby modifying the width
and shape of the right corner part 8224, but in the modification
examples, the cross section proximate to the upper edges of the
front panel 8201a and the back panel 8201b, and the width of the
upper surface of the upper frame 8227, in both the left corner part
8226 and the center part are identical to those in the right corner
part 8224.
[0893] FIG. 138(B) is configured such that an upper edge-proximate
portion 8201g of the front panel 8201a is thinner than other
portions, and likewise for the back panel 8021b as well, an upper
edge-proximate portion 8201h thereof is thinner than other
portions. In correspondence therewith, the width of the right
corner part 8224a of the upper frame 8227 is greater than that of a
right frame 8201i. In association with this, the cross section of
an elastic body 8201j is trapezoidal so as to connect the two. By
configuring the upper edge-proximate portion 8201g of the front
panel and the upper edge-proximate portion 8201h of the back panel
8201b, which contact the vibrating upper frame 8227 in this way, to
respectively be thinner than other portions, these upper
edge-proximate portions vibrate more easily, and better propagate
vibration of the upper frame 8227. The lower parts of the front
panel 8201a and the back panel 8201b are more resistant to
vibration, due to the difference in thickness.
[0894] FIG. 138(C) is configured such that the inside of an upper
edge-proximate portion 8201k of the front panel 8201a has a tapered
shape becoming thinner towards the top, and likewise in the back
panel 8021b as well, the inside of an upper edge-proximate portion
8201m thereof has a tapered shape becoming thinner towards the top.
In association with this, a right corner part 8224b of the upper
frame 8227 is trapezoidal. With this configuration as well, the
upper edge-proximate portion 8201k of the front panel 8201a and the
upper edge-proximate portion 8201m of the back panel 8201b which
contact the vibrating upper frame 8227 vibrate more easily, and
better propagate vibration of the upper frame 8227. The lower parts
of the front panel 8201a and the back panel 8201b are more
resistant to vibration, due to their increasing thickness in the
downward direction.
[0895] FIG. 138(D) is configured such that the outside of an upper
edge-proximate portion 8201n of the front panel 8201a has a tapered
shape becoming thinner towards the top, and likewise in the back
panel 8021b as well, the outside of an upper edge-proximate portion
8201p thereof has a tapered shape becoming thinner towards the top.
With this configuration as well, the upper edge-proximate portion
8201n of the front panel 8201a and the upper edge-proximate portion
8201p of the back panel 8201b which contact the vibrating upper
frame vibrate more easily, and better propagate vibration of the
upper frame 8227. The lower parts of the front panel 8201a and the
back panel 8201b are more resistant to vibration, due to their
increasing thickness in the downward direction.
[0896] The various features of the embodiments described above are
not limited to implementation in the aforedescribed embodiments,
and may be implemented in other embodiments as well, provided that
the advantages thereof can be enjoyed by doing so. For example, in
the eighty-eighth embodiment, the cartilage conduction vibration
source was configured as an electromagnetic vibrator. An
electromagnetic vibrator is suited to in layouts which members are
closely packed on the upper part of a mobile telephone. However,
the cartilage conduction vibration source adopted in the
eighty-eighth embodiment is not limited to one of electromagnetic
type, and a piezoelectric bimorph element like those shown in other
embodiments, for example, would be acceptable.
Eighty-Ninth Embodiment
[0897] FIGS. 139A and 139B are system configuration diagrams of an
eighty-ninth embodiment of an aspect according to the present
invention. The eighty-ninth embodiment is configured as a headset
for use as an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, which, together with an ordinary mobile telephone 1401,
makes up a mobile telephone system. In the eighty-ninth embodiment,
as in the twenty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 37, a cartilage
conduction unit is situated at a location touching an anterior
region at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear
28 (the mastoid process side of the auricle attachment region), and
a headset 8381 incorporating the cartilage conduction unit is
capable of communicating with the ordinary mobile telephone 1401
through a short-range communication unit 8387 such as a
Bluetooth.TM. device or the like. Consequently, portions in common
with FIG. 37 have been assigned common reference numbers, and
descriptions thereof are omitted. Also, reference numbers have not
been assigned to the mobile telephone 1401 portions.
[0898] FIG. 139(A) is a side view showing a relationship of the
headset 8381 and the ear 28 in the eighty-ninth embodiment. As will
be clear from FIG. 139(A), the headset 8381 of the eighty-ninth
embodiment comprises an ear-hook unit 8382 incorporating the
cartilage conduction unit, and headset body 8384, the two being
connected by a detachable cable 8381a. The headset body 8384 has a
microphone 8323 or the like, and clips to a breast pocket or the
like. In FIG. 139(A), to avoid complexity while providing a clear
overview of the interrelationships, the ear 28 is depicted by solid
lines, and the ear-hook unit 8382 for hooking onto the outside 1828
of the base thereof is depicted by imaginary lines, with the
internal configuration omitted.
[0899] In contrast to this, FIG. 139(B) is a system configuration
diagram from which illustration of the ear, except for the entrance
of the external auditory meatus (the earhole) 232, has been
omitted, and which shows the details of the headset 8381 of the
eighty-ninth embodiment, together with the mobile telephone 1401.
Portions identical to those in FIG. 139(A) have been assigned the
same reference numerals. The ear-hook unit 8382, shown in cross
section in FIG. 139(B), is constituted of elastic material of
acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage. As will be
clear from FIG. 139(B), the inner edge of the ear-hook unit 8382
constitutes a contact part for linear contact hooked around the
base of the ear 28 along the outside 1828 thereof. A holding part
8325a made of hard material is furnished in proximity to a portion
closest to the external auditory meatus entrance (the earhole) 232,
at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28,
with one end of a piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 being
supported in cantilever fashion by this holding part 8325a.
[0900] As will be clear from FIG. 139(B), the piezoelectric bimorph
element 8325 does not contact the interior of the ear-hook unit
8382 in any portion thereof other than the support part 8325a,
whereby the other end side (connection terminal side) of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 vibrates freely, the
counteraction thereof being transmitted as vibration to the support
part 8325a. Vibration of the support part 8325a is then transmitted
from the inner edge of the ear-hook unit 8382 to the outside 1828
of the base of ear 28 in linear contact therewith, this vibration
producing air-conducted sound from the external auditory meatus
inner wall through the agency of the cartilage surrounding the
external auditory meatus opening, which sound is transmitted to the
eardrum. The outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of ear is
close to the external auditory meatus entrance 232 to the inside
thereof, providing suitable conditions for producing air conduction
in the external auditory meatus interior, from the cartilage
surrounding the external auditory meatus opening.
[0901] Meanwhile, the headset body 8384 has the short-range
communication unit 8387 such as a Bluetooth.TM. device or the like,
which is capable of communicating with the mobile telephone 1401. A
sound signal received by radio waves 1285 through the short-range
communication unit 8387 from the mobile telephone 1401 is presented
from a sound unit 8336 to an amplifier 8340 via an acoustic
processing circuit 8338. The amp 8340 drives the piezoelectric
bimorph element 8325 from a connector 8346 via a cable 8381a. A
sound signal picked up by the microphone 8323 is transmitted to the
mobile telephone 1401 from the short-range communication unit 8387
by the radio waves 1285 via the sound unit 8336. A controller 8339
controls the short-range communication unit 8387, the acoustic
processing circuit 8338, and the sound unit 8336, as well as
transmitting operation signals from an operating unit 8309 to the
mobile telephone 1401 from the short-range communication unit 8387.
A power supply unit 8348 including a rechargeable cell supplies
power to the entire headset 8381.
[0902] In the preceding eighty-ninth embodiment, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 8325 for cartilage conduction is situated in the
ear-hook unit 8382 while the microphone 8323 is situated in the
headset body 8384, the two being separated from one another and
connected only by the flexible cable 8381a, so that the microphone
8323 is unaffected by vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 8325. Moreover, in the eighty-ninth embodiment, vibration
for the purpose of cartilage conduction is transmitted from the
rear side of the ear 28, and therefore the external auditory meatus
entrance (the earhole) 232 is completely free, so entry of sounds,
such as a car horn, into the ear in an emergency situation is
unimpeded, nor is there the discomfort associated with inserting an
earphone or the like into the external auditory meatus entrance
(the earhole) 232. An external auditory meatus occluding effect can
readily be obtained by covering the ear 28 with the hand in order
to enhance the cartilage conduction effect, whereby increased
volume and blockage of outside noise can be achieved.
[0903] In FIGS. 139A and 139B, for simplicity, only one ear-hook
unit 8382, that for the right ear, is illustrated; however, it
would be possible for an ear-hook unit of similar configuration for
the left ear to be connected in common to the headset body 8384,
and the respective ear-hook units hooked on both ears to afford a
stereo reception unit. In so doing, ordinary calls are easier to
hear, and the configuration is one suited to enjoyment of music as
well.
Ninetieth Embodiment
[0904] FIGS. 140A and 140B are system configuration diagrams of a
ninetieth embodiment of an aspect according to the present
invention. The ninetieth embodiment is likewise configured as a
headset for use as an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, which, together with the ordinary mobile telephone 1401,
makes up a mobile telephone system. In the ninetieth embodiment, as
in the eighty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B, a cartilage
conduction unit is situated at a location touching an anterior
region at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear
28, and a headset 8481 incorporating the cartilage conduction unit
is capable of communicating with the ordinary mobile telephone 1401
through a short-range communication unit 8487 such as a
Bluetooth.TM. device or the like. Consequently, portions in common
with FIGS. 139A and 139B have been assigned common reference
numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0905] FIG. 140(A) is a side view showing a relationship of the
headset 8481 and the ear 28 in the ninetieth embodiment. As will be
clear from FIG. 140(A), a point of difference between the ninetieth
embodiment and the eighty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B
are that the headset 8481 is configured as an integrated unit. That
is, in the ninetieth embodiment, the microphone and other
configurations are situated within the headset 8481. In FIG.
140(A), adopting the same convention as in the eighty-ninth
embodiment, the ear 28 is shown by solid lines, and the ear-hook
unit 8482 for hooking onto the outside 1828 of the base thereof is
depicted by imaginary lines, with the internal configuration
omitted.
[0906] In contrast to this, FIG. 140(B), like FIG. 139(B), is a
system configuration diagram from which illustration of the ear 28,
except for the entrance of the external auditory meatus (the
earhole) 232, has been omitted, and which shows the details of the
headset 8481 of the ninetieth embodiment, together with the mobile
telephone 1401. Portions identical to those in FIG. 140(A) have
been assigned the same reference numerals. The headset 8481, shown
in cross section in FIG. 140(B), has the ear-hook unit 8482
constituted of elastic material, the inner edge of which
constitutes a contact part for linear contact while hooked around
the base of the ear 28 along the outside 1828 thereof. Moreover, as
in the eighty-ninth embodiment, a piezoelectric bimorph element
8325 is supported at one end in cantilever fashion by a holding
part 8482a situated closest to the external auditory meatus
entrance (the earhole) 232, at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of
the base of the ear 28.
[0907] As will be clear from FIG. 140(B), in the ninetieth
embodiment as well, the piezoelectric bimorph element 8425 does not
contact the interior of the ear-hook unit 8482 in any portion
thereof other than the support part 8482a, whereby the other end
side (connection terminal side) of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 8425 vibrates freely, the counteraction thereof being
transmitted as vibration to the support part 8482a. Vibration of
the support part 8482a is then transmitted in the same manner as in
the eighty-ninth embodiment, from the inner edge of the ear-hook
unit 8482 to the outside 1828 of the base of ear 28 in linear
contact therewith, this vibration producing air-conducted sound
from the external auditory meatus inner wall through the agency of
the cartilage surrounding the external auditory meatus opening,
which sound is transmitted to the eardrum.
[0908] An upper part of the ear-hook unit 8482 is continuous with
an anterior part 8484 comprising the same hard material, and
situated across a gap 8481b therefrom. The anterior part 8484 is
furnished with the short-range communication unit 8487 such as a
Bluetooth.TM. device or the like, capable of communicating with the
mobile telephone 1401. A sound signal received by the short-range
communication unit 8487 by radio waves 1285 from the mobile
telephone 1401 is presented from a sound unit 8436 to an amplifier
8440 via an acoustic processing circuit 8438, in an arrangement
identical to the eighty-ninth embodiment. The amp 8440 drives the
piezoelectric bimorph element 8425 through a cable 8481a passing
from the anterior part 8484 and through a connecting part to the
ear-hook unit 8482. While omitted from the illustration in FIG.
140(B), the ninetieth embodiment also has a controller and an
operating unit analogous to those in the eighty-ninth
embodiment.
[0909] The microphone 8423, which is furnished to a distal end of
an extension part 8481c a considerable distance below a portion
connecting to the ear-hook unit 8482, is connected to the sound
unit 8486. In so doing, sound signals picked up by the microphone
8423 are transmitted to the mobile telephone 1401 by the radio
waves 1285, from the short-range communication unit 8487 via the
sound unit 8436.
[0910] A rechargeable cell 8485 of a power supply unit for
supplying power to the headset 8481 as a whole is situated
intervening between the ear-hook unit 8482 and the extension part
8481c within the anterior part 8484. According to the ninetieth
embodiment, the headset 8481 is of integrated configuration, and
therefore vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 8425 is
propagated to the anterior part 8484 from the ear-hook unit 8482.
However, due to the cell 8485 being situated in the aforedescribed
manner, vibration of the anterior part 8484 is suppressed midway by
weight of the cell 8485, and the vibration component transmitted to
the extension part 8481c is small. Consequently, the effects of
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 8425 on the
microphone 8423 are minimal.
Ninety-First Embodiment
[0911] FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C are cross sectional views and a
block diagram relating to a ninety-first embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention, configured as a stereo headphone
system 8581. The ninety-first embodiment is based on the
sixty-third embodiment of FIGS. 95A, 95B and 95C, and therefore
descriptions of elements common to both are omitted to the greatest
possible extent, focusing the description on the elements being
added. FIG. 141(A) shows a cross sectional view of the entirety of
the stereo headphone system 8581 which is similar to the
sixty-third embodiment. The stereo headphone system 8581 has a
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 and a left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8526, which respectively are conical (cone)-shaped
convex shapes. Piezoelectric bimorph elements 8525a and 8525b are
respectively attached such that the vibrating surface side thereof
contacts the unit. FIG. 141(A) also shows a block diagram of a
sound signal source unit 8584 in the headphone system 8581, for
better understanding of the system in its entirety.
[0912] An added feature of the ninety-first embodiment resides in
passage holes 8524a and 8526a which are respectively furnished at
the center in the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 and the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526, a configuration that
allows outside air-conducted sound to reach the eardrum from the
external auditory meatus entrance even while the headphone system
8581 is being worn. The system is further furnished with shutters
8558 and 8559 driven by shutter drive units 8557a and 8557b,
whereby the passage holes 8524a and 8526a may be respectively
occluded as needed, so that an external auditory meatus occluding
effect can be obtained. In FIG. 141(A), the passage holes 8524a and
8526a are depicted in the unoccluded state.
[0913] A sound signal output from an acoustic processing circuit
8538 of the sound unit 8584 drives the piezoelectric bimorph
elements 8525a and 8525b via a stereo amp 8540, the vibration
thereof being propagated to the inner wall of the external auditory
meatus entrance by the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 and
the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526, giving rise to good
cartilage conduction. The sound unit 8584 is further furnished with
a shutter control unit 8539, and when outside noise at or above a
predetermined level is detected by a noise detection unit 8541, or
when manually-operated unit 8509 is manually operated as needed, an
occlusion signal is presented to the shutter drivers 8557a and
8557b, whereby the shutters 8558 and 8559 slide, and respectively
occlude the passage holes 8524a and 8526a. On the other hand, when
the noise detection unit 8541 does not detect outside noise at or
above a predetermined level, or when the manually-operated unit
8509 is manually operated once more, an unocclusion signal is
presented to the shutter drivers 8557a and 8557b, whereby the
shutters 8558 and 8559 slide, and the passage holes 8524a and 8526a
are respectively unoccluded.
[0914] FIG. 141(B) and FIG. 141(C) are enlarged fragmentary views
of FIG. 141(A), showing opening and closing of the aforedescribed
shutters. Identical portions have been assigned the same reference
numerals. For simplicity, only the right-ear cartilage conduction
unit 8524 is illustrated, but the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit 8526 is similar in design. FIG. 141(B) is the same as FIG.
141(A), showing the passage hole 8524a in the unoccluded state. In
contrast to this, FIG. 141(C) shows the shutter 8558 slid upwards,
occluding the passage hole 8524a. In so doing, in the state shown
in FIG. 141(B), while obtaining cartilage conduction, it is
possible at the same time for outside air-conducted sound to be
transmitted to the eardrum from the external auditory meatus
opening 30a. In the state shown in FIG. 141(C) on the other hand,
an external auditory meatus occlusion effect may be obtained in
cartilage conduction. According to the configuration of the
ninety-first embodiment as above, appropriate external auditory
meatus occlusion effect may be obtained automatically, or through
hand operation, without having to press the cartilage conduction
unit or block the ear with the hand.
[0915] The various features of the embodiments described above are
not limited to implementation in the aforedescribed embodiments,
and may be implemented in other aspects as well, provided that the
advantages thereof can be enjoyed by doing so. For example, the
advantages of a configuration in which an external auditory meatus
occlusion effect is obtained through occlusion and unocclusion of
the external auditory meatus entrance by shutters as shown in the
ninety-first embodiment are not limited to cases of cartilage
conduction. Specifically, in the case of ordinary bone conduction
as well, it is possible for appropriate external auditory meatus
occlusion effect to be obtained automatically, or through hand
operation, without having to block the ear with the hand.
[0916] In the eighty-ninth embodiment and the ninetieth embodiment,
piezoelectric bimorph elements were adopted as the cartilage
conduction vibration sources, but it would be possible to employ
vibrators of electromagnetic type instead. In this case, the
electromagnetic vibrator would suitably be situated in proximity to
a portion closest to the external auditory meatus entrance (the
earhole) 232, at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of
the ear 28 (a location equivalent to that of the holding part 8325a
of FIGS. 139A and 139B).
Ninety-Second Embodiment
[0917] FIGS. 142A and 142B are system configuration diagrams of a
ninety-second embodiment of an aspect according to the present
invention. The ninety-second embodiment is configured as a headset
for use as an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, which, together with the ordinary mobile telephone 1401,
makes up a mobile telephone system. In the ninety-second
embodiment, as in the ninetieth embodiment of FIGS. 140A and 140B,
a cartilage conduction unit is situated at a location touching an
anterior region at the outside 1828 of the cartilage of the base of
the ear 28, and a headset 8681 incorporating the cartilage
conduction unit is capable of communicating with the ordinary
mobile telephone 1401 through a short-range communication unit 8487
such as a Bluetooth.TM. device or the like. As FIGS. 142A and 142B
have much in common with FIGS. 140A and 140B, corresponding
portions have been assigned common reference numbers, and
descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0918] A point of difference between the ninety-second embodiment
and the ninetieth embodiment of FIGS. 140A and 140B are the use of
a contact microphone 8623 placed in direct contact against the head
or the like of the user to sense vibration thereof, rather than an
air-conduction microphone, for picking up audio. As shown in side
view in FIG. 142(A), the contact microphone 8623 is situated
touching the mastoid, which is situated in proximity to the rear
from the holding part 8482a for the piezoelectric bimorph element.
In so doing, an output unit for sound signals by cartilage
conduction, and a sound input unit relying on the contact
microphone 8623, are accommodated compactly in integrated fashion
within a space rearward from the auricle. In so doing, the headset
8681 will not get in the way when, for example, a helmet is worn
from above.
[0919] FIG. 142(B), like FIG. 140(B), is a system configuration
diagram showing the details of the headset 8681, together with the
mobile telephone 1401. As will be clear from FIG. 142(B), in the
ninety-second embodiment, as in the ninetieth embodiment, the cell
8485 is situated intervening between the ear-hook unit 8482 and the
contact microphone 8623. Consequently, vibration of the anterior
part 8484 is suppressed midway due to the weight of the cell 8485,
so the vibration component of the piezoelectric bimorph element
8425 that is ultimately transmitted to the contact microphone 8624
is small.
[0920] However, because the contact microphone 8624 directly senses
vibration, despite the aforedescribed countermeasures, there is a
possibility of it picking up vibration of the anterior part 8484,
transmitted from the piezoelectric bimorph element 8425. To deal
with this, as shown in FIG. 142(B), the signal from an acoustic
processing circuit 8438 is subjected to waveform inversion by an
inversion circuit 8640, and applied to a canceller 8636. A sound
signals picked up by the contact microphone 8623 is propagated to
the sound unit 8436 via the canceller 8636, and the signal from the
inversion circuit 8640 is applied to the canceller 8636 in
aforedescribed manner, synthesizing the signals whereby the
vibration component originating in the piezoelectric bimorph
element 8425 picked up by the contact microphone 8623 is canceled,
so that only sound signals generated by the vocal chords are
propagated to the sound unit 8436.
[0921] FIGS. 143A-143C are side views of the ear 28, showing a
modification example of the aforedescribed ninety-second
embodiment. In the modification example, the position of the
contact microphone is modified. Consequently, in FIGS. 143A-143C,
in order to describe this, the configuration of the head in
proximity to the ear 28 is illustrated in detail, while in order to
avoid complexity, illustration of the headset 8681, except for the
contact microphone, is omitted. FIG. 143(A) uses the aforedescribed
method of illustration to show, for reference purposes, the
ninety-second embodiment of FIG. 142(A) in which the contact
microphone 8683 is situated contacting an area in proximity to a
mastoid 8623a.
[0922] In contrast to this, FIG. 143(B) is a first modification
example of the ninety-second embodiment, in which a contact
microphone 8723 is situated contacting an area in proximity to a
lower jawbone 8623b. Because the lower jawbone 8623b is close to
the vocal chords, it vibrates during speech, making this a suitable
location for the contact microphone 8723 to be situated. However,
as the jawbone moves somewhat according to changes in the words
uttered, the headset 8681 is supported flexibly in order for the
contact microphone 8723 to conform to these movements.
[0923] FIG. 143(C) is a second modification example of the
ninety-second embodiment, in which a contact microphone 8823 is
situated contacting an area in proximity the mastoid 8623c side of
a sternomastoid muscle. Vibration of the vocal cords is propagated
well through the sternomastoid muscle, and the mastoid 8623a side
thereof vibrates during speech as well. Consequently, this region
is also a suitable one for the contact microphone 8883 to be
situated. However, as the mastoid 8623a side of a sternomastoid
muscle also moves somewhat according to changes in the words
uttered, the headset 8681 is supported flexibly in order for the
contact microphone 8823 to conform to these movements.
Ninety-Third Embodiment
[0924] FIGS. 144A and 144B are back views and a block diagrams of a
ninety-third embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The
ninety-third embodiment is configured as a headset 8981 serving as
an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and is
of headphone type designed such that stereo listening is possible.
The ninety-third embodiment has much in common with the
ninety-second embodiment of FIGS. 142A and 142B, and therefore
corresponding portions have been assigned the same reference
numerals, omitting descriptions thereof. In the ninety-third
embodiment, as in the ninety-second embodiment, cartilage
conduction units are situated at locations touching an anterior
part of the outside of the cartilage of the base of the ear, and a
contact microphone is employed to pick up sound.
[0925] FIG. 144(A) is a view of the headset 8981 of the
ninety-third embodiment worn on the head, seen from the back; in
order to avoid complexity, the right ear 28 and the left ear 30 are
illustrated by hypothetical lines by way of the head. In the
headset 8981, a right ear unit 8924 having a right-side
piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a and the like, and a left ear
unit 8926 having a left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a
and the like, are supported on a head arm unit 8981a. In the
ninety-third embodiment, constituent elements are apportioned
between the right ear unit 8924 and the left ear unit 8926,
affording a compact configuration overall which makes it possible,
for example, for a helmet to be worn from above.
[0926] To describe in more specific terms, as shown in FIG. 144(A),
control circuitry, such as a short-range communication unit 8487
and the like, is situated in the left ear unit 8926, and the
left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a is supported there as
well. The left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a supported
in this fashion propagates cartilage conduction from the mastoid
side of the region of attachment of the auricle. Further, a contact
microphone 8923, supported by a flexible structure via an
intervening left-side cell 8985a, contacts the lower jawbone.
Meanwhile, power source circuitry, such as a power supply unit 8985
and the like, is arranged in the right ear unit 8924, and the
right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a is supported there
as well. The right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a, like
the left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a, propagates
cartilage conduction from the mastoid side of the region of
attachment of the auricle. Stereo listening is possible thereby.
Further, a right-side cell 8985b is supported on the right ear unit
8924. In this way, the cells, which take up space, are apportioned
to the right ear unit 8924 and the left ear unit 8926.
[0927] FIG. 144(B) is a block diagram showing details of the
ninety-third embodiment; portions in common with the ninety-second
embodiment of FIG. 142(B) are assigned the same symbols, omitting
descriptions. As will be clear from FIG. 144(B), in the
ninety-third embodiment, the left-side piezoelectric bimorph
element 8926a and the contact microphone 8923 are close together
within the left ear unit 8926, and therefore in the same manner as
in the ninety-second embodiment, an inversion circuit 8640 and a
canceller 8636 are furnished for canceling of vibration components
originating in the piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a and picked
up by the contact microphone 8923. In the right ear unit 8924 on
the other hand, the right-side power supply unit 8985 receives
supply of power from the right-side cell 8985b, as well as
receiving supply of power from the left-side cell 8985a via a
connecting cable inside the head arm unit 8981a. Carrying out any
necessary voltage boosting or the like on the basis of the voltage
and charge capacity of the right-side cell 8985b and the left-side
cell 8985a, power is fed to an amplifier 8940b of the right ear
unit 8924, while also supplying power to the constituent components
of the left ear unit 8926 through the connecting cable inside the
head arm unit 8981a. Further, an acoustic processing circuit 8438
of the left ear unit 8926 transmits left ear sound signals to an
amplifier 8940a of the left ear unit 8926, and transmits right ear
sound signals to the amp 8940b of the right ear unit 8924 via the
connecting cable inside the head arm unit 8981a. In the
ninety-third embodiment, vibration of the right-side piezoelectric
bimorph element 8924a is propagated through the head arm unit
8981a, so the component picked up by the contact microphone 8923 is
sufficiently small.
Ninety-Fourth Embodiment
[0928] FIGS. 145A and 145B are back cross sectional views and a
block diagrams of a ninety-fourth embodiment of an aspect of the
present invention. The ninety-fourth embodiment is likewise
configured as a headset 9081 serving as an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and is of
headphone type designed such that stereo listening is possible. The
ninety-fourth embodiment has much in common with the ninety-second
embodiment of FIGS. 143A-143C, and therefore corresponding portions
have been assigned the same reference numerals, omitting
descriptions thereof. In the ninety-fourth embodiment, as in the
ninety-second embodiment and ninety-third embodiment, cartilage
conduction units are situated at locations touching an anterior
part of the outside of the cartilage of the base of the ear, and a
contact microphone is employed to pick up sound.
[0929] A point of difference between the ninety-fourth embodiment
and the ninety-third embodiment is that the headset 9081 is a
stereo headset of neckband type, and in association therewith, is
furnished with contact microphones 9023a and 9023b and with a
neckband unit 9081a, the pair of contact microphones 9023a and
9023b being designed to pick up, from both sides, vibration of the
sternomastoid muscle from the back surface of the neck. This region
is close to the vocal chords and vibrates well, and as such is
suited to being furnished with the contact microphones 9023a and
9023b. Moreover, as discussed below, these do not pose an obstacle
when wearing a helmet or the like.
[0930] The following specific description is based on FIG. 145(A).
FIG. 145(A) is a view of the headset 9081 of the ninety-fourth
embodiment worn on the head, seen from the back; as in FIG. 144(A),
in order to avoid complexity, the right ear 28 and the left ear 30
are illustrated by hypothetical lines by way of the head. In the
ninety-fourth embodiment of FIG. 145(A), a right ear unit 9024
having a right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a and the
like, and a left ear unit 9026 having a left-side piezoelectric
bimorph element 8926a and the like, are supported from below by the
neckband unit 9081a. The neckband unit 9081a is shaped to conform
to the back of the neck, the pair of contact microphones 9023a and
9023b being furnished to the inside thereof so as to lie to either
side of the back surface of the neck. In so doing, vibration of the
sternomastoid muscle at the back surface of the neck can be picked
up in satisfactory fashion. Contact of the pair of contact
microphones 9023a and 9023b against the back surface of the neck is
stabilized, and vibration of the sternomastoid muscle due to
vocalization from the vocal chords can be picked up in
complementary fashion from both sides.
[0931] Like the ninety-second embodiment and the ninety third
embodiment, the ninety-fourth embodiment is suited to use while
wearing a helmet. In order to describe the effects of use, a cross
section of a helmet 9081b is illustrated in FIG. 145(A). As is
clear from FIG. 145(A), the inner surface of the helmet 9081b is of
a shape loosely covering the right ear 28 and the left ear 30, and
therefore the energy of air-conducted sound generated inside the
external auditory meatus of both ears 28 and 30 on the basis of
cartilage conduction from the right-side piezoelectric bimorph
element 8924a and the left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a
is prevented from dissipating to the outside from the external
auditory meatus entrance, making it possible to hear sounds
produced by cartilage conduction at higher volume. Moreover,
because sound is not produced outside the external auditory meatus
entrance due to vibration of the helmet 9081b or the like, external
sounds audible through the helmet 9081b are not masked within the
helmet 9081b.
[0932] FIG. 145(B) is a block diagram showing details of the
configuration of the ninety-fourth embodiment, with portions in
common with the ninety-third embodiment of FIG. 144(B) being
assigned the same reference numerals, omitting descriptions
thereof. As will be clear from FIG. 145(B), in the ninety-fourth
embodiment, components of vibration of the right-side piezoelectric
bimorph element 8924a and the left-side piezoelectric bimorph
element 8926a propagated through the neckband unit 9081a and picked
by the left-side contact microphone 9023a and the right-side
contact microphone 9023b are sufficiently small. Consequently, the
configuration involving the inversion circuit 8640 and the
canceller 8683 furnished in the ninety-third embodiment for the
purpose of canceling these vibration components has been
omitted.
Ninety-Fifth Embodiment
[0933] FIG. 146 is a block diagram of a ninety-fifth embodiment of
an aspect of the present invention. The ninety-fifth embodiment is
likewise configured as a headset 9181 serving as an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile telephone, and is of
headphone type designed such that stereo listening is possible. The
ninety-fifth embodiment has much in common with the ninety-fourth
embodiment of FIGS. 145A and 145B, and therefore corresponding
portions have been assigned the same reference numerals, omitting
descriptions thereof. In the ninety-fifth embodiment, as in the
ninety-second to ninety-fourth embodiments, cartilage conduction
units are situated at locations touching an anterior part of the
outside of the cartilage of the base of the ear, and a contact
microphone is employed to pick up sound.
[0934] A difference between the ninety-fifth embodiment and the
ninety-fourth embodiment is that, in order to cancel components of
vibration of the right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a and
the left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a propagated
through a neckband unit 9181a and picked by a contact microphone
9123, the inversion circuit 8640 and the canceller 8636 are
furnished as in the ninety-third embodiment of FIGS. 144A and 144B.
Further, in the ninety-fifth embodiment, unlike the ninety-fourth
embodiment, the contact microphone 9123 is furnished in left-right
asymmetric fashion to the neckband unit 9181a. In specific terms,
the contact microphone 9123 is furnished to a location closer to
the left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a than to the
right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a.
[0935] As will be clear from FIG. 146, to counter vibration picked
up from the left-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a, the
inversion circuit 8640 and the canceller 8636 are furnished in the
same manner as in the ninety-third embodiment, and vibration
components originating in the left-side piezoelectric bimorph
element 8926a and picked up by the contact microphone 9123 are
canceled. Further, in the ninety-fifth embodiment of FIG. 146, by
furnishing an inversion circuit 9140 to counter vibration picked up
from the right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a, and
applying this inverted signal to the canceller 8636, vibration
components originating in the right-side piezoelectric bimorph
element 8924a and picked up by the contact microphone 9123 are
canceled. This configuration is useful for stereo listening in
cases in which different sound signals are input to the right-side
piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a and the left-side piezoelectric
bimorph element 8926a.
[0936] Further, in the ninety-fifth embodiment, in consideration of
the fact that the right-side piezoelectric bimorph element 8924a is
further away from the contact microphone 9123 than is the left-side
piezoelectric bimorph element 8926a, the inverted output from the
inversion circuit 9140 is attenuated by an attenuation circuit
9140a before application to the canceller 8636. In so doing,
canceling does not become excessive at times that the picked up
vibration is small.
[0937] The various features of the embodiments described above are
not limited to the aforedescribed embodiments, and may be
implemented in other aspects as well, provided that the advantages
thereof can be enjoyed by doing so. For example, the features
relating to concomitant use of a helmet, shown in the ninety-second
to ninety fifth embodiments, can be utilized in cases not limited
to ones of use in combination with a mobile telephone. For example,
exchange of audio signals with outside equipment from a sound unit
is not limited to short-range wireless communications, and
comparable advantages can be achieved in cases of exchange through
a wired connection as well.
Ninety-Sixth Embodiment
[0938] FIGS. 147A, 147B and 147C are perspective views and
cross-sectional views relating to a ninety-sixth embodiment of the
present invention according to an aspect of the present invention,
configured as a mobile telephone 9201 and a cartilage conduction
soft cover 7863 therefor in the same manner as the eighty-fourth
embodiment of FIGS. 126A, 126B and 126C. The configuration of the
ninety-sixth embodiment is substantially consistent with that of
the eighty-fourth embodiment, and therefore the same reference
numerals have been assigned to common parts, and descriptions are
omitted.
[0939] A pair of infrared light-emitting unit 9219, 9220
constituting a proximity sensor for detecting that the mobile
telephone 9201 is abutting an ear for purposes of a call, and with
a shared infrared light proximity sensor 9221 for receiving
infrared light reflected from the ear. When the proximity sensor
detects that the mobile telephone 9201 has abutted the ear, the
display backlight in the touch panel/large-screen display unit 9205
is switched off in order to conserve electricity, and the touch
panel function is disabled in order to prevent accidental
operation. This is due to the fact that the touch
panel/large-screen display unit 9205 is in contact with the cheek
or the like when the mobile telephone 9201 is brought up against
the ear, and the touch panel may execute an undesired operation in
response thereto.
[0940] In contrast, when an earphone plug is inserted into the
external earphone jack provided to the upper left part of the
mobile telephone 9201, it is not ordinarily envisioned that the
mobile telephone 9201 will be brought up against the ear and used,
and therefore the possibility that touch panel/large-screen display
unit 9205 is in contact with the cheek and that accidental
operation will occur is low. Furthermore, were the proximity sensor
to detect the finger or the like and switch off the touch panel
function, this rather would also result in an undesired operation.
For these reasons, the configuration is such that the touch panel
function is disabled by the proximity sensor when the earphone plug
has been inserted.
[0941] However, when the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 is
mounted in the manner of the ninety-sixth embodiment and the
external earphone plug 7885 is inserted into the external earphone
jack and used, the touch panel/large-screen display unit 9205 is in
contact with the cheek or the like and it is possible that the
touch panel will execute an undesired operation in response thereto
because the cartilage conduction part 7824 is brought into contact
with the ear cartilage in order to transmit vibrations thereof.
Having stated such, when the configuration is such that the touch
panel function is disabled by the proximity sensor when the
earphone plug has been inserted, it is possible that the proximity
sensor will detect a finger or the like and disable the touch panel
function when an ordinary earphone is inserted into the external
earphone jack in the manner described above and the mobile
telephone 9201 is used. In order to solve such a problem, the
ninety-sixth embodiment retains original disablement control of
touch panel function based on the use a proximity sensor and an
external earphone jack, and is yet configured so as to prevent
accidental operation caused by the touch panel/large-screen display
unit 9205 being in contact with the cheek or the like when the
cartilage conduction soft cover 7863 is mounted and the cartilage
conduction part 7824 is brought into contact with the ear
cartilage.
[0942] Specifically, when a call is initiated by performing a call
operation or the like by inputting the telephone number of the
other party or by operating the touch panel or call button 9209a in
order to make a call, or when there is an incoming call and the
touch panel operation or a response operation using the call button
9209a has been performed in order to respond thereto, the touch
panel function is disabled when a predetermined time (e.g., one
second) has elapsed after the operation. This is due to the fact
that, in these conditions, it is envisioned that the mobile
telephone 9201 on which the cartilage conduction soft cover 7863
has been mounted will be brought up against the ear, and the touch
panel functions are thought to be unnecessary. In order to conserve
energy and notify the user that the touch panel functions are
disabled, the display of the large-screen display unit 9205 is
switched off and the display backlight is switched off when the
touch panel functions are disabled.
[0943] On the other hand, a call-cutoff button 9209b or another
mechanical switch is pressed when the call has ended, whereby the
touch panel functions are enabled, and in order to notify the user
of this, the display of the large-screen display unit 9205 is
restarted and the display backlight is switched on.
[0944] It is not envisioned that the cartilage conduction part 7824
will be placed in contact with the ear cartilage during
videoconferencing, even when the cartilage conduction soft cover
7863 has been mounted and the external earphone plug 7885 is
inserted in the external earphone jack and used. For this reason,
control for disabling and enabling the touch panel in the manner
described above is not carried out during videoconferencing, and,
in the same manner as in normal cases, the touch panel functions
are not disabled by the proximity sensor when the earphone plug is
inserted. Operation related to a call is not carried out in a state
in which the earphone plug has been inserted for ordinary enjoyment
of music, functions related to a call do not occur, and therefore,
in the same manner as ordinary cases, the touch panel functions are
not disabled by the proximity sensor when the earphone plug is
inserted.
[0945] FIG. 148 is a block view of a mobile telephone 9201 portion
of the ninety-sixth embodiment in FIGS. 147A, 147B and 147C. The
mobile telephone 9201 in the ninety-sixth embodiment has much in
common with the eighty-sixth embodiment in FIG. 131, except that
the mobile telephone itself does not have cartilage
conduction-related functions, so corresponding portions have been
given the same reference numerals, and a description has been
omitted. The ninety-sixth embodiment has a pair of infrared
light-emitting units 9219, 9220 constituting a proximity sensor,
and a shared infrared light proximity sensor 9221 for receiving
infrared light reflected from the ear, as shown in FIG. 148. A
display backlight 43 and a touch panel 9268 are provided to the
touch panel/large-screen display unit 9205, and the touch panel
functions are implemented by a touch panel driver 9270 controlled
by a control unit 9239. Operations when the touch panel functions
are disabled are carried out by an operating unit 9209, which
includes a call button 9209a, a call-cutoff button 9209b, and the
like.
[0946] FIG. 149 is flowchart showing the function of the control
unit 9239 of the ninety-sixth embodiment in FIG. 148. To facilitate
understanding, the flowchart of FIG. 149 mainly illustrates an
abstraction of the functions for disabling and enabling the touch
panel, and the ordinary functions of the mobile telephone 9201 are
omitted. Therefore, various other related functions operating in
parallel with and before and after the functions illustrated in
FIG. 149 are present in the ninety-sixth embodiment.
[0947] The flow of FIG. 149 starts when the main power source
provided to the operating unit 9209 is turned on, and in Step S492,
initial startup and a function check of each unit are performed, as
well as initiating screen display on the large-screen display unit
9205. Next, in Step S494, the functions of the touch panel 9268 are
enabled, and the routine advances to Step S496. In Step 496, a
check is performed to determine whether any of various panel
operations have been performed prior to start of communications of
the mobile telephone 9201. This panel operation includes not only
menu selection and other basic operations, music enjoyment, camera
functions, and other operations unrelated to communication, but
also input of telephone numbers and email addresses for
communication, and start operations for calls and communication.
When any of these operations are detected, the routine advances to
Step S498 and performs preprocessing for communication startup
corresponding to the operation, and the routine advances to Step
S50. In the case that a panel operation corresponding to Step S496
is not detected, the routine advances directly to Step S500.
[0948] In Step S500, a check is performed to determine whether
communication has started and videoconferencing is in progress, and
if not, the routine advances to Step S502. In Step 502, a check is
performed to determine whether the external earphone jack 7846 is
in use. This applies whether any earphone plug has been inserted
into the external earphone jack 7846. When the external earphone
jack 7846 is in use, the routine advances to Step S504, and a check
is performed to determine whether there has been an incoming call
and an operation for responding thereto has been performed. If not,
the routine advances to Step S506, and naturally, when there is no
incoming call and when an operation for answering has not been
performed even when there is an incoming call, the routine advances
to Step S506. In Step S506, a check is performed to determine
whether the call function has been started on the basis of a call
operation, and if not, the routine advances to Step S508. When the
external earphone jack 7846 is being used in this manner, the
routine arrives at Step S508 with the touch panel 9268 remaining
enabled as long as the process has not entered the communication
execution stage due to an incoming call or a call operation.
[0949] In contrast, when it has been detected in Step S504 that an
operation for answering an incoming call has been performed, the
routine advances to Step S510 and waits for one second to elapse in
Step S510, after which the touch panel 9268 is disabled in step
S512 and the routine advances to Step S508. When it has been
detected in Step S506 on the basis of a call operation that the
call function has been started, the routine advances immediately to
Step S512, the touch panel 9268 is disabled, and the routine
advances to Step S508.
[0950] As described above, when an incoming call answering
operation or when the call function has been started, it can be
considered that the touch panel functions are not required, and the
touch panel 9268 is therefore disabled in Step S512. Although
omitted from FIG. 149 to avoid complexity, the display of the
large-screen display unit 9205 is turned off and the display
backlight 43 is switched off in Step S512 at the same time that the
touch panel functions are disabled, as described above.
[0951] The reason for waiting one second in Step S510 is that
incoming call is a passive one based on operation from another
party, and the operator is therefore not necessarily prepared to
answer a call in advance. Therefore, the operator may experience
discomfort were the touch panel 9268 to be disabled and the display
of the large-screen display unit 9205 turned off immediately after
an answering operation, so the display is continued for a moment.
This also has significance in that when a call is accidentally
answered, a call cutoff operation can be performed immediately
thereafter using the touch panel 9268. On the other hand, when the
waiting time is excessively long, it is possible that the touch
panel 9268 will make contact with the cheek and produce an
accidental operation as a result of the mobile telephone 9201 being
brought against the ear, so the waiting time is kept to a short
time to balance against these other factors. On the other hand, a
call operation is an active final operation that follows an
operation for choosing a contact or other required operation, and
when a call is started on the basis thereof, the configuration is
such that waiting time is not provided because the operator is not
made to feel unsure and feel discomfort even when the display of
the touch panel/large-screen display unit 9205 is turned off and
the operation of the touch panel 9268 is disabled. Thus, the
ninety-sixth embodiment is provided with a difference in the
process of arriving at disabling the touch panel when answering an
incoming call and making a call.
[0952] In step S508, a check is performed to determine whether a
mechanical operation has been made to cut off a call using the
call-cutoff button 9209b or the like, and if a mechanical operation
has been made to cut off a call, the routine advances to Step S514,
the touch panel 9268 is enabled, the call cutoff is executed in
Step S516, and the routine arrives at Step S518. Although not shown
in the drawing, when the touch panel functions are enabled, the
display of the touch panel/large-screen display unit 9205 is
restored and the display backlight 43 is simultaneously switched on
in Step S514. On the other hand, when a mechanical operation to cut
off a call in not detected in Step S508, the routine advances
directly to Step S518.
[0953] When use of the external earphone jack 7846 is not detected
in Step S502, the routine advances to Step S502 and a check is
performed to determine whether a call is in progress. When a call
is in progress, the routine advances to Step S522, and a check is
performed by the proximity sensor to determine whether the mobile
telephone 9201 has been brought up against the ear. When the mobile
telephone is detected to be abutted against the ear, the routine
advances to Step S524, the touch panel 9268 is disabled, and the
routine advances to Step S526. When the routine has arrived at Step
S524 and the touch panel 9268 is already disabled, the routine does
nothing in Step S524 and advances to Steps S526.
[0954] On the other hand, when a call in progress has not been
detected in Step S520, or when the proximity sensor has made no
detection in Step S522, the routine advances to Step S528, the
touch panel 9268 is enabled, and the routine advances to Step S526.
When the routine has arrived at Step S528 and the touch panel 9268
is already enabled, the routine does nothing in Step S528 and
advances to Steps S526.
[0955] When videoconferencing is in progress in Step S500, control
for enabling and disabling the touch panel 9268 by the proximity
sensor as described above is not carried out, and the routine
advances immediately to Step S526 with the touch panel 9268
remaining enabled. Steps S500 also serves a function for keeping
the touch panel 9268 enabled without control for disabling and
enabling the touch panel 9268 being carried out due to an incoming
call answering operation, a call start, or a mechanical operation
to cut off a call when the external earphone jack 7846 is being
used.
[0956] In step S526, a check is performed to determine whether an
operation to cutoff a call has been made using the touch panel
9268. When an operation to cut off a call has been made, the
routine advances to Step S516 and the call cutoff is executed. On
the other hand, when an operation to cut off a call is not detected
by the touch panel 9268 in Step S526, the routine advances to Step
S508. While the touch panel 9268 is disabled, the routine must
naturally advance from Step S526 to Step S508. In step S508, a
check is performed to determine whether a mechanical operation has
been made to cut off a call as previously described.
[0957] In Step S518, a check is performed to determine whether an
operation has been performed to turn off the main power source, and
if such an operation has occurred, the flow ends. On the other
hand, when an operation has been performed to turn off the main
power source has not been detected, the routine returns to Step
S496, repeats Step S496 to Step S526, and in accordance with
conditions, performs control to enable and disable the touch panel
9268, to display the large-screen display unit 9205 in
accompaniment therewith, and to switch the display backlight 43 on
and off. On the other hand, when an operation for turning off the
main power source has been detected in Step S518, the flow
ends.
[0958] The implementation of the present invention is not to be
limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and various
modifications are possible. For example, in the ninety-sixth
embodiment, a difference is provided to the process by which the
routine arrives as disabling the touch panel when responding to an
incoming call and making a call. However, the embodiment for
disabling the touch panel is not to be limited to such a
configuration, and the configuration may be such that the touch
panel 9268 is disabled by way of the same process when responding
to an incoming call and making a call.
[0959] In the ninety-sixth embodiment, Step S502, Step S520 to Step
S524, and Step S528 were omitted, and when videoconferencing is not
in progress, the configuration may be such that the control of Step
S504 to Step S516 is carried out regardless of the use of the
external earphone jack 7846.
[0960] Furthermore, in the ninety-sixth embodiment, it is possible
to: modify the routine so that Step S502 is substituted by a check
about whether a "call-related function is in operation," and if so,
the routine advances to Step S520, and if not, the routine
immediately advances to Step S18; and use a configuration in which
Step S504 to S516, and Step S526 are omitted and control carried
out by the proximity sensor in Step S520 to Step S524, and Step
S528 is performed regardless of the use of the external earphone
jack 7846 when a call-related function, excluding
videoconferencing, is in operation.
Ninety-Seventh Embodiment
[0961] FIGS. 150A, 150B, 150C and 150D are front perspective views
of a ninety-seventh embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone 9301.
The mobile telephone 9301 of the ninety-seventh embodiment is
substantially consistent with the mobile telephone 8201 of the
eighty-eighth embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals
have been assigned to common parts, and descriptions are omitted.
The internal configuration invokes the block diagram of the
twenty-sixth embodiment in FIG. 42.
[0962] The ninety-seventh embodiment differs from the eighty-eighth
embodiment in that a function for describing the method for using
the cartilage conduction function has been added. In similar
fashion to the eighty-eighth embodiment, the ninety-seventh
embodiment presents no problems to a call even when the upper edge
center part is brought into contact with the ear in the manner of
an ordinary mobile telephone. However, the right-side corner part
8224 and the left-side corner part 8226, which are cartilage
conduction parts, must be brought into contact with the ear in
order to more effective use the functions of cartilage conduction,
which is different from normal circumstances. For this reason, the
ninety-seventh embodiment has a function for describing the method
of use to a user who is unaccustomed to the use of a cartilage
conduction mobile telephone.
[0963] FIG. 150(A) is the same configuration as FIG. 136(A), except
that the videoconferencing speaker 51, and the pair of infrared
light-emitting units 19, 20 and the infrared light proximity sensor
21 constituting the proximity sensor, which are omitted from FIG.
136(A), are illustrated. These functions are the same as those
already described in the first embodiment and elsewhere and a
description of each is omitted.
[0964] FIG. 150(B) shows a cartilage conduction basic instructional
display 9305a being displayed on a large-screen display unit 8205
in the ninety-seventh embodiment. The mobile telephone 9301 of the
ninety-seventh embodiment displays "This is a cartilage conduction
smartphone for corner listening" or another cartilage conduction
basic instructional display 9305a for a predetermined time (e.g.,
five seconds) when the power is switched on. A similar display is
performed when the mobile telephone 9301 is not tilted until a call
is made and the other party answers, or until there is an incoming
call and an operation is made to receive the call.
[0965] FIG. 150(C) shows a right-corner instructional display 9305b
being displayed on the large-screen display unit 8205 in the
ninety-seventh embodiment. The mobile telephone 9301 of the
ninety-seventh embodiment displays "Please bring the right corner
to your ear hole" or another right-corner instructional display
9305b when the mobile telephone 9301 is tilted right until a call
is made and the other party answers, or until there is an incoming
call and an operation is made to receive the call. Being tilted to
the right envisions that the mobile telephone 9301 is being held in
the right hand and will be brought into contact with the right ear
for a call, and such a display is carried out for urging that the
right-side corner part 8224 be brought into contact with the right
ear. As is clear from FIG. 150(C), the right-corner instructional
display 9305b is a graphic display indicating the right-side corner
part 8224 that is to be brought to the ear.
[0966] Similarly, FIG. 150(D) shows a left-corner instructional
display 9305c being displayed on the large-screen display unit 8205
in the ninety-seventh embodiment. In the same manner is FIG.
150(C), "Please bring the left corner to your ear hole" or another
left-corner instructional display 9305c is displayed when the
mobile telephone 9301 is tilted left until a call is made and the
other party answers, or until there is an incoming call and an
operation is made to receive the call. In this case, it is
envisioned that the mobile telephone 9301 is being held in the left
hand and will be brought into contact with the left ear, and such a
display is therefore carried out for urging that the left-side
corner part 8226 be brought into contact with the left ear. In
similar fashion to FIG. 150(C), the left-corner instructional
display 9305c is a graphic display indicating the left-side corner
part 8226 that is to be brought to the ear.
[0967] FIG. 151 is a flowchart showing the function of the control
unit 2439 in the block view of the twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG.
26 called on in the ninety-seventh embodiment of FIGS. 150A, 150B,
150C and 150D. To facilitate understanding, the flowchart of FIG.
151 mainly illustrates an abstraction of the usage guidance
function, and the ordinary functions of the mobile telephone 9301
are omitted. Therefore, various other related functions operating
in parallel with and before and after the functions illustrated in
FIG. 151 are present in the ninety-seventh embodiment.
[0968] The flow of FIG. 151 starts when the main power source
provided is turned on, and in Step S532, initial startup and a
function check of each unit are performed, as well as initiating
screen display on the large-screen display unit 8205. Next, in Step
S534, the cartilage conduction basic instructional display 9305a is
shown, and this is continued while the routine advances to Step
SS536 and performs a check of whether five seconds have elapsed. If
five seconds have not elapsed, the routine returns to Step S534,
Step S534 and Step S536 are repeated and display is continued. On
the other hand, when it has been detected that five seconds have
elapsed in Step S536, the routine advances to Step S538 and the
cartilage conduction basic instructional display 9305a is
stopped.
[0969] Next, in Step S540, a check is performed to determine
whether a predetermined number of days (e.g., two weeks) have
elapsed since the start of usage of the mobile telephone 9301; if
two weeks have not elapsed, a check is performed in Step S542 to
determine whether a function history applicable to guidance
stoppage has been stored away, and when there is no applicable
history, the routine advances to Step S544. The details of
applicable history for guidance stoppage are later described. In
Step S544, a check is performed to determine whether a call
operation has been made, and if no such operation has been made,
the routine advances to Step S546 to check whether there has been
an incoming call. When there has been an incoming call, the routine
advances to Step S548. Also, when a call operation has been
detected in Step S544, the routine advances to Step S548. At this
point, a call has not yet started, the mobile telephone 9301 has
not been brought up to the ear, and the user is viewing the
large-screen display unit 8205.
[0970] Next, in Step S548, a check is performed to determine
whether the mobile telephone 9301 is tilted leftward on the basis
of the acceleration of gravity detected by the acceleration sensor
49 (see FIG. 42). If there is not leftward tilt, the routine
advances to Step S550, and a check is performed in similar fashion
to determine whether the mobile telephone 9301 is tilted rightward
on the basis of the acceleration sensor 49. If there is no
rightward tilt, the routine advances to Step S552, the cartilage
conduction basic instructional display 9305a is performed in the
same manner as in Step S534, and the routine advances to Step
S554.
[0971] On the other hand, when a leftward tilt of the mobile
telephone 9301 is detected in Step S548, the routine advances to
Step S556, the left-corner instructional display 9305c (see FIG.
150(D)) is performed, and the routine advances to Step S554.
Similarly, when a rightward tile of the mobile telephone 9301 is
detected in Step S550, the routine advances to Step S556, the
right-corner instructional display 9305b (see FIG. 150(C)) is
performed, and the routine advances to Step S554.
[0972] In Step S554, a check is performed to determine whether
conditions have been satisfied for stopping instructional display
started in Step S552, Step S556, or Step S558, and when the
conditions have not been satisfied, the routine advances to Step
S548, and Steps S548 to S558 are thereafter repeated until the
conditions are satisfied. If tilting is detected during this
repetition, the routine advances from the cartilage conduction
basic instructional display 9305a to the left-corner instructional
display 9305c of FIG. 150(D) or the right-corner instructional
display 9305b of FIG. 150(C). The user is able to view the
instructional display and suitably judge the angle for bringing the
mobile telephone into contact with the ear.
[0973] Although omitted from the illustration in FIG. 151 to avoid
complexity, when the instructional display is being performed in
Step S552, Step S556, or Step S558, an audio instructional
announcement of the same content is made from the videoconferencing
speaker 51 in coordination therewith. It is also possible to set a
silence mode in which such audio is not produced. Such audio
guidance from the videoconferencing speaker 51 is stopped at the
same time that the corresponding display on the large-screen
display unit 8205 is stopped.
[0974] In contrast, when it has been detected that instructional
display stoppage conditions have been satisfied in Step S554, the
routine advances to Step S560, instructional announcement
processing and control processing are executed, and the routine
advances to Step S562. The processing of Step S560 stops the
instructional display, controls the cartilage conduction
instructional announcement by cartilage conduction from the upper
frame 8227, and furthermore performs guidance control processing
such as processing of guidance stoppage applicable history. The
details thereof are later described.
[0975] The routine immediately advances to Step S562 when it has
been detected that a predetermined number of days has elapsed from
the start of usage of the mobile telephone 9301 in Step S540, when
it has been detected that guidance stoppage applicable history has
been stored in Step S542, or when an incoming call has been
detected in Step S546. In other words, instructional display is not
performed in any of these cases. Unneeded long-term display is
bothersome to a disinterested user, and it is appropriate to avoid
providing guidance when there is guidance stoppage applicable
history, and furthermore, it is not timely to perform guidance when
a call is not about to occur.
[0976] A check is performed to determine whether an operation has
been performed in Step S562 to turn off the main power source, and
if such an operation has occurred, the flow ends. On the other
hand, if it has been detected that an operation has been performed
in to turn off the main power source, the routine returns to Step
S540, repeats Step S540 to Step S562, and performs guidance control
that corresponds to conditions. On the other hand, when an
operation for turning off the main power source has been detected
in Step S562, the flow ends.
[0977] FIG. 152 is a flowchart showing the details of step S554 and
step S560 shown in bold in FIG. 151. When the routine arrives at
Step S554 in FIG. 151, the flow of FIG. 152 starts, and a check is
performed in Step S572 to determine whether an operation has been
manually performed to stop instructional display using the touch
panel 2468 (see FIG. 42) provided to the large-screen display unit
8205. This operation is performed in order to delete an unneeded
display for a user who has understood the guidance or who has no
interest in the guidance. If there is no such operation, the
routine advances to Step S574, and a check is performed by the
proximity sensor (19, 20, 21) to determine whether the mobile
telephone 9301 has been brought to the ear. When such is not
detected, the routine returns to Step S548 of FIGS. 15A, 15B and
15C. Thus, Step S572 and Step S574 of FIG. 152 correspond to the
detailed contents of a check of the instructional display stoppage
conditions in Step S554 of FIG. 151.
[0978] When a proximity detection has been made in Step S574, the
flow advances to Step S576. Step S576 and thereafter corresponds to
the detailed contents of Step S560 of FIG. 151. In Step S576, a
check is performed to determine whether the cartilage conduction
function has been used in a normal manner. Specifically, a check is
performed to determine whether the right-side corner part 8224, the
left-side corner part 8226, or the center part thereof of the
mobile telephone 9301 has been brought to the ear by the
determination of the output of the proximity sensor (19, 20, 21),
and when the right-side corner part 8224 or the left-side corner
part 8226 has been brought to the ear, a detection is made as to
whether this matches correct corner part (the right-side corner
part 8224 during a right tilt or the left-side corner part 8226
during a left tilt) indicated by the tilting detected by the
acceleration sensor 49. When a normal usage state has not been
detected, the flow advances to Step S578.
[0979] In Step S578, a check is performed to determine whether the
mobile telephone 9301 is tilted leftward on the basis of gravity
acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 49. If there is no
leftward tilt, the routine advances to Step S580, and a check is
similarly performed to determine whether the mobile telephone 9301
is tilted rightward on the basis of the acceleration sensor 49. If
there is no rightward tilt, the routine advances to Step S582, a
cartilage conduction basic instructional announcement having the
same content as in Step S552 of FIG. 151 is performed by cartilage
conduction from the upper frame 8227. The state arrived at in Step
S578 is the case in which the mobile telephone 9301 has been
brought to the ear, and therefore, the routine does not ordinarily
arrive at Step S582, and Step S582 for announcing general
information is provided because so that errant information is not
announced when leftward tilt and rightward tilt cannot be judged by
a special way the mobile telephone 9301 is brought to the ear.
[0980] On the other hand, when a leftward tilt of the mobile
telephone 9301 has been detected in Step S578, the routine advances
to Step S586, a left-corner instructional announcement (e.g., same
text as displayed in FIG. 150(D)) is made by cartilage conduction
from the upper frame 8227, and the routine advances to Step S584.
In similar fashion, when a rightward tilt of the mobile telephone
9301 has been detect in Step S580, the routine advances to Step
S588, a right-corner instructional announcement (e.g., same text as
displayed in FIG. 150(C)) is made by cartilage conduction from the
upper frame 8227, and the routine advances to Step S584.
[0981] In Step S584, a check is performed to determine whether a
call has been started by response by another party to a call or by
an operation to respond an incoming call, and if a call has not
been started, the routine advances to Step S576, and the routine
thereafter repeats Step S576 to Step S584 as long as a call start
has been detected in Step S584 or normal usage is not detected in
Step S576. If the manner in which the mobile telephone is brought
to the ear has been modified during this repetition and a state of
normal usage is detected, instructional announcement is stopped as
described below, and when tilting has been detected, a specific
announcement of the angle to be used is started. Furthermore, if
the mobile telephone is switched between left and right, the angle
indicated in the announcement is modified. The user using the wrong
manner of contact can thereby become aware of the correct manner of
contact against the ear.
[0982] On the other hand, an instructional announcement is stopped
even when the manner of contact is not correct when a call start is
detected in Step S584. This is to ensure that an instructional
announcement does not interfere with a call. Furthermore, the
routine advances to Step S592, instructional display started in
Steps S552, S556, S558 of FIG. 151 is stopped, and the routine
advances to Step S562 of FIG. 151. At this point, when an
instructional announcement is in progress from the
videoconferencing speaker 51, this instructional announcement is
also stopped.
[0983] In the flow of FIG. 152, the instructional display is
continued until the routine arrives at Step S592, and there is no
problem even were the display to be continued up until the start of
a call when the mobile telephone 9301 is in contact with the ear.
Also, if an instructional announcement from the videoconferencing
speaker 51 is in progress, this instructional announcement is also
continued in similar fashion until a call is started, and there is
no problem because the announcement is of the same content
synchronized with that being provided by cartilage conduction from
the upper frame 8227. Since an instructional display as described
above and an instructional announcement from the videoconferencing
speaker 51 are not particularly required when the mobile telephone
9301 is in contact with the ear, and a step for stopping
instructional display similar to Step S592 may be furthermore
inserted between Step S574 and Step S579.
[0984] On the other hand, when normal usage of the cartilage
conduction function has been performed in Step S576, the
instructional announcement is stopped in Step S594 and the routine
advances to Step S596. At this point, when the routine has arrived
at Step S574 from Step S576 without going through Step S582, Step
S586, or Step S588, the original instructional announcement is not
being performed, and the routine therefore performs no action in
Step S594 and advances to Step S596. The routine also advances to
Step S596 when it has been detected in Step S572 that an operation
for stopping the instructional announcement has been performed
manually.
[0985] In Step S596, the operation of Step S572 or the detection of
Step S576 are recorded as history corresponding to guidance
stoppage, and the routine advances to Step S592. The history
recorded in Step S596 is checked in Step S542 of FIG. 151, and when
these histories have been detected, the routine immediately arrives
at step S562 from step S542 in FIG. 151 as previously described,
and the instructional display and instructional announcement are no
longer performed.
Ninety-Eighth Embodiment
[0986] FIGS. 153A-153C are cross-sectional views and a block views
related to a ninety-eighth embodiment according to an aspect of the
present invention, and is configured as a stereo headphone system
9481. The ninety-eighth embodiment is based on the ninety-first
embodiment of FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C, and therefore descriptions
of elements common to both are omitted and focus is placed on the
description of the elements being added. In the block view of FIG.
153(A), a right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 and a left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 8526, which are provided with a passage
hole 8524a and a passage hole 8526a, respectively, in the center,
can be connected to an external output jack 9446 of a mobile music
player 9484 by a plug 9485. An amplifier, a power source, and the
like are not provided between the plug 9485 and the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 8524 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8526, and the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
8524 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526 a driven by
the output power of the external output jack 9446 so as to produce
the required cartilage conduction.
[0987] The mobile music player 9484 outputs a stereo sound source
to the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 8526 in the same manner as the sound
signal source unit 8584 of FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C. The mobile
music player 9484 is provided with a short-range data communication
unit 9487 based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like,
and is linked with an external ordinary mobile telephone. When an
incoming call signal is received in the external ordinary mobile
telephone, the input signal to the stereo amplifier 8540 is
switched from the music signal from the acoustic processing circuit
8538 to the incoming call signal of an incoming call sound source
9466, and notification of the incoming call is provided. The
short-range data communication unit 9487 receives a call operation
signal or a response to a call, and stops output from the stereo
amplifier 8540 to the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526 using
a switch 8540a. An ordinary mobile telephone can thereby be brought
to the left ear for a call by air conduction from the passage hole
8526a. In FIGS. 153A-153C, only a configuration for stopping output
to the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526 is shown for
simplification, but it is possible to provide a similar
configuration for stopping output to the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8524 and setting in advance the output of the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 8524 or the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8526 to be stopped, and thereby stop output from
the cartilage conduction unit of the one ear side that is brought
to the ear during ordinary mobile telephone usage, to carry out a
call by air conduction without by obstructed thereby.
[0988] The ninety-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 153A-153C can be given
an even simpler configuration as required. First, the shutter 8558
and the shutter drive unit 8557 described in the ninety-first
embodiment of FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C can be omitted, and doing
so further simplifies the configuration of the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8524 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit
8526 having the passage holes 8524a and 8526a. In this case, in
accordance therewith, the shutter control unit 9439 of the mobile
music player 9484 (corresponding to the shutter control unit 8539,
the noise detection unit 8538, and the manually-operated unit 8509
of the ninety-first embodiment of FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C) are
also omitted. It is furthermore possible to also omit the
short-range data communication unit 9487, the incoming call sound
source 9466, and the switch 8540a. This is because the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 8524 and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit 8526 of the ninety-eighth embodiment of FIGS.
153A-153C have passage holes 8524a and 8526a, respectively, and
since sound in the area can be heard by air conduction from the
passage holes 8524a and 8526a while listening to music by cartilage
conduction, having the user concentrate on a desired sound allows
the user to be aware of an incoming call of an external mobile
telephone, and it is not impossible to bring an ordinary mobile
telephone to the ear for a call. In contrast, since the ears are
covered or blocked using, e.g., ordinary stereo headphones or
stereo earphones, it is not possible to be aware of incoming call
sounds from an external mobile telephone, and the headphone or
earphone of at least one of the ears must be removed in order to
carry out a call using an ordinary mobile telephone.
[0989] FIG. 153(C) is a side view of a modification of the
ninety-eighth embodiment. FIG. 153(A), and FIG. 153(B), which is an
enlarged view of the principal components thereof, are a
configuration for bringing the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
8524 and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 8526 into contact
with the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a using the
head arm, and FIG. 153(C) is a configuration for fitting the
cartilage conduction unit 9424 into the space between the inner
side of the tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a. Only the right ear 28
is illustrated for simplicity, but FIG. 153(C) is also a stereo
type. As is clear from FIG. 153(C), the cartilage conduction unit
9424 for the right ear of the modification has a passage hole 9424a
that substantially matches the entrance of the external auditory
meatus 30a.
[0990] FIG. 154 is a table showing measurement values of the
ninety-eighth embodiment. Measurements were carried out by
connecting the stereo cartilage unit in the modification of FIG.
153(C) to the mobile music player 9484 of FIG. 153(A). The "Output
Voltage (mVrms)" shown in FIG. 154 is the root-mean-square value
(the half-wave peak height when viewed with an oscillograph divided
by the square root) of when the output of the external output jack
9446 in an unloaded state is measured using a voltmeter while the
volume of the stereo amplifier 8540 is modified. Measurement was
carried out by generating a pure sound of 1 kHz. As is clear from
FIG. 154, the root-mean-square value of the maximum output of the
mobile music player 9484 of the ninety-eighth embodiment is one
volt.
[0991] The "Vibration Acceleration (dB)" of FIG. 154 is the
vibration acceleration on the outer side of the tragus when the
cartilage conduction unit 9424 is connected to the mobile music
player 9484 having an output capacity such as that described above
and vibrations are transmitted from the inner side of the tragus.
The decibel reference value in FIG. 154 is 10.sup.-6 m/sec.sup.2.
This is also a measurement of the vibration acceleration obtained
while generating a pure sound of 1 kHz from the stereo amplifier
8540 and modifying the volume. The vibration source of the
cartilage conduction unit 9424 used for measurement was a 0.8-.mu.F
piezoelectric bimorph element, and a voltage substantially equal to
the voltage of the external output jack 9446 measured in an
unloaded state can be deemed to be inputted to the piezoelectric
bimorph element in a connected state.
[0992] The "Psychological Responses" of FIG. 154 were obtained from
a study of healthy subjects using, as an example, the manner in
which measurement values such as those noted above sound to an
actual person (these results must be judged with consideration
given to variability in individual differences). As shown in
"Psychological Responses" of FIG. 154, the audible threshold value
when a pure sound of 1 kHz is generated from the stereo amplifier
8540 is 14.6 dB and corresponds to a volume level of 25 of the
stereo amplifier 8540 (in this case, it can be considered that an
effective voltage of about 3.3 mV substantially equivalent to the
output voltage from the stereo amplifier 8540 is inputted to the
piezoelectric bimorph element). Therefore, a pure sound of 1 kHz
produced by cartilage conduction can be heard as a larger noise
when the input voltage is increased above this level.
[0993] Next, music (pop music) was outputted from the stereo
amplifier 8540 and the level that can be comfortably heard by
cartilage conduction (a state perceived as being not too loud and
not too quiet) was studied. As shown in "Psychological Responses"
of FIG. 154, the subjects responded that music can be comfortably
heard when the volume level of the stereo amplifier 8540 is set to
4 (in this case, it can be considered that an effective voltage of
about 400 mV substantially equal to the output voltage from the
stereo amplifier 8540 is inputted to the piezoelectric bimorph
element).
[0994] It is possible to consider that comfortably listening to
music is possible with a combination of a sound source device
having a maximum output to the exterior of 500 mVrms or more and a
cartilage conduction unit that achieves a vibration acceleration of
50 dB (reference value=10.sup.-6 m/sec.sup.2) or more to the rear
surface side of the tragus when there is input of 200 mVrms by
connection to an external output of the sound source device.
[0995] FIG. 155 is a circuit diagram showing the details of a
combination circuit of a voltage booster circuit and an analog
output amplifier that can be used in the seventy-fourth embodiment
and the seventy-fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 114 and FIG. 115.
The circuit shown in FIG. 115 can be used as a part of an IC of the
driver circuit 7003 in the seventy-fourth embodiment or the driver
circuit 7103 in the seventy-fifth embodiment, and may be
constituted as a stand-alone IC. In FIG. 155, identical components
have been assigned the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 114 and
115, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0996] In the seventy-fourth embodiment and the seventy-fifth
embodiment, a charge pump circuit is illustrated as the voltage
booster circuit 7054, but a switching regulator is used as the
voltage booster circuit unit in the circuit of FIG. 155.
Specifically, the voltage booster circuit in FIG. 155 is composed
of a switching regulator configured from a switching control unit
7054b, an inductance 7054c, a diode 7054d, a capacitor 7054e, and
the like. An output voltage of 15 volts is generated in an output
unit 7054f on the basis of the voltage fed from a power management
circuit 7053. Also, a reference voltage output unit 7054g divides
the voltage of the output unit 7054f using 100 k.OMEGA. resistances
to generate a reference voltage 7054g for amplifier output.
[0997] Also, 15 volts of the output unit 7054f is applied to the
power supply (VCC) of an analog amplifier unit 7040. The reference
voltage 7054g is applied to a non-inverted input of CH1 of the
analog amplifier unit 7040. An audio signal from the acoustic
processing unit 7038 (corresponding to the AD conversion circuit
7138a, the digital acoustic processing circuit 7138, and the DA
conversion circuit 7138b in the case of the seventy-fifth
embodiment) is inputted to the inverted inputs of CH2 and CH4 of
the analog amplifier unit 7040. An audio signal is outputted from
the outputs of CH2 and CH4 of the analog amplifier unit 7040, and
drives the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013. An enable signal
from the control terminal 7003a is inputted to the enable terminals
(ENB) of the switching control unit 7054b and analog amplifier unit
7040, the switching control unit 7054b and the analog amplifier
unit 7040 are set in an active state when the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013 is driven, and the functioning of the switching
control unit 7054b and the analog amplifier unit 7040 are stopped
when vibrations of the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 are
stopped (videoconferencing mode and the like).
Ninety-Ninth Embodiment
[0998] FIGS. 156A and 156B are diagrams of the systems of a
ninety-ninth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention. The ninety-ninth embodiment is configured as a headset
9581, which is an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, in the same manner as the eighty-ninth embodiment of
FIGS. 139A and 139B, and constitutes a mobile telephone system
together with an ordinary mobile telephone 1401. The ninety-ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 156A and 156B have much in common with the
eighty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B, and therefore parts
that are in common have been given like reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted.
[0999] The ninety-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 156A and 156B differ
from the eight-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B in that an
elongation unit 9582b for making contact with the front side (the
opposite side of the entrance 232 to the external auditory meatus)
of the tragus 32 is provided to the ear-hooking unit 9582. As shown
in FIG. 156(A), the rear inner edge 9582a of the ear-hooking unit
9582 thereby makes contact with the rear part (the mastoid process
side of the auricle attachment region) of the outer side 1828 of
the cartilage of the base of the ear 28, the elongation unit 9582b
makes contact with the front side of the tragus 32, and the
cartilage around the entrance 232 to the external auditory meatus
is sandwiched between the two.
[1000] This state is significant in two ways. First, the
configuration is such that the cartilage of the ear is sandwiched
from the outer side of the ear 28 in front of and behind the
entrance 232 to the external auditory meatus as described above,
and wearing is therefore stable and the ear-hooking unit 9582 makes
stable contact with suitable pressure on the rear part (the mastoid
process side of the auricle attachment region) of the outer side
1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28 and the front side
of the tragus 32. In other words, the elongation unit 9582b serves
as a support for bringing the rear inner edge 9582a of the
ear-hooking unit 9582 into contact with the rear part (the mastoid
process side of the auricle attachment region) of the outer side
1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28, and conversely,
the rear inner edge 9582a of the ear-hooking unit 9582 serves as a
support for bringing the elongation unit 9582b into contact with
the front side of the tragus 32. Additionally, since the ear 28 is
sandwiched between from the front and rear on the outer side, there
is nothing covering the entrance 232 to the external auditory
meatus. Therefore, it is obvious that air-conducted sound from the
exterior is not obstructed from entering the ear, and, e.g., even
if it appears that the ear is covered as in the ninety-eighth
embodiment of FIGS. 153A-153C, as long as there is a passage hole,
it is possible to avoid trouble with persons who are not aware of
the fact that air-conducted sound from the exterior can be
sufficiently heard, and to avoid contradictions with regulations or
the like that do not envision such a fact.
[1001] Second, the rear part (the mastoid process side of the
auricle attachment region) of the outer side 1828 of the cartilage
of the base of the right ear 28 and the front side of the tragus 32
are both locations in which good cartilage conduction can be
obtained, and contact parts for sandwiching the ear 28 from the
front and rear in order to ensure holding both pressure function as
cartilage conduction parts. In other words, the vibrations of
piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 transmitted to the holding part
8325a shown in FIG. 156(B) are conducted through the ear-hooking
unit 9582 itself and are transmitted to the rear inner edge 9582a
and elongation unit 9582b thereof. That vibrations are transmitted
from the holding part 8325a to the elongation unit 9582b can be
understood from the fact that, e.g., vibrations of the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6124 are transmitted to the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6126 via the linking unit 6127 in the
sixty-fifth embodiment of the FIGS. 97A-97D. In other words, the
portion between the rear inner edge 9582a and the elongation unit
9582b in the ear-hooking unit 9582 constitutes the linking unit for
transmitting vibrations therebetween.
[1002] As shown in FIG. 156(B), the direction of vibrations of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 is the direction that crosses
the center axis of the entrance 232 to the external auditory meatus
as indicated by the arrow 8325b (corresponding to the substantially
anterior-posterior direction of the face). In an embodiment of the
mobile telephone, the direction of vibrations of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 8325 is advantageously set to be the direction
along the center axis of the entrance 232 to the external auditory
meatus (corresponding to the lateral direction of the face and the
direction in which sound enters from the exterior), whether the
mobile telephone is brought to the ear in a state such as FIG. 2 or
whether the mobile telephone is brought to the ear in a state such
as FIG. 21. However, when vibrations from the rear part (the
mastoid process side of the auricle attachment region) of the outer
side 1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28 and the front
side or the like of the tragus 32 are to be transmitted in the
manner described above, it is advantageous to set the direction of
vibrations of the piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 to be the
direction that crosses the center axis of the entrance 232 to the
external auditory meatus (corresponding to the substantially
anterior-posterior direction of the face).
[1003] FIGS. 157A-157D are side views of the ear-hooking unit in
the various modifications of the ninety-ninth embodiment shown in
FIGS. 156A and 156B. As shown in FIG. 156(A), the ninety-ninth
embodiment is configured so that the rear inner edge 9582a of the
ear-hooking unit 9582 makes contact with the rear part (the mastoid
process side of the auricle attachment region) of the outer side
1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28, the elongation
unit 9582b makes contact with the front side of the tragus 32, and
the cartilage around the entrance 232 to the external auditory
meatus is sandwiched by the two. In this case, the distance between
the front side of the tragus 32 and the rear part of the outer side
1828 of the cartilage of the base of the ear 28 differs depending
on age, sex, and other individual differences. Therefore, in the
ninety-ninth embodiment, the configuration is such that a plurality
of sizes is prepared and customers select a size that fits. In
contrast, the modification of FIGS. 157A-157D are configurations so
that the distance is variable, allowing use by any one.
[1004] Described more specifically, FIG. 157(A) is a first
modification of the ninety-ninth embodiment, and the ear-hooking
unit 9582 overall is composed of an elastic body 9582c. The
elongation unit 9582b can thereby elastically open as indicated by
the arrow 9582d, and the ear-hooking unit 9582 can be fitted so
that the rear inner edge 9582a of the ear-hooking unit 9582 makes
contact with the rear part (the mastoid process side of the auricle
attachment region) of the outer side 1828 of the cartilage of the
base of the ear 28, and the elongation unit 9582b makes contact
with the front side of the tragus 32. As described in the fifth
embodiment of FIG. 11 to the tenth embodiment of FIG. 19 and
elsewhere, the use of an elastic material that has acoustic
impedance approximating that of ear cartilage allows vibrations to
be transmitted by the elastic body to the elongation unit
9582b.
[1005] FIG. 157(B) is a second modification of the ninety-ninth
embodiment. The ear-hooking unit 9582 overall is composed of a
material having ordinary hardness and has a soft structure 9582f
for narrowing or otherwise reducing the space between the rear part
9582e and the elongation unit 9582b, and the elongation unit 9582b
can thereby be elastically opened as indicated by the arrow 9582d.
Also, the soft structure 9582f is a linking unit for transmitting
vibrations. The soft structure 9582f is filled with an elastic body
9582g in order to reinforce the soft structure 9582f and obtain a
smooth appearance.
[1006] FIG. 157(C) is a third modification of the ninety-ninth
embodiment. The ear-hooking unit 9582 overall is composed of a
material having ordinary hardness, the rear part 9582e and the
elongation unit 9582b are rotatably linked with a rotating shaft
9582h, and adding a spring to the rotating shaft 9582h portion
endows the elongation unit 9582b with elasticity in the clockwise
direction as viewed above the drawing. The elongation unit 9582b
can thereby elastically open as indicated by the arrow 9582d. Also,
the joining part produced by the rotating shaft 9582h serves as a
linking part for transmitting vibrations.
[1007] FIG. 157(D) is a fourth modification of the ninety-ninth
embodiment and has essentially the same configuration as the third
modification of FIG. 157(C), so the principal components are
illustrated in an enlarge fashion. The fourth modification of FIG.
157(D) is configured so that the rotating shaft 9582i can be
rotatably adjusted with a slotted screwdriver, this rotation makes
it possible to adjust, in the clockwise direction as viewed from
above the drawing, the strength of the elasticity of the elongation
unit 9582b produced by the spring. Adjustment can thereby be
carried out so that a suitable contact pressure can be obtained
regardless of individual differences. An indicator 9582j is
provided to the rotating shaft 9582i, and the indicator is aligned
with a scale 9582k, whereby contact pressure can be visually
confirmed. This allows the contact pressure on either ear to be
adjusted, and by aligning the indicator 9582j to the same scale
9582k as the firstly adjusted ear, the contact pressure on the left
and right can be adjusted so as to be the same when audio
information is to be heard in stereo by cartilage conduction by
wearing the same ear-hooking units on the left and right ears.
Naturally, it is also possible to make adjustments so that the left
and right contact pressures are different in accordance with
preference. In this case as well, the scale 9582k and the indicator
9582j serve as adjustment references.
[1008] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not limited to individual embodiments, but rather can be
substituted or combined, as appropriate, with features from other
embodiments. For example, when vibrations are to be transmitted
from the mastoid process side of the auricle attachment region or
the front side of the tragus, or elsewhere, providing a
configuration in which the direction of vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source is the direction that crosses the
center axis of the entrance to the external auditory meatus
(corresponding to the substantially anterior-posterior direction of
the face) is not limited to the case in which the cartilage
vibration source is the piezoelectric bimorph element 8325 as in
the ninety-ninth embodiment, and such a configuration is also
advantageous when an electromagnetic vibrator is used as the
cartilage conduction vibration source.
One-Hundredth Embodiment
[1009] FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C perspective views and a
cross-sectional views of a one-hundredth embodiment according to an
aspect of the present invention, and is configured as a mobile
telephone 9601. Excluding the structure and arrangement of the
cartilage conduction vibration source composed of a piezoelectric
bimorph element, the one-hundredth embodiment is the same as the
forty-sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C, and
illustration other than the required portions will be omitted the
description, and the same reference numerals are used for the
common portions in the illustration portions, omitting descriptions
unless necessary.
[1010] As shown in FIG. 158(A), elastic body units 4263a, 4263b,
4263c, and 4263d that serve as protectors are provided to the
mobile telephone 9601 of the one-hundredth embodiment in the same
manner as the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C.
Also, the inner side of the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b in the
upper two corners double as units for holding a piezoelectric
bimorph module 9625, and the outer side of the elastic body units
4263a, 4263b double as cartilage conduction units that make contact
with the ear cartilage.
[1011] The mobile telephone 9601 of the one-hundredth embodiment
differs from the forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C
in terms of the structure of the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625
held on the inner side of the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b in
the upper two corners. As shown in FIG. 158(B), in the
piezoelectric bimorph module 9625, the two ends of a metal plate
9697 protrudingly extend outward from a package unit 9625a. These
extended two end parts of the metal plate 9697 are bent parts
9697a, 9697b and support parts 9697c, 9697d. A vibration unit 9625b
and a circuit unit 9636 are sealed inside the package unit 9625a.
Also, the package unit 9625a has a minimum required thickness for
protecting the vibration unit 9625b and the circuit unit 9636, and
the vibration unit 9625b of the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625
has an extremely thin shape. Thus, the piezoelectric bimorph module
9625 of the one-hundredth embodiment is a module component in which
circuit portions have been sealed in a package. The piezoelectric
bimorph module 9625 is a thin component in the longitudinal
direction of the mobile telephone 9601 as described above, and as
shown in the cross section of the support part 9697d of FIG.
158(C), the metal plate 9697 and the vibration unit 9625b are given
adequate width in the vertical direction, ensuring the vibration
power and strength of the metal plate 9697.
[1012] The piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 is configured so as to
be supported by a metal plate 9697 bent in the manner described
above, and holding the support parts 9697c, 9697d in substantially
the center of the inner side of the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b
in the manner shown in FIG. 158(B) makes it possible to bring the
thin package unit 9625a including the vibration unit 9625b into an
arrangement near to the front surface side (the GUI display unit
3405 side) of the upper part of the mobile telephone 9601, and to
ensure layout space 9601a for arranging other components in the
upper part of the mobile telephone 9601. Even when the metal plate
9697 has such a bent structure, vibrations of the vibration unit
9625b are transmitted from the support parts 9697c, 9697d, which
are the end parts of the metal plate, to the elastic body units
4263a, 4263b, respectively, and the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b
can be made to function as suitable cartilage conduction units.
Acoustic characteristics for cartilage conduction are designed on
the basis of the behavior of the vibration of the structure overall
in which both ends of the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 are
supported on such elastic body units 4263a, 4263b. Acoustic
characteristics are adjusted as required using an equalizer
function of the circuit unit 9636 as described below.
[1013] Since the vibration unit 9625b becomes closer to the ear
when the package unit 9625a is brought into an arrangement near to
the front surface side of the upper part of the mobile telephone
9601, air-conducted sound generated from the vibration unit 9625b
can be heard better from the front surface side of the upper part
of the mobile telephone 9601, and in the event that conventional
listening is used in conformance with FIG. 137(B), the voice of
another party can be heard together with air conduction. When
designing with such an intention, a hole for passing air-conducted
sound may be provided to the front surface side of the upper part
of the mobile telephone 9601.
[1014] Depending on the design of the mobile telephone 9601, the
piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 may be in an upside down
arrangement to thereby allow the package unit 9625a to be brought
into an arrangement close to the rear surface side of the upper
part of the mobile telephone 9601, and this configuration also
ensures layout space for arranging other components in the upper
part of the mobile telephone 9601. This arrangement allows for a
layout in which the package unit 9625a does not interfere with an
in-camera or other component arranged on the front surface side of
the mobile telephone 9601.
[1015] FIGS. 159A and 159B are schematic cross-sectional views and
a circuit diagrams showing the details of the structure of the
piezoelectric bimorph of the one-hundredth embodiment shown in
FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C. The same reference numerals are used for
the same portions as in FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C, omitting
descriptions unless necessary. FIG. 159(A) is a schematic
cross-sectional view for describing the structure of principal
components of the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625, and the
intermediate portion of the vibration unit 9625b constituting a
majority of the length has the same structure as the two end
portions, and a description thereof is omitted in the interest of
saving space in the enlarged drawing. The vibration unit 9625b
shown in FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C correspond to piezoelectric
ceramic plates 9698, 9699 laminated to both sides of the metal
plate 9697 in FIGS. 159A and 159B. The piezoelectric ceramic plates
9698, 9699 are extremely thin in the anterior-posterior direction
of the mobile telephone 9601, yet the support part 9697d of the
metal plate 9697 shown in FIG. 158(C) has adequate thickness in the
vertical direction.
[1016] The circuit unit 9636 is insulated and mounted on the metal
plate 9697, the metal plate 9697 serving as a shared electrode of
the piezoelectric ceramic plates 9698, 9699 is connected to the
circuit unit, and opposing electrodes 9698a, 9699a of the
piezoelectric ceramic plates 9698, 9699 are collectively connected
to the circuit unit. An insulated through-hole 9697e is provided in
the metal plate 9697 in order to connect the opposing electrode
9698a to the opposing electrode 9698b. The package unit 9625a
covers these structures with a minimum required thickness for
protection, and the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 has an
extremely thin shape. Four terminals 9636a (for power supply and
sound signal input) extend from the circuit unit 9636 and are
exposed from the package unit 9625a. Collectively arranging the
four terminals 9636a inside (the side to which the bent parts
9697a, 9697b extend) the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 as shown
in FIG. 159(A) is advantageous in terms of mounting.
[1017] FIG. 159(B) is a circuit diagram of the circuit unit 9636,
and the four terminals 9636a of FIG. 159(A) correspond to power
supply terminals Vcc, G and sound signal input terminals IN1, IN2,
respectively in FIG. 159(B). The power supply terminal Vcc and
ground terminal G supply power voltage to an acoustic processing
circuit 9638 and a voltage booster circuit 9654, and the voltage
booster circuit 9654 supplies boosted power to an amplifier 9640.
The acoustic processing circuit 9638 is provided with an EEPROM
9638a for storing constants or processing tables for equalization
for obtaining vibrations as an adequate cartilage conduction
vibration source. These constants or processing tables are
essentially written to the EEPROM 9638a at the time of shipment of
the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625, but may also be written
after having been assembled in the mobile telephone 9601. Sound
signals inputted from the input terminals IN1, IN2 to the acoustic
processing circuit 9638 are inputted to the amplifier 9640 after
acoustic processing, and are each outputted from the output
terminals OUT1, OUT2 of the amplifier 9640 to the metal plate 9697
serving as the shared electrode and the opposing electrodes 9698a,
9699a.
[1018] FIGS. 160A-160E are cross-sectional views for describing the
configuration for mass-producing the piezoelectric bimorph module
in the one-hundredth embodiment. The same reference numerals are
used for the same portions as FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C, a
description having been omitted unless necessary. The portions
already described in FIGS. 158A, 158B and 158C are not depicted and
not assigned reference numerals in order to avoid complexity. FIG.
160(A) and FIG. 160(B) conceptually show the same structure as FIG.
158(A), but in terms of actual dimensions, the mobile telephone
9601 shown in FIG. 160(A) has greater width than the mobile
telephone 9601 shown in FIG. 160(B). (In FIG. 160(B), an example is
shown in which the package unit 9625a is brought into an
arrangement near the rear surface side of the upper part of the
mobile telephone 9601, but since the structure as a piezoelectric
bimorph module 9625 does not vary, the arrangement is not currently
related to the description below. The arrangement is later
described separately.)
[1019] As described above, the mobile telephones 9601 in FIG.
160(A) and FIG. 160(B) have different widths, but the length and
internal configuration of the package unit 9625a are mutually
shared, as indicated by the dashed lines 9625c, 9625d.
Standardizing the package unit 9625a in this manner allows
compatibility with various mobile telephones by merely modifying
the length of the metal plate 9697 protruding from the package unit
9625a, and the bent state of the bent parts 9697a, 9697b and the
support parts 9697c, 9697d. In FIG. 160(A) and FIG. 160(B), the
mobile telephone 9601 shows as an example the case in which the
widths are different, but even if the widths in terms of external
appearance are the same, the size of the of the elastic bodies
4263a, 4263b may be different depending on the mobile telephone. In
this case as well, standardizing the package unit 9625a in the
manner described above allows compatibility with elastic bodies
4263a, 4263b having various sizes 2y merely modifying the length of
the metal plate 9697 and the bent state of the bent parts 9697a,
9697b and the support parts 9697c, 9697d.
[1020] It was described above that a hole may be provided for
passing air-conducted sound to the front surface side of the upper
part of the mobile telephone 9601 in order to hear air-conducted
sound generated from the vibration unit 9625b when listening in a
conventional manner in conformity with FIG. 137(B). As an example
of such a case, FIG. 160(A) illustrates, for reference, a design in
which a hole 9601b for air-conduced sound transit is provided near
the vibration unit 9625b. The hole 9601b may be the same as that
provided for an ordinary air conduction speaker.
[1021] Herein, the arrangement of FIG. 160(B) will be supplemented.
As previously described, depending on the design of the mobile
telephone 9601, the package unit 9625a can be brought into an
arrangement near the rear surface side of the upper part of the
mobile telephone 9601 by placing the piezoelectric bimorph module
9625 in an upside-down arrangement. FIG. 160(B) is used for
specifically showing this arrangement, and in this case, available
space can be ensured on the front surface side (the GUI display
unit 3405 side) of the upper part of the mobile telephone 9601 as
illustrated in the drawing. This arrangement allows for a layout in
which the package unit 9625a does not interfere with an in-camera
or other component arranged on the front surface side of the mobile
telephone 9601.
[1022] FIG. 160(C) shows an arrangement in which the thin package
unit 9625a including the vibration unit 9625b is brought near to
the front surface side (the GUI display unit 3405 side) of the
upper part of the mobile telephone 9601 without bending the metal
plate 9697 protruding from the package unit 9625a in the
piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 in which the length of the
package unit 9625a is the same as that described above. Such a
design is also possible as long as it is permitted by the position
of the package unit 9625a and the support mechanism produced by the
elastic bodies 4263a, 4263b. Thus, the configuration for
standardizing the package unit 9625a can be made compatible with
various mobile telephones regardless of whether the metal plate
9697 is bent. In the case of a support such as in FIG. 160(C), when
the mobile telephone 9601 is narrow and the metal plate 9697 is too
long, the two ends thereof may be cut, as appropriate.
[1023] FIG. 160(D) and FIG. 160(E) shown standardized articles of
the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625 in which the package unit
9625a described above has been standardized, and the package unit
9625a as well as the metal plate 9697 protruding from the package
unit 9625a can be mass produced to the same length. In this case,
the metal plate 9697 protruding from the package unit 9625a is made
sufficiently long so as to be compatible with various mobile
telephones with consideration also given to the case of bending. In
the case that the metal plate 9697 is not to be bent, it is
possible to cut off the unnecessary portions 9697e, 9697f of the
metal plate 9697 in a subsequent step to provide customization in
accordance with customer needs, as shown in FIG. 160(D). On the
other hand, when the metal plate 9697 is to be bent, it is possible
to cut off the unnecessary portions of the metal plate 9697 and
bend the bent parts 9697a, 9697b and the support parts 9697c, 9697d
in a subsequent step to provide customization in accordance with
customer needs, as shown in FIG. 160(E). Depending on customer
needs, it is also possible to provide an un-machined standardized
article in the states shown in FIG. 160(D) and FIG. 160(E).
[1024] The various features of each of the embodiments described
above are not to be restricted to the individual embodiments, but
rather can be substituted or combined with other embodiments, as
appropriate. For example, the one-hundredth embodiment shows the
case in which the piezoelectric bimorph module is supported at both
ends by elastic bodies at both corners of the upper part of the
mobile telephone, and the feature in which the piezoelectric
bimorph module shown in the one-hundredth embodiment is arranged
near the front surface or the back surface of the mobile telephone
to provide space is not limited to the case in which the
piezoelectric bimorph module is supported at both ends, and it is
also useful when the piezoelectric bimorph module is supported by
hard support part or supported in a cantilever configuration. Also,
the feature of the thin circuit-integrated module shown in the
one-hundredth embodiment and the standardization thereof is no
limited to the one-hundredth embodiment, and can also be applied to
various embodiments.
One-Hundred First Embodiment
[1025] FIG. 161 is a block view related to a one-hundred first
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a mobile telephone based on cartilage conduction. The
detailed configuration is the same as the embodiments described
above, portions not directly related to the description are shown
in rough block form in order to avoid complexity in FIG. 161, and a
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[1026] The one-hundred first embodiment of FIG. 161 has an
application processor 9739 and a power management circuit 9753 in
an ordinary mobile telephone 9701. The application processor 9739
controls the principal components 9745 of a mobile telephone as
well as the mobile telephone 9701 overall. The power management
circuit 9753 supplies power to the mobile telephone 9701 overall in
coordination with the application processor 9739. An analog output
amplifier 9740 drives a piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 that
serves as a cartilage conduction vibration source on the basis of
sound output outputted from the application processor 9739 and
processed in an acoustic processing circuit 9738. The power
management circuit 9753 supplies drive power to the analog output
amplifier 9740 via a voltage booster circuit 9754. The details of
such a configuration are the essentially same as the seventy-second
embodiment shown in FIG. 107, and the seventy-fourth embodiment to
the seventy-sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 114 to FIG. 116, and
elsewhere.
[1027] The one-hundred first embodiment of FIG. 161 furthermore has
a low-pass filter 9740a provided between the analog output
amplifier 9740 and the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725, the
low-pass filter being used for allowing signals in a sound
frequency region for driving the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725
to pass and cutting impact pulses in the high-frequency region that
are produced by the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 due to
impacts caused by dropping or the like of the mobile telephone
9701.
[1028] The piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 is provided to a
corner part 9701d, which is an advantageous location for making
contact with the tragus and other ear cartilage, in the same manner
as other embodiments. However, the corner part 9701d is also a
location that easily experiences direction impacts due to dropping
or the like, as previously described. The piezoelectric bimorph
element 9725 deforms in accordance with applied voltage, can
therefore be used as an output element for generating cartilage
conduction vibration by application of a sound signal 9725a using
this property, and can conversely also function as a voltaic
element for generating voltage when deformation is applied from the
exterior. The analog output amplifier 9740 is liable to be
destroyed when impact pulses in a high-frequency range are
generated from the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 by dropping
and other impacts and the impact pulses flow back to the output of
the analog output amplifier 9740.
[1029] The low-pass filter 9740a is provided between the analog
output amplifier 9740 and the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 in
order to prevent such situations, and when an impact pulse 9725b in
a high-frequency region is generated from the piezoelectric bimorph
element 9725, it is prevented from being transmitted to the analog
output amplifier 9740, as indicated by the imaginary line 9725c
were the low-pass filter 9740a not be present. As described above,
the low-pass filter 9740a allows sound signals 9725a in the sound
frequency range for driving the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725
to pass.
[1030] Generally, the sampling frequency of an AD converter in a
mobile telephone is 8 kHz, and that which can be quantized is up to
4 kHz, and therefore, sound signals that are used are kept to about
3.4 kHz. Also, the transmission efficiency of the vibrations is
reduced from around 3 kHz across a high-frequency region in the
frequency characteristics of ear cartilage, as described in FIGS.
132A-132C and elsewhere. Therefore, by using a low-pass filter
9740a that allows sound signals of specifically about 4 kHz or
less, there is no problem in driving the piezoelectric bimorph
element 9725 and it is possible cut impact pulses 9725b in a
high-frequency range that are generated from the piezoelectric
bimorph element 9725 by dropping and other impacts.
[1031] The sampling frequency in a PHS or IP telephone is 16 kHz,
and quantization up to 8 kHz is possible, so sound signals that are
used are about 7 kHz. Also, as previously described, cartilage
conduction in a broad sense may be defined as conduction in which
direct vibrations as well as cartilage-air conduction contribute to
vibration of the tympanic membrane, and in actuality, in a state in
which the external auditory meatus occlusion effect has not
occurred, the frequency range of sound that can be heard by direct
air conduction from the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 can be
increased. In this case, the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 is
configured to vibrate in a region up to about 7 kHz that can be
used in a PHS or an IP telephone. In the future, a cartilage
conduction in a broad sense that includes a direct air conduction
component is anticipated even in a mobile telephone from
improvements in data communication rates, and in this case as well,
it is possible to consider causing the piezoelectric bimorph
element 9725 to vibrate in a region up to about 7 kHz. Therefore, a
low-pass filter 9740a that specifically passes about 8 kHz or less
is used in order to adapt to such a case. Such a configuration
would pose no problem for driving the piezoelectric bimorph element
9725 using a sound signal having sampling frequency of 16 kHz.
Since an impact pulse 9725b is generated in a high-frequency region
from the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 by dropping or other
impact, the impact pulse has a higher frequency region than the
above-stated range as a principal component, and it is possible to
essentially cut out such a component.
[1032] FIG. 162 is a block view of a first modification of the
one-hundred first embodiment shown in FIG. 161, the same reference
numerals are used for the same portions as in FIG. 161, and a
description thereof is omitted. The first modification in FIG. 162
is provided with a tap detection unit 9742 for using the
piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 as an impact input element for
detecting a tap on the mobile telephone 9701. Such a configuration
was described in the twenty-seventh embodiment, which called on
FIG. 41 to FIG. 43. In other words, tapping (touching) any portion
of the display screen or the case of the mobile telephone 9701 with
a finger makes it possible to perform determinative input for a GUI
operation such as a "click" of a mouse or the like in a personal
computer.
[1033] The tap detection unit 9742 detects an impact 9725d of a tap
by a finger via the low-pass filter 9740a, and this is transmitted
to the application processor 9739, whereby determinative input of a
GUI operation is performed. Accordingly, the low-pass filter 9740a
allows the band of the sound signal 9725a and the principal
frequency band of the impact 9725d produced by the tap of a finger
to pass, and selectively cuts the impact pulse 9725b of dropping or
the like, which is in a higher principal frequency band than the
sound signals and tapping.
[1034] FIG. 163 is a block view of a second modification of the
one-hundred first embodiment shown in FIG. 161, the same reference
numerals are used for the same portions as in FIG. 161 and FIG.
162, and a description thereof is omitted. In the second
modification in FIG. 163, the position in which the tap detection
unit 9742a is provided is different from the first modification of
FIG. 162, and the impact 9725d of a tap by a finger is directly
detected without going through the low-pass filter 9740a. The same
applied to a feature in which determinative input of a GUI
operation is performed by transmitting the impact 9725d of a
detected tap to the application processor 9739. The 9740a in this
case allows the band of the sound signal 9725a to pass in the same
manner as the embodiment of FIG. 161, and selectively cuts the
impact pulse 9725b of dropping or the like, which is in a higher
principal frequency band than the sound signals and tapping.
[1035] So as to avoid errant detection of impact by collision as
the tap of a finger, a tap detection unit 9742a in the second
modification of FIG. 163 is provided with: an intensity
discrimination unit 9742b for discriminating the intensity of an
impact from the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725, and eliminating
impacts having a predetermined intensity or greater, deeming such
to be cause by dropping; and a spectrum discrimination unit 9742c
for discriminating a difference in spectrum in a collision with a
floor, a wall, or the like and an impact of tapping with a finger,
and eliminating the former which have a high ratio of
high-frequency components at a predetermined level or higher.
[1036] An advantageous example of the low-pass filter 9740a using
the one-hundred first embodiment and the modifications thereof in
FIG. 161 to FIG. 163 is a RC filter composed of a resistor and a
capacitor or a LC filter composed of an inductance component and a
capacitor. In these embodiments and modifications thereof, a
low-pass filter 9740a is used for impact pulses 9725b in the
high-frequency region generated by the piezoelectric bimorph
element 9725 due to dropping or other impacts, but there is no
limitation imposed by the above-described configuration as long as
the configuration serves as backflow prevention means for
preventing backflow of voltaic power produced by the impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 to the analog output amplifier
9740.
[1037] In the one-hundred first embodiment and modifications
thereof in FIG. 161 to FIG. 163, the settings of the cartilage
conduction unit and the cause of a collision to the piezoelectric
bimorph element 9725 were described for only the right-side corner
in the drawing, but in the same manner as the other embodiments, in
actuality, the settings of the cartilage conduction unit and the
cause of a collision to the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 are
advantageously applied to both left and right corners. In this
case, the arrangement of the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 may
be a center part between the two corners as noted in the
forty-sixth embodiment of FIGS. 69A, 69B and 69C and elsewhere, or
may be a corner on one side as noted in the sixty-fourth embodiment
of FIGS. 96A-96D and elsewhere. In either case, the cause of
collision can be both left and right corners. Furthermore, the
one-hundred first embodiment and the modifications thereof can be
applied to cases in which a piezoelectric bimorph element is
arranged in both left and right corners as noted in the
sixty-eighth embodiment of FIG. 100, and in this case, the left and
right piezoelectric bimorph elements can be mutually independently
controlled. Therefore, low-pass filters would be provided between
the piezoelectric bimorph element and the output part of the analog
output amplifier, respectively, of each corner.
[1038] FIGS. 164A and 164B are partially cutaway detailed circuit
diagrams of when the feature of the one-hundred first embodiment of
FIG. 161 has been applied to the combination circuit composed of a
boosted-voltage unit and an analog output amplifier unit shown in
FIG. 155. In other words, a majority of FIGS. 164A and 164B are the
same as FIG. 155, the entire boosted-voltage unit and a portion of
the analog output amplifier unit is therefore omitted from the
drawing, the same reference numerals are used for the same
portions, and a description has been omitted unless needed.
[1039] FIG. 164(A) shows the case in which the low-pass filter
9740a of FIG. 161 is disposed between the analog amplifier unit
7040 (corresponding to the analog output amplifier 9740 of FIG.
161) and the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 (corresponding to
the piezoelectric bimorph element 9725 of FIG. 161), and the
low-pass filter 9740a is a RC filter composed of a resistor and a
capacitor. It is apparent in FIG. 164(A) that the RC filter is
disposed between a first terminal of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013 and OUT2, which is the output of CH2 of the analog
amplifier unit 7040, and between a second terminal of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 and OUT3, which is the output
CH4 of the analog amplifier unit 7040.
[1040] In similar fashion, FIG. 164(B) shows the case in which the
low-pass filter 9740a is a LC filter composed of an inductance
component and a capacitor. It is apparent in FIG. 164(B) that the
LC filter is disposed between a first terminal of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 7013 and OUT2, which is the output of CH2 of the
analog amplifier unit 7040, and between a second terminal of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 and OUT3, which is the output
CH4 of the analog amplifier unit 7040.
One-Hundred Second Embodiment
[1041] FIG. 165 is a block view related to a one-hundred second
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a cartilage conduction vibration source device for a
mobile telephone. The one-hundred second embodiment has much in
common with the eighty-second embodiment of FIG. 122, the same
reference numerals are therefore used for the same portions, and a
description has been omitted unless needed. The one-hundred second
embodiment of FIG. 165 differs from the eighty-second embodiment of
FIG. 122 in terms of the configuration of a digital acoustic
processing circuit 9838 in a driver circuit 9803.
[1042] Described more specifically, in the digital acoustic
processing circuit 9838 of FIG. 165, the digital sound signal
outputted from an application processor 9839 is outputted to an
external auditory meatus occlusion effect equalizer 9838a, a
broad-sense cartilage conduction equalizer 9838b, and an air
conduction equalizer 9838c. A switching circuit 9538d inputs any of
the outputs to the DA converter 7138c on the basis of an
instruction from the application processor 9839. The output of the
air conduction equalizer 9838c is transmitted to a speaker 9851 via
a switch 9851a on the basis of an instruction from the application
processor 9839. The switch 9851a is ordinarily open, but is closed
when the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 is not to be allowed to
vibrate, and outputs the voice of another party during
videoconferencing as well as incoming call sounds and various
guidance.
[1043] The broad-sense cartilage conduction equalizer 9838b is
selected in a state in which the mobile telephone is in contact
with the ear cartilage when the external auditory meatus is in the
unoccluded state. As previously described, strictly speaking,
cartilage conduction in the broad sense is composed of
cartilage-air conduction, cartilage conduction, and direct air
conduction, and cartilage-air conduction and direct air conduction
are essentially dominant. As a rule of thumb, cartilage-air
conduction predominates in low-pitched regions, while direct air
conduction predominates in high-pitched regions; at 500 Hz,
substantially all conduction is cartilage-air conduction, while at
4000 Hz, substantially all conduction is direct air conduction.
[1044] The broad-sense cartilage conduction equalizer 9838b
equalizes the sound signal so that vibrations are produced in the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013, the vibrations having flat
frequency characteristics of sound pressure in the external
auditory meatus as a result of cartilage conduction in the broad
sense as described above. When a measurement is taken of only the
direct air conduction sound of the piezoelectric bimorph element
7013, which is made to vibrate by equalization by the digital
acoustic processing circuit 9838, the direct air conduction sound
has emphasized equalization in high-pitched regions.
[1045] Next, the air conduction equalizer 9838c equalizes the sound
signal so that vibrations are produced in the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013, the vibrations having flat frequency characteristics
of sound pressure as a result of only a direct air conduction
component. Specifically, the frequency characteristics of when
sound pressure of air-conducted sound produced by the cartilage
conduction unit 9824 is directly measured or of when the sound
pressure inside the external auditory meatus is measured while the
cartilage conduction unit 9824 is not allowed to make contact with
the ear cartilage, such frequency characteristics are equalized to
as to be flat. This means that equalization is carried out for
evaluating that the cartilage conduction unit 9824 is functioning
normally as a conventional air conduction speaker. The cartilage
conduction unit 9824 is brought into contact with the ear cartilage
when external auditory meatus is in the unoccluded state, in a
state in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 is being made
to vibrate with equalization produced by the air conduction
equalizer 9838c, and when the sound pressure inside the external
auditory meatus (i.e., when measured in a state of broad-sense
cartilage conduction), equalization is insufficient in high-pitched
regions.
[1046] Furthermore, the external auditory meatus occlusion effect
equalizer 9838a equalizes the frequency characteristics of sound
pressure inside the external auditory meatus when the external
auditory meatus occlusion effect (same as the "earplug bone
conduction effect") is occurring. In this case, this is essentially
equalization that gives consideration almost exclusively to the
characteristics of cartilage conduction. In a state in which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 is being made to vibrate with
equalization produced by the air conduction equalizer 9838c, when
the pressing force is reduced while the cartilage conduction unit
9824 is kept in contact with the ear cartilage to open the entrance
to the external auditory meatus, and the sound pressure inside the
external auditory meatus is measured (i.e., when measured in a
state of broad-sense cartilage conduction), equalization is
insufficient in high-pitched regions.
[1047] When the broad-sense cartilage conduction equalizer 9838b or
the air conduction equalizer 9838c is being made to function, a
structure in which vibrations of the electromagnetic vibrator 8225
are transmitted from the upper frame 8227 to the front panel 8201a
and the upper edge part of the front panel 8201a is made to vibrate
in a relatively wide surface area is advantageous as a structure
for generating sufficient direct air-conducted sound from the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013, as in the manner of the
eighty-eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and
136E to FIGS. 138A, 138B, 138C and 138D. In the manner of a
modification of the one-hundredth embodiment shown in FIG. 160(A),
a configuration in which the vibration unit 9625b is brought to the
front surface side of the upper part of the mobile telephone and
arranged near the ear, and a hole 9601b for air-conducted sound
transit is provided near the vibration unit 9625b is also
advantageous for generating sufficient direct air-conducted
sound.
[1048] Equalization by the external auditory meatus occlusion
effect equalizer 9838a, the broad-sense cartilage conduction
equalizer 9838b, and the air conduction equalizer 9838c is set, not
in relation to the characteristics of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013 alone, but so that the generation of cartilage
conduction and air conduction achieve target values in a state in
which these equalizers have been joined with the cartilage
conduction unit 9824 (set in a corner of a mobile telephone) and
incorporated into a mobile telephone.
[1049] FIG. 166 is a flowchart showing the function of the
application processor 9839 in the one-hundred second embodiment of
FIG. 165. To provide a description of the function of the driver
circuit 9803, the flow of FIG. 123 illustrates an abstraction of
the operation, focusing on related functions, and the application
processor 9839 also contains typical mobile telephone functions and
other operations not represented in the flow of FIG. 166. The flow
of FIG. 166 begins when a main power source of the mobile telephone
is turned on; and in step S602 an initial startup and a check of
each unit function are performed and a screen display on the
display unit of the mobile telephone is started. Next, in step
S604, the functions of the cartilage conduction unit and the
outgoing-talk unit of the mobile telephone are turned off, and
routine advances to Step S606.
[1050] In Step S606, a check is performed to determine whether an
air conduction test mode has been set. If an air conduction test
mode setting has not been detected, the routine advances to Step
S608, and a check is performed to determine whether a call is being
carried out by the mobile telephone based on a response from
another party to a call request or based on an incoming call from
another party. If the mobile telephone is in a call state, the
routine advances to Step S610, the cartilage conduction unit and
the outgoing-talk unit are turned on, and the routine advances to
Step S612.
[1051] In Step S612, a check is performed to determine whether an
air conduction mode has been set, and if this mode has not been
set, the routine advances to Step S614. In Step S614, a check is
performed to determine whether the external auditory meatus
occluding effect (earplug bone conduction effect) is present, and
if such is not the case, the routine advances to Step S616 where a
waveform inversion signal of one's own voice is not applied, and
the routine proceeds to step S618. The presence or absence of the
waveform inversion signal of one's own voice has been described in
Step S52 to Step S56 in the flow of FIG. 10, and a detailed
description is therefor omitted. In Step S618, the broad-sense
cartilage conduction equalizer 9838b is selected and the routine
advances to Step S620.
[1052] On the other hand, when the external auditory meatus
occluding effect has been detected in Step S614, the routine
proceeds to Step S622, the waveform inversion signal of one's own
voice is added, the external auditory meatus occlusion effect
equalizer 9838a is selected in Step S624, and the routine proceeds
to Step S620. When it has been detected that the air conduction
mode has been set in Step S612, the routine proceeds to Step S626,
the air conduction equalizer 9838c is selected, and the routine
proceeds to Step S620.
[1053] In Step S620, a check is performed to determine whether a
call has been cut off, and if such is not the case, the routine
returns to Step S612, and Step S612 to Step S626 are repeated as
long as the call has not be cut off. It is thereby possible to
modify the selection of the external auditory meatus occlusion
effect equalizer 9838a, the broad-sense cartilage conduction
equalizer 9838b, and the air conduction equalizer 9838c in
accordance with changes in conditions and settings even during a
call. On the other hand, when it has been detected that a call has
been cut off in Step S620, the routine advances to Step S628, the
functions of the cartilage conduction unit and the outgoing-talk
unit of the mobile telephone are turned off, and the routine
proceeds to Step S630.
[1054] On the other hand, when it has been detected Step S606 that
the air conduction test mode has been set, the routine proceeds to
Step S632 and selects the air conduction equalizer 9838c. Next, in
Step S634, the cartilage conduction unit is turned on, the routine
proceeds to Step S636, and air conduction test processing is
carried out. Air conduction test processing is processing that
causes sound signals of various frequencies to be automatically
generated in sequence on the basis of predetermined sound source
data, and causes the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 to vibrate
on the basis of the equalization of the air conduction equalizer
9838c. Direct air conduction generated from the cartilage
conduction unit is measured using a microphone or the like to
thereby test whether equalization of the air conduction equalizer
9838c is optimal. When air conduction test processing ends, the
routine proceeds to Step S638, the cartilage conduction unit is
turned off, and the routine proceeds to Step S630. Also, when a
call state is not detected in S608, the routine immediately
proceeds to Step S630.
[1055] In Step S630, a check is performed to determine whether the
main power of the mobile telephone has been turned off, and if the
main power has not be turned off, the routine returns to Step S606
and repeats Step S606 to Step S638 in accordance with conditions as
long as it is not detected in Step S630 that the main power has
been turned off. Conversely, the flow ends when it has been
detected in step S630 that the main power has been turned off
[1056] Next, the equalizer function in the digital acoustic
processing circuit 9838 in the one-hundred second embodiment of
FIG. 165 and FIG. 166 will be described using FIGS. 167A-167F. In
the same manner as FIGS. 132A-132C in the eighty-sixth embodiment,
FIGS. 167(A) to FIG. 167(C) are, respectively, an image depiction
of the frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric bimorph
element, an image depiction of the frequency characteristics of the
vibrational acceleration level of ear cartilage when the
piezoelectric bimorph element has been brought into contact with
ear cartilage, and an image depiction of the equalization of the
drive output to the piezoelectric bimorph element.
[1057] FIG. 167(A) is the same drawing as FIG. 132(A) and shows
that the frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric bimorph
element are substantially flat until about 10 kHz. Also, FIG.
167(B) is the same drawing as FIG. 132(B) and shows that the
frequency characteristics of the vibrational acceleration level of
ear cartilage of when the piezoelectric bimorph element has been
brought into contact with ear cartilage will present a high
vibrational acceleration level comparable to a bandwidth of 1 to 2
kHz, even in a bandwidth of 1 kHz or less in which the vibrations
of the piezoelectric bimorph element as the vibration source are
relatively weak, yet will present a reduced vibrational
acceleration level from about 3 kHz to a high-frequency
bandwidth.
[1058] In contrast, in the image depiction of the equalization of
the drive output of the piezoelectric bimorph element of FIG.
167(C), the image of the change in gain produced by the frequency
of the external auditory meatus occlusion effect equalizer 9838a is
indicated by a broken line, the image of the change in gain
produced by the frequency of the broad-sense cartilage conduction
equalizer 9838b is indicated by a solid line, and the image of the
change in gain produced by the frequency of the air conduction
equalizer 9838c is shown by the dot-dash line.
[1059] FIG. 167(D) shows an image of the sound pressure measured
when equalization is carried out by the external auditory meatus
occlusion effect equalizer 9838a shown by the broken line in FIG.
167(C). As shown by the broken line in FIG. 167(D), the sound
pressure is substantially flat, as intended, inside the external
auditory meatus while measured with the entrance of the external
auditory meatus in an occluded state. In contrast, in this
equalization, the sound pressure inside the external auditory
meatus while measured with the entrance of the external auditory
meatus in an unoccluded state is excessive in the high range
measured outside of the ear, as shown by the solid line in FIG.
167(D). Also, in this equalization, the sound pressure of only
direct air conduction while measured outside of the ear is even
more excessive in the high range, as shown by the dot-dash line in
FIG. 167(D).
[1060] FIG. 167(E) shows an image of the sound pressure measured
when equalization is carried out by the broad-sense cartilage
conduction equalizer 9838b indicated by the solid line in FIG.
167(C). As shown by the solid line in FIG. 167(E), the sound
pressure is substantially flat, as intended, inside the external
auditory meatus while measured with the entrance of the external
auditory meatus in an unoccluded state. In contrast, in this
equalization, the sound pressure inside the external auditory
meatus while measured with the entrance of the external auditory
meatus in an occluded state is insufficient in the high range, as
shown by the broken line in FIG. 167(E). In contrast, in this
equalization, the sound pressure of only direct air conduction
measured outside of the ear is excessive in the high range, as
shown by the dot-dash line in FIG. 167(E).
[1061] FIG. 167(F) shows an image of the sound pressure measured
when equalization is carried out by the air conduction equalizer
9838c indicated by the dot-dash line in FIG. 167(C). As shown by
the dot-dash line in FIG. 167(F), the sound pressure is
substantially flat, as intended, for direction air conduction while
measured outside the ear. In contrast, in this equalization, the
sound pressure inside the external auditory meatus while measured
with the entrance of the external auditory meatus in an unoccluded
state is insufficient in the high range, as shown by the solid line
in FIG. 167(F). Also, in this equalization, the sound pressure of
inside the external auditory meatus while measured with the
entrance of the external auditory meatus in an occluded state is
even more insufficient in the high range, as shown by the dot-dash
line in FIG. 167(F).
[1062] The graph shown in FIGS. 167A-167F conceptually shows a
general trend in order to avoid complexity and facilitate
understanding. In actuality, narrow areas of insufficient and
excessive sound pressure occur in relation to equalization based on
middle-range and low-range portions in the call frequency bandwidth
of a mobile telephone. However, since such narrow areas of
insufficient and excessive sound pressure occur when equalization
is carried out using either state as a reference, there is no
meaning to restricting the frequency characteristics of
equalization being used as a reference, and performing equalization
in accordance with a general trend as shown in FIGS. 167A-167F are
being realistic.
[1063] As noted above, the measurement values of FIG. 167(D) to (F)
are not characteristics based on the vibrations of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 7013 alone, but are the result of
measuring the state in which cartilage conduction and air
conduction are generated with the piezoelectric bimorph element
7013 joined to the cartilage conduction unit 9824 and incorporated
into a mobile telephone. Therefore, the gain setting in FIG. 167(C)
is set with the goal of obtaining measurement values of FIG. 167(D)
to (F) in a state in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 7013
has been joined to the cartilage conduction unit 9824 and
incorporated in a mobile telephone.
[1064] The region in which the intended flat sound pressure in FIG.
167(D) to (F) is to be obtained is at least 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz when
the sampling frequency is 8 kHz. The range is at least 300 Hz to 7
kHz when the sampling frequency is 16 kHz.
[1065] Implementation of the features of the present invention
described above is not limited to the aspects in the embodiments
described above, and the features can be implemented in other
embodiments as well, wherever it is possible to benefit from the
advantages thereof. For example, in the one-hundred second
embodiment of FIG. 165, the speaker 9851 and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 7013 of when the air conduction equalizer 9838c has
been selected assume the frequency characteristics of an
air-conduction speaker, and dual use is therefore made of the air
conduction equalizer 9838c. However, the piezoelectric bimorph
element 7013 and the speaker 9851 have different structures, and
when the frequency characteristics are to be obtained for an
optimal air conduction speaker, a dedicated equalizer may be used
for the speaker 9851 without making dual use of the air conduction
equalizer 9838c.
One-Hundred Third Embodiment
[1066] FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E are perspective views
and a cross-sectional views of a one-hundred third embodiment
according to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a mobile telephone 9901. The one-hundred third embodiment has
much in common with the eighty-eighth embodiment; therefore the
same reference numerals are used for the corresponding portions and
a description thereof is omitted unless required. The internal
configuration of the mobile telephone 9901 can be understood by
using, e.g., the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 84 and other
embodiments, and a description thereof is omitted. The one-hundred
third embodiment of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E are
different from the eighty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B,
136C, 136D and 136E in that an electromagnetic air-conduction
speaker 9925 is dually used as a cartilage conduction vibration
source. In the eighty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C,
136D and 136E as well, the configuration is such that the
electromagnetic vibrator 8225 serving as a cartilage conduction
vibration source causes the upper edge part of the front panel
8201a to vibrate over a relatively wide surface area, and an
air-conducted sound at a required level can be generated in an
ordinary mobile telephone; and the configuration is such that both
cartilage conduction and air-conducted sound can be generated.
Conversely, in the one-hundred third embodiment of FIGS. 168A,
168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E, first, the configuration is such that
an ordinary mobile telephone can be caused to generate an
air-conducted sound at a predetermined level using an
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925, and the configuration
is such that the vibrations thereof are also used and transmitted
to the cartilage conduction units 8224 and 8226, whereby both
cartilage conduction and generation of air-conducted sound are made
possible.
[1067] Describing the one-hundred third embodiment more
specifically on the basis of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and
168E, the front panel 8201a is provided with a hole 9901b for
air-conducted sound transit from the electromagnetic air-conduction
speaker 9925, thus constituting an ordinary incoming-talk unit, as
shown in FIG. 168(A). It is apparent in FIG. 168(B), which is a
view along the cross section B1-B1 of FIG. 168(A), that a hanging
part 8227a is provided to the center part on the inner side of the
upper frame 8227, and this constitutes a seating for providing the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925. In order for the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 to generate an
air-conducted sound, the counteraction of the vibrations reactions
are transmitted to the upper frame 8227 and the cartilage
conduction units 8224 and 8226 are made to vibrate.
[1068] In FIG. 168(C), which is a top view of FIG. 168(A), the
hanging part 8227a on the inside and the electromagnetic
air-conduction speaker 9925 provided therewith as a seating are
indicated by a broken line. The electromagnetic air-conduction
speaker 9925 is not in contact with any component other than the
hanging part 8227a, and the counteraction of the vibrations thereof
are thereby transmitted to only the upper frame 8227 via the
hanging part 8227a. In FIG. 168(C), the hole 9901b for
air-conducted sound transit provided in front of the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 in the front panel
8201a is also illustrated by a broken line.
[1069] FIG. 168(D), which is a view along the cross section B2-B2
shown in FIG. 168(A) to FIG. 168(C), shows that the hanging part
8227a is integrally formed with the upper frame 8227, and that the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 is provided using the
hanging part 8227a as a seating. The hole 9901b for air-conducted
sound transit is shown to be provided to the front panel 8201a in a
location in front of the electromagnetic air-conduction speaker
9925. Furthermore, it is apparent in FIG. 168D as well that the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 is not in contact with
any component other than the hanging part 8227a.
[1070] FIG. 168(E) is a view along the cross section B3-B3 shown in
FIG. 168(B), and illustrates the hanging part 8227a inside, the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 provided therewith as a
seating, and a hole 9901b for air-conducted sound transit provided
to the front panel 8201a in a location in front of the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925.
[1071] FIG. 169 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
principal elements of the one-hundred third embodiment shown in
FIG. 168(D), and shows the internal structure and holding structure
of the electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925. FIG. 169 has
much in common with the forty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 73A and
73B; therefore the same reference numerals are used for the
corresponding portions and a description thereof is omitted unless
required. The electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 in
one-hundred third embodiment of FIG. 169 is different from the
electromagnetic vibrating element 4324a in the forty-eighth
embodiment of FIGS. 73A and 73B in that, firstly, the structure is
configured so as to function as an electromagnetic air-conduction
speaker in the manner described above, and the counteraction of the
vibrations are used for cartilage conduction.
[1072] The internal structure and holding structure of the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 in the one-hundred
third embodiment is described in detail below with reference to
FIG. 169. The electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 is
largely divided into two portions. First, as the first portion, a
yoke 4324h for holding a magnet 4324f and a central magnetic pole
4324g is anchored to and supported by the hanging part 8227a. A top
plate 4324j, which has a gap, is anchored to this structure.
[1073] On the other hand, as the second portion, a voice coil 4324m
is wrapped around a voice coil bobbin anchored to a vibration plate
9924, and penetrates into the gap of the top plate 4324j. A weight
ring 9924n for increasing the inertia of the vibration plate 9924k
overall is provided around the vibration plate 9924k. The integral
structure of the second portion contains the vibration plate 9924k,
the voice coil bobbin anchored thereto, the voice coil 4324m, and
the weight ring 9924n, and is connected in a state suspended midair
to the yoke 4324h of the first portion by a damper 9924i In this a
configuration, when an audio signal is inputted into the voice coil
4323m, relative movement occurs between the first portion composed
of the yoke 4324h and the like and the second portion composed of
the vibration plate 9924k and the like; the vibration plate 9924k
thereby vibrates and an air-conducted sound is generative by way of
the hole 9901b for air-conducted sound transit. On the other hand,
the first portion composed of the yoke 4324h also vibrates due to
the counteraction of the vibrations of the second portion composed
of the vibration plate 9924k and the like, and these vibrations are
transmitted from the upper frame 8227 to the cartilage conduction
units 8224 and 8226 via the hanging part 8227a. In the manner
described above, using the counteraction of the vibrations of the
electromagnetic air-conduction speaker 9925 for generating
air-conducted sound as the vibration source for cartilage
conduction is a configuration that allows both cartilage conduction
and the generation of air-conducted sound.
One-Hundred Fourth Embodiment
[1074] FIGS. 170A-170D are perspective views and a cross-sectional
views of a one-hundred fourth embodiment according to an aspect of
the present invention, and is configured as a mobile telephone
10001. The one-hundred fourth embodiment has much in common with
the sixty-fifth embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D; therefore the same
reference numerals are used for the corresponding portions and a
description thereof is omitted unless required. The internal
configuration of the mobile telephone 10001 can be understood by
using, e.g., the fifty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 84 and other
embodiments, and a description thereof is omitted. The one-hundred
fourth embodiment of FIGS. 170A-170D differ from the sixty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D in that the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525 is configured as an air conduction speaker and is
dually used also as a cartilage conduction vibration source. In
other words, the approach used in one-hundred third embodiment of
FIG. 169 can also be applied to the case of an air conduction
speaker.
[1075] Describing the one-hundred fourth embodiment more
specifically on the basis of FIGS. 170A-170D, a hole 10001b for
air-conducted sound transit is provided to the upper part of the
front surface of the mobile telephone 10001, as shown in FIG.
170(A). This is the same as the one-hundred third embodiment of
FIG. 169. It is apparent from FIG. 170(B), which is a view along
the cross section B1-B1 of FIG. 170(A), one end 2525c of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is held by the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit 6124. As a result, the other end 2525b of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is a free vibration end, yet
a vibration plate 10024k for efficiently generating air-conducted
sound is attached thereto. In FIG. 170(B), the hole 10001b for
air-conducted sound transit shown in FIG. 170(A) is illustrated by
an imaginary line for reference in order to understand the
positional relationship. Thus, the vibration plate 10024k vibrates
in the vicinity inside the hole 10001b for air-conducted sound
transit. On the other hand, the one end 2525c of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 2525 is held by the right-ear cartilage conduction
unit 6124 as described above, and the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit 6124 therefore vibrates in good fashion due to the
counteraction of the vibrations of the free end. Vibrations of the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 6124 are furthermore
transmitted to the left-ear cartilage conduction unit 6126 as well
by way of the linking unit 6127. These points are the same as the
sixty-fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 97A-97D. In the one-hundred
fourth embodiment of FIGS. 170A-170D as well, the above-described
structure supports the air conduction speakers using the cartilage
conduction structure in the same manner as the one-hundred third
embodiment of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E, whereby the
counteraction of the vibrations of the air conduction speaker for
generating air-conducted sound is used as a cartilage conduction
vibration source. The piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is
supported by the cartilage conduction unit alone as described above
and does not contact the other constituent elements of the mobile
telephone 10001, so the vibrations thereof are transmitted only to
the cartilage conduction unit.
[1076] In FIG. 170(C), which is a top view of FIG. 170(A), the
vibration plate 10024k attached to the free vibration end 2525b of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 and the hole 10001b for
air-conducted sound transit are illustrated by an imaginary line.
In FIG. 170(D), which is a view along the cross section B2-B2 shown
in FIG. 170(A) to FIG. 170(C), the vibration plate 10024k is
illustrated by an imaginary line for reference in order to show the
positional relationship with the piezoelectric bimorph element
2525. It is apparent from FIG. 170(C) and FIG. 170(D) that the
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525 is arranged nearer to the front
surface side of the mobile telephone 10001 than the sixty-fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 97A-97D so that the vibration plate 10024k can
vibrate in the vicinity inside the hole 10001b for air-conducted
sound transit. In FIG. 170(D), reference illustration of the hole
10001b for air-conducted sound transit is omitted in order to avoid
drawing complexity.
[1077] The various features of each of the present invention
described above are not limited to the above embodiments, and may
be implements in other embodiments. For example, in FIG. 160(A)
shown as a cross-sectional view for describing the configuration
for mass production of the piezoelectric bimorph module in the
one-hundredth embodiment, a design is illustrated in which the hole
9601b for air-conducted sound transit is provided near the
vibration unit 9625b. Also, in the structure of FIG. 160(A), the
support parts 9697c and 9697d of the metal plate 9697, which are at
both ends of the piezoelectric bimorph module 9625, are supported
by the inner side of the elastic body units 4263a, 4263b, and since
there is not contact with the other constituent elements of the
mobile telephone 9601, the vibrations thereof are transmitted only
to the cartilage conduction unit. Therefore, a structure such as
that of FIG. 160(A) may be considered to be a modification of the
one-hundred third embodiment shown in FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D,
and 168E or the one-hundred fourth embodiment shown in FIGS.
170A-170D. In the structure of FIG. 160(A), the width of the metal
plate 9697 to the rear of the hole 9601b for air-conducted sound
transit may be increased and the surface area for functioning as a
vibration plate for generating air-conducted sound may be
increased, provided that space allows, in order to more efficiently
generate air-conducted sound that passes through the mobile
telephone 9601.
One-Hundred Fifth Embodiment
[1078] FIG. 171 is a block view related to a one-hundred fifth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a system composed of a mobile telephone 11001 and a
stereo headset 11081a, 11081b capable of short-range communication
therewith. The left headset 11081a and the right headset 11081b,
which are a stereo headset, can be constantly worn on the left and
right ears. In other words, the stereo headset 11081a, 11081b in
the one-hundred fifth embodiment has a configuration in which the
ear hole 232 can be used in an unoccluded state in the manner of
the eighty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B to the
ninety-second embodiment, the ninety-eighth embodiment, and the
ninety-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 142A and 142B, FIGS. 153A-153C,
and FIGS. 156A and 156B, and noise of the external environment does
not become difficult to hear in comparison with an unworn state,
even when the system is constantly worn on both ears as a stereo
headset. Therefore, for example, there is no increase of danger in
not hearing a vehicle horn or the like, and it is possible to enjoy
conversation with people nearby while wearing the stereo
headset.
[1079] The a block view of the one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG.
171 has much in common with the eighty-seventh embodiment of FIG.
135; therefore the same reference numerals are used for the
corresponding portions and a description thereof is omitted unless
required. For simplification, the internal configuration of the,
e.g., telephone function unit 45 is omitted from the drawing in
FIG. 171. The internal structure of the right headset 11081b is
omitted for simplification. Other than lacking a call microphone
11023, the configuration is that same as the left headset
11081a.
[1080] The one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG. 171 differs from
the eighty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 135 in that consideration is
given to music enjoyment as a purpose for constantly wearing the
stereo headset 11081a, 11081b, and adaptation to various conditions
brought about by use with the ear hole 232 in an unoccluded state.
First, a digital music player unit 11084 is provided in the mobile
telephone 11001 side, and output is possible from an external
earphone jack 11046 via an audio input/output unit 11040. The audio
input/output unit 11040 is capable of outputting a call audio
signal from the telephone function unit 45 and song signals from
the music player unit 11084, from a wireless short-range
communication unit 1446 to the left headset 11081a and the right
headset 11081b.
[1081] An equalizer 11036 of the audio input/output unit 11040
performs cartilage conduction equalization adapted for driving the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 or the like in the left
headset 11081a and the right headset 11081b by control carried out
by a control unit 11039 when a call audio signal from the telephone
function unit 45 is outputted from the short-range communication
unit 1446. On the other hand, when a song signal from the music
player unit 11084 is outputted from the short-range communication
unit 1446 to the left headset 11081a and the right headset 11081b,
the equalizer 11036 of the audio input/output unit 11040 increases
the contribution of the air conduction component over cartilage
conduction equalization by control carried out by a control unit
11039, and high-pitched regions required for music enjoyment is
supplemented by direct air-conducted sound from the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1626 or the like.
[1082] The equalizer 11036 of the audio input/output unit 11040
furthermore monitors the magnitude of variation (e.g., variation in
intensity of sound between fortissimo and pianissimo) in the audio
signal of a song in progress in the output from the music player
unit 11084, and when the audio signal falls to a predetermined
level or lower (the intensity of the sound in the song migrates to
the piano side), equalization is varied temporarily in accordance
with the progress of the song so that the cartilage conduction
component become relatively greater in the mixture ratio between
the cartilage conduction component and the direct air conduction
component.
[1083] The above-described control is significant in two ways. The
first is a countermeasure to noise of a fixed intensity that does
not vary in magnitude in terms of the audio signal in a song. This
noise is inconspicuous in the forte (fortissimo) region of a song,
but is conspicuous in the piano (pianissimo) region. Therefore, the
mixture ratio of the air conduction component is increased in the
forte region to achieve good music quality, the cartilage
conduction component, which is good in the low-pitched regions, is
used in the piano region, and the cartilage conduction component is
increased in a relative fashion.
[1084] The second is a countermeasure to variation in the frequency
characteristics of hearing in relation to the magnitude of sound.
In terms of the variation in the frequency characteristics of
hearing, it is known that audibility in the low-pitched regions
worsens in commensurate fashion to lower magnitude sound, as
indicated by, e.g., the "Fletcher and Munson equal-loudness curve."
However, as described above, the air conduction component is
increased in a relative manner in the forte region and the
cartilage conduction component is increased in the piano region,
whereby the cartilage conduction component, which is good in the
low-pitched regions, is increased in the piano region to offset a
reduction in audibility.
[1085] The audio input/output unit 11040 outputs an incoming-call
melody or other incoming-call sound to the left headset 11081a and
the right headset 11081b in alternating fashion, e.g., every second
when an incoming-call sound from the telephone function unit 45 is
outputted from the short-range communication unit 1446 by control
carried out by the control unit 11039. An incoming-call sound is
thereby easy to perceive because the incoming-call sound can be
hear in alternating fashion from the left and right every second,
even when the incoming-call sound is superimposed on the song being
enjoyed. The incoming-call sound may be superimposed on the signal
of the song being enjoyed, but it is also possible to mute the song
signal to the headset on the side outputting the incoming-call
sound. In this case, the incoming-call sound and the song signal
can be heard in alternating fashion every second from the left and
right headsets.
[1086] In the further case that a call sound signal from the
telephone function unit 45 is to be outputted from the short-range
communication unit 1446 and a three-party call is initiated,
control is carried out by the control unit 11039 to, e.g., send the
voice of a first party to the left headset 11081a and send the
voice of the second party to the right headset 11081b. The voice of
two other people can thereby be separately heard from the left and
right ears. The details of the various functions of the mobile
telephone 11001 side noted above are later described.
[1087] On the other hand, the left headset 11081a has a passive
mode and an independent mode. In the passive mode, the sound in an
equalized state as received by the short-range communication unit
1487a is sent to the mixer unit 1636 and the cartilage conduction
vibration unit 1626 is driven. In this case, the equalizer 8238
essentially does not perform any action. In independent mode, the
equalizer 8238 ordinarily performs cartilage conduction
equalization by control carried out by a control unit 11039a. When
the control unit 11039a has detected that the sound signal received
by the short-range communication unit 1487a is music, the equalizer
8238 performs equalization for increasing the contribution of the
air conduction component over that used during cartilage conduction
equalization, and the signal is sent to the mixer unit 1636 to
thereby drive the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626. The
call microphone 11023 has directivity centered about the direction
of the mouth of the wearer of the left headset 11081a, the audio of
the wearer is picked up and sent from the short-range communication
unit 1487a to the mobile telephone 11001 and is then passed onto to
the telephone function unit 45.
[1088] An ambient sound microphone 11038 in the left headset 11081a
has wide-angle directivity centered about the direction incoming to
the ear of the wearer. Noise in the area picked up by such an
ambient sound microphone 11038 is inverted by a waveform inverter
1640 and inputted to the mixer unit 1636. In addition to a song
signal for enjoyment, a vibration component in which noise in the
area has been waveform-inverted is thereby generated in the
cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626. This vibration component
arrives at the tympanic membrane by cartilage conduction and
air-conducted sound and offsets noise in the area that has arrived
by direct air conduction at the tympanic membrane. It is thereby
possible to prevent music or the like being enjoyed from being
difficult to hear due to noise in the area which may possibly
arrive at the tympanic membrane because the system is used with the
ear hole in an unoccluded state.
[1089] However, when such offsetting of ambient sound in the area
is constantly carried out, the significance of using a
configuration in which the ear hole is left in an unoccluded state
to be able hear external sounds is reduced by half. Therefore, in
the one-hundred fifth embodiment, offsetting of ambient sound
described above is stopped by control carried out by the control
unit 11039a when either of the following conditions has occurred.
The first condition occurs when the ambience sound picked up by the
ambient sound microphone 11038 has rapidly increased, and at this
time, offsetting of ambient sound is stopped. This is designed to
ensure that there is no danger in which, e.g., vehicle horns, and
other emergency sounds in the area go unheard. The second condition
occurs when a human voice at a predetermined volume level or higher
has been detected by the ambient sound microphone 11038, and at
this time, offsetting of ambient sound is stopped. This is designed
to ensure that, e.g., conversation with people in the area can be
enjoyed and smooth communication can take place while the stereo
headset is being worn and music or the like is being enjoyed.
However, in relation to the second condition, excluding cases in
which an incoming-call sound is being received or the mobile
telephone 11001 has a call in progress, offsetting of ambient sound
is continued in such cases. This is done with the idea of obtaining
understanding of people in the area when a suitable response is not
made to initiation of conversation from people in the area under
such conditions, and priority is given to avoiding call obstruction
and situations in which the user is unaware of an incoming call to
the mobile telephone 11001.
[1090] In the one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG. 171, the
configuration is such that the left headset 11081a and the right
headset 11081b each receive audio signals from the mobile telephone
11001, and the processing described above is carried out
independently in the respective control units 11039a (the drawing
of which is omitted in the right headset 11081b). Therefore, the
right headset 11081b can be understood in accordance with the left
headset 11081a, and a description thereof is omitted. The details
of the various functions of the left headset 11081a side noted
above are later described.
[1091] FIG. 172 is an expanded system block view of the one-hundred
fifth embodiment of FIG. 171. The mobile telephone and the left and
right stereo headset are essentially the same as in FIG. 171, and
therefore, the same reference numerals are used and a drawing of
the internal configuration of the mobile telephone 11001 is
omitted. Also, in relation to the headset in FIG. 172, the block
names are left first headset 11081a and right first headset 11081b
in order to distinguish from other later-described stereo
headsets.
[1092] In the expanded system shown in FIG. 172, a dedicated mobile
music player 11084b having a short-range communication unit 1446b
is added. The left headset 11081a and the right headset 11081b are
capable of intercommunication in the same manner as FIG. 171, are
capable of receiving song signals from the mobile music player
11084b, and perform the operations described in FIG. 171, including
processing of song signals from the mobile music player 11084b,
when an incoming-call signal is received from the mobile telephone
11001 or a call is started while enjoying music. When the mobile
music player 11084b is in an ordinary configuration, the left first
headset 11081a and the right first headset 11081b are in
independent mode, and the equalizer 8238 is mainly operating. In a
system such as FIG. 172, when the left first headset 11081a and the
right first headset 1108 1b are in independent mode, a system
configuration is possible even when the mobile telephone 11001 is
an ordinary mobile telephone that does not have a cartilage
conduction equalization function. When the mobile music player
11084b has the same equalizer 11036 and control unit 11039 thereof
for cartilage conduction as in the mobile telephone 11001, the left
first headset 11081a and the right first headset 11081b function in
the passive mode.
[1093] A call/sound source server 11084c having a short-range
communication unit 1446c is furthermore added to the expanded
system in FIG. 172. The left first headset 11081a and the right
first headset 11081b are capable of intercommunication with the
mobile telephone 11001 and the mobile music player 11084b, and are
capable of communicating with the call/sound source server 11084c
as well. When communicating with such a call/sound source server
11084c, the left first headset 11081a and the right first headset
11081b are in the independent mode and the equalizer 8238 is mainly
operating. The call/sound source server 11084c has the same
telephone call functions and music playback functions are that in
the mobile telephone 11001, and when provided with the equalizer
11036 and the control unit 11039 thereof for cartilage conduction,
the left first headset 11081a and the right first headset 11081b
function in passive mode.
[1094] The call/sound source server 11084c is capable of
distributing call, music, and other sound sources to a plurality of
headsets within short-range communication distance, and as an
example thereof, a left second headset 11081c and the right second
headset 11081d capable of communication with the short-range
communication unit 1446c are illustrated in FIG. 172. The details
of the configuration of the left second headset 11081c and the
right second headset 11081d are the same as those of the left first
headset 11081a and the right first headset 11081b, and a
description is therefor omitted.
[1095] FIG. 173 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit
11039 of the mobile telephone 11001 in the one-hundred fifth
embodiment of FIG. 171. The flow of FIG. 173 begins when a main
power source is turned on by the operation unit 9; and in step
S642, an initial startup and a check of each unit function are
performed. Next, in Step S644, a check is performed to determine
whether the headset mode (a mode for outputting an audio signal of
the mobile telephone 11001 to the left first headset 11081a and the
right first headset 11081b) has been set, and if the headset mode
has been set, the routine proceeds to Step S646. In Step S646, a
check is performed to determine whether the music player is on and
a music sound signal is being outputted.
[1096] When it has been detected that the music player is on in
Step S646, the routine advances to Step S648, an instruction is
issued for an equalization setting in which the air conduction
component is increased over cartilage conduction equalization, and
the routine proceeds to Step S650. Insufficiency in high-pitched
regions of the frequency characteristics of cartilage conduction is
thereby supplemented, and music replay approximate to the original
sound is achieved. In Step S650, a check is performed to determine
whether the music sound signal has dropped to a predetermined level
or lower (the intensity of the sound in the song migrates to the
piano side). If such is the case, the routine proceeds to Step
S652, an instruction is issued for temporarily correcting
equalization in which the cartilage conduction component is
increased in a relative manner by a predetermined ratio, and the
routine proceeds to Step S654. As described above, this has
significance as a noise countermeasure in the region where sound is
small and as a countermeasure against reduction of audibility in
low-pitched regions.
[1097] On the other hand, when it has been detected in Step S650
that the music sound signal has not dropped to a predetermined
level or lower (the intensity of the sound in the song migrates to
the forte side), the routine proceeds directly to Step S654, and
the equalization setting in which the air conduction component was
increased in Step S648 is maintained. Supplementation of
high-pitched regions by the air conduction component is carried out
in the region in which the volume is high, and music replay
approximate to the original sound is achieved. Also, when it has
not been detected that the music player is on in Step S646, the
routine advances to Step S656, an instruction for a cartilage
conduction equalization setting is issued, and the routine proceeds
to Step S654. As described below, Step S646 to Step S656 are
repeated at high speed, and it is therefore possible to adapt to
variations in the magnitude of the sound between the forte side and
the piano side midway through a song.
[1098] For simplification, Step S650 to Step S652 above have a
single criterion for determining the predetermined level and
variation of equalization has two stages depending on whether the
cartilage conduction component is to be increased by a
predetermined ratio or not. In actuality, the configuration is such
that judgment level and the increase ratio of the cartilage
conduction component have a plurality of stages, or that variation
is continuous without any stages. In this case, variation in
equalization is carried out using a table for determining the
judgment level and the increase ratio of the cartilage conduction
component. However, the data in the table is obtained by combining
two types of tables, which are prepared in accordance with the
significance of noise countermeasures having the fixed intensity
noted above and in accordance with "Fletcher and Munson
equal-loudness curves," and ultimate change in equalization is
determined thereby.
[1099] In Step S654, a check is performed to determine whether
there has been an incoming call to the mobile telephone. If there
is an incoming call, the routine proceeds to Step S658 and an
incoming-call sound is generated. If music is playing at this time,
the incoming-call sound is superimposed on the music sound signal.
As described above, in lieu of such superimposition, the song
signal may be muted while the incoming-call sound is being
generated. Next, processing is carried out for causing only the
incoming-call sound to be outputted in alternating fashion every
predetermined length of time (e.g., one second) to the left second
headset 11081c and the right first headset 11081b. The
incoming-call sound superimposed on the song being enjoyed (or
alone) as described above can thereby be heard in alternating
fashion from the left first headset 11081a and the right first
headset 11081b.
[1100] Next, in Step S662, a check is performed to determine
whether an operation has been performed for initiating a call in
response to an incoming call (if music is being played back, replay
is also interrupted by this operation). If an operation to initiate
a call has not been detected, the flow returns to Step S658. Step
S658 to Step S662 are thereafter repeated as long as a call has not
been initiated, and alternating output of the incoming-call sound
from the left first headset 11081a and the right first headset
11081b is continued. On the other hand, when a call start operation
is detected in Step S662, the flow proceeds to Step S664 and
cartilage conduction equalization is instructed.
[1101] In Step S666, a check is performed to determine whether
there is a third-party call, and if such is the case, the routine
advances to Step S668, and the received voices of the other two
parties are separated. The routine then proceeds to Step S670 and
performs processing for distributing and outputting the separated
voices to the left first headset 11081a and the right first headset
11081b, and the routine proceeds to Step S672. The voices of the
other two parties can thereby be separated and heard from the left
and right ears as described above. On the other hand, when a
three-party call is not confirmed in Step S666, the routine
proceeds directly to Step S672. In Step S672, a check is performed
to determine whether an operation for ending a call has been
performed (if music was being played back, replay is also restarted
by this operation). If the call has not ended, the routine returns
to Step S666, and Step S666 to Step S672 are thereafter repeated
until a call end operation is detected, and during this interval,
if there is a switch between a three-party call and an ordinary
two-party call, the switch is handled by the routine. On the other
hand, when an operation for ending a call is detected in Step S672,
the routine proceeds to Step S674.
[1102] On the other hand, when the headset mode is not detected in
Step S644, the routine proceeds to Step S676 and performs ordinary
mobile telephone processing, and the routine proceeds to Step S674.
The specific content of Step S676 is variously described in the
other embodiments, and a description is therefore omitted. When an
incoming call to the telephone is not detected in Step S654, the
routine proceeds directly to Step SS674. In this case, music reply
is continued in the manner described below.
[1103] In Step S674, a check is performed to determine whether the
main power has been turned off, and if the main power is off, the
flow returns to Step S644. Step S644 to Step S676 is repeated as
long as the main power is not turned off. In this repetition, Step
S644 to Step S652 are repeated at high speed when there is no
incoming call to the telephone in Step S654 or after a call end has
been detected in Step S672, and it is possible to handle
cancellation of the headset mode and turning the music player on
and off When neither has occurred, music replay is continued, and
it is possible to adapt to variations in sound magnitude between
the forte side and the piano side midway through a song. On the
other hand, the flow ends when the main power is detected to have
been turned off in Step S674.
[1104] FIG. 174 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit
11039a of the headset in the one-hundred fifth embodiment of FIG.
171. The flow of FIG. 174 begins when a main power source is turned
on by the operation unit 1409; and in step S682 an initial startup
and a check of each unit function are performed. Next, in Step
S684, an instruction is issued to make a short-range communication
connection with the mobile telephone 11001, and the routine
proceeds to Step S686. When a short-range communication has been
established on the basis of the instruction in Step S684, the left
second headset 11081c and the mobile telephone 11001 thereafter
remain constantly connected as long as the main power is not turned
off. In Step S686, a check is performed to determine whether a
short-range communication has been established with the mobile
telephone 11001, and when communication has been confirmed to be
established, the routine proceeds to Step S688.
[1105] In Step S688, the ambient sound microphone 11038 is turned
on, the routine advances to Step S690, and an instruction is issued
to subject the ambient sound picked up by the ambient sound
microphone 11038 to waveform inversion and superimpose the inverted
waveform on the sound signal from the mobile telephone 11001. When
the ambient sound microphone 11038 has already been turned on when
the routine arrives at Step S688, no action is performed in this
step and the routine proceeds to Step S690. When an instruction has
already been issued to superimpose the waveform-inverted signal of
the ambient sound when the routine arrives at Step S690, no action
is performed in this step and the routine proceeds to Step S692.
Raw ambient noise that enters the ears thereby is offset by the
waveform-inverted ambient noise outputted from the cartilage
conduction vibration unit 1626.
[1106] Next, in Step S692, a check is performed to determine
whether the mode is the independent mode, and if the mode is the
independent mode, a check is performed to determine whether a song
sound signal is being received in Step S694. When reception of a
song sound signal is not detected, the routine advances to Step
S696, sets the cartilage conduction equalization, and the routine
arrives at Step S698. On the other hand, when reception of a song
sound signal is not detected in Step S694, the routine proceeds to
Step S700, equalization for increasing the air conduction component
in a relative manner is set, and the routine arrives at Step S698.
When the mode is not detected to be the independent mode in Step
S692, the mode must be the passive mode, and since an equalized
sound signal will be received from the mobile telephone 11001, the
routine proceeds directly to Step S698 without performing
modification of equalization on the left second headset 11081c
side.
[1107] In Step S698, a check is performed to determine whether a
rapid increase in ambient sound has been detected by the ambient
sound microphone 11038. If there has been no rapid increase in
ambient sound, the routine advances to Step S702, and a check is
performed to determine whether an incoming-call sound is being
received from the mobile telephone 11001. If an incoming-call sound
is not being received, the routine advances to Step S704, a check
is performed to determine whether a call is in progress, and if a
call is not in progress, the routine arrives at Step S706. That the
routine has arrived at Step S706 indicates that a song is being
enjoyed or that no sound signal is being received from the mobile
telephone 11001.
[1108] In Step S706, a check is performed to determine whether a
human voice at a predetermined level or higher has been detected by
the ambient sound microphone 11038 with the assumption the
above-described state holds true. Detection of whether the sound is
a human voice is made by verifying, e.g., frequency components
unique to a human voice and variation patterns in volume and pitch.
When a human voice at a predetermined level or higher has been
detected in Step S706, the routine advances to Step S708, an
instruction is issued to stop superimposition of a
waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound instructed in Step S690,
and the routine returns to Step S692. If an instruction to stop
superimposition of a waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound has
already been issued when the routine arrives at Step S708, no
action is performed in this step and the routine returns to Step
S692.
[1109] On the other hand, when receipt of an incoming-call sound
has been detected in Step S702, when a call is detected to be in
progress in Step S704, or when a human voice has not been detected
at a predetermined level or higher in Step S706, in any of these
cases, the routine proceeds to Step S710, an instruction is issued
to subject the ambient noise to waveform inversion and to
superimpose the inverted waveform in the same manner as Step S690,
and the routine proceeds to Step S712. When superimposition of the
waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound has already been
instructed when the routine arrives at Step S710, no action is
performed in this step, and the routine proceeds to Step S712.
Also, when it is not confirmed in Step S686 that short-rand
communication has been established, the routine proceeds directly
to Step S712.
[1110] In Step S712, a check is performed to determine whether the
main power has been turned off, and if the main power has not be
turned off, the routine returns to Step S686. Steps S686 to Step
S712 are thereafter repeated as long as the main power is not
detected in Step S712 to have been turned off. Modification of the
independent mode and passive mode, modification of the cartilage
conduction equalization setting, and modification of
superimposition and stopping superimposition of the
waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound are thereby carried out
in accordance with variation in conditions. On the other hand, the
flow ends when it has been detected in Step S712 that the main
power has been turned off
[1111] The various features shown in the embodiments of the present
invention are not necessarily unique to each embodiment, and the
features of each embodiment can be used with modifications, as
appropriate, and can be used in combination, wherever it is
possible to benefit from the advantages thereof. For example, in
lieu of stopping the waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound in
Step S708 in the flowchart of FIG. 174, it is possible to input the
ambient sound (in this case, rapidly increased ambient sound or
human voice) picked up by the ambient sound microphone 11038 to the
mixer unit 1636 without performing waveform inversion, and to add
this to the unaltered voice and then output the human voice from
the cartilage conduction vibration unit 1626 as well. It is thereby
possible to be more readily aware of vehicle horns, initiation of
conversation from people in the area, and other situations.
[1112] Furthermore, in the one-hundred fifth embodiment shown in
FIG. 171 to FIG. 174, the configuration is such that the left
headset 11081a and the right headset 11081b receive audio signals
from the mobile telephone 11001, and the above-described processing
is carried out in their respective control units. However, in lieu
of such a configuration of one-hundred fifth embodiment, it is also
possible to use a configuration in which the left headset 11081a
receives and sends, and performs overall control of equalization,
ambient sound offsetting, and the like. In this case, the right
headset 11081b is configured to merely receive drive signals from
the left headset 11081a and to solely cause the cartilage
conduction unit to vibrate without direct intercommunication with
the mobile telephone 11001. Also, in this case, in reverse from the
description above, it is apparent that it is also possible to use a
configuration in which the right headset 11081b receives and sends,
and performs overall control; and the left headset 11081a is
configured to merely receive drive signals and to solely cause the
cartilage conduction unit to vibrate.
[1113] Also, in the one-hundred fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 171
to FIG. 174, the ambient sound microphone 11038 is provided to the
left headset 11081a side, and control for modification of
superimposition of the waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound or
stoppage thereof is carried out on the left headset 11081a side in
order to accurately pick up ambient sound directed at the ear.
However, the specific configuration of such control is not limited
to the embodiments. For example, in order to simplify the
configuration of the headset side, it is possible to use
configuration in which the ambient sound microphone 11038 is
provided to the mobile telephone 11001 side, control for
modification of superimposition of the waveform-inverted signal of
ambient sound or stoppage thereof is carried out on mobile
telephone 11001 side, and only resulting sound signals are sent to
the headset side. Such a configuration assumes that substantially
all ambient sound entering the ear can be ascertained even when the
ambient sound microphone 11038 is provided to the mobile telephone
11001 side. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the
ambient sound microphone 11038 alone is provided to the headset
11081a side, and information about the picked-up sound is sent to
the mobile telephone 11001 side to have control for modification of
superimposition of the waveform-inverted signal of ambient sound or
stoppage thereof carried out on the mobile telephone 11001 side in
order to accurately pick up ambient sound directed at the ear.
[1114] In the one-hundred fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 171 to
FIG. 174, a configuration was described in which the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is located in the headset, but the
feature in which the mixture ratio between the cartilage conduction
component and the direct air conduction component is temporarily
varied on the basis of the magnitude of change in the sound signal
as described in, e.g., the one-hundred fifth embodiment can also be
implemented in the case that the cartilage conduction vibration
unit is provided to the mobile telephone (e.g., the upper corner
part) as in other embodiments.
[1115] In the one-hundred fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 171 to
FIG. 174, an example was shown for varying the mixture ratio
between the cartilage conduction component and the direct air
conduction component in accordance with the progress of a song on
the basis of the change in magnitude of the sound signal. However,
this feature is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, it
is also possible to use a configuration in which the mixture ratio
of the cartilage conduction component and the direct air conduction
component is varied in accordance with the average volume. It is
furthermore possible to use a configuration in which both
configurations are used, i.e. a configuration for varying the
mixture ratio of the cartilage conduction component and the direct
air conduction component in accordance with the average volume and
a configuration for varying the mixture ratio between the cartilage
conduction component and the direct air conduction component on the
basis of the change in magnitude of the sound signal.
[1116] In the one-hundred fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 171 to
FIG. 174, a configuration is used in which communication between
the mobile telephone 11001, the mobile music player 11084b, the
call/sound source server 11084c, and the headsets 11081a to 11081d
is carried out by wireless short-range communication, but
communication therebetween may also be carried out by wired
communication using a cable or the like.
One-Hundred Sixth Embodiment
[1117] FIG. 175 is a block view related to a one-hundred sixth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a mobile telephone 12001. The block view of
one-hundred sixth embodiment in FIG. 175 has much in common with
the configuration of the eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131 and
elsewhere, and therefore the same reference numerals as in FIG. 131
are used for the same portions, and a description thereof is
omitted unless particularly required. For simplification, the
internal configuration of, e.g., the telephone function unit 45 and
the display unit 205 is omitted from the drawing in FIG. 175. The
drive functions of the cartilage conduction vibration unit 228 are
brought together as a drive unit 12038. Furthermore, for
simplification, the configuration that does not directly relate to
the description of the one-hundred sixth embodiment is omitted from
the drawing. However, the one-hundred sixth embodiment may be
provided with other configurations omitted from the description and
omitted from the drawing in FIG. 175, and may be implemented in
combination with the various features of other embodiments.
[1118] The one-hundred sixth embodiment of FIG. 175 differs from
the eighty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 131 in that the configuration
is provided with a microphone 12023 (generically referred to as a
later-described first microphone 12023a, a second microphone
12023b, a directivity-switching unit 12023c, and the like) capable
of switching directivity is provided, and the directivity of the
microphone 12023 can be switched in harmony with the cartilage
conduction function and various other functions of the mobile
telephone 12001. In order to describe this difference, the
microphone 223 illustrated in the block of the telephone function
unit 45 in FIG. 131 is illustrated outside the telephone function
unit 45 in FIG. 175. A detailed description will proceed below with
focus on the directivity switching of the microphone 12023.
[1119] The directivity-switchable microphone 12023 in the
one-hundred sixth embodiment is endowed with sharp directivity by
having a first microphone 12023a and a second microphone 12023b,
which have no directivity, arranged in proximity at a predetermined
distance from each other, and sounds from other than a target
direction can be reduced using the phase difference or the like of
the first microphone 12023a and the second microphone 12023b using
the directivity-switching unit 12023c. The directivity-switching
unit 12023c varies the phase difference processing, whereby the
sharpness of the directivity and the direction of directivity can
be adjusted. Examples of such a directivity-switchable microphone
12023 are described in JP-A 6-30494, JP-A 2011-139462, and
elsewhere. The directivity-switching unit 12023c of the present
invention, ordinary stereo audio processing can be carried out on
the basis of the output information of the first microphone 12023a
and the second microphone 12023b when the directivity is to be
widened by reducing or completely avoiding phase difference
processing.
[1120] In the one-hundred sixth embodiment, the sharpness of the
directivity and the direction of directivity of the microphone
12023 is automatically adjusted in coordination with the various
functions of the mobile telephone 12001 using a
directivity-switchable microphone 12023 such as that described
above. The main information source for this automatic adjustment is
the acceleration sensor 49 and various mode switching of the mobile
telephone 12001.
[1121] FIGS. 176A-176D are schematic views for describing an image
of the automatic adjustment of the direction of directivity and the
sharpness of directivity of the directivity-switchable microphone
12023 in the one-hundred sixth embodiment of FIG. 175. FIGS. 176(A)
and (B) show the manner in which the direction of directivity is
automatically switched to the left and right in accordance with the
tilt of the mobile telephone 12001 on the basis of the detection of
gravitational acceleration by the acceleration sensor 49. FIG.
176(A) shows the state in which the right-side cartilage conduction
unit 12024 as viewed from the front surface is brought against the
right ear 28 when the mobile telephone 12001 is held with the right
hand. FIG. 176(A) shows the face being viewed from the side, and an
outline of the mobile telephone 12001 is illustrated as an
imaginary line in order to show the positional relationship between
the first microphone 12023a and the second microphone 12023b, which
cannot be seen from the back surface. In this state, the mobile
telephone 12001 is tilted right and downward as viewed from the
front surface (illustrated as left downward in FIG. 176(A) as
viewed from the back surface), and the control unit 12039 issues an
instruction to the directivity-switching unit 12023c and
automatically adjusts the directivity 12023d of the microphone
12023 to a rightward narrow angle (illustrated as leftward in FIG.
176(A) as viewed from the back surface) in accordance with the
output of the acceleration sensor 49 for detecting the tilt. The
directivity 12023d of the microphone 12023 is thereby directed
toward the mouth of the user and the voice of the user of the
mobile telephone 12001 is almost exclusively picked up without
ambient sounds in other directions being picked up.
[1122] In contrast, FIG. 176(B) shows the state in which the
left-side cartilage conduction unit 12026 as viewed from the front
surface is brought against the left ear 30 when the mobile
telephone 12001 is held with the left hand. In this state, the
mobile telephone 12001 is tilted left and downward as viewed from
the front surface, and the control unit 12039 issues an instruction
to the directivity-switching unit 12023c and automatically adjusts
the directivity 12023e of the microphone 12023 to a leftward narrow
angle (illustrated as rightward in FIG. 176(B) in accordance with
the output of the acceleration sensor 49 for detecting the tilt.
The directivity 12023e of the microphone 12023 is thereby directed
toward the mouth of the user and the voice of the user of the
mobile telephone 12001 is almost exclusively picked up without
ambient sounds in other directions being picked up.
[1123] FIG. 176(C) shows a state in which the mobile telephone
12001 is being used in the videoconferencing mode. Vibration output
to the left and right cartilage conduction units 12024, 12026 is
not carried out in the videoconferencing mode, and audio is
outputted from the air conduction speaker 51. In this state, the
mobile telephone 12001 is not tilted as viewed from the front
surface. The control unit 12039 issues an instruction to the
directivity-switching unit 12023c in response to the setting of the
videoconferencing mode, and automatically adjusts the directivity
12023f of the microphone 12023 to a center narrow angle. The
directivity 12023f of the microphone 12023 is thereby directed
toward the front surface, and the voice of the user directed to the
mobile telephone 12001 is almost exclusively picked up without
ambient sounds in other directions being picked up. The
configuration may be such that the main information source for
automatic adjusting the directivity 12023f of the microphone 12023
to a center narrow angle using the control unit 12039 is the output
of the acceleration sensor 49 for detecting that the mobile
telephone 12001 is not tilted left or right, instead of the
videoconferencing mode setting. Furthermore, in lieu of this
configuration, it is also possible to detect the videoconferencing
state by detecting that the upper part of the mobile telephone
12001 has not been brought to the ear, using a configuration which
conforms to, e.g., the pair of infrared light-emitting units 19, 20
and the shared infrared light proximity sensor 21 described in the
first embodiment of FIG. 1.
[1124] FIG. 176(D) shows a state in which the mobile telephone
12001 is being used in the speaker mode and has been placed on a
desk or the like so as to be horizontal. Vibration output to the
left and right cartilage conduction units 12024, 12026 is not
carried out in the speaker mode, and audio is outputted from the
air conduction speaker 51. Such usage is advantageous for carrying
out a conference call or at other times in which a single mobile
telephone 12001 is surrounded by a plurality of people. The control
unit 12039 issues an instruction to the directivity-switching unit
12023c by detection of the state of horizontal placement based on
the output of the acceleration sensor 49 and the setting of the
speaker mode, and the directivity 12023g of the microphone 12023 is
automatically adjusted to a center wide angle. The microphone 12023
is thereby set to be substantially without directivity and is
capable of picking up the voices of the entire a plurality of
people surrounding the desk on which the mobile telephone 12001 is
placed. At this time, the directivity-switching unit 12023c reduces
or completely avoids phase difference processing for cancelling out
audio from outside the directivity range, and ordinary stereo audio
processing is carried out on the basis of the output information of
the first microphone 12023a and the second microphone 12023b. It is
thereby possible to discriminate each of the directions of the
voices of the plurality of people surrounding the mobile telephone
12001. It is also possible to assess that the mobile telephone is
in the speaker mode by detecting that the upper part of the mobile
telephone 12001 has not been brought to the ear by making use of a
configuration that conforms to the infrared light proximity sensor
21 shown in the first embodiment of FIG. 1, in the same manner as
detection of the videoconferencing state described above, in
addition to the use of mode setting information.
[1125] FIG. 177 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit
12039 of the mobile telephone 12001 in the one-hundred sixth
embodiment of FIG. 175 and FIGS. 176A-176D. The flow of FIG. 177
begins when a main power source is turned on, and in step S722, an
initial startup and a check of each unit function are performed.
Next, in step S724, the directivity of the microphone 12023 is set
to a center narrow angle, and the routine proceeds to Step S726. In
Step S726, a check is performed to determine whether a call
operation has been performed using the mobile telephone 12001, and
there has been no operation, the routine advances to Step S728, and
a check is performed to determine whether there has been an
incoming call to the mobile telephone 12001. If there has been an
incoming call, the routine proceeds to Step S730. Also, when a call
operation has been detected in Step S726, the routine proceeds to
Step S730.
[1126] In Step S730, a check is performed to determine whether
there has been a response by another party to the call operation or
a call has been started by an operation to receive an incoming
call, and if a call has been started, the routine proceeds to Step
S732. Also, if a call start cannot be detected, the routine returns
to Step S726, and thereafter Step S726 to Step S730 are repeated to
await a call start as long as the call operation or incoming call
continue.
[1127] When a call start is detected in Step S730, the routine
advances to Step S732, a check is performed to determine whether
the videoconferencing mode has been set. If there is not
videoconferencing, the routine advances to Step S734, and a check
is performed to determine whether the mode is the speaker call
mode. If the mode is not the speaker mode, the routine proceeds to
Step S736, and a check is performed to determine whether the mobile
telephone 12001 is tilted to the left at a predetermined angle or
greater. If a predetermined leftward tilt or greater is not
detected, the routine proceeds to Step S738, and a check is
performed to determine whether the mobile telephone 12001 is tilted
to the right at a predetermined angle or greater. If a
predetermined rightward tilt or greater is not detected, the
routine proceeds to Step S740, the directivity of the microphone
12023 is set to a center narrow angle, and the routine proceeds to
Step S742. At this time, if the directivity has been set to a
center narrow angle, no action is performed in this step, and the
routine proceeds to Step S742. In the mobile telephone 12001 which
uses cartilage conduction, rather than the center part of the upper
edge of the mobile telephone, the upper corner of the mobile
telephone is brought to the ear. Therefore, the tilt during use is
greater than that of an ordinary mobile telephone and the
microphone 12023 tends to be set at a distance from the mouth.
Therefore, a configuration for switching the directivity between
left and right to allow for right hand use and left hand use as
described above is particularly useful.
[1128] On the other hand, in Step S736, when it has been detected
that the mobile telephone 12001 is tilted leftward at a
predetermined angle or greater, the routine proceeds to Step S744,
the directivity of the microphone 12023 is set to a leftward narrow
angle, and the routine proceeds to Step S742. At this time, if the
directivity has already been set to a leftward narrow angle, no
action is performed in this step, and the routine proceeds to Step
S742. In contrast, when it has been detected in Step S738 that the
mobile telephone 12001 is tilted rightward at a predetermined angle
or greater, the routine proceeds to Step S746, the directivity of
the microphone 12023 is set to a rightward narrow angle, and the
routine proceeds to Step S742. At this time as well, if the
directivity has already been set to a rightward narrow angle, no
action is performed in this step, and the routine proceeds to Step
S742.
[1129] When it has been detected in Step S732 that the
videoconferencing mode has been set, the routine proceeds to Step
S748, the directivity of the microphone 12023 is set to a center
narrow angle, and the routine proceeds to Step S742. At this time
as well, if the directivity has already been set to a center narrow
angle, no action is performed in this step, and the routine
proceeds to Step S742. Furthermore, when it has been detected in
Step S734 that the speaker call mode has been set, the routine
advances to Step S750, and a check is performed to determine
whether the mobile telephone is in a state of horizontal placement
on the basis of the output of the acceleration sensor 49. If such
is the case, the routine proceeds to Step S752, the directivity of
the microphone 12023 is set to a center narrow angle, the routine
advances to Step S754, stereo processing is instructed, and the
routine proceeds to Step S742. At this time as well, if the
directivity has already been set to a center narrow angle, no
action is performed in Step S752, the stereo processing instruction
is continued in Step S754, and the routine proceeds to Step S742.
On the other hand, when a state of horizontal placement is not
detected in Step S750, the routine proceeds to Step S748, the
directivity of the microphone 12023 is set to a center narrow
angle, and the routine proceeds to Step S742. At this time as well,
if the directivity has already been set to a center narrow angle,
no action is performed in Step S748, and the routine proceeds to
Step S742.
[1130] In Step S742, a check is performed to determine whether a
call end operation has been performed. If no call end operation has
been performed, the routine returns to Step S732. Step S732 to Step
S754 are thereafter repeated as long as no call end operation is
detected in Step S742, and the directivity is automatically
switched so as to adapt to changes in various conditions during a
call. On the other hand, when a call end operation has been
detected in Step S742, the routine proceeds to Step S756. When an
incoming call has not been detected in Step S728, the state
corresponds to the lack of a call operation and an incoming call,
and the routine therefore proceeds to Step S758. In Step S758,
processing for handing an audio input operation using the
microphone 12023 is carried out, and the routine proceeds to Step
S756. When the routine arrives at audio input-handling processing
of Step S758, the directivity of the microphone 12023 is set to a
center narrow angle in Step S724, and the voice of audio input
instructions of the user facing the mobile telephone 12001 is
therefore almost exclusively picked up without ambient sounds in
other directions being picked up.
[1131] In Step S756, a check is performed to determine whether the
main power of the mobile telephone 12001 has been turned off, and
if the main power has not been turned off, the routine returns to
Step S724. Step S724 to Step S756 are thereafter repeated as long
as the main power is not detected in Step S756 to have been turned
off, and adaptation is made to changes in various conditions of the
mobile telephone 12001. In other words, the flow ends when the main
power is not detected in Step S756 to have been turned off.
[1132] Implementation of the features of the present invention
described above is not limited to the aspects in the embodiments
described above, and implementation is also possible using other
aspects where it is possible to benefit from the advantages
thereof. For example, the configuration for automatically switching
between left and right directivity by detection of rightward tilt
and leftward tilt of the mobile telephone in the one-hundred sixth
embodiment, and the configuration for automatically adjusting the
directivity and the direction of directivity in accordance with
various conditions are not limited to mobile telephones that use
cartilage conduction, and may also be used in mobile telephones
which perform incoming talk using an ordinary speaker.
[1133] In the one-hundred sixth embodiment, assessment of left-hand
use or right-hand use is detected by tilt detection carried out by
the acceleration sensor, but assessment of left-hand use and
right-hand use is not limited thereto. For example, it is also
possible to detect whether the left corner part or the right corner
part of the upper part of the mobile telephone has been brought to
the ear by using a configuration the conforms to the pair of
infrared light-emitting units 19, 20 and the shared infrared light
proximity sensor 21 shown in the first embodiment of FIG. 1. It is
furthermore possible to assess left-hand use or right-hand use by
providing a contact sensor in the back surface or elsewhere of the
mobile telephone, and using the fact that the contact conditions of
the hand are different in the case of left-hand holding and
right-hand holding.
One-Hundred Seventh Embodiment
[1134] FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E are perspective views
and cross-sectional views related to a one-hundred seventh
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configuration as a mobile telephone 13001. The one-hundred seventh
embodiment has much in common with the one-hundred third embodiment
of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E, and therefore parts that
are in common have been given like reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted unless there is a particular
need. The internal configuration of the mobile telephone 13001 is
the same as the fifty-seventh embodiment and therefore FIG. 87 will
be invoked. The one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B,
178C, 178D and 178E are different from the one-hundred third
embodiment of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and 168E in relation to
the cartilage conduction vibration source; an electromagnetic
air-conduction speaker 9925 is used in the one-hundred third
embodiment whereas a piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 is used in
the one-hundred seventh embodiment. Also, a characteristic
structure that is different from the other embodiments as described
below is used for supporting the piezoelectric bimorph element
13025. In the one-hundred seventh embodiment, the piezoelectric
bimorph element 13025 is strictly the vibration source of the
cartilage conduction units 8224 and 8226, which is different from
the one-hundred third embodiment, and air-conducted sound is
generated incidentally by vibration of the upper end part of the
front panel 8201a. Concerning this point, the one-hundred seventh
embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E are approximate
to the eighty-eighth embodiment of FIGS. 136A, 136B, 136C, 136D and
136E.
[1135] The one-hundred seventh embodiment is described in detail
below with reference to FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E. FIG.
178(A) is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the
mobile telephone 13001 of the one-hundred seventh embodiment, and a
hole 9901b for air-conducted sound transit such as in the
one-hundred third embodiment of FIGS. 168A, 168B, 168C, 168D, and
168E are not provided.
[1136] Next, the arrangement and support structure of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 will be described with
reference to FIG. 178(B), which is a view along the cross section
B1-B1 of FIG. 178(A). As described above, the one-hundred seventh
embodiment has the piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 as a
vibration source. In terms of the support thereof, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 is arranged vertically at an
intermediate point of the cartilage conduction units 8224 and 8226,
the upper-side end is inserted into a hanging part 8227c of the
upper frame 8227 and is supported in a cantilever manner. The other
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 on the lower side
freely vibrates, and the counteraction thereof is transmitted from
the hanging part 8227c to the cartilage conduction units 8224 and
8226. The vibration direction thereof is the direction
perpendicular to the front panel 8201a (the direction perpendicular
to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and
178E).
[1137] The internal hanging part 8227c and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 13025 inserted therein are shown by a broken line
in FIG. 178(C), which is a top surface view of FIG. 178(A). It is
apparent from FIG. 178(C) that the hanging part 8227c is arranged
nearer to the back panel 8201b, and that the piezoelectric bimorph
element 13025 vibrates near the back panel 8201 b without being in
contact with other components other than the hanging part 8227c.
The piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 thereby vibrates without
occupying space near the front panel 8201a in the upper part of the
mobile telephone 13001 where many members are arranged. The
counteractions of the vibrations of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 13025 are transmitted only to the upper frame 8227 via the
hanging part 8227c.
[1138] FIG. 178(D), which is a view along the cross section B2-B2
of FIG. 178(A) to FIG. 178(C), shows that the hanging part 8227c is
integrated with the upper frame 8227, the hanging part 8227c is
provided near to the back panel 8201b, and the free end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 inserted therein vibrates in
the direction perpendicular to the front panel 8201a as indicated
by the arrow 13025a. In FIG. 168(D), it is apparent that the free
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 vibrates without
being in contact with other components other than the hanging part
8227c, and the counteractions of the vibrations thereof are
transmitted only to the upper frame 8227 via the hanging part
8227c.
[1139] FIG. 178(E) is a view along the cross section B3-B3 shown in
FIG. 178(B), the internal hanging part 8227c and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 13025 inserted therein are shown by a broken line
in FIG. 178(C). The piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 in the
one-hundred seventh embodiment vibrates without occupying space
near the front panel 8201a in the upper part of the mobile
telephone 13001 where many members are arranged, and is therefore
thinly configured in the direction of vibration, as shown in FIGS.
178(A) to (D). Such a thin piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 is
supported in a cantilever manner vertically nearer the back panel
8201 b at an intermediate point of the cartilage conduction units
8224 and 8226, whereby vibrations can be uniformly transmitted to
the cartilage conduction unit 8224 and 8226 without greatly
occupying space in the upper part of the mobile telephone
13001.
[1140] The one-hundred seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 178A,
178B, 178C, 178D and 178E are furthermore configured in view of
making use of cartilage conduction in a frequency range of 4 kHz or
higher. Matter that will serve as a base therefor is described
below.
[1141] As previously described, the graph showing the measurement
data of a mobile telephone in FIG. 79 shows that when the mobile
telephone is brought into contact with the ear cartilage around the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus with a contact
pressure of 250 gram-force (the sound pressure of normal use), the
sound pressure 1 cm into the external auditory meatus from the
entrance part to the external auditory meatus increases by at least
10 dB in the main frequency band (500 Hz to 2300 Hz) of speech in
comparison with a non-contact state. (See a comparison of the
non-contact state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 79 and the
contact state at 250 gram-force indicated by the dot-dash line.) In
contrast, the difference in sound pressure between the non-contact
state and the contact state at 250 gram-force becomes relatively
smaller in higher frequency bands (e.g., 2300 Hz to 7 kHz).
However, according to FIG. 79, an increase in sound pressure in the
contact state at 250 gram-force in comparison with the non-contact
state is readily apparent even in higher frequency bands. This
circumstance is the same in a comparison of the non-contact state
(solid line) and the sound pressure at a contact pressure of 500
gram-force (dot-dash line) in which the external auditory meatus is
occluded, and although not as dramatic as the main frequency band
(500 Hz to 2300 Hz) of speech, an increase in sound pressure in the
contact state at 500 gram-force in comparison with the non-contact
state is readily apparent even in higher frequency bands (e.g.,
2300 Hz to 7 kHz). In particular, direct air-conducted sound is not
present because the external auditory meatus is occluded in a
contact pressure of 500 gram-force, and the increase in sound
pressure from the non-contact state is due to cartilage
conduction.
[1142] As previously noted, in terms of changes in the frequency
characteristics of hearing, it is known that audibility in the
low-pitched regions is worsened as the sound is reduced. FIG. 179
shows this fact and is referred to as a "Fletcher and Munson
equal-loudness curve." It is apparent from FIG. 179 that when,
e.g., 100 Hz and 1 kHz are compared, equal loudness can be obtained
on the equal-loudness curve of 100 phon at a sound pressure level
of about 100 decibels. However, it is apparent according to the
equal-loudness curve of 40 phon that 1 kHz is 40 dB, but 100 Hz is
60 dB, and in order to obtain the same loudness as 1 kHz at 100 Hz,
an extra 20 db of sound pressure is required. In other words,
audibility is worsened as the equal-loudness curve rises above the
point that intersects the horizontal axis, and audibility is
improved therebelow. It is apparent that an increase in sound
pressure in the relatively low-frequency region in FIG. 79 is
advantageous in terms of supplementing a reduction in human
audibility in a region in which sound is low such as in FIG.
179.
[1143] On the other hand, in a relatively high-frequency region
(e.g., 4 kHz to 10 kHz) as shown in FIG. 179, the audibility of
humans is maintained at a relatively good level even when the sound
is reduced (admitting the fact that audibility is reduced from the
high-frequency side due to aging). When consideration is given to
such characteristics of human audibility, a sound pressure increase
by cartilage conduction in the high-frequency band (e.g., 2300 Hz
to 7 kHz) in accordance with the experiment results of FIG. 79
shows that practical sound transmission is possible by cartilage
conduction, not only in the main frequency band (500 Hz to 2300 Hz)
of speech, but also in higher frequency regions (e.g., 4 kHz to 10
kHz). In reality, when the cartilage conduction unit is driven with
a pure tone and brought into contact with ear cartilage in a state
in which an earplug is used to eliminate the effect of direct
air-conducted sound, it was found that sound can be satisfactorily
heard by cartilage conduction at least at 7 kHz. Furthermore, in an
experiment with young subjects, an increase in sound pressure is
clearly heard by change from a non-contact state to a contact
state, even at 10 kHz, and it was confirmed that cartilage
conduction occurs even at such a frequency.
[1144] The one-hundred seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 178A,
178B, 178C, 178D and 178E are configured so as to make use of
cartilage conduction across the frequency region of 4 kHz and
higher with acknowledgement of the above, and specifically,
equalization is performed with consideration given to the
characteristics of cartilage conduction in the region 300 Hz to 7
kHz. Also, when the external earphone jack 8246 is used, wide-band
equalization (e.g., equalization in the region of 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
is performed with consideration given to the playback of a music
source.
[1145] The one-hundred seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 178A,
178B, 178C, 178D and 178E expands the frequency band that makes use
of cartilage conduction to 7 kHz as described above. Cartilage
conduction can be used even in a frequency band of 7 kHz or higher
as described above, but the reason for using a setting of 7 kHz is
to give priority to protecting privacy and to reducing annoyance to
the surroundings, which are advantages of cartilage conduction.
Human audibility as shown in FIG. 179 remains high in relation to
still small sounds in the high-frequency band of 7 kHz or higher.
On the other hand, the high-frequency band of 7 Hz or higher is a
region that is heard as a raspy sound and is unpleasant to the
surrounding even when the sound is small. Therefore, the
piezoelectric bimorph element is not allowed to vibrate in a
frequency band of this region, and unpleasant air-conducted sound
is prevented from being produced in the surroundings even with a
small amount of sound leakage.
[1146] Currently, in a call by a typical mobile telephone, a
frequency band of 3.4 kHz or greater is not used, but as described
above, the sampling frequency in PHS and IP telephones is 16 kHz,
and can be quantized to 8 kHz. Therefore, audio signals at about 7
kHz are used. Also, broad-sense cartilage conduction in which
consideration is also given to the direct air conduction component
is anticipated in a mobile telephone as well in view of future
improvements in the data communication rates, and in this case as
well, it is believed that the piezoelectric bimorph element 13025
will be made to vibrate in a region up to about 7 kHz. In such
conditions, the configuration shown in the one-hundred seventh
embodiment would be very useful.
[1147] A detailed description is provided below, and the block view
of one-hundred seventh embodiment is the same as the fifty-seventh
embodiment, and FIG. 87 will therefore be invoked. However, the
functions of the application processor 5339 and the functions of
the control unit 5321 for controlling the analog front end 5336 and
the cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit 5338 by
instructions from the application processor are different from
those of the fifty-seventh embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 87,
the sound signals provided by the earphone jack 5313 (corresponding
to the earphone jack 8246 in FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E)
and the equalization of the sound signal provided to the amplifier
5340 for driving the piezoelectric bimorph element 5325
(corresponding to the piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 in FIGS.
178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and 178E) are different from the
fifty-seventh embodiment as noted above.
[1148] FIG. 180 is a flowchart showing the functions the
application processor 5339 (which calls on FIG. 87) in the
one-hundred seventh embodiment. The flow of FIG. 180 illustrates an
abstraction of the operation with focus on the functions of the
application processor 5339 related to control of the analog front
end 5336 and the cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing
unit 5338 in FIG. 87. The application processor 5339 also contains
typical mobile telephone functions and the like not notated in the
flow of FIG. 180. The application processor 5339 is also capable of
achieving the various functions shown in other various embodiments,
and these functions are omitted from the drawing and the
description in FIG. 180 in order to avoid complexity.
[1149] The flow of FIG. 180 begins when a main power source of the
mobile telephone 13001 is turned on; in Step S762 an initial
startup and a check of each unit function are performed and a
screen display on the display unit 8205 of the mobile telephone
13001 is started. Subsequently, in Step S764, the function of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 13025, the amplifier 5340 and other
cartilage conduction units related to the driving thereof, and the
outgoing-talk unit 8223 of the mobile telephone 13001 are turned
off, and the routine proceeds to Step S766.
[1150] In Step S766, a check is performed to determine whether an
ear phone or the like has been inserted into the external earphone
jack 8246. If an insertion into the external earphone jack 8246 has
been detected, the routine advances to Step S768, and a check is
performed to determine whether there is an ongoing call state. If
there is an ongoing call state, the routine advances to Step S770,
the functions of the cartilage conduction unit and the outgoing
talk unit are turned on, and the routine advances to Step S772. In
Step S772, equalization is carried out with consideration given to
the characteristics of cartilage conduction, in Step S774,
equalization is carried out in the frequency band of 300 Hz to 7
kHz, and the routine proceeds to Step S776. The reason for dividing
Step S772 and Step S774 is to functionally separate and describe
the case in which an ear phone is inserted into the external
earphone jack 8246 to perform a telephone call as later-described,
and the case in which equalization is carried out in the frequency
band of 300 Hz to 7 kHz without consideration given to the
characteristics of cartilage conduction. In reality, when the
cartilage conduction is turned on, Step S772 and Step S774 are
executed as integrated equalization.
[1151] In Step S776, a check is performed to determine whether the
entrance of the external auditory meatus is being occluded, and if
not, the routine advances to Step S778, and the routine advances to
Step S780 without adding the waveform-inversion signal of one's own
voice. The check of whether the entrance to the external auditory
meatus is being occluded is made possible by processing that deems
or otherwise concludes that the external auditory meatus is
occluded by an ear phone by, e.g., using the output of the pressure
sensor 242 described in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 9, or
detecting that an ear phone plug has been connected to the external
earphone jack 8246. The addition or non-addition of the
waveform-inversion signal of one's own voice is described in Step
S52 to Step S56 in the flow of FIG. 10, so the details thereof are
omitted. On the other hand, when it has been detected in Step S776
that the entrance to the external auditory meatus is being
occluded, the routine proceeds to Step S782, the waveform-inversion
signal of one's own voice is added, and the routine proceeds to
Step S780.
[1152] In Step S780, a check is performed to determine whether a
call has been cut off, and if not, the routine returns to Step
S776, and Step S776 to Step S780 are thereafter repeated as long as
the call has not been cut off. The waveform-inversion signal of
one's own voice can thereby be modified in response to changes in
settings and conditions even during a call. On the other hand, when
it has been detected in Step S780 that a call has been cut off, the
routine advances to Step S784, the functions of the cartilage
conduction unit and the outgoing-talk unit are turned off, and the
routine proceeds to Step S786. When an ongoing call state is not
detected in Step S768, the routine proceeds directly to Step S784.
If the functions of the cartilage conduction unit and the
outgoing-talk unit are already in an off state when the routine
arrives at Step S784, no action is performed in Step S784, and the
routine proceeds to Step S786.
[1153] In contrast, when insertion into the external earphone jack
8246 has been detected in Step S766, the routine proceeds to Step
S788, the cartilage conduction is turned off, and the routine
proceeds to Step S790. If the cartilage conduction unit is already
in an off state at this time, no action is performed in Step S788,
and the routine proceeds to Step S790. In Step S790, a check is
performed to determine whether there is an ongoing call state. If
an ongoing call state exists, the routine advances to Step S792,
the function of the outgoing-talk unit is turned on, and the
routine advances to Step S774. The voice from the other party of
the call outputted from the external earphone jack 8246 can thereby
be heard, and the call for sending one's own voice from the
outgoing-talk unit is made possible. Also, by proceeding to Step
S774, equalization is performed in the frequency band of 300 Hz to
7 kHz, and the routine thereafter enters the same flow as used
during cartilage conduction. In this case, the routine has not
passed through Step S772, and equalization is therefore carried out
in the frequency band of 300 Hz to 7 kHz without consideration
given to the characteristics of cartilage conduction. In the case
that Step S776 uses a method for assessing whether to deem that the
external auditory meatus to be in an occluded state using the fact
that an external earphone is being used, the flow, when having
arrived at Step S776 by way of Step S792, almost exclusively takes
a route that arrives at Step S780 by way of Step S776 to Step S782.
It is thereby possible to reduce the discomfort of hearing one's
own voice during earphone usage.
[1154] On the other hand, when an ongoing call state is not
detected in Step S790, music data is being outputted from the
external earphone jack 8246, and therefore, wide-band equalization
(e.g., 20 Hz to 20 kHz) is performed in Step S794, and the routine
proceeds to Step S796. In Step S796, music data playback or other
music enjoyment processing is carried out, and if the processing
ends, the routine proceeds to Step S786.
[1155] In Step S786, a check is performed to determine whether the
main power of the mobile telephone has been turned off, and if the
main power has not been turned off, the routine returns to Step
S766, and Step S766 to Step S796 is thereafter repeated in
accordance with the conditions as long as the main power is not
detected in Step S786 to have been turned off. In contrast, the
flow ends when the main power is detected in Step S786 to have been
turned off. One-hundred eighth embodiment
[1156] FIGS. 181A-181F are cross-sectional views relating to a
one-hundred eighth embodiment and a modification thereof according
to an aspect of the present invention, and is configured as a
mobile telephone 14001 or a mobile telephone 15001. The one-hundred
eighth embodiment and modification thereof has much in common with
the one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D
and 178E, and therefore parts that are in common have been given
like reference numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted
unless there is a particular need. There is no difference from the
one-hundred seventh embodiment in terms of the external appearance,
and therefore FIG. 178(A) shall be invoked and the illustration of
the perspective view in FIGS. 181A-181F are omitted. The
one-hundred eighth embodiment of FIGS. 181A-181F differs from the
one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and
178E in that the piezoelectric bimorph element 14025 or 15025 is
arranged in a horizontal orientation in the one-hundred eighth
embodiment and the modification thereof, whereas the piezoelectric
bimorph element is arranged in a vertical orientation in the
one-hundred seventh embodiment.
[1157] FIG. 181(A) in the one-hundred eighth embodiment corresponds
to a view along the cross section B1-B1 of FIG. 178(A) (invoking
the one-hundred seventh embodiment). It is apparent in FIG. 181(A)
that a hanging part 8227d from the upper frame 8227 is provided to
an intermediate point of the cartilage conduction units 8224 and
8226 in the one-hundred eighth embodiment as well. However, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 14025 is arranged in a horizontal
orientation, and the right-side end in the drawing is inserted into
the hanging part 8227d and thereby supported in a cantilever state.
The other lefts-side end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 14025
in the drawing freely vibrates, and the counteractions thereof are
transmitted from the hanging part 8227d to the cartilage conduction
units 8224 and 8226. The direction of vibration is the direction
perpendicular to the front panel 8201a (the direction perpendicular
to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 181A-181F) in the same manner
as the one-hundred seventh embodiment.
[1158] The internal hanging part 8227d and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 13025 inserted therein are shown by a broken line
in FIG. 181(B), which corresponds to a top surface view of FIG.
178(A) (invoking one-hundred seventh embodiment). It is apparent
from FIG. 181(B) that the hanging part 8227d is arranged nearer to
the back panel 8201b, and that the piezoelectric bimorph element
14025 vibrates near the back panel 8201b without being in contact
with other components other than the hanging part 8227d, in the
same manner as the one-hundred seventh embodiment. The
piezoelectric bimorph element 14025 thereby vibrates without
occupying space near the front panel 8201a in the upper part of the
mobile telephone 14001 where many members are arranged, in the same
manner as the one-hundred seventh embodiment. In the one-hundred
eighth embodiment as well, the counteractions of the vibrations of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 14025 are transmitted only to the
upper frame 8227 via the hanging part 8227d.
[1159] FIGS. 181(C), which is a view along the cross section B2-B2
shown in FIGS. 181(A) and (B), shows that the hanging part 8227d is
integrated with the upper frame 8227, and that the hanging part
8227d is provided near the back panel 8201b, in the same manner as
the one-hundred seventh embodiment.
[1160] FIG. 181(D) to FIG. 181(F) show a modification of the
one-hundred eighth embodiment. FIG. 181(D) corresponds to a view
along the cross section B1-B1 of FIG. 178(A) (invoking the
one-hundred seventh embodiment), and shows that two hanging parts
8227e and 8227f hanging from the upper frame 8227 are provided at
an equidistant interval from an intermediate point of the cartilage
conduction units 8224 and 8226. The piezoelectric bimorph element
15025 is arranged in a horizontal orientation in the same manner as
in the one-hundred eighth embodiment, and the two hanging parts
8227e and 8227f are each inserted from inside and are supported at
both ends rather than being supported in a cantilever fashion as in
the one-hundred eighth embodiment. In order to achieve such a
support, it is possible to use an assembled structure in which,
e.g., at least one of the hanging part 8227e and the hanging part
8227f is made to be removable from the upper frame 8227, the two
ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element 15025 is inserted between
the hanging parts 8227e and 8227f, and the hanging parts 8227e and
8227f are thereafter integrally attached to the upper frame 8227.
In the case of such a two-end support arrangement, the center
portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element 15025 vibrates freely,
and the counteractions thereto are transmitted from the hanging
parts 8227e and 8227f to the cartilage conduction units 8226 and
8224, respectively. The direction of vibration is the direction
perpendicular to the front panel 8201a (the direction perpendicular
to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 181A-181F) in the same manner
as the one-hundred eighth embodiment.
[1161] The internal two hanging parts 8227e, 8227f and the
piezoelectric bimorph element 15025 inserted therein are shown by a
broken line in FIG. 181(E), which corresponds to a top surface view
of FIG. 178(A) (invoking the one-hundred seventh embodiment). It is
apparent from FIG. 181(E) that the two hanging parts 8227e and
8227f are arranged nearer to the back panel 8201b in the same
manner as the one-hundred eighth embodiment, and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 15025 vibration near the back panel 820 1b without
being in contact with any component other than the hanging parts
8227e and 8227f The piezoelectric bimorph element 15025 thereby
vibrates without occupying space near the front panel 8201a in the
upper part of the mobile telephone 15001 where many members are
arranged, in the same manner as the one-hundred eighth embodiment.
In the modification of the one-hundred eighth embodiment as well,
the counteractions of the vibrations of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 15025 are transmitted only to the upper frame 8227 via the
hanging parts 8227e and 8227f.
[1162] FIG. 181(F), which is a view along the cross section B2-B2
shown in FIGS. 181(D) and (E), shows that the hanging parts 8227e,
8227f are integrated with the upper frame 8227, and that the
hanging parts 8227e, 8227f are provided near the back panel 8201b,
in the same manner as the one-hundred seventh embodiment. In the
modification, there are two hanging parts 8227e and 8227f, and in
FIG. 181(F), the cross section B2-B2 corresponding to the hanging
part 8227f portion is therefore representatively shown.
[1163] The various features shown in the preceding embodiments are
not necessarily unique to the respective embodiments, and the
features the embodiments may be combined or rearranged, as
appropriate, with the features of other embodiments wherever it is
possible to benefit from the advantages thereof. The specific
individual configurations in the respective embodiments may also be
substituted with other equivalent means. For example, in the
one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B, 178C, 178D and
178E, the one-hundred eighth embodiment of FIGS. 181A-181F, and the
modification thereof, there is shown a configuration in which an
end part of the piezoelectric bimorph element is inserted into the
hole of the hanging part, but the support of the piezoelectric
bimorph element is not limited to such a configuration, and it is
also possible to use a configuration in which, e.g., the end part
of the piezoelectric bimorph element is bonded to the hanging
part.
[1164] Also, in the one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A,
178B, 178C, 178D and 178E, the configuration in which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 13025 is arranged nearer to the back
panel 8201b and is made to vibrate without occupying space near the
front panel 8201a in the upper part of the mobile telephone 13001
where many members are arranged is not limited to the piezoelectric
bimorph element being used as a cartilage conduction vibration
source, but also has other usefulness. For example, when an
electromagnetic vibrator is used as the cartilage conduction
vibration source, the same advantages can be enjoyed by arranging
the electromagnetic vibrator near the back panel.
[1165] Furthermore, in the present invention, the configuration in
which air-conducted sound equalization is carried out across a wide
band to 20 kHz for the earphone jack and cartilage conduction
equalization is carried out to 7 kHz in the cartilage conduction
vibration source is not limited to the use of a piezoelectric
bimorph element as the cartilage conduction vibration source as
shown in the one-hundred seventh embodiment of FIGS. 178A, 178B,
178C, 178D and 178E, and the configuration is useful when other
cartilage conduction vibration sources are used. For example, this
feature is useful when an electromagnetic vibrator is used as the
cartilage conduction vibration source.
One-Hundred Ninth Embodiment
[1166] FIGS. 182A-182G are schematic views of a one-hundred ninth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. FIG. 182(A) is a front view
(corresponding to the side surface of the face) of the right-ear
earphone worn on the right ear 28. A drawing of the face other than
the right ear 28 is omitted for simplicity. Also, the stereo
earphone in the present embodiment and thereafter will be described
for only the right ear for simplicity, but the embodiments may be
provided with a left-ear earphone having the same configuration,
and the right-ear earphone and the left-ear earphone may be
connected to an external output stereo mini jack of a mobile
telephone or a mobile music terminal by a stereo mini-plug. In FIG.
182(A), the configuration of the right-ear earphone is indicated by
a broken line in order to show the relationship with the structure
of the ear.
[1167] It is apparent in FIG. 182(A) that a cartilage conduction
unit 16024 of the right-ear earphone is wedged into the space
between the inner side of the tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a. Also,
a passage hole 16024a that substantially matches the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a is provided to the cartilage
conduction unit 16024. The cartilage conduction unit 16024 is
composed of an elastic body having strong resiliency and conforms
to personal differences in the width of the wearing space between
the inner side of the tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a by deformation
of wearing, and the cartilage conduction unit 16024 is designed not
to fall from the wearing space due to the resiliency that
accompanies deformation. The ear cartilage itself also slightly
deforms due to wearing, and the cartilage conduction unit 16024 is
held by the resiliency thereof. Therefore, the cartilage conduction
unit 16024 has an elastic body structure that is firmer than the
ear cartilage itself.
[1168] A sheath 16024b is anchored to the cartilage conduction unit
16024, and the piezoelectric bimorph element (not shown in FIG.
182(A)) is accommodated therein. The piezoelectric bimorph element
is capable of vibrating so as to avoid contact with the inner wall
of the sheath 16024b as described below, and the upper end part
thereof is anchored to the cartilage conduction unit 16024. The
sheath 16024b is capable of being hooked on the intertragic notch
28f from the cavum conchae 28e to hang down below the ear 28. In
FIG. 182(A), the sheath 16024b is illustrated so as to be tilted
down to the right and hanging in the drawing, but may also hang
substantially vertically downward due to personal difference in the
shape of the ear. The details of the ear structure are described in
FIGS. 80A and 80B, and the manner in which the cartilage conduction
unit 16024 of the earphone and the sheath 16024b is accommodated in
the ear can therefore be better understood with reference
thereto.
[1169] FIG. 182(B) is a side view of the earphone and the left side
in the drawing corresponds to the entrance to the external auditory
meatus 30a. Illustration of the ear is omitted for simplicity. It
is apparent in FIG. 182(B) that the cartilage conduction unit 16024
has a greater thickness protruding in the direction of the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a than does the sheath 16024b so
as to be accommodated in the space between the inner side of the
tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a. Also, the cartilage conduction unit
16024 has a ring-like edge 16024c on the right side (the opposite
side from the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a) in the
drawing around the passage hole 16024a.
[1170] FIG. 182(C) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the
earphone, and shows the manner in which the ring-like edge 16024c
is provided to the periphery of the passage hole 16024a. It is
apparent in FIG. 182(C) that the sheath 16024b is embedded in and
anchored to the lower part of the cartilage conduction unit 16024.
Furthermore, the upper end of the piezoelectric bimorph element
16025 is embedded in and anchored to the lower part of the
cartilage conduction unit 16024 without contact with the inner wall
of the sheath 16024b. On the other hand, the lower end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 16025 is capable of freely vibrating
inside the sheath 16024b, the counteractions thereof are
transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 16024, and good
cartilage conduction to the ear cartilage is produced. Also, a
connection cable 16024d is drawn out from the lower end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 16025, and this is passed through the
lower end of the sheath 16024b and connected to a stereo
mini-plug.
[1171] FIG. 182(D) is a view along the cross section B1-B1 of FIG.
182(C) and shows the manner in which the ring-like edge 16024c
provided to the periphery of the passage hole 16024a protrudes to
the outer side (the upper side in the drawing). The one-hundred
ninth embodiment is configured so that music or the like can be
enjoyed by cartilage conduction essentially without blocking
external sounds by using a widely opened passage hole 16024a. It is
thereby possible to be readily aware of vehicle horns and other
danger sounds when music is being enjoyed outdoors, and smooth
communication can take place in immediate response to being spoken
to by people in the surroundings. When there is a desire to
temporarily occlude the external auditory meatus to concentration
on music enjoyment, the cartilage conduction unit 16024 is lightly
pressed to the ear with the body of a finger 16067 from the
exterior while the earphone is being worn, as shown in FIG. 182(D).
The contact pressure between the cartilage conduction unit 16024
and the ear cartilage is thereby increased, volume is increased,
and the ring-like edge 16024c lightly bites into the body of the
finger 16067 to efficiently occlude the passage hole 16024a, as
shown in FIG. 182(D). Since these are stereo earphones, it is
obvious that the earphones of both ears are to be pressed in the
manner described above in order to achieve an occluded state of the
external auditory meatus.
[1172] FIGS. 182(E), (F), and (G) show FIG. 182(C) in a simplified
form, and show the manner in which the cartilage conduction unit
16024 deforms. FIG. 182(F) is a standard state, FIG. 182(E) shows a
state in which the cartilage conduction unit 16024 is firmly
pressed and deformed from the left and right when being worn by a
person having narrow wearing space to the left and right between
the inner side of the tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a. On the other
hand, FIG. 182(G) shows the state in which the cartilage conduction
unit 16024 is firmly pressed and deformed from above and below when
worn by a person having a narrow wearing space in the vertical
direction. FIGS. 182(E), (F), and (G) show simplified typical
examples, and the cartilage conduction unit 16024 can be freely
deformed in accordance with personal differences in the shape of
the wearing space.
One-Hundred Tenth Embodiment
[1173] FIGS. 183A-183E are schematic views of a one-hundred tenth
embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred tenth embodiment
of FIGS. 183A-183E has much in common with the one-hundred ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G, and therefore the same parts have
been given the same reference numerals, and a description thereof
has been omitted. The one-hundred tenth embodiment differs from
one-hundred ninth embodiment in that the configuration is such that
a sheath 17024b is capable of sliding up and down with respect to a
cartilage conduction unit 17024, whereby a passage hole 17024a can
be opened and closed. The passage hole 17024a is configured to be
relatively small as shown in FIG. 183(A) in order to facilitate
opening and closing. External sounds can read the tympanic membrane
from the external auditory meatus even with a small gap, and there
is no problem even when the passage hole 17024a is small. The
cartilage conduction unit 17024 stably guides the sheath 17024b and
avoids deformation, and it therefore composed of a hard material,
which is different from the one-hundred ninth embodiment. In the
case of the one-hundred tenth embodiment, accommodation of personal
differences in the shape and size of the wearing space assumes
deformation of the cartilage itself.
[1174] FIGS. 183(B) and (C) are side views of an earphone and can
be understood in the same manner as FIG. 182(B). In FIGS. 183(B)
and (C), a piezoelectric bimorph element 17025 is noted as a broken
line in order to describe the relationship with the movement of the
sheath 17024b. Also, the outer side (the right side facing the
drawing) of the passage hole 17024a is a window 17024e through
which the sheath 17024b enters and exits, and when the sheath
17024b is lowered, the window 17024e is open and is in essentially
the same state as the one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS.
182A-182G. On the other hand, when the sheath 17024b is raised in
the manner of FIG. 183(C), the window 17024e is occluded, the
passage hole 17024a is thereby blocked, and the external auditory
meatus is therefore in an occluded state. Thus, in the one-hundred
tenth embodiment, the sheath 17024b is lowered and raised to
thereby allow use with the external auditory meatus in an
unoccluded state and the external auditory meatus in an occluded
state. Switching between the states of FIGS. 183(B) and (C) can
also be carried out prior to wearing the earphone on the ear, but
the sheath 17024b can be lower and raised to switch the state while
the earphone is being worn.
[1175] FIG. 183(D) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the
earphone and corresponds to the external auditory meatus in the
unoccluded state of FIG. 183(B). The sheath 17024b is configured so
as to be capable of moving up and down inside the cartilage
conduction unit 17024 along a guide groove 17024f provided to the
periphery of the window 17024e. The upper end of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 17025 is directly embedded in and anchored to the
lower part of the cartilage conduction unit 17024 without making
contact with the inner wall of the sheath 17024b. The lower end of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 17025 is the same as in the
one-hundred ninth embodiment in being capable of freely vibrating
inside the sheath 17024b. In such a configuration, the
piezoelectric bimorph element 17025 is stably joined to the
cartilage conduction unit 17024 and transmits the vibrations
thereof even when the sheath 17024b is moved up or down.
[1176] FIG. 183(E) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the
same earphone as FIG. 183(D), and corresponds to the external
auditory meatus in the occluded state of FIG. 183(C). The sheath
17024b slides upward along the guide groove 17024f and forms a
state that covers the window 17024e. The passage hole 17024a is
also blocked thereby, as indicated by the broken line. In this
state as well, the piezoelectric bimorph element 17025 is stably
joined with the cartilage conduction unit 17024 and vibrates
without making contact with the inner wall of the sheath 17024b,
and the vibrations thereof are transmitted to the cartilage
conduction unit 17024. A connection cable 17024d is folded in a
spiral in the state of FIG. 183(E).
One-Hundred Eleventh Embodiment
[1177] FIGS. 184A-184D are schematic views of a one-hundred
eleventh embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred eleventh
embodiment of FIGS. 184A-184D has much in common with the
one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G, and therefore the
same parts have been given the same reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. The one-hundred eleventh
embodiment differs from one-hundred ninth embodiment in that the
passage hole 17024a is not provided, and wearing is performed by
insertion into the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a
rather than the space between the inner side of the tragus 32 and
the anthelix 28a. For this reason, a cartilage conduction unit
18024 is configured to be relatively small, as shown in FIG.
184(A). Also, the one-hundred eleventh embodiment is essentially
configured for use with the external auditory meatus in the
occluded state, and the cartilage conduction unit 18024 is deformed
to form a gap between the inner wall of the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a as later described in order to
temporarily form an unoccluded state of the external auditory
meatus. As previously described, external sounds can reach the
tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus even with a
small gap.
[1178] FIG. 184(B) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the
earphone. In similar fashion to the one-hundred ninth embodiment,
the sheath 18024b is embedded in and anchored to the lower part of
the cartilage conduction unit 18024. Furthermore, the upper end of
a piezoelectric bimorph element 18025 is directly embedded in and
anchored to the lower part of the cartilage conduction unit 18024
without making contact with the inner wall of the sheath 18024b. In
similar fashion to the one-hundred ninth embodiment, the lower end
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 18025 is capable of freely
vibrating inside the sheath 18024b, the counteractions thereof are
transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 18024, and
satisfactory cartilage conduction to the ear cartilage is produced.
In the one-hundred eleventh embodiment as described above, the
cartilage conduction unit 18024 is deformed to form a gap between
the inner wall of the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a
in order to temporarily achieve an unoccluded state in the external
auditory meatus. The cartilage conduction unit 18024 has a hollow
part 18024g in order to facilitate this deformation. In similar
fashion to the one-hundred ninth embodiment, a connection cable is
drawn out from the lower end of the piezoelectric bimorph element
18025, and this is passed through the lower end of the sheath
18024b and connected to a stereo mini-plug, yet this is omitted
from the drawing for simplicity.
[1179] FIGS. 184(C) and (D) are views along the cross section B2-B2
of FIG. 184(B). FIG. 184(C) shows a normal usage state, and the
cartilage conduction unit 18024 is inserted into the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a and forms an occluded state in the
external auditory meatus. Also, in FIG. 184(C), the cross-sectional
structure of the hollow part 18024g is shown. In FIG. 184(C), the
piezoelectric bimorph element 18025 is illustrated to vibrate in
the direction (in direction of vibration) along the external
auditory meatus without making contact with the inner wall of the
sheath 18024b. Although not shown, such a structure is also common
to the one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G and the
one-hundred tenth embodiment of FIGS. 183A-183E.
[1180] FIG. 184(D) shows the case in which the external auditory
meatus is temporarily placed in an unoccluded state, and shows the
state in which the cartilage conduction unit 18024 has been
deformed by pulling the sheath 18024b downward or pressing the
upper part of the cartilage conduction unit 18024 downward. A gap
is thereby formed between the upper part inner wall of the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a and the upper part of the
cartilage conduction unit 18024, and external sounds that pass
though this gap as indicated by the arrow 28g are able to reach the
tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus. The hollow
part 18024g facilitates deformation of the cartilage conduction
unit 18024 such as that in FIG. 184(D). The cartilage conduction
unit 18024 is pressed downward, thereby promoting deformation of
the lower part inner wall of the entrance to the external auditory
meatus 30a and forming a gap between the upper part inner wall of
the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a and the upper part
of the cartilage conduction unit 18024.
One-Hundred Twelfth Embodiment
[1181] FIGS. 185A-185D are schematic views of a one-hundred twelfth
embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is configured
as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred twelfth embodiment of FIGS.
185A-185D has much in common with the one-hundred eleventh
embodiment of FIGS. 184A-184D, and therefore the same parts have
been given the same reference numerals, and a description thereof
has been omitted. The one-hundred twelfth embodiment differs from
the one-hundred eleventh embodiment in that a cartilage conduction
unit 19024 is accommodated without deformation in the cavum conchae
28e in order to achieve an unoccluded state in the external
auditory meatus. The lower part of the cavum conchae 28e (above the
intertragic notch 280 is particularly advantageous as the location
for accommodation, as shown in FIGS. 185(B) and (D). Satisfactory
cartilage conduction can be produced even with the cartilage
conduction unit 19024 accommodated in the cavum conchae 28e, and
cartilage conduction can be implemented with the external auditory
meatus in an unoccluded state in the same manner as the one-hundred
ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G.
[1182] FIG. 185(A) shows a state in which the cartilage conduction
unit 19024 has been inserted into the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a in the one-hundred twelfth embodiment as
described above, and cartilage conduction is implemented with the
external auditory meatus in an occluded state. In contrast, FIG.
185(B) shows the state in which the cartilage conduction unit 19024
has been removed from the entrance to the external auditory meatus
30a and accommodated in the cavum conchae 28e, and cartilage
conduction is implemented with the external auditory meatus in an
unoccluded state. The cartilage conduction unit 19024 is configured
with a spherical shape in order to facilitate sliding of the
cartilage conduction unit 19024 between the state of FIG. 185(A)
and the state of FIG. 185(B), and to avoid imparting pain. Also,
the cartilage conduction unit 19024 is composed of a hard material
because deformation is not envisioned. However, in lieu thereof, it
is also possible to use an elastic material in the same manner as
the one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G.
[1183] FIGS. 185(C) and (D) are cross-sectional views corresponding
to the states of FIGS. 185(A) and (B), respectively, and are views
as seen from the same sectioned planes as FIGS. 184(C) and (D). In
FIG. 185(C), it is apparent that the cartilage conduction unit
19024 is inserted into the entrance to the external auditory meatus
30a, and the cartilage conduction is being implemented with the
external auditory meatus in an occluded state. In contrast, it is
apparent in FIG. 185(D) that the cartilage conduction unit 19024
withdrawn from the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a is
accommodated in the anthelix 28a, and cartilage conduction is being
implemented with the external auditory meatus in the unoccluded
state. Also, a piezoelectric bimorph element 19025 vibrates without
making contact with the inner wall of a sheath 19024b, and the
structure thereof is the same as that in the one-hundred ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G to the one-hundred eleventh
embodiment of FIGS. 184A-184D, as shown in FIGS. 185(C) and
(D).
[1184] The various features shown in each of the embodiments
described above are not unique to individual embodiments, but the
features of each embodiment can be substituted or combined, as
appropriate, with features from other embodiments, wherever it is
possible to make use of the advantages thereof. Also, the specific
individual configurations in the embodiments can also be
substituted with other equivalent means. For example, in the
one-hundred tenth embodiment of FIGS. 183A-183E, the configuration
is such that the piezoelectric bimorph element 17025 is anchored to
the cartilage conduction unit 17024 and the sheath 17024b slides up
and down. The sheath 17024b functions as a branch part that serves
as a knob when the cartilage conduction unit 17024 is to be
attached or detached, but it is also possible to use a
configuration in which the piezoelectric bimorph element 17025
itself is used as such a branch part, and the passage hole is
opened and closed by sliding the piezoelectric bimorph element
17025 itself up and down.
[1185] The cartilage conduction unit 19024 of the one-hundred
twelfth embodiment of FIGS. 185A-185D is spherically configuration,
but it is also possible to use a chamfered cylindrical shape or
another shape. Furthermore, the cartilage conduction unit 17024 in
the one-hundred tenth embodiment of FIGS. 183A-183E is composed of
a hard material, but it is also possible for the guide groove
17024f of the cartilage conduction unit 17024 to be composed of a
rigid body and for the cartilage conduction unit 17024 to be
composed of an elastic body.
One-Hundred Thirteenth Embodiment
[1186] FIGS. 186A-186E are schematic views of a one-hundred
thirteenth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred thirteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E has much in common with the
one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G, and therefore the
same parts have been given the same reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. The one-hundred thirteenth
embodiment differs from one-hundred ninth embodiment in that a
passage hole 20024a in a cartilage conduction unit 20024 is
provided rearward when the cartilage conduction unit is worn on the
ear, whereby the portion in contact with the inner side of the
tragus 32 in the cartilage conduction unit 20024 is made to be a
thick portion 20024h, and a piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 and
a sheath 20024b are held by the thick portion 20024h. Also, in the
one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E, the direction
of vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 is differ
from the one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G as later
described.
[1187] FIG. 186(A) is a front view of the right-ear earphone
mounted on the right ear 28 and shows an outline of the
configuration described above. The right-ear earphone is
illustrated as a broken line to make the relationship between the
two readily apparent. It is apparent from the drawing that the
entire right-ear stereo earphone is shaped in the form of the
letter "q" and fits the shape of the right ear 28, and the sheath
20024b hangs down below the right ear 28 from the cavum conchae 28e
across to the intertragic notch 28f.
[1188] Describing the shape of the cartilage conduction unit 20024
in greater detail with reference to FIG. 186(A), the thick portion
20024h has a rectilinear outer shape to adapt to the relatively
flat inner side of the tragus 32, and improves the close adhesion
to the inner side of the tragus 32. In contrast, the external shape
of a thin portion 20024i rearward of the cartilage conduction unit
20024 is arcuate to adapt to the curved inner side of the anthelix
28a, and improves the close adhesion to the inner side of the
anthelix 28a. In the same manner as the one-hundred ninth
embodiment, the cartilage conduction unit 20024 is composed of an
elastic body having strong resiliency, and conforms to personal
differences in the width of the wearing space between the inner
side of the tragus 32 and the anthelix 28a by deformation of
wearing, and the cartilage conduction unit 20024 is designed not to
fall from the wearing space due to the resiliency that accompanies
deformation. In this case, rearward of the thin portion 20024i is a
thin portion 20024i, and therefore deformation is facilitated for
accommodating personal differences. In FIG. 186(A), illustration of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 arranged inside the sheath
20024b is omitted for simplicity, but the vibration direction is
set to be the direction that transverses the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a in the manner indicated by the arrow
20025b (the direction substantially perpendicular to the center
axis of the external auditory meatus). In the one-hundred ninth
embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G, the direction of vibration of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 16025 is set to be substantially
parallel to the center axis of the external auditory meatus.
[1189] FIG. 186(B) is a front view of the right-ear earphone in a
state worn on the right ear 28 in the same manner as FIG. 186(A),
but the right ear 28 is omitted from the drawing and the
configuration of the right-ear earphone is indicated by a solid
line to facilitate understanding. The same reference numerals are
assigned to the same portions, and a description is omitted unless
required. In FIG. 186(B), the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025
arranged inside the sheath 20024b is illustrated with a broken
line. The upper end part of the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025
is held by the thick portion 20024h, and the lower end part freely
vibrates without making contact with the sheath 20024b inside the
sheath 20024b, as described in detail below. The direction of
vibration is parallel to the surface of the drawing as indicated by
the arrow 20025g. Therefore, the counteractions of the vibrations
are transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 20024, and the
vibrations in the direction that transverses the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a as indicated by the arrow 20025b in
FIG. 186(A) are transmitted to the tragus 32 as well as the ear
cartilage around the entrance to the external auditory meatus
30a.
[1190] FIG. 186(C) is a side view of the earphone and can be
understood in the same manner as FIG. 182(B). The piezoelectric
bimorph element 20025 can be inserted relatively deeply into and
supported by the cartilage conduction unit 20024 by using the thick
portion 20024h, as shown in FIG. 186(B). The depth thereof can be
set so that the holding end 20025c of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 20025 reaches further above the lower end of the passage
hole 20024a (the inner edge thereof is indicated by a broken line),
as shown in FIG. 186(C). Support of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 20025 is ensured thereby. The piezoelectric bimorph element
20025 has a thin structure in the direction of vibration.
Therefore, the thickness of the sheath 20024b can be reduced (in
comparison with FIG. 186(B) and FIG. 186(C)) in the wearing
direction on the right ear 28 by setting the direction of vibration
to be the direction that transverses the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a, as indicated by the arrow 20025b in FIG.
186(A), and the sheath 20024b can be worn so as to hang down below
the right ear 28 from the anthelix 28a across to the intertragic
notch 28f, even in a person having a narrow intertragic notch 28f.
Reducing the thickness of the sheath 20024b which functions as a
branch part in this manner in the wearing direction on the right
ear 28, wearing that fits the shape of the right ear 28 is possible
regardless of personal differences.
[1191] FIG. 186(D) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the
earphone. It is apparent from the drawing that the sheath 20024b is
embedded in and anchored to the lower part of the cartilage
conduction unit 20024, but it is also possible to make use of the
thick portion 20024h and embed the sheath relatively deeper in the
lower part of the cartilage conduction unit 20024, and to have the
depth set so that the upper end of the sheath 20024b reaches
further above the lower end of the passage hole 20024a. As
described above, the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 can also
be relatively deeply embedded in and supported by using the thick
portion 20024h so that the holding end 20025c reaches above the
lower end of the passage hole 20024a. The upper end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 is directly embedded in and
anchored to the thick portion 20024h without making contact with
the inner wall of the sheath 20024b in the same manner as the
one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G. Also, the lower
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 can freely vibrate
inside the sheath 20024b without making contact with the inner wall
of the sheath 20024b, the counteractions thereof are transmitted to
the cartilage conduction unit 20024, and satisfactory cartilage
conduction can be generated in the ear cartilage. A connection
cable 20024d is drawn out from the lower end of the piezoelectric
bimorph element 20025, and the connection cable passes through the
lower end of the sheath 20024b and is connected to a stereo
mini-plug.
[1192] FIG. 186(E) is an enlarged side view of the earphone, and is
an enlarged view of FIG. 186(C). The same reference numerals are
used for the same parts as FIG. 186(D), and a description thereof
has been omitted unless otherwise required. The upper end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 is directly embedded in and
anchored to the thick portion 20024h without making contact with
the inner wall of the sheath 20024b as shown in FIG. 186(D) as
well. The lower end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025 is
capable of freely vibrating inside the sheath 20024b without making
contact with the inner wall of the sheath 20024b. In a comparison
of FIG. 186(D) and FIGS. 186A-186E, it is readily apparent that
setting the direction of vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 20025 to be the direction that transverses the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a makes it possible to reduce the
thickness in the direction in which the sheath 20024b is worn on
the right ear 28.
One-Hundred Fourteenth Embodiment
[1193] FIGS. 187A-187E are schematic views of a one-hundred
fourteenth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred fourteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 187A-187E has much in common with the
one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. To avoid complexity in FIGS.
187A-187E, the piezoelectric bimorph element 20025, the internal
structure of the sheath 20025b, and the like are omitted from the
drawing, and the same applies to FIGS. 186A-186E. The one-hundred
fourteenth embodiment of FIGS. 187A-187E differs from one-hundred
thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E only in external
appearance, and features the addition of a guide hook 20024j to the
sheath 20024b.
[1194] FIGS. 187(A) and (B), in similar fashion to FIGS. 186(A) and
(B), are front views of the right-ear earphone in a state worn on
the right ear 28, and as shown in the drawings, the guide hook
20024j is provided in a position that corresponds to the
intertragic notch 28f on the inner side (the ear side) of the
sheath 20024b. The guide hook 20024j stably positions the sheath
20024b in the intertragic notch 28f during wearing, the sheath
20024b is snugly fitted with close adhesion to the intertragic
notch 28f, and the right-ear earphone is not liable to fall out
from the cavum conchae 28e.
[1195] FIG. 187(C) shows a side view of the earphone in the same
manner as FIG. 186(C). As shown in the drawing, the guide hook
20024j is provided to the ear side for wearing and in a position
that cannot be seen from the outer side in a worn state. FIG.
187(D) is an enlarged view of the front surface of the earphone,
and the guide hook 20024j on the inner is illustrated so as to be
rotated 180 degrees from FIG. 187(B) and made visible. FIG. 187(E)
is an enlarged side view of the earphone and is an enlargement of
FIG. 187(C).
One-Hundred Fifteenth Embodiment
[1196] FIGS. 188A-188F are schematic views of a one-hundred
fifteenth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred fifteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 188A-188F has much in common with the
one-hundred twelfth embodiment of FIGS. 185A-185D, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same two least-significant
digits of the reference numerals, and a description thereof has
been omitted. The one-hundred fifteenth embodiment differs from the
one-hundred twelfth embodiment in that a cartilage conduction unit
21024 is used in a state constantly accommodated in the lower part
of the cavum conchae 28e, and switching between the occluded state
and the unoccluded state of the external auditory meatus is carried
out by movement of a movable earplug part 21024k connected by a
lever 21024m to the cartilage conduction unit 21024. In similar
fashion to the one-hundred twelfth embodiment, satisfactory
cartilage conduction is generated even when the cartilage
conduction unit 21024 is accommodated in the cavum conchae 28e, and
it is thereby possible implement cartilage conduction with the
external auditory meatus in the occluded state and the unoccluded
state.
[1197] FIG. 188(A) is a front view of the right-ear earphone worn
on the right ear 28 in the same manner as FIG. 185(A), and the
right-ear earphone is illustrated with a broken line so as to
facilitate understanding of the two. In FIG. 188(A), the movable
earplug part 21024k retracts from the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a so as to be in contact with the inner wall of
the anthelix 28a to achieve an unoccluded state of the external
auditory meatus. At this time, the movable earplug part 21024k
makes contact with the inner wall of the anthelix 28a and the
bottom wall of the cavum conchae 28e, and functions as an auxiliary
cartilage conduction unit for conducting vibrations transmitted
from the cartilage conduction unit 21024 to ear cartilage via the
lever 21024m. Furthermore, the movable earplug part 21024k makes
contact with the inner wall of the anthelix 28a and the bottom wall
of the cavum conchae 28e, whereby wearing is stabilized and the
right-ear earphone is made unlikely to fall out.
[1198] In contrast, FIG. 188(B) shows a state in which the movable
earplug part 21024k is moved by clockwise rotation of the lever
21024m and inserted into the entrance to the external auditory
meatus 30a to produce an occluded state of the external auditory
meatus. An occluded effect is thereby produced in the external
auditory meatus, and external noise is blocked. FIG. 188(C) and
FIG. 188(D) correspond to FIG. 188(A) and FIG. 188(B),
respectively, and are front views in which the configuration of the
right-ear earphone is indicated by a solid to facilitate understand
and the right ear 28 is omitted from the drawing.
[1199] FIG. 188(E) and FIG. 188(F) are side views of the earphone
corresponding to FIG. 188(C) and FIG. 188(D), respectively. In FIG.
188(E) showing the unoccluded state of the external auditory
meatus, the movable earplug part 21024k is retracted, and external
sounds can enter from the entrance to the external auditory meatus
30a as indicated by the arrow 28g and reach the tympanic membrane.
In contrast, in FIG. 188(F) showing the occluded state of the
external auditory meatus, the movable earplug part 21024k is
inserted into the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a, and
an occluded effect is produced in the external auditory meatus and
external noise is blocked. The orientation of vibrations of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 21025 in the one-hundred fifteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 188A-188F is the same as the one-hundred
thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E. Also, the internal
structure of the sheath 21024b is the same as the one-hundred
thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E, but is omitted from the
drawing to avoid complexity.
One-Hundred Sixteenth Embodiment
[1200] FIGS. 189A-189F are schematic views of a one-hundred
sixteenth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred sixteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 189A-189F has much in common with the
one-hundred fifteenth embodiment of FIGS. 188A-188F, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same two least-significant
digits of the reference numerals, and a description thereof has
been omitted. The one-hundred sixteenth embodiment differs from the
one-hundred fifteenth embodiment in that a movable earplug part
22024k for switching between an occluded state and an unoccluded
state in the external auditory meatus is not a rotating type using
a lever, but is rather a bending type in which the elasticity of an
elastic support part 22024m is used.
[1201] FIG. 189(A) is a front view of the right-ear earphone worn
on the right ear 28 in the same manner as FIG. 188(A), and the
right-ear earphone is illustrated with a broken line so as to
facilitate understanding of the two. In FIG. 189(A), the movable
earplug part 22024k is in a state positioned with a slight gap
opened in front of the entrance to the external auditory meatus
30a, and the external auditory meatus is in an unoccluded state. In
this state, external air-conducted sound enters from the slight gap
into the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a. Furthermore,
the air-conducted sound generated by vibration of the movable
earplug part 22024k reaches the tympanic membrane from the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a, and the movable earplug part
functions as an auxiliary audio output unit for mainly
supplementing the high-pitched regions.
[1202] In contrast, FIG. 189(B) shows a state in which the movable
earplug part 22024k is slightly bent by the elasticity of the
elastic support part 22024m and is inserted into the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a, producing an occluded state in
the external auditory meatus. An occluded effect is thereby
produced in the external auditory meatus, and external noise is
blocked. FIG. 189(C) and FIG. 189(D) correspond to FIG. 189(A) and
FIG. 189(B), respectively, and are front views in which the
configuration of the right-ear earphone is indicated by a solid to
facilitate understand and the right ear 28 is omitted from the
drawing.
[1203] FIG. 189(E) and FIG. 189(F) are side views of the earphone
corresponding to FIG. 189(C) and FIG. 189(D), respectively, and
switching between the unoccluded state and the occluded state in
the external auditory meatus is made more readily apparent than the
front views. More specifically described, in FIG. 189(E) showing
the unoccluded state of the external auditory meatus, the movable
earplug part 22024k is retracted from the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a leaving open a slight gap, and external sounds
can enter from the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a as
indicated by the arrow 28g and reach the tympanic membrane.
Furthermore, as described above, air-conducted sound from the
movable earplug part 22024k reaches the tympanic membrane from the
entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a, supplementing
cartilage conduction from a cartilage conduction unit 22024. In
contrast, in FIG. 188(F) showing the occluded state of the external
auditory meatus, the movable earplug part 22024k is inserted into
the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a, and an occluded
effect is produced in the external auditory meatus and external
noise is blocked. The orientation of vibrations of a piezoelectric
bimorph element 22025 in the one-hundred sixteenth embodiment of
FIGS. 189A-189F is the same as the one-hundred thirteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E. Also, the internal structure of the
sheath 22024b is the same as the one-hundred thirteenth embodiment
of FIGS. 186A-186E, but is omitted from the drawing to avoid
complexity.
[1204] The implementation of the features of the present invention
described above are not limited to the aspects in the embodiments,
implementation is also possible using other aspects whenever the
benefits thereof can be utilized. For example, in the configuration
of the one-hundred sixteenth embodiment of FIGS. 189A-189F, the
movable earplug part 22024k and the cartilage conduction unit 22024
are connected by a elastic support part 22024m, but in lieu
thereof, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the
movable earplug part 22024k, the cartilage conduction unit 22024,
and the elastic support part 22024m are all integrally molded using
an elastic material. Also, in the configuration of the one-hundred
fifteenth embodiment of FIGS. 187A-187E, a guide hook 20024j is
position below the cartilage conduction unit 20024, but in lieu
thereof, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the
lower part of the cartilage conduction unit 20024 is partially
notched and the guide hook 20024j may enter into the notched
portion. However, in this case as well, the guide hook 20024j is
supported by the sheath 20024b or integrally molded with the sheath
20024b.
One-Hundred Seventeenth Embodiment
[1205] FIGS. 190A-190D are schematic views of a one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and
is configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred seventeenth
embodiment of FIGS. 190A-190D has much in common with the
one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted. A portion of the drawing in
FIGS. 186A-186E is omitted in FIGS. 190A-190D to avoid complexity.
The one-hundred seventeenth embodiment of FIGS. 190A-190D differs
from the one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of FIGS. 186A-186E in
that the configuration is such that a slit 23024a is provided in
place of a passage hole, whereby music or the like can be enjoyed
by cartilage conduction without blocking external sounds. The slit
23024a is also significant as a structure for supporting a sheath
23024b on the cartilage conduction unit 23024 in a later-described
manner. Furthermore, the one-hundred seventeenth embodiment of
FIGS. 190A-190D has an adhesive sheet 23024i for affixing the
cartilage conduction unit 23024 to the cavum conchae 28e to prevent
falling, and an earplug part 23024k for occluding the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a as required.
[1206] FIG. 190(A) is a front view of the right-ear earphone worn
on the right ear 28 in the same manner as FIGS. 186A-186E, and
shows an outline of the configuration described above. In FIG.
190(A) as well, the right-ear earphone is illustrated as a broken
line to make the relationship between the two readily apparent.
[1207] FIG. 190(B) is a front view of the right-ear earphone in a
state worn on the right ear 28 in the same manner as FIG. 190(A),
and the right-ear earphone is illustrated with a broken line and
the right ear 28 is omitted from the drawing so as to facilitate
understanding of the configuration. The same reference numerals are
used for the same parts, and a description thereof is omitted
unless otherwise required. In FIG. 190(B), the adhesive sheet
23024i and the earplug part 23024k arranged on the ear side (the
reverse side of the plane of the drawing) are illustrated with a
broken line. It is apparent from FIG. 190(B) with reference to the
right ear 28 of FIG. 190(A) that the adhesive sheet 23024i is
provided in a position of close adhesion to the cavum conchae 28e
rearward of the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a. Since
the adhesive sheet 23024i is not provided to the earplug part
23024k, the earplug part 23024k can be readily removed from the
entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a. The wearing and
removal of the earplug part 23024k can be performed using the
elasticity of the ear cartilage, the earplug part 23024k can be
pressed into the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a to
occlude the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and the
earplug part 23024k can be removed from the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a to create a slight gap and direction
external sounds into the external auditory meatus. In the case of
the latter, the cartilage conduction unit 23024 is closely adheres
to the cavum conchae 28e due to the adhesive sheet 23024i, even
when the earplug part 23024k is loose from the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a. The wearing and removal operation of
the earplug part 23024k can be performed by pinching the sheath
23024b.
[1208] FIG. 190(C) is an enlarged view of FIG. 190(B). It is
apparent from the drawing that the right side of the drawing of the
slit 23024a is a connection part 23024h, and a holding end 23025c
of a piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 is inserted therein. By
providing the slit 23024a, the sheath 23024b is inserted from the
exterior so as to cover the connection part 23024h. Inserting the
piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 inside the connection part
23024h in this manner holds the piezoelectric bimorph element 23025
in the cartilage conduction unit 23024, and by inserting the sheath
23024b over the outer side so as to cover the connection part
23024h makes it possible to reliably join the sheath 23024b to the
cartilage conduction unit 23024, and protects the piezoelectric
bimorph element 23025 without contact with the inner side of the
sheath 23024b.
[1209] FIG. 190(D) is an enlarged side view of the right-ear
earphone, the left side in the drawing corresponds to the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a side, the front side as viewed
from the plane of the drawing is the occipital side in the worn
state, and the back side as viewed from the plane of the drawing is
the face side in the worn state. It is apparent from FIG. 190(D)
that the adhesive sheet 23024i is provided in a position for
closely adhering to the cavum conchae 28e rearward of the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a. The adhesive sheet 23024i can
be repeatedly affixed to the cavum conchae 28e, and can be peeled
away from the cartilage conduction unit 23024 and replaced with a
new one when the adhesive force is reduced or the adhesive sheet
becomes soiled. It is possible to use, e.g., "Opsite Gentle Roll"
(registered trademark) or the like, which is a roll film the uses a
silicone adhesive.
[1210] FIGS. 191A and 191B are conceptual perspective views of the
one-hundred seventeenth embodiment shown in FIGS. 190A-190D, and
illustrates the structure being rotated 180 degrees from the state
in FIG. 190(C) so that the earplug part 23024k and the adhesive
sheet 23024i on the inner side can be seen. In FIGS. 191A and 191B,
the parts are simplified and illustrated as being rectangular
parallelepiped or columnar for convenience of description of the
structural relationship, but the actual external appearance of the
cartilage conduction unit 23024 and earplug part 23024k and the
contour of the adhesive sheet 23024i of the one-hundred seventeenth
embodiment are as shown in FIGS. 190A-190D and have a chamfered
smoothness so as to be contoured in contact with the ear cartilage
and the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a.
[1211] FIG. 191(A) shows a disassembled state prior to the sheath
23024b being inserted over the connection part 23024h in order to
show the particular relationship between the connection part 23024h
and the piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 and sheath 23024b. It
is apparent from FIG. 191(A) that the piezoelectric bimorph element
23025 is first inserted into the connection part 23024h. The
piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 is thereby held by the
cartilage conduction unit 23024. The sheath 23024b is mounted over
the outer side of the connection part 23024h so as to cover the
connection part, whereby the sheath 23024b is joined to the
cartilage conduction unit 23024. At this point, the connection
cable 23024d is drawn out from the hold 23024n to the lower part of
the sheath 23024b. The sheath 23024b can thereby be reliably joined
to the cartilage conduction unit 23024, and the piezoelectric
bimorph element 23025 can be protected without being in contact
with the sheath 23024b. For reference, FIG. 191(B) shows a
downscaled perspective view of the completely assembled form
obtained by inserting the sheath 23024b over the outer side of the
connection part 23024h.
One-Hundred Eighteenth Embodiment
[1212] FIGS. 192A-192D are cross-sectional schematic views of a
one-hundred eighteenth embodiment of an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred
eighteenth embodiment of FIGS. 192A-192D has much in common with
the one-hundred eleventh embodiment of FIGS. 184A-184D, and
therefore the same parts have been given the same reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. A portion of
the drawing in FIGS. 184A-184D is omitted in FIGS. 192A-192D to
avoid complexity. The one-hundred eighteenth embodiment of FIGS.
192A-192D differs from the one-hundred eleventh embodiment of FIGS.
184A-184D in that a projecting part 24024p is formed on the surface
of a cartilage conduction unit 24024 composed of an elastic body,
and the stereo earphone can be stably worn with the external
auditory meatus in an unoccluded state without manually pressing
and pulling in the manner shown in FIG. 184(D) in the one-hundred
eleventh embodiment to thereby temporarily form an unoccluded state
in the external auditory meatus.
[1213] FIG. 192(A) shows the state in which the cartilage
conduction unit 24024 has been inserted so that the distal end of
the projecting part 24024p lightly contact s the entrance to the
external auditory meatus 30a in a natural no-load state. In this
state, the cartilage conduction unit 24024 is stably worn in the
entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a due to friction caused
by contact with the distal end of the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a and repulsion-restorative force produced by the
slight elastic deformation thereof. Also, the projecting part
24024p projects in a manner inclined outward and upward so as to
widen outward due to the frictional force between the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a and the distal end of the
cartilage conduction unit 24024 when force is applied in the
dislodging direction thereof, and therefore has a structure that is
more unlikely to fall out. FIG. 192(B) is a view along the cross
section B2-B2 in FIG. 192(A), and shows that the distal end of the
projecting part 24024p and the entrance to the external auditory
meatus 30a are in contact with each other, and that external sounds
can enter from the gap between the entrance to the external
auditory meatus 30a and the cartilage conduction unit 24024 in
other portions as indicated by the arrow 28g and reach the tympanic
membrane.
[1214] FIG. 192(C) shows the state in which the cartilage
conduction unit 24024 has been firmly pressed by the entrance to
the external auditory meatus 30a, and shows that the projecting
part 24024p is pressed down and embedded in the surface of the
cartilage conduction unit 24024, and that the cartilage conduction
unit 24024 is in contact with the entrance to the external auditory
meatus 30a around entire periphery thereof FIG. 192(D) is a view
along the cross section B2-B2 in FIG. 192(C), and shows that the
entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a is occluded by the
cartilage conduction unit 24024 being in contact with the entrance
to the external auditory meatus 30a around the entire periphery
thereof. Naturally, the cartilage conduction unit 24024 can be
stably worn in the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a in
this state as well.
[1215] In this manner, in the one-hundred eighteenth embodiment of
FIGS. 192A-192D, the insertion state between the state of FIGS.
192(A) and (C) and the state of FIGS. 192(B) and (D) is changed
without temporarily forming an unoccluded state in the external
auditory meatus by manually pressing and pulling in the manner of
FIG. 184(D) in the one-hundred eleventh embodiment, whereby the
stereo earphone can be stably worn with the external auditory
meatus in an unoccluded state and the external auditory meatus in
an occluded state.
One-Hundred Nineteenth Embodiment
[1216] FIGS. 193A-193C are schematic views and a block view
according to an aspect of a one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of
the present invention, and is configured as a stereo earphone and a
headset body connected thereto. The stereo earphone in the
one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of FIGS. 193A-193C has much in
common with the one-hundred thirteenth embodiment of FIGS.
186A-186E, and the headset body has much in common with the headset
body of the eighty-ninth embodiment of FIGS. 139A and 139B.
Therefore, the same parts have been given the same reference
numerals, and a description thereof has been omitted. Being mostly
unrelated, a portion of the drawing in FIGS. 193A-193C is omitted.
The one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of FIGS. 193A-193C differs
from the one-hundred thirteenth embodiment and the eighty-ninth
embodiment in that one end of a low-band piezoelectric bimorph
element 25025a and an intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric
bimorph element 25025b is supported in a shared cartilage
conduction unit 25024 and the other ends are capable of freely
vibrating, and the low-band piezoelectric bimorph element 25025a
and the intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric bimorph element
25025b are driven from separate channels that have been separately
equalized.
[1217] As previously described, in the example of measurement data
shown in FIG. 79, a comparison of sound pressure in the non-contact
state indicated by the solid line and the sound pressure at a
contact pressure of 250 force-grams indicated by the dot-dash line
shows that the sound pressure in the external auditory meatus at a
depth of 1 cm from the entrance to the external auditory meatus is
increased by at least 10 dB by contact in the main frequency band
(50 Hz to 2300 Hz) of speech.
[1218] In the audio field of stereo earphones and the like, a sound
quality that covers a higher frequency band is preferred, and in
view of the change in sound pressure in the non-contact state and
the sound pressure at a contact pressure of 250 force-grams in the
example of measurement data shown in FIG. 79, an increase in sound
pressure of at least 5 dB is observed even at about 3 kHz to 7 kHz.
FIG. 79 is, at best, an example of measurement data and a strict
quantitative evaluation has no significance, but FIG. 79 does
indicate that at least for cartilage conduction, there are
sensitivity characteristics that cover a higher frequency region
and not just the main frequency band of speech.
[1219] The one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of FIGS. 193A-193C is
a configuration made in view of the characteristics of cartilage
conduction as described above. In addition to a first sheath
25024b, a second sheath 25024q is provided to the cartilage
conduction unit 25024, as shown in FIG. 193(A), and one end of the
low-band piezoelectric bimorph element 25025a and the
intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric bimorph element 25025b is
held in the cartilage conduction unit 25024 so that there is no
contact with the inner surface of the first sheath 25024b as well
as the second sheath 25024q, respectively, as shown in FIG. 193(B).
The length of the low-band piezoelectric bimorph element 25025a is
greater than that of the intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric
bimorph element 25025b.
[1220] The first sheath 25024b is accommodated in the intertragic
notch 28f, as shown in FIG. 193(A), the second sheath 25024q is in
a position for accommodation in the incisura anterior 28h (see
structural diagram of the ear of FIG. 80(A)), and positioning and
perception of stability is enhances when the cartilage conduction
unit 25024 is worn in a manner straddling the tragus 32. Forward of
the incisura anterior 28h and below the crus of the tragus is open
space in terms of the structure of the ear and is therefore
suitable for providing the second sheath 25024q.
[1221] As shown in the block view of FIG. 193(C), the audio output
from the acoustic processing circuit 8338 is separated into a
low-band signal and an intermediate-to-high band signal, and each
are equalized and amplified in a low-band equalizer/amplifier
25040a and an intermediate-to-high band equalizer/amplifier 20540b
using respectively separate channels. The signals from the low-band
equalizer/amplifier 25040a and the intermediate-to-high band
equalizer/amplifier 20540b are connected to the low-band
piezoelectric bimorph element 25025a and the
intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric bimorph element 25025b,
respectively, by a first channel connection part 25046a and a
second channel connection part 25046b, and drive the piezoelectric
bimorph elements. One end of the low-band piezoelectric bimorph
element 25025a and the intermediate-to-high-band piezoelectric
bimorph element 25025b is held by a shared cartilage conduction
unit 25024, and the cartilage conduction unit 25024 therefore
conducts the physically mixed vibrations to the ear cartilage by
cartilage conduction. Audio signals in at least the band of about
200 Hz to 7 kHz (see the example of measurement data shown in FIG.
79), which can be covered by cartilage conduction, can be heard by
cartilage conduction. When such relatively wide-band cartilage
conduction is to be implemented, the one-hundred nineteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 193A-193C increases the degree of freedom of a
piezoelectric bimorph element and the equalizer adapted thereto and
facilitates obtainment of better sound quality by dividing the
bandwidth to be handled by two piezoelectric bimorph elements
having different lengths.
[1222] As described above, an example for configuring a cartilage
conduction vibration unit using a plurality of cartilage conduction
vibration sources is also shown in FIG. 94(D). Specifically, an
example is described in which, in the cordless handset 5881c of the
third modification of the sixty-second embodiment in FIG. 94(D),
the low-end piezoelectric bimorph element 2525g and the high-end
piezoelectric bimorph element 2525h are directly affixed to the
inner side of the cartilage conduction unit 5824c so as to be in
contact with the vibration surface side of the piezoelectric
bimorph elements, and the vibrations of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 2525g and the piezoelectric bimorph element 2525h are
directly transmitted to the cartilage conduction unit 5824c,
whereby a plurality of cartilage conduction vibration sources
having different frequency characteristics are made to function in
a complementary fashion to improve the frequency characteristics of
cartilage conduction.
[1223] The implementation of the features of the present invention
described above is not to be limited to the aspects in the above
embodiments, and the invention can be implemented using other
aspects as well, wherever it is possible to benefit from the
advantages thereof. Embodiments in which an adhesive sheet is used
is not limited to a configuration such as the one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment shown in FIGS. 189 and 190. For example, in
the one-hundred twelfth embodiment shown in FIGS. 185A-185D, it is
possible to provide an adhesive sheet at least the surface of the
hemisphere of the ear cartilage contact side of the cartilage
conduction unit 19024, to adhere the cartilage conduction unit
19024 to the entrance to the external auditory meatus 30a in the
state of FIGS. 185(A) and (C), and adhere the cartilage conduction
unit 19024 to the cavum conchae 28e in the state of FIGS. 185(B)
and (D).
[1224] An example of a configuration for enjoying music or the like
by cartilage conduction without blocking external sounds is not
limited to providing a slit 23024a such as in the one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment shown in FIGS. 189 and 190. In other words,
it is also possible to provide a larger hole in lieu of parallel
groove-shaped slits such as in the one-hundred seventeenth
embodiment for introducing external sounds, as long as the shape
allows the piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 to be inserted
inside the connection part 23024h and allows the sheath 23024b to
be provided so as to cover the connection part 23024h from the
outside. The configuration of the sheath 23024b for covering, from
the outside, the connection part 23024h into which the
piezoelectric bimorph element 23025 has been inserted is also not
limited to inserted from the bottom as in the one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment, and it is also possible to use a
configuration in which the connection part 23024h is wedged in from
two sides, the front and back or the left and right.
[1225] Furthermore, in implementation of relatively wide-band
cartilage conduction in the one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of
FIGS. 193A-193C, the bands are divided in the equalizer for two
piezoelectric bimorph elements having differing lengths, but it is
also possible to implement cartilage conduction for audio that
included a main frequency band for speech, which is about 3 kHz to
7 kHz, by devising a single cartilage conduction vibration source
and equalizer.
[1226] The features in the various embodiments described above are
not limited to being used in each of the individual embodiments,
and the features can be combined to form a single embodiment. For
example, the feature of the adhesive sheet and the earplug part
shown in FIGS. 190A-190D can be used in the one-hundred nineteenth
embodiment of FIGS. 193A-193C as well. In this case, a slit or the
like illustrated in FIGS. 190A-190D is used in place of the passage
hole illustrated in FIGS. 193A-193C in the one-hundred nineteenth
embodiment. Also, the configuration in which the piezoelectric
bimorph element 23025 is inserted into the connection part 23024h
and the sheath 23024b is covered thereon as shown in the
one-hundred seventeenth embodiment of FIGS. 190A-190D can also be
used as the configuration of first sheath 25024b as well as the
second sheath 25024q in the one-hundred nineteenth embodiment of
FIGS. 193A-193C.
One-Hundred Twentieth Embodiment
[1227] FIGS. 194A-194E are schematic views of a one-hundred
twentieth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and is
configured as a stereo earphone. FIG. 194(A) is a front view
(corresponding to the side surface of the face) of the right-ear
earphone worn on the right ear 28. Illustration of the face other
than the right ear 28 is omitted for simplicity, a description
related only to the right ear is provided, and a description of the
left-ear earphone, which has the same configuration, is omitted. In
the same manner as the one-hundred ninth embodiment of FIGS.
182A-182G and elsewhere, the right-ear earphone and the left-ear
earphone can be connected to the stereo mini jack for external
output of a mobile telephone or a mobile music terminal by a stereo
mini-plug. In the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS.
194A-194E, the cartilage conduction unit is worn on ear cartilage
using an adhesive sheet in the same manner as the one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment of FIGS. 190A-190D, but the cartilage
conduction unit is worn on the inner side of the ear cartilage in
the one-hundred seventeenth embodiment, whereas the cartilage
conduction unit is worn on the outer side of the ear cartilage in
the one-hundred twentieth embodiment.
[1228] Described more specifically, the cartilage conduction unit
23024 closely adheres to the cavum conchae 28e, which is on the
inner side of the ear, as shown in FIG. 190(A) in the one-hundred
seventeenth embodiment. (For convenience of description in FIG.
190(A), the cartilage conduction unit 23024 is shown with a broken
line, and the cartilage conduction unit 23024 in the worn state can
be seen from the side surface of the face.) In contrast, in the
one-hundred twentieth embodiment, a cartilage conduction unit 26024
for the right-ear earphone is made to closely adhere to the ear
cartilage using an adhesive sheet on back part of the outer side
1828 of auricle attachment part, which is the base of the ear 28,
as is apparent in FIG. 194(A). As a result, in the worn state, most
of the cartilage conduction unit 26024 is hidden (a broken line in
the drawing) on the reverse side of the auricle in the right ear
28, and the lower end part is visible from the auricle, as shown in
FIG. 194(A).
[1229] In such a wearing style of the cartilage conduction unit
26024, there is no portion covering the auricle, and the ear hole
is open. Also, cartilage conduction is transmitted with good
efficiency in a state in which the cartilage conduction unit 26024
has been retracted downward, even though the cartilage conduction
unit 26024 is arranged on the outer side of the ear cartilage.
Therefore, when glasses are worn, the cartilage conduction unit
26024 can be prevented from interfering with the bows of the
glasses, allowing use regardless of whether glasses are being
worn.
[1230] FIG. 194(B) is a view of the right ear 28 as seen from the
back side of the head, the appearance in which the cartilage
conduction unit 26024 of the right-ear earphone is made to closely
adhere to the ear cartilage so as to be wedged between the temporal
bone mastoid process 8623a and the outer side 1828 of the auricle
attachment part, which is the base of the right ear 28. An adhesive
sheet is provided to the cartilage conduction unit 26024, bonding
to the rear part of the outer side 1828 of the auricle attachment
part prevents falling off.
[1231] FIG. 194(C) is a front cross-sectional view of the earphone
as seen from the orientation corresponding to FIG. 194(A). A
structure is apparent from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 194(C)
in which the upper part of the cartilage conduction unit 26024 is
composed of an elastic body material, and a sheath 26024b composed
of a hard material covers the cartilage conduction unit. The upper
end 26025c of a piezoelectric bimorph element 26025 is directly
embedded in and anchored to the upper part elastic body of the
cartilage conduction unit 26024 without being in contact with the
inner wall of the sheath 26024b. On the other hand, the lower end
of the piezoelectric bimorph element 26025 is capable of freely
vibrating inside the sheath 26024b, the counteractions thereof are
transmitted to the upper part elastic body of the cartilage
conduction unit 26024, and good cartilage conduction to the bonded
ear cartilage is produced. A connection cable 26024d is drawn out
from the lower end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 26025, and
this is passed through the lower end of the sheath 26024b and
connected to a stereo mini-plug. This internal structure is the
same as the one-hundred eighty-second embodiment of FIGS. 182A-182G
and elsewhere.
[1232] FIG. 194(D) is a cross-sectional view rotated 90 degrees
from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 194(C), and is a view as seen
from the orientation corresponding to FIG. 194(C). The arrow 26025g
indicates the direction of vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 26025, the direction being parallel to the plane of the
drawing, i.e., the direction along the external auditory meatus. An
adhesive sheet 26024i is provided to the auricle side of the upper
part elastic body of the cartilage conduction unit 26024, and the
cartilage conduction unit 26024 is thereby bonded to the auricle
side of the base of the right ear 28. The adhesive sheet 26024i is
replaceable and can be peeled away from the upper part elastic body
of the cartilage conduction unit 26024, and a new adhesive sheet
can be reapplied when attachment to and removal from the right ear
28 has exceeded a predetermined number of times and the adhesive
force has weakened.
[1233] FIG. 194(E) shows a modification of the one-hundred
twentieth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of the
cartilage conduction unit 26024 as seen from the same direction as
FIG. 194(D). In the modification, the range over which an adhesive
sheet 26024r is provided extends to not only the upper part elastic
body of the cartilage conduction unit 26024, but also to the sheath
26024b therebelow.
One-Hundred Twenty-First Embodiment
[1234] FIGS. 195A-195D are schematic views of a one-hundred
twenty-first embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and
is configured as a stereo earphone. The relationship with the ear
in the one-hundred twenty-first embodiment of FIGS. 195A-195D is
the same as the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 194A-194E
and is therefore omitted from the drawing. The structure thereof
also has much in common with the one-hundred twentieth embodiment,
and the same parts have been given the same reference numerals, and
a description thereof has been omitted unless otherwise required.
The one-hundred twenty-first embodiment of FIGS. 195A-195D differs
from the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 195A-195D in the
external shape of the upper part elastic body of a cartilage
conduction unit 27024 and the shape of an adhesive sheet 27024i;
and a sheath 27024b and as well as other structures and the
internal structure are the same as the one-hundred twentieth
embodiment.
[1235] FIG. 195(A) is a cross-sectional view as seen from the
orientation corresponding to FIG. 194(C) of the one-hundred
twentieth embodiment, and the upper part elastic body portion of
the cartilage conduction unit 27024 has a surface curvature
referred to as a curved surface 27024s configured so as to fit the
periphery of the base of the right ear 28. FIG. 195(B) is
cross-sectional view as seen from the orientation corresponding to
FIG. 194(D) of the one-hundred twentieth embodiment, and the curved
surface 27024s of the upper part elastic body portion of the
cartilage conduction unit 27024 is shaped to fit the outer side of
the auricle in the vicinity of the attachment part. The adhesive
sheet 27024i is also affixed in a curve shape in accompaniment
therewith. The adhesive sheet 27024i is replaceable in similar
fashion to the one-hundred twentieth embodiment.
[1236] FIGS. 195(C) and (D) show a view along the cross section
B1-B1 in the orientation of FIGS. 195(A) and (B), respectively. It
is apparent from FIGS. 195(C) and (D) that the curved surface
27024s has a shape that fits into the gap formed between the
temporal bone mastoid process 8623a and the rear part of the outer
side 1828 of the auricle attachment part, which is the base of the
right ear 28. The adhesive sheet 27024i is also provided not only
to the auricle side but also to the distal end portion in the
fitting-in direction. The adhesive sheet 27024i is not provided to
the temporal bone mastoid process 8623a side facing the auricle,
but is configured so as to avoid interfering with the freedom of
transmitting vibrations to the auricle side, and prevents
unpleasantness of the base of the auricle and the temporal bone
mastoid process 8623a bonding together.
One-Hundred Twenty-Second Embodiment
[1237] FIGS. 196A-196D are schematic views of a one-hundred
twenty-second embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and
is configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred twenty-second
embodiment of FIGS. 196A-196D has much in common with the
one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 194A-194E, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same two least-significant
digits and appended letters of the reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted unless otherwise required. The
one-hundred twenty-second embodiment of FIGS. 196A-196D differs
from the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 194A-194E in
that the upper elastic body portion of the cartilage conduction
unit is bent in relation to the sheath.
[1238] FIG. 196(A) is a front view (corresponding to the
substantially anterior-posterior direction of the face) of the
right-ear earphone corresponding to FIG. 194(A) of the one-hundred
twentieth embodiment. It is apparent from FIG. 196(A) that in a
cartilage conduction unit 28024 of the right-ear earphone, the
upper elastic body portion is bent in relation to a sheath 28024b,
and this bending is such that the entire cartilage conduction unit
28024 better fits around the base of the right ear 28. FIG. 196(B)
is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 194(C) of the
one-hundred twentieth embodiment. An upper end 28025c of a
piezoelectric bimorph element 28025 is embedded in and anchored to
the upper elastic body of the cartilage conduction unit 28024 in an
inclined manner. In contrast, the sheath 28024b composed of a hard
material is inclined and made to cover the upper elastic body of
the cartilage conduction unit 28024 so that the piezoelectric
bimorph element 28025 does not make contact with the inner wall
thereof.
[1239] FIG. 196(C) is a front view showing the left-ear earphone
together with the left ear 30, and is a symmetrical illustration
that conforms to the right-ear earphone in FIG. 196(A). It is
apparent from FIG. 196(C) that in a cartilage conduction unit 29024
of the left-ear earphone as well, the upper elastic body portion is
bent in relation to a sheath 29024b, and the entire cartilage
conduction unit 28024 better fits around the base of the left ear
30 by the bending. FIG. 196(D) is a cross-sectional view of the
cartilage conduction unit 29024 in the left-ear earphone of FIG.
196(C), and is a symmetrical illustration that conforms to the
right-ear earphone in FIG. 196(B). The internal structure thereof
is the same as that of the cartilage conduction unit 28024 for the
right-ear earphone, except that the bent direction is reverse, and
therefore a description is omitted.
[1240] In the one-hundred twenty-second embodiment, an adhesive
sheet (not shown) is provided to the forward side of the upper
elastic body portion as viewed from the plane of the drawing in the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 28024 of FIG. 196(B) and the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit 29024 of FIG. 196(D). The
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 28024 and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 29024 are thereby bonded to the base
portion of the reverse side of the auricle of the right ear 28 and
the left ear 30, respectively. Thus, in the one-hundred
twenty-second embodiment, the bent direction and the placement
direction of the adhesive sheet are symmetrical between the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit 28024 and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit 29024, and the right-ear earphone and the
left-ear earphone can be bonded to the right ear 28 and the left
ear 30, respectively, without mutually confusing the two.
[1241] In the same manner as the one-hundred twenty-second
embodiment, in the one-hundred twenty-first embodiment of FIGS.
195A-195D as well, the curved surface 27024s is symmetrical between
the right-ear cartilage conduction unit 27024 and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit (not shown), and in accordance therewith,
the shape of the adhesive sheet 27024i is also symmetrical in the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit. Therefore, in the one-hundred twenty-first
embodiment of FIGS. 195A-195D as well, the right-ear earphone and
the left-ear earphone can be bonded to the right ear 28 and the
left ear (not shown), respectively, without mutually confusing the
two. Also, in the one-hundred twenty-first embodiment, the curved
surface 27024s is symmetrical between the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit, and the
adhesive sheet 27024i can be reaffixed without confusing the
adhesive sheet for right ear and the left ear when the adhesive
sheet is to be replaced.
One-Hundred Twenty-Third Embodiment
[1242] FIGS. 197A-197D are schematic views of a one-hundred
twenty-third embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, and
is configured as a stereo earphone. The one-hundred twenty-third
embodiment of FIGS. 197A-197D has much in common with the
one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 194A-194E, and therefore
the same parts have been given the same two least-significant
digits and appended letters of the reference numerals, and a
description thereof has been omitted unless otherwise required. The
one-hundred twenty-third embodiment of FIGS. 197A-197D differs from
the one-hundred twentieth embodiment of FIGS. 194A-194E in terms of
the direction of vibration of a piezoelectric bimorph element
[1243] FIGS. 197(A) to (C) of the one-hundred twenty-third
embodiment correspond to FIG. 194(A) to (C), respectively, of the
one-hundred twentieth embodiment. However, the direction of
vibration of the piezoelectric bimorph element 30025 is parallel to
the plane of the drawing, i.e., the direction that transverses the
external auditory meatus, as indicated by the arrow 30025g in FIG.
197(C). An adhesive sheet 30024i is provided to the auricle side of
the upper elastic body of a cartilage conduction unit 30024, as
shown in FIG. 197(D), and the cartilage conduction unit 30024 is
bonded to the auricle side of the base of the right ear 28 in
similar fashion to the one-hundred twentieth embodiment. In the
one-hundred twenty-third embodiment as well, the adhesive sheet
30024i can be replaced and can be peeled away from the upper part
elastic body of the cartilage conduction unit 26024, and a new
adhesive sheet can be reapplied when attachment to and removal from
the right ear 28 has exceeded a predetermined number of times and
the adhesive force has weakened.
[1244] The various features shown each of the embodiments described
above are not limited to being used in individual embodiments, but
various modifications can be made wherever it is possible to make
use of the advantages thereof, and the features may be combined
into a single embodiment. For example, in the one-hundred twentieth
embodiment to one-hundred twenty-third embodiment shown in FIGS.
194A-194E to FIGS. 197A-197D, it is possible for the upper elastic
body portion of the cartilage conduction unit to be composed of a
hard material. Also, the one-hundred twenty-first embodiment shown
in FIGS. 195A-195D and the one-hundred twenty-second embodiment
shown in FIGS. 196A-196D may be combined, a curved surface may be
provided to the upper elastic body portion of the cartilage
conduction unit, and the upper elastic body portion of the
cartilage conduction unit may be bent in relation to the
sheath.
One-Hundred Twenty-Fourth Embodiment
[1245] FIG. 198 is a schematic view related to a one-hundred
twenty-fourth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention, and is configured as a stereo earphone 31081. The stereo
headphones 31081 has a right-ear audio output part 31024 and a
left-ear audio output part 31026. The right-ear audio output part
31024 and the left-ear audio output part 31026 have ear pads 31024a
and 31026a, respectively, composed of an elastic body, and
electromagnetic vibrators 31025a and 31025b, respectively, are
embedded therein. Furthermore, air conduction-generating
electromagnetic speakers 31024b and 31026b are provided to the
right-ear audio output part 31024 and the left-ear audio output
part 31026, respectively, in the portions surrounded by the ear
pads 31024a and 31026a. In accordance with above configuration, the
ear pad 31024a and the electromagnetic vibrator 31025a constitute a
right-ear cartilage conduction unit that makes contact with the
inner side of the auricle of the right ear. Similarly, the ear pad
31026a and the electromagnetic vibrator 31025b constitute a
left-ear cartilage conduction unit that makes contact with the
inner side of the auricle of the left ear. Thus, the one-hundred
twenty-fourth embodiment is configured so as to use both a
cartilage conduction unit and an air conduction speaker, and the
frequency characteristics of the air conduction speaker reinforce
the cartilage conduction unit, which is good in low-pitched
regions.
[1246] FIG. 199 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
right-ear audio output part 31024 and a block view of the internal
configuration of the one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment shown in
FIG. 198. The stereo headphones 31081 receive audio signals from a
mobile music player, a mobile telephone, or the like by using a
short-range communication unit 31087 provided to the right-ear
audio output part 31024. Also, the stereo headphones 31081 is
capable of operating in any of a "normal mode," a "noise-cancelling
mode," and an "ambient sound introduction mode" in accordance with
a setting made by operation of an operation unit 31009.
[1247] In the "normal mode," an audio signal inputted from the
short-range communication unit 31087 is sent from a control unit
31039 to a cartilage conduction equalizer 31083a, and based on the
output thereof, the electromagnetic vibrator 31025a is driven by a
cartilage conduction drive unit 31040a. At the same time, the audio
signal inputted from the short-range communication unit 31087 is
sent from the control unit 31039 to an air conduction equalizer
31038b, and based on the output thereof, the electromagnetic
speaker 31024b is driven by an air conduction drive unit 31040b.
The frequency characteristics of the air conduction speaker thereby
reinforce the cartilage conduction unit, which is good in the
low-pitched regions. In particular, when an external auditory
meatus occlusion effect is produced by close adhesion between the
auricle and the ear pad 31024a, low-pitched regions can be
enhanced.
[1248] In the "noise-cancelling mode," ambient sounds picked up
from an ambient sound microphone 31038 are inverted in phase and
mixed by the control unit 31039, are sent from the air conduction
equalizer 31038b to the air conduction drive unit 31040b, and are
audio-outputted from the electromagnetic speaker 31024b. The
phase-inverted ambient sound signal cancels the ambient sound that
has directly penetrated the external auditory meatus from the
exterior. The ambient sound is not included in the audio signal
produced by cartilage conduction, and therefore the ambient sound
picked up from the ambient sound microphone 31038 is not sent to
the cartilage conduction equalizer 31038a.
[1249] When headphones are being used, e.g., on the streets
outdoors, the "ambient sound introduction mode" is used for
preventing accidents or the like caused by unawareness of the sound
of a vehicle approaching from the rear, preventing unawareness of
being spoken to during headphone usage resulting in rude
interactions with other parties, and for allowing ambient sound to
be heard during headphone usage. Cartilage conduction is used in
the present invention, and therefore audio sounds generated in the
external auditory meatus can be satisfactorily heard at the same
time when ambient sounds are introduced. Specifically, in the
"ambient sound introduction mode," ambient sounds picked up from
the ambient sound microphone 31038 are mixed by the control unit
31039 without being phase-inverted, and are sent from the air
conduction equalizer 31038b to the air conduction drive unit
31040b. The ambient sounds picked up from the ambient sound
microphone 31038 are not sent to the cartilage conduction equalizer
31038a and only an audio signal can be heard. An audio signal can
thereby be heard by cartilage conduction while ambient sounds are
electrically introduced without a passage hole or the like being
structurally provided.
[1250] The details of the configuration of the electromagnetic
vibrator 31025a are the same as those of the electromagnetic
vibrating element 4324a of the forty-eighth embodiment shown in
FIGS. 73A and 73B, and a description is therefore omitted. The
details of the configuration of the electromagnetic speaker 31024b
are the same as those of the electromagnetic air-conduction speaker
9925 of the one-hundred third embodiment shown in FIG. 169, and a
description is therefore omitted.
[1251] The left-ear audio output part 31026 has the same
configuration as that of the right-ear audio output part 31024
shown in FIG. 199, except for a power source unit 31048, the
operation unit 31009, the short-range communication unit 31087, and
the ambient sound microphone 31038, and is therefore omitted from
the drawing. The cartilage conduction equalizer and the air
conduction equalizer of the left-ear audio output part 31026 are
connected to the control unit 31039 of the right-ear audio output
part 31024 via a signal line between the left-ear audio output part
31026 and the right-ear audio output part 31024. The power source
unit 31048 supplies power to the stereo headphones 31081 overall,
and therefore, power is not only supplied to the right-ear audio
output part 31024, but also to the left-ear audio output part 31026
via a signal line between the left-ear audio output part 31026 and
the right-ear audio output part 31024.
[1252] FIG. 200 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control
unit 31039 of the one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment in FIG. 199.
The flow begins when a main power source is turned on by the
operation unit 31009. In step S792, an initial startup and a check
of each unit function are performed. Subsequently, the cartilage
conduction drive unit 31040a is turned on in step S794, the air
conduction drive unit 31040b is turned on in step 796, and the
routine proceeds to Step S798.
[1253] In Step S798, a check is performed to determine whether the
"normal mode" has been set, and if not, this means that the
"noise-cancelling mode" or the "surrounding sound introduction mode
(ambient sound introduction mode)" has been set, and the routine
therefore advances to Step S800, the ambient sound microphone 31038
is turned on, and the routine advances to Step S802. When the
routine has arrived at Step S800 and the ambient sound microphone
31038 is already on, no action is performed in Step S800, and the
routine proceeds to Step S802. In Step S802, a check is performed
to determine whether the "noise-cancelling mode" has been set, and
if so, the routine advances to Step S804, processing for inverting
the input signal picked up by the ambient sound microphone 31038 is
carried out, and in Step S806, volume adjustment processing for
noise cancellation is performed. This volume adjustment sets a
volume that conforms to the magnitude of the ambient sound assumed
to arrive at the entrance to the external auditory meatus from the
exterior. Subsequently, the input signal from the ambient sound
microphone 31038 processed in Step S808 is mixed with the air
conduction audio signal, and the routine proceeds to Step S812. As
described above, the processed input signal from the ambient sound
microphone 31038 is not mixed with the audio signal for cartilage
conduction.
[1254] On the other hand, in Step S802, when it has been confirmed
that the "noise-cancelling mode" is not set, this means that the
"surrounding sound introduction mode" is set and the routine
advances to Step S810, and the volume adjustment processing is
carried out for introducing surrounding sound to the input signal
pickup up by the ambient sound microphone 31038. Volume adjustment
is set to a magnitude that does not mask the audio signal produced
by cartilage conduction. Next, the routine advances to Step S808,
the processed input signal from the ambient sound microphone 31038
is mixed with the air conduction audio signal, and the routine
proceeds to Step S812. As described above, in this case as well,
the processed input signal from the ambient sound microphone 31038
is not mixed with the audio signal for cartilage conduction.
[1255] In contrast to the above, in Step S798, when it has been
confirmed that the "normal mode" is set, the routine advances to
Step S814, the ambient sound microphone 31038 is turned off, and
the routine proceeds directly to Step S812. When the routine
arrives at Step S814 and the ambient sound microphone 31038 is
already off, no action is performed in Step S814, and the routine
proceeds to Step S812. In Step S812, a check is performed to
determine whether the power has been turned off by the operation
unit 31009, and if the power is not off, the routine returns to
Step S794, and Step S794 to Step S814 are thereafter repeated as
long as the power is not turned off. In this repetition, if the
cartilage conduction drive unit 31040a and the air conduction drive
unit 31040b are already on, no action is performed in Step S794 and
Step S796, and the routine proceeds to Step S798. On the other
hand, when it has been confirmed in Step S812 that the power has
been turned off, the flow ends.
One-Hundred Twenty-Fifth Embodiment
[1256] FIG. 201 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a block
view of the internal configuration related to a one-hundred
twenty-fifth embodiment according to an aspect of the present
invention. The one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment is also
configured as stereo headphones, and the overall configuration can
be understood in accordance with FIG. 198 and is omitted from the
drawing. FIG. 201 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a
right-ear audio output unit 32024 and a block view of the internal
configuration. Also, the one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment has
much in common with the one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment shown
in FIG. 199, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for
the same parts and a description thereof has been omitted unless
otherwise required.
[1257] The one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 201 differs
from the one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment of FIG. 199 in that
the vibrations of an electromagnetic speaker 32024b are used as a
cartilage conduction vibration source. Specifically, the
electromagnetic speaker 32024b is supported by a vibration
conductor 32027, and the vibration conductor 32027 is embedded in
and supported by the ear pad 31024a.
[1258] In accordance with such a configuration, relative movement
is generated between a first portion composed of the yoke 4324h or
the like and a second portion composed of the vibration plate 9924k
or the like when an audio signal is inputted from a drive unit
32040, in the same manner as the one-hundred third embodiment of
FIG. 169, and since the vibration plate 9924k is made to vibrate
thereby, an air-conducted sound is generated from the
electromagnetic speaker 32024b. On the other hand, the first
portion composed of the yoke 4324h also vibrates due to the
counteraction of the vibrations of the second portion composed of
the vibration plate 9924k or the like, and these vibrations are
transmitted from the vibration conductor 32027 to the ear pad
31024a. In the manner noted above, using the counteractions of
vibrations of the electromagnetic speaker 32024b for generating
air-conducted sound as the vibration source of cartilage
conduction, it is possible to use both cartilage conduction and
generation of air-conducted sound. In accompaniment therewith,
there is a single drive control pathway from a control unit 32039
to the drive unit 32040 via an equalizer 32038.
One-Hundred Twenty-Sixth Embodiment
[1259] FIG. 202 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a block
view of the internal configuration relating to a one-hundred
twenty-sixth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The
one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment is also configured as stereo
headphones, and the overall configuration can be understood in
accordance with FIG. 198 and is omitted from the drawing. FIG. 202
shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a right-ear audio output
unit 33024 and a block view of the internal configuration. Also,
the one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment has much in common with the
one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 201, and
therefore the same reference numerals are used for the same parts
and a description thereof has been omitted unless otherwise
required.
[1260] The one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 202 differs
from the one-hundred twenty-fifth embodiment of FIG. 201 in that,
rather than an electromagnetic speaker, a piezoelectric bimorph
element 33024a is used as the shared vibration source for air
conduction and cartilage conduction. The structure of the
piezoelectric bimorph element 33024a is the same as, e.g., the
forty-first embodiment of FIGS. 64A, 64B 64C and 64D, and a
description is therefore omitted. In the one-hundred twenty-sixth
embodiment of FIG. 202, both ends of the piezoelectric bimorph
element 33024a are embedded in and supported by the inner edge of
the facing ear pad 31024a. Furthermore, a vibration plate 33027 is
provided in the center part of the piezoelectric bimorph element
33024a.
[1261] In accordance with such a configuration, the center part of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 33024a vibrates with support at
both ends of the ear pad 31024a, whereby the vibration plate 33027
vibrates and air-conducted sound is generated. On the other hand,
vibrations are transmitted to the ear pad 31024a from both ends of
the piezoelectric bimorph element 33024a by the counteractions of
the vibrations of the center part. In the manner noted above, using
the counteractions of vibrations of the electromagnetic speaker
33024a for generating air-conducted sound as the vibration source
of cartilage conduction, it is possible to use both cartilage
conduction and generation of air-conducted sound.
One-Hundred Twenty-Seventh Embodiment
[1262] FIG. 203 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a block
view of the internal configuration relating to a one-hundred
twenty-seventh embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
The one-hundred twenty-seventh embodiment is also configured as
stereo headphones, and the overall configuration can be understood
in accordance with FIG. 198 and is omitted from the drawing. FIG.
203 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a right-ear audio
output unit 34024 and a block view of the internal configuration.
Also, the one-hundred twenty-seventh embodiment has much in common
with the one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 202, and
therefore the same reference numerals are used for the same parts
and a description thereof has been omitted unless otherwise
required.
[1263] The one-hundred twenty-seventh embodiment of FIG. 203
differs from the one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 202 in
that one end of a piezoelectric bimorph element 34024a serving as a
shared vibration source for air conduction and cartilage conduction
is embedded in and supported by the inner edge of the ear pad
31024a, and the other end is capable of freely vibrating. A
vibration plate 34027 is provided to this freely vibrating end.
[1264] In accordance with such a configuration, the freely
vibrating end of the piezoelectric bimorph element 34024a vibrates
with support at the other end by the ear pad 31024a, whereby the
vibration plate 33027 vibrates and air-conducted sound is
generated. On the other hand, vibrations are transmitted to the ear
pad 31024a from the other end of the piezoelectric bimorph element
34024a by the counteractions of the vibrations of the freely
vibrating end. In the manner noted above, using the counteractions
of vibrations of the electromagnetic speaker 34024a for generating
air-conducted sound as the vibration source of cartilage
conduction, it is possible to use both cartilage conduction and
generation of air-conducted sound in the same manner as the
one-hundred twenty-sixth embodiment of FIG. 202.
[1265] The implementation of the features of the present invention
described above is not to be limited to the aspects in the above
embodiments, and implementation is also possible using other
aspects as well, wherever it is possible to benefit from the
advantages thereof. Also, the various features of different
embodiments can be combined, as appropriate. For example, in the
one-hundred twenty-fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 199,
introduction of ambient sound is determined by electrically
switching, but it is also possible use a configuration in which a
passage hole is provided in the manner of the ninety-first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 141A, 141B and 141C and the passage hole
is mechanically opened and closed.
Summary
[1266] The following is a description summarizing the various
technical features that have been disclosed in the present
specification.
First Technical Feature
[1267] A first technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone in which the upper part
of the mobile telephone is provided with a cartilage conduction
vibration unit that makes contact with ear cartilage. It is thereby
possible to provide a mobile telephone which makes use of the
excellent performance exhibited by ear cartilage in regard to
transmitting audio information, and which can be used without a
sense of discomfort from pressure or insertion into the ear, the
user experience being similar to that of the normal state of a
telephone call.
[1268] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is configured so as not to protrude from the outer
wall of the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to achieve a
shape whose absence of awkward protruding parts caused by the
arrangement of the cartilage conduction vibration unit compromises
neither the function nor the aesthetics of the mobile
telephone.
[1269] According to a more specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is arranged at an upper part corner on
the ear side of the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to
achieve an arrangement where the cartilage conduction vibration
unit does not protrude from the outer wall of the mobile telephone,
by which natural contact with the ear cartilage can be
realized.
[1270] According to an even more specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is arranged on one of the upper part
corners on the ear side of the mobile telephone that faces
diagonally downward in the usage posture. It is thereby possible
for the cartilage conduction vibration unit to be brought into
contact with the ear cartilage in a state that is awkward neither
to the person making the telephone call nor to onlookers, due to
the posture approximating the normal state of a telephone call, in
which the mobile telephone is held by hand and brought up against
the ear. Such a posture is doubly suitable, due to being suitable
for making contact with the tragus and due to the tragus being
particularly highly effective in terms of cartilage conduction.
[1271] According to another specific feature, there are two of the
cartilage conduction vibration units provided to the upper part of
the mobile telephone. Such a configuration is suitable by virtue of
there being more effective contact with the ear cartilage. The two
cartilage conduction vibration units can, for example, be
configured such that one is made to vibrate in accordance with
whether the right ear or the left ear is being used, thus providing
support for switching between holding with the left and right
hand.
[1272] According to a further specific feature, a sensor for
detecting which of the two cartilage conduction vibration units is
in contact with the ear is provided to the upper part of the mobile
telephone, and one of the two cartilage conduction vibration units
is made to vibrate in accordance with the output of the sensor.
Alternatively, a gravitational acceleration detection unit is
instead provided, one of the two cartilage conduction vibration
units being made to vibrate in accordance with the direction of
gravitational acceleration detected by the gravitational
acceleration detection unit. The elements described above may also
be used concurrently to detect when the hand holding the mobile
telephone is switched.
[1273] According to another feature, in a mobile telephone having a
videoconferencing function, the functions of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit are prohibited whenever the
videoconferencing function is in operation. The cartilage
conduction vibration unit can thereby be prevented from functioning
without purpose in the state where the mobile telephone is not to
be brought up against the ear.
[1274] According to yet another feature, a folding structure is
included, the functions of the cartilage conduction vibration unit
being prohibited in a folded state in a case where the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is arranged at a position at which
contact with the ear cartilage becomes impossible in the folded
state. The cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be
prevented from functioning without purpose in the state where the
mobile telephone cannot be held up against the ear.
[1275] According to another feature, there is provided an audio
output device, comprising: an audio output unit; a controller for
simultaneously outputting audio information to the audio output
unit and the cartilage conduction vibration unit; and a phase
adjustment unit for phase-adjusting the phase of an audio signal
being outputted to the audio output unit and the cartilage
conduction vibration unit. It is thereby possible to prevent the
adverse event caused when the same audio information is transmitted
by two systems, i.e., bone conduction and air vibration from the
external auditory meatus.
[1276] According to another feature, there is provided an audio
output device, comprising: a bone conduction vibration unit, an
environment noise microphone; and a phase adjustment unit for
inverting the phase of, and then outputting to the cartilage
conduction vibration unit, audio information that has been picked
up by the environment noise microphone. It thereby becomes possible
to cancel out the environment noise from the environment noise and
useful audio information conducted by air vibration from the
external auditory meatus.
Second Technical Feature
[1277] A second technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having cartilage
conduction vibration unit, which includes a cartilage conduction
vibration source, as well as a cartilage conductor for guiding the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source to the upper
part of the mobile telephone in contact with the ear cartilage. It
is thereby possible to provide a mobile telephone that makes use of
the excellent performance exhibited by ear cartilage in regard to
transmitting audio information, and which can be used without a
sense of discomfort from pressure or insertion into the ear, the
user experience approximating that of the normal state of a
telephone call. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit described above, the vibration
of the cartilage conduction vibration source is guided by the
cartilage conductor to a desired position, which is advantageous in
that a greater amount of freedom is provided for the layout of the
cartilage conduction vibration source itself and in that the
cartilage conduction vibration unit can be installed on a mobile
telephone lacking any available extra space.
[1278] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source and the cartilage conductor are configured so as
not to protrude from an outer wall of the mobile telephone. It is
thereby possible to achieve a shape whose absence of awkward
protruding parts caused by the arrangement of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit compromises neither the function nor the
aesthetics of the mobile telephone. According to an even more
specific feature, the end part of the cartilage conductor is
arranged at an upper part corner of the ear side of the mobile
telephone. It is thereby possible to achieve an arrangement where
the cartilage conduction vibration units do not protrude from the
outer wall of the mobile telephone, by which a natural contact with
the ear cartilage can be realized. According to a further specific
feature, the end part of the cartilage conductor is arranged on one
of the upper part corners on the ear side of the mobile telephone
that faces diagonally downward during the usage posture. It is
thereby possible for the cartilage conduction vibration unit to be
brought into contact with the ear cartilage in a state that is
awkward neither to the person making the telephone call nor to
onlookers, due to the posture approximating the normal state of a
telephone call, in which the mobile telephone is held by hand and
brought up against the ear. Such a posture is doubly suitable,
because it is suitable for contact with the tragus and also because
the tragus is particularly highly effective in terms of cartilage
conduction.
[1279] According to another specific feature, the two ends of the
end parts of the cartilage conductor are arranged at both corners
of the upper part on the ear side of the mobile telephone. Such a
configuration is suitable by virtue of there being more effective
contact with the ear cartilage. One of the two ends of the end
parts of the cartilage conductor can, for example, be brought into
contact with the ear cartilage as appropriate, in accordance with
whether the right ear or the left ear is being used, thus providing
support for readily switching between holding the mobile telephone
with the left and right hand.
[1280] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration unit brought
into contact with ear cartilage; a gravitational acceleration
detection unit; and a controller for prohibiting the cartilage
conduction vibration unit from vibrating whenever the gravitational
acceleration detection unit detects that the mobile telephone is in
a stationary state. It is thereby possible to prevent the cartilage
conduction vibration unit from uselessly vibrating and generating a
distracting sound when, for example, the mobile telephone is placed
on a desk or the like with the cartilage conduction vibration unit
facing down.
[1281] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an
object in proximity with the cartilage conduction vibration unit,
where the controller causes the cartilage conduction vibration unit
to vibrate in accordance with whether the sensor detects an object
in proximity, and prohibits the cartilage conduction vibration unit
from vibration, irrespective of whether the sensor detects an
object in proximity, whenever the gravitational acceleration
detection unit detects that the mobile telephone is in a stationary
state. The sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an
object in proximity is a useful configuration for detecting when
the mobile telephone has been brought up against the ear and
causing the cartilage conduction vibration unit to vibrate, but
when, for example, the mobile telephone has been placed on a desk
or the like, there is the potential for this state to be falsely
confirmed as contact to the ear and for the cartilage conduction
vibration unit to be made to vibrate. Herein, the aforesaid
specific feature can prevent the generation of uncomfortable sound
due to the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit
based on such false confirmation.
[1282] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration unit to be
brought into contact with ear cartilage; an audio input unit; a
phase inverter for phase-inverting audio information inputted from
the audio input unit; and a controller for outputting, from the
cartilage conduction vibration unit, the audio information having
been phase-inverted by the phase inverter. It is thereby possible
to appropriately minimize any discomfort based on one's own voice
during a conversation by mobile telephone in the state where the
cartilage conduction vibration unit has been brought into contact
with the ear cartilage.
[1283] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes an acoustics adjustment unit, where the controller
outputs, from the cartilage conduction vibration unit, audio
information that has been acoustically adjusted by the acoustics
adjustment unit and also phase-inverted by the phase inverter. It
is thereby possible to more appropriately minimize any discomfort
that is based on one's own voice during a conversation by mobile
telephone.
[1284] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes a contact state detection unit for detecting the state
where the cartilage conduction vibration unit is in contact with
the ear cartilage, where the controller determines whether or not
to output, from the cartilage conduction vibration unit, audio
information that has been phase-inverted by the phase inverter in
accordance with the state detected by the contact state detection
unit. It is thereby possible to more appropriately control the
discomfort that is based on one's own voice in accordance with the
state where the mobile telephone is in contact with the ear
cartilage.
[1285] According to a more specific feature, the contact state
detection unit detects when the cartilage conduction vibration unit
is in contact with the ear cartilage in the state where the ear
hole is blocked by the mobile telephone being in contact with the
ear cartilage, the earplug bone conduction effect thus occurring,
where the controller outputs, from the cartilage conduction
vibration unit, audio information that has been phase-inverted by
the phase inverter in accordance with a detection that the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is in contact with the ear
cartilage in the state where the earplug bone conduction effect
occurs. The earplug bone conduction effect, which occurs due to the
ear hole being blocked, achieves a listening status with dual
effects, in which audio information from the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is conducted by even louder sound and in which
environmental noise is obstructed. However, the earplug bone
conduction effect is meanwhile accompanied by the discomfort of
one's own voice through bone conduction from the vocal cords. The
aforesaid feature is advantageous in attenuating such discomfort of
one's own voice.
[1286] According to another feature, there is provided a
piezoelectric element control device comprising: a conduction
vibration unit that includes a piezoelectric element and transmits
vibration of the piezoelectric element by being brought into
contact with a body to which conduction is directed; a signal
output unit for outputting conduction vibration information to the
piezoelectric element; and a pressure detection unit for detecting,
through the piezoelectric element, changes in the contact pressure
between the conduction vibration unit and the body to which
conduction is directed. By such a configuration, the piezoelectric
element can serve a dual purpose as an output element for contact
vibration and also as a contact pressure sensor, and conduction
vibration can be outputted in accordance with a variety of
circumstances. Such a piezoelectric element control device is
configured as a mobile telephone, the body to which conduction is
directed being the ear cartilage, and is suitable for detecting the
state where the cartilage conduction vibration unit is in contact
with the ear cartilage depending on the pressure changes sensed by
the piezoelectric element.
Third Technical Feature
[1287] A third technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising a cartilage
conduction vibration source and a conductor for guiding the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source to the ear
cartilage, wherein the conductor is an elastic body. It is thereby
possible to effectively listen to the audio information from the
cartilage conduction vibration source, and possible to achieve
softer contact with the ear.
[1288] According to a specific feature, the conductor is sized so
as to contact the ear cartilage at a plurality of points. Effective
cartilage conduction can thereby be obtained. According to another
specific feature, the conductor is sized so as to contact the ear
cartilage and block the external auditory meatus. It is thereby
possible to effectively listen to audio information from the
cartilage conduction vibration source, and effectively reduce
exterior noise.
[1289] According to another specific feature, the conductor has at
least a surface area approximating that of the ear lobe. It is
thereby possible to effectively listen to audio information from
the cartilage conduction vibration source, and block the external
auditory meatus in a natural manner according to need.
[1290] According to another specific feature, the conductor has an
acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of ear
cartilage. Audio information from the cartilage conduction
vibration source can accordingly be effectively guided to the ear
cartilage.
[1291] According to another specific feature, the conductor is
configured as a cover for the mobile telephone. According to such a
configuration, housing the mobile telephone in the cover makes it
possible to effectively listen to audio information from the
cartilage conduction vibration source in a natural manner.
[1292] According to a more specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes an outgoing-talk unit (microphone), and the cover of the
mobile telephone includes Larsen effect prevention means between
the conduction vibration source and the outgoing-talk unit. It is
thereby possible to prevent the Larsen effect while also possible
to effectively listen to the audio information from the cartilage
conduction vibration source. According to another more specific
feature, the mobile telephone includes an outgoing-talk unit, and
the cover of the mobile telephone includes an air conduction unit
in the vicinity of the outgoing-talk unit. It is thereby possible
to listen to the voice of the other party, which is generated by
the bone conduction vibration source, while also sending one's own
voice from the outgoing-talk unit, and also thereby possible to
have a two-way conversation in a natural manner, even while the
mobile telephone remains housed in the cover.
[1293] According to another specific feature, the conductor is
configured as a grip unit of the mobile telephone. It is thereby
possible to introduce, to the mobile telephone, an elastic body for
effectively guiding the audio information of the conductor, in a
manner that is in harmony with the other functions of the mobile
telephone.
[1294] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source
serving as an incoming-talk unit; a conduction vibration source
serving as an incoming-talk unit; and a shared outgoing-talk unit.
It is thereby possible to provide a mobile telephone permitting a
two-way conversation in accordance with the environment of the
telephone call. Specifically, providing the shared outgoing-talk
unit to an end part of the mobile telephone is useful for the
aforesaid configuration.
[1295] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source; and
a conductor for guiding vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source to the ear cartilage; wherein the conductor is
sized so as to contact the ear cartilage at a plurality of points;
is sized so as to contact the ear cartilage and block the external
auditory meatus; has at least a surface area approximating that of
an ear lobe; or has an acoustic impedance approximating the
acoustic impedance of the ear cartilage. Any of these features or a
combination thereof makes it possible to listen effectively to
sound information using the cartilage conduction vibration
source.
Fourth Technical Feature
[1296] A fourth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a cartilage
conduction vibration source; a mobile telephone body; an
anti-impact cushioning part provided between the mobile telephone
body and the cartilage conduction vibration source; and a conductor
for guiding the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source to the ear cartilage. A vibration source resistant to impact
can thereby be employed in a mobile telephone as the cartilage
conduction vibration source. According to a specific feature, the
conductor is an elastic body. It is thereby possible to cushion
impact on the mobile telephone body and additionally impact from
outside the conductor, and also thereby possible to obtain
effective cartilage conduction. According to another specific
feature, a vibration source resistant to impact and suitable as a
cartilage conduction vibration source includes a piezoelectric
bimorph element.
[1297] According to another specific feature, the anti-impact
cushioning part and the conductor are configured so as to enclose
the cartilage conduction vibration source. It is thereby possible
to effectively cushion the cartilage conduction vibration source
while also rendering the cartilage conduction more effective,
rather than compromising the efficacy of cartilage conduction.
According to yet another specific feature, the conductor and the
anti-impact cushioning part are composed of the same material.
According to a further specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source is inserted into and integrally molded with the
conductor and anti-impact cushioning part. It is thereby made
possible to provide a practical configuration by which cushioning
efficacy and favorable cartilage conduction efficacy can be
simultaneously achieved. According to another specific feature, the
conductor and anti-impact cushioning part are joined sandwiching
the cartilage conduction vibration source. It is thereby made
possible to provide another practical configuration by which
cushioning efficacy and favorable cartilage conduction efficacy can
be simultaneously achieved.
[1298] According to yet another feature, the conductor is sized so
as to contact the ear cartilage at a plurality of points. According
to another specific feature, the conductor is sized so as to
contact the ear cartilage and block the external auditory meatus.
According to yet another specific feature, the conductor has at
least a surface area approximating that of the ear lobe. According
to another specific feature, the conductor has an acoustic
impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of the ear
cartilage. These features make it possible to render cartilage
conduction more effective and to reduce exterior noise in
accordance with need, while simultaneously cushioning the cartilage
conduction vibration source.
[1299] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source; a
conductor for guiding the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source to the ear cartilage; and a resonator for
converting the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source to air conduction. It is thereby made possible to create a
dual use for the cartilage conduction vibration source and to
simultaneously obtain both favorable cartilage conduction from the
conductor and air conduction from the resonator; it is also thereby
possible to effectively listen to sound information.
[1300] According to a specific feature, the conductor is a rigid
body. Cartilage conduction conducts differently depending on the
amount of force pushing on the cartilage, and a state of effective
conduction can be obtained by increasing the amount of force that
is pushing, but this means that when it is difficult to hear the
incoming sound, a natural behavior such as increasing the force
pushing the mobile telephone against the ear can be utilized to
adjust the volume. Such a function also makes it possible to more
effectively adjust the volume through adjusting the force that is
pushing, due to the conductor being constituted of a rigid
body.
[1301] According to another specific feature, the resonator is an
elastic body. The resonator thereby creates cartilage conduction
through contact with the tragus or other part of the ear cartilage,
and sound from the outer surface of the resonator, which resonates
according to the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source, is conducted to the tympanic membrane from the external
auditory meatus as sound waves. It is thereby possible to
effectively listen to sound.
[1302] According to another specific feature, the resonator is
sized so as to contact the ear cartilage at a plurality of points.
According to another specific feature, the resonator is sized so as
to contact the ear cartilage and block the external auditory
meatus. According to yet another specific feature, the resonator
has an acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of
the ear cartilage. These features make it possible to render
cartilage conduction more effective and to reduce exterior noise in
accordance with need.
[1303] According to another specific feature, the resonator
constitutes the incoming-talk unit of the mobile telephone by air
conduction. It is thereby made possible to create a dual use for
the cartilage conduction vibration source and constitute a typical
incoming-talk unit, and also possible to listen to sound in a
natural posture, on the basis of the vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source, without the incoming-talk unit being
provided separately.
[1304] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conductor for conducting
vibration for cartilage conduction to ear cartilage; a resonator
for generating sound waves to be conducted to the tympanic membrane
through the external auditory meatus by air conduction; and a
shared vibration source having a dual purpose as a vibration source
for the cartilage conductor and the resonator. It is thereby made
possible to create a dual use for the shared vibration source and
constitute a cartilage conduction output unit and a typical
incoming-talk unit, and also possible to listen to sound in a
natural posture, on the basis of the vibration of the shared
vibration source, without the incoming-talk unit being provided
separately.
[1305] According to a specific feature, a suitable example of the
vibration source includes a piezoelectric bimorph element. It is
thereby possible to provide a vibration source suitable for
generating favorable cartilage conduction and suitable for a
typical incoming-talk unit for generating sound to be conducted to
the tympanic membrane from the external auditory meatus.
Fifth Technical Feature
[1306] A fifth technical feature disclosed in the present invention
provides a mobile telephone comprising: a display surface; a side
surface relative to the display surface; and a cartilage conduction
vibration unit provided to the side surface and capable of coming
into contact of the ear cartilage. The display surface can thereby
be prevented from making contact with the ear, cheek, or other body
part and from becoming fouled when the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is brought into contact with the ear cartilage.
[1307] According to a specific feature, cartilage conduction
vibration units are provided to each of both side surfaces of the
display surface. The cartilage conduction vibration unit can
thereby be brought into contact with the right ear or the left ear
from the state where the display screen is being viewed, without
the need to switch the hand holding the mobile telephone. According
to a further specific feature, there is provided an incoming-talk
unit which is used consistently in any case where either of the
cartilage conduction vibration units is being used.
[1308] According to another specific feature, the incoming-talk
unit is provided nearer to the side surface to which the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is provided. In such a case, merely
providing the cartilage conduction vibration unit to the side
surface on a single side allows for the cartilage conduction
vibration unit to be brought into contact with the right ear or the
left ear by the mobile telephone being turned over. According to a
further specific feature, the cartilage conduction vibration unit
and the incoming-talk unit form an incoming/outgoing talk unit,
which can be inserted into and removed from the mobile telephone.
The ability to insert or remove such an incoming/outgoing talk unit
allows for flexible usage. According to a further specific feature,
the incoming/outgoing-talk unit is configured so as to be capable
of short-range wireless communication or so as to be capable of
wired communication with the mobile telephone.
[1309] According to another specific feature, an auxiliary holding
unit is provided to the side surface of the side opposite the side
surface to which the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
provided. The mobile telephone can thereby be more readily held
when the cartilage conduction vibration unit is brought into
contact with the ear cartilage, and the display surface can thereby
be prevented from becoming fouled by fingerprints or the like due
to being held during a telephone call. According to a more specific
feature, the auxiliary holding unit is configured so as to be
extensible from the side surface, in order to prevent the
compactness of the mobile telephone from being compromised when the
auxiliary holding unit is not needed.
[1310] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a display surface; a cartilage conduction
vibration unit which can be brought into contact with the ear
cartilage; a detection unit for detecting when the cartilage
conduction vibration unit has been contacted with the ear
cartilage; and a display controller for changing the display of the
display unit to a privacy protection display on the basis of the
detection by the detection unit.
[1311] The feature above makes it possible to prevent another
person from catching a glance of a display relating to the call
destination or other form of private information during a telephone
call. Such a configuration is suitable for when the state becomes
such that the display surface is no longer hidden by the posture of
the mobile telephone when the cartilage conduction vibration unit
is brought into contact with the ear cartilage. An example of a
privacy protection display is a predetermined display not
containing any private information or a state where nothing is
displayed. According to a more specific feature, the display unit
is turned on during the privacy protection display, and the display
unit is turned off in order to conserve power whenever the
detection by the detection unit continues for a predetermined
period of time or longer.
[1312] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone system which includes: a mobile telephone body; and an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit, which can be inserted into or removed
from the mobile telephone body, and which includes an incoming-talk
unit and a cartilage conduction vibration unit that can be brought
into contact with the ear cartilage.
[1313] The feature above makes it possible to enable cartilage
conduction in the state where the incoming/outgoing-talk unit is
incorporated into the mobile telephone body as well as cartilage
conduction in the state where the incoming/outing-talk unit is
separated therefrom, and also makes it possible to provide a system
permitting flexible usage in accordance with the circumstances.
According to a specific feature, the incoming/outgoing-talking unit
is configured so as to be capable of short-range wireless
communication or so as to be capable of wired communication with
the mobile telephone body.
[1314] According to another feature, there is provided an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit for a mobile telephone including a
cartilage conduction vibration unit which can be brought into
contact with the ear cartilage, an incoming-talk unit, and a unit
for communicating with the mobile telephone. Such an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit is not only suitable for constituting a
mobile telephone system by being combined with a specific mobile
telephone, but also assumes a configuration suitable for serving as
an incoming/outgoing-talk accessory for a general mobile telephone
having a communication unit. According to a specific feature, the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit is configured in a pencil shape in
which the cartilage conduction vibration unit and the
incoming-talking unit are arranged in the vicinity of both ends.
According to another specific feature, the communication unit is
configured as a short-range wireless communication unit. According
to yet another feature, the communication unit is configured so as
to include a cable for wired communication with the mobile
telephone.
[1315] According to another specific feature, the communication
unit transmits, to the mobile telephone, information relating to
the state of contact between the cartilage conduction vibration
unit and the ear cartilage. It is thereby made possible for
information specific to the usage of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit to be transmitted to the mobile telephone, and it is
also thereby possible for there to be a favorable link with the
mobile telephone.
Sixth Technical Feature
[1316] A sixth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides an incoming/outgoing talk unit for a mobile
telephone comprising: an ear-attachment unit; a cartilage
conduction vibration unit for making contact with the ear cartilage
in the state of attachment by the attachment unit; an outgoing-talk
unit; and a short-range wireless communication unit for use with
the mobile telephone. This makes it possible to achieve an
incoming/outgoing-talk unit suitable for a mobile telephone. An
example of suitable ear cartilage in the above is the tragus, by
which typically audio information can be transmitted without the
ear hole being blocked.
[1317] According to a specific feature, the incoming/outgoing-talk
unit includes a movable unit that is movable relative to the
attachment unit, and the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
held to the movable unit. According to a further specific feature,
the movable unit can be moved in order to alter the state where the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is in contact with the
cartilage.
[1318] According to another specific feature, the short-range
wireless communication unit transmits, to the mobile telephone,
information relating to the position of the movable unit. The
mobile telephone is thereby able to transmit appropriate audio
information to the incoming/outgoing-talk unit. According to a more
specific feature, the short-range wireless communication unit
transmits, to the mobile telephone, information relating to the
position of the movable unit relative to the attachment unit.
[1319] According to another feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is held via an elastic body. It is thereby possible
to cushion an impact against the cartilage conduction vibration
unit and also to allow the cartilage conduction vibration unit to
move. According to a further specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is contained and held in the elastic
body. This makes it possible to achieve greater cushioning for the
cartilage conduction vibration unit.
[1320] According to a more specific feature, the aforesaid elastic
body containing the cartilage conduction vibration unit has an
acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of the ear
cartilage. Cushioning for the cartilage conduction vibration unit
and suitable cartilage conduction via the elastic body are thereby
rendered possible.
[1321] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration source includes a piezoelectric bimorph
element. Suitable cartilage conduction vibration is thereby
provided. Being held by the aforesaid elastic body is beneficial
for the cushioning of such a piezoelectric bimorph element.
[1322] According to another specific feature, a phase inverter for
phase-inverting audio information inputted from the outgoing-talk
unit and a controller for outputting, from the cartilage conduction
vibration unit, audio information that has been phase-inverted by
the phase inverter are positioned in the incoming/outgoing-talk
unit. It is thereby possible to provide a highly versatile
incoming/outgoing-talk unit making use of the advantages specific
to cartilage conduction. According to a further specific feature,
an acoustics adjustment unit is provided to the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and the aforesaid controller outputs,
from the cartilage conduction vibration unit, audio information
that has been acoustically adjusted by the acoustics adjustment
unit and phase-inverted by the phase inverter. More appropriate
control is thereby made possible.
[1323] According to a more specific feature, a contact state
detection unit for detecting the state where the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is in contact with the ear cartilage is
provided to the incoming/outgoing-talk unit, and the controller
determines whether or not to output, from the cartilage conduction
unit, audio information that has been phase-inverted by the phase
inverter, in accordance with the state detected by the contact
state detection unit. Appropriate control is thereby made
possible.
[1324] According to another specific feature, the attachment unit
is an ear-hooking unit, and the incoming/outgoing-talk unit is
configured as a headset. The various features described above are
suitable for constituting such a headset.
[1325] According to another specific feature, the attachment unit
is the temple of a pair of eyeglasses, and the
incoming/outgoing-talk unit is configured as a pair of eyeglasses.
The various features described above are suitable for constituting
such a pair of eyeglasses. According to a more specific feature,
the cartilage conduction vibration unit can be moved relative to
the temple of the eyeglasses. It is thereby possible to withdraw
the incoming/outgoing-talk unit whenever a two-way conversation is
not being held.
Seventh Technical Feature
[1326] A seventh technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides an incoming-talk unit which includes: an
ear-attachment unit; and a cartilage conduction vibration unit for
conduction cartilage conduction from the outer side of the ear
cartilage in the state of attachment by the attachment unit. It is
thereby possible to listen to audio information without the
external auditory meatus being blocked in both a natural state and
a normal state. There are conventionally known eyeglasses-type and
other types of bone conduction incoming-talk devices for listening
to audio information without the external auditory meatus being
blocked, but in the case of using bone conduction, the bone at the
front or the rear of the ear must be tightly tucked in by the
portion of the inner side or other part of the temple of the
eyeglasses, which results in pain and renders long-term usage
unbearable. An incoming-talk unit provided with the feature above
will not have such a problem, it being possible to listen
comfortably to audio information while experiencing a sensation
similar to that of ordinary eyeglasses. According to a specific
feature, the ear cartilage to which the cartilage conduction is to
be conducted is the base of the ear. The outer side of the
cartilage of the base of the ear, being close to the inner entrance
of the external auditory meatus, is suitable for transmitting sound
to the tympanic membrane by generating air conduction to the
interior of the external auditory meatus from the cartilage around
the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and for direct
conduction to the inner ear through the cartilage
[1327] According to another specific feature, the attachment unit
is the temple of eyeglasses. In such a case, the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit can be conducted from the outer
side of the ear cartilage through the natural operation of hooking
on the eyeglasses. Accordingly, there is no need to clamp down on
the bones of the face with the temples of the eyeglasses, as is
done in the case of bone conduction. According to a more specific
feature, the cartilage conduction vibration unit can be inserted
into or removed from the temple of the eyeglasses. It is thereby
made possible to conduct cartilage conduction from the outer side
of the ear cartilage merely by having the cartilage conduction
vibration unit worn on the temple of ordinary eyeglasses, even
though the eyeglasses may not be specially designed so as to be
provided with the cartilage conduction vibration unit.
[1328] According to a further specific feature, the incoming-talk
unit includes a pair of fitting parts which can each be fitted to
the pair of temples of the eyeglasses, and cartilage conduction
vibration units are fitted to the temples of the eyeglasses by the
fitting parts being fitted. According to a more specific feature,
the pair of fitting parts are connected by a glass cord, thus
obtaining the practical advantages of a harmonious design and loss
prevention. According to a more specific feature, the fitting parts
are elastic bodies, thus achieving a degree of freedom in the
fitting.
[1329] According to a further specific feature, one of the
aforesaid pair of fitting parts is a dummy. Given that the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is fitted only to one ear, a
fitting part need only be fitted to one temple, but that alone will
be enough to change the thickness of the temple, giving rise to the
concern that the eyeglasses will tilt. Therefore, the dummy fitting
part is fitted to the other temple, whereby it is possible to
maintain the balance of the eyeglasses when the cartilage
conduction vibration units are fitted.
[1330] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is arranged on one of the pair of fitting
parts, and a power source is arranged at the other. It is thereby
possible to arrange the cartilage conduction vibration unit and the
related constituent elements in a limited space while the left and
right temples are also balanced. It is further possible to connect
the pair of fitting parts with a glass cord having a dual purpose
for creating an electric connection between the two, whereby a
plurality of constituent elements can be divided to the left and
right temples while a harmonious design and also a mutual electric
connection can be maintained.
[1331] According to another further specific feature, cartilage
conduction vibration units are arranged at both of the pair of
fitting parts. It is thereby possible to listen to audio
information stereophonically while achieving a balance between the
left and right temples. According to another feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration units can also be arranged directly on both of
the pair of temples of the eyeglasses.
[1332] According to another specific feature, the incoming-talk
unit is provided with: a detection unit for detecting when the ear
cartilage are deformed due to the ear being covered; an
outgoing-talk unit; a phase inverter for phase-inverting audio
information inputted from the outgoing-talk unit; and a controller
for outputting, from the cartilage conduction vibration unit, the
audio information that has been phase-inverted by the phase
inverter in accordance with the detection by the detection unit. It
is thereby possible to attenuate the discomfort of one's own voice
when the ear is covered in order to listen to louder audio
information and the earplug bone conduction effect is produced,
while also obstructing exterior noise.
[1333] According to another specific feature, the attachment unit
is an ear-hooking unit. In such a case, even a person who does not
require eyeglasses can listen to audio information in a natural
state and a normal state without the external auditory meatus being
blocked.
[1334] According to another feature, there is provided an
incoming-talk unit for 3D viewing, comprising: a 3D viewing
adjustment unit; a temple including a unit for adjusting contact
with the temple of eyeglasses for adjusting vision when fitted over
eyeglasses for adjusting vision; and an audio information output
unit provided to the temple. It is thereby possible to
appropriately listen to audio information both in a case where the
incoming-talk unit for 3D viewing is fitted directly without
eyeglasses, and also in a case where the same is fitted over
eyeglasses for adjusting vision.
[1335] According to a specific feature, the audio information
output unit is a cartilage conduction vibration unit. According to
a further specific feature, the cartilage conduction vibration unit
conducts cartilage conduction from the outer side of the ear
cartilage. The aforesaid contact adjustment unit allows for the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit to be
effectively transmitted from the outer side of the ear cartilage in
particular when the incoming-talk unit for 3D viewing is fitted
over the eyeglasses for adjusting vision.
Eighth Technical Feature
[1336] An eighth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a cartilage
conduction vibration source for guiding an audio signal to the ear
cartilage; and a low-frequency source for guiding, to the cartilage
conduction vibration source, a low-frequency vibration signal of a
lower signal than the audio signal. The vibration source can
thereby be given a dual purpose for cartilage conduction and
low-frequency vibration, and the cost of the vibration source and
thereby be reduced.
[1337] According to a specific feature, a mobile telephone is
provided with a touch detection unit for detecting touch by a
finger, wherein the low-frequency source introduces, to the
cartilage delivery vibration source, the low-frequency vibration
signal in response to a detection of touch by the touch detection
unit, and transmits the low-frequency vibration of the cartilage
delivery vibration source to the finger touching. A suitable
example of such a touch detection unit is a touch panel provided to
a display screen.
[1338] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration source serves a dual purpose as the touch
detection unit. The cartilage conduction vibration source can
thereby serve to guide audio signals to the ear cartilage, to
output low frequencies, and to detect touch, and the cost of the
vibration source can also thereby be reduced. This feature is
suitable for a case where a contact-free motion sensor for
detecting movement in the vicinity of the display screen is
provided.
[1339] According to another specific feature, a delay lasting a
predetermined period of time after the detection by the touch
detection unit is allowed to pass, and the low-frequency vibration
signal is introduced to the cartilage conduction vibration source.
Feedback for a touch result can thereby be provided to the finger
touching, without confusion.
[1340] According to another specific feature, a vibration
insulation material for preventing the transmission of audio
signals is interposed between the cartilage conduction vibration
source and an outer wall part for outwardly conduction the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source, which is
made to vibrate by the introduction of a low-frequency vibration
signal having a low frequency. The leakage of audio signals to the
outer wall part and elsewhere, the generation of unneeded air
conduction, and other defects can thereby be prevented.
[1341] According to a further specific feature, the vibration
insulation material prevents the transmission of vibration having a
frequency at or above a predetermined frequency, and permits the
transmission of vibration at or below the predetermined frequency.
An audio signal thereby enables a low-frequency vibration to be
relayed to the outer wall part from the cartilage conduction
vibration source even while there is obstruction. According to
another further specific feature, a low-frequency signal of the
low-frequency source is configured so as to include the resonance
frequency of the vibration insulation material. An audio signal can
thereby cause the vibration insulation material to resonate for a
low-frequency vibration even while there is obstruction, whereby
the low-frequency vibration can be transmitted to the outer wall
part from the cartilage conduction vibration source.
[1342] According to another specific feature, a switching unit for
switching between introducing an audio signal and introducing a
low-frequency signal of a low frequency is provided to the
cartilage conduction vibration source. The cartilage conduction
vibration source can thereby be appropriately applied to a
plurality of objectives.
[1343] According to another specific feature, there is provided an
audio signal output device for a mobile telephone characterized by
comprising: eyeglass lenses; eyeglass temples; cartilage conduction
vibration units for conducting cartilage conduction from the outer
side of the ear cartilage, which are arranged at the eyeglass
temples; a sound signal source unit for transmitting output to the
cartilage conduction vibration units; and a unit for communicating
with the mobile telephone. Diverse links with the mobile telephone
are thereby made possible. According to a further specific feature,
incoming-talk units are provided to the eyeglass temples; as an
example of a more specific feature, the incoming-talk units are
configured as bone conduction microphones. Such configurations are
appropriately used for eyeglass temples naturally brought up
against the face when the eyeglasses are worn, and permit two-way
conversation.
[1344] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
signal output device which includes: eyeglass lenses; eyeglass
temples; cartilage conduction vibration units for conducting
cartilage conduction from the outer side of the ear cartilage,
which are arranged at the eyeglass temples; and a sound signal
source unit for transmitting output to the cartilage conduction
vibration units. A person wearing the eyeglasses can thereby
enjoyably receive sound signals of the sound signal source unit in
a natural state. According to a specific feature thereof, the
eyeglass temples are a pair, and the cartilage conduction vibration
units are arranged at each of both of the pair of eyeglass temples,
and the output of the sound signal source unit is transmitted to
each of the cartilage conduction vibration units. A pair of temples
originally provided to eyeglasses can thereby be utilized and
stereo sound signals can be enjoyably received without the ear
being blocked.
[1345] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
signal output device for a mobile telephone characterized by
comprising: eyeglass lenses; eyeglass temples; cartilage conduction
vibration units for conducting cartilage conduction from the outer
side of the ear cartilage, which are arranged at the eyeglass
temples; bone conduction microphones arranged at the eyeglass
temples; and a unit for communicating with the mobile telephone. It
is thereby possible to provide an incoming/outgoing-talk unit
suitable for a mobile telephone for a person who wears
eyeglasses.
Ninth Technical Feature
[1346] A ninth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone characterized by
comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source having a
primary vibration direction, the cartilage conduction vibration
source being adapted to guide an audio signal to the ear cartilage;
a holding structure for avoiding the primary vibration direction
and for holding the cartilage conduction vibration source; and an
audio signal input unit for inputting an audio signal to the
cartilage conduction vibration source. An audio signal can thereby
be effectively guided to the ear cartilage, and useless vibration
of the cartilage conduction vibration source can be prevented from
being conducted to the mobile telephone.
[1347] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone is
provided with a vibration output structure for guiding, to the
outer surface of the mobile telephone, vibration in the primary
vibration direction of the cartilage conduction vibration source.
An audio signal can thereby be effectively guided to the ear
cartilage from the cartilage conduction vibration. More
specifically, the vibration output structure is an opening part
provided to the mobile telephone.
[1348] According to a further specific feature, there is a
vibration conduction unit connected to the surface of the primary
conduction vibration direction of the cartilage conduction
vibration source and exposed from the opening part. An audio signal
can thereby be effectively guided to the ear cartilage from the
cartilage conduction vibration without the design of the outer
surface of the mobile telephone being compromised.
[1349] According to another specific feature, an elastic body is
provided between the vibration conduction unit and the opening
part. Useless vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source can thereby be prevented from being conducted to the mobile
telephone without the design of the outer surface of the mobile
telephone being compromised.
[1350] According to another specific feature, an output structure
is provided to the upper corner parts of the mobile telephone. An
audio signal can thereby be effectively guided from the cartilage
conduction vibration to the tragus or other part of the ear
cartilage due to the natural manner in which the mobile telephone
is held.
[1351] According to another specific feature, the output structure
is provided to the side surface parts of the mobile telephone. An
audio signal can thereby be effectively guided from the cartilage
conduction vibration to the tragus or other part of the ear
cartilage even while contact with the cheek or the like can be
prevented from fouling the display surface or other element of the
mobile telephone.
[1352] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source is a piezoelectric bimorph element, where a hold
in accordance with the structure and vibration properties of the
piezoelectric bimorph element makes it possible to effectively
guide an audio signal to the ear cartilage and to prevent useless
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source from being
conducted to the mobile telephone.
[1353] According to a more specific feature, the primary vibration
direction is avoided and the middle part of the cartilage
conduction vibration source is held. It is thereby possible to
effectively guide an audio signal to the ear cartilage, and also to
prevent useless vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source from being conducted to the mobile telephone.
[1354] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone characterized by comprising: a cartilage conduction
vibration source having a primary vibration surface and an outer
surface substantially orthogonal thereto, the cartilage conduction
vibration source being adapted to guide an audio signal to the ear
cartilage; a holding structure for holding the cartilage conduction
vibration source at a ridge between the primary vibration surface
and the outer surface; and an audio signal input unit for inputting
an audio signal to the cartilage conduction vibration source. An
audio signal can thereby be effectively guided to the ear
cartilage, and also useless vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration source can be prevented from being conducted to the
mobile telephone.
[1355] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone characterized by comprising: a cartilage conduction
vibration source for guiding an audio signal to the ear cartilage;
a holding structure having a concave and convex surface for holding
the cartilage conduction vibration source; and an audio signal
input unit for inputting an audio signal to the cartilage
conduction vibration source. An audio signal can thereby be
effectively guided to the ear cartilage, and also useless vibration
of the cartilage conduction vibration source can be prevented from
being conducted to the mobile telephone.
Tenth Technical Feature
[1356] A tenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a vibration element characterized in that an
electrode is provided to the middle part of the longitudinal
direction. The vibration element can thereby be electrically
connected at the middle part of the longitudinal direction, and
both ends of the vibration element can thereby be released from the
burden of an electrical connection. According to a specific
feature, the vibration element includes: a metal sheet;
piezoelectric ceramic sheets provided to both sides of the metal
sheet; and a resin for covering the periphery thereof, wherein the
electrode includes a first electrode pulled out to the surface of
the resin from the middle part of the longitudinal direction of the
metal sheet, and a second electrode pulled out to the surface of
the resin in the vicinity of the first electrode from each of the
piezoelectric ceramic sheets.
[1357] According to another specific feature, the electrodes are
pulled out on the surface of the vibration direction of the
vibration element. According to another specific feature, the
electrodes are pulled from the surface of the resin in the
direction substantially orthogonal to the metal sheet and the
piezoelectric ceramic sheets. According to yet another specific
feature, the resin of the vibration element includes a primary
vibration direction surface substantially parallel to the metal
sheet and the piezoelectric ceramic sheets and also a non-vibration
direction surface substantially orthogonal thereto, and the
electrodes are pulled out from such a primarily vibration direction
surface of the resin. According to another specific feature, the
electrodes are pulled out to the surface of the resin upon being
curved substantially 90.degree. within the resin. These features
are suitable for support the vibration element from the
non-vibration direction.
[1358] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone in which the above-described vibration element is
supported on the middle part of the longitudinal direction. This
makes it possible to achieve a mobile telephone capable of
transmitting the vibration from both ends of the vibration element
to the ear cartilage and the like by, for example, cartilage
conduction. According to a more specific feature, the vibration
element is sandwiched and supported at the middle part of the
longitudinal direction from the direction substantially parallel to
the metal sheet and piezoelectric ceramic sheets of the
piezoelectric bimorph elements. It is thereby made possible to hold
the vibration element in the state where less vibration is
conducted to the mobile telephone.
[1359] According to a more specific feature of the mobile telephone
described above, vibration conductors are provided to both ends of
the vibration element. According to a further specific feature, the
vibration conductors are provided to the vicinity of the corners of
the mobile telephone. Vibration can thereby be readily conducted to
the ear cartilage.
[1360] According to another specific feature of the mobile
telephone described above, the vibration conductors are provided to
the side surfaces of the mobile telephone. The front surface of the
mobile telephone, to which a display surface or the like is
provided, can thereby be prevented from becoming fouled due to
contact with the cheek. According to a more specific feature, the
vibration conductors assume a long shape along the side surfaces of
the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to obviate the need to
strictly select the position to be held against the ear and to
permit contact at many points.
[1361] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that is guarded at the corners of the outer wall of the
body, the mobile telephone including vibration units provided in
the vicinity of the corners. The corners of the outer wall of the
mobile telephone are suitable for obtaining cartilage conduction by
being held up against the ear cartilage, but are conversely also
always susceptible to collision with an external unit. According to
the configuration described above, cartilage conduction to, for
example, the tragus or other part of the ear cartilage is made
readily possible while there is also a guard against collision from
an external unit.
[1362] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone including a pair of vibration conductors having a long
shape along the side surfaces of the mobile telephone, each of the
vibration conductors being provided so as to be substantially
orthogonal to both ends of the longitudinal direction of the
vibration element. It is thereby possible to make use of the
vibration of both ends of the vibration element and to use the long
regions of the two side surfaces of the mobile telephone as
vibration sources for cartilage conduction.
[1363] According to yet another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having a pair of vibration elements having a long shape,
each of which elements provided along the two side surfaces of the
mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to use the long regions of
the two side surfaces of the mobile telephone as vibration sources
for cartilage conduction while also independently controlling the
respective vibrations of both sides.
[1364] According to yet another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone including: a vibration element having a long shape
provided along one side surface of the mobile telephone, and a
holding unit provided to the side surface of the side opposite the
side surface to which the vibration element is provided. It is
thereby possible to clearly understand which side is the cartilage
conduction vibration source.
[1365] There is provided a mobile telephone including: a vibration
element provided to the vicinity of a top side of the mobile
telephone; and an elastic vibration conductor for covering the
vibration element and forming the top side of the mobile telephone.
Cartilage conduction can thereby be obtained from contact with the
ear irrespective of being the front surface, rear surface, or side
surface in the vicinity of the top side of the mobile
telephone.
Eleventh Technical Feature
[1366] An eleventh technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising a cartilage
conduction vibration unit supported inside a chassis structure and
is adapted to conduct cartilage conduction vibration to the surface
of the chassis structure. It is thereby possible to hold up any
place of the surface of the mobile telephone against the ear
cartilage and listen to sound by cartilage conduction. There is
also greater freedom in the manner in which the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is held, and the holding structure is
also simplified.
[1367] According to a specific feature, the surface of the chassis
structure has a surface to made to vibrate, and the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is held within the chassis structure such
that the primary vibration direction thereof is in the direction
substantially orthogonal to the surface made to vibrate. Vibration
can thereby be effectively conducted to the surface made to vibrate
intended for cartilage conduction. According to a more specific
feature, the cartilage conduction vibration unit has a
piezoelectric bimorph element including a metal sheet, the metal
sheet being held in the direction substantially parallel to the
surface made to vibrate. The main vibration direction of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be made to be the
direction substantially orthogonal to the surface to be
vibrated.
[1368] According to a further specific feature, the mobile
telephone includes a display surface, and the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is held such that the primary vibration direction
thereof is substantially orthogonal to the display surface. The
display surface on the mobile telephone or the rear surface thereof
can thereby be made to vibrate effectively, and it is thereby
possible to bring the mobile telephone up against the ear cartilage
over a broad range. According to a further specific feature, the
display surface has a touch panel operation surface, and the
cartilage conduction vibration unit has a dual purpose as a
vibration source for feedback for the sensation of touch panel
operation.
[1369] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is held such that the primary vibration
direction thereof is in the direction substantially orthogonal to a
side surface of the mobile telephone. The side surface of the
mobile telephone can thereby be made to vibrate effectively, and
effective cartilage conduction can thereby be obtained even while
the display surface is prevented from coming into contact with the
cheek and becoming fouled.
[1370] According to another feature, there is included an impact
detection surface, wherein the cartilage conduction vibration unit
is held within the chassis structure such that the primary
vibration direction thereof is in the direction substantially
orthogonal to the impact detection surface. The cartilage
conduction vibration unit can thereby be given the dual purpose of
effectively detecting impact.
[1371] According to another feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit has a dual purpose as a vibration source for
providing notification of an incoming call. In such a case, because
the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
conducted to all locations on the surface of the mobile telephone,
effective notification of an incoming call can be provided.
[1372] According to another feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is held rigidly within the chassis structure.
According to a further specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is held directly to the chassis structure. These
features simplify the holding structure of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit and are suitable for effectively transmitting
vibration.
[1373] According to another feature, the mobile telephone includes
a horizontal stationary state detection unit, the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit being stopped whenever a
horizontal stationary state has been detected. It is thereby
possible to prevent the occurrence of uncomfortable vibration noise
at times such as when the mobile telephone is placed on a desk
during a telephone call.
[1374] According to further specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes a touch panel operation surface, wherein the cartilage
conduction vibration unit has a dual purpose as a vibration source
for feedback for the sensation of a touch panel operation, and the
vibration for feedback for the sensation of a touch panel operation
in the cartilage conduction vibration unit is not stopped even when
the horizontal stationary state is detected. According to another
specific feature, the cartilage conduction vibration unit serves a
dual purpose for an impact detection function, and the impact
detection function in the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
not stopped even when the horizontal stationary state is detected.
These features are suitable for smooth GUI operation.
[1375] According to another further specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit serves a dual purpose as a vibration
source for providing notification of an incoming call, and the
vibration for providing notification of an incoming call in the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is not stopped even when the
horizontal stationary state is detected. This feature is suitable
for accurately providing notification of an incoming call.
Twelfth Technical Feature
[1376] A twelfth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a chassis
structure having a display surface; and a cartilage conduction
vibration unit supported in the chassis structure so as to have a
primary vibration surface inclined relative to the display surface.
Vibration for cartilage conduction can thereby be conducted to the
chassis structure from the direction of incline relative to the
display surface.
[1377] According to a specific feature, the chassis structure
includes an inclined surface parallel to the primary vibration
surface. The inclined surface can thereby be brought into contact
with the ear cartilage to obtain effective cartilage conduction
even while fouling due to the display surface coming into contact
with the cheek can be prevented, and a vibration component from the
display surface or back surface of the mobile telephone can thereby
also be obtained. According to a more specific feature, the chassis
structure has a side surface orthogonal to the display surface,
wherein an inclined plane is provided between the side surface and
the surface parallel to the display surface. The inclined surface
can thereby be provided with a design in which a box-type mobile
telephone is beveled.
[1378] According to another specific feature, the chassis structure
has a cylindrical surface containing the cartilage conduction
vibration unit. It is thereby possible to obtain cartilage
conduction by bringing the ear cartilage up against the cylindrical
surface and a desired position on the display surface or back
surface, and also possible thereby to bring the cylindrical surface
into contact with the ear cartilage to effectively obtain cartilage
conduction in the state where the display surface is not in contact
with the face.
[1379] According to yet another specific feature, the chassis
structure includes a side surface orthogonal to the display
surface, and the vibration of the primary vibration surface in the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is transmitted to a side
surface and to the surface parallel to the display surface. It is
thereby possible to obtain cartilage conduction in any case where
either the side surface or the surface parallel to the display
surface is brought into contact with the ear cartilage.
[1380] According to another specific feature, the chassis structure
has an upper surface orthogonal to the display surface, and the
vibration of the primary vibration surface in the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is transmitted to the surface parallel to
the display surface and to the upper surface. It is thereby
possible to obtain cartilage conduction in any case where either
the upper surface or the surface parallel to the display surface is
brought into contact with the ear cartilage. In such a case, the
vibration of the upper surface is suitable for contact in the state
where the mobile telephone is pushed up against the ear cartilage
while bringing the display surface into contact with the face is
being avoided, and also for obtaining the earplug bone conduction
effect by pushing stronger to block the external auditory meatus
with the tragus. An example of the incline of the primary vibration
surface in the cartilage conduction vibration unit is the range of
about 30.degree. to 60.degree. relative to the display surface.
[1381] According to another specific feature, the vibration of both
sides of a pair of opposing primary vibration surfaces in the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is transmitted to the chassis
structure. The vibration of the pair of primary vibration surfaces
of the cartilage conduction vibration unit is thereby effectively
utilized. According to further specific feature, the chassis
structure has a side surface or upper surface orthogonal to the
display surface, and the vibration of both sides of the primary
vibration surfaces in the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
respectively transmitted to the side surface or upper surface and
to the surface parallel to the display surface. The vibration of
the pair of primary vibration surfaces of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is thereby utilized as vibration sources having
opposite directions. The positions to which the vibration of the
pair of primary vibration surfaces is transmitted may be mutually
opposing portions of the primary vibration surfaces, but the
configuration may also be such that the vibration is respectively
transmitted to the side surface or upper surface and to the surface
parallel to the display surface from mutually crossing
positions.
[1382] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a chassis structure, and a cartilage
conduction vibration unit in which vibration is unrestrictedly
permitted in a part of the primary vibration surface and in which
another part of the primary vibration surface is supported within
the chassis structure. It is thereby possible for the vibration of
the cartilage conduction vibration unit to be effectively
transmitted to the chassis structure while a loss in the freedom of
vibration thereof is avoided.
[1383] According to a specific feature, the primary vibration
surface at the middle part of the cartilage conduction vibration
unit is supported in the chassis structure, and vibration is
unrestrictedly permitted in the primary vibration surface at both
end parts of the cartilage conduction vibration unit. The middle
part at which support occurs may be the middle part of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit, but when the behavior during
the implementation of the cartilage conduction vibration unit lacks
left-right symmetry, in order to compensate therefor, the
configuration may also be such that the primary vibration surface
is supported in the chassis structure at an off-center middle
part.
[1384] According to another specific feature, a plurality of
portions of the primary vibration surface of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is supported in the chassis structure.
According to a more specific feature, the configuration is such
that the primary vibration surfaces at both end parts of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit are each supported in the
chassis structure, and vibration is unrestrictedly permitted at the
primary vibration surface in the middle part of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit.
[1385] According to yet another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a chassis structure; and a cartilage
conduction vibration unit supported within the chassis structure by
the interposition of a vibration conduction elastic body between
the primary vibration surfaces. It is thereby possible for the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit to be
effectively transmitted to the chassis structure while a loss in
the freedom of vibration thereof is avoided.
Thirteenth Technical Feature
[1386] A thirteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone configured such that a
part of the cartilage conduction vibration unit is supported on the
inside of the chassis in the vicinity of a corner part of the
chassis and another part vibrates unrestrictedly, whereby the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit is transmitted
to the corner part of the chassis. The corner part can thereby
effectively be made to vibrate while a structure in which the
corner part would be susceptible to collision is avoided.
[1387] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is supported on the inside of the upper surface of
the chassis at the vicinity of the corner part of the chassis.
According to another specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is supported on the inside of a side surface of the
chassis in the vicinity of the corner part of the chassis.
According to yet another feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is supported on the inside of the front surface of
the chassis in the vicinity of the corner part of the chassis. The
features above can also be combined as appropriate, in terms of the
manner in which the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
supported.
[1388] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit has an electrical terminal and is
supported such that the vicinity of the electrical terminal
vibrates unrestrictedly. The cartilage conduction vibration unit
can thereby be supported at a position of the chassis closer to the
inside of the corner part and the display surface at the corner
part can thereby effectively be made to vibrate, without there
being any hindrance to the presence of the electrical terminal.
[1389] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is supported such that the primary
vibration direction thereof is perpendicular to the upper surface
of the chassis. According to yet another feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is supported such that the primary
vibration direction thereof is perpendicular to a side surface of
the chassis. These features make it possible to adopt a
configuration such that the vibration is more effective closer to
the upper surface or closer to the side surface of the corner part
of the chassis. According to yet another specific feature, the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is supported such that the
primary vibration thereof is perpendicular to the front surface of
the chassis. It is thereby possible to adopt a configuration such
that the vibration is more effective closer to the front surface of
the corner part of the chassis. According to yet another feature,
the cartilage conduction vibration unit is supported such that the
primary vibration direction thereof is inclined relative to the
front surface of the chassis. It is thereby possible allocate
vibration components to the front surface and to the surface
orthogonal thereto.
[1390] According to another feature, a circuit for the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is supported on the inside of the chassis
as a vibration unit integrated with the cartilage conduction
vibration unit. It is thereby possible to configure the entirety of
the cartilage conduction vibration unit and the circuit related
thereto as a vibration unit.
[1391] According to a more specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit has an electrical terminal, and the
circuit for the cartilage conduction vibration unit is arranged in
the vicinity of the electrical terminal. It is thereby possible to
make effective use of the space in the vicinity of the electrical
terminal to configure the vibration unit. According to a more
specific feature, the portion of the vibration unit in the vicinity
of the electrical terminal is supported. The portion to which the
electrical terminal is not provided can thereby be made to
unrestrictedly vibrate.
[1392] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone configured such that the part of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit to which the electrical terminal is not provided is
supported on the inside of the chassis, and the other part to which
the electrical terminal is provided is made to unrestrictedly
vibrate, whereby the vibration of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is transmitted to the exterior of the chassis. The
cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be supported at a
position of the chassis closer to the inside of the corner part and
the display surface at the corner part can thereby effectively be
made to vibrate, without there being any hindrance to the presence
of the electrical terminal.
[1393] According to another feature, there is provided a vibration
unit characterized by the integration of a cartilage conduction
vibration unit having an electrical unit with a circuit for the
cartilage conduction vibration unit arranged in the vicinity of the
electrical terminal. It is thereby possible to make effective use
of the space in the vicinity of the electrical terminal to
configure the vibration unit.
[1394] According to a specific feature, the circuit has an
amplifier for the cartilage conduction vibration unit. The
cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be effectively
supported without the use of the space around the cartilage
conduction vibration unit, and the cartilage conduction vibration
unit can also thereby be made to vibration efficiently
[1395] According to a specific feature, the circuit has an
adjustment unit to electrically compensate for the variances of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit. The cartilage conduction
vibration unit can thereby be effectively supported without the use
of the space around the cartilage conduction vibration unit, and
performance can also thereby be maintained relative to the
variances in the cartilage conduction vibration unit.
Fourteenth Technical Feature
[1396] A fourteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone in which a part of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is supported by the inside of
an elastic body, and the outside of the elastic body is arranged at
a corner part of the chassis. The freedom of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit to vibrate can thereby be ensured, and
the vibration thereof can thereby be efficiently guided to the
corner part of the chassis for cartilage conduction by contact with
the ear.
[1397] According to a specific feature, in the mobile telephone,
the other part of the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
supported by the inside of a second elastic body, and the outside
of the second elastic body is arranged at another corner part of
the chassis. The cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be
more reliably supported while the freedom of the cartilage
conduction vibration unit to vibrate can be ensured, and also the
respective vibrations from both of the support units can thereby be
efficiently guided to the corner parts of the chassis for cartilage
conduction by contact with the ear.
[1398] According to a further specific feature, in the mobile
telephone, the cartilage conduction vibration unit is shaped to
have two end parts, the two end parts of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit each being supported on the insides of the elastic
body and second elastic body, and the outsides of the elastic body
and the second elastic body are each arranged at opposite corner
parts of the chassis. The two end parts of the cartilage conduction
vibration unit can thereby be reliably supported and the freedom of
both end parts to vibrate can be ensured to a certain degree by the
support of the elastic bodies, and also the vibration of both ends
can thereby be transmitted for cartilage conduction from either of
the opposite corner parts of the chassis.
[1399] According to another technical feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit has an electrical terminal, and one of
either of the elastic body or the second elastic body includes an
electrical terminal and supports the cartilage conduction vibration
unit. It is thereby possible to reliably support the electrical
terminal, including the connective wiring thereof, and the
cartilage conduction vibration unit even while the freedom thereof
to vibrate is ensured to a certain degree, and also thereby
possible to also transmit vibration for cartilage conduction from
the portion at which the electrical terminal is found.
[1400] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration unit is eccentric between a corner part and
another corner part. It is thereby possible to provide compensation
for the imbalance of the cartilage conduction vibration unit, and
also the layout of the various parts inside the mobile telephone
can be designed with a greater degree of freedom.
[1401] According to another specific feature, the elastic body is
formed with a material having an acoustic impedance approximating
that of the ear cartilage. Effective cartilage conduction can
thereby be obtained even while the freedom to vibrate is
ensured.
[1402] According to another specific feature, in the mobile
telephone, elastic bodies are also arranged at two other corner
parts of the chassis where the cartilage conduction vibration unit
is not arranged and are configured together with the elastic body
at the corner part of the chassis where the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is arranged so as to attenuate collision from the
exterior unit to the four corners of the mobile telephone. The
elastic bodies can thereby be given a dual purpose also as
protectors for attenuating collision to the corner parts. This
feature makes use of the elastic bodies at the corner parts for the
dual objectives of appropriately making use of the corner parts of
the mobile telephone to make contact with the ear for cartilage
conduction and also protecting the corner parts of the mobile
telephone, which are susceptible to collision. According to another
specific feature, when the cartilage conduction vibration unit is
supported such that the primary vibration direction thereof is
orthogonal to the front surface of the chassis, the mobile
telephone can be brought into contact with the ear for cartilage
conduction without any change in the level of comfort experienced
with a normal telephone call.
[1403] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone in which a very slight stepped concavity is provided to
the surface of the mobile telephone and the cartilage conduction
vibration unit is arranged on the base surface of the concavity. It
is thereby possible to protect the cartilage conduction vibration
unit from a collision to the mobile telephone from an external
unit, and also thereby possible to use the elastic deformation
thereof to readily bring the cartilage conduction vibration unit
into contact with the ear cartilage. According to a specific
feature, the arrangement is such that the vibration surface of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit is positioned on the base
surface of the concavity, thus achieving efficient cartilage
conduction. According to a more specific feature, a protective
layer is provided to the vibration surface; wherever possible, the
ear cartilage is brought into direct contact with the vibration
surface, and damage to the vibration surface is prevented.
According to another specific feature, the concavity is provided to
a side surface of the mobile telephone, whereby the advantages of
having the concavity can suitably be enjoyed.
[1404] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone provided with a plurality of cartilage conduction
vibration units having primary vibration surfaces which are not
mutually parallel. Effective cartilage conduction is thereby
possible in a plurality of directions. According to a specific
feature, the primary vibration surface of one of the plurality of
cartilage conduction vibration units is substantially parallel to a
side surface of the mobile telephone, and the primary vibration
surface of another one of the plurality of cartilage conduction
vibration units is substantially parallel to the front surface of
the mobile telephone. Cartilage conduction from the side surface,
which is very advantageous, is thereby possible, as is cartilage
conduction from the front surface, which is no less comfortable
than when a mobile telephone is normally used.
[1405] According to another specific feature, an arrangement is
employed in which the cartilage conduction vibration units are
mutually parallel in the longitudinal direction. According to yet
another specific feature, an arrangement is employed in which the
cartilage conduction vibration units are not mutually parallel in
the longitudinal direction.
Fifteenth Technical Feature
[1406] A fifteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a plurality
of elastic bodies arranged at each of a plurality of corner parts
of the chassis; and cartilage conduction vibration units provided
to each of the plurality of elastic bodies. There is thereby
provided a mobile telephone in which the corner parts of the mobile
telephone can be brought up against the ear cartilage for cartilage
conduction and in which the cartilage conduction vibration units
arranged at the corner parts can be protected from collision with
an external unit.
[1407] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration units are provided to the elastic bodies so as not to be
exposed at the outer surfaces of the mobile telephone. According to
a more specific feature, each of the cartilage conduction vibration
units is embedded in the elastic bodies. According to yet another
specific feature, each of the cartilage conduction vibration units
is provided to the insides of the elastic bodies.
[1408] According to another specific feature, the plurality of
cartilage conduction vibration units provided to each of the
elastic bodies is given respectively different vibration
directions. It is thereby possible to obtain favorable cartilage
conduction whenever an elastic body is held to the ear cartilage
from different directions. According to a more specific feature,
the cartilage conduction vibration units can be controlled mutually
independently.
[1409] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration units provided to the elastic bodies are
electromagnetic vibrators. An electromagnetic vibrator, similarly
with respect to a piezoelectric bimorph element, is an example of
an element suitable for providing a vibration source in the
cartilage conduction vibration units.
[1410] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising elastic bodies arranged on the chassis and
cartilage conduction vibration units provided to the elastic
bodies, wherein the elastic bodies and the cartilage conduction
vibration units are configured as replaceable unit parts. It is
thereby also possible, among other possibilities, to facilitate
replacing the elastic bodies and cartilage conduction vibration
units, and to provide a product having different cartilage
conduction vibration units while other parts are essentially the
same.
[1411] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a plurality of cartilage conduction vibration
units provided to the chassis and given different vibration
directions; and a controller for independently controlling each of
the plurality of cartilage conduction vibration units. It is
thereby possible to obtain favorable cartilage conduction whenever
an elastic body is held to the ear cartilage from different
directions. According to a more specific feature, the plurality of
provided cartilage conduction vibration units is controlled in
accordance with the posture of the mobile telephone, and control in
accordance with the direction in which an elastic body is held
against the ear becomes possible.
[1412] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: elastic bodies arranged on the chassis and
including unrestrictedly vibrating parts where vibration is not
controlled; and cartilage conduction vibration units provided to
the unrestrictedly vibrating parts of the elastic bodies. The
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration units is thereby
more favorably transmitted to the elastic bodies.
[1413] According to a specific feature, the unrestrictedly
vibrating parts are elongated parts elongated to the inside of the
chassis. It is thereby possible to appropriately hold the cartilage
conduction vibration units within the mobile telephone even while
vibration can be favorably transmitted.
[1414] According to a specific feature, the unrestrictedly
vibrating parts face a window unit provided to the chassis. The
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration units can thereby
be favorably transmitted via the window unit. According to a more
specific feature, the unrestrictedly vibrating parts cover the
window unit and have a rear surface facing the window unit, the
cartilage conduction vibration units being provided to the rear
surface. The vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration units
provided to the inside of the mobile telephone can thereby be
favorably transmitted to the elastic bodies via the window
unit.
[1415] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: elastic bodies arranged on a chassis;
cartilage conduction vibration units provided to the elastic units;
and balancers provided to the cartilage conduction vibration units.
It is thereby possible to adjust the acoustic properties of the
cartilage conduction vibration units transmitted to the elastic
bodies.
Sixteenth Technical Feature
[1416] A sixteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a cartilage
conduction vibration unit; an air conduction generation unit; and
selection means for making a selection between a state for
generating, and a state for not generating, vibration from the air
conduction generation unit. A variety of different uses are thereby
made possible, and the ability to select the state for not
generating vibration from the air conduction generation unit
permits usage adapted to take the surroundings into consideration
and/or adapted for privacy protection. The air conduction
generation unit may also be configured so as to have a hollow box
structure, according to need, in a case where there is a desire for
vigorously generated air conduction.
[1417] According to a specific feature, the air conduction
generation unit is configured such that the air conduction
generation unit is made to vibrate by the transmission of the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration unit, and the
transmission of vibration from the cartilage conduction vibration
unit is cut off whenever the selection means is used to select the
state for not generating vibration from the air conduction
generation unit. It is thereby made possible to select between a
state for generating, and a state for not generating, vibration
from the air conduction generation unit using the cartilage
conduction vibration unit as a vibration source.
[1418] According to a more specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes a vibration conductor for relaying the vibration of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit to the air conduction vibration
unit, and the relay of vibration to the air conduction generation
unit is cut off whenever the selection means is used to select the
state for not generating vibration from the air conduction
generation unit. In the case where such a vibration conductor is
employed, it becomes possible to select between a state for
generating, and a state for not generating, vibration from the air
conduction generation unit even though the cartilage conduction
vibration unit and the air conduction generation unit are affixed
together.
[1419] According to another specific embodiment, there is a sliding
function by which the selection means can slide between a position
for generating, and a position for not generating, the vibration
from the air conduction generation unit. According to yet another
specific feature, there is a rotation function by which the
selection means can be rotated between a position for generating,
and a position for not generating, the vibration from the air
conduction generation unit. In the cases where a mobile function is
employed, it is also possible to configure such that at least a
part of at least one of either the cartilage conduction vibration
unit or the air conduction generation unit can be moved by the
selection means.
[1420] According to another specific feature, the air conduction
generation unit includes a vibration source, and the selection
means stops the generation of vibration from the vibration source
of the air conduction generation unit in the state for not
generating the vibration from the air conduction generation unit.
It is thereby possible to select whether or not air conduction is
to be generated even in a configuration lacking moveable parts.
[1421] According to another specific feature, there is an
environmental noise detection unit, and the selection means
automatically selects the state for not generating the vibration
from the air conduction generation unit whenever the environmental
noise detected by the environmental noise detection unit is at or
below a predetermined loudness. It is thereby possible to
automatically select a state adapted to take the surroundings into
consideration and/or adapted for privacy protection in the state
where the surroundings are silent.
[1422] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: an audio generation unit; a pressure sensor
for detecting pressure on the audio generation unit; and an
automatic adjustment unit for automatically changing the state of
audio generated from the audio generation unit on the basis of the
pressure detected by the pressure sensor. It is thereby possible to
automatically change the state of audio generated from the audio
generation unit on the basis of the natural operation of pressing
the audio generation unit up against the ear. According to a
specific feature, the audio generation unit is an air conduction
speaker. According to another specific feature, the automatic
adjustment unit automatically adjusts the volume or acoustics of
the audio generated from the audio generation unit.
[1423] According to another specific feature, the automatic
adjustment unit changes the state of audio generated in one
direction from an initial state and maintains the changed state in
accordance with an increase in pressure from the pressure sensor,
and returns the state of audio generated to the initial state in
accordance with a predetermined reduction or greater reduction in
pressure from the pressure sensor. It is thereby possible to change
the state of audio generated on the basis of a natural operation,
and also to avoid an unintentional change in the state of audio
generated. According to another specific feature, the automatic
adjustment unit automatically changes the state of audio generated
from the audio generation unit when a change in pressure from the
pressure sensor continues for a predetermined period of time or
longer, and does not respond to a change in pressure that does not
meet the predetermined period of time. It is thereby possible to
avoid an unintentional change in the state of audio generated.
[1424] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone characterized by comprising a right ear audio generation
unit, and a left ear audio generation unit arranged at a different
position than that of the right ear audio generation unit. It is
thereby possible to achieve a natural posture for holding the
mobile telephone up against the ear. According to a specific
feature, the right ear audio generation unit and the left ear audio
generation unit are each arranged at two corner parts at the upper
part of the mobile telephone. According to another specific
feature, a large-screen display unit is arranged on the same
surface on which the right ear audio generation unit and the left
ear audio generation unit are arranged. According to another
specific feature, each of the right ear audio generation unit and
the left ear audio generation unit air conduction speakers.
[1425] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone in which a large-screen display unit is provided, and air
conduction speakers are provided to the corner parts at the upper
part of the surface to which the large-screen display unit is
provided. It is thereby possible to achieve a natural posture for
effectively holding the air conduction speakers against the ear
even while interference between the large-screen display unit and
the face is avoided.
Seventeenth Technical Feature
[1426] A seventeenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a pair of
cartilage conduction vibration units; a sound source signal unit;
and drive units for driving each of the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units in a mutually phase-inverted waveform on
the basis of a sound source signal from the sound source signal
unit. It is thereby possible to obtain cartilage conduction by
contact with each of the pair of cartilage conduction vibration
units, and also thereby possible to substantially eliminate air
conduction that is based on the vibration of the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units.
[1427] According to a specific feature, the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units is provided to each of the pair of
corner parts at the upper part of the mobile telephone, which are
suitable for contact against the ear cartilage. According to a
further specific feature, elastic body units are provided to the
pair of corner parts, and the pair of cartilage conduction
vibration units is supported on the elastic body units. It is
thereby possible to protect the cartilage conduction vibration
units from collision with an external unit.
[1428] According to a further specific feature, the outer surface
of the elastic body units is beveled so as to have a smoothly
convex shape, thus achieving suitable contact with the ear
cartilage. According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration units include a piezoelectric bimorph element
or an electromagnetic vibrator.
[1429] According to another specific feature, the drive units are
capable of switching between a mode for driving each of the pair of
cartilage conduction vibration units in mutually inverted waveforms
on the basis of a sound source signal from the sound source signal
unit, and a mode for driving each of the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units in mutually identical waveforms on the
basis of a sound source signal from the sound source signal unit.
It is thereby possible to switch between eliminating and increasing
air conduction.
[1430] According to yet another specific feature, there is an
environmental noise detection unit, and the drive units drive each
of the pair of the cartilage conduction vibration units in mutually
inverted waveforms on the basis of a sound source signal from the
sound source signal unit whenever the environmental noise detected
by the environmental noise detection unit is at or below a
predetermined loudness. It is thereby possible to automatically
eliminate air conduction when the environment is silent.
[1431] According to yet another specific feature, it is possible to
adjust the balance for driving each of the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units in mutually inverted waveforms on the
basis of a sound source signal from the sound source signal unit.
It is thereby possible to effectively eliminate air conduction and
also to regulate the state where air conduction is eliminated.
[1432] According to yet another feature, the drive units are
capable of driving only one of the pair of cartilage conduction
vibration units. It is thereby possible to avoid driving uselessly
when there is no need to eliminate air conduction.
[1433] According to a more specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes an environmental noise detection unit, and the drive units
drive each of the pair of cartilage conduction vibration units in
mutually inverted waveforms on the basis of a sound source signal
from the sound source signal unit whenever the environmental noise
detected by the environmental noise detection unit is at or below a
predetermined loudness, and drive only one of the pair of cartilage
conduction vibration units whenever the environmental noise
detected by the environmental noise detection unit is at or above a
predetermined loudness. It is thereby possible to cause only the
cartilage conduction vibration unit that is in contact with the ear
cartilage to vibrate, and in such a state to cause the other
cartilage conduction vibration unit to vibrate in an inverted
waveform and automatically eliminate air conduction when the
environment becomes silent.
[1434] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone in which the cartilage conduction vibration units are
provided to the pair of corner parts at the upper part of the
mobile telephone, and the outer surface of the corner parts is
beveled so as to have a smoothly convex shape. It is thereby made
possible to make contact with the ear cartilage without incurring
substantial pain and also possible to comfortably listen by
cartilage conduction with the corner parts appropriately fitted to
the cartilage around the external auditory meatus.
[1435] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a pair of cartilage conduction vibration
units; a sound source signal unit; drive units capable of driving
each of the pair of cartilage conduction vibration units on the
basis of a sound source signal from the sound source signal unit; a
selection unit for selecting a cartilage conduction vibration unit
to be driven by a drive unit; and a controller for controlling the
waveform inversion of the sound source signal from the sound source
signal unit. The pair of cartilage conduction vibration units can
thereby be used to achieve a variety of different forms of
cartilage conduction.
Eighteenth Technical Feature
[1436] An eighteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising a surface of
the outer wall and a vibration source arranged inward from the
surface of the outer wall, wherein when the vibration of the
vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer wall,
and the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular
helix, the sound pressure inside the external auditory meatus at
about 1 cm from the entrance part of the external auditory meatus
has an increase of at least 10 dB over that in the non-contact
state. A mobile telephone in which it is possible to listen to
sound by cartilage conduction can thereby be provided.
[1437] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising an surface of the outer wall and a vibration
source arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall, wherein
when the vibration of the vibration source is transmitted to the
surface of the outer wall, and the surface of the outer wall is
brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage
around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus without
making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure inside
the external auditory meatus at about 1 cm from the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus changes by at least 5 dB due to the
change in contact pressure. A mobile telephone by which the volume
can be changed by a change in contact pressure during cartilage
conduction can thereby be provided.
[1438] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising an surface of the outer wall and a vibration
source arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall, wherein
when the vibration of the vibration source is transmitted to the
surface of the outer wall, and the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus is occluded by the surface of the outer wall being
brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage
around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus without
contact being made with the auricular helix, the sound pressure in
the external auditory meatus at about 1 cm from the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus has an increase of at least 20 dB
compared to the non-contact state. A mobile telephone by which it
is possible to listen to sound by the earplug bone conduction
effect during cartilage conduction can thereby be provided.
[1439] According to the specific features above, the sound pressure
that is increased or changed is at 1,000 Hz.
[1440] According to yet another feature, the increase or change in
sound pressure is in a state where the output of the vibration
source is not changed. The sound pressure is thereby increased or
changed without the volume being altered.
[1441] According to another specific feature, the state where the
surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at least a
part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular helix is
a state where the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact
with the outside of the tragus. According to a more specific
feature, the state where the sound pressure in the external
auditory meatus at about 1 cm from the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus is increased by at least 10 dB when the
surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at least a
part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular helix,
compared to the non-contact state, is one where the contact
pressure of the surface of the outer wall against the outside of
the tragus is 250 g.
[1442] According to another specific feature, the vibration source
is arranged such that the vibration thereof is transmitted to the
surface of the corner parts of the outer wall, and the state where
the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at least
a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular
helix is a state where the surface of the corner parts of the outer
wall is brought into contact with the outside of the tragus. It is
thereby possible to achieve contact suitable for obtaining
cartilage conduction in the mobile telephone.
[1443] According to a more specific feature, the corner parts of
the outer wall are constituted of a different material from the
other portions of the outer wall. According to another more
specific feature, the vibration source is either held inside the
outer wall at the corner parts of the outer wall or is held inside
the corner parts of the outer wall.
[1444] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising a surface of an outer wall, a vibration source
arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall, and volume
adjustment means, the vibration of the vibration source being
transmitted to the surface of the outer wall and sound being
listened to by the contact of the surface of the outer wall with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus without contact with the auricular helix,
wherein: in a room where the noise level (the A-weighted sound
pressure level) is 45 dB or less, the mobile telephone being
brought into proximity with the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus and the surface of the outer wall being arranged so
as to not be in contact, the volume is minimized and pure sound at
1,000 HZ is generated from the vibration source, and also
narrow-band noise (1/3 octave-band noise) at a marginal level where
the pure sound at 1,000 Hz is masked and cannot be heard is
generated from a loudspeaker at a position separated from the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus by 1 m. When the
narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz is subsequently increased by 10 dB
from the marginal level, bringing the surface of the outer wall
into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage around the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus without making
contact with the auricular helix makes it possible to listen to
pure sound at 1,000 Hz without the need to adjust or change the
volume adjusting means. A mobile telephone in which the volume can
be changed by a change in contact pressure during cartilage
conduction can thereby be provided.
[1445] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising a surface of an outer wall, a vibration source
arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall, and volume
adjustment means, the vibration of the vibration source being
transmitted to the surface of the outer wall and sound being
listened to by the contact of the surface of the outer wall with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus without contact with the auricular helix,
wherein: in a room where the noise level (the A-weighted sound
pressure level) is 45 dB or less, the mobile telephone being
brought into proximity with the entrance part of the external
auditory meatus and the surface of the outer wall being arranged so
as to not be in contact, the volume is minimized and pure sound at
1,000 HZ is generated from the vibration source, and also
narrow-band noise (1/3 octave-band noise) at a marginal level where
the pure sound at 1,000 Hz is masked and cannot be heard is
generated from a loudspeaker at a position separated from the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus by 1 m. When the
narrow-band noise at 1,000 Hz is subsequently increased by 20 dB
from the marginal level, bringing the surface of the outer wall
into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage around the
entrance part of the external auditory meatus without making
contact with the auricular helix to occlude the entrance part of
the external auditory meatus makes it possible to listen to pure
sound at 1,000 Hz without the need to adjust or change the volume
adjusting means.
Nineteenth Technical Feature
[1446] A nineteenth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a sound output device in which the vibration
of a vibration source arranged inward from the surface of an outer
wall is transmitted to the surface of the outer wall, and sound is
listened to by the contact of the surface of the outer wall with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus, wherein the vibration source causes there
to be generated, from the surface of the outer wall, air conduction
of a frequency characteristic trending inversely with respect to
the frequency characteristic during cartilage conduction. It is
thereby possible for the frequency characteristic during cartilage
conduction and the frequency characteristic of the vibration source
to be complementary to each other and, as a result, for the
frequency characteristic of the sound reaching the tympanic
membrane to approach flatness.
[1447] According to a specific feature, the average air conduction
generated by the vibration source from the surface of the outer
wall from 500 Hz to 1 kHz is 5 dB less than the average air
conduction generated by the vibration source from the surface of
the outer wall from 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz.
[1448] According to another specific feature, the sound output
device is provided with an equalizer for correcting the frequency
characteristic in consideration of the frequency characteristic
specific to cartilage conduction in regard to the vibration source
is driven by a sound source signal of the sound source signal
output unit. It is thereby made possible for frequency
characteristic of the sound reaching the tympanic membrane to
approach flatness in consideration of the frequency characteristic
of the cartilage conduction.
[1449] According to a more specific feature, the equalizer corrects
for the frequency characteristic, which is different from when the
external auditory meatus is in an open state, when the vibration
source is driven in the state where the external auditory meatus is
occluded. It is thereby made possible for the frequency
characteristic of the sound reaching the tympanic membrane to
approach flatness in consideration of the frequency characteristic
of cartilage conduction during the state where the earplug bone
conduction effect occurs.
[1450] According to another specific feature, there is a low-pass
filter for correcting the frequency characteristic in consideration
of the frequency characteristic specific to cartilage conduction in
terms of the manner in which the vibration source is driven by a
sound source signal of the sound source signal output unit.
According to a further specific feature, the low-pass filter trims
frequencies at 2.5 kHz and higher when the sound output device is
used in a mobile telephone. In yet another specific feature, the
low-pass filter trims frequencies at 10 kHz and higher when the
sound output device is used in an audio device. Concern can thereby
be given to the surroundings during, for example, silence.
[1451] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device which includes a sound source signal output unit for
outputting a sound source signal, a surface of an outer wall, a
vibration source arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall
and driven by the sound source signal from the sound source signal
output unit, and an air conduction generation unit drive by the
sound source signal from the sound source signal output unit,
wherein the air conduction generated by the transmission of the
vibration of the vibration source to the surface of the outer wall
has a different frequency characteristic from that of the air
conduction generated form the air conduction generation unit, it
being possible to listen to sound by direct air conduction
generated from the air conduction generation unit or by air
conduction through cartilage conduction when the surface of the
outer wall is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus.
The uncomfortable change in acoustics depending on the manner in
which sound is being listened to can thereby be attenuated.
[1452] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device which includes a sound source signal output unit for
outputting a sound source signal, a surface of an outer wall, a
vibration source arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall
and driven by the sound source signal from the sound source signal
output unit, and an air conduction generation unit drive by the
sound source signal from the sound source signal output unit,
wherein the frequency characteristic of the drive signal when the
vibration source is driven by the sound source signal is different
from the frequency characteristic of the drive signal when the air
conduction generation unit is driven by the sound source signal, it
being possible to listen to sound by direct air conduction
generated from the air conduction generation unit or by air
conduction through cartilage conduction when the surface of the
outer wall is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear
cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory meatus.
The uncomfortable change in acoustics depending on the manner in
which sound is being listened to can thereby be attenuated.
[1453] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device which includes a vibration source arranged inward
from the surface of an outer wall, a sound source signal output
unit for outputting a sound source signal, and an equalizer for
correcting the frequency characteristic in consideration of the
frequency characteristic specific to cartilage conduction in regard
to the vibration source being driven by the sound source signal of
the sound source signal unit, wherein the vibration of the
vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer wall,
and the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus, whereby it is possible to listen to
sound. It is thereby possible for consideration to be given to the
frequency characteristic during cartilage conduction and, as a
result, for the frequency characteristic of sound reaching the
tympanic membrane to approach flatness. According to a specific
feature, the equalizer corrects for the frequency characteristic,
which is different from when the external auditory meatus is in an
open state, in regard to driving of the vibration source in the
state where the external auditory meatus is occluded. According to
a more specific feature, the sound output device is provided with a
detection unit for detecting whether or not the external auditory
meatus is in an occluded state, and the equalizer automatically
switches to the state where the frequency characteristic is
corrected, on the basis of the detection by the detection unit.
According to another more specific feature, the sound output device
is provided with a low-pass filter for correcting the frequency
characteristic in consideration of the frequency characteristic
specific to cartilage conduction in regard to driving of the
vibration source by the sound source signal of the sound source
signal unit, and, when the equalizer corrects the frequency
characteristic in the state where the external auditory meatus is
occluded, the state is considered not to be silent, and the
low-pass filter is made not to function.
[1454] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device which includes a vibration source arranged inward
from the surface of an outer wall, a sound source signal output
unit for outputting a sound source signal, and a low-pass filter
for correcting the frequency characteristic in consideration of the
frequency characteristic specific to cartilage conduction in regard
to driving of the vibration source by the sound source signal of
the sound source signal output unit, wherein the vibration of the
vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer wall,
and the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at
least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part of the
external auditory meatus, whereby it is possible to listen to
sound. Concern can thereby be given to the surroundings during, for
example, silence. According to a specific feature, it is possible
to switch between whether or not the low-pass filter is made to
function. It is thereby possible to provide support for times of
silence and to properly use an emphasis on acoustics. According to
a more specific feature, the sound output device is provided with
an environmental noise detection unit for detecting environmental
noise, and there is an automatic switch for whether or not the
low-pass filter is made to function, on the basis of the detection
results from the environmental detection unit.
[1455] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device which includes a vibration source arranged inward
from the surface of an outer wall, and a sound source signal output
unit for outputting a sound source signal, wherein the vibration of
the vibration source is transmitted to the surface of the outer
wall, and the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact
with at least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part
of the external auditory meatus, whereby it is possible to listen
to sound; the sound output device being characterized in that the
frequency characteristic is different when the external auditory
meatus is in an occluded state and when the external auditory
meatus is in an open state, in regard to driving of the vibration
source by the sound source signal of the sound source signal output
unit. It is thereby possible to reduce the discomfort arising from
the presence or absence of the earplug bone conduction effect.
Twentieth Technical Feature
[1456] A twentieth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a cartilage
conduction vibration source; an outer surface having no localized
projections; a cartilage contact unit on the outer surface, to
which the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source is
transmitted such that the amplitude or the acceleration of the
vibration reaches a maximum; and a cartilage non-contact unit on
the outer surface exhibiting an amplitude or acceleration of
vibration less than that at the cartilage contact unit. The
vibration energy of the cartilage conduction vibration source is
thereby concentrated on the cartilage contact unit and the
dispersion to the cartilage non-contact unit is thereby reduced.
The usage of the mobile telephone will also not be hindered,
because the cartilage contact unit is set to the outer surface
having no localized projections.
[1457] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source; an
outer surface; a cartilage contact unit on the outer surface, which
is set to a position removed from both the central up-down axis and
central left-right axis of the outer surface and to which the
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source is
transmitted such that the amplitude or the acceleration of the
vibration reaches a maximum; and a cartilage non-contact unit on
the outer surface exhibiting an amplitude or acceleration of
vibration less than that at the cartilage contact unit. Because the
cartilage contact unit is set to a position removed from both the
central up-down axis and the central left-right axis of the outer
surface, the resulting arrangement is suitable for contact with the
ear cartilage at the entrance part of the external auditory
meatus.
[1458] According to a specific feature, the cartilage contact unit
is set to a corner part of the upper part of the mobile telephone.
The resulting configuration is thereby suitable for bringing the
surface of the outer wall into contact with at least a part of the
ear cartilage around the entrance part of the external auditory
meatus without making contact with the auricular helix.
[1459] According to a more specific feature, cartilage contact
units are set in each of the pair of corner parts at the upper part
of the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to concentrate the
vibration energy of the cartilage conduction vibration source on
the ear cartilage both when the mobile telephone is held up against
the right ear and when the mobile telephone is held up against the
left ear.
[1460] According to another specific feature, the amplitude or the
acceleration of vibration in the cartilage non-contact unit is 1/4
or less the acceleration of vibration in the cartilage contact
unit. The vibration energy of the cartilage conduction vibration
source can thereby be concentrated on the cartilage contact unit
and the dispersion to the cartilage non-contact unit can thereby be
reduced.
[1461] According to another specific feature, the amplitude or the
acceleration of vibration in the cartilage non-contact unit reduces
monotonically as the distance from the cartilage contact unit
increases. The vibration energy of the cartilage conduction
vibration source can thereby be concentrated on the cartilage
contact unit and the dispersion to the cartilage non-contact unit
can thereby be reduced.
[1462] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source; a
chassis; a cartilage contact unit for holding the cartilage
conduction vibration source so as not to be in contact with the
chassis; and an anti-vibration material interposed between the
cartilage contact unit and the chassis of the mobile telephone. The
vibration energy of the cartilage conduction vibration source can
thereby be concentrated on the cartilage contact unit.
[1463] According to a more specific feature, the aforesaid
cartilage contact unit is constituted of a hard material, and the
aforesaid anti-vibration material is constituted of an elastic
body. The vibration energy of the cartilage conduction vibration
source can thereby be concentrated on the cartilage contact
unit.
[1464] As another element for concentrating the vibration energy of
the cartilage conduction vibration source onto the cartilage
contact unit, it is also suitable: to avoid the primary vibration
direction of the cartilage conduction vibration source and support
the same on the chassis of the mobile telephone; to reduce the
surface area of contact between the cartilage contact unit and the
chassis of the mobile telephone supporting the same; to limit the
position at which the cartilage conduction vibration source is held
to the vicinity of the cartilage contact unit; to make the
cartilage contact material of a different material from that of the
chassis of the mobile telephone; and the like. In addition to the
cases of the independent usage of such elements, it is also
possible to employ an appropriate combination of a plurality of
elements.
[1465] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source; a
T-coil; and a controller for preventing the cartilage conduction
vibration source from vibrating whenever the T-coil is being used.
The greater discomfort that occurs compared to listening to sound
using the T-coil is thereby prevented, and the unnecessary
consumption of power by cartilage conduction when the T-coil is
operating is thereby prevented. In the description above, in a
preferred configuration, to prevent accidental conflation where
cartilage conduction is turned off in tandem when the T-coil is
turned on by a mistaken operation, the T-coil will not turn on
unless a special operation is intentionally done.
Twenty-First Technical Feature
[1466] A twenty-first technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a telephone
function unit; a cartilage conduction vibration unit; an
application processor for controlling the telephone function unit;
a power management unit for supplying a plurality of different
voltages to the telephone function unit; a drive circuit for
driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit on the basis of the
power supplied from the power management; and a controller for
controlling the power management unit and the drive circuit on the
basis of an instruction from the application processor. The
cartilage conduction vibration unit can thereby be driven directly,
and power voltage can be supplied to the cartilage conduction
vibration unit integratedly with the supply of power voltage to the
various constituent elements inside the mobile telephone, other
integrated forms of control also being possible as well. According
to a more specific feature, the power management unit, the drive
circuit, and the controller are configured as a single-chip
integrated circuit.
[1467] According to another specific feature, the drive circuit has
a boosted-voltage circuit, and the integrated circuit has a
connective terminal for external attachment of a condenser for the
boosted-voltage circuit. The cartilage conduction vibration element
(piezoelectric bimorph) can thereby be driven without the need to
add a separate chip for the boosted-voltage circuit.
[1468] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
is controlled by a controller and has a cartilage conduction
acoustic signal processing for an audio signal for driving the
cartilage conduction vibration unit. It is thereby possible to
integrate the control of the power management with the control for
acoustic processing. Accordingly, the mobile telephone can be
endowed with a suitable cartilage conduction function merely by a
normal audio signal being inputted to the integrated IC and the
cartilage conduction vibration unit being connected to the
integrated IC. According to a more specific feature, the power
management unit, the drive circuit, the controller, and the
cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit are configured
as a single-chip integrated circuit.
[1469] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
includes a speaker, a microphone, and an analog front-end unit by
which the speaker and microphone are connected, the analog
front-end unit being controlled by the controller. The output of
audio signals can thereby be collectively switched and adjusted.
Specifically, the transfer of digital control signals between the
integrated IC and the application processor, the digital control
signals relating to the functions of the overall mobile telephone
inclusive of the functions of the cartilage conduction vibration
unit, can be integrated with the transfer of analog audio signals
between the integrated IC and the application processor. According
to a more specific feature, the analog front-end unit switches
between driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit and driving
the speaker on the basis of the control by the controller.
According to another more specific feature, the power management
unit, the drive circuit, the controller, the cartilage conduction
acoustic signal processing unit, and the analog front-end unit are
configured as a single-chip integrated circuit.
[1470] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a telephone function unit; a cartilage
conduction vibration unit; an application processor for controlling
the telephone function unit; a power management unit for supplying
a plurality of different voltages to the telephone function unit; a
cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit for an audio
signal for driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit; and a
controller for controlling the power management unit and the
cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit on the basis
of an instruction from the application processor. The control for
acoustic processing relating to cartilage conduction can thereby be
integrated with the control for power management. According to a
specific feature, the power management unit, the cartilage
conduction acoustic signal processing unit, and the controller are
configured as a single-chip integrated circuit.
[1471] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
has a speaker, a microphone, and an analog front-end unit by which
the speaker and microphone are connected, the analog front-end unit
being controlled by the controller. The output of audio signals can
thereby be collectively switched and adjusted. According to a more
specific feature, the analog front-end unit switches between
driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit and driving the
speaker on the basis of the control by the controller. According to
yet another more specific feature, the power management unit, the
cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit, the
controller, and the analog-front end unit are configured as a
single-chip integrated circuit.
[1472] According to another feature, there is provided a
single-chip integrated circuit which includes: a power management
unit for supplying a plurality of different voltages for telephone
functions; a connecting part by which a cartilage conduction
vibration element, which is one of the constituent elements of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit, is connected; a drive circuit
for driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit on the basis of
the power supplied from the power management; and a controller for
controlling the power management unit and the drive circuit on the
basis of digital data from an external unit. The cartilage
conduction vibration unit can thereby be driven directly, and power
voltage can be supplied to the cartilage conduction vibration unit
integratedly with the supply of power voltage to the various
constituent elements inside the mobile telephone, it being possible
to also integrate the control thereof.
[1473] According to a specific feature, the drive circuit has a
boosted-voltage circuit, and the integrated circuit has a
connective terminal for external attachment of a condenser for the
boosted-voltage circuit. The cartilage conduction vibration element
(piezoelectric bimorph) can thereby be driven merely by the
single-chip integrated circuit.
[1474] According to another specific feature, the single-chip
integrated circuit is controlled by the controller and has a
cartilage conduction acoustic signal processing unit for an audio
signal for driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit. It is
thereby possible to integrate the control of the power management
with the control for acoustic processing. According to another
specific feature, the single-chip integrated circuit includes a
connecting part for the speaker, a connecting part for the
microphone, and an analog front-end unit connected to each of the
connecting parts, the analog front-end unit being controlled by the
controller. According to a more specific feature, the analog
front-end unit switches between driving the cartilage conduction
vibration unit and driving the speaker on the basis of the control
by the controller.
[1475] According to another feature, there is provided a
single-chip integrated circuit which includes: a power management
unit for supplying a plurality of different voltages for telephone
functions; a connecting part by which a cartilage conduction
vibration element, which is one of the constituent elements of the
cartilage conduction vibration unit, is connected; an audio signal
acoustic processing unit for an audio signal for driving the
cartilage conduction vibration unit; and a controller for
controlling the power management unit and the cartilage conduction
acoustic signal processing unit on the basis of digital data from
an external unit. According to a specific feature, the single-chip
integrated circuit includes a connecting part for the speaker, a
connecting part for the microphone, and an analog front-end unit
connected to each of the connecting parts, the analog front-end
unit being controlled by the controller. According to a more
specific feature, the analog front-end unit switches between
driving the cartilage conduction vibration unit and driving the
speaker on the basis of the control by the controller.
Twenty-Second Technical Feature
[1476] A twenty-second technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone comprising: a cartilage
conduction vibration source provided inside a chassis; and an
elastic body integrally affixed to and covered by the exterior of
the chassis. The vibration of the chassis of the mobile telephone
is thereby suppressed and sound leakage due to the generation of
air conduction sound is thereby attenuated. According to a specific
feature, the mobile telephone has a cartilage conduction unit for
conducting the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration
source and for making contact with the ear cartilage, it being thus
possible to listen to sound by cartilage conduction even while
sound leakage to the surroundings due to the generation of air
conduction sound is attenuated.
[1477] According to a more specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit is an elastic body. The elastic body has an
acoustic impedance approximating that of ear cartilage, wherefore
it is possible to listen to sound by cartilage conduction even when
sound leakage to the surroundings due to the generation of air
conduction sound is attenuated. According to a further specific
feature, the cartilage conduction unit can be an elastic body
integrally affixed to and covered by the exterior of the chassis.
More specifically, the cartilage conduction unit can be connected
with an elastic body integrally affixed to and covered by the
exterior of the chassis.
[1478] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit is a rigid body, and the elastic body also covers
the cartilage conduction unit. Sound leakage to the surroundings
due to the generation of air conduction sound can thereby be
attenuated even while favorable cartilage conduction is obtained.
According to a more specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit
is supported on the chassis via a vibration isolation material, and
the transmission of vibrations to the chassis is attenuated.
According to a further specific feature, the vibration isolation
material is an elastic body of the same material as the elastic
body integrally affixed to and covered by the exterior of the
chassis.
[1479] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration source is supported on the cartilage
conduction unit in a state of non-contact with the chassis, and the
direct transmission of vibration from the cartilage conduction
vibration source to the chassis is avoided. In the case where
priority is given to structural simplicity, it is also possible for
the cartilage conduction vibration source to be supported on the
chassis. The chassis will then have greater vibration, but such
vibration can be attenuated by the elastic body integrally affixed
to and covered by the exterior of the chassis.
[1480] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: an elastic body integrally affixed to and
covered by the exterior of the chassis, and a cartilage conduction
vibration source supported by the elastic body in a state of
non-contact with the chassis. It is thereby possible to attenuate
sound leakage to the surroundings due to the generation of air
conduction sound even while avoiding the direct transmission of
vibration from the cartilage conduction vibration source to the
chassis, and to listen to sound by cartilage conduction.
[1481] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source is supported on the inside of the elastic body,
and the outside of the elastic body at the part supporting the
cartilage conduction vibration source serves as a cartilage
conduction unit for making contact with the ear cartilage.
According to a further specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source is supported on the inside of the elastic body via
a rigid support unit.
[1482] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
has a support structure for supporting the internal configuration
of the mobile telephone on the chassis from the inside such that
the weight thereof vibrates integrally. The vibration from the
interior and the exterior of the chassis of the mobile telephone
can thereby be suppressed.
[1483] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source
provided to the interior of a chassis; and a support structure for
supporting the internal configuration of the mobile telephone on
the chassis from the inside such that the weight thereof vibrates
integrally. The vibration of the chassis of the mobile telephone is
thereby suppressed and sound leakage due to the generation of air
conduction sound is thereby attenuated. Internal configurations
contributing to the above include a battery.
[1484] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone has a
finely subdividing structure for finely subdividing surplus space
of the interior of the chassis. The vibration of the chassis of the
mobile telephone can thereby be suppressed and the air inside the
chassis prevented from resonating, and the generation of air
conduction sound can thereby be attenuated.
[1485] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone comprising: a cartilage conduction vibration source
provided to the interior of a chassis, and a finely subdividing
structure for finely subdividing the surplus space of the interior
of the chassis. The air inside the chassis can thereby be prevented
from resonating, and the generation of air conduction sound can
thereby be attenuated. An example of a finely subdividing structure
is a barrier wall. Another example of a finely subdividing
structure is a nonwoven cloth packed inside the chassis.
Twenty-Third Technical Feature
[1486] A twenty-third technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a sound output device having: a chassis; a
cartilage conduction unit defining a convex face shape on the
chassis surface; and a cartilage conduction vibration source for
transmitting vibration to the cartilage conduction unit. In so
doing, the cartilage conduction unit arranged touching the ear is
naturally accommodated within the ear, affording contact with the
ear cartilage over a wide surface area.
[1487] The ear-contacting part of an ordinary telephone handset has
a concave face in order to form a closed space to the front of the
ear; however, the handset for cartilage conduction according to the
present invention conversely has a convex face, providing a natural
shape that readily conforms to the ear in the aforedescribed
manner.
[1488] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
unit has a convex face shape fitting into a depression of ear
having the external auditory meatus opening as the bottom.
According to a more specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit
has a convex face shape, the apex of which enters the external
auditory meatus opening. According to a yet more specific feature,
the cartilage conduction unit has a conical shape. According to
another yet more specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit
has a spherical face shape.
[1489] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction vibration source transmits vibration from the inside of
a cartilage conduction unit which is situated inside the chassis.
In so doing, desired vibration can be propagated to a cartilage
conduction unit defining a convex face shape at the chassis
surface. Optionally, a space to the inside of the cartilage
conduction unit defining a convex face shape can be utilized when
situating the cartilage conduction vibration source.
[1490] According to a more specific feature, a support part is
furnished for the purpose of supporting the cartilage conduction
vibration source, and transmitting vibration thereof to the inside
of a cartilage conduction unit. In so doing, support of the
cartilage conduction vibration source and transmission of vibration
to the inside of the cartilage conduction unit can be achieved.
[1491] According to a more specific feature, the support part
supports a center part of the cartilage conduction vibration
source. According to another more specific feature, the support
part supports an end part of the cartilage conduction vibration
source. In so doing, effective vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source and transmission thereof can be
achieved.
[1492] According to another specific feature, the sound output
device is configured as a handset of a land-line telephone. In the
present invention, the configuration of a cartilage conduction unit
defining a convex face shape at the chassis surface is suitable for
implementation in a handset of a land-line telephone.
[1493] According to another specific feature, a stereo audio output
device is configured from a pair of sound output devices. In this
way, a configuration of a cartilage conduction unit defining a
convex face shape at the chassis surface is suited to sound output
from a stereo audio output device.
[1494] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device having a cartilage conduction unit defining a convex
face of conical shape, and a cartilage conduction vibration source
for transmitting vibration to a cartilage conduction unit. This
conical shape is configured on the presumption that a conical side
face will contact the entire circumference of the external auditory
meatus opening in satisfactory fashion when the distal end thereof
is inserted into the external auditory meatus opening; the depth to
which the cone is inserted into the external auditory meatus
opening does not have a large influence on cartilage conduction,
and a state of constant satisfactory contact of the cartilage
conduction unit against the entire circumference of the external
auditory meatus can be achieved, regardless of individual
differences in the size of the external auditory meatus opening. By
employing such a pair of sound output devices which wrap around
from the left and right to respectively press against the external
auditory meatus opening of each ear, a satisfactory configuration
for a stereo audio device can be achieved.
[1495] According to another feature, there is provided a sound
output device having a cartilage conduction unit, and cartilage
conduction vibration sources including a plurality of vibration
sources having different frequency characteristics, for
transmitting vibration to the cartilage conduction unit. By
employing a plurality of cartilage conduction vibration sources of
different frequency characteristics in complementary fashion in
this way, the frequency characteristics of the cartilage conduction
unit can be improved. An example of a plurality of vibration
sources employed in complementary fashion is a combination of a
low-end element and a high-end element.
Twenty-Fourth Technical Feature
[1496] A twenty-fourth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a right-ear
cartilage conduction unit, a left-ear cartilage conduction unit, a
linking unit for linking the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit, and a cartilage
conduction vibration source for transmitting vibration to the
right-ear cartilage conduction unit or to the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit. This linking unit has various useful
functions.
[1497] According to a specific feature, the linking unit provides
rigid joining of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit and the
left-ear cartilage conduction unit. In so doing, the relative
positional relationship of the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit can be stabilized, and
the right-ear cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage
conduction unit attached to a mobile telephone in a stable manner.
According to a more specific feature, the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit, the left-ear cartilage conduction unit, and the
linking unit are provided as a practical component integrally
formed from a hard material.
[1498] According to another specific feature, a vibration isolating
part is furnished between the right-ear cartilage conduction unit,
the left-ear cartilage conduction unit, and the linking unit, and
the chassis of the mobile telephone. This vibration isolating part
is useful in reducing sound leakage to the surrounding area arising
from air conduction occurring when vibration is transmitted to the
chassis. According to a more specific feature, the vibration
isolating part is formed of an elastomer material. Typically,
higher vibration isolating effect is obtained with a vibration
isolating part that is softer and thicker, but on the other hand,
doing so makes the hold on the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit unstable. In accordance
with this feature, by providing a rigid joint between the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit through the linking unit, the relative positions of both can
be maintained, and both can be attached in more stable fashion to
the chassis.
[1499] According to another specific feature, the linking unit
transmits vibration between the right-ear cartilage conduction unit
and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit. Various useful
functions can be obtained by doing so. According to a more specific
feature, a cartilage conduction vibration source is joined to
either the right-ear cartilage conduction unit or the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit, and the linking unit transmits vibration
of the cartilage conduction vibration source from the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit or the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit, whichever has the cartilage conduction vibration source
joined thereto, to the unjoined unit. In so doing, useful cartilage
conduction can also be obtained from the cartilage conduction unit
to which the cartilage conduction vibration source is not
joined.
[1500] According to another more specific feature relating to
transmission of vibration between the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit by the
linking unit, the cartilage conduction vibration source includes a
first vibration source and a second vibration source respectively
joined to the right-ear cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit, and the linking unit mixes vibration of
the first vibration source and the second vibration source.
According to another more specific feature, drive signals of
mutually inverted waveform are presented to the first vibration
source and the second vibration source, and the vibrations thereof
are mixed, whereby generation of air-conducted sound through
transmission of vibration to the chassis can be reduced.
[1501] According to another specific feature, the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit, the left-ear cartilage conduction unit,
and the linking unit are exposed at the mobile telephone surface.
In so doing, the cartilage conduction structure can be concentrated
at the mobile telephone surface, facilitating the layout of
components inside the mobile telephone, as well as obtaining good
cartilage conduction through contact from the outside.
[1502] According to a separate feature, the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit are
exposed at the mobile telephone surface, while the linking unit is
not exposed at the mobile telephone surface. In so doing, good
cartilage conduction through contact of the right-ear cartilage
conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit from the
outside can be obtained, and a high degree of freedom in linkage of
the two can be achieved.
[1503] According to another specific feature, the linking unit
links the right-ear cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit while bypassing the internal
configuration of the mobile telephone. The layout of components
inside the mobile telephone can be facilitated thereby. An example
of a configuration of the mobile telephone is an in-camera. In this
case, the right-ear cartilage conduction unit, the left-ear
cartilage conduction unit, and the in-camera, which are all
preferably situated in an upper part of the mobile telephone, can
be laid out with no interference.
[1504] According to another specific feature, the right-ear
cartilage conduction unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction
unit are respectively situated at two corners in an upper part of
the mobile telephone. In so doing, contact against the ear
cartilage in a natural manner can be achieved regardless of whether
the mobile telephone is held in the right hand or held in the left
hand, the aforedescribed preferred placement being achievable
through the linking unit linking the right-ear cartilage conduction
unit and the left-ear cartilage conduction unit.
[1505] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a cartilage conduction unit, a cartilage
conduction vibration source of elongated shape joined at one end to
the cartilage conduction unit, and a weight attached to the other
end of the cartilage conduction vibration source. The weight is not
supported by any part other than this other end, and the inertia
afforded by the load thereof is imparted to the other end of the
cartilage conduction vibration source.
Twenty-Fifth Technical Feature
[1506] A twenty-fifth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides an incoming-talk unit for a mobile
telephone, having a cartilage conduction unit capable of contacting
ear cartilage, an incoming call vibrator, and a short-range
communication unit for communicating with the mobile telephone. In
so doing, it is possible to be notified of and answer an incoming
call while the mobile telephone remains stowed, for example, in a
purse or the like; and during videoconferencing or the like, the
risk of bothering others, or loss of privacy, due to the other
caller's voice escaping to the surrounding area, can be prevented.
According to a specific feature, the unit has a cartilage
conduction vibration source for the cartilage conduction unit, and
vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source is employed
concomitantly as a vibration source for the incoming call
vibrator.
[1507] According to a specific feature, the incoming-talk unit is
further with an outgoing-talk unit. Use as an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit is possible thereby. In cases of a
compact configuration of such an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit,
the outgoing-talk unit is preferably a bone conduction microphone.
According to a more specific feature, the bone conduction
microphone is situated at a location contacting the cheekbone when
the cartilage conduction unit is placed in contact against the ear
cartilage.
[1508] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a cartilage conduction unit capable of
contacting ear cartilage, an outgoing-talk unit, a telephone
function unit, and a short-range communication unit for
communicating with a mobile telephone, capable of independently
making calls through the cartilage conduction unit, the
outgoing-talk unit, and the telephone function unit, and provided
with a cartilage conduction unit and an outgoing-talk unit through
communication via the short-range communication unit, and capable
of being used as an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk unit for another
mobile telephone. In so doing, the various advantages afforded by
cartilage conduction can be utilized during in calls made using
another, ordinary mobile telephone. In this case, with a view to
reasonable use in combination with another mobile telephone, it is
preferable for the mobile telephone provided with the
aforedescribed features to be configured as an ultra-compact mobile
telephone.
[1509] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone
provided with the aforedescribed features has an incoming call
vibrator, the mobile telephone being capable of being used as an
incoming call vibrator unit for another mobile telephone, by being
operated as an incoming call vibrator via the short-range
communication unit. According to a more specific feature, the
incoming call vibrator is set up so as to perform different
incoming call vibration when there is an incoming call to the
telephone function unit, versus when there is an incoming call to
the other mobile telephone, transmitted by the short-range
communication unit.
[1510] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
provided with the aforedescribed features has a display unit, the
display unit producing a different display when there is an
incoming call to the telephone function unit, versus when there is
an incoming call to the other mobile telephone, transmitted by the
short-range communication unit. According to another specific
feature, the mobile telephone provided with the aforedescribed
features has an operating unit, and call answering is initiated
through an identical operation performed by the operating unit,
when there is an incoming call to the telephone function unit, and
when there is an incoming call to the other mobile telephone,
transmitted by the short-range communication unit.
[1511] According to a specific feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that comprises a first section and second section which
are separable, the first section being furnished with an
outgoing-talk unit, a telephone function unit, and a short-range
communication unit for communicating with the second section, and
the second section being furnished with a cartilage conduction unit
capable of contacting ear cartilage and a short-range communication
unit for communicating with the first section, and that functions
as an integrated mobile telephone when the first section and the
second section are joined, while when the second section is
separated from the first section, the second section functions as a
remote incoming-talk unit for short-range communication with the
first section. In so doing, while the first section is kept stowed,
for example, in a purse or the like, it is possible to receive
incoming calls through the separated second section, as well as to
prevent the risk of bothering others, or loss of privacy, due to
the other caller's voice escaping to the surrounding area, during
videoconferencing or the like.
[1512] According to a specific feature, the second section is
furnished with an incoming call vibrator, and when the second
section is separated from the first section, the second section
functions as a remote incoming call vibrator for the first section.
In so doing, it is possible to be notified of and answer incoming
calls while keeping the separated second section on the body, for
example, in a pocket or the like. According to a specific feature,
the unit has a cartilage conduction vibration source for the
cartilage conduction unit, and vibration of the cartilage
conduction vibration source is employed concomitantly as a
vibration source for the incoming call vibrator.
[1513] According to a specific feature, the first section and the
second section are respectively furnished with an operating unit
for performing a call answer operation, the operating unit of the
second section being disabled when the first section and the second
section are joined. According to another specific feature, the
first section is furnished with an incoming-talk unit, the
incoming-talk unit being disabled when the first section and the
second section are joined. According to yet another specific
feature, the second section is furnished with an outgoing-talk
unit, the outgoing-talk unit being disabled when the first section
and the second section are joined. According to a more specific
feature, the outgoing-talk unit of the second section is a bone
conduction microphone.
[1514] According to another specific feature, the first section and
the second section are respectively furnished with charging means
for performing charging of the second section from the first
section. In so doing, when the first section is being charged while
the first section and the second section are in the joined state,
charging of the second section can take place simultaneously as
well. According to a more specific feature, the device is
configured such that the charging means detects whether or not the
first section and the second section are in the joined state, and
automatically switches between enabling and disabling functions of
the aforedescribed units.
[1515] According to yet another specific feature, an elastic body
is anchored to either the first section or the second section, and
the first section or the second section is detachably attached to
the other via the elastic body. In so doing, utilizing the
separable configuration for the first section and the second
section, vibration from the cartilage conduction unit of the second
section is not readily propagated to the first section when the two
are joined. According to a more specific feature, the elasticity of
the elastic body is utilized for detachable attachment of the first
section and the second section.
Twenty-Sixth Technical Feature
[1516] A twenty-sixth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a telephone
function unit, a cartilage conduction unit, a cartilage conduction
vibration source for vibrating the cartilage conduction unit, a
power supply unit for supplying power to the cartilage conduction
vibration source, and a power supply control unit for providing a
supply of power to the power supply unit when the cartilage
conduction unit is in a state able to contact ear cartilage, while
halting the supply of power to the power supply unit when the
cartilage conduction unit is in a state of non-contact with ear
cartilage. Efficient supply of power to the cartilage conduction
vibration source is possible thereby.
[1517] According to a specific feature, the mobile telephone has a
power switch, and the state of non-contact of the cartilage
conduction unit with ear cartilage refers to a state immediately
following turning on of the power switch. According to another
specific feature, the mobile telephone has a speaker for outputting
sound during videoconferencing, and the state of non-contact of the
cartilage conduction unit with ear cartilage refers to the
videoconferencing mode state.
[1518] According to yet another specific feature, the state of
non-contact of the cartilage conduction unit with ear cartilage
refers to a non-talk state. More specifically, the power supply
control unit initiates supply of power to the power supply unit in
response to a call initiation signal, and halts the supply of power
to the power supply unit in response to a call termination
signal.
[1519] According to a more specific feature, the call initiation
signal is an incoming call signal. According to another more
specific feature, the call initiation signal is a call request
signal. According to another more specific feature, the call
termination signal is a call disconnect signal.
[1520] According to another specific feature, the power supply unit
is a voltage booster circuit. According to another specific
feature, the cartilage conduction vibration source is a
piezoelectric bimorph element. These features are more preferable
when combined.
[1521] According to yet another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has an amplifier for providing a call signal to the
cartilage conduction vibration source, and the power supply unit
supplies power to this amp. According to a more specific feature, a
muting circuit is inserted between the cartilage conduction
vibration source and the amplifier, and muting is performed by the
muting circuit, for predetermined time intervals before and after
initiation and termination of supply of power to the power supply
unit. More specifically, the power supply control unit initiates
muting by the muting circuit, in response to call initiation
signals and call termination signals. According to another specific
feature, in the aforedescribed configurations, the power supply
unit and the power supply control unit are preferably configured as
a one-chip integrated circuit.
[1522] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having a telephone function unit, a cartilage conduction
unit, a cartilage conduction vibration source for vibrating the
cartilage conduction unit, a power supply unit for supplying power
to the cartilage conduction vibration source, an amplifier for
providing a call signal to the cartilage conduction vibration
source, and a muting circuit inserted between the cartilage
conduction vibration source and the amplifier, for muting for a
predetermined time interval, and a muting control unit for
initiating muting by the muting circuit, in response to call
initiation signals and call termination signals. In so doing, it is
possible to control power supply in such a way that popping noises
are not produced by the cartilage conduction vibration source at
initiation and termination of a call.
[1523] According to a specific feature, the call initiation signal
is an incoming call signal. According to another more specific
feature, the call initiation signal is a call request signal.
According to another specific feature, the call termination signal
is a call disconnect signal.
[1524] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
has a power supply control unit that initiates or halts the supply
of power to the power supply unit during intervals of muting by the
muting circuit. According to another specific feature, in the
aforedescribed configurations, the power supply unit, the power
supply control unit, and the muting circuit are preferably
configured as a one-chip integrated circuit.
[1525] According to another specific feature, in the aforedescribed
configuration the power supply unit is a voltage booster circuit.
According to another specific feature, the cartilage conduction
vibration source is a piezoelectric bimorph element. These features
are more preferable when combined.
Twenty-Seventh Technical Feature
[1526] A twenty-seventh technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone in which a cartilage
conduction unit for touching ear cartilage is furnished to a mobile
telephone upper part, and a videoconferencing in-camera is
furnished to a mobile telephone lower part. In so doing, the
cartilage conduction unit and the videoconferencing in-camera can
be situated effortlessly. According to a specific feature, the
mobile telephone has a display screen, and the videoconferencing
in-camera is furnished to the opposite side from the cartilage
conduction unit with the display screen therebetween.
[1527] According to a more specific feature, the display screen is
rectangular, and the videoconferencing in-camera is situated such
that a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise sides of the
display screen is a vertical direction. In so doing, image capture
can take place in a satisfactory manner, while holding the mobile
telephone in landscape mode oriented so that the lengthwise sides
of the display screen are horizontal. According to another more
specific feature, the display screen is rectangular, and the
videoconferencing in-camera is furnished to the mobile telephone
lower part and biased towards a location positioned to the upper
side when the mobile telephone is held oriented so that the
lengthwise sides of the display screen are horizontal. In so doing,
the face of the user can be captured from above while holding the
mobile telephone in landscape mode.
[1528] According to yet another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has orientation detection means for detecting the
orientation of the mobile telephone, and image auto-rotation means
for rotating an image on the display screen by 90 degrees, on the
basis of the orientation detection means, and is moreover furnished
with misoperation prevention means for preventing misoperation of
the image auto-rotation means on the basis of the videoconferencing
in-camera being situated such that a direction perpendicular to the
lengthwise sides of the display screen is a vertical direction. In
so doing, confusion as to which way an image is pointing can be
avoided, while the videoconferencing in-camera is situated such
that a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise sides of the
display screen is a vertical direction.
[1529] According to yet another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a piezoelectric bimorph element as the vibration
source for the cartilage conduction unit, the piezoelectric bimorph
element being adapted to detect the impact of a finger applied to
the cartilage conduction unit while the mobile telephone is held in
an orientation such that the lengthwise sides of the display screen
are horizontal, thereby serving concomitantly as an operation input
during videoconferencing. In so doing, the piezoelectric bimorph
element can be effectively utilized as a vibration source for the
cartilage conduction unit while held in landscape orientation.
[1530] According to yet another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a piezoelectric bimorph element as the vibration
source for the cartilage conduction unit, vibration of the
piezoelectric bimorph element being concomitantly employed to
provide notification that videoconferencing is in progress, through
vibration transmitted to a hand holding the mobile telephone with
the lengthwise sides of the display screen horizontal. In so doing,
the piezoelectric bimorph element can be effectively utilized as a
vibration source for the cartilage conduction unit while held in
landscape orientation.
[1531] According to another specific feature, a light-emitting unit
is furnished in proximity to the videoconferencing in-camera, and
the line of sight is directed towards the videoconferencing
in-camera by emission of light from the light-emitting unit. In so
doing, smooth videoconferencing at a natural line of sight can be
achieved.
[1532] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that has a videoconferencing in-camera, and a main camera
for capturing images from the opposite side in relation to the
videoconferencing in-camera, and that during videoconferencing
transmits an image from the main camera and an image from the
videoconferencing in-camera. In so doing, it is possible to
transmit images having richer information content.
[1533] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that has a videoconferencing in-camera, a main camera for
capturing images from the opposite side relative to the
videoconferencing in-camera, and a display screen, and that, during
videoconferencing, displays on the display screen an image from the
main camera and a received image from the videoconferencing
in-camera. More accurate image transmission is possible
thereby.
[1534] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that has a videoconferencing in-camera and a display
screen, and that, during videoconferencing, displays on the display
screen a received image from the videoconferencing in-camera, and a
received image taken from the opposite side in relation to the
videoconferencing in-camera. In so doing, it is possible to
transmit images having richer information content.
[1535] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone that has a videoconferencing in-camera, a main camera for
capturing images from the opposite side relative to the
videoconferencing in-camera, and a display screen, and that, during
videoconferencing, displays on the display screen an image from the
main camera and a received image taken from the opposite side in
relation to the videoconferencing in-camera. In so doing,
videoconferencing in which the callers share what they are looking
at with one another are possible.
Twenty-Eighth Technical Feature
[1536] A twenty-eighth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a cartilage conduction vibration source
device having a sound signal input unit for inputting a sound
signal, an acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing, for
purposes of cartilage conduction vibration, of the sound signal
input from the sound signal input unit, a power source input unit,
a voltage booster circuit unit for boosting an input voltage to the
power source input unit, and an amplifier unit supplied with power
by the voltage booster circuit unit, for outputting a processed
signal processed by the acoustic processing unit, to the cartilage
conduction vibration source as a drive signal. In so doing, it is
possible for the cartilage conduction vibration source to be
readily driven in a manner suited to cartilage conduction, by input
of an ordinary sound signal and driving by an ordinary power
source.
[1537] According to a specific feature, the sound signal input unit
inputs an analog signal from an audio signal output unit, the
acoustic processing unit and the amplifier unit are constituted by
analog circuits, and an analog drive signal is output to the
cartilage conduction vibration source. In so doing, the cartilage
conduction vibration source can be readily driven in a manner
suited to cartilage conduction, on the basis of sound output for an
ordinary speaker.
[1538] According to another specific feature, the sound signal
input unit inputs an analog signal from an audio signal output
unit, the acoustic processing unit is constituted by an AD
conversion circuit, a digital acoustic processing circuit, and a DA
conversion circuit, and the amp circuit is constituted by an analog
circuit which outputs the output of the DA conversion circuit to
the cartilage conduction unit as an analog drive signal. In so
doing, driving of the cartilage conduction vibration source in a
manner suited to cartilage conduction on the basis of sound output
for an ordinary speaker can be accomplished at low cost.
[1539] According to another specific feature, the sound signal
input unit inputs a digital signal from the audio signal output
unit, the acoustic processing unit is constituted by a digital
acoustic processing circuit and a DA conversion circuit, and the
amp circuit is constituted by an analog circuit which outputs the
output of the DA conversion circuit to the cartilage conduction
unit as an analog drive signal. In so doing, driving of the
cartilage conduction vibration source in a manner suited to
cartilage conduction on the basis of ordinary digital sound output
can be accomplished at low cost, and with a simple
configuration.
[1540] According to another specific feature, the sound signal
input unit inputs a digital signal from the audio signal output
unit, the acoustic processing unit is constituted by a digital
acoustic processing circuit, and the amp circuit is constituted by
an analog circuit which outputs the output of the digital acoustic
processing circuit to the cartilage conduction unit as a digital
drive signal. In so doing, driving of the cartilage conduction
vibration source in a manner suited to cartilage conduction on the
basis of ordinary digital sound output can be accomplished by a
digital circuit only.
[1541] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a vibration
source module to which a digital drive signal is input, and in
which a low pass filter for the digital drive signal and a
piezoelectric bimorph element serving as a cartilage conduction
vibration source are integrated. The low pass filter is necessary
in cases in which the piezoelectric bimorph element is driven by
digital drive signals, but merely by using the aforedescribed
vibration source module, driving of the cartilage conduction
vibration source in a manner suited to cartilage conduction can be
accomplished without the burden entailed by having to make
preliminary adjustment of the low-pass filter.
[1542] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a sound signal
output unit for outputting an analog sound signal, an analog sound
signal input unit for inputting an analog sound signal, an analog
acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing, for purposes of
cartilage conduction vibration, of a sound signal input from the
analog sound signal input unit, an analog amplifier unit for
outputting an analog processed signal processed by the analog
acoustic processing unit, to the cartilage conduction vibration
source as a drive signal, and a cartilage conduction vibration
source driven by the analog drive signal. In so doing, a suitable
cartilage conduction vibration source can be realized through
analog circuits.
[1543] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a sound signal
output unit for outputting an analog sound signal, an analog sound
signal input unit for inputting an analog sound signal, an AD
conversion circuit for converting a sound signal input from the
analog sound signal input unit to a digital signal, a digital
acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing, for purposes of
cartilage conduction vibration, of the output of the AD conversion
circuit, a DA conversion circuit for converting a processed signal
processed by the digital acoustic processing unit to an analog
signal, an analog amplifier unit for outputting the output of the
DA conversion circuit to the cartilage conduction vibration source
as an analog drive signal, and a cartilage conduction vibration
source driven by the analog drive signal. In so doing, a suitable
cartilage conduction vibration source can be realized at controlled
cost, on the basis of analog sound output.
[1544] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a sound signal
output unit for outputting a digital sound signal, a digital sound
signal input unit for inputting a digital sound signal, a digital
acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing, for purposes of
cartilage conduction vibration, of a sound signal input from the
digital sound signal input unit, a DA conversion circuit for
converting a processed signal processed by the digital acoustic
processing unit to an analog signal, an analog amplifier unit for
outputting the output of the DA conversion circuit to the cartilage
conduction vibration source as an analog drive signal, and a
cartilage conduction vibration source driven by the analog drive
signal. In so doing, a suitable cartilage conduction vibration
source can be realized at controlled cost, on the basis of digital
sound output.
[1545] According to another feature, there is provided a cartilage
conduction vibration source device having a sound signal output
unit for outputting a digital sound signal, a digital sound signal
input unit for inputting a digital sound signal, a digital acoustic
processing unit for acoustic processing, for purposes of cartilage
conduction vibration, of a sound signal input from the digital
sound signal input unit, a digital amplifier unit for outputting a
processed signal processed by the digital acoustic processing unit
to the cartilage-conduction vibration source as a digital drive
signal, a low-pass filter for the digital drive signal, and a
cartilage-conduction vibration source driven by a drive signal
having passed through the low-pass filter. In so doing, a suitable
cartilage conduction vibration source can be realized through
digital circuits. In this case, it is possible to integrate the
low-pass filter and the cartilage-conduction vibration source and
provide these as a vibration source module.
Twenty-Ninth Technical Feature
[1546] A twenty-ninth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a chassis, a
cartilage conduction unit differing in acoustic impedance from the
chassis and connected to the chassis, a cartilage-conduction
vibration source for transmitting vibration to the cartilage
conduction unit, and a load connection unit for connecting a load
of an internal structure load to the chassis in proximity to the
cartilage conduction unit in the chassis. In so doing, vibration of
the chassis is suppressed in proximity to the cartilage conduction
unit, which corresponds to an entrance section for vibration
transmission, and by avoiding connection of the cartilage
conduction unit and the chassis at closely approximating acoustic
impedance, it is possible to ensure some degree of freedom in
vibration of the cartilage conduction unit and obtain satisfactory
cartilage conduction.
[1547] According to a specific feature, the load connection unit
connects the load of the internal structure over a small
cross-sectional area to the chassis. In so doing, it is possible
for the load connection location to be specifically concentrated in
proximity to the cartilage conduction unit, which corresponds to an
entrance section for vibration transmission, and it is possible to
effectively suppress chassis vibration.
[1548] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit and the chassis are connected via a vibration
isolating material. In so doing, the effect of avoiding connection
of the cartilage conduction unit and the chassis at closely
approximating acoustic impedance can be enhanced. According to a
more specific feature, a section situated away from the load
connection unit is furnished with another load connection unit for
connecting a load of an internal structure to the chassis. In so
doing, the internal structure is reliably held through a simple
configuration.
[1549] According to another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit and the chassis are connected directly. In so
doing, the number of parts is reduced, and the holding structure
for the cartilage conduction unit and the chassis is simple.
According to a more specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit
is configured from an elastic body of greatly different acoustic
impedance from the chassis.
[1550] According to another specific feature, the internal
structure is held to the chassis via a lower vibration isolating
material, in a section away from the load connection unit. In so
doing, it is possible for the internal structure to be held in
reliable fashion without diminishing the effect of specifically
concentrating the load connection location to one in proximity to
the cartilage conduction unit, which corresponds to an entrance
section for vibration transmission.
[1551] According to another specific feature, the load-connected
internal structure is a cell. The cell constitutes a large
proportion of the load in a mobile telephone, and is moreover a
coherent section, and therefore load connection is preferred.
According to a more specific feature, the load connection part is
furnished to a holder for holding the cell while avoiding a center
section thereof. In so doing, it is possible for the load of the
cell to be specifically concentrated in suitable fashion at a
location in proximity to the cartilage conduction unit.
Furthermore, as the center part of the cell swells with the passage
of time during use, in order to avoid this, the configuration of
the holder is preferably one that avoids the center section.
According to another specific feature, it is possible for the
internal structure to be a frame structure than includes a cell
holding unit.
[1552] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having a chassis, a vibration isolating material
connected to the chassis, a cartilage conduction unit connected to
the chassis via the vibration isolating material, a
cartilage-conduction vibration source for transmitting vibration to
the cartilage conduction unit, and a load connection unit for
connecting a load of an internal structure to the chassis in
proximity to the cartilage conduction unit on the chassis. In so
doing, vibration of the chassis can be suppressed, without
diminishing good cartilage conduction capability, in the manner
described previously.
[1553] In cases in which the cartilage conduction unit connected to
the chassis via the vibration isolating material in the
aforedescribed manner, it is possible for the chassis and the
cartilage conduction unit to be made of materials of equal acoustic
impedance. In so doing, the materials for the mobile telephone are
more readily procured, and reduction in cost thereof is
possible.
[1554] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having an internal structure, a cartilage conduction unit
connected to the internal structure, a cartilage-conduction
vibration source for transmitting vibration to the cartilage
conduction unit, and a chassis connected to the internal structure
via the vibration isolating material. In so doing, in the first
instance, an internal structure constituting most of the load in
the mobile telephone is connected to the cartilage conduction unit
thus suppressing transmission of vibration, and moreover, the
internal structure is connected, via the vibration isolating
material, to the chassis which represents a relatively small
proportion of the load, thus suppressing vibration of the chassis,
which defines the outer surfaces of the mobile telephone.
[1555] According to a specific feature, the cartilage conduction
unit is connected to the internal structure via the vibration
isolating material. According to another specific feature, the
cartilage conduction unit is an elastic body. According to these
features, good cartilage conduction can be ensured, while
suppressing vibration of the chassis.
Thirtieth Technical Feature
[1556] A thirtieth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a cartilage-conduction vibration source
device having a sound signal input unit for inputting a sound
signal, an acoustic processing unit for variable processing, for
purposes of cartilage conduction, of a sound signal input from the
sound signal input unit, a control signal input unit for inputting
a control signal for purposes of variable processing in the
acoustic processing unit, and an amplifier unit for outputting a
processed signal processed by the acoustic processing unit to a
cartilage-conduction vibration source as a drive signal. In so
doing, it is possible to drive the cartilage-conduction vibration
source for purposes of cartilage conduction, in an appropriate
manner according to changes in conditions.
[1557] According to a specific feature, the acoustic processing
unit modifies acoustic processing in such a way that the drive
signal output to the cartilage-conduction vibration source differs
in frequency characteristics, according to whether a sound has
arrived via a communication unit or the sound has not arrived via
the communication unit. In so doing, the cartilage-conduction
vibration source can be driven in a manner that increases the
contribution of direct air conduction in cartilage conduction for
sounds not arriving via the communication unit, relative to sounds
arriving via the communication unit.
[1558] According to another specific feature, the acoustic
processing unit modifies acoustic processing in such a way that the
drive signal output to the cartilage-conduction vibration source
differs in frequency characteristics for a normal individual,
versus a person with conductive hearing loss. In so doing, the
cartilage-conduction vibration source can be driven in a manner
that increases the contribution of cartilage bone conduction in
cartilage conduction for a person with conductive hearing loss,
relative to a normal individual.
[1559] According to another specific feature, the acoustic
processing unit modifies acoustic processing in such a way that the
drive signal output to the cartilage-conduction vibration source
differs in frequency characteristics in cases in which the external
auditory meatus entrance is unoccluded, versus cases in which the
entrance is occluded. In so doing, the cartilage-conduction
vibration source can be driven in a manner that halts the
contribution of direct air conduction in cartilage conduction in
cases in which the external auditory meatus entrance is
occluded.
[1560] According to another specific feature, the acoustic
processing unit has a plurality of acoustic processing units, the
contributions of the plurality of acoustic processing units to the
drive signal being modified on the basis of a control signal. In so
doing, acoustic processing optimized for each conduction element of
cartilage conduction can be respectively devised, and variable
acoustic processing controlled through modification of these
contributions.
[1561] According to a specific feature, there is provided a
cartilage-conduction vibration source device having a sound signal
input unit for inputting a sound signal, a plurality of acoustic
processing units for processing, for purposes of cartilage
conduction, of a sound signal input from the sound signal input
unit, and an amplifier unit for outputting a processed signal
processed by the plurality of acoustic processing units and
synthesized, to a cartilage-conduction vibration source as a drive
signal. In so doing, acoustic processing can take place through
synthesis of acoustic processing optimized for each conduction
element of cartilage conduction.
[1562] According to a specific feature, the plurality of acoustic
processing units have a first acoustic processing unit for carrying
out acoustic processing on the basis of the frequency
characteristics of cartilage bone conduction from the
cartilage-conduction vibration source, and a second acoustic
processing unit for carrying out acoustic processing on the basis
of the frequency characteristics of direct air conduction from the
cartilage-conduction vibration source.
[1563] According to another feature, there is provided a
cartilage-conduction vibration source device having a sound signal
input unit for inputting a sound signal, an acoustic processing
unit for processing, for purposes of cartilage conduction, of a
sound signal input from the sound signal input unit, and an
amplifier unit for outputting a processed signal processed by the
acoustic processing unit to a cartilage-conduction vibration source
as a drive signal, the amplifier unit having a gain adjustment unit
for adjusting gain according to input signal level, such that the
output level is brought to a predetermined drive signal level for
the cartilage-conduction vibration source. In so doing, the
capabilities of the cartilage-conduction vibration source can be
utilized to maximum effect, to achieve appropriate cartilage
conduction.
[1564] According to a specific feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having the aforedescribed cartilage-conduction vibration
source device. According to a more specific feature, the mobile
telephone is configured as a mobile device having a combination
large-screen display unit/touch screen. According to a more
specific feature, a cartilage conduction unit is furnished to a
distal end of an extendable and retractable holder joined to the
mobile telephone body by a universal joint.
[1565] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone configured as a mobile device, having a combination
large-screen display unit/touch screen furnished to the body
thereof, and a sound output unit furnished to a distal end of an
extendable and retractable holder joined to the body by a universal
joint. In so doing, calling is possible through a simple operation
while viewing the large screen. According to a specific feature,
the sound output unit is a cartilage conduction unit.
Thirty-First Technical Feature
[1566] A thirty-first technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone accessory device having
an input unit for an external sound signal output by a mobile
telephone, a cartilage conduction unit for vibrating on the basis
of an external sound signal input from the input unit, and a
support unit for supporting the cartilage conduction unit on the
mobile telephone. In so doing, an ordinary mobile telephone can be
transformed into a cartilage conduction mobile telephone.
[1567] According to a specific feature, the holder unit is a soft
cover sheathing the mobile telephone, the cartilage conduction unit
being situated in an upper corner of the soft cover. In so doing,
an ordinary mobile telephone can be transformed into a cartilage
conduction mobile telephone by being sheathed with the soft
cover.
[1568] According to a more specific feature, the soft cover is
configured to be thicker in an upper portion, a
cartilage-conduction vibration source being situated in one corner
of the upper section, whereby when the mobile telephone is sheathed
in the soft cover, the one corner of the thick section where the
cartilage-conduction vibration source is situated is supported as a
cartilage conduction unit on the mobile telephone. In so doing, the
soft cover can be configured as a suitable mobile telephone
accessory device.
[1569] According to a more specific feature, an external earphone
plug for insertion of an external output jack of a mobile telephone
is situated as an input unit, within the other corner of the thick
section of the soft cover. In so doing, there can be configured a
mobile telephone accessory device that suitably utilizes the
external output of an ordinary mobile telephone.
[1570] According to a more specific feature, the external earphone
plug is situated in the other corner of the thick section where the
external output jack of the mobile telephone is insertable prior to
sheathing the mobile telephone in the soft cover. In so doing, the
mobile telephone can be sheathed by the soft cover, while easily
making connection to an external output from the mobile
telephone.
[1571] According to another more specific feature, the soft cover
has a drive unit for driving the cartilage-conduction vibration
source, on the basis of a sound signal input from the input unit.
In so doing, the cartilage-conduction vibration source can be
driven in a suitable manner, on the basis of an external output
from the mobile telephone. According to more specific feature, the
soft cover has a power supply unit for supplying power to the drive
unit. Suitable cartilage conduction on the basis of an external
output from the mobile telephone can be accomplished thereby.
[1572] According to another more specific feature, the
cartilage-conduction vibration source is an electromagnetic
vibrator. In doing, there can be obtained a cartilage-conduction
vibration source that is easily assembled into the soft cover.
[1573] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having a cartilage conduction vibration unit situated in
one upper corner sandwiched between a front face and a rear face,
and capable of transmitting vibration from the front face side to
the rear face side, and a microphone having symmetrical
directionality with respect to the front face side and the rear
face side. In so doing, it is possible to make calls in in suitable
fashion, with the single cartilage conduction vibration unit placed
against either the right ear or the left ear.
[1574] According to a specific feature, the microphone is situated
on a side face between the front face and the rear face. According
to another specific feature, the microphone is situated on a bottom
face between the front face and the rear face. These features
respectively facilitate placement of a microphone having
symmetrical directionality with respect to the front face side and
the rear face side.
[1575] According to another specific feature, the microphone is
furnished to a lower corner which is situated in proximity to the
side directly below the upper corner furnished with the cartilage
conduction vibration unit. In so doing, the microphone can pick up
sound in proximity to mouth, both in the case of placing the single
cartilage conduction vibration unit against the right ear, and the
case of placing it against the left ear.
Thirty-Second Technical Feature
[1576] A thirty-second technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a sound signal
source unit for outputting a sound signal, an equalizer for
applying correction to a sound signal output from the sound signal
source unit, doing so on the basis of the vibration frequency
characteristics of ear cartilage, and a cartilage-conduction
vibration source vibrated by the sound signal corrected by the
equalizer. In so doing, there can be provided a cartilage
conduction mobile telephone incorporating a medical aspect relating
to vibration transmission in ear cartilage.
[1577] According to a specific feature, the equalizer performs
correction to boost the gain at the high end within the frequency
band at which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
vibrated. This configuration incorporates the medical knowledge
that, in the frequency characteristics of vibration transmission in
ear cartilage, vibrational acceleration is low at the high end
within the frequency band at which the cartilage-conduction
vibration source is vibrated.
[1578] According to a more specific feature, with the external
auditory meatus in the occluded state, the equalizer performs
correction to boost the gain at the high end within the frequency
band at which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
vibrated, to a level higher than the gain when the external
auditory meatus is in the unoccluded state. This configuration is
based on the medical knowledge that, during cartilage conduction
with the external auditory meatus in the unoccluded state, the
direct air conduction component is quite large at the high end
within the frequency band at which the cartilage-conduction
vibration source is vibrated. The configuration moreover takes into
account the fact that this direct air conduction component
disappears with the external auditory meatus in the occluded
state.
[1579] According to a more specific feature, the mobile telephone
has a detection unit for detecting pressing of the mobile telephone
against the ear cartilage, and when the output of the detection
unit is at or above a predetermined level, the equalizer performs
correction to boost the gain at the high end within the frequency
band at which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
vibrated, to a level higher than the gain when the external
auditory meatus is in the unoccluded state. In so doing,
equalization switching can take place in suitable fashion.
[1580] According to another more specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a detection unit for detecting environment noise, and
when the output of the detection unit is above a predetermined
level, the equalizer performs correction to boost the gain at the
high end within the frequency band at which the
cartilage-conduction vibration source is vibrated, to a level
higher than the gain when the external auditory meatus is in the
unoccluded state. This configuration is designed so that
equalization switching takes place on the assumption that, when
environment noise is above a predetermined level, the user will
press the mobile telephone against the ear cartilage to the extent
that the external auditory meatus entrance is occluded.
[1581] According to a more specific feature, the equalizer performs
correction to boost the gain at the high end within the frequency
band at which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
vibrated, to a level higher than the gain when the external
auditory meatus is in the unoccluded state, doing so on the basis
of a moving average output of a detection unit. In so doing,
equalization switching can takes place in a smooth manner while
preventing misoperation.
[1582] According to a more specific feature, when determined on the
basis of the output of the detection unit that the external
auditory meatus is obstructed, the equalizer performs correction to
rapidly boost the gain at the high end within the frequency band at
which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is vibrated, to a
level higher than the gain when the external auditory meatus is in
the unoccluded state; while halting correction to boost the gain,
when output changes of the detection unit have been ascertained
multiple times during a decision that the external auditory meatus
is unoccluded. This configuration is designed to perform
equalization rapidly when the external auditory meatus is occluded,
due to the fact that under this condition sounds audible through
the external auditory meatus occlusion effect are louder, and
changes in sound quality tend to be more noticeable; as well as to
prevent excessive equalization switching due to misoperation when
the external auditory meatus is unoccluded.
[1583] According to another specific feature, the mobile telephone
has an external sound output unit or a short-range wireless
communication unit, and the equalizer performs correction to boost
the gain at the high end within the frequency band at which the
cartilage-conduction vibration source is vibrated, to a level
higher than the gain in sound output from these external output
means. This configuration uses equalization appropriate to ordinary
air conduction as a benchmark, but incorporates a medical aspect
relating to the frequency characteristics of vibration transmission
in ear cartilage.
[1584] According to another specific feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone accessory device having an input unit for input of
a sound signal output from a mobile telephone, an equalizer for
applying correction to a sound signal from the input unit, doing so
on the basis of vibration transmission frequency characteristics of
ear cartilage, and a cartilage-conduction vibration source vibrated
by the sound signal corrected by the equalizer. In so doing, there
can be provided an accessory device for a mobile telephone, in
which sound output that uses equalization appropriate to ordinary
air conduction as a benchmark is input from the mobile telephone,
and on the basis thereof, cartilage conduction incorporating a
medical aspect relating to vibration transmission in ear cartilage
is achieved.
[1585] According to a specific feature, the equalizer performs
correction to boost the gain at the high end within the frequency
band at which the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
vibrated. Input of sound signals from the mobile telephone to the
accessory device may be carried out through a wired connection, or
through wireless short-range communication means such as
short-range wireless or infrared communication.
Thirty-Third Technical Feature
[1586] A thirty-third technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone in which elastic bodies
are interposed between an upper edge part of the mobile telephone
including both upper corners, and other sections of the mobile
telephone, and a cartilage-conduction vibration source is furnished
inside the upper edge part, such that there is substantially no
contact thereof with other sections of the mobile telephone. In so
doing, the upper edge of the mobile telephone including both upper
corners of the mobile telephone can be vibrated efficiently.
[1587] According to a specific feature, the cartilage-conduction
vibration source is furnished to the inside center of the upper
edge part. In so doing, both upper corners of the mobile telephone
can be vibrated efficiently, and an upper edge center part can be
vibrated efficiently as well.
[1588] According to another specific feature, the upper edge part
is an upper frame of the mobile telephone. In so doing, the upper
edge of the mobile telephone including both upper corners of the
mobile telephone can be vibrated efficiently, in a manner
consistent with the configuration of the mobile telephone.
According to a more specific feature, a front face panel of the
mobile telephone contacts the upper frame of the mobile telephone.
In so doing, suitable cartilage conduction from a front face upper
part of the mobile telephone may be obtained in a manner consistent
with the configuration of the mobile telephone.
[1589] According to a more specific feature, the mobile telephone
is furnished with two side frames situated with elastic bodies
interposed in relation to the upper frame, and contacting the front
face panel. In so doing, vibration of the lower front face panel is
effectively suppressed.
[1590] According to a more specific feature, a section of the front
face panel contacting the upper frame is at least partially thinner
than sections contacting the two side frames. In so doing,
vibration of the lower front face panel is effectively
suppressed.
[1591] According to another specific feature, the upper edge part
gives rise to cartilage conduction through ear cartilage, when
either of the two upper corners is placed in contact with the ear
cartilage. In so doing, it is possible take advantage of cartilage
conduction when using the mobile telephone.
[1592] According to another specific feature, the upper edge part
gives rise to cartilage conduction through ear cartilage when a
center part thereof is placed in contact with the ear cartilage. In
so doing, cartilage conduction may be obtained during use as an
ordinary mobile telephone.
[1593] According to another specific feature, the upper edge part
is configured to produce predetermined air-conducted sound. In so
doing, the air-conducted sound required of an ordinary mobile
telephone can be obtained, without furnishing an ordinary
speaker.
[1594] According to another specific feature, the upper edge part
is furnished with an external earphone jack which vibrates together
with the upper edge part. According to a more specific feature,
when detected that an external earphone plug has been inserted into
the external earphone jack, vibration of the cartilage-conduction
vibration source is prohibited. According to another specific
feature, an in-camera is situated in proximity to the upper edge
part, and when a mode for using the in-camera is detected,
vibration of the cartilage-conduction vibration source is
prohibited. According to another specific feature, the upper edge
part is furnished with a window through which a power switch can
move up or down without contacting the upper edge part.
[1595] According to another feature, there is provided a mobile
telephone having an antenna, and a cartilage-conduction vibration
source furnished to the antenna, for concomitantly employing the
antenna as a cartilage conduction unit. In so doing, suitable
cartilage conduction can be obtained from a front face upper part
of the mobile telephone in a manner consistent with the
configuration of the mobile telephone.
Thirty-Fourth Technical Feature
[1596] A thirty-fourth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a listening device having a cartilage
conduction unit for contacting the outside of the base of the ear,
and a cartilage-conduction vibration source for propagation of
vibration to the cartilage conduction unit. In so doing, the
external auditory meatus entrance region is completely free, and so
entry of sounds, such as a car horn, into the ear in an emergency
situation is unimpeded, nor is there the discomfort associated with
inserting an earphone or the like into the external auditory meatus
entrance. An external auditory meatus occluding effect can readily
be obtained, for example, by covering the ear with the hand in
order to enhance the cartilage conduction effect, whereby increased
volume and blockage of outside noise can be achieved.
[1597] According to a specific feature, the listening device
provided with the aforedescribed features has an ear-hook unit for
linear contact while hooked around the outside of the base of the
ear, the inner edge of the ear-hook unit functioning as the
cartilage conduction unit. In so doing, suitable holding of the
cartilage conduction unit, and satisfactory cartilage conduction,
can be achieved.
[1598] According to a more specific feature, the ear-hook unit is
configured of elastic material having acoustic impedance close to
that of ear cartilage. In so doing, satisfactory cartilage
conduction and a comfortable fit to the outside of the base of the
ear can be achieved.
[1599] According to another specific feature, the
cartilage-conduction vibration source is situated in proximity to a
section closest to the external auditory meatus entrance, at the
outside of the cartilage of the base of ear. In so doing, vibration
of the cartilage-conduction vibration source can generate
air-conducted sound from the external auditory meatus inner wall
through the agency of the cartilage surrounding the external
auditory meatus opening, which is then transmitted to the
eardrum.
[1600] According to a more specific feature, a piezoelectric
bimorph element is employed as the cartilage-conduction vibration
source, adopting a configuration in which one end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element is supported by the cartilage
conduction unit in proximity to a section closest to the external
auditory meatus entrance, at the outside of the cartilage of the
base of ear, and the other end side of the piezoelectric bimorph
element does not contact the cartilage conduction unit. According
to a more specific feature, an electromagnetic vibrator is employed
as the cartilage-conduction vibration source, the electromagnetic
vibrator being situated in proximity to a section closest to the
external auditory meatus entrance, at the outside of the cartilage
of the base of ear.
[1601] According to another more specific feature, the device has a
microphone, and a vibration transmission prevention means is
devised between the microphone and the cartilage conduction unit
contacting the outside of the base of the ear. In so doing, the
effects of vibration of the cartilage conduction unit on the
microphone can be reduced, in cases in which the listening device
of the present invention is applied to an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device for the purpose of making
calls.
[1602] According to another more specific feature, the vibration
transmission prevention means involves configuring the microphone,
a power supply unit, and a short-range communication unit for
communication with the mobile telephone as separate body from the
cartilage conduction unit, the cartilage-conduction vibration
source of the cartilage conduction unit and the separate body being
connected by flexible cable. According to another more specific
feature, a microphone, a power supply unit having a cell, a
short-range communication unit for communication with the mobile
telephone, and the cartilage conduction unit are configured as an
integrated body, the vibration transmission prevention means being
realized by situating the cell between the microphone and the
cartilage conduction unit in order to suppress vibration due to the
load of the cell.
[1603] According to another feature, there is provided a listening
device having a cartilage conduction unit having a passage hole at
the center, for insertion into the external auditory meatus
entrance, a shutter for opening and closing the passage hole, and a
shutter drive unit for driving opening and closing of the shutter
by a signal from the outside. In so doing, appropriate external
auditory meatus occluding effect can be obtained automatically, or
by a manual operation, without the need to push the cartilage
conduction unit or block the ear with the hand.
[1604] According to a specific feature, the listening device has a
parameter detection unit, and the shutter drive unit drives opening
or closing of the shutter through a signal from the parameter
detection unit. The parameter detection unit, for example, detects
outside noise, and when the outside noise is above a predetermined
level, generates a signal to occlude the shutter, or when the
outside noise is below a predetermined level, generates a signal to
unocclude the shutter. According to another specific feature, the
listening device has a manually-operated unit, and the shutter
drive unit drives opening or closing of the shutter through an
operation signal generated by operation of the manually-operated
unit.
[1605] According to another feature, there is provided a listening
device having an external auditory meatus insertion unit having a
passage hole at the center, for insertion into the external
auditory meatus entrance, a shutter for opening and closing the
passage hole, and a shutter drive unit for driving opening and
closing of the shutter by a signal from the outside. In so doing,
appropriate external auditory meatus occluding effect can be
obtained automatically, or by a manual operation, without the need
to push the cartilage conduction unit or block the ear with the
hand.
Thirty-Fifth Technical Feature
[1606] A thirty-fifth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides an outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device having
a cartilage conduction unit for contacting the mastoid side of the
region of attachment of the auricle, and a contact microphone. In
so doing, the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device can be worn
compactly on the head, making it possible, for example, for a
helmet or the like to be worn from above.
[1607] According to a specific feature, the
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device has a cell, the contact
microphone being isolated from the cartilage conduction unit by the
cell. In so doing, propagation of vibration of the cartilage
conduction unit to the contact microphone is suppressed by the
cell, making it possible for the contact microphone to be used in
suitable fashion. According to another specific feature, the
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device is furnished with canceling
means for canceling vibration of the cartilage conduction unit
picked up by the contact microphone. In so doing, it is possible
for the contact microphone to be used in suitable fashion.
[1608] According to another specific feature, the contact
microphone is furnished in proximity to the cartilage conduction
unit. In so doing, the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device can be
accommodated compactly in a space behind the ear, making it
possible, for example, for a helmet or the like to be worn from
above.
[1609] According to a more specific feature, the contact microphone
is situated contacting an area in proximity to the mastoid.
According to another more specific feature, the contact microphone
is situated contacting an area in proximity to the lower jaw.
According to another more specific feature, the contact microphone
is situated contacting an area in proximity to the mastoid side of
a sternomastoid muscle. With each of these features, suitable voice
pickup of can be achieved with the contact microphone in a compact
arrangement in proximity to the cartilage conduction unit.
[1610] According to another specific feature, the device has a
wireless communication capable of wireless communication with
external equipment. In so doing, the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk
device can be given a compact configuration, making it possible,
for example, for a helmet or the like to be worn from above.
[1611] According to another specific feature, cartilage conduction
units are furnished so as to respectively contact the mastoid side
of the region of attachment of the auricle in each ear. In so
doing, stereo listening becomes possible, and the constituent
elements of the outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device can be
apportioned among both ears, enhancing compactness of the
device.
[1612] According to a more specific feature, the
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device is furnished with a support unit
for supporting cartilage conduction units which are furnished for
both ears and linked thereto. According to a more specific feature,
the contact microphone is furnished to the support unit. According
to a specific feature, the contact microphone is situated so as to
pick up vibration of the sternomastoid muscle.
[1613] According to another specific feature, the contact
microphone is furnished asymmetrically with respect to cartilage
conduction units furnished for both ears, and mutually different
canceling is performed on the respective vibrations of the
cartilage conduction units picked up by the contact microphone.
[1614] According to another specific feature, cells are
respectively situated in proximity to cartilage conduction units
furnished for both ears. In so doing, there can be realized an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device in which the cells, which occupy
considerable volume, are situated in a compact arrangement, making
it possible, for example, for a helmet or the like to be worn from
above.
[1615] According to another feature, there is furnished an
outgoing-talk/incoming-talk device having a cartilage conduction
unit for contacting the mastoid side of the region of attachment of
the auricle, and a cover unit for covering an area in proximity to
the external auditory meatus entrance. In so doing, sounds obtained
through cartilage conduction unit can be heard at higher volume.
According to a specific feature, the cover unit is a helmet.
Thirty-Sixth Technical Feature
[1616] A thirty-sixth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a touch
panel/large-screen display unit, an external earphone jack, and a
controller for disabling the touch panel functions of the touch
panel/large-screen display unit when call-related functions are in
operation, excluding videoconferencing when the external earphone
jack is in use. It is thereby possible to prevent accidental
operation of the touch panel also when the external earphone jack
is being used.
[1617] According to a specific feature, the controller disables the
touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen display unit
on the basis of an incoming call response operation. It is thereby
possible to implement both required operation of the touch panel
and prevent of accidental operation. According to a more specific
feature, the controller disables the touch panel functions of the
touch panel/large-screen display unit after a predetermined time
from the incoming call response operation. It is thereby possible
to disable the touch panel functions suitable to a passive
operation such as an incoming call response.
[1618] According to a more specific feature, the controller
disables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit on the basis of a call start. It is thereby possible
to implement both operation required by the touch panel and prevent
accidental operation.
[1619] According to a more specific feature, the controller
disables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit on the basis of an incoming call response operation or
a call start, and has a different process for disabling in
accordance with which action the disabling is based.
[1620] In accordance with another specific feature, the controller
enables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit on the basis of a call cutoff operation using other
than the touch panel. It is thereby possible to implement both
operation using the touch panel as well as prevention of accidental
operation.
[1621] In accordance with another specific feature, the controller
disables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit when call-related functions, excluding
videoconferencing, are operating in a state in which the external
earphone jack is not being used. It is thereby possible to
implement both required operation using the touch panel as well as
prevention of accidental operation, regardless of the existence of
use of the external earphone jack.
[1622] In accordance with a more specific feature, the controller
disables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit when call-related functions, excluding
videoconferencing, are operating, by using means that differs
between when the external earphone jack is being used and not being
used. It is thereby possible to perform control suitable for use
and non-use of the earphone jack.
[1623] In accordance with another specific feature, the controller
disables the touch panel functions of the touch panel/large-screen
display unit when call-related functions, excluding
videoconferencing, are operating, by using shared means when the
external earphone jack is being used and not being used. It is
thereby possible to implement both required operation using the
touch panel as well as prevention of accidental operation using a
simple configuration.
[1624] In accordance with another specific feature, the shared
means disables the touch panel functions of the touch
panel/large-screen display unit on the basis of an incoming call
response operation or a call start, and enables the touch panel
functions of the touch panel/large-screen display unit on the basis
of a call cutoff operation other than by the touch panel.
[1625] In yet another specific feature, the shared means is a
proximity sensor and disables the touch panel functions of the
touch panel/large-screen display unit on the basis of detection of
proximity to the ear by the proximity sensor.
Thirty-Seventh Technical Feature
[1626] A thirty-seventh technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a cartilage
conduction unit, a power supply switch, and a description unit for
describing the method for using the cartilage conduction function,
the description lasting for a predetermined time starting from when
the power supply switch is turned on. A user who is unaware of the
cartilage conduction function can thereby use the function without
confusion.
[1627] In accordance with another feature, there is a provided a
mobile telephone having a cartilage conduction unit, a call
operation unit, and a description unit for starting a description
of the method for using the cartilage conduction function when the
call operation unit has been operated. A user who is unaware of the
cartilage conduction function can thereby use the function without
confusion. In accordance with a specific feature, the description
unit stops description when another party has responded to a
call.
[1628] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a cartilage conduction unit, and a
description unit for starting a description of the method for using
the cartilage conduction function when there is an incoming call. A
user who is unaware of the cartilage conduction function can
thereby use the function without confusion. In accordance with a
specific feature, the mobile telephone has an incoming call
response operation unit, and the description unit stops description
when the incoming call response operation unit has been
operated.
[1629] In accordance with the specific features above, the mobile
telephone has a stop operation unit capable of arbitrarily stopping
the description by the description unit. In accordance with a more
specific feature, the description unit does not provide description
after the stop operation unit has been operated.
[1630] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a normal-usage detection unit for detecting that the
cartilage conduction function is being used correctly, and the
description unit stops description when the normal-usage detection
unit has detected correct usage. In accordance with a more specific
feature, the description unit does not provide description after
the normal-usage detection unit has detected correct usage.
[1631] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a display unit, and the description unit displays the
description on the display unit.
[1632] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a proximity sensing unit, and the description unit
outputs a description announcement from the cartilage conduction
unit which the proximity sensing unit detects the mobile telephone
to be proximate to the ear.
[1633] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a tilt detection unit, and the description unit
provides a description for right-hand use at a first tilt and for
left-hand use at a second tilt.
[1634] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
listening device having a sound source device having a maximum
output to the exterior of 500 mVrms or more, and a pair of
cartilage conduction units for use with both ears that achieves a
vibration acceleration of 50 dB (reference value=10.sup.-6
m/sec.sup.2) or more to the rear surface side of the tragus when
there is input of 200 mVrms by connection to an external output of
the sound source device, wherein the cartilage conduction units are
each provided with a passage hole for introducing air-conducted
sound from the exterior to the entrance to the external auditory
meatus.
[1635] In accordance with a specific feature, the sound source
device has a controller for responding to an incoming call to an
external mobile telephone and stopping output to the pair of
cartilage conduction units.
Thirty-Eighth Technical Feature
[1636] A thirty-eighth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a cartilage conduction vibration source
device having a sound signal input unit for inputting a sound
signal, an acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing, for
purposes of cartilage conduction vibration, of the sound signal
input from the sound signal input unit, a power source input unit,
a voltage booster circuit unit for boosting an input voltage to the
power source input unit, and an amplifier unit for outputting a
processed signal processed by the acoustic processing unit to the
cartilage conduction vibration source as a drive signal, the
amplifier unit being supplied with power by the voltage booster
circuit unit. It is thereby possible for an advantageous cartilage
conduction vibration source to be readily driven in a manner suited
to cartilage conduction, by input of an ordinary sound signal and
driving by an ordinary power source. In accordance with a specific
feature, the sound signal input unit receives input of an analog
signal from the sound signal output unit; the acoustic processing
unit and the amplifier unit are composed of an analog circuit, and
the analog drive signal is outputted to a cartilage conduction
vibration source. The cartilage conduction vibration source can
thereby be readily and advantageously driven for cartilage
conduction based on sound output for an ordinary speaker. In
accordance with another specific feature, the sound signal input
unit receives input of an analog signal from the sound signal
output unit; the acoustic processing unit is composed of an AD
conversion circuit, a digital acoustic processing circuit, and a DA
conversion circuit; and the amplifier circuit is composed of an
analog circuit and outputs the output of the DA conversion circuit
to the cartilage conduction vibration source as an analog drive
signal. The cartilage conduction vibration source can thereby
advantageously driven at low cost for cartilage conduction based on
sound output for an ordinary speaker. In accordance with another
specific feature, the sound signal input unit receives input of a
digital signal from the sound signal output unit; the acoustic
processing unit is composed of a digital acoustic processing
circuit; and the amplifier circuit is composed of a digital circuit
and outputs the output of the digital acoustic processing circuit
to the cartilage conduction vibration source as a digital drive
signal. The cartilage conduction vibration source can thereby
advantageously driven using only a digital circuit for cartilage
conduction based on ordinary digital sound output. In accordance
with another specific feature, an amplifier unit and a switching
generator in the form of an IC are used as the voltage booster
circuit.
[1637] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device for receiving input of
a digital drive signal, and having a vibration source module
integrally composed of a low-pass filter for the drive signal and a
piezoelectric bimorph element serving as a cartilage conduction
vibration source. A low-pass filter is required when the
piezoelectric bimorph element is driven using a digital drive
signal, but it is possible to drive a cartilage conduction
vibration source suitable for cartilage conduction without the
burden of preparing and adjusting a low-pass filter by merely using
the above-described vibration source module.
[1638] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having: an audio
signal output unit for outputting an analog audio signal; an analog
audio signal input unit for receiving input of an analog audio
signal; an analog acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing
of audio signals inputted from the analog audio signal input unit
to produce cartilage conduction vibrations; an analog amplifier
unit for outputting the analog processing signal processed in the
analog acoustic processing unit to the cartilage conduction
vibration source as a drive signal; and a cartilage conduction
vibration source driven by the analog drive signal. An advantageous
cartilage conduction vibration source is thereby implemented by an
analog circuit.
[1639] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having: an audio
signal output unit for outputting an analog audio signal; an analog
audio signal input unit for receiving input of an analog audio
signal; an AD conversion circuit for converting an audio signal
inputted from the analog audio signal input unit into a digital
signal; a digital acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing
of the output of the AD conversion circuit to produce cartilage
conduction vibrations; a DA conversion circuit for converting
processed signals processed by the digital acoustic processing unit
into an analog signal; an analog amplifier unit for outputting the
output of the DA conversion circuit to the cartilage conduction
vibration source as a drive signal; and a cartilage conduction
vibration source driven by the analog drive signal. An advantageous
cartilage conduction vibration source is thereby implemented as
lower cost on the basis of analog audio output.
[1640] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having: an audio
signal output unit for outputting a digital audio signal; a digital
audio signal input unit for receiving input of a digital audio
signal; a digital acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing
of an audio signal inputted from the digital audio signal input
unit to produce cartilage conduction vibrations; a DA conversion
circuit for converting processed signals processed by the digital
acoustic processing unit into an analog signal; an analog amplifier
unit for outputting the output of the DA conversion circuit to the
cartilage conduction vibration source as a drive signal; and a
cartilage conduction vibration source driven by the analog drive
signal. An advantageous cartilage conduction vibration source is
thereby implemented as lower cost on the basis of digital audio
output.
[1641] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having: an audio
signal output unit for outputting a digital audio signal; a digital
audio signal input unit for receiving input of a digital audio
signal; a digital acoustic processing unit for acoustic processing
of an audio signal inputted from the digital audio signal input
unit to produce cartilage conduction vibrations; a digital
amplifier unit for outputting processed signals processed by the
digital acoustic processing unit to the cartilage conduction
vibration source as digital drive signals; a low-pass filter for
digital drive signals; and a cartilage conduction vibration source
driven by the drive signals that have passed through the low-pass
filter. An advantageous cartilage conduction vibration source is
thereby implemented by a digital circuit. In this case, the
low-pass filter and the cartilage conduction vibration source can
be integrated together and provided as a vibration source
module.
[1642] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
listening device having: a cartilage conduction vibration source
for vibrating in a direction that crosses the center axis of the
entrance of the external auditory meatus; and a cartilage
conduction unit for transmitting the vibrations of a cartilage
conduction vibration source to ear cartilage. It is thereby
possible to generate cartilage-air conduction with good efficiency
in the external auditory meatus. In accordance with another
specific feature, the configuration described above is useful when
the configuration is such that the cartilage conduction unit makes
contact with the mastoid process side of the auricle attachment
region. In accordance with another specific feature, the
configuration described above is useful when the configuration is
such that the cartilage conduction unit is in contact with the
front side of the tragus.
[1643] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
listening device having: an ear-wearing structure for sandwiching
the ear with a first cartilage conduction unit that makes contact
with the mastoid process side of the auricle attachment region and
a second cartilage conduction unit for making contact with the
front side of the tragus; and a cartilage conduction vibration
source for transmitting vibrations to the first and second
cartilage conduction unit. Stable wearing of the listening device
on the ear is thereby ensured by contact of the first and second
cartilage conduction units for good cartilage conduction. In
accordance with a specific feature, the wearing structure has a
linking part for transmitting vibrations between the first
cartilage conduction unit and the second cartilage conduction unit.
Vibration transmission to the first and second cartilage conduction
units is thereby possible even using a single cartilage conduction
vibration source. In accordance with another specific feature, the
cartilage conduction vibration source for transmitting vibrations
to the first and second cartilage conduction units vibrates in a
direction crosswise to the center axis of the entrance to the
external auditory meatus.
[1644] In accordance with another specific feature, the wearing
structure is configured so that the distance between first
cartilage conduction unit and the second cartilage conduction unit
is variable. It is thereby possible to achieve advantageous contact
with ear cartilage without dependency on personal differences. In
accordance with a further specific feature, the wearing structure
has a spring property for bringing the second cartilage conduction
unit closer to the first cartilage conduction unit.
[1645] In accordance with a further specific feature, a stereo
listening device having a pair of the listening devices as
described above for the left and right ears, wherein the wearing
structure in each of the pair of listening devices has an
adjustment unit for adjusting the strength of the spring property,
and visible display unit for achieving balance in the spring
property of the pair of listening devices. It is thereby possible
to adjust, in a simple manner, the balance of the stereo listening
device adapted to personal differences.
Thirty-Ninth Technical Feature
[1646] A thirty-ninth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having a cartilage
conduction unit and a cartilage conduction vibration source set in
each corner of the upper part of the mobile telephone, and the two
ends of the cartilage conduction vibration source are supported by
the cartilage conduction unit so that the center part of the
cartilage conduction vibration source is between the front surface
and the back surface and arranged near one or the other surface
without being in contact with either surface. Vibrations of the
cartilage conduction vibration source are thereby transmitted with
good efficiency to the cartilage conduction unit, the amount of
space that the center part of the cartilage conduction vibration
source occupies between the front surface and the back surface of
the mobile telephone is reduced, and arrangement of other
components in the upper part of the mobile telephone is
facilitated.
[1647] In accordance with a specific feature, the center part of
the cartilage conduction vibration source is bent from both ends so
as to be near the front surface or the back surface of the mobile
telephone. It is thereby possible bring the center part of the
cartilage conduction vibration source near to the front surface or
the back surface while comfortably supporting both ends of the
cartilage conduction unit.
[1648] In accordance with another specific feature, the direction
of vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source is the
direction crosswise to the front surface and back surface of the
mobile telephone. Satisfactory cartilage conduction can thereby be
achieved in the cartilage conduction unit, and the amount of space
that the center part of the cartilage conduction vibration source
occupies between the front surface and the back surface of the
mobile telephone is readily reduced. In accordance with a more
specific feature, the cartilage conduction vibration source has a
metal plate supported at two ends substantially parallel to the
front surface and back surface of the mobile telephone by the
cartilage conduction unit, and a piezoelectric ceramic disposed on
both sides of the metal plate. It is thereby possible to implement
a vibration direction of the cartilage conduction vibration source
that is crosswise to the front surface and back surface of the
mobile telephone.
[1649] In accordance with a further specific feature, a
piezoelectric ceramic is not provided to the two end parts of the
metal plate, and the two end parts are bent. It is thereby possible
to bring the center part of the cartilage conduction vibration
source provided with a piezoelectric ceramic near to the front
surface and back surface of the mobile telephone while comfortably
supporting the two ends of the metal plate.
[1650] In accordance with another specific feature, a circuit for
driving the piezoelectric ceramic is disposed on the metal plate.
In accordance with a further specific feature, a circuit for
driving the piezoelectric ceramic is disposed on the inner side of
the bend of the metal plate. Mounting of the cartilage conduction
vibration source circuit can thereby be facilitated. In a more
specific feature, the circuit has a voltage booster circuit, an
amplifier, a pair of power source terminals, and a pair of drive
signal input terminals.
[1651] In accordance with another specific feature, a center part
of the cartilage conduction vibration source is arranged near the
front surface of the mobile telephone, and an air-conducted sound
transit part for allowing passage of air-conducted sound generated
by the cartilage conduction vibration source is provided to the
front surface of the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to
hear sound mainly produced by air-conducted sound to carry out a
mobile telephone call by bringing the center of the upper part of
the mobile telephone to the ear.
[1652] In accordance with another feature, there is provided as
cartilage conduction vibration source device characterized in
having a metal plate, and a piezoelectric ceramic arranged on both
sides of the metal plate leaving both ends of the metal plate, the
two ends of the metal plate being bent. When such a cartilage
conduction vibration source device is mounted in a mobile
telephone, the center part of the cartilage conduction vibration
source provided with the piezoelectric ceramic can be brought close
to the obverse surface or the reverse surface of the mobile
telephone while comfortably supporting the two ends of the metal
plate. In accordance with a more specific feature, a circuit for
driving the piezoelectric ceramic is provided to the inner side of
the bending on the metal plate. In accordance with a further
specific feature, the circuit has a voltage booster circuit, an
amplifier, a pair of power source terminals, and a pair of drive
signal input terminals.
[1653] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a cartilage
conduction vibration source, a circuit for driving the cartilage
conduction vibration source, a pair of power source terminals, and
a pair of drive signal input terminals, these being integrally
modularized. Good cartilage conduction can be implemented without
adding other circuitry. In accordance with a more specific feature,
the circuit includes an acoustic processing circuit, a voltage
booster circuit, and an amplifier. Cartilage conduction vibration
with consideration given to the characteristics of cartilage
conduction can thereby be implemented without adding other
circuitry.
[1654] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a metal plate,
and a piezoelectric ceramic arranged on both sides of the metal
plate leaving both ends of the metal plate, the two ends of the
metal plate having surplus length. A shared cartilage conduction
vibration source device can thereby be mounted in various mobile
telephones. In accordance with a specific feature, the surplus
length is used for bending the two ends of the metal plate. In
accordance with another specific feature, the surplus length is
used for cutting the two ends of the metal plate.
[1655] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
cartilage conduction vibration source device having a metal plate,
and a piezoelectric ceramic arranged on both sides of the metal
plate leaving both ends of the metal plate, the piezoelectric
ceramic having the same structure as another cartilage conduction
vibration source, and the two ends of the metal plate being
different from another cartilage conduction vibration source. In
accordance with such a configuration, the piezoelectric ceramic
portion is shared to make mass production possible, and the two end
portions of the metal plate can be readily customized for mounting
in various mobile telephones. In accordance with a specific
feature, the two ends of the metal plate are bent so as to be
different from another cartilage conduction vibration source. In
accordance with another specific feature, the two ends of the metal
plate have different lengths from another cartilage conduction
vibration source.
Fortieth Technical Feature
[1656] The fortieth technical feature disclosed in the present
specification, there is provided a mobile telephone having: a
cartilage conduction unit set in each corner of the upper part of
the mobile telephone; a piezoelectric bimorph element serving as a
vibration source of the cartilage conduction unit; an analog output
amplifier for outputting audio signals to the piezoelectric bimorph
element; and backflow prevention means for preventing voltaic power
produced by an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element to the
analog output amplifier, the backflow prevention means being
disposed between the analog output amplifier and the piezoelectric
bimorph element. The corners of the mobile telephone are used as
cartilage conduction units, the corners being advantageous for
abutting against the tragus and other ear cartilage and are
locations which are prone to receiving direct impact when dropped,
and in the case that the piezoelectric bimorph element is used as
the vibration source thereof, it is thereby possible to prevent the
analog output amplifier from being broken by an impact pulse
produced by the piezoelectric bimorph element due to drop impact or
the like.
[1657] In accordance with a specific feature, the backflow
prevention means has a filter for allowing the audio signal band to
pass and cutting a band produced by an impact to the piezoelectric
bimorph element. An RC filter, an LC filter, or the like is
advantageous as such a filter.
[1658] In accordance with a more specific feature, the filter is a
low-pass filter that cuts a frequency band at or higher than the
audio signal band. In accordance with a further specific feature,
the low-pass filter cuts a frequency band of 8 kHz or higher. In
accordance with a further specific feature, the low-pass filter
cuts a frequency band of 4 kHz or higher.
[1659] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a tap detection unit for detecting an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element due to a finger tap, and the backflow
prevention means allows passage of impacts to the piezoelectric
bimorph element due to a finger tap.
[1660] In accordance with a further specific feature, the backflow
prevention means has a filter for allowing passage of an audio
signal band and an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element due
to a finger tap and cutting a band produced by an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element.
[1661] In accordance with a more specific feature, the filter is a
low-pass filter that cuts a frequency band at or above the audio
signal band and a band produced by an impact to the piezoelectric
bimorph element due to a finger tap.
[1662] In accordance with a further specific feature, the mobile
telephone has a tap detection unit for detecting an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element due to a finger tap, and the tap
detection unit detects an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph
element due to a finger tap without going through the backflow
prevention means. In accordance with a further specific feature,
the tap detection unit has a discrimination unit for discriminating
between an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element due to a
finger tap and a collision impact to the piezoelectric bimorph
element.
[1663] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a cartilage conduction unit set in each
corner of the upper part of the mobile telephone; a piezoelectric
bimorph element serving as a vibration source of the cartilage
conduction unit; an analog output amplifier for outputting audio
signals to the piezoelectric bimorph element; a tap detection unit
for detecting an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element due to
a finger tap; a filter for allowing passage of an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element due to a finger tap and cutting a
band produced by a collision impact to the piezoelectric bimorph
element, the filter being disposed between the analog output unit,
and the tap detection unit and piezoelectric bimorph element. It is
thereby possible to prevent errant detection when the piezoelectric
bimorph element serving as a vibration source of the cartilage
conduction unit is dually used to detect finger taps.
[1664] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a cartilage conduction unit set in each
corner of the upper part of the mobile telephone; a piezoelectric
bimorph element serving as a vibration source of the cartilage
conduction unit; an analog output amplifier for outputting audio
signals to the piezoelectric bimorph element; and a tap detection
unit for discriminating and detecting between an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element due to a finger tap and a collision
impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element. It is thereby possible
to prevent errant detection when the piezoelectric bimorph element
serving as a vibration source of the cartilage conduction unit is
dually used to detect finger taps.
[1665] In accordance with another feature, there is provided mobile
telephone having a piezoelectric bimorph element, and a tap
detection unit for detecting an impact to the piezoelectric bimorph
element due to a finger tap, the tap detection unit including a
discrimination unit for discriminating between an impact to the
piezoelectric bimorph element due to a finger tap and a collision
impact to the piezoelectric bimorph element. It is thereby possible
to prevent errant detection when the piezoelectric bimorph element
is used for detecting finger taps.
Forty-First Technical Feature
[1666] The forty-first technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having: a sound signal
source unit for outputting an audio signal; a cartilage conduction
vibration source vibrated by the audio signal from the sound signal
source unit; a cartilage conduction unit to which vibrations of the
cartilage conduction vibration source are transmitted; and an
equalizer for equalizing the audio signal so that the sound
pressure in the external auditory meatus produced by direct air
conduction and cartilage conduction generated by the cartilage
conduction unit is substantially flat in a predetermined frequency
region. It is thereby possible to hear satisfactory audio produced
by broad-sense cartilage conduction.
[1667] In accordance with a specific feature, the high-band-side
end of the predetermined frequency region is 3.4 kHz or higher. In
accordance with another specific feature, the high-band-side end of
the predetermined frequency region is 7 kHz or higher. In
accordance with yet another specific feature, the low-band-side end
of the predetermined frequency region is 300 Hz or lower.
[1668] In accordance with another specific feature, in the
equalization performed by the equalizer, the direct air-conducted
sound generated by the cartilage conduction unit is excessive in
the high-band portion of the predetermined frequency region. In
accordance with a further specific feature, in the equalization
performed by the equalizer, the direct air-conducted sound
generated by the cartilage conduction unit is excessive in the
high-band portion greater than about 3 kHz.
[1669] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a sound signal source unit for outputting
an audio signal; a cartilage conduction vibration source vibrated
by the audio signal from the sound signal source unit; a cartilage
conduction unit to which vibrations of the cartilage conduction
vibration source are transmitted; and an equalizer for equalizing
the audio signal so that the direct air-conducted sound generated
by the cartilage conduction unit is substantially flat in a
predetermined frequency region. A mobile telephone capable of
cartilage conduction and in which expected air-conducted sound can
be generated is thereby provided.
[1670] In accordance with another feature, in the equalization
performed by the equalizer, the sound pressure in the external
auditory meatus produced by direct air conduction and cartilage
conduction generated by the cartilage conduction unit is reduced in
the high-range portion in the predetermined frequency region. In
accordance with a more specific feature, in the equalization
performed by the equalizer, the sound pressure in the external
auditory meatus produced by direct air conduction and cartilage
conduction is reduced in a high-range portion higher than about 3
kHz.
[1671] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a sound signal source unit for outputting
an audio signal; a cartilage conduction vibration source vibrated
by the audio signal from the sound signal source unit; a cartilage
conduction unit to which vibrations of the cartilage conduction
vibration source are transmitted; and an equalizer for equalizing
the audio signal so that the external auditory meatus sound
pressure produced by cartilage conduction generated by the
cartilage conduction unit when the entrance to the external
auditory meatus is occluded is substantially flat in a
predetermined frequency region. It is thereby possible to hear
satisfactory audio when an external auditory meatus occluding
effect has occurred.
[1672] In accordance with another feature, in the equalization
performed by the equalizer, the sound pressure in the external
auditory meatus produced by direct air conduction and cartilage
conduction generated by the cartilage conduction unit is reduced in
a high-range portion in the predetermined frequency region.
[1673] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a sound signal source unit for outputting
an audio signal; a cartilage conduction vibration source vibrated
by the audio signal from the sound signal source unit; a cartilage
conduction unit to which vibrations of the cartilage conduction
vibration source are transmitted; and an equalizer capable of
switching between equalization of the audio signal in which the
sound pressure in the external auditory meatus produced by air
conduction and cartilage conduction generated by the cartilage
conduction unit is flat in the predetermined frequency region, and
equalization in which the direct air-conducted sound generated by
the cartilage conduction unit is substantially flat in the
predetermined frequency region. It is thereby possible to provide a
mobile telephone in which satisfactory audio produced by
broad-sense cartilage conduction can be heard and expected
air-conducted sound can be generated.
[1674] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a sound signal source unit for outputting
an audio signal; a cartilage conduction vibration source vibrated
by the audio signal from the sound signal source unit; a cartilage
conduction unit to which vibrations of the cartilage conduction
vibration source are transmitted; and an equalizer capable of
switching between equalization of the audio signal in which the
sound pressure in the external auditory meatus produced by direct
air-conducted sound and cartilage-conducted sound generated by the
cartilage conduction unit is flat in the predetermined frequency
region, and equalization in which the external auditory meatus
sound pressure produced by cartilage-conducted sound generated by
the cartilage conduction unit when the entrance to the external
auditory meatus is occluded is substantially flat in a
predetermined frequency region. It is thereby possible to hear
satisfactory audio when the external auditory meatus is occluded or
unoccluded.
[1675] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having: a sound signal source unit for outputting
an audio signal; a cartilage conduction vibration source vibrated
by the audio signal from the sound signal source unit; a cartilage
conduction unit to which vibrations of the cartilage conduction
vibration source are transmitted; and control unit for generating
from the cartilage conduction unit direct air-conducted sound and
cartilage-conducted sound in which the sound pressure in the
external auditory meatus is substantially flat in the predetermined
frequency region, and generating direct air-conducted sound which
is substantially flat in the predetermined frequency region, the
air-conducted sound being generated from the cartilage conduction
unit in the outer part of the ear. It is thereby possible to
provide a mobile telephone in which satisfactory audio produced by
broad-sense cartilage conduction can be heard and an expected
air-conducted sound can be generated by a single cartilage
conduction vibration source.
Forty-Second Technical Feature
[1676] The forty-second technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having: a sound signal
source unit for outputting an audio signal; an air conduction
speaker vibrated by the audio signal from the sound signal source
unit; a cartilage conduction unit; and a support structure for
supporting the air conduction speaker and transmitting vibrations
thereof to the cartilage conduction unit.
[1677] In accordance with the above configuration, first, a
required air-conducted sound can be generated by the air conduction
speaker in an ordinary mobile telephone, and the vibrations of the
air conduction speaker can also be used and transmitted to the
cartilage conduction unit, whereby both cartilage conduction and
the generation of air-conducted sound are possible.
[1678] In accordance with a specific feature, the support structure
transmits the counteractions of vibrations generated by the air
conduction speaker for air-conducted sound to the cartilage
conduction unit. It is thereby possible to use the vibration energy
of the air conduction speaker with good efficiency.
[1679] In accordance with a more specific feature, the cartilage
speaker has a first portion and a second portion, air-conducted
sound is generated from the first portion by relative movement
between the first portion and the second portion, and the second
portion is supported by a support structure, whereby the vibrations
of the second portion are transmitted to the cartilage conduction
unit. It is thereby possible to transmit the counteractions of the
vibrations generated by the air conduction speaker for
air-conducted sound to the cartilage conduction unit. In accordance
with a further specific feature, the first portion and the second
portion are weight distributed so that air-conducted sound is
generated and cartilage conduction as counteractions thereof
occurs.
[1680] In accordance with another specific feature, the air
conduction speaker is an electromagnetic speaker, the first portion
is a vibration plate, and the second portion is a holding portion
for holding the vibration plate so as to allow vibration. It is
thereby possible to configure a mobile telephone using an
electromagnetic speaker.
[1681] In accordance with another more specific feature, the air
conduction speaker is a piezoelectric bimorph-type speaker, the
first portion is the freely vibrating portion of the piezoelectric
bimorph, and the second portion is the support portion of the
piezoelectric bimorph. It is thereby possible to configure a mobile
telephone using a piezoelectric bimorph-type air conduction
speaker.
[1682] In accordance with another specific feature, the support
structure supports the air conduction speaker so that the air
conduction speaker does not make contact with other constituent
elements of the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to prevent
dispersion of vibration energy to unneeded portions, and to
implement cartilage conduction with good efficiency using the
generation of air-conducted sound at a required level and the
vibrations of the air conduction speaker.
[1683] In accordance with another specific feature, a cartilage
conduction unit is arranged in an upper corner of the mobile
telephone. It is thereby possible to configure a practical mobile
telephone that makes use of the characteristics of cartilage
conduction while also using the vibrations of an air conduction
speaker. In accordance with a further specific feature, the air
conduction speaker is arranged in the center of the upper part of
the mobile telephone. It is thereby possible to conduct a call on a
mobile telephone using conventional air-conducted sound.
[1684] In accordance with another specific feature, a hole for
air-conducted sound transit is provided near the air conduction
speaker. It is thereby possible to generate air-conducted sound at
a required level with good efficiency and to implement cartilage
conduction that also uses the vibrations of an air conduction
speaker.
[1685] In accordance with another specific feature, the
configuration has an upper frame, the two ends of the upper frame
are cartilage conduction units, and the center part of the upper
frame is an air conduction speaker support structure. It is thereby
possible to use the structure of the upper frame of a mobile
telephone to generate air-conducted sound at a required level and
implement cartilage conduction with good efficiency. In accordance
with a further specific feature, a seating part for an air
conduction speaker is provided as an air conduction speaker support
structure in the center part of the upper frame.
Forty-Third Technical Feature
[1686] The forty-third technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification has a sound signal output device having: a sound
signal source unit for a cartilage conduction unit; and a frequency
characteristics modification unit for modifying the mixture ratio
of a direct air conduction component and a cartilage conduction
component generated by the cartilage conduction unit, in accordance
with the magnitude of change in the sound signal from the sound
signal source unit. Listening that is adapted to changes in the
magnitude of the sound signal from the sound signal source unit is
thereby possible.
[1687] In accordance with a specific feature, the frequency
characteristics modification unit relatively increases the mixture
ratio of the cartilage conduction component in relation to the
direct air conduction component when the sound signal from the
sound signal source unit becomes smaller. It is thereby possible to
reduce noise when the sound signal from the sound signal source
unit has become smaller, and to adapt to a reduction in audibility
of low-pitched regions when the sound signal from the sound signal
source unit has become smaller.
[1688] In accordance with another specific feature, the frequency
characteristics modification unit varies the mixture ratio of the
direct air conduction component and the cartilage conduction
component generated by the cartilage conduction unit in accordance
with the temporal change in the magnitude of the sound signal.
Listening adapted to changes in the magnitude of the sound signal
while, e.g., a song is playing is thereby made possible. In
accordance with another specific feature, the frequency
characteristics modification unit varies the mixture ratio of the
direct air conduction component and the cartilage conduction
component generated by the cartilage conduction unit in accordance
with the average magnitude of the sound signal. Listening adapted
to the average volume is thereby possible.
[1689] In accordance with another specific feature, the
configuration has a signal sending unit, and the output of the
frequency characteristics modification unit is sent from the signal
sending unit to an external cartilage conduction unit. In
accordance with another specific feature, the sound signal output
unit is configured as a mobile telephone and the external cartilage
conduction unit is configured as a listening device for a mobile
telephone. In accordance with another specific feature, the sound
signal output unit is configured as a mobile music player, and the
external cartilage conduction unit is configured as a listening
device for a mobile music player.
[1690] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
sound signal output unit having: an audio call sound signal source
unit for a cartilage conduction unit; a song sound signal source
unit for the cartilage conduction unit; and a frequency
characteristics modification unit for varying the mixture ratio of
the direct air conduction component and the cartilage conduction
component generated by the cartilage conduction unit using the
sound signal from the audio call sound signal source unit and the
sound signal from the music sound signal source unit. It is thereby
possible to obtain a mixture ratio of the direct air conduction
component and the cartilage conduction component suitable for the
audio call sound signal source unit and the music sound signal
source unit. In accordance with a specific feature, the frequency
characteristics modification unit relatively increases the mixture
ratio of the direct air conduction component in relation to the
cartilage conduction component in the sound signal from the music
sound signal source unit than in the sound signal from the audio
call sound signal source unit.
[1691] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
sound signal output device configured as a mobile telephone and
having: a sound signal source unit for incoming call sounds; a
sound signal source unit for songs; and a signal sending unit for
sending sound signals from the sound signal source unit for songs
to an external stereo listening device, and sending sound signals
from the sound signal source unit for incoming call sounds in
alternating fashion to external left and right stereo listening
devices. It is thereby possible to control incoming call sounds
with high attention-attracting effect using the fact that the
device is a stereo listening device. In accordance with another
feature, the stereo listening device is worn on both ears without
blocking the ear holes.
[1692] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
sound signal output device configured as a mobile telephone and
having: a sound signal source unit for call sounds; a sound signal
source unit for songs; and a signal sending unit for sending sound
signals from the sound signal source unit for songs to an external
stereo listening device, and, in relation to sound signals from the
sound signal source unit for call sounds, distributing and sending
the sound signals from different parties to external left and right
stereo listening devices. It is thereby possible to carry out a
call without confusion using the fact that the device is a stereo
listening device. In accordance with another feature, the stereo
listening device is worn on both ears without blocking the ear
holes.
[1693] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
stereo listening device worn on both ears without block the ear
holes, the stereo listening device having: a sound source signal
output unit; an ambient sound detection unit; an ambient
sound-cancelling unit for inverting the waveform of ambient sound
detected by the detection unit and superimposing the inverted
waveform on the sound signal from the sound source signal output
unit; and a control unit for stopping the function of the ambient
sound-cancelling unit in predetermined conditions. Ambient sound
can thereby be heard from unblocked ear holes when required and
stereo listening unobstructed by unneeded ambient sound is
possible, even though the stereo listening device is worn on both
ears. In accordance with another feature, the stereo listening
device has a cartilage conduction unit driven by the sound signals
of sound source signal output unit in which ambient sound has been
inverted in waveform and superimposed.
[1694] In accordance with another specific feature, a predetermined
condition is a rapid increase in the ambient sound detected by the
detection unit. It is thereby possible to prevent the danger of
being unaware of, e.g., vehicle horns and the like. In accordance
with another specific feature, a predetermined condition is a human
voice being at a predetermined level or higher as detected by the
detection unit. It is thereby possible to prevent the rudeness of
being unaware of being spoken to by people nearby.
[1695] In accordance with another specific feature, the stereo
listening device has a receiver for receiving sound signals from a
mobile telephone, and when the receiver is receiving an incoming
call sound or a call sound, the control unit does not stop the
function of the ambient sound-cancelling unit even when the
detection unit detects a human voice at a predetermined level or
higher. It is thereby possible to give priority being unaware of an
incoming call or focusing on a call during a call.
Forty-Fourth Technical Feature
[1696] The forty-fourth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone that has a
directivity-variable microphone and that automatically switches the
directivity of the directivity-variable microphone to the left or
right depending on whether the mobile telephone is being held in
the left hand or the right hand. It is thereby possible to orient
the directivity of the microphone in the direction of the mouth of
a user and to pick up the voice of the user without being affected
by noise in the area, whether the mobile telephone is being held in
the left hand or the right hand.
[1697] In accordance with a specific feature, the mobile telephone
has a cartilage conduction unit provided to both corners in the
upper part of the mobile telephone, the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone is automatically switched depending
on which cartilage conduction unit has been brought to an ear. In a
mobile telephone that uses cartilage conduction, an upper corner of
the mobile telephone is brought the ear rather than the center part
of the upper end of the mobile telephone, and the tilt during usage
is thereby greater than that of an ordinary mobile telephone, and
since the microphone tends to be away from the mouth, the
configuration is useful in that the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone is automatically switched to the
left or right depending on which cartilage conduction unit is
brought to the ear.
[1698] In accordance with another specific feature, the
configuration has a tilt detection unit for detecting the tilt of
the mobile telephone, and the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone is automatically switched to the
left or right in accordance with the tilt detection of the tilt
detection unit. In accordance with a yet another specific feature,
the configuration has an air conduction speaker, and the
orientation of the directivity of the directivity-variable
microphone is automatically switched to the center when the air
conduction speaker is used. In accordance with a further specific
feature, the directivity of the directivity-variable microphone is
automatically switched to a wide angle when the mobile telephone is
in a horizontal state.
[1699] In accordance with another feature, the configuration has a
directivity-variable microphone and cartilage conduction unit
provided to both corners in the upper part of the mobile telephone,
and the directivity of the directivity-variable microphone is
automatically switched to the left or right depending on which
cartilage conduction unit is brought to the ear. It is thereby
possible to orient the directivity of the microphone in the
direction of the mouth of a user and to pick up the voice of the
user without being affected by noise in the area, no matter which
cartilage conduction unit has been brought to the ear.
[1700] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a directivity-variable microphone and a
tilt detection unit for detecting the tilt of the mobile telephone,
the orientation of the directivity of the directivity-variable
microphone being automatically switched in response to the
detection of the tilt detection unit. It is thereby possible to
obtain directivity of the microphone oriented in accordance with
the tilt of the mobile telephone.
[1701] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a directivity-variable microphone and tilt
detection unit for detecting the tilt of the mobile telephone, the
sharpness of the directivity of the directivity-variable microphone
being automatically switched in response to the tilt detection of
the tilt detection unit. It is thereby possible to obtain
directivity of the microphone having a sharpness that corresponds
to the tilt of the mobile telephone.
[1702] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a proximity sensor for detecting whether
the directivity-variable microphone and the mobile telephone has
been brought to the ear, the orientation of the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone being automatically switched in
response to the detection of the proximity sensor depending on
whether the mobile telephone has been brought to the ear. It is
thereby possible to obtain directivity of the microphone having an
orientation that corresponds to whether the mobile telephone has
been brought to the ear.
[1703] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a proximity sensor for detecting whether
the directivity-variable microphone and the mobile telephone has
been brought to the ear, the sharpness of the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone being automatically switched in
response to the detection of the proximity sensor depending on
whether the mobile telephone has been brought to the ear. It is
thereby possible to obtain directivity of the microphone having
sharpness that corresponds to whether the mobile telephone has been
brought to the ear.
[1704] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a directivity-variable microphone, and an
air conduction speaker and cartilage conduction unit provided to
both corners in the upper part of the mobile telephone, the
directivity of the directivity-variable microphone be automatically
switched depending on whether the cartilage conduction unit is to
be used or the air conduction speaker is to be used. It is thereby
possible to obtain directivity of the microphone that corresponds
to whether the mobile telephone has been brought to the ear in
correspondence to whether the cartilage conduction unit is to be
used or whether the air conduction speaker is to be used.
[1705] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a directivity-variable microphone, stereo
audio input being processed on the basis of the output of the
directivity-variable microphone when the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone is set to a wide angle. It is
thereby possible to use the output of the directivity-variable
microphone in the stereo audio input when the directivity of the
directivity-variable microphone is set to a wide angle.
Forty-Fifth Technical Feature
[1706] The forty-fifth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides a mobile telephone having: an upper edge
part including both corners of the upper part of the mobile
telephone where the cartilage conduction units are located, and an
elongated piezoelectric bimorph element supported at least at one
end by a support part of the inner-side center of upper edge part
and used for vibrating essentially without contact with the other
portions of the mobile telephone, the vibration of the support part
being transmitted from the upper edge part to both corners. It is
thereby possible to cause the piezoelectric bimorph element to
efficiently vibrate while the vibrations thereof are equally
transmitted to the cartilage conduction units in both corners.
[1707] In accordance with a specific feature, the piezoelectric
bimorph element is supported by the support part at one end in the
direction that intersects the upper edge part. It is thereby
possible to provide an arrangement in which space in not occupied
in the direction parallel to the upper edged part even though an
elongated piezoelectric bimorph element is used. In accordance with
a more specific feature, the piezoelectric bimorph element is
supported by the support part at one end perpendicular to the upper
edge.
[1708] In accordance with another specific feature, the
piezoelectric bimorph element is supported by the support part at
least at one end in the direction parallel to the upper edge part.
This configuration is useful when ensuring the piezoelectric
bimorph element does not occupy space below the upper edge part. In
accordance with another specific feature, the piezoelectric bimorph
element is configured so that one end is supported by the support
part, and the other end freely vibrates. In accordance with another
more specific feature, the piezoelectric bimorph element is
configured so that both ends are supported by a pair of support
parts provided in the inner-side center of the upper edge part, and
the center portion freely vibrates.
[1709] In accordance with another specific feature, the mobile
telephone has an obverse surface plate, and the piezoelectric
bimorph element vibrates in the direction perpendicular to the
surface plate. It is thereby possible for vibrations in the
direction perpendicular to the obverse surface plate to be
transmitted to both corners, and for satisfactory cartilage
conduction to the ear cartilage to be implemented. In accordance
with another specific feature, the mobile telephone has a back
surface plate, and the piezoelectric bimorph element is arranged
nearer to the obverse surface plate. It is thereby possible for the
piezoelectric bimorph element to be arranged so as to occupy no
space near the obverse surface plate of the upper part of the
mobile telephone. In accordance with a further specific feature,
the mobile telephone is configured so as to have an elastic body
interposed between the upper edge part and other portions, and so
that the vibration energy to the cartilage conduction unit is not
scattered to other portions of the mobile telephone.
[1710] In accordance with another specific feature, an earphone
jack is provided to the upper edge part. In accordance with further
specific feature, a control unit is provided for performing
different equalization in the output to the earphone jack and in
the output of the piezoelectric bimorph element. It is thereby
possible to perform equalization optimal for output to the earphone
jack and output for cartilage conduction. In accordance with a
further specific feature, the control unit performs air-conducted
sound equalization across a wide range to 20 kHz for the earphone
jack, and performs cartilage conduction equalization to 7 kHz for
the piezoelectric bimorph element. In accordance with a further
specific feature, the control unit performs equalization up to 7
kHz for the earphone jack when a call is carried out through the
earphone jack.
[1711] In accordance with another specific feature, the
configuration has determination means for determining the occluded
state of the external auditory meatus and superimposing a signal
for cancelling one's own voice on the output audio when the
determination means has determined that the external auditory
meatus is in an occluded state. Discomfort of hearing one's own
voice when the external auditory meatus is occluded can be reduced.
In accordance with a further specific feature, when the
determination means has deemed the external auditory meatus to be
in an occluded state when a call is carried out through the
earphone jack, a signal for cancelling one's own voice is
superimposed on the output audio to the earphone jack.
[1712] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone characterized in having an upper edge part the
includes the both upper part corners of the mobile telephone where
the cartilage conduction units are located, a back surface plate,
and a cartilage conduction vibration source supported by nearer to
the back surface plate of the inner-side center of the upper edge
part, the vibrations of the support part being transmitted to both
corners from the upper edge part. It is thereby possible for the
cartilage conduction vibration source to be arranged without
occupying space near the obverse surface plate of the upper part of
the mobile telephone.
[1713] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having a cartilage conduction unit, an earphone
jack, and a control unit for performing different equalization in
the output of the audio signal to the earphone jack and in the
output of the audio signal to the cartilage conduction unit. It is
thereby possible to perform suitable equalization in the output to
the earphone jack and the output for cartilage conduction.
[1714] In accordance with a specific feature, the control unit
performs air-conducted sound equalization across a broad range to
20 kHz in the output of the audio signal to the earphone jack, and
performs cartilage conduction equalization up to 7 kHz in the
output of the audio signal to the cartilage conduction unit. It is
thereby possible to perform broad-range equalization with
consideration given to playback of a music source when the earphone
jack is used, and to give priority to protecting privacy and
reducing nuisance to the surroundings, which are advantages of
cartilage conduction, and prevent generation of unpleasant
air-conducted sound in the surroundings even when there is slight
sound leakage of so-called raspy sounds or the like in the output
of the audio signal to the cartilage conduction unit.
[1715] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
mobile telephone having an earphone jack, a signal for cancelling
one's own voice being superimposed on the output audio to the
earphone jack when a call has been carried out via the earphone
jack. It is thereby possible to reduce discomfort of hearing one's
own voice when the external auditory meatus is occluded by usage of
an earphone or the like.
Forty-Sixth Technical Feature
[1716] The forty-sixth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides a stereo earphone characterized in being
provided with a pair of earphones having a cartilage conduction
unit composed of an elastic body provided with a passage hole, and
a branch part serving as a vibration source, the branch part being
connected at one end to the cartilage conduction unit. It is
thereby possible to implement a stereo earphone that adapts to the
shape of the ear and other personal differences and that is capable
of being used for enjoyment of music or the like by satisfactory
cartilage conduction with the external auditory meatus in an
unoccluded state
[1717] In accordance with a specific feature, the configuration has
a ring-like edge at the outer periphery of the passage hole. The
passage hole can thereby be readily occluded using the body of a
finger to press on the earphone, and an occluded state of the
external auditory meatus can be achieved.
[1718] In accordance with another specific feature, the branch part
has a sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source is connected to
the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof. The branch part can thereby
function as a knob when the earphone is to be worn or removed, and
no force is applied to the piezoelectric bimorph during wearing or
removal. In accordance with a further specific feature, the sheath
is configured so as to be capable of sliding with respect to the
cartilage conduction unit to open and close the passage hole. The
piezoelectric bimorph slides, yet is stably connected to the
cartilage conduction unit.
[1719] In accordance with another feature, there is provided a
stereo earphone provided with a pair of earphones having a
cartilage conduction unit composed of a deformable elastic body and
a branch part serving as a vibration source, one end being
connected to the cartilage conduction unit. It is thereby possible
to readily switch the external auditory meatus from an occluded
state to an unoccluded state by deformation of the cartilage
conduction unit.
[1720] In accordance with specific feature, the branch part has a
sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source is connected to
the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof. No force is thereby applied to
the piezoelectric bimorph during deformation. In accordance with a
further specific feature, the elastic body has a hollow part that
facilitates elastic deformation.
[1721] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having a cartilage conduction unit composed provided with
a passage hole, and a branch part serving as a vibration source,
one end being slidably connected to the cartilage conduction unit,
the passage hole being configured to open and closed by the sliding
of the branch part. Provided thereby are stereo earphones that can
be used to switch the external auditory meatus from an occluded
state to an unoccluded state.
[1722] In accordance with a specific feature, the branch part has a
sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source is connected to
the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof, and the passage is opened and
closed by the sliding of the sheath. The piezoelectric bimorph
itself is thereby stably joined to the cartilage conduction unit
without sliding when the passage hold is opened and closed.
[1723] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit which has a shape
that allows insertion into the entrance to the external auditory
meatus and allows accommodation in the cavum conchae; and a
vibration source connected to the cartilage conduction unit. The
external auditory meatus can thereby be readily switched between an
occluded state and an unoccluded state. In accordance with specific
feature, the vibration source is a branch part, one end of which is
connected to the cartilage conduction unit. The branch part is used
as a knob and the external auditory meatus can thereby be readily
switched between an occluded state and an unoccluded state.
[1724] In accordance with a specific feature, the branch part has a
sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source is connected to
the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof. Force is thereby not applied
to the piezoelectric bimorph even when the branch part is used as a
knob.
[1725] In accordance with another feature, there is proposed a
method for using a cartilage conduction earphone for switching the
external auditory meatus between an occluded state and an
unoccluded state by inserting the cartilage conduction unit in the
entrance to the external auditory meatus or accommodating the
cartilage conduction unit in the cavum conchae. It is thereby
possible to use the stereo earphones when the external auditory
meatus is in an occluded state or an unoccluded state by making use
of the structure of the ear.
Forty-Seventh Technical Feature
[1726] The forty-seventh technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides stereo earphones characterized in being
provided with a pair of earphones having: a cartilage conduction
unit; and a branch part serving as a vibration source, one end
being connected to the cartilage conduction unit and the thickness
in the ear hole direction being less than the thickness in the
direction orthogonal thereto. It is thereby possible for even a
person having a narrow intertragic notch to wear the earphone so
that the branch part hangs downward from the lower part of the
cavum conchae to the intertragic notch, and the earphone can be
fitted to the shape of the ear and worn regardless of personal
differences.
[1727] In accordance with a specific feature, the branch part has a
sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source is connected to
the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof. In accordance with a further
specific feature, the direction of vibration of the piezoelectric
bimorph is the direction that transverses the entrance to the
external auditory meatus. Since the piezoelectric bimorph vibrates
in the direction of low thickness, this setting of the direction of
vibration is suitable for configuring the branch part, which has a
thickness in the ear hole direction that is less than the thickness
in the direction orthogonal thereto.
[1728] In accordance with another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit has a passage hole formed in the direction of the
ear hole, and a support part for holding the upper end of the
piezoelectric bimorph further above the lower end of the passage
hole. In accordance with a further specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit has a thick part at the periphery of the passage
hole, and the thick part is a support part. Support of the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as the vibration source is thereby
ensured. In accordance with a further specific feature, the thick
part is provided to the tragus side. Cartilage conduction can
thereby be implemented with good efficiency.
[1729] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit capable of being
accommodated in the cavum conchae; a branch part serving as a
vibration source with one end being connected to the cartilage
conduction unit, and a movable earplug part supported above the
cartilage conduction unit. The movable earplug part can thereby be
moved between a position inserted into the entrance to the external
auditory meatus and a position removed from the entrance to the
external auditory meatus while the cartilage conduction unit is
accommodated in the cavum conchae, and it is possible to readily
switch between listening by cartilage conduction that does not
interfere with hearing external sounds and cartilage conduction
with the external auditory meatus in an occluded state. The
cartilage conduction unit is preferably accommodated in the lower
part of the cavum conchae.
[1730] In accordance with another feature, the movable earplug part
makes contact with the inner wall of the anthelix in a position
removed from the entrance to the external auditory meatus. It is
thereby possible to stably accommodate the cartilage conduction
unit in the cavum conchae when listening by cartilage conduction
that does not interfere with hearing external sounds. In accordance
with a more specific feature, the movable earplug part is supported
in the cartilage conduction unit by a movable lever.
[1731] In accordance with another specific feature, the movable
earplug part is positioned near the entrance to the external
auditory meatus in a position removed from the entrance to the
external auditory meatus. It is thereby possible to make use of the
movable earplug part as an auxiliary vibration part for generating
air conduction for listening by cartilage conduction that does not
interfere with hearing external sounds. In accordance with a more
specific feature, the movable earplug part is supported in the
cartilage conduction unit by an elastic body. In accordance with a
further specific feature, the cartilage conduction unit and movable
earplug part are integrally molded together using an elastic
material.
[1732] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit having a passage hole
formed through in the ear hole direction and a thick part at the
periphery of the passage hole; and branch part serving as a
vibration source, one end being connected to the cartilage
conduction unit by the thick part further above the lower end of
the passage hole. Reliable support of the branch part is thereby
made possible. In accordance with a specific feature, the branch
part has a sheath connected to the thick part and supports the
piezoelectric bimorph serving as a vibration source on the thick
part so that the upper end of the piezoelectric bimorph comes
further above the lower end of the passage hole without being in
contact with the inner wall thereof. It is thereby possible to
reliably support the upper end of the piezoelectric bimorph. In
accordance with another specific feature, the thick part is
provided to the tragus side.
[1733] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit having a passage hole
formed through the ear hole direction and a thick part on the
tragus side of the passage hole; and a branch part serving as a
vibration source supported by the thick part. It is thereby
possible to reliably support the branch part serving as a vibration
source while making it possible to listen by cartilage conduction
with good efficiency without interfering with hearing external
sounds through the passage hole.
[1734] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit; and a branch part
serving as a vibration source, one end being connected to the
cartilage conduction unit and the direction of vibration being in
the direction that transverses the entrance to the external
auditory meatus. It is thereby possible for vibrations
substantially orthogonal to the direction of the external auditory
meatus to be transmitted to, e.g., the inner side of the tragus or
other ear cartilage.
[1735] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a branch part serving as a vibration source, one
end being connected to the cartilage conduction unit; and a guide
part provided to the branch part and used for directing the branch
part to the intertragic notch. It is thereby possible to stably
position the branch part in the intertragic notch when the earphone
is worn, and to make the branch part wedge into the intertragic
notch with close adhesion so that the earphone is less liable to
fall out from the cavum conchae.
Forty-Eighth Technical Feature
[1736] The forty-eighth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides stereo earphones characterized in being
provided with a pair of earphones having a cartilage conduction
unit and an adhesive sheet provided to the contact part of the
cartilage conduction unit and the ear cartilage. It is thereby
possible to prevent the cartilage conduction unit from falling away
from the ear cartilage and to implement satisfactory cartilage
conduction
[1737] In accordance with another feature, the adhesive sheet is
provided to the portion where the cartilage conduction unit makes
contact with the cavum conchae. The cartilage conduction unit can
thereby be adhered to the ear cartilage with good efficiency using
the adhesive sheet. In accordance with a more specific feature, an
earplug part is provided in a position in which the adhesive sheet
is not provided in the cartilage conduction unit. It is thereby
possible to arbitrarily select a state in which the external
auditory meatus is occluded by the earplug part and a state in
which external sounds enter through the gap between earplug part
and the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and regardless of
this selection, the adhesion of the cartilage conduction unit can
be maintained by the adhesive sheet.
[1738] In accordance with another different specific feature, the
cartilage conduction unit has an earplug part, and the adhesive
sheet is provided to the earplug part. In accordance therewith, it
is possible to arbitrarily select a state in which the earplug part
is adhered to the entrance to the external auditory meatus and a
state in which the earplug part is removed from the entrance to the
external auditory meatus and made to adhere to the cavum conchae
and the like.
[1739] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit capable of being worn
in the entrance to the external auditory meatus; and a plurality of
elastic projection parts provided to the cartilage conduction unit
so as to be capable of making contact with the entrance to the
external auditory meatus. It is thereby possible to prevent the
cartilage conduction unit from falling away from the ear
cartilage.
[1740] In accordance with a specific feature, the elastic
projection parts are in contact with the entrance to the external
auditory meatus in a first worn state in the entrance to the
external auditory meatus to thereby create a gap between the
cartilage conduction unit and the entrance to the external auditory
meatus, and are embedded in the cartilage conduction unit in a
second worn state in the entrance to the external auditory meatus
to create a state in which the external auditory meatus is occluded
by the cartilage conduction unit. It is thereby possible to
arbitrarily select a state in which the entrance to the external
auditory meatus is occluded by the cartilage conduction unit, and a
state in which external sounds enter through a gap between the
cartilage conduction unit and the entrance to the external auditory
meatus, and it is possible to prevent the cartilage conduction unit
from falling out from the entrance to the external auditory meatus
regardless of the selection.
[1741] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit; a branch part
serving as a vibration source, one end being connected to the
cartilage conduction unit; and an additional branch part serving as
an additional vibration source, one end being connected to the
cartilage conduction unit. It is thereby possible to implement
cartilage conduction in a state in which the vibrations of the two
vibration sources have been physically mixed in a shared cartilage
conduction unit.
[1742] In accordance with a specific feature, the branch part is
arranged so as to fit into the intertragic notch and so that the
additional branch part fits into the incisura anterior. The branch
part and the additional branch part thereby straddle the tragus,
and the positioning and perception of stability is enhanced when
the cartilage conduction unit is worn.
[1743] In accordance with another specific feature, the branch part
has a sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit, the
piezoelectric bimorph element serving as a vibration source is
connected to the cartilage conduction unit inside the sheath
without being in contact with the inner wall thereof, the
additionally branch part has an additional sheath connected to the
cartilage conduction unit, and the piezoelectric bimorph element
serving as an additional vibration source is connected to the
cartilage conduction unit inside the additional sheath without
being in contact with the inner wall thereof. It is thereby
possible to effective protect and support two vibration
sources.
[1744] In accordance with another specific feature, audio signals
differently equalized in the vibration source and the additional
vibration source are inputted from different channels,
respectively. The vibration source and equalization can thereby be
apportioned and cartilage conduction of the audio signals can be
implemented using effective frequency characteristics.
[1745] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo earphones characterized in being provided with a pair of
earphones having: a cartilage conduction unit having a connection
part; a piezoelectric bimorph element supported by the connection
part; and a sheath connected to the cartilage conduction unit by
covering the connection part from the outer side and used for
protecting the piezoelectric bimorph element so that there is no
contact with the inner wall. This is a useful configuration for
connecting the piezoelectric bimorph to the cartilage conduction
unit and protecting the piezoelectric bimorph element with the
sheath.
Forty-Ninth Technical Feature
[1746] The forty-ninth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides earphones characterized in having a
cartilage conduction unit in close adhesion with the rear outer
side of the base of the auricle. It is thereby possible to provide
an earphone that does not have a portion for covering the auricle
and is capable of a listening style in which the ear hole is
open.
[1747] In accordance with another feature, the cartilage conduction
unit is made to closely adhere to the auricle while avoiding the
outer-side area above the base of the auricle. Cartilage conduction
can thereby be transmitted with good efficiency regardless where
the cartilage conduction unit is arranged on the outer side of the
ear cartilage, the cartilage conduction unit can be prevented from
interfering with the bows of glasses when glasses are being worn,
and the configuration is advantageous in that use is allowed
regardless of whether glasses are being worn.
[1748] In accordance with another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit is made to closely adhere to the base of the
auricle facing the mastoid process of the temporal bone. Stable
wearing and cartilage conduction with good efficiency are thereby
possible.
[1749] In accordance with a more specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit has a shape that fits and wedges into the gap
formed between the base of the auricle and the mastoid process of
the temporal bone. In accordance with another specific feature, the
cartilage conduction unit has a shape that fits around the base
auricle. In accordance with yet another specific feature, the
cartilage conduction unit has a shape that fits the outer side of
the auricle near the base of the auricle.
[1750] In accordance with another specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit is bent so as to fit around the base of the
auricle. Advantageous wearing on the outer side of the auricle is
thereby made possible even when the earphone is elongated. In
accordance with another specific feature, the cartilage conduction
unit has an adhesive sheet provided so as to closely adhere to the
rear outer side of the base of the auricle. In accordance with yet
another feature, stereo earphones provided with a pair of earphones
are constituted. In accordance with a further specific feature, the
pair of earphones has a symmetrical shape so as to fit the reverse
sides of the left and right of the auricles.
[1751] In accordance with another feature, there is provided an
earphone characterized in having a cartilage conduction unit and an
adhesive sheet provided to the cartilage conduction unit so as to
closely adhere to the outer side of the auricle. Stable wearing and
cartilage conduction with good efficiency are thereby possible on
the outer side of the auricle. In accordance with a specific
feature, the cartilage conduction unit is made to closely adhere to
the auricle while avoiding the outer-side area above the base of
the auricle.
[1752] In accordance with another specific feature, stereo
earphones provided with a pair of earphones are constituted. Stereo
earphones in a state in which both ears are open are thereby
provided.
[1753] In accordance with another specific feature, the pair of
earphones has a symmetrical shape so as to fit the reverse sides of
the left and right of the auricles. Advantageous wearing is thereby
possible without confusion of left and right.
[1754] In accordance with further specific feature, the adhesive
sheets of the pair of earphones have mutually symmetrical shapes.
It is thereby possible to prevent left-right confusion when the
adhesive sheet is replaced.
[1755] In accordance with another feature, there is provided an
earphone characterized in having a pair of earphones having a
cartilage conduction unit that closely adheres to the outer side of
the auricle, and the pair of earphones has mutually symmetrical
shapes. Provided thereby are stereo earphones in which left and
right ears are open and in which wearing is possible without
left-right confusion. In accordance with a specific feature, the
cartilage conduction unit is made to closely adhere to the auricle
while avoiding the outer-side area above the left and right bases
of the auricles.
Fiftieth Technical Feature
[1756] The fiftieth technical aspect disclosed in the present
specification provides stereo headphones having: a speaker for
generating air-conducted sound, an ear pad for making contact with
the auricle; and a cartilage conduction vibration source for
transmitting vibrations using the ear pad as a cartilage conduction
vibration source. Audio listening enhanced in the high-pitched
regions to the low-pitched regions is made possible thereby.
[1757] In accordance with a specific feature, cartilage conduction
vibration source is capable of independently controlling the
speaker. In accordance with further specific feature, the cartilage
conduction unit and the speaker are driven using audio signals that
have been differently equalized. Control that makes use of the
features of cartilage conduction and air conduction can thereby be
carried out.
[1758] In accordance with another more specific feature, the
headphones have an ambient sound microphone. Ambient sound picked
up from the ambient sound microphone are inverted in phase and
outputted from the speaker, yet are not outputted from the
cartilage conduction vibration source. Noise cancellation of
ambient sounds that makes use of the features of cartilage
conduction and air conduction can thereby be carried out.
[1759] In accordance with another more specific feature, the
headphones have an ambient sound microphone, and ambient sound
picked up from the ambient sound microphone are outputted from the
speaker without being inverted in phase, and are not outputted from
the cartilage conduction vibration source. Ambient sounds can
thereby be introduced while making use of the features of cartilage
conduction and air conduction. In accordance with a further
specific feature, it is possible to select whether ambient sounds
picked up from the ambient sound microphone are to be outputted
from the speaker without being inverted in phase.
[1760] In accordance with another specific feature, the headphones
are provided with transmitting means for transmitting the
vibrations of the speaker to the ear pad as a cartilage conduction
vibration source. Audio listening enhanced by air conduction and
cartilage conduction is thereby made possible on the basis of a
shared vibration source that makes use of the configuration of the
headphones. In accordance with a more specific feature, the speaker
is supported by the ear pad to form transmitting means.
[1761] In accordance with another more specific feature, the
headphones have a piezoelectric bimorph element, the center part of
the piezoelectric bimorph element is used as a speaker, and both
ends of the piezoelectric bimorph element are each supported by the
ear pad. In accordance with another more specific feature, the
headphones have a piezoelectric bimorph element, one end of the
piezoelectric bimorph element is used as the speaker and the other
end of the piezoelectric bimorph element is supported by the ear
pad. In accordance with these features, audio listening with
enhanced air conduction and cartilage conduction is possible using
the configuration of the headphones and the configuration of the
piezoelectric bimorph.
[1762] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo headphones having a speaker for generating air-conducted
sound, a cartilage conduction vibration source, and an ambient
sound microphone, ambient sounds picked up from the ambient sound
microphone being inverted in phase and outputted from the speaker,
yet not being outputted from the cartilage conduction unit. Noise
cancellation of ambient sounds that makes use of the features of
cartilage conduction and air conduction can thereby be carried
out.
[1763] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo headphones having an audio output unit and an ambient sound
microphone, the stereo headphones being capable of outputting
ambient sounds picked up by the ambient sound microphone from audio
output init without being inverted in phase, and selecting whether
ambient sounds picked up by the ambient sound microphone are to be
outputted from the audio output unit without being inverted in
phase or not. The conditions for hearing ambient sounds can thereby
be arbitrarily implemented even when the headphones are in use. In
accordance with a specific feature, the headphones furthermore has
a cartilage conduction vibration source, and ambient sounds picked
up from the ambient sound microphone are outputted from the audio
output unit without being inverted in phase, and in this process,
are not outputted from the cartilage conduction unit. Ambient
sounds can thereby be introduced while making use of the features
of cartilage conduction and air conduction.
[1764] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo headphones having an audio output unit and an ambient sound
microphone, the stereo headphones being capable of selecting
whether ambient sounds picked up from the ambient sound microphone
are to be inverted in phase and outputted from the audio output
unit, or are to be outputted from the audio output unit without
being inverted in phase. It is thereby possible to more effectively
make use of the ambient sound microphone. In accordance with a
specific feature, the headphones have a cartilage conduction
vibration source, and ambient sounds picked up from the ambient
sound microphone are to be outputted from the audio output unit, or
are not to be outputted from the cartilage conduction unit. It is
thereby possible to carry out control that matches the traits of
ambient sounds and cartilage conduction.
[1765] In accordance with another feature, there are provided
stereo headphones having a speaker for generating air-conducted
sound, a cartilage conduction vibration source, and an ambient
sound microphone, ambient sounds picked up from the ambient sound
microphone being outputted from the speaker, yet not being
outputted from the cartilage conduction unit. It is thereby
possible to carry out control that matches the traits of ambient
sounds and cartilage conduction.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[1766] The various inventions disclosed in the present
specification can be applied to incoming-talk devices such as
mobile telephones, telephone handsets and other audio output
devices, cartilage conduction vibration source devices or cartilage
conduction source vibration devices for a mobile telephone, mobile
telephone soft covers, headsets, soft covers and other mobile
telephone auxiliary devices, and headsets used as mobile
telephones, as well as headsets used as mobile telephones and other
outgoing talk/incoming talk devices; and also mobile telephones,
mobile music terminals, and other sound signal output devices, and
listening devices, outgoing talk/incoming talk devices, or stereo
headphones such as headsets for receiving sound signals of these
sound signal output devices.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[1767] 9205 Touch panel/large-screen display unit [1768] 7846
External earphone jack [1769] 9239 Controller [1770] 8224, 8226,
8227 Cartilage conduction unit [1771] 9305a, 9305b, 9305c, 51
Description unit [1772] 9484 Sound source device [1773] 8524a,
8526a, 9424a Passage hole [1774] 8524, 8526, 9424 Cartilage
conduction unit [1775] 7036, 7136, 7236 Audio signal input unit
[1776] 7038, 7138 Acoustic processing unit [1777] 7054a Power input
unit [1778] 7054 Voltage booster circuit [1779] 7040a, 7040b,
7240a, 7240b, 7340a, 7340b Amplifier unit [1780] 7013, 7313
Cartilage conduction vibration source [1781] 7313a Low-pass filter
[1782] 7313 Vibration source module [1783] 7039 Audio signal output
unit [1784] 8325 Cartilage conduction vibration source [1785]
9582a, 9582b Cartilage conduction unit [1786] 9582a First cartilage
conduction unit [1787] 9582b Second cartilage conduction unit
[1788] 9582 Linking unit [1789] 9582c, 9582f, 9582h, 9582i Fitting
structure [1790] 9582i Adjustment unit [1791] 9582j, 9582k Visible
display unit [1792] 4263a, 4363b Cartilage conduction unit [1793]
9625 Cartilage conduction vibration source [1794] 9625a Center part
[1795] 9697c, 9697d Both ends [1796] 9697 Metal plate [1797] 6968
9699 Piezoelectric ceramic [1798] 9639 Circuit [1799] 9654 Voltage
booster circuit [1800] Vcc, G Power terminal [1801] IN1, IN2 Drive
signal input terminal [1802] 9601b Air conduction sound transit
part [1803] 9638 Acoustic processing circuit [1804] 9697e, 9697f
Length of available space [1805] 9724 Cartilage conduction unit
[1806] 9725 Piezoelectric bimorph element [1807] 9740 Analog output
amplifier [1808] 9740a Backflow prevention means [1809] 9740a
Filter [1810] 9740a RC filter [1811] 9740a LC filter [1812] 9740a
Low-pass filter [1813] 9742, 9742a Tap detection unit [1814] 9742b,
9742c Discrimination unit [1815] 9839 Sound signal source unit
[1816] 7013 Cartilage conduction vibration source [1817] 9824
Cartilage conduction unit [1818] 9838a, 9838b, 9838c Equalizer
[1819] 9838, 9839 Controller [1820] 45 Sound signal source unit
[1821] 9925, 2525, 10024k Air conduction speaker [1822] 8224, 8226,
6124 Cartilage conduction unit [1823] 8227a, 6124 Support structure
[1824] 9224k, 4324m, 9924n, 2525b, 10024k First portion [1825]
9224h, 4324f, 4324g, 4324j, 2525c Second portion [1826] 9901b,
10001b Hole for air conduction sound transit [1827] 6127 Upper
frame [1828] 11084 Sound signal source unit [1829] 11036 Frequency
characteristics modification unit [1830] 1446 Signal transmission
unit [1831] 1626 External cartilage conduction unit [1832] 11001
Mobile telephone [1833] 11081a, 11081b Stereo listening device
[1834] 11084b Mobile music player [1835] 45 Audio communication
sound signal source unit [1836] 11084 Song sound signal source unit
[1837] 45 Sound signal source unit for ring alerts [1838] 11038
Environmental noise detection unit [1839] 1636, 1640 Environmental
noise cancellation unit [1840] 12023a, 12023b, 12023c
Directivity-variable microphone [1841] 12024, 12026 Cartilage
conduction unit [1842] 49 Tilt detection unit [1843] 19, 20, 21
Proximity sensor [1844] 51 Air conduction speaker [1845] 8224, 8226
Cartilage conduction unit [1846] 8227 Upper edge part [1847] 8227c,
8227d, 8227e, 8227f Support part [1848] 13025, 14025, 15025
Piezoelectric bimorph element [1849] 8227e, 8227f Pair of support
parts [1850] 8201a Front panel [1851] 8201b Back panel [1852] 8201f
Elastic body [1853] 8246, 5313 Earphone jack [1854] 5339 Controller
[1855] 242, 8246, 5339 External auditory meatus occlusion
determination unit [1856] 13025, 14025, 15025 Cartilage conduction
vibration source [1857] 16024a, 17024a Penetration hole [1858]
16024, 17024, 18024, 19024 Cartilage conduction unit [1859] 16024b,
17024b, 18024b, 19024b Branch part [1860] 16024c Ring-like edge
[1861] 16024b, 17024b, 18024b, 19024b Sheath [1862] 16025, 17025,
18025, 19025 Piezoelectric bimorph element [1863] 18024g Hollow
part [1864] 30a Entrance of the external auditory meatus [1865] 28e
Cavum conchae [1866] 20024, 21024, 22024, 19024 Cartilage
conduction unit [1867] 20024b, 21024b, 22024b Branch part [1868]
20024b, 21024b, 22024b Sheath [1869] 20025, 21025, 22025
Piezoelectric bimorph element [1870] 30a Entrance of the external
auditory meatus [1871] 20024a Passage hole [1872] 20024h Support
part [1873] 20024h Thick part [1874] 32 Tragus [1875] 20024j Guide
part [1876] 28e Cavum conchae [1877] 21024k Moveable earplug part
[1878] 23024, 24024, 25024 Cartilage conduction unit [1879] 23024i
Adhesive sheet [1880] 28e Cavum conchae [1881] 23024k, 19024
Earplug part [1882] 23024b, 25024b, 22024b Branch part [1883]
25024q Additional branch part [1884] 25046a, 25046b Different
channel [1885] 23024b Sheath [1886] 23025 Piezoelectric bimorph
element [1887] 23024h Connection part [1888] 30a Entrance 232 to
the external auditory meatus [1889] 24024p Elastic protrusion part
[1890] 25025b Additional vibration source
* * * * *