JP6099320B2 - Electronic device, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present application relates to an electronic device, a control method, and a control program.

  Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device that transmits air conduction sound and vibration sound to a user. Patent Document 1 describes that when a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element of a vibrating body arranged on the outer surface of a housing of an electronic device, the vibrating body flexes and vibrates due to expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that when a user brings a vibrating body that flexes and vibrates into contact with the auricle, air conduction sound and vibration sound are transmitted to the user. According to Patent Document 1, air conduction sound is sound that is transmitted to the eardrum through the ear canal through the vibration of the air due to the vibration of the object, and is transmitted to the user's auditory nerve by the vibration of the eardrum. According to Patent Document 1, the vibration sound is a sound transmitted to the user's auditory nerve through a part of the user's body (for example, cartilage of the outer ear) that contacts the vibrating object.

JP 2005-348193 A

  By the way, in general, there is a need for an electronic device to transmit a sound to a user in a state where it is easier to hear.

  An electronic device according to one aspect includes a piezoelectric element, a first sound generating unit that generates vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body, and air conduction sound that is vibrated by the piezoelectric element, and air conduction sound. And a second sound generator.

  A control method according to one aspect includes a piezoelectric element, a first sound generating unit that generates vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body by vibrating by the piezoelectric element, and air conduction sound. A control method executed by an electronic device including a second sound generating unit that generates sound, and generating sound by at least one of the first sound generating unit and the second sound generating unit based on a predetermined condition Including a step.

  A control program according to one aspect includes a piezoelectric element, a first sound generator that vibrates by the piezoelectric element, generates an air conduction sound, and a vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of the human body, and an air conduction sound. An electronic device including a second sound generating unit that generates sound is caused to execute a step of generating sound by at least one of the first sound generating unit and the second sound generating unit based on a predetermined condition.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile phone according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the panel. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of panel vibration. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a call voice output mode switching process executed at the start of the call process in the mobile phone. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on sound pressure level, which is executed when a call operation or an incoming call is detected in a mobile phone. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed processing procedure of output type switching determination processing based on sound pressure level, which is executed in the mobile phone. FIG. 9 shows a case where the voice of the voice generated around the mobile phone is maintained for a certain period of time when the voice pressure generated around the mobile phone is lower than the threshold when the voice of the voice is output in the human body conduction system. It is a figure which shows an example of the process sequence which returns the output system to the dynamic speaker system again from a human body conduction system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the output method switching determination based on the sound pressure level and the output method switching determination based on voice recognition are used properly before and after the start of the call. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing by voice recognition. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing procedure of the output method switching determination processing based on voice recognition. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on position information, which is executed when a call operation or an incoming call is detected in a mobile phone. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a detailed processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on position information, which is executed in the mobile phone. FIG. 15 is a front view of a mobile phone according to the fifth embodiment. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line cc of the mobile phone shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a front view of a mobile phone according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd of the mobile phone shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the frequency characteristics by the reinforcing member.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a mobile phone will be described as an example of an electronic device that transmits air conduction sound and vibration sound to a user.

(Embodiment 1)
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall configuration of the mobile phone 1 </ b> A according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the mobile phone 1A. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an aa cross section of the mobile phone 1A. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile phone 1A includes a display 2, a button 3, an illuminance sensor 4, a proximity sensor 5, a piezoelectric element 7, a first microphone 8a and a second microphone 8b, and a speaker. 11, a camera 12, a panel 20, and a housing 40.

  The display 2 is a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or an inorganic EL display (IELD: Inorganic Electro-Luminescence Display). The display 2 displays characters, images, symbols, graphics, and the like.

  The button 3 receives an operation input from the user. The number of buttons 3 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS.

  The illuminance sensor 4 detects the illuminance of ambient light of the mobile phone 1A. Illuminance indicates light intensity, brightness, or luminance. The illuminance sensor 4 is used for adjusting the luminance of the display 2, for example. The proximity sensor 5 detects the presence of a nearby object without contact. The proximity sensor 5 detects the presence of an object based on a change in a magnetic field or a change in a feedback time of an ultrasonic reflected wave. For example, the proximity sensor 5 detects that the display 2 is brought close to the face. The illuminance sensor 4 and the proximity sensor 5 may be configured as one sensor. The illuminance sensor 4 may be used as a proximity sensor.

  When an electric signal (voltage corresponding to a sound signal) is applied, the piezoelectric element 7 expands or contracts or bends according to the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the constituent material. That is, the piezoelectric element 7 is deformed when an electric signal is applied. The piezoelectric element 7 is attached to the panel 20 and used as a vibration source for vibrating the panel 20. The piezoelectric element 7 is formed using, for example, ceramic or quartz. The piezoelectric element 7 may be a unimorph, bimorph, or multilayer piezoelectric element. The multilayer piezoelectric element includes a multilayer bimorph element in which bimorphs are stacked (for example, 16 layers or 24 layers are stacked). The multilayer piezoelectric element is composed of, for example, a multilayer structure including a plurality of dielectric layers made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and electrode layers disposed between the plurality of dielectric layers. A unimorph expands and contracts when an electrical signal (voltage) is applied. A bimorph bends when an electrical signal (voltage) is applied.

  The first microphone 8a collects and inputs sounds around the mobile phone 1A, for example, engine sound of a car, tire sound, BGM flowing in the street, human voice, announcements in a station, train rail sound, etc. It is an input part. The 2nd microphone 8b is an input part which inputs the voice uttered from a user at the time of a telephone call. For example, the first microphone 8 a and the second microphone 8 b convert input sound into an electrical signal and send it to the controller 10. The first microphone 8a is an example of a sound input unit. The second microphone 8b is an example of an audio input unit.

  The speaker 11 is a dynamic speaker, for example, and outputs sound (air conduction sound) by an air conduction method. The speaker 11 can transmit the sound obtained by converting the electric signal to a person whose ear is not in contact with the mobile phone 1A. The speaker 11 is used, for example, for outputting a call voice or outputting music. An opening (sound outlet) for transmitting the sound output from the speaker 11 to the outside is formed in the housing 40. When a waterproof structure corresponding to the opening is realized, a structure in which the opening is closed by a member that allows gas to pass but not liquid can be employed. An example of a member that allows gas to pass but not liquid is Gore-Tex (registered trademark). The speaker 11 is an example of a second sound generator.

  The camera 12 is an in camera that captures an object facing the display 2. The camera 12 converts the captured image into an electrical signal. In addition to the camera 12, the mobile phone 1 </ b> A may include an out camera that captures an object facing the surface on the opposite side of the display 2.

  The panel 20 vibrates as the piezoelectric element 7 is deformed (stretched or bent), and transmits the vibration to the ear cartilage (auricular cartilage) or the like that the user contacts with the panel 20. The panel 20 is an example of a first sound generator. The panel 20 also has a function of protecting the display 2 and the piezoelectric element 7 from external force. The panel 20 is formed by synthetic resins, such as glass or an acryl, for example. The shape of the panel 20 is, for example, a plate shape. The panel 20 may be a flat plate. The panel 20 may be a curved panel whose surface is smoothly curved.

  The display 2 and the piezoelectric element 7 are attached to the back surface of the panel 20 by a joining member 30. The piezoelectric element 7 is spaced from the inner surface of the housing 40 by a predetermined distance while being arranged on the back surface of the panel 20. The piezoelectric element 7 may be separated from the inner surface of the housing 60 even in a stretched or bent state. That is, the distance between the piezoelectric element 7 and the inner surface of the housing 40 is preferably larger than the maximum deformation amount of the piezoelectric element 7. The piezoelectric element 7 may be attached to the panel 20 via a reinforcing member (for example, sheet metal or glass fiber reinforced resin). The joining member 30 is, for example, a double-sided tape or an adhesive having thermosetting property or ultraviolet curable property. The joining member 30 may be an optical elastic resin that is a colorless and transparent acrylic ultraviolet curable adhesive.

  The display 2 is disposed approximately in the center of the panel 20 in the short direction. The piezoelectric element 7 is disposed in the vicinity of a predetermined distance from the longitudinal end of the panel 20 so that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7 is parallel to the lateral direction of the panel 20. The display 2 and the piezoelectric element 7 are arranged in parallel on the inner surface of the panel 20.

  A touch screen (touch sensor) 21 is disposed on almost the entire outer surface of the panel 20. The touch screen 21 detects contact with the panel 20. The touch screen 21 is used for detecting a user's contact operation with a finger, a pen, a stylus pen, or the like. The gestures detected using the touch screen 21 include, but are not limited to, touch, long touch, release, swipe, tap, double tap, long tap, drag, flick, pinch in, and pinch out. The detection method of the touch screen 21 may be any method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (or an ultrasonic method), an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a load detection method.

  The touch screen 21 is also used to detect an auricle or the like that contacts the panel 20 in order to listen to sound.

  The housing 40 is formed using resin or metal. The housing 40 supports the button 3, the illuminance sensor 4, the proximity sensor 5, the first microphone 8a, the second microphone 8b, the speaker 11, the camera 12, the panel 20, and the like.

  The sound output by the mobile phone 1A according to the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shape of the panel 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the vibration of the panel 20.

  An electric signal corresponding to the output sound is applied to the piezoelectric element 7. For example, ± 15 V higher than ± 5 V, which is an applied voltage of a so-called panel speaker that transmits sound by air conduction sound through the ear canal, may be applied to the piezoelectric element 7. Thereby, even when the user presses a part of his / her body against the panel 20 with a force of 3N or more (5N to 10N force), for example, the panel 20 generates sufficient vibration and is used. Vibration sound transmitted through a part of the person's body can be generated. The voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 7 can be appropriately adjusted according to the fixing strength of the panel 20 with respect to the housing 40 or the performance of the piezoelectric element 7.

  When an electric signal is applied, the piezoelectric element 7 expands or contracts in the longitudinal direction. The panel 20 to which the piezoelectric element 7 is attached is deformed in accordance with expansion / contraction or bending of the piezoelectric element 7. Thereby, the panel 20 vibrates and generates air conduction sound. Further, when the user brings a part of the body (for example, auricular cartilage) into contact with the panel 20, the panel 20 generates vibration sound that is transmitted to the user through the part of the body. That is, as the piezoelectric element 7 is deformed, the panel 20 vibrates at a frequency that is perceived as vibration sound with respect to an object that contacts the panel 20.

  For example, when an electric signal corresponding to the voice of the other party of the call or sound data such as a ring tone or music is applied to the piezoelectric element 7, the panel 20 generates air conduction sound and vibration sound corresponding to the electric signal. Let The sound signal output via the piezoelectric element 7 and the panel 20 may be based on sound data stored in the storage 9 described later. The sound signal output via the piezoelectric element 7 and the panel 20 may be based on sound data stored in an external server or the like and acquired via the network by the communication unit 6 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the panel 20 may be approximately the same size as the user's ear. Moreover, the panel 20 may be larger in size than the user's ear, as shown in FIG. In this case, the user can bring the entire outer periphery of the ear into contact with the panel 20 when listening to the sound. Listening to the sound in this way makes it difficult for ambient sounds (noise) to enter the ear canal. In the present embodiment, at least the panel 20 has a length in the longitudinal direction (or short direction) corresponding to the distance between the lower leg of the anti-annulus (lower anti-annular leg) and the anti-tragus, and the pair of the panel 20 from the tragus. A region wider than a region having a length in the short direction (or the longitudinal direction) corresponding to the distance to the ear ring vibrates. The panel 20 has a length in the longitudinal direction (or short direction) corresponding to the distance from the region near the upper leg of the ear ring (upper pair leg) in the ear ring to the earlobe, and the vicinity of the ear ring in the ear ring from the tragus. A region having a length in the short direction (or the longitudinal direction) corresponding to the distance to the part may vibrate. The region having the above length and width may be a rectangular region, or an elliptical shape in which the length in the longitudinal direction is the major axis and the length in the lateral direction is the minor axis. Also good. The average size of the human ear can be known, for example, by referring to the Japanese human body size database (1992-1994) created by the Human Life Engineering Research Center (HQL).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the panel 20 vibrates not only in the attachment region 20a to which the piezoelectric element 7 is attached, but also in a region away from the attachment region 20a. The panel 20 has a plurality of locations that vibrate in a direction intersecting the main surface of the panel 20 in the vibrating region, and in each of the plurality of locations, the value of the amplitude of vibration changes from positive to negative with time, Or vice versa. At each moment, the panel 20 vibrates at a seemingly random or regular distribution in a substantially entire portion of the panel 20 with a portion having a relatively large vibration amplitude and a portion having a relatively small vibration amplitude. That is, vibrations of a plurality of waves are detected over the entire panel 20. If the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 7 is ± 15 V as described above, even if the user presses the panel 20 against his / her body with a force of 5N to 10N, for example, The vibrations that occur are difficult to attenuate. For this reason, even if a user makes an ear contact the area | region away from the attachment area | region 20a on the panel 20, he can hear a vibration sound.

  In the present embodiment, the display 2 is attached to the panel 20. For this reason, the lower part of the panel 20 (the side on which the display 2 is attached) is increased in rigidity, and the vibration is smaller than the upper part of the panel 20 (the side on which the piezoelectric element 7 is attached). For this reason, the sound leakage of the air conduction sound due to the vibration of the panel 20 in the lower part of the panel 20 is reduced.

  The cellular phone 1 </ b> A can transmit air conduction sound and vibration sound via a part of the user's body (for example, auricular cartilage) to the user by the vibration of the panel 20. Therefore, when the mobile phone 1A outputs a sound having a volume equivalent to that of the dynamic receiver, the sound transmitted to the surroundings of the mobile phone 1A due to air vibration may be reduced compared to an electronic device having only a dynamic speaker. it can. Such a feature is suitable, for example, when listening to a recorded message in a place where there is another person nearby, such as in a train.

  Furthermore, the mobile phone 1 </ b> A transmits a vibration sound to the user by the vibration of the panel 20. Therefore, even if the user wears the earphone or the headphone, the user can hear the vibration sound due to the vibration of the panel 20 through the earphone or the headphone and a part of the body by bringing the mobile phone 1A into contact therewith. it can.

  Furthermore, the mobile phone 1 </ b> A transmits sound by the vibration of the panel 20. Therefore, when the mobile phone 1A does not include a separate dynamic receiver (for example, the speaker 11), it is not necessary to form in the housing 40 an opening (sound emission port) for transmitting the sound generated by the panel 20 to the outside.

  A functional configuration of the mobile phone 1A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the mobile phone 1A. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 1A includes a display 2, a button 3, an illuminance sensor 4, a proximity sensor 5, a communication unit 6, a piezoelectric element 7, a first microphone 8a, a second microphone 8b, A storage 9, a controller 10, a speaker 11, a camera 12, a posture detection unit 15, a vibrator 18, and a touch screen 21 are provided.

  The communication unit 6 communicates wirelessly. The communication method supported by the communication unit 6 is a wireless communication standard. Examples of wireless communication standards include cellular phone communication standards such as 2G, 3G, and 4G. As cellular phone communication standards, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Multiple Access), CDMA2000, PDC (Personal Digital Cellular, GSM (registered trademark) mmloS). (Personal Handy-phone System). As wireless communication standards, for example, there are WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), IEEE802.11, Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), NFC (NearCo), etc. The communication unit 6 may support one or more of the communication standards described above.

  The storage 9 stores programs and data. The storage 9 is also used as a work area for temporarily storing the processing result of the controller 10. The storage 9 may include any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage 9 may include a plurality of types of storage media. The storage 9 may include a combination of a portable storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk and a storage medium reader. The storage 9 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The programs stored in the storage 9 include an application executed in the foreground or the background and a control program that supports the operation of the application. For example, the application displays a screen on the display 2 and causes the controller 10 to execute processing according to the gesture detected by the touch screen 21. The control program is, for example, an OS. The application and the control program may be installed in the storage 9 via wireless communication by the communication unit 6 or a non-transitory storage medium.

  The storage 9 stores, for example, a control program 9A, a call application 9B, a music playback application 9C, a moving image playback application 9D, and setting data 9Z. The call application 9B provides a call function for a call by wireless communication. The music playback application 9C provides a music playback function for playing back sound from music data. The video playback application 9D provides a video playback function for playing back video and sound from video data. The setting data 9Z includes information related to various settings and processes related to the operation of the mobile phone 1A. The setting data 9Z includes information on various settings and processes related to the operation of the mobile phone 1A, such as information on the output method of the currently used call voice, the sound pressure of the sound input by the first microphone 8a, and the like. A threshold value for comparison, information on a switching instruction for the output method of the call voice, and the like are included.

  The control program 9A provides functions related to various controls for operating the mobile phone 1A. The control program 9A realizes a call by controlling the communication unit 6, the piezoelectric element 7, the first microphone 8a, the second microphone 8b, and the like, for example. The function provided by the control program 9A may be used in combination with a function provided by another program such as the call application 9B.

  For example, the control program 9A determines whether or not there is an instruction to switch the output method of the call voice at the start of the call process executed by the call application 9B. A function for executing a process of outputting a call voice by switching to a method corresponding to the switching instruction is included. Further, the control program 9A includes a function of executing output type switching determination processing based on the sound pressure level when a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 is detected. In the first embodiment, the mobile phone 1A uses a first output method for outputting a call voice from the speaker 11 as an output method of the call voice, and an object that contacts the panel 20 by deforming the piezoelectric element 7 (for example, use) A second output method is used in which the panel 20 is vibrated at a frequency at which the sound vibration of the voice is transmitted to the ear of the person) and the call voice is output. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a first output method for outputting a call voice from the speaker 11 is referred to as a dynamic speaker method, and an object (for example, a user's ear) that touches the panel 20 by deforming the piezoelectric element 7. On the other hand, the second output method for outputting the call voice by vibrating the panel 20 at the frequency at which the sound vibration of the voice is transmitted is referred to as a human body conduction method.

  The controller 10 is an arithmetic processing device. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System-on-a-chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. The controller 10 implements various functions by comprehensively controlling the operation of the mobile phone 1A.

  Specifically, the controller 10 executes instructions included in the program stored in the storage 9 while referring to the data stored in the storage 9 as necessary. And the controller 10 controls a function part according to data and a command, and implement | achieves various functions by it. The functional unit includes, for example, the display 2, the communication unit 6, the piezoelectric element 7, the first microphone 8a, the second microphone 8b, the speaker 11, and the vibrator 18, but is not limited thereto. The controller 10 may change the control according to the detection result of the detection unit. The detection unit includes, for example, the button 3, the illuminance sensor 4, the proximity sensor 5, the camera 12, the posture detection unit 15, and the touch screen 21, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, by executing the control program 9A, the controller 10 executes a call voice output mode switching process at the start of a call process executed by the call application 9B. For example, the controller 10 reads information on the current output method from the setting data 9Z of the storage 9 when there is an instruction to switch the output method of the call voice at the start of the call processing. When the current output method and the output method corresponding to the switching instruction are different, the controller 10 switches the call voice output method to the method corresponding to the switching instruction and outputs the call voice. The controller 10 updates the output method information of the setting data 9Z to the output method after switching.

  Furthermore, for example, when the controller 10 detects a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 by executing the control program 9A, the controller 10 executes an output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level. . For example, the controller 10 selects at least one of the dynamic speaker method or the human body conduction method according to the comparison result between the sound pressure of the sound input from the first microphone 8a and the threshold value, and the other party's side during the call Control is performed to transmit the call voice transmitted from the mobile phone to the user. More specifically, the controller 10 compares the sound pressure of the sound input by the first microphone 8a with a threshold value when detecting a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6. Subsequently, when the sound pressure of the sound input from the first microphone 8a is lower than the threshold value, the controller 10 stores an output method switching instruction so that the call sound is transmitted to the user by the dynamic speaker method. 9 is stored in the setting data 9Z. On the other hand, when the sound pressure of the sound input from the first microphone 8a is not lower than the threshold value, the controller 10 stores an instruction to switch the output method so that the call voice is transmitted to the user by the human body conduction method. 9 is stored in the setting data 9Z.

  The posture detection unit 15 detects the posture of the mobile phone 1A. The posture detection unit 15 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a direction sensor, and a gyroscope in order to detect the posture. Vibrator 18 vibrates a part or the whole of mobile phone 1A. The vibrator 18 includes, for example, a piezoelectric element or an eccentric motor in order to generate vibration. The vibration generated by the vibrator 18 is used not only to transmit sound but also to notify the user of various events such as incoming calls.

  In FIG. 5, some or all of the programs and data stored in the storage 9 may be downloaded from other devices by wireless communication using the communication unit 6. In FIG. 5, some or all of the programs and data stored in the storage 9 may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium that can be read by the reading device included in the storage 9. Non-transitory storage media include, for example, optical disks such as CD (registered trademark), DVD (registered trademark), and Blu-ray (registered trademark), magneto-optical disks, magnetic storage media, memory cards, and solid-state storage media Including, but not limited to.

  The configuration of the cellular phone 1A shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and may be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the mobile phone 1A may include buttons such as a numeric keypad layout or a QWERTY layout as buttons for operations.

  The mobile phone 1 </ b> A according to the first embodiment can output sound through the speaker 11. The cellular phone 1 </ b> A can deform the panel 20 by the piezoelectric element 7 to generate air conduction sound and vibration sound transmitted through an object (for example, a part of a human body) that contacts the deformed panel. A processing procedure performed by the mobile phone 1A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing procedures shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A stored in the storage 9.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure of a switching process of the output method of the call voice that is executed at the start of the call process executed by the call application 9B in the mobile phone 1A.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 10 starts a call process in response to an outgoing operation using the button 3 or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 as step S <b> 101. Subsequently, in step S102, the controller 10 determines whether there is an instruction to switch the output method. For example, the controller 10 reads the setting data 9Z stored in the storage 9, and determines whether or not the setting data 9Z includes an output method switching instruction.

  If there is an instruction to switch the output method as a result of the determination (step S102, Yes), the controller 10 reads the setting data 9Z of the storage 9 as step S103, and the current output method included in the setting data 9Z. Then, it is determined whether or not the output method corresponding to the switching instruction is different.

  When the current output method and the output method corresponding to the switching instruction are different as a result of the determination (step S103, Yes), the controller 10 changes the call voice output method to a method corresponding to the switching instruction as step S104. Switch and output call voice. At this time, the controller 10 updates the output method information of the setting data 9Z. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the current output method and the output method corresponding to the switching instruction are not different (if they are the same) (No in step S103), the controller 10 determines the current output method as step S105. To output the call voice.

  Subsequently, in Step S106, the controller 10 determines whether or not the call end has been detected. For example, the controller 10 detects the end of the call by determining whether an operation for ending the call is detected. If the end of the call is not detected as a result of the determination (No at Step S106), the controller 10 returns to the processing procedure of Step S102 described above and continues the processing procedure of FIG. On the other hand, when the controller 10 detects the end of the call as a result of the determination (step S106, Yes), the processing procedure of FIG.

  Here, in step S102 described above, if there is no instruction to switch the output method as a result of the determination (No in step S102), the controller 10 proceeds to the processing procedure in step S105 described above.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on sound pressure level, which is executed when a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 is detected in the mobile phone 1A. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when there is a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 at step S201, the controller 10 executes an output method switching determination process according to the sound pressure level as step S202. . Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether or not the end of the call is detected in step S203. If the end of the call is not detected as a result of the determination (step S203, No), the controller 10 returns to the processing procedure of step S202 described above, and continues the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level. On the other hand, the controller 10 complete | finishes the process sequence of FIG. 7, when the end of a telephone call is detected as a result of determination (step S203, Yes).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed processing procedure of output type switching determination processing based on sound pressure level, which is executed in the mobile phone 1A.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 10 acquires the sound pressure of the sound input from the first microphone 8a as step S301. Subsequently, in Step S302, the controller 10 determines whether or not the acquired sound pressure is equal to or higher than a threshold (whether it is not lower than the threshold). As the threshold value, for example, an arbitrary value is used from 70 to 80 decibels.

  If the acquired sound pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value (if not lower than the threshold value) as a result of the determination (Yes in step S302), the controller 10 instructs the storage 9 to switch to the human body conduction method as step S303. And return to step S301. The storage 9 writes an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method in the setting data 9Z. On the other hand, if the acquired sound pressure is not equal to or higher than the threshold value (lower than the threshold value) as a result of the determination (No in step S302), the controller 10 instructs the storage 9 to switch to the dynamic speaker system in step S304. And return to step S301. The storage 9 writes an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker system in the setting data 9Z.

  In the first embodiment, the mobile phone 1A is configured such that sounds generated around the mobile phone 1A, for example, engine sound of a car, tire sound, BGM flowing in the street, human voice, announcement in a station, train rail sound, etc. When the sound pressure (amplitude) is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the call voice is output by the human body conduction method. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to perform complicated processing, and it is possible to convey the voice of the other party at the time of the call to the user in an easy manner by a simple method.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, when the sound pressure level of the sound generated around the mobile phone 1A is not lower than the threshold in the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level, the call sound output method is switched to the human body conduction method. An example of sending an instruction has been described. However, since the sound pressure of the sound generated around the mobile phone 1A may change in the vicinity of the threshold value, in this case, a situation in which the output method is frequently switched is expected. In the second embodiment below, when the call voice is transmitted to the user by the human body conduction method, a certain time elapses with the sound pressure of the sound generated around the mobile phone 1A being lower than the threshold value. An example of the control for returning the call voice output method from the human body conduction method to the dynamic speaker method will be described.

  In the control program 9A stored in the storage 9 of the mobile phone 1A, the sound pressure of the sound input by the first microphone 8a when the call voice is transmitted to the user by the human body conduction method is stored in the control program 9A. A function for switching the call voice output method from the human body conduction method to the dynamic speaker method on condition that a certain time has passed in a state below the threshold is included.

  The controller 10 of the mobile phone 1A executes the control program 9A, so that the sound pressure of the sound input by the first microphone 8a is obtained when the call voice is transmitted to the user by the human body conduction method. On the condition that a certain time has passed in a state below the threshold, a process for switching the call voice output method from the human body conduction method to the dynamic speaker method is executed.

  FIG. 9 shows a case in which a call voice is output in the human body conduction system on the condition that the sound pressure of the voice generated around the mobile phone 1A continues for a certain period of time when the sound pressure falls below a threshold value. It is a figure which shows an example of the process sequence which returns the audio | voice output system from a human body conduction system to a dynamic speaker system again. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 9 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A stored in the storage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 10 acquires the sound pressure of the sound input by the 1st microphone 8a as step S401. Subsequently, in Step S402, the controller 10 determines whether or not the sound pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold (whether it is not lower than the threshold).

  If the result of determination is that the sound pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value (if not lower than the threshold value) (Yes in step S402), the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method to the storage 9 as step S403. Then, the process returns to step S401. On the other hand, if the sound pressure is not greater than or equal to the threshold (if lower than the threshold) as a result of the determination (No in step S402), the controller 10 determines in step S404 that the sound pressure is not greater than or equal to the threshold (threshold). It is determined whether or not it is the first determination that it is not lower.

  If the result of determination is the first determination (step S404, Yes), the controller 10 starts a timer as step S405, and returns to step S401. On the other hand, when the result of the determination is that the determination is not the first determination (when the determination is made for the second time or later) (No in step S404), the controller 10 acquires the elapsed time of the timer as step S406. Subsequently, based on the elapsed time of the timer, the controller 10 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the sound pressure first fell below the threshold value in step S407.

  As a result of the determination, the controller 10 returns to step S401 when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the sound pressure first fell below the threshold (No in step S407). On the other hand, if the determination result shows that the sound pressure has fallen below the threshold for a certain period of time (Yes in step S407), the controller 10 stores an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker system as step S408. 9 and returns to step S401.

  In the second embodiment, when the mobile phone 1A is in a state of outputting a call voice by the human body conduction method, even if the sound generated around the mobile phone 1A falls below the threshold value, the mobile phone 1A immediately switches to the dynamic speaker method. The switching instruction to the dynamic speaker system is transmitted when a predetermined time elapses with the sound remaining below the threshold value without transmitting the switching instruction. For this reason, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the output method is frequently switched.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the sound generated around the mobile phone 1A is equal to or higher than the threshold value (when it is not lower than the threshold value), for example, when the surroundings become noisy, the human body conduction method is immediately performed. Since switching to is performed, it is possible to respond quickly according to the surrounding situation so that the voice of the other party during the call can be easily heard.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, an example in which a switching instruction from the human body conduction method to the dynamic speaker method is transmitted when a certain time has passed while the sound remains below the threshold has been described. Not. For example, the output system is frequently switched by setting a first threshold value for switching from the human body conduction system to the dynamic speaker system and a second threshold value for switching from the dynamic speaker system to the human body conduction system. Can also be prevented. For example, as the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value and the difference is provided between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the situation in which the output method is frequently switched does not occur. Can be controlled.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level has been described. However, the output method switching determination based on voice recognition may be performed. Therefore, in the following third embodiment, an example of control when the output method switching determination based on the sound pressure level and the output method switching determination based on voice recognition are used properly before and after the start of a call will be described.

  The setting data 9Z stored in the storage 9 of the cellular phone 1A stores reference data for detecting a switching keyword to the human body conduction method and a switching keyword to the dynamic speaker method. For example, as reference data, feature quantities including the fundamental frequency (height) and amplitude (magnitude) of speech corresponding to the keyword for switching to the human body conduction method and the keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker method are used. The switching keyword is, for example, “difficult to hear voice”, “want to speak with a louder voice”, and the like.

  In the control program 9A stored in the storage 9 of the cellular phone 1A, the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level is executed before the call starts, and the output method switching determination process based on voice recognition is performed after the call starts. A function to execute is included.

  Further, the control program 9A analyzes the user's voice as a function for executing the output method switching determination process by voice recognition, and switches to the human body conduction method when the switching keyword to the human body conduction method is detected. And a function for sending a switching instruction to the dynamic speaker method when a switching keyword to the dynamic speaker method is detected.

  The controller 10 of the cellular phone 1A executes the control program 9A to execute the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level before starting the call, and after the start of the call, the output method switching determination process based on voice recognition. Execute. When executing the output method switching determination process by voice recognition, the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method when a keyword for switching to the human body conduction method is detected from the user's voice. On the other hand, the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker method when a keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker method is detected from the user's voice.

  Specifically, the controller 10 acquires the user's voice input by the second microphone 8b at a sampling frequency sufficient to capture the switching keyword to the human body conduction method and the switching keyword to the dynamic speaker method. Subsequently, the controller 10 analyzes the user's voice using the reference data included in the setting data 9Z, and when a keyword for switching to the human body conduction method is detected, sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method. . On the other hand, when the controller 10 analyzes the user's voice using the reference data included in the setting data 9Z and detects a keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker system, the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker system.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the output method switching determination based on the sound pressure level and the output method switching determination based on voice recognition are used properly before and after the start of the call. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A stored in the storage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when there is a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call at the communication unit 6 at step S501, the controller 10 determines at step S502 whether call processing has been started. For example, when a call operation is performed, the controller 10 determines that the call process has been started by detecting a response from the other party to the call corresponding to the call operation. For example, when there is an incoming call, the controller 10 determines that the call processing has been started by detecting an operation for receiving an incoming call using the button 3 or the like.

  If the call process has not been started as a result of the determination (No in step S502), the controller 10 executes an output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level as step S503. That is, the output method of the call voice at the start of the call is determined by the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level in step S503.

  On the other hand, when the call process is started as a result of the determination (step S502, Yes), the controller 10 executes an output method switching determination process by voice recognition as step S504.

  Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether or not the end of the call is detected in step S505. If the end of the call is not detected (No at Step S505), the controller 10 returns to Step S502. On the other hand, when the controller 10 detects the end of the call (step S505, Yes), the processing procedure of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing by voice recognition. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 11 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A stored in the storage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 10 acquires the audio | voice signal (user's audio | voice) input by the 2nd microphone 8b as step S601. Subsequently, the controller 10 analyzes the acquired audio signal, and determines whether or not a keyword for switching to the human body conduction method has been detected in step S602.

  If the controller 10 detects a keyword for switching to the human body conduction system as a result of the determination (step S602, Yes), the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction system and returns to step S601. On the other hand, if the controller 10 does not detect the keyword for switching to the human body conduction method as a result of the determination (step S602, No), the controller 10 determines whether or not the keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker method is detected as step S604. To do.

  If the controller 10 detects a keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker system as a result of the determination (step S604, Yes), the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker system as step S605, and returns to step S601. On the other hand, if the controller 10 does not detect the keyword for switching to the dynamic speaker system as a result of the determination (No in step S604), the controller 10 returns to step S601 as it is.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, after the call starts, the output method switching determination based on the sound pressure level shifts to the output method switching determination based on voice recognition. Switching is possible.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, the example of executing the switching of the output method by analyzing the voice of the user and detecting the switching keyword to the human body conduction method and the switching keyword to the dynamic speaker method has been described. This is not a limitation. For example, sound around the mobile phone 1A is analyzed, and when the environment is superior to the human body conduction system, switching to the human body conduction system may be performed.

  The setting data 9Z stores reference data for detecting an environment in which the human body conduction method is superior in transmitting call voice to the user. For example, as reference data, feature quantities including an engine sound of a car collected in a car, a fundamental frequency (height) corresponding to a rail sound of a train collected in a train, an amplitude (size), and the like. Use.

  In the control program 9A, as a function for executing the output method switching determination processing by voice recognition, the human body conduction method is superior in transmitting the call voice to the user based on the sound around the mobile phone 1A. If it is determined that the user is in the environment, a function of executing switching to the human body conduction method is included.

  When the controller 10 executes the control program 9A to analyze the sound around the mobile phone 1A and determine that the human body conduction system is in an environment in which the call voice is transmitted to the user, Execute switch to human body conduction system.

  In detail, the controller 10 acquires the sound around the mobile phone 1A input by the first microphone 8a. Subsequently, as a result of analyzing the sound around the mobile phone 1A using the reference data included in the setting data 9Z, the controller 10 transmits the call voice to the user when determining that the user is in the car or the train. In this case, it is determined that the human body conduction system is in an advantageous environment, and an instruction to switch to the human body conduction system is transmitted.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing procedure of the output method switching determination processing based on voice recognition. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A stored in the storage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 10 acquires the sound signal (sound around the mobile phone 1A) input by the first microphone 8a as step S701. Subsequently, in Step S702, the controller 10 analyzes the sound signal input from the first microphone 8a and determines whether or not the environment is superior to the human body conduction method.

  If the controller 10 is in an environment superior to the human body conduction system as a result of the determination (Yes in step S702), the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction system as step S703, and returns to step S701. On the other hand, if the controller 10 is not in an environment superior to the human body conduction method as a result of the determination (step S702, No), the controller 10 returns to step S701 as it is.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12, in the output method switching determination by voice recognition, for example, when it is determined that the user is in a car or a train, an environment in which the human body conduction method is superior in transmitting call voice to the user. It is determined that it is below, and an instruction to switch to the human body conduction system is sent out. For this reason, even if the user is not conscious, the voice of the other party during the call can be transmitted to the user in an easy-to-hear state, and the call voice can be prevented from leaking to the surroundings.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first embodiment, the output method switching determination process based on the sound pressure level has been described. For example, the output method switching determination may be performed according to the position of the mobile phone 1A. In a fourth embodiment below, output type switching determination processing based on position information will be described.

  The communication unit 6 of the mobile phone 1A receives, for example, a radio signal in a predetermined frequency band from a GPS satellite, demodulates the received radio signal, and sends the processed signal to the controller 10. In addition to the communication unit 6, the mobile phone 1 </ b> A may include a communication unit for receiving radio signals in a predetermined frequency band from GPS satellites.

  The setting data 9Z stored in the storage 9 of the cellular phone 1A includes, for example, a place where the human body conduction system is superior in transmitting call voice to the user for each of a plurality of areas centered on latitude and longitude. Output method information associated with whether or not there is included is included. A place where the human body conduction method is dominant is, for example, a station or a stadium.

  Further, the control program 9A stored in the storage 9 includes a function for executing a positioning process based on a radio signal from a GPS satellite. Further, the control program 9A includes a function for executing output method switching determination processing based on position information.

  The controller 10 of the cellular phone 1A executes the control program 9A to execute the output method switching determination process based on the position information. For example, the controller 10 performs a position positioning process based on a signal from the communication unit 6. Subsequently, the controller 10 refers to the output method information included in the setting data 9Z, and the area corresponding to the position (latitude / longitude) measured is superior to the human body conduction method in transmitting the call voice to the user. If this is the case, an instruction to switch to the human body conduction system is sent out.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on position information, which is executed when a call operation using the button 3 or the like or an incoming call in the communication unit 6 is detected in the mobile phone 1A. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when there is a call operation using the button 3 or the incoming call at the communication unit 6 at step S801, the controller 10 executes an output method switching determination process based on position information at step S802. Subsequently, in step S803, the controller 10 determines whether the end of the call has been detected. If the end of the call is not detected as a result of the determination (step S803, No), the controller 10 returns to the processing procedure of step S802 described above and continues the output method switching determination process based on the position information. On the other hand, the controller 10 complete | finishes the process sequence of FIG. 13, when the end of a telephone call is detected as a result of determination (step S803, Yes).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a detailed processing procedure of output method switching determination processing based on position information, which is executed in the mobile phone 1A.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the controller 10 executes position positioning as step S901. Subsequently, the controller 10 refers to the output method information included in the setting data 9Z, and in step S902, whether the measured position is an advantageous place for the human body conduction method in transmitting the call voice to the user. Determine whether or not.

  If it is determined that the location is superior to the human body conduction method (step S902, Yes), the controller 10 sends an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method to the storage 9 as step S903, and returns to step S901. . The storage 9 writes an instruction to switch to the human body conduction method in the setting data 9Z. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the location is not superior to the human body conduction method (No at step S902), the controller 10 sends an instruction for switching to the dynamic speaker method to the storage 9 as step S904, and step S901. Return to. The storage 9 writes an instruction to switch to the dynamic speaker system in the setting data 9Z.

  According to the fourth embodiment, since the output method of the call voice is switched according to the position of the mobile phone 1A, the voice of the other party at the time of the call can be easily transmitted to the user by a simple method.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of the process for conveying the voice of the other party (call voice) during a call to the user in an easy-to-hear state has been described. It can also be used in the same way when communicating in an easy-to-listen state. Further, the sound output by the human body conduction method or the dynamic speaker method may be, for example, a sound used for a navigation function.

(Embodiment 5)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the touch screen 21 is disposed on almost the entire surface of the panel 20 has been described. However, the touch screen 21 may be disposed so as not to overlap the panel 20. FIG. 15 is a front view of a mobile phone according to the fifth embodiment. 16, b of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 15 - is b line cross-sectional view. A mobile phone 1B provided so that the touch screen 21 does not overlap the panel 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the mobile phone 1 </ b> B, the display 2 is arranged side by side with the panel 20 so as to be in the same plane as the panel 20 rather than inside the panel 20. The touch screen 21 is disposed so as to cover almost the entire front surface of the display 2. That is, the touch screen 21 and the display 2 constitute a so-called touch panel (touch screen display).

  The piezoelectric element 7 is attached to the center of the back surface of the panel 20 by a joining member 30. When an electrical signal is applied to the piezoelectric element 7, the panel 20 vibrates in accordance with deformation (expansion / contraction or bending) of the piezoelectric element 7, and air conduction sound and a part of the human body that contacts the panel 20 (for example, an ear) And vibration sound transmitted through the cartilage. By disposing the piezoelectric element 7 in the center of the panel 20, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 7a is evenly transmitted to the entire panel 20, and the quality of the sound transmitted to the user is improved.

  Although the touch screen 21 is not disposed on the front surface of the panel 20, the panel 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the display 2 on which the touch screen 21 is disposed.

  Even when the panel 20 is disposed so as not to overlap the touch screen 21 as in the cellular phone 1B, the speaker is a dynamic speaker above the piezoelectric element 7 on the same side of the housing 40 where the piezoelectric element 7 is disposed. By providing the speaker 11, sound can be output in two modes as described above. As a result, it is possible for the user to output sound by a method suitable for the user.

(Embodiment 6)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which at least a part of the touch screen 21 is disposed so as to overlap the display 2 has been described, but the touch screen 21 may be disposed so as not to overlap the display 2. FIG. 17 is a front view of a mobile phone according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 17 taken along the line c - c . With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a mobile phone 1 </ b> C disposed so that the touch screen 21 does not overlap the display 2 will be described. A cellular phone 1C shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is an example of a so-called folding cellular phone.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the mobile phone 1 </ b> C, the display 2 is arranged side by side with the panel 20 so as to be in the same plane as the panel 20, not inside the panel 20.

  The piezoelectric element 7 is attached to the center of the back surface of the panel 20 by a joining member 30. A reinforcing member 31 is disposed between the panel 20 and the piezoelectric element 7. The reinforcing plate 31 is a plate including, for example, a resin plate, sheet metal, or glass fiber. That is, in the cellular phone 1 </ b> C, the piezoelectric element 7 and the reinforcing member 31 are bonded by the bonding member 30, and the reinforcing member 31 and the panel 20 are bonded by the bonding member 30. The piezoelectric element 7 may not be provided at the center of the panel 20.

  The reinforcing member 31 is an elastic member such as rubber or silicon. The reinforcing member 31 may be a metal plate made of aluminum or the like having a certain degree of elasticity, for example. The reinforcing member 31 may be a stainless plate such as SUS304. The thickness of a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate is suitably 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, for example, depending on the voltage value applied to the piezoelectric element 7 or the like. The reinforcing member 31 may be a resin plate, for example. As resin which forms the resin-made board here, a polyamide-type resin is mentioned, for example. Examples of the polyamide-based resin include Reny (registered trademark), which is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin obtained from metaxylylenediamine and adipic acid and is rich in strength and elasticity. Such a polyamide-based resin may be a reinforced resin reinforced with glass fiber, metal fiber, carbon fiber, or the like using itself as a base polymer. The strength and elasticity of the reinforced resin are appropriately adjusted according to the amount of glass fiber, metal fiber, carbon fiber, or the like added to the polyamide-based resin. The reinforced resin is formed, for example, by impregnating a resin into a base material formed by braiding glass fiber, metal fiber, carbon fiber or the like and curing it. The reinforced resin may be formed by mixing a finely cut fiber piece into a liquid resin and then curing it. The reinforced resin may be a laminate of a base material in which fibers are knitted and a resin layer.

  By disposing the reinforcing member 31 between the piezoelectric element 7 and the panel 20, the following effects can be obtained. When an external force is applied to the panel 20, the possibility that the external force is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 7 and the piezoelectric element 7 is damaged can be reduced. For example, when an external force is applied to the panel 20 by the mobile phone 1 </ b> C falling on the ground, the external force is first transmitted to the reinforcing member 31. Since the reinforcing member 31 has predetermined elasticity, it is elastically deformed by an external force transmitted from the panel 20. Therefore, at least a part of the external force applied to the panel 20 is absorbed by the reinforcing member 31, and the external force transmitted to the piezoelectric element 7a is reduced. As a result, damage to the piezoelectric element 7a can be reduced. When the reinforcing member 31 is disposed between the piezoelectric element 7a and the casing 40, the casing 40 is deformed, for example, when the mobile phone 1C falls on the ground, and the deformed casing 40 collides with the piezoelectric element 7a to cause the piezoelectric element. The possibility that 7 is damaged can be reduced.

  Vibration due to expansion / contraction or bending of the piezoelectric element 7 is first transmitted to the reinforcing member 31 and further transmitted to the panel 20. That is, the piezoelectric element 7 first vibrates the reinforcing member 31 having a larger elastic coefficient than the piezoelectric element 7 and further vibrates the panel 20. Therefore, the cellular phone 1 </ b> C does not include the reinforcing member 31, and it is possible to make the deformation of the piezoelectric element 7 less likely to be excessive as compared with a structure in which the piezoelectric element 7 is bonded to the panel 20 by the bonding member 70. Thereby, the deformation amount (degree of deformation) of the panel 20 can be adjusted. This structure is particularly effective in the case of the panel 20 that hardly obstructs the deformation of the piezoelectric element 7.

  Furthermore, by disposing the reinforcing member 31 between the piezoelectric element 7 and the panel 20, as shown in FIG. 19, the resonance frequency of the panel 20 is lowered and the acoustic characteristics in the low frequency band are improved. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in frequency characteristics due to the reinforcing member 31. FIG. 19 shows frequency characteristics when a sheet metal such as SUS304 is used as the reinforcing member 31, and frequency characteristics when reinforced resin such as Reny is used as the reinforcing member 31. . The horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents sound pressure. The resonance point when reinforced resin is used is about 2 kHz, and the resonance point when sheet metal is used is about 1 kHz. The dip when using reinforced resin is about 4 kHz, and the dip when using sheet metal is about 3 kHz. That is, when the reinforced resin is used, the resonance point of the panel 20 is located in a higher frequency region and the frequency characteristic dip is located in a higher frequency region, compared to the case where a sheet metal is used. Since the frequency band used for the voice call of the mobile phone is 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz, when reinforced resin is used as the reinforcing member 31, the dip can be prevented from being included in the use frequency band of the mobile phone 1C. . Even when a sheet metal is used as the reinforcing member 31, the dip is not included in the use frequency band of the cellular phone 1C by appropriately adjusting the type or composition of the metal constituting the sheet metal or the thickness of the sheet metal. be able to. When the sheet metal and the reinforced resin are compared, the reinforced resin can reduce the influence on the antenna performance as compared with the sheet metal. Since reinforced resin is less likely to be plastically deformed than sheet metal, there is an advantage that acoustic characteristics are less likely to change. The reinforced resin suppresses the temperature rise at the time of sound generation compared to the sheet metal. Instead of the reinforcing member 31, a plate-like weight may be attached to the piezoelectric element 7 by the joining member 30.

  When an electrical signal is applied to the piezoelectric element 7, the panel 20 vibrates in accordance with deformation (expansion / contraction or bending) of the piezoelectric element 7, and air conduction sound and a part of the human body that contacts the panel 20 (for example, an ear) And vibration sound transmitted through the cartilage. The touch screen 21 is disposed so as to cover almost the entire front surface of the panel 20.

  Similarly to the above, the cellular phone 1 </ b> C is also provided with the speaker 11, which is a dynamic speaker, above the piezoelectric element 7 on the same side of the housing 40 where the piezoelectric element 7 is disposed. The first microphone 8a is disposed on the back surface on the opposite side (end portion) of the housing 40 in which the piezoelectric element 7 is disposed. The second microphone 8b is disposed on the opposite side (end) of the housing 40 in which the piezoelectric element 7 is disposed.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the ambient sound input from the first microphone 8 a and the position information obtained by the communication unit 6 are listed as conditions for switching the sound output method. This condition may be a contact detection by the touch screen 21 or a detection result of the posture detection unit.

  In the above embodiment, the panel 20 is deformed by the piezoelectric element 7 to generate air conduction sound and vibration sound. A part of the housing 40 may be deformed by the piezoelectric element 7 to generate air conduction sound and vibration sound. A part of the housing 40 may be a corner portion of the housing, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display 2 is attached to the back surface of the panel 20 using the bonding member 30 as the mobile phone 1A has been described. However, the mobile phone 1A has a space between the panel 20 and the display 2. May be configured. By providing a space between the panel 20 and the display 2, the panel 20 easily vibrates, and the range on which the vibration sound can be easily heard on the panel 20 is widened.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the piezoelectric element 7 is attached to the panel 20 has been described, but the piezoelectric element 7 may be attached to another place. For example, the piezoelectric element 7 may be attached to a battery lid. The battery lid is a member that is attached to the housing 40 and covers the battery. Since the battery lid is often attached to a surface different from the display 2 in a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone, according to such a configuration, the user can place a part of the body (for example, an ear) on a surface different from the display 2. You can hear the sound by touching. The piezoelectric element 7 may be configured to vibrate corners of the housing 40 (for example, at least one of the four corners). In this case, the piezoelectric element 7 may be configured to be attached to the inner surface of the corner portion of the housing 40, or further provided with an intermediate member, and the vibration of the piezoelectric element 7 is transmitted to the corner portion of the housing 40 via the intermediate member. But you can. According to this configuration, the vibrating range can be made relatively narrow, so that air conduction sound generated by the vibration is difficult to leak to the surroundings. In addition, according to this configuration, for example, the air conduction sound and the vibration sound are transmitted to the user in a state where the user inserts the corner portion of the housing into the ear canal, so that ambient noise hardly enters the user's ear canal. Therefore, the quality of the sound transmitted to the user can be improved.

  In said embodiment, although the reinforcement member 31 is a plate-shaped member, the shape of the reinforcement member 31 is not restricted to this. For example, the reinforcing member 31 may have a shape that is larger than the piezoelectric element 7 and has an end that curves toward the piezoelectric element 7 and covers the side of the piezoelectric element 7. The reinforcing member 31 may have, for example, a shape having a plate-like portion and an extending portion that extends from the plate-like portion and covers the side portion of the piezoelectric element 7. In this case, it is preferable that the extended portion and the side portion of the piezoelectric element 7 are separated by a predetermined distance. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the extending part to inhibit the deformation of the piezoelectric element.

  The panel 20 can constitute a part or the whole of any of a display panel, an operation panel, a cover panel, and a lid panel for making the rechargeable battery removable. In particular, when the panel 20 is a display panel, the piezoelectric element 7 is disposed outside the display area for the display function. As a result, there is an advantage that the display is hardly disturbed. The operation panel includes a touch panel. In addition, the operation panel includes a sheet key that is a member constituting one surface of the operation unit side casing, in which, for example, a key top of an operation key is integrally formed in a foldable mobile phone.

  The bonding member that bonds the panel 20 and the piezoelectric element 7 and the bonding member that bonds the panel 20 and the casing 40 have been described as the bonding member 30 having the same reference numeral. However, different joining members may be used as appropriate depending on the members to be joined.

  In the above embodiment, a mobile phone has been described as an example of a device according to the appended claims. However, the device according to the appended claims is not limited to a mobile phone. The device according to the appended claims may be a mobile electronic device other than a mobile phone. Examples of the portable electronic device include, but are not limited to, a tablet, a portable personal computer, a digital camera, a media player, an electronic book reader, a navigator, and a game machine.

  In the above embodiment, the controller of the mobile phone controls the generation of sound, but is not limited to this. For example, sound generation may be controlled based on an instruction signal received via a network by a communication unit. For example, a signal may be received from another electronic device by so-called near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared communication, and sound generation may be controlled based on the received signal.

  The characterizing embodiments have been described in order to fully and clearly disclose the technology according to the appended claims. However, the appended claims should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but all modifications and alternatives that can be created by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic matters shown in this specification. Should be embodied by a simple configuration.

1A to 1C Mobile phone 2 Display 3 Button 4 Illuminance sensor 5 Proximity sensor 6 Communication unit 7 Piezoelectric element 8a First microphone 8b Second microphone 9 Storage 9A Control program 9B Call application 9C Music playback application 9D Video playback application 9Z Setting data 10 Controller DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Speaker 12 Camera 15 Posture detection unit 18 Vibrator 20 Panel 21 Touch screen 30 Joining member 31 Reinforcing member 40 Case

Claims (10)

A piezoelectric element;
A first sound generator that vibrates by the piezoelectric element and generates air conduction sound and vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of the human body;
A second sound generator for generating air conduction sound;
A sound input section for inputting external sound;
When there is a call operation or an incoming call, the first sound generation unit and the second sound generation unit according to the sound pressure of the external sound before the call is started after the call operation or the call reception. When the first sound generator is selected, a sound is generated from the first sound generator at the start of the call, and when the second sound generator is selected, the call is An electronic device comprising: a control unit that generates sound from the second sound generation unit at the start.   The control unit selects the first sound generation unit when the sound pressure of the external sound is not lower than a predetermined threshold between the outgoing operation or the incoming call and when the call is started. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second sound generation unit is selected when a sound pressure of an external sound is lower than the predetermined threshold. The first sound generating unit, an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 which is the panel. The panel vibrates in a region wider than a region having a length corresponding to the distance from the lower leg of the human ear to the antitragus and a width corresponding to the distance from the tragus to the antique. The electronic device according to claim 3 . The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the panel constitutes a part or all of a display panel, an operation panel, a cover panel, and a lid panel for allowing a rechargeable battery to be removed. When the panel is a display panel,
The piezoelectric element is disposed outside the display area of the display panel.
The electronic device according to claim 5 . The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 , wherein the panel is deformed to transmit air conduction sound and human body vibration sound in any part of the panel. The panel has a plurality of locations that vibrate in a direction intersecting with the main surface of the panel in the vibration region, and the amplitude value of the vibration is increased from plus to minus with time or vice versa at each location. The electronic apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6 . A piezoelectric element, a first sound generating unit that generates air conduction sound and vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of the human body, and a second sound generation unit that generates air conduction sound. A control method executed by an electronic device including a sound input unit for inputting external sound,
When there is a call operation or an incoming call, the first sound generation unit and the second sound generation unit according to the sound pressure of the external sound before the call is started after the call operation or the call reception. Selecting one, and
When the first sound generator is selected, a sound is generated from the first sound generator at the start of the call, and when the second sound generator is selected, the second sound is generated at the start of the call. Generating a sound from the generator. A piezoelectric element, a first sound generating unit that generates air conduction sound and vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of the human body, and a second sound generation unit that generates air conduction sound. In an electronic device provided with a sound input unit for inputting external sound,
When there is a call operation or an incoming call, the first sound generation unit and the second sound generation unit according to the sound pressure of the external sound before the call is started after the call operation or the call reception. Selecting one, and
When the first sound generator is selected, a sound is generated from the first sound generator at the start of the call, and when the second sound generator is selected, the second sound is generated at the start of the call. A control program for executing the step of generating sound from the generator.

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