MXPA00006737A - Alerting device and radio communication device having the alerting device - Google Patents

Abstract

An alerting device which has an alerting unit (2) with a built-in vibrator resonated when receiving a driving signal and a signal generating circuit (5) which supplies a driving signal to the alerting unit (2). The signal generating circuit (5) generates the driving signal Dv whose frequency varies within a certain frequency range containing the resonance frequency of the vibrator and supplies the driving signal Dv to the alerting unit (2). The variation width of the frequency of the driving signal is predetermined in accordance with the variation width of the resonance frequency which is caused by the tolerances of the factors determining the resonance frequency. Further, the driving signal has an alternating rectangular or sinusoidal waveform and its frequency varies within a range of 1.37 - 2.98 Hz periodically. By the alerting device, a sufficient alerting effect can be obtained regardless of the variation of the resonance frequency of the vibrator.

Description

NOTIFICATION DEVICE AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM THAT INCORPORATES THE SAME TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to notification devices for use in portable telephones, pagers and similar wireless communication systems to notify the user of incoming calls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional portable telephones have a built-in sound generator (resonator) to notify the user with sound, regarding the incoming calls, for example, with a vibration having a frequency, in the audible interval and a vibration generator to notify the user of incoming calls with a perceptible vibration by the human body and that has a frequency, for example, of up to one hundred hertz. One of the two generators is selectively usable according to the situation.

However, small devices such as portable telephones have little or no space to accommodate the sound generator and the vibration generator, and therefore find the problem of becoming larger if they are equipped with the two generators. Accordingly, the present applicant has proposed a portable telephone as shown in Figure 9 (JP-A No. 14194/1998). The proposed portable telephone comprises a flat case 11 having an antenna 1 and provided on the surface thereof with a voice receiving portion 12 for outputting the speech of the conversation or incoming speech, manual buttons 14 such as keys number, a portion 13 of speech distribution to send the incoming speech, etc., from the input. Provided in a suitable portion of the interior of the case 11 is a notification unit 2 for notifying the user of incoming calls, with sound, vibration, or sound and vibration. The notification unit 2 comprises a first vibrator operable with a first drive signal at a frequency in the audible range to produce sound waves, a second vibrator operable or excitable with a second drive signal at a second frequency (up to hundreds of hertz ) lower than the first frequency to produce a vibration, and a signal generating circuit for producing the first drive signal and the second drive signal. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are housed in a common case. The first vibrator comprises a coil coupled with a first diaphragm to the case, while the second vibrator comprises a magnet coupled with a second diaphragm to the case. The magnet is formed with a magnetic gap having the coil of the first vibrator accommodated therein. More specifically stated with reference to Figure 2, the notification unit comprises housed in a cylindrical case 21, a first vibrator 4 for producing mainly sound waves, and a second vibrator 3 for producing mainly vibration. The case 21 has a compact structure as a whole and comprises a hollow cylindrical body 22, an annular front cover member 24 having a sound emission opening 25 and coupled to an open front side of the body 22, and a cover member annular rear 23 coupled to an open rear side of the body 22. The first vibrator 4 comprises a first circular diaphragm 41 having its peripheral portion held between the body 22 of the housing and the front cover member 24, and a spool 42 attached to the side of the first diaphragm 41. The first vibrator 4 has a resonance frequency in an audible range greater than a few hundred hertz. On the other hand, the second vibrator 3 comprises a second annular diaphragm 34 having its peripheral portion maintained between the body 22 of the housing and the rear cover member 23, an outer fork 32 secured to the inner peripheral portion of the second diaphragm 34, a permanent magnet 31 magnetized axially of the same (vertical direction) and fixed to the front side of the outer fork 32, and an inner cleat 33 fixed to the front side of the magnet 31. The coil 42 of the first vibrator 4 is accommodated in an upward or downward direction movably in a gap magnetic ring defined by the opposite faces of the outer fork 32 and the inner fork 33. The second vibrator 3 has a low resonance frequency of less than a few hundred hertz. Figure 11 shows the vibration characteristics Cs of the first vibrator 4 and the vibration characteristics Cv of the second vibrator 3. The vibrators 4, 3 show a peak in amplitude at the resonance frequencies Fs, Fv, respectively. Accordingly, larger notification effects are available when feeding a sound drive or excitation signal and an excitation signal or vibration drive of these respective resonance frequencies Fs, Fv to the coil 42 of the notification unit 2. More specifically , a one-frequency sound drive signal Ds (eg, about 2 kHz) in accordance or adjustment with the resonant frequency Fs as shown in Figure 10, (a) is fed to the coil 42 when notified with sound, and a vibration drive signal Dv 'of a frequency (eg, of approximately 100 Hz) in accordance or adjustment with the resonance frequency Fv as shown in Figure 10, (b) is fed to the coil 42 when notified with vibration. When the sound driving signal Ds is fed to the coil 42 of the notification unit 2, the coil 42 produces an axial driving force by virtue of the relationship between the magnetic lines of force that extend through the radially interstitial magnetic gap. of the same, and the circumferential current flowing through the spool 42 according to Fleming's left hand rule. Since the driving force acts at the frequency of the reference point, the first vibrator 4 resonates to generate sound waves, while the second vibrator 3 remains almost free of vibration because the resonance point thereof is different. The generation of sound waves gives audio notification of an incoming call. On the other hand, when the vibration drive signal Dv 'is fed to the notification coil 42, the coil 42 similarly produces an axial driving force. Since the resonance point of the first vibrator 4 differs from the frequency of the driving force, the first vibrator 4 does not suffer almost vibration, but the second vibrator 3 having a resonance point at the frequency of the driving force is resonated by the reaction of the driving force to produce vibration. The generated vibration is perceived by the human body, notifying the user of a incoming call. With the notification unit 2, the resonance frequencies of the vibrators 4, 3 inevitably involve variations due to the tolerances for the specifications, for the determination of the resonance frequencies of the vibrators 4, 3, such as the configurations, dimensions, materials, etc. of the diaphragms 41, 34, the forks 32, 33 and the permanent magnet 31. For example, the thickness of the second diaphragm 34 constituting the second vibrator 3 has a tolerance of 120 μm ± 8 μm. In the case where the resonance frequency Fv is 100 Hz when the thickness t of the diaphragm is 120 μm, the variation in the resonance frequency is 100 Hz ± 10 Hz since the resonance frequency is in proportion to the thickness t raised to 1.5. Figure 12 shows the vibration characteristics, a in a continuous line varied by dimensional tolerances, etc., to the vibration characteristics b, c in a dashed line, respectively. If a vibrator has the characteristics of vibration b that involve a variation, it is driven or excited at the resonance frequency of the vibration characteristics to no variation, no resonance occurs, and the amplitude of the vibrator will greatly decrease from a peak value Wp at the resonance point to a value W. In this way, in the case where the notification unit is operated with a given frequency drive signal without considering the variation of the resonance frequency, there arises the problem that variations also occur in the amplitude of the vibrator, failing to produce a satisfactory notification effect. In addition, portable telephones in recent years can be adjusted in various modes of operation, for example, to visually display the caller's telephone number after receiving an incoming call or to serve as a pager. In accordance with such a wider variety of operational functions, a need arises for the notification notification unit not only of incoming calls, but also of the various modes in which the telephone is set. Accordingly, a first objective of the present invention is to provide a notification device that produces satisfactory notification effects despite the variation in the resonance frequency, and a wireless communication system that incorporates the device. A second objective of the invention is to provide a wireless communication system comprising a notification device adapted for different types of notification operations including the notification of incoming calls to give satisfactory notification effects despite the variation in the resonance frequency .

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To fulfill the first objective, the present invention provides a notification device comprising a vibrator to be resonated by a drive signal fed to it, and a signal that prepares the circuit for feeding the drive signal to the vibrator, being characterized the notification device because the driving signal has a frequency that varies within a range that includes the resonant frequency of the vibrator, and that is adjusted to the resonance frequency during vibration. Even if the vibrator has a resonance frequency that involves a variation due to the dimensional tolerances, etc., of the vibrator, the drive signal repeatedly varies in frequency within the predetermined range, so that resonance occurs to give a greater amplitude when the frequency of the drive signal matches or adjusts to the true resonance frequency during variation.

When the frequency of the driving signal after this becomes different from the true resonance frequency, the vibrator does not suffer from resonance and shows a decreased amplitude, while the amplitude increases when the frequency of the signal is coupled or matches the true resonance frequency, again. In this way, the amplitude of the vibrator is repeatedly increased to the amplitude of the resonance as a peak, and decreases therefrom as the frequency of the drive signal varies. Established more specifically, the variation in the frequency of the drive signal corresponds to the variation in the resonance frequency due to the tolerances for the specifications of which the resonance frequency is dependent. The variation in the resonance frequency due to the tolerances for the specifications can be determined experimentally, empirically or theoretically, and the variation in the frequency of the drive signal can be reasonably determined when it is performed to correspond to the variation determined as such. The resonant frequency of the vibrator is a low frequency that is not effectively audible, for example, up to a few hundred hertz, and the vibration of the vibrator at the resonance frequency has an amplitude that is generally perceptible by the human body, thereby a noticeable notification effect can be obtained. The driving signal has an alternating waveform of pulse or sine waves having a frequency that varies periodically, preferably at 0.5 to 10 Hz, more preferably at 1.37 to 2.98 Hz, more preferably at 2.18 Hz. This periodically produces resonance of highly perceptible effect. The frequency of the drive signal also varies in the form of triangular waves, sine waves or sawtooth waves. Especially when the frequency of the drive signal is varied in the form of sawtooth waves, resonance occurs with a defined period in accordance with the period of the waves, ensuring notification without discomfort. The frequency of the drive signal does not always need to be varied continuously, but it can be gradually increased or decreased gradually. The present invention provides a wireless communication system comprising the notification device of the invention, described to notify the user of incoming calls. The system produces a satisfactory notification effect even if the resonance frequency of the notification device involves a variation, thus giving reliable notification of incoming calls.

With the notification device and the wireless communication system incorporating the device according to the invention, the periodic or non-periodic occurrence of the resonance repeatedly increases the amplitude of the vibrator to the amplitude of the resonance as a peak, and it diminishes the amplitude from the peak, providing effective notification that is audible or perceptible by the human body. To fulfill the second objective, the present invention provides a wireless communication system that has a notification device incorporated therein to perform different types of notification operations, including notification of incoming calls, the notification device comprises a vibrator for to be echoed by a drive signal fed to it, and a drive signal supply circuit to feed the drive signal to the vibrator. The driving circuit of the driving signal comprises means for preparing a command signal for preparing the notification command signals that are different for the different notification contents in accordance with the content, and operating signal preparation means operative in response to the notification command signal to prepare a drive signal that varies in frequency within a range that includes the resonant frequency of the vibrator and which differs in the state of variation for the different notification command signals and to feed the drive signal to the vibrator. Even if the vibrator has a resonance frequency that involves a variation due to the dimensional tolerances, etc., of the vibrator, the drive signal repeatedly varies in frequency within the predetermined range, so that the resonance occurs to give a greater amplitude when the frequency of the drive signal is adjusted to the true resonance frequency during variation. When the frequency of the driving signal after this becomes different from the true resonance frequency, the vibrator does not suffer from resonance and shows a decreased amplitude, while the amplitude increases when the frequency of the signal is adjusted or equal to the true resonance frequency again. In this way, the amplitude of the vibrator is repeatedly increased to the amplitude of the resonance as a peak, and decreases therefrom as the frequency of the drive signal varies. In addition, in response to an incoming call or in accordance with another operation of the system, a specific notification command signal is prepared to notify the use of the operation, and a drive signal is prepared with reference to the command signal for operate the vibrator in a different state of vibration. After receiving a conventional incoming call, for example, a first drive signal is prepared where the variation of the vibration frequency continues, based on a command signal to notify the incoming call. After receiving an incoming call from a specific caller, on the other hand, a second actuation signal is prepared which in turn turns on and off with a predetermined period, based on a caller notification command signal. When the notification device is operated with the first drive signal, the resonance occurs with a predetermined period, whereas when the notification device is driven with the second drive signal, the resonance occurs intermittently periodically. This difference in the vibration mode makes it possible for the user to identify the caller. In addition, when a mode of operation such as a telephone is set, an actuation signal is prepared wherein the variation of the frequency has a first period, based on a mode notification command signal. When another mode of operation, for example, for the function of a locator is set, an actuation signal is prepared where the variation of the frequency has a second period, based on a mode notification command signal, in question. In consecuense, the different modes of operation produce periodic resonance intermittently in different states. This difference in the vibration state makes it possible for the user to identify the different operating modes. Stated more specifically, the variation in the frequency of the drive signal corresponds to the variation in the resonance frequency due to the tolerances for the specifications on which the resonance frequency depends. The variation in the resonance frequency, due to the tolerances for the specifications, can be determined experimentally, empirically or theoretically, and the variation in the frequency of the drive signal can be reasonably determined when it is performed to correspond to the variation determined in this way. . For example, the resonant frequency of the vibrator is lower than the audible frequencies and is more specifically a frequency of up to hundreds of hertz, and the vibration of the vibrator at the resonance frequency has an amplitude that is generally perceptible by the human body. , with which a perceptible notification effect can be obtained. The drive signal has an alternating waveform of pulses or sine waves and a frequency that varies periodically from one to several hertz. This periodically produces resonance with a highly effective period for perception by the human body. The frequency of the drive signal also varies in the form of triangular waves, sine waves or waves in the shape of a sawtooth. Especially when the frequency of the drive signal is varied in the form of sawtooth waves, the resonance occurs with a defined period in accordance or adjustment with the period of the waves, ensuring the notification without discomfort. The frequency of the drive signal does not need to be continuously varied but can be gradually increased or decreased by steps. With the wireless communication system according to the invention, the periodic or non-periodic occurrence of resonance, notwithstanding the variation in the frequency of the resonance, repeatedly increases the amplitude of the vibrator to the resonance amplitude as a peak, and decreases the amplitude from the peak, giving the effective notification that is audible or perceptible by the human body. In addition, different vibration states make it possible for the user to identify the contents of the notification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit construction of a portable telephone of the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a notification unit. Figure 3 includes the waveform diagrams showing the relationship between the frequency of a drive signal and the amplitude of a vibrator. Figure 4 is a waveform diagram of the drive signal. Figure 5 includes the waveform diagrams showing the relationship between the frequency of a driving signal and the amplitude of a vibrator, as another example. Figure 6 is a waveform diagram showing variations in the frequency of a driving signal, as another example. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the construction of an example of the vibration signal processing circuit. Figure 8 - includes waveform diagrams showing the operation of the vibration signal processing circuit. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a portable telephone embodying the invention.

Figure 10 includes the waveform diagrams showing a sound drive signal and a vibration drive signal of a conventional portable telephone. Figure 11 is a graph showing the vibration characteristics of the vibrators. Figure 12 is a diagram to illustrate a decrease in amplitude due to variations in the resonance frequency. Figure 13 is a graph showing the result of a conducted experiment to determine an optimum range of modulation frequencies. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the circuit construction of a portable telephone of the second embodiment of the invention. Figure 15 is a diagram that seeks the construction of an example of the modulation signal generating circuit. Figure 16 includes the waveform diagrams showing the operation of the modulation signal generating circuit. Figure 17 includes waveform diagrams showing two types of modulation signals for use in identifying the mode of operation. Figure 18 includes waveform diagrams showing three types of modulation signals for use in identification in the mode of operation.

BEST MODALITY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION A detailed description of the two embodiments of the invention will be given below as they are applied to the portable telephone shown in Figure 9.

FIRST MODALITY As shown in Figure 9, the portable telephone of the invention comprises a flat case 11 having an antenna 1 and provided on the surface thereof with a portion 12 for speech or conversation reception, incorporating a loudspeaker, manual buttons 14 , such as the number keys, a speech distribution portion 13 incorporating a microphone, etc. Provided in a suitable portion of the interior of the case 11 is a notification unit 2 for notifying the user of incoming calls with sound or vibration. As shown in Figure 2, the notification unit 2 comprises housed in a common case 21, a first vibrator 4 for producing sound mainly, and a second vibrator 3 for producing vibration, mainly. The case 21 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 22, an annular front cover member 24 having a sound emission aperture 25 and coupled to an open front side of the body 22, and an annular rear cover member 23 attached to a rear side open. of the body 22. The first vibrator 4 comprises a first circular diaphragm 41 having its peripheral portion held between the body 22 of the case, and the front cover member 24, and a coil 42 fixed to the rear side of the first diaphragm 41. The first Vibrator 4 has a resonance frequency in an audible range greater than a few hundred hertz. On the other hand, the second vibrator 3 comprises a second annular diaphragm 34 having its peripheral portion held between the body 22 of the case and the rear cover member 23, an outer fork 32 secured to the inner peripheral portion of the second diaphragm 34, a permanent magnet 31 magnetized axially thereof (vertical direction) and fixed to the front side of the outer fork 32, and an inner fork 33 fixed to the front side of the magnet or magnet 31. The coil 42 of the first vibrator 4 is accommodated in an upward or downward direction movable in an annular magnetic gap defined by opposite faces of the outer fork 32 and the inner fork 33. The second vibrator 3 has a resonance frequency in a frequency range effectively inaudible, for example, from 50 Hz to 300 Hz. The first and second diaphragms 41, 34 can be made of an elastic material known as metal, rubber or resin. When required, the second diaphragm 34 has cuts to obtain a greater displacement. Figure 1 shows the construction of the main circuit of the portable telephone that has the notification unit 2 described. The telephone is adapted so that when pressed, the manual button 14 makes it possible for the user to select the notification with sound or notification with vibration to alert the user regarding incoming calls. In accordance with the selection made in this way, an alert setting circuit 55 adjusts the selected alert method for a control circuit 54. A sound signal preparation circuit 57 and a circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal they are connected to the notification unit 2, by means of a switch 59, which is switched under the control of the control circuit 54. The radio waves transmitted by the base station are received by the antenna 1 at all times with a specified period. The received signal is converted into a frequency and demodulated by a radio circuit 51 and then fed to a signal processing circuit 52, which extracts a digital sound signal and a control signal from the signal. The operation of the signal processing circuit 52 is controlled by the control circuit 54. The control signal obtained by the signal processing circuit 52 is fed to an incoming call detection circuit 53, whereby a call that Enter is detected, if any. On the other hand, the sound signal given by the circuit 52 is fed to a sound signal processing circuit, not illustrated, and then output from the loudspeaker, as a sound. The sound signal preparation circuit 57 serves to produce a sound drive signal Ds of audible frequency for sound notification. On the other hand, the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal, which produces a vibration drive signal Dv having a low frequency of up to hundreds of hertz for notification with the vibration perceptible by the body, comprises a circuit 56 of generation of modulation signal and a circuit 58 of processing of vibration signals. The constructions of these circuits 56 and 58 will be described later in detail. When an incoming call is detected by the detection circuit 53, the control circuit 54 changes the switch 59 according to the alert setting by the manual button 14. In the case where, the user will be notified of the call which enters with sound only, the switch 59 is changed for connection to the sound signal preparation circuit 57, to feed the sound drive signal alone to the notification unit 2. When the notification is to be given only with vibration , the switch 59 is changed for the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal, to feed the vibration drive signal alone to the notification unit 2. With reference to Figure 10, (a), the sound driving signal Ds produced by the sound signal preparation circuit 57 is prepared from a pulse signal having a frequency of 2 kHz in the audible range, by flashing the signal to a period of 16 Hz. The resulting intermittent pulses provide an easily audible notification sound which sounds like "pulll ...." The 2 kHz frequency matches or adjusts with the Fv resonance frequency of the vibration characteristics Cs shown in Figure 11. By another part, the vibration drive signal Dv prepared by the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal has a frequency that varies periodically in the range, for example, 100 Hz ± 10 Hz and centered approximately at 100 Hz which is easily perceptible by the human body as a vibration as shown in Figure 4. The central frequency of 100 Hz is in accordance with the resonance frequency Fv of the vibration characteristics Cv shown in Figure 11. Figure 3, (a ) shows an example where the frequency F of the vibration drive signal Dv is varied in the form of triangular waves. The frequency F has a variation of ±? F = ± 10 Hz with a central frequency of Fm = 100 Hz. The frequency of variation (1 / T? Rt) is in the range of 0.5 to 10 hz. The variation? F of the frequency is determined according to the variation of the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 due to the tolerances by the specifications of which the resonance frequency is dependent. Assume that the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 does not involve variation in this case. Then resonance occurs when the frequency F matches or adjusts to the center frequency Fm, and an amplitude curve Wa indicated on a solid line in Figure 3, (b) is obtained, which has a peak amplitude Wp at the point of resonance Assume further that the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 involves a variation due to the dimensional tolerances for the diaphragm, etc. The true resonance point will then be placed, for example, at point P in Figure 3, (a). Even in this case, the resonance occurs when the frequency F of the drive signal passes this point P, and an amplitude curve Wb is obtained, which has a peak amplitude Wp at the resonance point, as indicated in the line discontinuous in Figure 3, (b). In this way, by varying the frequency of the vibration drive signal Dv over the range of Fm ±? F, an amplitude can be obtained that varies to show a peak Wp always at the resonance point, despite the variation of the resonance frequency, consequently producing a satisfactory notification effect. This variation of amplitude achieves an improved notification effect which is perceptible by the human body.

In the case where the second vibrator 3 is driven at the constant frequency Fm, on the other hand, resonance does not occur if the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 varies, and the amplitude of the second vibrator 3 has a small value of W 'decreased in a large measure of the Wp-type value at the resonance point as indicated by a two-dot chain line in Figure 3, (b), failing accordingly to produce a satisfactory notifier effect. The frequency of the vibration drive signal Dv is variable not only in the form of triangular waves but also in the form of sine waves or sawtooth waves. For example, in the case where the frequency is varied in the form of sawtooth waves as shown in Figure 5, (a), suppose that the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 has no variation. An amplitude curve Wa is then obtained which has a peak amplitude Wp at the resonance point, as indicated by a solid line in Figure 5, (b). Even if the resonance frequency of the second vibrator 3 involves a variation, a resonance curve Wb which has a peak amplitude Wp at the resonance point will be obtained, as indicated by a dashed line in Figure 5, (b). The notification without discomfort is made specifically in this case, since the second vibrator 3 resonates at a defined period. Alternatively, the frequency of the vibration drive signal Dv may be gradually increased or decreased step by step in minute increments or decrements as shown in Figure 6. The same effect as described above is also available in this case . According to the present embodiment, the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal comprises a modulation signal generation circuit 56 and a vibration signal processing circuit 58, as shown in Figure 1. The circuit 56 of The modulation signal generation produces a Sm modulation signal to modulate the frequency of the vibration drive signal. The modulation signal is prepared in the same waveform as the waveform of the frequency variation of the vibration drive signal shown in Figure 3, (a) or in Figure 5, (a). Such a modulation signal can be prepared by a known signal generation circuit. On the other hand, the vibration signal processing circuit 58 can be, for example, of the construction shown in Figure 7. The circuit 58 comprises a load unit 6 composed of a capacitance element C and resistance elements Rl, R2, an Rs-flip-flop circuit 63 connected to the output terminal of the unit 6 via a first comparator 61 and a second comparator 62, and a discharge control transistor 64 and a T-flip-flop circuit 65 that are connected to the circuit output terminal 63. The modulation signal Sm is fed to an inverting input terminal of the first comparator 61, and a reference voltage signal Vref to a non-inverting input terminal of the second comparator 62. Figure 8 shows the operation of the vibration signal processing circuit 58. The charging unit 6 is charged upon being supplied with power, whereby an output of the voltage signal Vo from the charging unit 6 is gradually increased. After the magnitude of the signal reaches the level of the modulation signal Sm, the first comparator 61 feeds an adjustment signal to the RS-flip-flop circuit 63, by turning on an output So of the circuit 63. Accordingly, the transistor 64 it is turned on, starting to discharge the charging unit 6. When the voltage signal Vo distributed from the charging unit 6 subsequently decreases to the level of the reference voltage signal Vref, the second comparator 62 is turned on to power a readjust signal to circuit 63 RS-flip-flop and turn off the output of circuit 63. As a result, the transistor 64 is pulled out of conduction so that the load unit 6 resumes the load. In this way, the charging unit 6 is repeatedly charged and discharged (Figure 8, (a)), and the So output of the 63 RS-flip-flop circuit is turned on and off repeatedly (Figure 8, (b)). In this process, the output of the 65 T-flip-flop circuit is switched from on to off, and from off to on as it is synchronized with the rise of the So output. As a result, the 65 T-flip-flop circuit produces a Dv drive signal that is turned on and off each time the voltage signal Vo reaches the level of the Sm modulation signal, as shown in Figure 8, (c). The modulation signal Sm varies, for example, in the form of triangular waves, whereby the period To of the driving signal Dv is also varied in the form of triangular waves, so that a modulating drive signal is obtained Dv as shown in Figure 4. To verify the frequency of variation of a period To of the modulation drive signal Dv, for example, the frequency of the Sm modulation signal, for an optimum range, an experiment was first conducted to examine the notice effect perceived by three panelists (A, B, C). For the experiment, a wireless communication system (locator) of the invention was placed on the palm of each panelist, the modulation frequency was then continuously altered, and the panelist was asked to report the sensation of the vibration as it was perceived. . The value that was to be reported was an optional value in the range of 0 that represents without vibration, as it is felt, up to 100 that represents a vibration as it is perceived with the highest sensitivity. In addition, in the experiment, the frequency of modulation was first explored which resulted in a vibration, as detected by the evaluation of 100, and the modulation frequency was then gradually altered so that the panelist could make a report when perceiving a change in the vibration as he felt it. Figure 13 shows the results. Figure 13 reveals that the three panelists perceived the vibration with the highest sensitivity when the modulation frequency was 1.5 to 2.5 Hz, and that the sensitivity decreased as the frequency deviated from this interval. Although the decrease in sensitivity to vibration differs from person to person, the panelists were probably in the tendency of variations in sensitivity as is apparent from the results. Therefore, it is thought that Figure 13 shows the basic variation pattern of the perception characteristics. Next, an experiment is conducted with ten panelists (A to J). The wireless communication system (locator) of the invention was placed on the palm of each panelist, the modulation frequency was then continuously altered, and the panelist was asked to report the modulation frequency (optimum modulation frequency) at which the vibration was perceived with the highest sensitivity. Table 1 shows the results.

Table 1 Panelist Optimum modulation frequency (Hz) A 2.25 B 2.31 C 2.10 D 2.03 E 2.77 F 2.11 G 2.29 H 1.85 I 1.83 J 2.23 Average ± S.D 2.177 ± 0.268 Since the optimum modulation frequency differs slightly from person to person as will be apparent from the table, the average value of the listed values, Average = 2177 Hz, can be used as an optimal, universal modulation frequency. In addition, the SD standard deviation of the optimal modulation frequencies listed in Table 1 is 0.268, so that if the modulation frequency is adjusted within a range (Average ± 3SD) three times the standard deviation centered around the average value Bird, for example, within the range of 1.37 to 2.98 Hz, can give a very high notification effect to all users.

SECOND MODALITY A portable telephone that exemplifies the invention has incorporated in it a reporting unit that has the same construction as the reporting unit 2 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Figure 14 shows the construction of the main circuit of the portable telephone of the present embodiment . Throughout this circuit and the circuit of the first modality shown in the Figure 1, similar components are designated by similar reference numbers and will not be described repeatedly.

The sound signal preparation circuit 57 serves to produce a sound frequency signal Ds of audible frequency for sound notification as the first mode. On the other hand, the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal, which produces a vibration drive signal Dv having a low frequency of up to hundreds of hertz for notification with vibration perceptible by the body, comprises a generator circuit 56 modulation signal and a circuit 58 for processing the vibration signal. The constructions of these circuits 56 and 58 will be described later in detail. An on / off switch 71 is interposed between the vibration signal preparation circuit 5 and the switching or switching switch 59. The circuit 56 generating the modulation signal and the on / off switch 71 have their operations controlled by a circuit 72 for preparing the control signal. As shown in Figure 14, the generator circuit 56 of the modulation signal has a unit 7 of change or period switching. A control signal fed to this unit 7 from the circuit 72 for the preparation of the control signal changes the period of the modulation signal Sm to be fed to the processing circuit 58 of the vibration signal. Figure 15 shows a specific example of the construction of the generator circuit 56 of the modulation signal, and Figure 16, (a) and (b) show the operation of the circuit 56. The circuit 56 comprises first and second comparators 73, 74 , a plurality of resistors Rl, R2, R3 of parameter selection, the switching switch S, the feedback resistors Rb, Rc, the capacitor C, etc. The resistors Rl, R2, R3 of parameter selection and the switching switch S constitute the period switching unit 7. The switch S is switched by the control signal fed from the control signal preparation circuit 72. Accordingly, the slope (VB / CR) of the output voltage (modulation signal Sm) of the second comparator 74 shown in Figure 16, (b) varies according to the resistance value R of the parameter selection resistor. In addition, each time the voltage E at point E in Figure 15 increases from (E = Vcc - VB) to (E = Vcc + VB) as shown in Figure 16, (a), the output voltage of the second comparator 74 drops, giving a sawtooth modulation signal Sm as shown in Figure 16, (b). In this way, the period of the modulation signal Sm can be changed to one of the different periods. The circuit 72 for preparing the control signal, prepares a switching or switching control signal for the switch S which constitutes the period switching unit 7 and an on / off control signal for the on / off switch 71, in response to a command signal of mode notification obtained from the control circuit 54. For example, in the case where the system has registered therein the telephone number (s) of one or more specific callers, and when a call received from an unregistered caller, the call which enters is detected by the incoming call detection circuit 53, after which the. control circuit 54 prepares a mode notification command signal to give an order, to notify the user of the reception of the call, and feeds the command or command signal to the circuit 72 for preparing the control signal. The circuit 72 in turn controls the period switching unit 7 of the modulation signal generation circuit 56, whereby a sawtooth wave modulation signal having a predetermined period TO is generated as shown in FIG. Figure 17, (a), and the on / off switch 71, is kept on at all times. A drive signal that varies in frequency according to the modulation signal is fed to the reporting unit 2. As a result, the reporting unit 2 resonates with the TO period. On the other hand, when a call is received from the registered caller, the incoming call is detected by the incoming call detection circuit 53, after which the control circuit 54 prepares a mode notification command signal. to give an order, to notify the user of the reception of the call, and to supply the command or command signal to the circuit 72 for preparing the control signal. The circuit 72 in turn controls the period switching unit 7 of the modulation signal generation circuit 56, whereby a sawtooth wave modulation signal having a predetermined period TO is generated as shown in FIG. Figure 17, (a), and the on / off switch 71 is turned on and off at a predetermined period TI as shown in Figure 17, (b). An intermittent drive signal with on / off repetitions, as shown in Fig. 17, (c) is fed to the reporting unit 2. As a result, the reporting unit 2 resonates during the power-up period of the drive signal and ceases to resonate during the off period of the same. This makes it possible for the user to recognize the incoming call, coming from the registered person. In the case where the portable telephone has three modes of operation for use as such, a pager and a transceiver and when the telephone is set in the telephone operating mode, the control signal preparation circuit 72 controls the period switching unit 7 of the modulation signal generation circuit 56, in response to an incoming call, whereby a modulation signal of the sawtooth waves having a predetermined period T2 is generated as shown in Figure 18, (a) and the on / off switch 71 is kept on at all times. A drive signal that varies in frequency according to the modulation signal is fed to the reporting unit 2. As a result, the reporting unit 2 resonates in the period T2. On the other hand, when the telephone is set in the locator operation mode, the circuit 72 for preparing the control signal controls the period switching unit 7 of the modulation signal generation circuit 56, thereby Sawtooth wave modulation signal having a predetermined period T3, is generated as shown in Figure 18, (b), and switch 71 on / off is maintained on all times. A drive signal that varies in frequency according to the modulation signal is fed to the reporting unit 2. As a result, the reporting unit 2 resonates in the period T3 which is different from that of Figure 18, (a). In addition, when the telephone is set in the transceiver operation mode, the control signal preparation circuit 72 controls the period switching unit 7 of the modulation signal generation circuit 56, whereby a signal Sawtooth wave modulation having a predetermined period T2 is generated as shown in Figure 18, (a), and the on / off switch 71 is turned on and off at a predetermined period T4. A drive signal with on / off repetitions in the period T4 as seen in Figure 18, (c) is therefore fed to the reporting unit 2. Accordingly, the reporting unit 2 resonates during the power-on period. the driving signal, and ceases to resonate during the period of shutdown thereof, intermittently resonating periodically. Consequently, the different vibration states described make it possible for the user to recognize the incoming call, in particular the mode of operation. The on / off switch 71, on and off by the circuit 72 for preparing the control signal, is preferably synchronized with the rise and fall of the frequency variation of the modulation signal as shown in Figure 17, ( c) and 18, (c).

As described above, with the portable telephone according to the invention, the periodic or non-periodic occurrence of resonance repeatedly increases the amplitude of the vibrator to the resonance amplitude as a peak, and decreases the amplitude from the peak, giving effective notification that It is audible or perceptible by the human body. In addition, different vibration states make it possible for the user to identify the notification contents. The device and the system of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments but may be modified variously within the technical scope described in the appended claims. For example, the present invention is not limited to the reporting unit 2 having a sound generator and a vibration generator in combination, but may also be applied to a notifying device comprising a sound generator and a vibration generator as components separated. In addition, the vibrator of the reporting unit 2 is not limited to one that uses a magnetic force, but can be of any of the various known constructions that use resonance. For example, one that uses a piezoelectric element is usable. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to use a microcomputer to constitute the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal, and to prepare a modulation drive signal Dv as unq shown in Figure 4, by the processing by the logical endowment computing (software). It is also possible to use a microcomputer to provide the circuit 5 for preparing the vibration signal and the on / off switch 71 and for preparing the driving signal by processing the computer hardware. In addition, the contents of the notification that will be made by the different vibration states according to the second mode, are not limited to the modes of operation at the time of reception of the incoming calls; the user can thus be notified, for example, of a drop in battery voltage to alert and various functional operations. In addition, the on / off control and switching of the on / off period of the drive signal shown in Figure 17, (a), (c), can be combined with the switching of the period of variation of the signal of drive shown in Figure 18, (a), (b), for the notification of many operations.

Claims (17)

1. A notification device comprising a vibrator to be resonated by a drive signal fed to it, and a signal preparation circuit for feeding the drive signal to the vibrator at the time of the notification operation, the notification device is characterized because the drive signal has a frequency that varies within a predetermined range, which includes the resonant frequency of the vibrator and equalizes the resonance frequency during variation.

2. A notification device according to claim 1, wherein the variation of the frequency of the driving signal corresponds to a variation in the resonant frequency of the vibrator, due to the tolerances of specifications of which the resonance frequency is dependent .

3. A notification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resonant frequency of the vibrator is a low frequency of up to hundreds of hertz, and the vibration of the vibrator has at the resonance frequency an overall amplitude perceptible by the body human .

4. A notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driving signal has an alternating waveform of rectangular waves or sine waves having a frequency that varies periodically from 0.5 to 10 Hz.

5. A notification device according to claim 4, wherein the frequency of the drive signal varies periodically from 1.37 to 2.98 Hz.

6. A notification device according to claim 5, wherein the frequency of the drive signal varies periodically at 2.18 Hz.

7. A notification device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frequency of the driving signal varies in the form of triangular waves, sine waves or sawtooth waves having the interval defined as the amplitude thereof. .

8. A notification device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency of the drive signal is gradually increased or gradually decreased step by step within the defined range.

9. A notification device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vibrator comprises a case or housing, a diaphragm having a fixed end on an internal peripheral wall of the case, a magnet coupled to the free end of the diaphragm, and a coil placed in opposition to the magnet, and the drive signal is fed to the coil.

10. A wireless communication system comprising a notification device for notifying the user of incoming calls, the notification device comprises a vibrator to be echoed by a drive signal fed to it, and a signal preparation circuit to feed the signal of drive to the vibrator at the time of the notification operation, the wireless communication system is characterized in that the drive signal has a frequency that varies within a range that includes the resonant frequency of the vibrator and equalizes the resonance frequency during the variation .

11. A wireless communication system having a notification device incorporated therein for performing different types of notification operations including the notification of incoming calls, the notification device comprises a vibrator to be resonated by a drive signal fed to it , and a circuit for feeding the drive signal, for feeding the drive signal to the vibrator, the wireless communication system is characterized in that the supply circuit of the drive signal comprises: the means for preparing the command signal or order to prepare the notification command signals that are different for the different contents of the notification in accordance with the content, and the means for preparing the operating signal in response to the notification command signal for preparing a drive signal that varies in frequency within a predetermined range that includes the resonant frequency of the vibrator and which differs in the state of variation for the different notification command signals and for feeding the drive signal to the vibrator.

12. A wireless communication system according to claim 11, wherein the driving signal prepared by the means for preparing the driving signal varies in frequency continuously in accordance with the notification command signal or intermittently at a specified period of time. conformity with the notification command signal.

13. A wireless communication system according to claim 11, wherein the driving signal prepared by the means for preparing the driving signal varies in frequency to a specified period in accordance with the notification command signal.

14. A wireless communication system according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the variation of the frequency of the driving signal prepared by the means for preparing the driving signal, corresponds to a variation in the resonance frequency of the vibrator, due to the tolerances for the specifications that govern the resonance frequency.

15. A wireless communications system according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the resonant frequency of the vibrator is a low frequency of up to hundreds of hertz, and the vibration of the vibrator at the resonance frequency has a generally noticeable amplitude. for the human body.

16. A wireless communication system according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the means for preparing the command signal prepares a command signal to notify the incoming call, to notify the user of an incoming call, a caller notification command signal to distinguish callers, and / or a mode notification command signal, to notify the user of a system operation mode.

17. A wireless communication system according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the vibrator of the notifier device comprises a case, a diaphragm having a fixed end on an internal peripheral wall of the case, a magnet coupled to a free end of the case. diaphragm, and a coil placed opposite the magnet, and the drive signal is fed to the coil.