阅读说明：本技术 包括模式化电极的分布式模式扬声器致动器 (Distributed mode loudspeaker actuator comprising a patterned electrode ) 是由 N.J.哈里斯 于 2018-12-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：方法、系统、和装置,包括在计算机存储介质上编码的计算机程序,用于使用输出频率选择分布式模式扬声器电极。方法中的一个包括：对于所述压电换能器,从所述频率的范围确定在其处要输出声音的频率的子集；基于所述频率的子集,从在所述压电换能器中包括的两个或更多电极对选择一个或多个电极对以生成所述声音；并且由连接到两个或更多电极对中的每一个的驱动模块,向选择的一个或多个电极对中的每一个电极对提供电流,以引起所述压电换能器生成力,所述力当向所述负载提供时,引起所述负载在所述频率的子集内生成声音。(Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for selecting distributed mode speaker electrodes using output frequency. One of the methods includes: for the piezoelectric transducer, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies; and providing, by a drive module connected to each of the two or more electrode pairs, a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies.)

1. A method, comprising:

for a piezoelectric transducer adapted for use in a distributed mode loudspeaker generating a force to cause vibration of a load to generate sound waves over a range of frequencies, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output;

based on the subset of frequencies, selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate sound, each electrode pair including a first electrode on a first side of a layer included in the piezoelectric transducer and a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite the first side and connected to a different portion of the layer; and is

Providing, by a drive module connected to each of the two or more electrode pairs, a current to each of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause a piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies comprises: based on the subset of frequencies, a subset of electrode pairs is selected from the two or more electrode pairs.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

determining a subset of frequencies at which to output sound from a range of frequencies, comprising: determining from the range of frequencies a subset of high frequency ranges at which sound is to be output; and is

Selecting a subset of electrode pairs from the two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies, comprising: selecting one electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the selecting one electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges comprises: based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges, selecting a particular pair of electrodes, the particular pair of electrodes being closest to a support that is a) fixedly connected to the piezoelectric transducer, b) connected to the load, and c) transferring the force from the piezoelectric transducer to the load.

5. The method of claim 3, comprising:

determining, from the range of frequencies, a subset of mid-range ranges at which a second sound is to be output as a sound different from the sound;

selecting two or more specific electrode pairs from three or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer based on the determined subset of the mid-frequency range, the three or more electrode pairs including the two or more electrode pairs; and is

Providing, by a drive module connected to each of the three or more electrode pairs, a current to each of the selected two or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to provide a force to the load and to cause the load to generate the second sound within the subset of mid-frequency range.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies comprises: selecting all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs based on a subset of the frequencies.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein:

determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output, comprising: determining from the range of frequencies a subset of low frequency ranges at which sound is to be output; and is

Selecting all electrode pairs of two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies, including: based on the determined low frequency range subset, all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs are selected.

8. A system, comprising:

a distributed mode loudspeaker, comprising:

a piezoelectric transducer:

comprises two or more electrode pairs, each of which a) comprises a first electrode on a first side of a layer comprised in the piezoelectric transducer, b) comprises a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite to the first side, and c) is connected to a different part of the layer; and is

Adapted to generate a force to cause vibration of a load to generate acoustic waves over a range of frequencies;

a controller configured to:

for the piezoelectric transducer, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; and is

Selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies; and

a driving module:

a piezoelectric transducer coupled to each of the two or more electrode pairs and adapted to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound; and is

Configured to provide a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the distributed mode speaker includes a support fixedly connected to the piezoelectric transducer, the support, when connected to the load, transferring at least some of the force generated by the piezoelectric transducer to the load.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein at least some electrode pairs from the two or more electrode pairs share a common ground.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein each electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs has a separate ground.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the layer is a ceramic.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to select one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies by selecting a subset of electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to:

determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output by determining from the range of frequencies a subset of high frequency ranges at which sound is to be output; and is

Selecting a subset of electrode pairs from the two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies by selecting one electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to select one electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges by selecting a particular electrode pair based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges, the particular electrode pair being closest to a support that is a) fixedly connected to the piezoelectric transducer, b) connected to the load, and c) transferring the force from the piezoelectric transducer to the load.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein:

the controller is configured to:

determining, from the range of frequencies, a subset of mid-range ranges at which a second sound is to be output as a sound different from the sound; and is

Selecting two or more specific electrode pairs from three or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer based on the determined subset of the mid-frequency range, the three or more electrode pairs including the two or more electrode pairs; and is

The drive module is configured to provide, by the drive module connected to each of the three or more electrode pairs, a current to each of the selected two or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to provide a force to the load and to cause the load to generate the second sound within a subset of the mid-frequency range.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to select one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies by selecting all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to:

determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which the sound is to be output by determining from the range of frequencies a subset of low frequency ranges at which the sound is to be output; and is

By selecting all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of the low frequency range, all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs are selected based on the subset of frequencies.

19. An apparatus, comprising:

a smart phone comprising:

a display configured to present content;

a piezoelectric transducer:

comprises two or more electrode pairs, each of which a) comprises a first electrode on a first side of a layer comprised in the piezoelectric transducer, b) comprises a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite to the first side, and c) is connected to a different part of the layer; and is

Adapted to generate a force to cause vibration of a load to generate acoustic waves over a range of frequencies;

a controller configured to:

for the piezoelectric transducer, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; and is

Selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies; and

a driving module:

a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the load and adapted to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound; and is

Configured to provide a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies;

one or more application processors configured to run applications for the smartphone; and

one or more memories storing instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the one or more application processors operable to cause the one or more application processors to execute the application.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the display comprises the load.

Background

Some devices use distributed mode speakers ("DMLs") to generate sound. The DML is a sound emitter that generates sound by causing panel vibration. The DML may use a distributed mode actuator ("DMA") (e.g., a piezoelectric transducer) instead of a voice coil actuator to cause the panel to vibrate and generate sound. For example, a smart phone may include a DMA that applies force to a display panel (e.g., an LCD (liquid crystal display) or OLED (organic light emitting diode) panel) in the smart phone. The force produces vibration of the display panel that couples to the surrounding air to generate sound waves in the range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which may be audible to the human ear, for example.

Disclosure of Invention

A piezoelectric transducer in a distributed mode loudspeaker may comprise a plurality of electrode pairs for generating sound at different frequencies. For example, a piezoelectric transducer may include a layer of piezoelectric material (e.g., a piezoceramic material) extending between each electrode pair. For example, a layer may have a first electrode from a pair of electrodes on top of the layer and a second electrode from a pair of electrodes below the layer.

The distributed mode loudspeaker includes a drive module that selectively excites one or more of the plurality of electrode pairs to generate sound at a particular subset of frequencies within a range of frequencies at which the distributed mode loudspeaker is capable of generating sound. The drive module may provide current to one or more selected pairs of electrodes to cause a load (e.g., a display panel) connected to the distributed mode actuator to generate sound at a particular subset of frequencies.

In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include: for a piezoelectric transducer adapted for use in a distributed mode loudspeaker generating a force to cause vibration of a load to generate sound waves over a range of frequencies, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; based on the subset of frequencies, selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound, each electrode pair including a first electrode on a first side of a layer included in the piezoelectric transducer and a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite the first side and connected to different portions of the layer; and providing, by a drive module connected to each of the two or more electrode pairs, a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to act to generate sound within the subset of frequencies. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods. A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that in operation causes or causes the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.

In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in systems that include distributed mode speakers that include: a piezoelectric transducer: comprises two or more electrode pairs, each of which a) comprises a first electrode on a first side of a layer comprised in the piezoelectric transducer, b) comprises a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite to the first side, and c) is connected to a different part of the layer; and adapted to generate a force to cause vibration of the load to generate sound waves over a range of frequencies; a controller configured to: for the piezoelectric transducer, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; and based on the subset of frequencies, selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound; and a driving module: a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the load and adapted to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound; and configured to provide a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, methods, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the operations. A computer system may include one or more computers and can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that in operation causes or causes the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.

In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in apparatuses that include a smartphone that includes: a display configured to present content; a piezoelectric transducer: comprises two or more electrode pairs, each of which a) comprises a first electrode on a first side of a layer comprised in the piezoelectric transducer, b) comprises a second electrode on a second side of the layer opposite to the first side, and c) is connected to a different part of the layer; and adapted to generate a force to cause vibration of the load to generate sound waves over a range of frequencies; a controller configured to: for the piezoelectric transducer, determining from the range of frequencies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output; and based on the subset of frequencies, selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound; and a driving module: a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the load and adapted to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound; and configured to provide a current to each electrode pair of the selected one or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to generate a force that, when provided to the load, causes the load to generate sound within the subset of frequencies; one or more application processors configured to run applications for the smartphone; and one or more memories storing instructions thereon, the instructions, when executed by the one or more application processors, operable to cause the one or more application processors to execute the application. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, methods, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the operations. A computer system may include one or more computers and can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that in operation causes or causes the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.

The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination. Selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies may include: based on the subset of frequencies, a subset of electrode pairs is selected from the two or more electrode pairs. Determining a subset of frequencies at which to output sound from the range of frequencies may include: a subset of high frequency ranges at which sound is to be output is determined from the range of frequencies. Selecting a subset of electrode pairs from the two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies may include: based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges, one electrode pair is selected from two or more electrode pairs. Selecting one electrode pair from two or more electrode pairs based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges may include: based on the determined subset of high frequency ranges, a particular pair of electrodes is selected, the particular pair of electrodes being closest to the support, the support a) being fixedly connected to the piezoelectric transducer, b) being connected to the load, and c) transferring the force from the piezoelectric transducer to the load. The method can comprise the following steps: determining from the range of frequencies a subset of mid-range ranges at which a second sound is to be output as a sound different from the sound; selecting two or more specific electrode pairs from three or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer based on the determined subset of the mid-frequency range, the three or more electrode pairs including the two or more electrode pairs; and providing, by a drive module connected to each electrode pair of the three or more electrode pairs, current to each electrode pair of the selected two or more electrode pairs to cause the piezoelectric transducer to provide a force to the load and cause the load to generate the second sound within the subset of the mid-frequency range.

In some implementations, selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate the sound based on the subset of frequencies may include: based on the subset of frequencies, all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs are selected. Determining a subset of frequencies at which to output sound from the range of frequencies may include: a subset of the low frequency range at which sound is to be output is determined from the range of frequencies. Selecting all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs based on the subset of frequencies may include: based on the determined low frequency range subset, all electrode pairs of the two or more electrode pairs are selected.

In some embodiments, the system includes a load. The system may include a smart phone. The load may be a display of the smartphone, e.g. configured to present content. The display may present content to a user operating the smartphone. The distributed mode loudspeaker may include a support fixedly connected to the piezoelectric transducer, the support, when connected to the load, transferring at least some of the force generated by the piezoelectric transducer to the load. At least some electrode pairs from the two or more electrode pairs may share a common ground, with separate grounds. Some of the electrode pairs may share a common ground and some of the electrode pairs may have separate grounds. Each electrode pair from the two or more electrode pairs may have a separate ground. The layer may be ceramic.

Among other advantages, the systems and methods described below may reduce distributed mode speaker power usage, increase impedance in a distributed mode speaker, reduce capacitance in a distributed mode speaker, or a combination of two or more of these.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Drawings

1A-1C illustrate example devices that include distributed mode speakers.

Fig. 2A-2C illustrate a distributed mode speaker in which electrode pairs are separately excited based on a subset of output frequencies to actuate a transducer layer.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a process for providing current to a subset of two or more electrode pairs included in a piezoelectric transducer.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A-1C illustrate an example device 100 that includes a distributed mode speaker 102. Another type of device 100, such as a smart phone or computer, uses a distributed mode speaker 102, shown in fig. 1C, to generate sound. The sound may be any type of sound, such as a telephone conversation, music, an audio stream, sound for video, or sound for games.

The distributed mode speaker 102 includes a panel 104 that vibrates and generates sound waves. Panel 104 may be any suitable panel included in device 100 capable of generating acoustic waves. For example, the panel 104 may be a display panel included in the device 100. The display panel may comprise a touch screen or any other suitable type of display.

The faceplate 104 is connected to a support 106 shown in fig. 1B-1C that transfers force from the piezoelectric transducer 108 to the faceplate 104. The panel 104 is rigidly connected to the support 106, causing the support 106 to be able to effectively transfer forces to the panel 104. In some embodiments, the panel 104 may be removably connected to the support 106 during manufacture of the apparatus 100, e.g., the support 106 may be disconnectable from the panel 104. In some examples, the panel 104 may be fixedly connected to the support 106, e.g., the support 106 is intended to be permanently fixed to the panel 104 without causing damage to the removal of the support 106 from the panel 104.

In some implementations, the other component may be part of the connection between the panel 104 and the support 106. For example, the support 106 may be rigidly connected to a chassis that is rigidly connected to the panel 104.

The piezoelectric transducer 108 is connected to the support 106 to allow at least some of the force generated by the piezoelectric transducer 108 to pass from the piezoelectric transducer 108 through the support 106 and into the panel 104. The piezoelectric transducer 108 is rigidly connected to the support 106, causing the piezoelectric transducer 108 to effectively transmit force to the support 106. In some examples, the piezoelectric transducer 108 is fixedly connected to the support 106, e.g., permanently fixed to the support 106, causing removal that would cause damage to the support 106, the piezoelectric transducer 108, or both. The piezoelectric transducer 108 may be removably connected to the support 106, for example, causing the piezoelectric transducer 108 to be disconnected from the support 106 without causing damage to either.

The piezoelectric transducer 108 generates a force by actuating in response to receipt of a signal from a drive module included in the distributed mode speaker 102. For example, the piezoelectric transducer 108 includes a plurality of electrode pairs 110 and 114, each of which is coupled to the drive module to allow the corresponding electrode pair 110 and 114 to receive an activation signal, such as a current, from the drive module. When the electrode pair 110 and 114 receives a signal from the drive module, the electrode pair 110 and 114 produces an electric field across at least a portion of the layer 116 of piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric transducer 108. The electric field causes a physical change in the dimensions of the piezoelectric material, and the associated displacement of the actuator generates a force.

Electrode pair 110 and 114 may be connected to layer 116 in any suitable manner. For example, the electrode pair 110 and 114 may be fixedly connected to the layer 116 during fabrication, e.g., by a deposition and patterning process. Electrode pair 110 and 114 may include separate grounds. For example, electrodes 110a, 112a, and 114a may be positive electrodes, each of which has a corresponding ground electrode 110b, 112b, and 114b, respectively. The piezoelectric transducer 108 may include any suitable combination of positive and ground electrodes. For example, the electrodes 110a, 112b, and 114b may be positive electrodes, while the other electrodes 110b, 112a, and 114a are ground electrodes. In some examples, the electrode pairs 110 and 114 may include a common ground. For example, electrodes 110a, 112a, and 114a may be positive electrodes and electrodes 110b, 112b, and 114b may be a single common ground electrode.

The layer 116 may be any suitable type of piezoelectric material. For example, layer 116 may be a ceramic or crystalline piezoelectric material. Examples of the ceramic piezoelectric material include, for example, barium titanate, lead zirconium titanate, bismuth ferrite, and sodium niobate. Examples of crystalline piezoelectric materials include topaz, lead titanate, lithium niobate, and lithium tantalate.

Actuation of the layer 116 by the electrode pair 110 and 114 may be movement of a portion of the layer 116 in a vertical direction 118 that is orthogonal to the large surface of the layer 116. Different portions of the layer 116 are separately actuated depending on the electrode pairs 110 and 114 receiving signals from the drive module. For example, when the first electrode pair 110a-b receives a signal from the drive module, the first electrode pair 110a-b may primarily cause actuation of the portion of the layer 116 closest to the support 106 and connected to the first electrode pair 110 a-b. When the second electrode pair 112a-b receives a signal from the drive module, the second electrode pair 112a-b may primarily cause actuation of an intermediate portion of the layer 116 connected to the second electrode pair 112 a-b. When the third electrode pair 114a-b receives a signal from the drive module, the third electrode pair 114a-b may primarily cause an end portion of the layer 116 furthest from the support 106 and connected to the third electrode pair 114a-b to fire.

In some embodiments, the various electrode pairs 110 and 114 primarily cause actuation of respective portions of the layer 116 in response to receiving a signal, because adjacent portions of the layer 116 may also be actuated to a lesser extent than respective portions of the layer 116 to which the electrode pairs are connected. For example, when the first electrode pair 110a-b receives a signal from the drive module, the first electrode pair 110a-b primarily causes the portion of the layer 116 connected to the first electrode pair 110a-b to actuate and generate a force, and may also cause some of the portion of the layer 116 connected to the second electrode pair 112a-b to actuate.

The distributed mode loudspeaker 102 includes multiple electrodes to allow separate selection, excitation, or both of different portions of the layer 116. For example, the distributed mode speaker 102 may selectively excite some of the electrodes for better reproduction of sound at certain frequencies, to reduce power consumption, or both.

Fig. 2A-2C illustrate a distributed mode speaker 200 with electrode pairs 202A-C separately excited based on a subset of output frequencies to actuate a transducer layer 204. The distributed mode speaker 200 may be an example of the distributed mode speaker 102 discussed with reference to fig. 1. Electrode pairs 202a-c may correspond to electrode pairs 110-114. Transducer layer 204 may correspond to layer 116. The support 208 may correspond to the support 106.

As shown in fig. 2A, the driver module 206 included in the distributed mode speaker 200 may excite only some of the electrode pairs 202A-c when generating high frequency sound. In some examples, the drive module 206 may excite the first electrode pair 202a for high frequency sound generation. The first electrode pair 202 may be closest to a support to which a piezoelectric transducer is connected, the piezoelectric transducer including electrodes 202a-c and a transducer layer 204. The driver module 206 may only energize some of the electrode pairs 202a-c when generating sound to reduce power consumption.

As shown in fig. 2B, the drive module 206 may excite the plurality of electrode pairs 202a-B to generate mid-frequency sound. The plurality of electrode pairs 202a-b may include two or more electrode pairs. The plurality of electrode pairs 202a-b may include fewer than all of the electrode pairs 202a-c included in the distributed mode speaker 200. In some examples, the drive module 206 may select and excite adjacent electrode pairs, e.g., the two electrode pairs 202a-b closest to the support or the two electrode pairs 202b-c furthest from the support 208, to generate mid-frequency sound. In some examples, the drive module 206 may select and energize two electrode pairs that are not adjacent to each other, e.g., a first electrode pair 202a and a third electrode pair 202 c.

As shown in fig. 2C, the drive module 206 may excite multiple electrode pairs 202a-C to generate low frequency sound. The plurality of electrode pairs 202a-c may include three or more electrode pairs. For example, the drive module 206 may select and excite all of the electrode pairs 202a-c included in the distributed mode speaker 200 to generate low frequency sound. The drive module 206 may select a plurality of electrode pairs 202a-c for more accurate reproduction of low frequency sounds by the distributed mode loudspeaker 200, e.g., to reproduce a wider range of low frequency sounds.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a process 300 for providing current to a subset of two or more electrode pairs included in a piezoelectric transducer. For example, the process 300 can be used by the distributed mode speaker 210 from the device 100.

The distributed mode speaker receives an input (302) identifying a sound to output. For example, a driver module or controller included in a distributed mode speaker may receive a signal identifying sound to be output. The signal may be an appropriate type of signal for a speaker, a distributed mode speaker, or both. The driver module or controller may receive input from an application running on the device (e.g., a phone or music application on a smartphone). The driver module may be the same component as the controller in a distributed mode loudspeaker. In some examples, the driver module may be a different component than the controller in the distributed mode speaker.

The distributed mode loudspeaker is configured to generate sound waves over a range of frequencies. For example, the manufacturing design of a distributed mode loudspeaker (potentially including configuration parameters for the panel, supports, and piezoelectric transducers of all distributed mode loudspeakers) may correspond to the range of frequencies at which the distributed mode loudspeaker is capable of generating sound.

The distributed mode speaker determines a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output (304). The subset of frequencies is a subset of frequencies from the range of frequencies at which the distributed mode loudspeaker is capable of generating sound. The subset of frequencies may be a suitable subset of the range of frequencies at which the distributed mode loudspeaker is capable of generating sound. The drive module or controller may use data from the signals to determine the subset of frequencies. For example, the drive module or controller may determine that the signal identifies a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output.

The distributed mode speaker selects one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer based on the subset of frequencies to generate sound (306). The drive module or controller may use any suitable method to select one or more electrode pairs based on a subset of frequencies. In some examples, the drive module or controller may use an algorithm that outputs a number of electrode pairs to be stimulated for a subset of frequencies, an identifier for the electrode pairs to be stimulated, or both, to generate the sound. For example, when selecting one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer, the drive module or controller may use a mapping of a frequency subset range from the range of frequencies to the input values.

In some examples, when the controller is a different component than the drive module and determines the subset of frequencies, the controller provides data for the subset of frequencies to the drive module. For example, the controller determines a subset of frequencies at which sound is to be output and provides data for the subset of frequencies to the drive module. The data for the subset of frequencies may be data identifying the subset of frequencies, e.g. data representing numerical values for the subset of frequencies. In response to receiving the data for the subset of frequencies, the drive module uses the data for the subset of frequencies to select one or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer to generate sound.

The distributed mode loudspeaker includes a piezoelectric transducer. The distributed mode speaker may include any suitable number of electrode pairs greater than or equal to two. For example, the distributed mode loudspeaker may comprise two, three, four, five, six, or nine electrode pairs.

The distributed mode loudspeaker provides a current to each of the selected one or more electrode pairs using the drive module (308). For example, the drive module provides current to a positive electrode from a selected pair or pairs of electrodes. The drive module provides input current to the separate positive poles, each of the separate positive poles being from one of the pair of electrodes, and the distributed mode speaker receives output current from the pair of electrodes through the common ground when at least some of the pair of electrodes share the common ground. When the electrode pairs have separate ground electrodes, the distributed mode speaker receives an output current from the separate ground electrodes from the selected one or more electrode pairs based on providing an input current to the separate positive electrodes from the selected one or more electrode pairs.

A distributed mode speaker generates a force using a selected pair of electrodes with a piezoelectric transducer, the force when provided to a load causing the load to generate sound within a subset of the frequencies (310). For example, the receipt of an electrical current by an electrode pair causes a layer included in the piezoelectric transducer to actuate and generate a force. A support included in the distributed mode speaker may transfer a force or at least a portion of a force from the piezoelectric transducer to the panel. Receipt of the force or portion of the force by the panel causes the panel to vibrate and generate a sound identified by the input.

In some embodiments, the process 300 may include additional steps, fewer steps, or some of the steps can be divided into multiple steps. For example, the distributed mode speaker may determine a subset of frequencies at which to output sound and select one or more electrode pairs to generate sound without performing other steps in process 300. In some examples, the distributed mode speaker may perform steps 304, 306, and 308 without performing other steps in process 300.

One or more steps in the process 300 may be performed automatically in response to a previous step in the process 300. For example, the distributed mode speaker may determine a subset of frequencies in response to receiving the input. The distributed mode speaker may select one or more electrode pairs from two or more electrode pairs included in the piezoelectric transducer in response to determining the subset of frequencies. The drive module may provide a current to each of the selected one or more electrode pairs in response to selecting the one or more electrode pairs. The piezoelectric transducer may generate a force in response to receiving a current from the drive module.

In some implementations, when the distributed mode speaker is included in a smartphone, the smartphone can include a display (e.g., a display panel), one or more processors, and one or more memories. The display may be a load used by the distributed mode speaker to generate sound. In some examples, the smartphone may include a load other than the display for the distributed mode speaker to use when generating sound.

The memory may store instructions for an application that receives input identifying sound to be output, e.g., from its distributed mode speaker. One or more processors (e.g., one or more application processors) may use instructions stored on one or more memories to run applications. During the running of an application (e.g., a phone application or a music application or a game), the application may determine the sound to output to the user. The application provides data for sound to the distributed mode speakers.

A controller or driver module in a distributed mode speaker receives as input data for sound. The controller may be the same component in the smartphone. In some examples, the controller is a different component in the smartphone than the driver module. The controller, the drive module, or a combination of both uses the data for the sound to determine a subset of frequencies, selects one or more electrode pairs, and provides a current to the selected one or more electrode pairs.

In some examples, the one or more processors, the one or more memories, or both are separate from the drive module, the controller, or both. For example, the controller, the driver module, or both may include at least one processor, at least one memory, or both. The at least one processor may be a different set of processors than the one or more processors. The at least one memory may be a different memory than the one or more memories.

Embodiments of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory program carrier for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by data processing. Provided is a device. The computer storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access storage device, or a combination of one or more of them.

The term "data processing apparatus" refers to data processing hardware and encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor or multiple processors. The apparatus can also be or further include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, the apparatus can optionally include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them.

For example, a distributed mode speaker (e.g., a driver module or a controller or both) may include a data processing device. The distributed mode speaker may use a data processing apparatus in conjunction with at least one memory to perform one or more of the operations described in this document.

A computer program (which may also be referred to or described as a program, software application, module, software module, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers running one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor or both, or any other kind of central processing unit. Generally, a central processing unit will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a central processing unit for executing or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such a device. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive), to name a few.

Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile Memory, media and Memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor Memory devices (e.g., EPROM (electrically Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and flash Memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) and DVD-ROM (Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory) disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

The distributed mode speaker may include one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the distributed mode speaker, cause the distributed mode speaker to perform one or more operations described in this document. For example, the instructions may cause the distributed mode loudspeaker to determine a subset of output frequencies, excite one or more electrodes, or both. In some examples, the drive module or the controller, or both, may include one or more memories or some of the one or more memories.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can also be used to provide for interaction with a user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, the computer is able to interact with the user by transmitting documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by transmitting a web page to a web browser on the user's device in response to a request received from the web browser.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated or packaged into multiple software products in a single software product.

Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.