TECHNICAE FIEED

[0001 ] Various example embodiments generally relate to the field of audio devices. Some example embodiments relate to transducers, such as loudspeakers, configured to convert electrical energy into vibration to generate audio signals.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Transducers may convert energy from one form to another and may be applied in various type of devices such as loudspeakers to produce sounds based on electric signals. In general, a loudspeaker may comprise a surface that is caused to vibrate according to the electric signal to produce the sound. In surface audio devices, a surface such as for example a display of a mobile phone, a screen of a television, a panel inside a vehicle, may be configured as a surface for generating a sound.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the present disclosure is set out by the independent claims.

[0004] Example embodiments of the present disclosure enable efficient actuation of an acoustic surface to generate an audio signal. These and other benefits may be achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous implementation forms are provided in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an apparatus may comprise an acoustic surface configured to generate an audio signal in response to actuation of the acoustic surface; and at least one actuator coupled to at least one edge area of the acoustic surface, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to actuate the acoustic surface along an axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one edge area may comprise an area of the acoustic surface within two times a diameter of the at least one actuator from an edge of the acoustic surface.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one actuator may be located at a distance equal to the diameter of the at least one actuator from the edge of the acoustic surface.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise a linear array of actuators located along the edge of the acoustic surface.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise a plurality of actuators, and the at least one edge area may comprise a plurality of edge areas at comers of the acoustic surface.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further comprise a frame coupled to edges of the acoustic surface. The frame may be open at the at least one edge area such that actuation along the axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface is enabled at the at least one edge area.

[001 1 ] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one actuator may be coupled to a base comprising the frame.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise at least one electromagnetic actuator or at least one piezoelectric actuator.

[001 3] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the actuator may comprise a coil configured to cause actuation of the acoustic surface based on an electrical audio signal.

[0014] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus may further comprise: a second coil; detection circuitry coupled to the second coil and configured to detect a user input on the acoustic surface based on a triggering signal comprising a voltage or a current induced at the second coil by displacement of the acoustic surface by a user; and feedback circuitry coupled to the coil, wherein the feedback circuitry is configured to activate a feedback signal, in response to detection of the user input by the detection circuitry, and wherein the coil is configured to cause or alter movement of the acoustic surface based on a magnetic field configured to be generated by the coil upon activation of the feedback signal [001 5] According to a second aspect a method may comprise: actuating an acoustic surface by at least one actuator to generate an audio signal, wherein the at least one actuator is coupled to at least one edge area of the acoustic surface, and wherein the actuation is along an axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface.

[0016] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one edge area may comprise an area of the acoustic surface within two times a diameter of the at least one actuator from an edge of the acoustic surface.

[001 7] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one actuator may be located at a distance equal to the diameter of the at least one actuator from the edge of the acoustic surface.

[0018] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise a linear array of actuators located along the edge of the acoustic surface.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise a plurality of actuators, and the at least one edge area may comprise a plurality of edge areas at comers of the acoustic surface.

[0020] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, edges of the acoustic surface may be coupled to a frame. The frame may be open at the at least one edge area such that actuation along the axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface is enabled at the at least one edge area.

[0021 ] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one actuator may be coupled to a base comprising the frame.

[0022] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one actuator may comprise at least one electromagnetic actuator or at least one piezoelectric actuator.

[0023] According to an example embodiment of the second, the actuator may comprise a coil configured to cause actuation of the acoustic surface based on an electrical audio signal.

[0024] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further comprise: detecting a user input on the acoustic surface based on a triggering signal comprising a voltage or a current induced at a second coil by displacement of the acoustic surface by a user; and activating a feedback signal, in response to detection of the user input by the detection circuitry, wherein the coil is configured to cause or alter movement of the acoustic surface based on a magnetic field configured to be generated by the coil upon activation of the feedback signal. [0025] Any example embodiment may be combined with one or more other example embodiments. Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the example embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments and together with the description help to understand the example embodiments. In the drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a surface audio device configured for generating an audio signal, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an actuator, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an side view of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0031 ] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a frame and a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at comer areas of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments; [0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a frame and a set of actuators at an comer areas of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments; and

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a method for actuating a surface of a surface audio device, according to one or more example embodiments.

[0035] Like references are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0037] Surface audio technology enables various components such as for example screens and panels to be configured to operate as loudspeakers. Example embodiments of the present disclosure improve efficiency such a system by perpendicular actuation of at edge area(s) of an acoustic surface. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise an acoustic surface configured to generate an audio signal in response to actuation of the acoustic surface. The apparatus may further comprise at least one actuator coupled to at least one edge area of the acoustic surface, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to actuate the acoustic surface along an axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a surface audio device configured for generating an audio signal, according to an example embodiment. In general, the surface audio device 100 may be configured to generate vibration, such as for example audio output (e.g. an audio signal). The surface audio device 100 may be alternatively called a surface acoustic device. The surface audio device 100 may comprise or be configured to be coupled to a surface 102, which may be configured to be displaced, for example along the axis 130. The axis 130 may be substantially perpendicular to the surface 102. The surface audio device 100 may further comprise a first magnetic element 110, which may be or be configured to be coupled to the surface 102. The surface audio device 100 may further comprise at least one supporting member 108 for supporting the surface 102, for example with respect to a base 104. The surface audio device 100 may comprise a second magnetic element 120, which may be coupled to the base 104. The second magnetic element 120 may be arranged to face the first magnetic element 110, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The surface audio device 100 may further comprise a coil 122. The coil 122 may be arranged between the first and second magnetic elements 110, 120. The coil 122 may be attached to the second magnetic element 120 and located above the second magnetic element 120 along the axis 130. Hence, the second magnetic element 120 may be located at least partially between the coil 122 and the base 104. The coil 122 may be also referred to as an audio coil, a sound coil, or a voice coil. The first magnetic element 110 and/or the second magnetic element 120 may comprise a permanent magnet, or magnetizable material, for example ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic material such as iron. The magnetic elements may take different forms in different embodiments and at least one of the magnetic elements 110, 120 may comprise a permanent magnet. The first magnetic element 110 and/or the magnetic element 120 may be also implemented as a combination of several magnetic components.

[0040] According to an example embodiment, the first magnetic element 110 may comprise a permanent magnet. The first magnetic element 110 may therefore cause a static magnetic field within the surface audio device 100. The second magnetic element 120 may comprise magnetizable material, which may be magnetized by the magnetic field provided by the first magnetic element 110. It is however also possible that the second magnetic element 120 is not present, or, the second magnetic element 120 comprises a permanent magnet.

[0041 ] According to an example embodiment, the second magnetic element 120 may comprise a permanent magnet. The first magnetic element may comprise magnetizable material. An attractive force may be generated between the first magnetic element 110 and the second magnetic element 120. The first magnetic element 110 may alternatively comprise another permanent magnet. [0042] The magnetic field provided by at least one of the magnetic elements 110, 120 may cause an electromagnetic force (EMF) to the surface 102 when providing an electric current to the coil 122. The surface 102 and/or the at least one supporting member 108 may comprise at least one elastic element providing a force (e.g. a return force), which may act as a counterforce to the electromagnetic. The surface 102 may be thus supported with respect to the base 104, which may in some embodiments comprise the supporting member(s) 108. This enables movement of the surface with respect to axis 130. The surface 102 may be therefore caused to be in a force equilibrium state. In general, the surface 102 may comprise a panel to be vibrated. The surface 102 may be rigid, for example not bending or bending just a little. The surface 102 may comprise a plane. The surface 102 may comprise, for example, metal, wood, glass, and/or plastics. The thickness of the surface 102 may be at least 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 1 cm, 2 cm, or 5 cm. The base 104 may comprise a panel that is mechanically grounded.

[0043] The force equilibrium state may be broken by the electrical signal in the coil 122. For example, when an electrical signal is fed via the signal terminals to the coil 122, the force equilibrium may be broken. Hence, the surface 102 may be caused to vibrate according to the electromagnetic force (EMF) generated by the electrical input signal in the coil 122. The surface 102 may be configured to be displaced at the vicinity of the coil 122 perpendicular to the surface 102. The generated vibration may spread from the location of the coil 122 to other parts of the surface, thereby generating an audio signal. The surface 102 may therefore comprise an acoustic surface.

[0044] It is noted that the polarities of the magnetic elements 110, 120 may be arranged in any suitable manner. For example, in an attractive configuration, opposite magnetic poles may be arranged towards each other ( N-S to N-S or S-N to S-N). The force equilibrium may be therefore caused by the attractive magnetic force between the magnetic elements 110, 120 and an opposite support force provided by the supporting member(s) 118 that prevent the magnetic elements 110, 120 from being drawn to each other. Alternatively, in a repulsive configuration, same magnetic poles may be arranged towards each other (N-S to S-N or S-N to N-S). The force equilibrium may be therefore caused by the repulsive magnetic force between the magnetic elements 110, 120 and an opposite support force provided by the supporting member(s) 118 that prevents the magnetic elements 110, 120 from being pushed away from each other.

[0045] The surface audio device 100 may be configured to generate an audio output according to the electrical input signal. Audio output may mean and/or comprise a sound that is detectable by human ear, i.e. sound that may be heard by a human. In some examples, it may refer to sound that is detectable by animal(s) and/or audio sensors (e.g. microphone). For example, the audio output may comprise music, speech, sound effects, or the like. It is also pointed out that the surface 102 and the base 104 may be, or be comprised in, any suitable apparatus such as for example a mobile phone, a television, a computer, a music player, or some other type of user device. For example, the base 104 may form at least a part of a frame of the apparatus. For example, the surface 102 may be or be comprised in a screen of the apparatus (e.g. an electronic apparatus). The provided solution may be for example applicable to automotive industry (e.g. cars). The surface 102 may comprise car panels such as car interior panel (e.g. door panel, ceiling or roof panel, wall panel, frame panel, or some other part of the car interior). The surface 102 may for example comprise a car display. The surface 102 may be alternatively comprised in a wearable device, such as wearable electronic device. For example, the surface 102 may be comprised a portable electronic device, such as a watch or wrist device (e.g. surface 102 may be comprised in a display of such device). [0046] As noted above, the surface audio device 100 may comprise one or more signal terminals electrically coupled to the coil 122. The signal terminal(s) may be used to provide audio signals to the coil 122 to cause generation of an audio signal by the surface 102. Even though the signal terminals have been illustrated to include both positive and negative terminals, it is appreciated that the coil 122 could be alternatively coupled to a single terminal with respect to a ground potential.

[0047] The surface 102 may be supported with respect to the base 104 using various solutions. The supporting member(s) 108 may for example comprise spring(s) disposed between the surface 102 and the base 104. However, the supporting member(s) 108 may not be present in some embodiments, since the counterforce may be also provided by other means, such as for example by pair(s) of magnets coupled with the surface 102 and the base 104. For example, the pair(s) of magnets could be configured to provide a force that is opposite to the force provided by the first magnetic element 110 and the second magnetic element 120. For example, if the first magnetic element 110 and the second magnetic element 120 are configured to provide an attractive force, the pair(s) of magnets may be configured to provide a repulsive force, or vice versa.

[0048] Coupling of a magnetic element with the surface 102 or the base 104 may comprise fixing or attaching the magnetic element to the surface 102 or the base 104. Such fixing may be performed for example using glue and/or screw(s). Magnetic elements may be also printed on the surface 102 and/or the base 104. The coupling may therefore comprise printing (e.g. electronics printing). Furthermore, the arrangement of the coil 122 between the magnetic elements 110, 120 may comprise coupling (e.g. fixing or attaching) the coil 122 with the second magnetic element 120. However, the coil 122 may be also arranged as a separate element between the magnetic elements 110, 120. Hence, the coil 122 may not physically touch the magnetic element 120. For example, the coil 122 may be attached to the base 104 or some other part of the surface audio device 100 to place the coil 122 at the area between the magnetic elements 110, 120. It is noted that the example of FIG. 1 illustrates one possible arrangement of the magnetic elements 110, 120 and the coil 122 with respect to the surface 102 and the base 104. Similar functionality may be also achieved with alternative arrangements.

[0049] According to an example embodiment, the surface audio device 100 may comprise a surface audio haptic device (SAHD) configured to detect a user interface (e.g. press) on the surface and to provide haptic and/or audio feedback to a user by means of the coil 122. Detection of the user input may be implemented for example based on a second coil (not shown) integrated within the surface audio haptic device. The second coil may be also referred to as a detection coil or a sense coil. The second coil may be for example coupled to the first magnetic element 110. Alternatively, the second coil may be coupled to the base or any component attached thereto, for example the second magnetic element 120. The surface audio haptic device may comprise detection circuitry coupled to the second coil. The detection circuitry, which may comprise analog or digital circuitry, may be configured to detect the user input on the surface 102 based on a triggering signal comprising voltage or current induced at the second coil by displacement of the surface by the user. The surface audio haptic device may further comprise feedback circuitry coupled to the coil 122. The feedback circuitry may be configured to activate a feedback signal, in response to detection of the user input by the detection circuitry. The coil 122 may be configured to cause or alter movement of the surface 102 based on a magnetic field configured to be generated by the coil 122 upon activation of the feedback signal.

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an actuator, according to one or more example embodiments. The actuator 200 may comprise similar components as described with reference to the surface audio device 100, for example the coil 122 and the first and second magnetic elements 110, 120. The actuator 200 is therefore provided as an example of an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator 200 may further comprise at least one third magnetic element 312 and/or at least one fourth magnetic element 322 comprising magnetic material. The magnetic element(s) 312, 322 may comprise or be made of magnetizable material that acquire their magnetic properties under an external magnetic field. The magnetic element(s) 312, 322 may for example comprise ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic material(s), such as for example iron. The third magnetic element 312 may comprise a cavity for the first magnetic element 110. The third magnetic element 312 may for example enclose the first magnetic element 110 from the top of the first magnetic element 110 and at least partially from the sides of the first magnetic element 110. The fourth magnetic element 322 may comprise a cavity for the second magnetic element 120, the and/or the coil 122. The fourth magnetic element 322 may for example enclose the second magnetic element 120 from the bottom of the second magnetic element 120 and at least partially from the sides of the second magnetic element 120.

[0051 ] A top portion 310 of the surface audio device 300 may comprise at least the first magnetic element 110. The top portion 310 may further comprise the third magnetic element 312. The top portion 310 may be or be configured to be coupled to the surface 102 (not shown). A base portion 320 may comprise at least the coil 122. The base portion 320 may further comprise the second magnetic element 120 and/or the fourth magnetic element 322. At least part of the coil 122 may be configured to encircle the second magnetic element 120. However, any suitable arrangement of the coil within the base portion 320 may be used. Providing an electrical current to the coil 122 may cause the first portion to move, for example vibrate according to the electric current. Various different arrangements may be however used to provide similar functionality. For example, piezoelectric actuator(s) may be used instead of electromagnetic actuator(s).

[0052] If the actuator 200 is embodied within a surface audio haptic device (SAHD), the actuator 200 may further comprise the second coil (detection/sense coil) for generating audio and/or haptic feedback, as discussed above. The second coil may be for example arranged substantially concentric to the coil 122, the coils having substantially same diameter. The second coil may be located closer to the top portion than the coil 122. For example, at least part of the coil 122 and/or at least part of the second coil may be configured to encircle the second magnetic element 120. Alternatively, the second magnetic element 120 may be arranged to encircle the second coil and at least part of the coil 122 may be configured to encircle the at least one second magnetic element.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments. In this example, the surface audio device 300 comprises a linear array of four actuators 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be electromagnetic actuators, for example similar to actuator 200, or other type of actuators, for example piezoelectric actuators. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may located along an edge of the surface 102. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be located along one edge of the surface 102, while actuators may not be provided along other edges of the surface 102. The surface may be rectangular, as in the example of FIG. 3, but the surface may also take other shapes. Even though four actuators are illustrated in FIG. 3, a surface audio device may in general comprise one or a plurality of actuators. The structure of the surface audio device 300 may be generally similar to the structure of the surface audio device 100.

[0054] The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be couped to an edge area of the surface 102. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may have a circular shape with diameter d. According to an example embodiment, the edge area may comprise an area that is within 2d from the edge along which the actuators are located. In this example, border 302 defines the edge area. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be located at any suitable positions within this area. In the example of FIG. 3, the actuators 200- 1 to 200-4 are provided as a linear array at the border 302 of the edge area. An actuator may be therefore located at a distance d from the edge of the surface. When actuating the surface 102 from the edge area, the motion deviation of the surface 102 speeds from the edge to other portions of the surface 102. Since the spread of the motion deviation is directed away from the edge area, the intensity of the motion deviation is larger compared for example to a situation, where the surface is actuated from the centre of the surface 102, resulting in 360 degree spread of the energy. Providing the actuators 200-1 to 200-4 at distance d from the edge has been experimentally verified to provide good efficiency. Actuating the surface 102 from the edge area therefore improves efficiency of the surface audio device 300.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an side view of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments. A side view of the surface audio device 300 is provided. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to actuate the surface 102 along the axis 130, is perpendicular to the surface 102.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a frame and a set of actuators at an edge area of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments. The surface audio device 500 may comprise components similar to the surface audio device 300. The surface audio device 500 may further comprise a frame 502. The frame 502 may be coupled to edges of the surface 102. The frame may be however open at the edge area such that actuation along the axis 130 is enabled at the edge area. The frame stabilizes comers of the surface 102, thereby directing the actuated energy to other parts of the surface 102, which improves efficiency. The frame may be arranged to surround the surface 102 at edges outside the edge area.

[0057] The frame 502 may be fixedly coupled to the surface 102. The frame 502 may be however flexible such that bending of the surface 102 is enabled. Characteristics of the generated audio signal may be adjusted by varying the flexibility of the frame 502. The flexibility of the frame may be for example dependent on the thickness and/or material of the surface 102. The frame 502 may be coupled to the base 104. The frame 502 may be for example formed as part of the base 104. This enables the actuators 200-1 to 200-4to displace the surface at respective locations, while keeping the edges coupled to the frame 502 substantially stationary with respect to the actuators 200-1 to 200-4 (apart from bending of the surface 102). [0058] The border 302 of the edge area may be located between points A and B corresponding to end locations of the frame 502 that define the opening of the frame 502. The distance of the border 302 from the edge along which the actuators 200-1 to 200-4 are located may be therefore different from 2d, for example smaller than 2d, as in the example of FIG. 5. The frame 502 may be however also arranged such that the border 302 is at the distance 2d from the edge. The location of the border 302 may be determined based on the location of the end points of the frame 502 or based on a distance (e.g. 2d) from the edge. The actuators 200-1 to 200-4 may be therefore located at any position within the edge area, in one example as a linear array at the border 302 of the edge area.

[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a set of actuators at comer areas of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments. The surface audio device 600 may comprise components similar to the surface audio device 300. Edge areas may be however located at comers of the surface 102. An edge area located at a comer of the surface 102 may be also referred to as a comer area. As illustrated for actuator 200-1, a comer area of the surface 102 may be defined by a square, one comer of the square being located at the comer of the surface 102 and the sides of the square having a length 2d. An actuator may be located at any position within the comer area, or, at the border of the comer area. For example, the actuator 200-1 may be located at a distance d from the two closest edges of the surface 102.

[0060] As noted above, placing an actuator within the edge area, for example at the border of it, improves efficiency of generating the audio signal with the acoustic surface 102. When actuating the surface 102 from one or more comer areas, the motion deviation of the surface 102 spreads from the comer(s) to other portions of the surface 102. Since the spread of the motion deviation is directed away from the comer area, the intensity of the motion deviation spreading towards the centre of the surface 102 is increased. Actuating the surface 102 from the edge area therefore improves efficiency of the surface audio device 500.

[0061 ] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a surface audio device with a frame and a set of actuators at comer areas of a surface, according to one or more example embodiments. The surface audio device 700 may comprise components similar to the surface audio device 600. The edge areas may be again located at comers of the surface 102. The surface audio device 700 may further comprise a frame 702. The frame 502 may be coupled to edges of the surface 102 similar to FIG. 5. The frame 502 may be however open at comer area(s) such that actuation along the axis 130 is enabled at the comer area(s). While the comer(s) are left open to enable actuation in a direction perpendicular to the acoustic surface 102, the frame 502 stabilizes the edges of the surface 102, thereby directing the actuated energy to other parts of the surface 102, which improves efficiency.

[0062] The square defining the border 302 of the comer area may be located such that two comers of the square are located at points C and D corresponding to end locations of the frame 502 that define the opening of the frame 502 at the respective comer. The distance of the actuator 200-1 from the closest edges of the surface 102 may be therefore different from 2d, for example smaller than 2d, as in the example of FIG. 7. The frame 502 may be however also arranged such that the border 302 is at the distance 2d from the comer. The location of the border 302 may be determined based on the location of the end points of the frame 502 or based on a distance (e.g. 2d) from the edge. The actuator 200-1 may be therefore located at any position within the comer area, in one example at the border 302 of the comer area, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The frame 502 may comprise a plurality of portions, four in the example of FIG. 7. One or more of the portions may be coupled to the base 104. For example, one or more of the portions may be formed as part of the base 104.

[0063] As noted above, the surface audio technology has various potential applications. The surface audio devices disclosed herein may be therefore advantageously applied in various apparatuses such as for example a mobile phone, a television, a smart screen, a vehicle (e.g. a car), or the like.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a method for actuating a surface of a surface audio device, according to one or more example embodiments.

[0065] At 801, the method may comprise actuating an acoustic surface by at least one actuator to generate an audio signal, wherein the at least one actuator is coupled to at least one edge area of the acoustic surface, and wherein the actuation is along an axis perpendicular to the acoustic surface

[0066] Further features of the method directly result for example from the functionalities and parameters of the devices 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, or 700, as described in the appended claims and throughout the specification, and are therefore not repeated here. Different variations of the method may be also applied, as described in connection with the various example embodiments.

[0067] An apparatus may be configured to perform or cause performance of any aspect of the method described herein. Further, an apparatus may comprise means for performing any aspect of the method(s) described herein.

[0068] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Also, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.

[0069] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0070] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items. [0071 ] The steps or operations of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0072] The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks, or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements. [0073] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from scope of this specification.