A frequency of a drive signal supplied to a piezoelectric element is swept
within a specific range, a detection signal indicating the vibrating
state of a vibrating member is detected, and the sweep speed of the drive
signal frequency supplied to the piezoelectric element is controlled
based on this detection signal. Thus, even if nonuniformities occur in
the drive frequency of the piezoelectric element due to fluctuations in
the surrounding temperature or the load, such nonuniformities can be
overcome without any adjustments, and the piezoelectric element can be
reliably driven. Also, since the sweep speed of the drive signal
frequency is at a high speed when the vibrating member is in a non-drive
state, needless drive signal output time during which the piezoelectric
element cannot be driven can be reduced, needless power consumption can
be curtailed, and nonuniformities in the drive speed of the driven object
can also be reduced.