Wireless sound equipment

A wireless sound equipment including a band having elasticity, a housing provided at both ends of the band, the housing having a receiver holder formed in one end, a receiver coupled/decoupled to/from the receiver holder, a printed circuit board provided in the housing, a rotary member provided in the housing and an audio cable having one end connected to the rotary member and the other end connected to the receiver is provided. The rotary member includes an audio substrate connected to the printed circuit board and having a circular connecting terminal and an audio brush connected to the one end of the audio cable to transmit a signal transmitted from the printed circuit board to the audio cable while moving over the circular connecting terminal of the printed circuit board.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2014-0029480 filed on Mar. 13, 2014, Korean Application No. 10-2014-0029482 filed on Mar. 13, 2014 and Korean Application No. 10-2014-0033307 filed on Mar. 21, 2014 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wireless sound equipment configured to receive an audio signal from a terminal and to transmit a control signal for controlling the terminal via wireless communication with the terminal.

Discussion of the Related Art

A sound equipment means an audio device which can receive an audio signal from a terminal and transmit audio information collected via a microphone to the terminal. Conventionally, a wire type sound equipment is used which connects a terminal of a sound equipment to an ear jack of a terminal to receive an audio signal. Recently, there are increasing demands for a wireless communication type wireless sound equipment in an aspect of mobility and user convenience.

A wireless sound equipment having a design considering mobility is under development such as a headphone type wireless sound equipment, an ear wearable type wireless sound equipment and an ear inserting type wireless sound equipment. The headphone type is band-shaped to be worn on a user's head such that a user can carry it easily.

Recently, there are increasing demands for a wireless sound equipment having a band to be wearable on a user's neck to allow a user to carry easily even in case a receiver is not worn on a user's ear.

There are needs for a wireless sound equipment having an easy operation and an exterior design which forms a great part, because it is worn on a user's neck even if not used.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless sound equipment having an improved use convenience.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, A wireless sound equipment including a band having elasticity, a housing provided at both ends of the band, the housing having a receiver holder formed in one end, a receiver coupled/decoupled to/from the receiver holder, a printed circuit board provided in the housing, a rotary member provided in the housing and an audio cable having one end connected to the rotary member and the other end connected to the receiver is provided. The rotary member includes an audio substrate connected to the printed circuit board and having a circular connecting terminal and an audio brush connected to the one end of the audio cable to transmit a signal transmitted from the printed circuit board to the audio cable while moving over the circular connecting terminal of the printed circuit board.

The wireless sound equipment may have a first section provided in a central portion of the band, with a large deformation and a second section provided in an end portion of the band, with a smaller deformation than the deformation of the first section.

The first section may be formed of an elastic material and the second section is formed of a rigid material.

The band may include a band frame formed of an elastic material; and a band cover provided in the second section, the band cover coupled to a circumference of the band frame.

The band may further include a third section provided between the first section and the second section, and the band cover may include a first band cover coupled to an inner portion of the band frame and a second band cover coupled to an outer portion of the band frame, and the band frame provided in the first section may be exposed and the band frame provided in the second section may have a circumference covered by the first band cover and the second band cover, and the band frame provided in the third section may be partially exposed.

At least one of a signal wire, an antenna and a battery may be mounted in the band.

The band may be formed in a tape shape, with a curved surface, and a direction of the curved surface may be different from a direction of a surface from a central portion and an end of the band.

The curved surface of the end of the band and the curved surface of the housing may form a continuous surface.

The rotatory member may further include a reel which the audio cable winds around.

The rotary member may further include a spiral spring having a band-shaped metallic plate winding on a plane in a coil shape, and a central portion of the spiral spring may be fixed to the housing and the other end of the spiral spring is connected to the reel.

A projection may be formed in an outer circumference of the reel, and a stopper may be provided adjacent to the reel and hooked to the projection by an elastic member applying a pulling force toward the reel, and a winding switch may be provided for a user to transmit a force in the reserve direction of the direction in which the elastic member applies a force, and when the user's force is applied to the winding switch, the stopper may be decoupled from the projection and the reel is rotated by the elastic force of the spiral spring, to wind the audio cable around the reel.

The stopper and the receiver holder may be provided on opposite sides of the rotary member.

The receiver holder may be provided between the stopper and the rotary member.

The housing may include a blocking layer for blocking the noise generated by the rotation of the reel.

The controller may further include a printed circuit board for transmitting a signal received from the wireless communication unit to the receiver via the audio cable, the printed circuit board comprising a circular electrode unit; and an audio brush connected to one end of the audio cable to transmit a signal transmitted from the printed circuit board to the audio cable, while moving over the electrode unit of the printed circuit board.

The wireless sound equipment may further include a first magnet coupled to the audio cable; and a second magnet coupled to the band, the second magnet magnetically detachable from the first magnet.

The wireless sound equipment may further include a third magnet coupled to the receiver hole; and a fourth magnet provided in the receiver, the fourth magnet magnetically detachable from a magnet provided in the receiver hole.

The controller may heighten the power in a speaker mode, when the receiver is coupled to the receiver holder and lower the power in an earphone mode, when the receiver is decoupled from the receiver holder.

An audio output direction in the speaker mode may be different from an audio output direction in the earphone mode in the receiver.

The wireless communication unit and the controller may be coupled to the receiver.

The housing may include an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to each other to form an internal space where the printed circuit board is provided close to the upper housing and the rotary member is provided between the printed circuit board and the lower housing.

The rotary member may be provided close to the receiver holder.

In another aspect, a wireless sound equipment includes a neck band formed in a curved shape, the neck band having a first receiver holder and a second receiver holder provided in both ends, respectively; a pair of audio cables extended from the neck band; a first receiver coupled to one end of the audio cable and coupled/decoupled to/from the first receiver holder; a second receiver coupled to one end of the audio cable and coupled/decoupled to/from the second receiver holder; a first switch switched into an ON state when the first receiver is decoupled from the first receiver holder and an OFF state when the first receiver is coupled to the first receiver holder; a second switch switched into an ON state when the second receiver is decoupled from the second receiver holder and an OFF state when the second receiver is coupled to the second receiver holder; a wireless communication module for transmitting/receiving a signal to/from a mobile terminal; and a controller for generating a control command to control the mobile terminal based on the ON/Off state change of the first and second switches to transmit the control command to the mobile terminal.

The controller may generate a first control signal, when the first switch is changed into an ON state, with the second switch in an OFF state.

The first control signal may include a control command for providing a contact list to the display of the mobile terminal or a phone number input keypad to the display.

When receiving a call signal, the first control signal may include a control command for connecting a call to the person on the other line of the call signal.

and a second control signal when the second switch is changed into an ON state, with the first switch in an ON state, and a third control signal having a control command for performing the reverse operation of the second control signal, when the second switch is changed into an OFF state, with the first switch in an ON state.

During the talk on the phone, the second control signal may include a control command for increasing a volume of the mobile terminal and the third control signal may include a control command for increasing a volume of the mobile terminal.

The controller may generate a fourth control signal when the second switch is changed into an OFF state with the first switch in an OFF state, and the fourth control signal may end the function activated by the first control signal.

When the second switch is changed into an ON state, with the first switch in an OFF state, a fifth control signal may be generated. The fifth control signal may include a command for providing a list of files to the display of the mobile terminal.

When the first switch is changed into an ON state with a second switch in an ON state, a sixth control signal may be generated.

When the first switch is changed into an OFF state with the second switch in an ON state, a seventh control signal may be generated and the seventh control signal may include a command for performing the reverse operation of the sixth control signal.

The sixth control signal may include a playing command for playing one of the multimedia files.

The seventh control signal may include a command for stopping the multimedia file playing.

When the second switch is changed into an OFF state with the first switch in an ON state, a third control signal may be generated and the third control signal may include a command for stopping the multimedia file playing currently.

When the second switch is changed into an ON state with the first switch in an OFF state, an eighth control signal is generated and the eighth control signal may end the function activated by the fifth control signal.

The switch may be one of a push button pressed or projected from the receiver holder and the second receiver holder in accordance with the decoupling of the first receiver and the second receiver, a hall sensor for sensing magnets provided in the first receiver and the second receiver, and a proximity sensor for sensing the approach of the first receiver or second receiver.

The wireless sound equipment may further include a reel for winding the audio cable there around; and a rotary member for rotating the reel to winding the audio cable around the reel.

The switch may sense the rotational number of the reel to sense whether the first receiver and the second receiver are decoupled from the first receiver holder and the second receiver holder.

The control commands may perform control based on the rotational number of the reel gradually.

In a further aspect, a wireless sound equipment include a short range communication module for transmitting/receiving a wireless signal to/from an external device; a signal sensing unit for measuring RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the signal for each of the external devices after sensing the strength of the signal transmitted/received to/from the external device, only to recognize the distance with the external devices; and a controller for changing the function of the mobile terminal based on a distance with the external device. The controller may unlock a locked state when the external device is spaced apart a first distance or less and activate the mobile terminal. The controller may change the state of the other functions into a non-activated state, when the external device is spaced apart a second distance or less out of the first distance in a state where the mobile terminal is activated.

The implementing function is a photographing function and the controller may change the other functions except the reading function for the photographed pictures into a non-activation state.

The function implemented currently is a function for reading a plurality of files and the controller may restrict the reading of the files, except the file read currently, when the external device is spaced apart a second distance or less out of the first distance.

The function implemented currently is a function for reading and editing a file and the controller may restrict editing and deleting of the file, when the external device is spaced apart a second distance or less out of the first distance.

The controller may set a locked state of the mobile terminal or non-activate the mobile terminal, when the external device is spaced apart out of the second distance.

The controller may change the mobile terminal into a double lock state, when the external device is spaced apart out of a third distance farther than the second distance.

The controller may transmit location information to a server or another terminal forcibly or connect with the mobile terminal based on remote control, when the external device is spaced apart out of a third distance farther than the second distance.

The controller may receive a call signal and change the call signal to another mobile terminal automatically, when the external device is spaced apart out of a third distance farther than the second distance.

The third distance may be the distance in which the external device and the mobile terminal are disconnected.

The plurality of the external devices may be provided and the first distance may be set differently based on the type of the external device.

The external device may be a headset for receiving an audio signal from the mobile terminal and outputting the audio signal. The headset is connected with the short range communication module. When the user brings the mobile terminal to the face and the headset is located as close as a fourth distance or less, the controller disconnect the connection with the headset and activate the receiver of the mobile terminal.

When the receiver of the headset is coupled to the receiver holder in a state where the headset is connected to the short range communication module, the controller may activate the receiver of the mobile terminal.

When the external device is spaced apart a fifth distance or less from the mobile terminal, the controller may receive information from the external device via the wireless communication unit and output the received information to the display or control the external device, using the wireless communication unit.

The external device is a vehicle and the controller may adjust locations of a seat, a back mirror and a side mirror and control setting of playing music, based on the user information.

When the strength of the signal is a preset value or more (a reference value of the signal strength or more), it is controlled that the mobile terminal100is connected and a specific function is implemented.

The effects of the wireless sound equipment according to the embodiments of the disclosure will be as follows.

The bending degree of the band is realized gradually. When the user is wearing the band of the wireless sound equipment on the neck, the user may feel convenient and prevent the disadvantage of easy separation from the neck and movement on the neck.

Furthermore, the structure allowing the user to keep the receiver in the receiver holder easily may be provided and there is a simple advantage of simply hand-carry of the receiver.

Still further, the receiver is coupled to or decoupled from the receiver holder such that the mobile terminal can be controlled. The receiver is decoupled and put on the user's ears. Accordingly, the additional operation of the mobile terminal or pressing of the button provided in the wireless sound equipment may be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a wireless sound equipment according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The wireless sound equipment according to embodiments of the disclosure includes a controller250, a wireless communication unit255, a receiver240, a speaker243, a microphone248, a sensing unit, an operation control unit and a power supply unit257.

The wireless communication unit may receive an audio signal from an external terminal or external server or transmit a sound or signal input via the wireless sound equipment to the external terminal or server wirelessly. A typical example of the wireless communication unit may be BLUETOOTH.

BLUETOOTH is a typical near field communication technical standard for connecting two hand-carry devices (e.g., mobile terminals, notebooks, earphones and headphones) to exchange information with each other and it is used when low power wireless connection is needed in an ultra-short range of 10˜20 meters. BLUETOOTH uses 2400˜2483.5 MHz which is ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical) frequency band.

To block interference of other systems using upper and lower frequencies, BLUETOOTH uses total 79 channels of 2402˜2480 MHz except a range of 2 MHz higher than 2400 MHz and 3.5 MHz lower than 2483.5 MHz. ISM is a frequency band assigned for industrial, scientific and medical use and it is used in a personal wireless device which can emit low power electric waves, without permission to use electric waves. Amateur radio, wireless LAN and BLUETOOTH uses the ISM band.

The receiver240and the speaker243are devices for outputting sounds. The receiver240is configured to transmit a sound when it is near the user's ear. The speaker243is a device for transmitting a sound to the user when it is held in a rest. The volume of the sound output from the receiver240is lower than the volume of the sound output from the speaker243.

The microphone248processes an audio signal input from an external device into electric voice data. The processed voice data is transmitted to the external terminal or server via the wireless communication unit255. Various noise removal algorithms can be realized in the microphone to remove the noise generated while external audio signal is input.

The sensing unit is a device for recognizing a state of the wireless sound equipment200and peripheral context. The sensing unit may include an illuminance sensor260for sensing illuminance nearby, a touch sensor for sensing touch input, a gyro sensor for sensing a slope of and a location of the wireless sound equipment and a receiver switch266for sensing whether the receiver is located in a receiver holder.

The operation control unit is an input unit for allowing the user to control the wireless sound equipment200intentionally. The operation control unit includes buttons222and223for a call or control of an audio volume or a receiver holding key234for inserting the receiver in a receiver storage position.

FIGS. 2 and 3are perspective diagrams of a wireless sound equipment seen in one direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective diagram of a wireless sound equipment according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The wireless sound equipment200includes a band210, a housing220, an audio cable245, a receiver240, a wireless communication unit255and a controller250.

The band210is a U-shaped material which can be put on the user's neck from a back of the neck. For convenient use, the band210may be formed of a bendable material.FIG. 5is an exploded perspective diagram of the band210. The band210includes a band frame211formed of a flexible material (e.g., rubber and silicon) and a band cover212and213coupled to a circumference of the band frame211to define the shape of the band210. If the band210is formed of only a rigid material, it is uncomfortable for the user to wear the band210. When the wireless sound equipment is carried in a bag, the band210formed of a rigid material might break. In contrast, when the band210is formed of a flexible material, the band210could be bent and separated from the neck with the user's big movement. Also, the band210cannot be fixed when the audio cable245is extracted, such that the wireless sound equipment200may move together with the audio cable245. Accordingly, the band210according to embodiments of the disclosure may have a different bending degree for each section.

A central portion (a first section (a)) with the largest bending degree and both ends (a second section (b)) may be formed of a rigid material. When the user operates the buttons attached to the housing220or takes out the audio cable245, deformation of the band210can be reduced as much as possible.

In the first section (a), the band covers212and213are not coupled to expose the band frame211formed of a flexible material to raise the bending deformation. The band covers212and213may not cover the entire area of the band frame211, coupled to both ends (a second section (b) and a third section (c)) of the band frame211.

At this time, the band cover may have a pair of band covers212and213coupled to an inner portion and an outer portion of the band frame211. A first band cover212of the two band covers is located only in the second section (b) and a second band cover213of the two is located in the second section (b) and the third section (c). In other words, the first band cover212and the second band cover213are located in the second section (b), such that rigidity is high. Only the second band cover213is located in the third section (c) such that the rigidity is relatively low.

Accordingly, there is a difference of rigidity or bending deformation in the three sections (a, b and c). In a situation requiring bending deformation, the first section (a) is deformed. In a state where the user is wearing the band210, the rigidities of the second section (b) and the third section (c) can prevent the wireless sound equipment from being separated or inclined during the operation. For coupling of the band frame211to the band covers212and213, a coupling protrusion214may be formed. The band covers212and213may be formed of a material which is equal to a material used in forming the housing220coupled to an end of the band210. Examples of such a material include an injection molding product.

A coupling structure215and227may be provided to couple the housing220to the end of the band210. A projection227formed in the housing may be fixedly inserted in a hole215formed in the end of the band210. At this time, a raised spot216may be further provided in an end of the band220to prevent the housing from rotating on the projection227.

A predetermined space is formed in the band210to receive the wire type power supply unit257, the wireless communication unit255and the flexile printed circuit board for transmitting signals.

A cross section of the band210may be formed in a long tape shape which is long along one direction. In other words, the cross section of the band210has a curved surface and a direction of the curved surface may be twisted as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. When the band is worn on the neck, a central portion of the band210has a curved surface of which direction is toward a front surface and a rear surface and an end of the band210has a curved surface of which can be differentiated to be upward/downward and to be placed on the shoulder. At this time, the curved surfaces may be continuously connected.

Such twisted tape shaped band210is twisted in a shape corresponding to the user's body shape. When the band210is worn, a touched portion with the body part is wide and the user feels comfortable. Especially, the first band cover212provided in the band210is relatively short to enlarge an exposed portion of the band frame211formed of rubber or silicon which is in contact with the user's body part, such that the friction with the user can be enhanced.

The housing220is provided in both ends of the band210. The curved surface formed by the band210and the surface formed by the housing2220may form a continuous surface toward the same direction.

The upper housing221and the lower housing222are coupled to each other to form an internal space. The printed circuit board250, a vibrator motor (not shown), the wireless communication unit255and the like may be mounted in the internal space. The power supply unit257may be provided in a predetermined portion of the housing220and the microphone248, the speaker243, the wireless communication unit255and the other elements may be arranged in the other portion of the housing220. Accordingly, the elements mounted in the housing220may be dispersed to keep a balance of the both weights.

A first button223for playing or calling may be provided in a front surface of the housing220and a second button224for controlling a sound volume or changing the order of the played files may be provided in a lateral surface of the housing220. Examples of the buttons223and224may include a jog button, a slide button pushed to input a signal and a dome switch button having a dome switch. At this time, holes may be formed in the housing220. At this time, holes for the first button223and the second button224may be formed in the housing220. The user touches the buttons223and224to input a signal, using a touch sensor.

The pair of the buttons223and224provided in the housing220may be distinguished from each other based on functions. For instance, one of the buttons may be set to have a function related with calling and the other one may be set to have another function related with music. The first button223provided in the portion of the housing220may be a calling button and the second button224may be a button for controlling a sound volume.

The first button223provided in the other portion of the housing220may be used as a button for playing or stopping a music file and the second button224may be used as a button for changing the order of playing files. A pair of audio cables245has one end connected to the housing220and the other end connected to the receiver240. The audio cables may receive the audio signal through the wireless communication unit255mounted in the housing220and the audio signal is transmitted to the receiver240through the audio cables245.

The receiver240may be inserted in the user's ear to be fitted to the ear. As shown inFIG. 3, the receiver240is coupled to a receiver holder225provided in the other end of the housing220connected to the band210, to solve a disadvantage of tangle of the audio cables245when the band is carried with the user's body. The receiver holder may be a seating portion of the receiver240for carrying the receiver240which outputs the sound. Magnets may be provided in the receiver240and the receiver holder225, respectively, such that the receiver240can be secured to the receiver holder225, using a magnetic force. The receiver holder225may be an auxiliary injection mold provided in the end of the housing220and a hole may be formed in the receiver holder225to pass the audio cable245there through.

The receiver holder225shown inFIGS. 2 through 4may be recessed from an outer surface of the housing or the receiver holder225shown inFIG. 6may be a hole formed in the end of the housing220.

The receiver holder225may include a receiver switch226to check whether the receiver holder225is coupled. For instance, the receiver switch226may be a push button receiver switch226projected from the receiver holder225. When the receiver240is coupled to the receiver holder225, the push button is pressed and the receiver switch226is switched off. When the receiver240is decoupled from the receiver holder225, the push button is pulled and the receiver switch226may be switched on.

The ON/OFF state may be set in reverse. The receiver switch226may determine whether the receiver240is coupled to the receiver holder225, using a magnetic sensor or a proximity sensor.

The receiver240may outputs a sound with a low power in an earphone mode and a sound with a high power in a speaker mode, such that it may be used in two ways as a speaker. The sound output spot may be the same in the earphone mode and the speaker mode. Alternatively, an auxiliary sound output hole241may be provided in the receiver240toward the reverse direction as shown inFIG. 6.

When a wireless communication unit255is provided in the receiver240, except that the receiver240is connected to the audio cable245to receive a signal from the wireless communication unit255mounted in the housing, the audio cable245may be omitted. At this time, a small-sized battery may be provided only for the receiver240. When the receiver240is coupled to the receiver holder225, the small battery for the receiver240may be charged.

A charge terminal may be located in the housing220for charging and a cap228may be provided in the housing220to prevent the charge terminal from being exposed normally. In addition, a power switch229for switching the power of the wireless sound equipment200on and off may be provided in the housing220.

An indicator may indicate whether the wireless communication unit255is connected to indicate a generated event or a charge state. A color and a blinking speed of the indicator shows a state of the wireless sound equipment200. The indicator may be provided in a lateral surface of the housing200or around the first button223.

In a headset200according to one embodiment, the audio cable245is inserted in the housing220and the receiver240is coupled to the receiver holder225as shown inFIG. 3. The audio cable245is inserted in the housing220, while winding around the reel230provided in the housing220.

FIG. 7is a perspective diagram partially illustrating a wireless sound equipment seen in another direction according to one embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG. 7, the reel230the audio cable245is winding around is shown. The reel230is rotated on a shaft239fixed to the housing220by a rotary member to wind the audio cable245around an outer circumferential surface of the reel230so as to insert the audio cable245in the housing220.

When the user pulls the receiver240to unwind the audio cable245from the reel230, the reel230is rotated in the reverse direction of the direction in which the rotary member is rotated and the reel230is fixed by a stopper233in a state of being rotated as much as the audio cable245is pulled.

When the user releases the stopper233for fixing the reel230, the reel230is re-rotated in the direction in which it is rotated by the rotary member and the audio cable245is inserted in the housing220.

A flexible printed circuit board253may be further provided to transmit the signal to the audio cable245from the printed circuit board250and the flexible printed circuit board253may be extended from the printed circuit board250.

FIG. 8illustrates the audio cable245winding around the reel230of the wireless sound equipment200according to one embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 9is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating the reel230and the audio cable245provided in the wireless sound equipment200according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

The reel230is a cylindrical material which has the audio cable245wind around an outer circumferential surface thereof to receive the audio cable245, while rotating on its center as a shaft239. The reel230may include a groove238in which the audio cable245is inserted to fix the audio cable245to the reel230. As shown inFIG. 9, the rotary member may be provided in the reel230to wind the audio cable245around the outer circumferential surface of the reel230, while the reel230is rotating.

The rotary member may be a spiral spring235formed of a band-shaped metallic plate winding on a plane in a coil shape. A center of the spiral spring235is fixed to the housing220and the other end of the spiral spring235is connected to the reel230. Accordingly, when the reel230is rotated in the reverse of the direction in which the spiral spring is winding, the audio cable245is unwinding to be drawn from the housing220. At this time, the spiral spring235is unwinding loosely to generate an elastic force in a winding direction of the spiral spring235.

The force is applied to the reel230by the spiral spring235in the direction in which the audio cable245is winding around the reel230. To keep the audio cable245loose, a stopper233and a projection231may be further provided to stop the reel230from being rotated by the spiral spring235.

FIG. 10is a sectional diagram illustrating the reel230and the stopper233provided in the wireless sound equipment according to one embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 11is a sectional diagram illustrating a reel230and a stopper233provided in a wireless sound equipment200according to another embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG. 11are shown a projection231, a spiral spring235and a stopper233.

The projection231may be formed linear in a direction in which it is rotated by the spiral spring235and gently curved in the reverse direction. The stopper233keeps a state of being pushed toward the reel230by a flexible member233′ applying a force to a center of the reel230. Also, the stopper233supports the linear portion of the projection231and prevents the rotation of the reel230.

When the user pushes the stopper233in a direction in which the stopper233is spaced apart from the reel230, the coupling between the stopper233and the projection231is released and the reel230is rotated by the elastic force of the spiral spring235. When the force applied to the stopper233by the user is removed, the stopper233is re-moved toward the reel230by the elastic force of the flexile member233′ toward the reel230.

To allow the user to move the stopper233in the reverse direction of the elastic force of the flexible member233′, the stopper233may be connected to a receiver holding key234exposed to a surface of the housing220as shown inFIG. 7. The receiver holding key234may be operated in at least one of a sliding method (seeFIG. 10) and a pressing method (seeFIGS. 11 and 12).

FIG. 12is a diagram to describe the operation of the receiver holding key234shown inFIG. 11. In a state of (a), the stopper233is pushed and spaced apart from the reel230, when the user presses the holding key234. The stopper233is decoupled from the projection232formed in a circumference of the reel230and the reel230is rotated.

An audio substrate236is located under the reel230to transmit the audio signal transmitted via the flexible printed circuit board253to the audio cable245. An audio brush237may be provided between the audio substrate236and the audio cable245to make the audio substrate236be connected with the audio cable245, regardless of the location of the end of the audio cable245which is changed in the rotation of the reel230.

The audio substrate236includes circular connecting terminals236′ and236″ having a different radius based on a type of a signal. The audio brush237moves over the circular connecting terminals236′ and236″ of the audio substrate236, to keep the connection between the audio cable245and the audio substrate236.

A noise blocking layer may be further provided to block the noise generated by the rotation of the reel230from coming out. A gear232′ shown inFIG. 7may be further provided to rotate the reel230smoothly. Sawteeth232are formed in an outer circumferential surface of the reel230to engage with the gear232′. When the sawteeth232engage with the gear232′ to rotate, the rotation speed of the gear232′ may be controlled and the rotation speed of the reel230may be also controlled.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating a wireless sound equipment200according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, audio cables245aand245bare not inserted in the housing220but winding around a back side of the user's neck along a band210. Magnets270a,270b,271aand271bmay be provided in the audio cables245aand245band the band210, respectively, to couple the audio cables to the band210easily.

When the band210is worn on the user's neck, the magnets270aand270bmay be located under the user's ears and magnets271aand271bare provided in positions corresponding to the magnets270aand270bof the band of the audio cables245aand245b.

A receiver240aprovided in an end of the audio cable245aextended from a left direction to a right direction along the band210may be coupled to a receiver holder225alocated in a right portion. In contrast, a receiver240bprovided in an end of the audio cable245bextended from a right direction to a left direction is coupled to a receiver holder225blocated in a left portion.

At this time, a magnet271aof the audio cable245aextended from the left portion may be coupled to a left magnet270aand a magnet of the audio cable245bextended from a right portion may be coupled to a right magnet270b.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an illuminance sensor260which senses change in luminance to output a warning sound. The illuminance sensor260is a sensor for sensing light. Using the illuminance sensor260, change in illuminance nearby can be sensed.

While listening to the music, with the receiver240put on the ear, it cannot be sensed that a vehicle is approaching which results in an accident. Especially, people cannot be seen well at night and a view of a vehicle is deteriorated such that the chances of getting into an accident can be increased.

When the illuminance sensor260senses that drastic change in illuminance which is generated by a light of a vehicle approaching to the wireless sound equipment, the controller may output a warning sound to the user through the receiver240or give vibration of the wireless sound equipment200to the user, using the vibrator motor.

When a reference value or more of illuminance change is generated within a preset time period (a short time period such as 0.5 second), it can be determined that a vehicle is approaching. Except that the user putting the receiver240on the ears is listening to the music, it is not necessary to output a warning sound through the receiver240. Only when the receiver240is decoupled from the receiver holder225, the warning sound can be controlled to be output.

As mentioned above, the warning function is provided only to prevent the accident caused by the user's failure to sense the vehicle approaching to the wireless sound equipment put on the user.

Also, the structure for the user to hold the receiver in the receiver holder easily may be provided such that the receiver can be carried simply and advantageously.

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating a control signal generated in accordance with change into ON/OFF state of a switch226provided in a wireless sound equipment200according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. When the switch226is changed into an OFF state from an ON state or into an OFF state from an ON state, the control signal is generated.

A first switch226amay be set in a predetermined portion where a first button223ahaving a function related with calling is located and a second switch226bmay be set in a predetermined portion where a first button223brelated with multimedia playing. For convenient explanation, the wireless sound equipment200has a left portion having a function related with calling and a right portion having a function related with music, when the user wears the wireless sound equipment200on the neck. The first switch226aand the second switch226bmay be located in the reverse positions.

The receiver holder225having the first switch226alocated therein may be the first receiver240aand the receiver240coupled to the first receiver holder225amay be a second receiver holder225b. The receiver holder225where the second switch226bis located is a second receiver holder225band the receiver240coupled to the second receiver holder225bis a second receiver240.

A first control signal through an eighth control signal may be generated in accordance with change into an ON state from an OFF state of the first and second switches226b.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment when the first switch226ais changed into an ON state, with the second switch226bin an OFF state. At this time, the controller generates a first control signal and the first control signal may include a command for implementing a function related with calling.

FIGS. 17 through 19are diagrams to describe control of a terminal based on a first control signal of a wireless sound equipment200. An address book may be implemented as shown inFIG. 9and a keypad for inputting telephone numbers may be provided in a display of the terminal.

When calling a call signal as shown inFIG. 19, the user pulls and separates the first receiver240afrom the first receiver holder225a, the first control signal is generated and a call is connected.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment of the disclosure when the second switch226bis changed into the ON state, with the first switch226ain the ON state.FIG. 21is a diagram to describe the control of the terminal based on a second control signal and a third control signal.

When talking on the phone, with the first receiver240aput on the ears, the user separates the second receiver240bfrom the second receiver holder225b, only to increase an audio volume of the mobile terminal. In contrast, when the second receiver240bis coupled to the second receiver holder225b, the sound volume is increased.

At this time, the audio volume can be controlled gradually, using a rotational number of the reel230. In other words, the audio volume can be controlled based on the length of the second receiver240bseparated and pulled from the second receiver holder225b.

FIG. 22is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment, when the first switch226ais changed into the OFF state, with the second switch226bin the OFF state.FIGS. 23 and 24are diagrams to describe control of the terminal based on a fourth control signal.

When the first receiver240ais coupled to the first receiver holder225ain a state where the second receiver240bis inserted in the second receiver holder225b(in a state where the second switch226bis OFF), the first switch226ais changed into the OFF state and a fourth control signal is generated.

At this time, the fourth control signal may include a control command for ending the function activated by the first control signal. In other words, as shown inFIG. 23, the fourth control signal may ends the call application, the address book which is activated by the first control signal and change the current screen into a home screen. As shown inFIG. 24, the fourth control signal may end the calling.

When the first receiver240ais coupled to the first receiver holder225ain a state where the second receiver240bis decoupled, not coupled to the second receiver holder225b, a seventh control signal is generated. While the terminal is implementing a function based on the first control signal, the first switch226ais changed into the OFF state, with the second switch226bin the ON state, and the seventh control signal is then generated. Once the seventh control signal is generated, the seventh control signal may end the function activated by the first control signal, similar to the fourth control signal.

FIG. 25is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment of the disclosure, when the second switch226bis changed into an ON state with the first switch226ain an OFF state.FIG. 26is a diagram to describe control of the terminal based on a fifth control signal.

When the second receiver240bis decoupled from the second receiver holder225bin a state where the first receiver240ais inserted in the first receiver holder225a(a state where the first switch226ais in an OFF state), the second switch226bis changed in to an ON state and a fifth control signal is generated.

The fifth control signal implements a function related with multimedia file playing. As shown inFIG. 27, a multimedia function is implemented and a list of multimedia files is displayed on the display of the terminal.

FIG. 27is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment of the disclosure, when the first switch226ais changed into an ON state, with the second switch226bin an ON state.FIG. 28is a diagram to describe control of the terminal performed by a sixth control signal.

When the first receiver240ais coupled to the first receiver holder225ain a state where the second receiver240bis decoupled from the second receiver holder225b(in a state where the second switch226bis in an ON state), the first switch226ais changed into an ON state and a sixth control signal is generated. The sixth control signal includes a control command for playing one of the multimedia files.

When the first switch226ais changed into an OFF state, with the second switch226bin an ON state, a seventh control signal is generated. In this instance, the playing music can be ended. In other words, the seventh control signal may perform the reverse function of the function implemented by the sixth control signal.

FIG. 29is a diagram illustrating the wireless sound equipment200according to the embodiment of the disclosure, when the second switch226bis changed into an OFF state, with the first switch226ain an OFF state.FIG. 30is a diagram to describe control of the terminal performed by an eighth control signal.

When the second receiver240bis coupled to the second receiver holder225bin a state where the first receiver240ais inserted in the first receiver holder225a, the second switch226bis changed in to an OFF state and an eighth control signal is generated. The eighth control signal may implement the reverse function of the function the fifth control signal implements. The eighth control signal may end the multimedia application started by the fifth control signal.

When the second switch226bis playing a multimedia file, with the first switch in an ON state and the second switch226bin an ON state, the second receiver240bis coupled to the second receiver holder225bfirst and a third control signal is generated. After that, the first receiver240ais coupled to the first receiver holder225aand a fourth control signal is generated.

During the call, the third control signal may include a command for controlling an audio volume and the fourth control signal ends the calling. However, the third control signal generated during the multimedia file playing may include a command for ending the playing music and the fourth control signal may include a command for ending the multimedia application.

Moreover, the wireless sound equipment200may couple or decouple the receiver240to or from the receiver holder225, only to control the terminal. After the receiver240is decoupled and put on the user′ ears, an additional operation of the terminal or pressing of the button provided in the wireless sound equipment200can be omitted.

Reference is now made toFIG. 31, whereFIG. 31is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure.

The sensing unit140is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like. For example, inFIG. 31, the sensing unit140is shown having a proximity sensor141and an illumination sensor142.

The controller180typically functions to control overall operation of the mobile terminal100, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller180may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output by the various components depicted inFIG. 31, or activating application programs stored in the memory170. As one example, the controller180controls some or all of the components illustrated inFIG. 31according to the execution of an application program that have been stored in the memory170.

The broadcast managing entity may be implemented using a server or system which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, or a server which receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends such items to the mobile terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented using any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcast signal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety of technical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and reception of digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module111can receive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for the transmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast event, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcast associated information may also be provided via a mobile communication network, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module112.

At this time, examples of another mobile terminal100may include wearable devices210,220,230and240(e.g., smart watches, smart glasses and head mounted displays) which can exchange data with the mobile terminal100(or which can be connectable with the mobile terminal100). The short range communication module114may sense (or recognize) wearable deices communicable with the mobile terminal nearby. Moreover, when it is determined that the sensed wearable device is an authentic device for communicating with the mobile terminal100, the controller180may transmit at least some of the data processed in the mobile terminal100to the wearable devices through the short range communication module114. Accordingly, the user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the mobile terminal100through the wearable device. For instance, the user may perform calling through the wearable device when the mobile terminal100receives a call or check the received message through the wearable device when the mobile terminal100receives a message.

FIG. 32is a diagram to describe short range wireless communication of the mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The short range wireless communication may support short range communication, using at least one of BLUETOOTH™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZegBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus).

BLUETOOTH is a typical short range wireless communication technical standard for connecting two hand-carry devices (e.g., mobile terminals, notebooks, earphones and headphones) to exchange information with each other and it is used when low power wireless connection is needed in an ultra-short range of 10˜20 meters. BLUETOOTH is used for a wireless earphone, a wireless mouse, a smart watch220and the like.

BLUETOOTH uses 2400˜2483.5 MHz which is ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical) frequency band. To block interference of other systems using upper and lower frequencies, BLUETOOTH uses total 79 channels of 2402˜2480 MHz except a range of 2 MHz higher than 2400 MHz and 3.5 MHz lower than 2483.5 MHz. ISM is a frequency band assigned for industrial, scientific and medical use and it is used in a personal wireless device which can emit low power electric waves, without permission to use electric waves. Amateur radio, wireless LAN and BLUETOOTH uses the ISM band.

BLUETOOTH uses the same frequency band with various systems and it is likely that interference might be caused between systems. To prevent the interference, BLUETOOTH uses frequency hopping. The frequency hopping is a method for transmitting a small quantity of a packet (or data) while hopping a number of channels along a specific pattern rapidly. BLUETOOTH hops the assigned 79 channels 1600 times per 1 second.

This hopping pattern has to be synchronized between BLUETOOTH devices to enable communication. BLUETOOTH devices are connected as a master and a slave. When a slave device fails to be synchronized to the frequency hopping generated by a master device, the communication between the two devices cannot be enabled. Accordingly, the two devices can be connected stably, without the interference of other systems. Several slave devices can be connected to one master device and the roles of the master and slave are not fixed such that the roles can be exchanged according to situations.

The external device300connected through short range wireless communication may be connected not only to the wearable devices310,320,330and340(e.g., a headset310, a smart watch320, a smart band330, a smart glass and a smart shoe340) but also to electric home appliances (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner and a television) or vehicles (e.g., an automobile and a motorcycle).

The mobile terminal100may include a signal sensing unit for measuring RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the signal for each of the external devices300after sensing the strength of the signal transmitted/received to/from the external device300, only to recognize the distance with the external devices300. When the strength of the signal is a preset value or more (a reference value of the signal strength or more), it is controlled that the mobile terminal100is connected and a specific function is implemented.

FIG. 33is a diagram illustrating a screen for connecting the mobile terminal100according to this embodiment to a plurality of external devices300. The plurality of the external devices300may be connected to one mobile terminal100. The connected external devices300may be displayed (1511) and the signal strength of each external device300is displayed (1512).

An adjustment bar1513may be provided to adjust a reference signal strength such that the user can set the signal strength for each of the external devices300. Alternatively, the user may set (1514) whether to connect a neighboring external device300.

When the plurality of the external devices300connected to one mobile terminal100are operated, there might be collision between them. To prevent that, the external devices300may be prioritized (1515). The operation related with the external device300having the highest priority may be performed preferentially.

For instance, when the wireless headset310and the wireless speaker are connected simultaneously, the priority of the wireless headset310is higher than that of the wireless speaker and then a sound may be controlled to be output through the wireless headset310.

Hereinafter, the control of the mobile terminal100will be described when the mobile terminal100is connected with the wearable devices310,320,330and340wirelessly. In case the external devices300are wearable devices310,320,330and340(e.g., a wireless headset310, a smart watch320), the wearable devices may keep a state of being always put on the user's body part.

However, the mobile terminal100may be carried with one hand and it may be distant from the user's body part. It may be determined that the mobile terminal100is spaced apart from the user based on a distance set by the strength of the wireless communication signal between the wearable devices310,320,330and340and the mobile terminal100and the mobile terminal100can be controlled based on the result of the determination.

More specifically, when the user approaches the mobile terminal100spaced apart from the user to be located within a first distance, it is determined that the user tries to uses the mobile terminal100and the locked state of the mobile terminal100may be unlocked (seeFIG. 34).

The first distance may be set as a distance from each of the wearable devices310,320,330and340when the user holds the mobile terminal and it may be differently set based on a type of a wearable device310,320,330and340. When the distance between the mobile terminal100and the smart watch320is 10 cm or less, a locked state of the mobile terminal100is unlocked. When a distance between the wireless headset310and the mobile terminal100is 50 cm or less, the locked state of the mobile terminal100may be unlocked.

When at least three of the wearable devices310,320,330and340are approaching to the mobile terminal within the first distance or less, the locked state of the mobile terminal100can be unlocked. Or, only when one wearable device310,320,330or340having the highest priority is approaching within a first distance or less, the locked state of the mobile terminal100can be unlocked.

FIG. 35is a diagram illustrating the mobile terminal100when the wearable devices310,320,330and340are located within the first distance or more and the second distance or less. When the wearable devices are out of the first distance in the unlocked state, the mobile terminal100may not be locked immediately but only some functions need to be restricted. For instance, the mobile terminal can be handed over to the person next to the user to show photographs or video files and another person except the user may uses a photographing function.

In other words, the mobile terminal100is not changed into the locked state completely but only several functions are activated, to restrict the other functions except the application used currently. More specifically, when the camera application is used currently, the other applications cannot be used or the other photographs cannot be seen, except a photographing function and seeing photograph function.

When the implementing application provides one of document, photograph, and video files to the display151, reading of the other files is restricted except the corresponding document, photograph and video file and the personal privacy can be protected. When an editing function rather than the reading function is provided, the editing and deleting functions may be restricted for another person except the user to delete and edit the files.

When the distance is out of the second distance as shown inFIG. 36, it is determined that the mobile terminal is spaced apart a preset distance or more from the user and that it is not used by the user, such that the mobile terminal100may be changed into the locked state again. At this time, the unlocking of the locked state when the mobile terminal approaching within the first distance or less may be performed rapidly. it is preferred that the state of the mobile terminal is changed into the locked state in case the mobile terminal is out of the second distance for a preset time period or more.

When the state of the mobile terminal spaced apart a third distance or more which is farther than the second distance is continuous for a preset time period, it may be determined that the user lost the mobile terminal100. In other words, when the state of the mobile terminal spaced apart the third distance or more is continued for several hours or days, a double lock may be set to protect personal information (seeFIG. 37).

In this instance, location information may be transmitted to the server or another terminal to allow the user to fine the location of the mobile terminal100and the mobile terminal100can be converted for the user to remote control the mobile terminal100.

Also, against the case in which the user goes to work, with leaving the mobile terminal100at home, the mobile terminal100is changed into a call incoming state when it is spaced apart the third distance or more from the wearable devices310,320,330and340and a call signal received by the mobile terminal may be controlled to be transmitted to a wire telephone of the user's company.

When the mobile terminal is spaced apart the third distance or more from the external devices, the information stored in the memory of the mobile terminal100may be transmitted to a server such as Cloud. Even if the user lost the mobile terminal, the information cannot be lost.

When the wearable device310,320,330or340is the headset310, the sound is output from the headset310while the headset310is connected with the mobile terminal100. However, the corresponding function is performed via wireless communication and the user happens to forget the sound output from the headset, in case the user is wearing the headset310on the neck, not listening to the music. In other words, when a call is received by the mobile terminal, the user unconsciously brings the mobile terminal100next to the face to try to answer the call.

To prevent such problems, the sound output from the headset310may be output from the receiver of the mobile terminal100after stopping the wireless communication connection with the headset310, in case the distance between the headset310and the mobile terminal is close to a fourth distance (e.g., 10 cm or less).

FIG. 39is a diagram illustrating a control method in accordance with the distance between the external device300and the mobile terminal100in a state where the mobile terminal100is unlocked.FIG. 40is a diagram illustrating a control method in accordance with the distance between the external device300and the mobile terminal100in a state where the mobile terminal100is locked. Referring toFIGS. 39 and 40, the control method of the mobile terminal in accordance with the distance between the wearable device310,320,330or340mentioned above and the mobile terminal100will be described in order.

When the mobile terminal100in a locked state (S100) is spaced apart a first distance or less from the wearable device310,320,330or340, the locked state of the mobile terminal100is unlocked (S250) and the user may use the mobile terminal100immediately.

However, when the mobile terminal100is spaced apart a third distance or more (S300), it may be determined that the mobile terminal100is lost and the state of the mobile terminal100is changed into a double locked state (S350) or location information is transmitted to a server or another mobile terminal or the mobile terminal100may be remote controlled. Or, when a call signal is received, the call of the mobile terminal may be incoming to another mobile terminal.

When the headset310is located within a fourth distance from the mobile terminal100(S500), the mobile terminal100may be controlled to block the connection with the headset310and to output the sound via the receiver (S550). Only when a call signal is transmitted/received, the corresponding control may be performed.

It is not necessary to determine whether the wearable devices310,320,330and340except the headset310are spaced apart a fourth distance or less from the mobile terminal. Within the first distance (S600), it is determined that the user is using the mobile terminal and that the unlocked state of the mobile terminal is kept (S400).

When the wearable devices310,320,330and340are spaced apart the first distance or more and the second distance or less (S700), several functions are restricted and only preset functions can be allowed to use. As mentioned above, only the camera application can be used or only implemented photographs, video files, document files can be read. Only the function implemented by the user can be used and use of the other functions can be restricted (S750).

If the wearable devices310,320,330and340are spaced apart the second distance or more from the mobile terminal100, it is determined that the user is not using the mobile terminal100and the state of the mobile terminal is changed into a locked state (S100).

FIGS. 41 and 42are diagrams illustrating the mobile terminal100when the external device300is spaced apart a fifth distance or less from the mobile terminal100. Rather than the wearable devices310,320,330and340, the external device300may be connected to the mobile terminal100via wireless communication. The external device300may be an electric home appliance400(e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner and a television) or a vehicle500(e.g., an automobile and a motorcycle).

In case the external device is the electric home appliance, information is received from the external device300via the wireless communication unit121and the received information may be output on the display. Or, the external device300may be controlled via the wireless communication unit121.

When the mobile terminal100is approaching the refrigerator within a fifth distance in case the external device300is a refrigerator400, information on the temperature of the refrigerator, the amount of the remaining foods stored in the refrigerator and the expiration dates of the foods may be transmitted to the user. In addition, the user can control the refrigerator, using the mobile terminal100, and an auxiliary control button and an output screen provided in the refrigerator400may be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 12, in case the external device is the automobile500, a seat, adjusting of a back mirror and a side mirror of the vehicle and setting of playing music may be controlled based on the user information. However, when the mobile terminal100is connected, the position of the back mirror and the position of the side mirror may be adjusted for an optimal driving state based on the driver's height, sitting height, leg length and arm length set in the mobile terminal100.

A music taste may differ based on each of drivers and the information about the music taste is provided. When the information is provided, the genre of played music may be changed.

According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile terminal may be automatically controlled based on the distance with the external device300and the inconvenience of operating the mobile terminal may be minimized. The level of authority for use may be differentiated and the information can be protected.

Even if the mobile terminal is lost, the location information and the remote control for the mobile terminal100may be enabled, to help finding the mobile terminal100. Also, the electric home appliances or vehicles may be operated easily, using the mobile terminal100.