Patent Publication Number: US-11388502-B1

Title: In-ear device with personalized aesthetics

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to in-ear devices, and more specifically, to an in-ear device with personalized aesthetics. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recent decade has witnessed an increased demand and popularity for in-ear device usage. Such in-ear devices, such as earbuds, are designed to be inserted in an ear canal to protect user&#39;s ears from loud noises, foreign bodies, dust and/or excessive wind. Such in-ear devices find utility in a myriad of use cases, for example, demolition and construction sites, airports, concerts, sporting events, biking, or even sleeping and studying as well to name a few. 
     However, most of the options for the in-ear devices limit the users to very selective designs, fixed accessories (such as jewels), and monochrome colors and do not provide any option of personalizing the devices. Thus, users have no choice but to collect different colored or accessorized in-ear devices to meet each wardrobe, home decor, and social event requirement, thereby increasing the user&#39;s expenditure manifold. Additionally, the quest of the user to find a right colored or accessorized in-ear device to match the mood or the overall look may also be very cumbersome specially when the user is running short of time. Furthermore, safekeeping of remaining sets of in-ear device after usage when one set of in-ear device is worn, may become a time-consuming task for the user. 
     Still, there remains a continuing need for improved in-ear devices with personalized aesthetics. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an in-ear device with personalized aesthetics. The personalized aesthetics is provided by a detachable decorative article that is magnetically coupled with a faceplate of an earbud of the in-ear device. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the invention provides an in-ear device comprising an earbud and a decorative article. A head portion of the earbud has an ear canal insert portion and an ear plug. A first end of the ear canal insert portion is coupled with the ear plug. A faceplate of the earbud has a first planar region and a second planar region. The first planar region is traversely extended from a second end of the ear canal insert portion to an area that is proximate to an outer boundary of the first planar region. The second planar region of the faceplate corresponds to a mounting region that has a recess portion adapted to house a first metal coupling plate. The decorative article is detachable from the mounting region. The decorative article has a second metal coupling plate. At least one of the first metal coupling plate and the second metal coupling plate is a magnetic material. The first metal coupling plate in the recess portion is complementarily sized and shaped to magnetically couple with the second metal coupling plate of the decorative article when placed in proximity to the first metal coupling plate of the faceplate of the earbud. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the first end of the ear canal insert portion may be coupled with the ear plug. The first end may have an attenuation filter disposed proximate to an ear drum of a user. The attenuation filter may be adapted to control a sound pressure level (SPL) of incoming sound waves reaching the ear drum through a sound channel based on one or more parameters of the attenuation filter. The one or more parameters of the attenuation filter comprise a type of material of a filter medium of the attenuation filter, a structure of the filter medium, flexibility of a diaphragm member, and pore size of the filter medium. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, wherein the attenuation filter generates a zero attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is below a first threshold value. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, wherein the attenuation filter generates a full attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is above a second threshold value. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, wherein the attenuation filter generates a partial attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the head portion houses an electronics system communicatively coupled with external devices. The faceplate of the earbud protrudes out and snuggly fits in cavum concha of the ear. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the decorative article is a gem stone, a jewel, a metallic object, or other magnetic artifact. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a clicking sound is generated as the second metal coupling plate of the decorative article is magnetically coupled to the first metal coupling plate. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the ear plug corresponds to a resilient membrane tip. The size and shape of the ear plug is substantially deformed and subsequently expanded resiliently to fit different ear canal sizes and shapes. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a plate size and a plate shape of the first metal coupling plate is based on a shape and size of the recess portion. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for an in-ear device with personalized aesthetics. The method comprises detaching a first decorative article from a faceplate of an earbud of the in-ear device by forcibly sliding the first decorative article laterally along magnetically coupled surfaces of the first decorative article and the faceplate. A first magnetically coupled surface corresponds to a first metal coupling plate housed in a recess portion of a second planar region of the faceplate. A second magnetically coupled surface corresponds to a second metal coupling plate at base of the first decorative article. At least one of the first metal coupling plate and the second metal coupling plate is a magnetic material. The method further comprises attaching a second decorative article to the faceplate of the earbud when the second decorative article is placed in proximity to the first metal coupling plate. The first metal coupling plate is magnetically coupled with a third metal coupling plate of the second decorative article. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling the SPL of incoming sound waves reaching an ear drum through a sound channel based on one or more parameters of an attenuation filter. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises generating a clicking sound when one of the second metal coupling plate of the first decorative article or the third metal coupling plate of the second decorative article is magnetically coupled to the first metal coupling plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a first perspective view of an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a second perspective view of an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a cut-out view of an ear of a user wearing an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of an ear of a user wearing an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a perspective view of an in-ear device with an attenuation filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of an in-ear device with an attenuation filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a computer implemented system for producing a personalized one or more parts of an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations for handling an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary scenario for personalizing an in-ear device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section. 
     It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     Turning to the Figures,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depicts a first perspective view  100 A and a second perspective view  100 B respectively, of an in-ear device  101 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the first perspective view  100 A, as depicted in  FIG. 1A , corresponds to an unassembled view of the in-ear device  101  and the second perspective view  100 B, as depicted in  FIG. 1B , corresponds to an assembled view of the in-ear device  101 . 
     The in-ear device  101 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , includes an earbud  102  and a first decorative article, such as a decorative article  116 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The earbud  102  further includes a head portion  104 , an ear canal insert portion  106  (having a first end  106 A and a second end  106 B), and an ear plug  108 . The earbud  102  further includes a faceplate  110  (having a first planar region  110 A and a second planar region  110 B), a mounting region  112  having a recess portion  112 A, and a first metal coupling plate  114 . The decorative article  116  is depicted to include an ornamental part  118  and a second metal coupling plate  120 . The recess portion  112 A may be sized to have a depth such that the decorative article  116  protrudes above the planar region  110 B, is flush with the planar region  110 B, or substantially flush with the planar region  110 B. 
     The earbud  102  may correspond to an in-ear device that is inserted in an ear canal of a user to protect the user&#39;s ears from loud noises and various environmental factors. The loud noises may be caused by explosions or bursts and comprises a mixture of sound wave frequencies of varying intensity. These disturbing frequencies may be in both the high and low frequency bands and the sound pressure is sufficient enough to cause hearing problems. Examples of the environmental factors may include, but are not limited to, humidity, foreign bodies, dust or high speed wind. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the earbud  102  may be used by the user while at work (for example, demolition or construction sites, factories with heavy and noisy equipment and machines, airports, shooting ranges), whilst traveling, during leisure activities, or even at home to control undesired noise and sounds of high sound pressure level. The earbud  102  may attenuate or block the sounds of high sound pressure level, and thus protects the user from various physical and psychological ailments as well. Examples of physical ailments may include noise-induced hearing loss, hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), tinnitus (ringing of the ears), and the like. Examples of psychological ailments may include disturbed concentration and attention span, sleep disorders, distraction from other hazards, induced stress, and the like. Furthermore, the earbud  102  may also protect the user&#39;s ears against various infections and inflammations caused due to the environmental factors. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, though not shown in  FIG. 1A , the earbud  102  may be fitted with an electronics system comprising suitable electronic components, such as a microphone, a speaker, a wireless communications module, a battery, and a control circuit. In such an embodiment, the speaker may be disposed near the first end  106 A of the ear canal insert portion  106 . The microphone, along with rest of the electronic components, may be disposed near the second end  106 B of the ear canal insert portion  106 . In accordance with various embodiments, the electronics system may be fixed inside, mounted on, and/or embedded in or on the body of the ear canal insert portion  106 . 
     In various exemplary scenarios, the wireless communications module in the earbud  102  may be configured to establish a communication with external devices, such as another in-ear device, a transceiver on a mobile phone, a remote data server located on a remote computing device, and a cloud computing device, using a series of different communications protocols. The electronics system in the earbud  102  may be configured to receive sound data from the external devices and may render the sound data through the speaker. In accordance with another embodiment, the electronics system may further include a data storage unit due to which the earbud  102  may be used as a music player that may retrieve sound data from the data storage unit and play the sound data through the speaker. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the earbud  102  may be fabricated by any suitable polymer molding technique, such as by injection molding thereof. In accordance with another embodiment, the earbud  102  may be fabricated by using a 3D printing technology, as described in detail in  FIG. 4 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the material used for the earbud  102  may be plastic that may provide a non-malleable, economical, and sturdy structure to the earbud  102 . In accordance with other embodiments, the material used for the earbud  102  may be rigid polymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or PC/ABS blends or other relatively hard materials to form the structure to the earbud  102 . 
     The head portion  104  may include the ear canal insert portion  106  and the ear plug  108 . The first end  106 A of the ear canal insert portion  106  may be coupled with the ear plug  108 . The first end  106 A of the ear canal insert portion  106  may include a filter, such as an attenuation filter depicted in  FIG. 3B , that may be disposed proximate to an ear drum of the user. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the ear canal insert portion  106  may be a solid portion that may substantially block incoming sound waves emitted by various ambient sources. In accordance with another embodiment, the ear canal insert portion  106  may be hollow so as to substantially receive incoming sound waves which are further received by the ear drum of the user. The first end  106 A may be a tip portion of the ear canal insert portion  106  proximate to the ear drum and the second end  106 B of the ear canal insert portion  106  may be a distil portion away from the ear drum of the user. 
     The ear plug  108  may be a sleeve or a flange  108 A that corresponds to a resilient membrane cap integrated with a core. A hollow space between the inner walls of the flange  108 A and the core may allow the flange  108 A to freely compress and elongate for conforming to an ear canal of the user. Thus, the size and shape of the ear plug  108  is substantially deformed and subsequently expanded resiliently to fit different ear canal sizes and shapes. The core may be generally round and may comprise a channel that receives the first end  106 A, i.e. the tip portion, of the ear canal insert portion  106 . The channel of the core and the first end  106 A of the ear canal insert portion  106  may be attached to each other via one or more of friction fitting, adhesive bonding, and ultrasonic welding. The outer circumferential surface of the flange  108 A may be a streamlined curved design that generally fills (closes off) the ear canal of the user and tends to block the ambient sound when worn by the user. 
     The soft and resilient material of the ear plug  108  may enhance the user comfort during use and retain the earbud  102  in the ear for extended time periods, even while doing rigorous activities, such as running or during a workout. In accordance with an embodiment, the ear plug  108  may be formed of a resilient polymer, such as silicone rubber, that may provide the necessary Shore A Durometer values. Other examples may include, but not limited to, vinyl, elastomers, neoprene, and other hypoallergenic synthetic rubber. In an exemplary scenario, the ear plug  108  may be formed of a material having a Shore A durometer hardness value between 10 and 30 or between 15 and 25. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the ear plug  108  may be configured in a manner to induce gaps between the earbud  102  and the ear canal of the ear. Such gaps may be provided to lower sound pressure in the ear canal, and allow ambient sounds to reach the user&#39;s eardrum. Thus, the user wearing the earbud  102  may continue to hear ambient sounds in a natural manner. Further, the earbud  102  not touching many points on the ear canal increases user comfort and provides better heat transfer. Thus, the user can wear the earbud  102  for extended periods of time. In accordance with an embodiment, when it is desirable to hear the ambient sound, the flange  108 A may have one or more openings formed therein. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the ear canal insert portion  106  remains same but the cross-sectional area of the ear plug  108  may vary from user to user. 
     Thus, the size of the ear plug  108  should be carefully selected by the user for maximal comfort and longer retention. 
     The faceplate  110  may correspond to an external structure having the first planar region  110 A that is traversely extended from the second end  106 B of the ear canal insert portion  106  to a defined area. In accordance with an embodiment, the defined area may be proximate to the outer boundary of the first planar region  110 A. In other words, the defined area may be away from the centre of the first planar region  110 A. As the earbud  102  is worn by the user in the ear canal, the faceplate  110  protrudes out and snuggly fits in the cavum concha of the ear. In accordance with an embodiment, the shape of the faceplate  110  may be a regular shape, such as a circular shape, that makes the earbud  102  a compact and comfortable in-ear wearable device. 
     The second planar region  110 B of the faceplate  110  may correspond to a mounting region  112 . The mounting region  112  may further correspond to a shallow depression of an area of the second planar region  110 B of the faceplate  110  bounded by a regular closed boundary, such as a circular-shaped boundary. The mounting region  112  may have another indented area that corresponds to the recess portion  112 A. The recess portion  112 A may be adapted to house the first metal coupling plate  114 . In accordance with an embodiment, the first metal coupling plate  114  may be adhesively fixed (for example, by Epoxy) to the surface of the recess portion  112 A. The shape and size of the recess portion  112 A must be same as the shape and size of the first metal coupling plate  114 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first planar region  110 A and the second planar region  110 B of the faceplate  110  may have artistic indentations and cut-outs that enhances the overall appearance of the faceplate  110 . Both of the first planar region  110 A and the second planar region  110 B mate with each other and form an edge that corresponds to an outer boundary of the faceplate  110 . The shape of the faceplate may be any regular shape, such as circular shape. In various embodiments, the edge may be a double bevelled blunt edge, a rounded convex edge, a full bullnose edge, a rounded edge, or other such edge that is rounded and blunt to provide a safe and comfortable in-ear wearable device. 
     The ornamental part  118  of the decorative article  116  may correspond to a jewel, a gem stone, a metallic object, a metallic medallion, a magnetic artifact or a composite ornamentation that may integrate a gem with a metallic setting. The second metal coupling plate  120  may be adhesively fixed (for example, by Epoxy) to the bottom surface of the ornamental part  118  of the decorative article  116 . The second metal coupling plate  120  of the decorative article  116  is complementarily sized and shaped to be magnetically attracted and secured by the first metal coupling plate  114  of the recess portion  112 A when placed in proximity to the recess portion  112 A. The first metal coupling plate  114  and the second metal coupling plate  120  may correspond to a magnetic fastening assembly. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, both of the first metal coupling plate  114  and the second metal coupling plate  120  may be formed of magnetic materials as planar magnets, for example a first magnet and a second magnet respectively, having surfaces of opposite magnetic polarities facing each other. In accordance with one arrangement, a first surface of the first magnet which is adhesively fixed to the surface of the recess portion  112 A, may be the south pole of the first magnet while the opposed second surface is its north pole. Accordingly, a first surface of the second magnet which is adhesively fixed to the bottom surface of the decorative article  116 , may be the north pole of the second magnet while the opposed second surface is its south pole. Thus, the first surfaces of both the first and the second magnets are adhesively affixed to the recess portion  112 A and bottom surface of the decorative article  116  respectively. 
     Accordingly, the second surfaces of both the first and the second magnets of opposite magnetic polarities face each other. In such arrangement, the first metal coupling plate  114  of the earbud  102  (with the first magnet) and the decorative article  116  (with the second magnet) may be magnetically coupled when placed in proximity. A clicking sound may be generated as the two metal coupling plates of the decorative article  116  and the faceplate  110  are magnetically coupled with each other. The assembled view of the in-ear device  101  is depicted as the second perspective view  100 B in  FIG. 1B . 
     Alternatively, a reverse arrangement, may also be accommodated, without any deviation from the scope of the disclosure. The reverse arrangement may correspond to the second surfaces of both the first and the second magnets adhesively affixed to the recess portion  112 A and bottom surface of the decorative article  116  respectively. Accordingly, the first surfaces of both the first and the second magnets of opposite magnetic polarities face each other for magnetic coupling. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first metal coupling plate  114  may be a planar magnet and the second metal coupling plate  120  may be a flat armature. The second metal coupling plate  120  may be magnetically joined and secured on the first metal coupling plate  114  when voluntarily mounted on the first metal coupling plate  114  or placed in vicinity of the first metal coupling plate  114 . In accordance with another embodiment, the respective position of the first magnet and the armature may be exchanged, without any deviation from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In the assembled position, as depicted in  FIG. 1B , the mounting region  112  and the recess portion  112 A will prevent any accidental or unintentional lateral motion leading to sliding off of the decorative article  116 . Thus, both the earbud  102  and the decorative article  116  will be kept firmly in place by the strong magnetic forces between the first metal coupling plate  114  (i.e. the magnet) and the second metal coupling plate  120  (i.e. the magnet or the armature). The separation will be possible only when the user forcibly slides the decorative article  116  laterally along the magnetically coupled surfaces of the decorative article  116  and the faceplate  110  at which both of the decorative article  116  and the faceplate  110  are joined. Such a lateral sliding action reduces the magnetic resistance and then the decorative article  116  may be detached easily. Accordingly, the hazard of accidentally losing the decorative article  116  from the in-ear device  101  reduces substantially. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the recess portion  112 A may be provided with a tiny wedge (not shown) on its periphery permitting the user to use a pin, fingertip or fingernail and pull the decorative article  116  in an outward direction from magnetically coupled surfaces at which the two parts are joined. Thus, the decorative article  116  is replaceable as it is removable from the recess portion  112 A of the mounting region  112  of the earbud  102 . As described above, alteration in the arrangement, shapes and sizes of the parts may be made, the respective position of magnet and armature may be exchanged, two magnets may be used, and the same magnetic assembly for other decorative articles (similar to the magnetic assembly of the decorative article  116 ) may be realized wherever an interchangeability of decorative articles is desired, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict a cut-out view  200 A and a side view  200 B respectively, of an ear  200  of a user wearing the in-ear device  101 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The anatomy of the ear  200  includes the tragus  202 , antitragus  204 , the cavum of concha  206 , the intertragic notch  208  located between the tragus  202  and the antitragus  204 , the anti-helix  210 , the crus of helix  212 , an ear canal  214 , and an ear drum  216 . The cavum of concha  206  forms a pitch-like recess within the concha. The crus of helix  212  extends as a land into the cavum of concha  206 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2A , the earbud  102  is designed to be inserted in the ear canal  214  such that the first end  106 A, i.e. the tip portion, of the ear canal insert portion  106  is disposed proximate to the ear drum  216 . As known in the medical art, the typical length of the ear canal  214  may vary between 27 mm and 35 mm measured along a curved centre axis, as some users have shallow ear canals while other users have deep ear canals. Mostly, a distance between 8 to 12 mm may be considered as an optimal distance of the first end  106 A of the ear canal insert portion  106  from the ear drum  216 . 
     As the earbud  102  is inserted in the ear canal  214 , the ear plug  108  and the ear canal insert portion  106  of the head portion  104  rests in the ear canal  214  along the length of the ear canal  214 . Further, the faceplate  110  protrudes out and snuggly fits in the cavum of concha  206  of the ear  200  substantially orthogonal to the length of the ear canal  214 , as clearly depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The faceplate  110  of the earbud  102  resides in the cavum of concha  206  and secured majorly by the tragus  202  and the antitragus  204 , and partially by the crus of helix  212  of the ear  200  of the user. While changing or removing by hand, the user may easily hold the faceplate  110  and pull the in-ear device  101  out from the ear  200 . 
     Whenever the user wants to change the look of the in-ear device  101 , all the user is required to do is to magnetically decouple and detach the decorative article  116  from the recess portion  112 A of the faceplate  110  and replace the decorative article  116  with a desired decorative article with corresponding ornamental part having another metal coupling plate. The overall arrangement of the desired decorative article is similar to the arrangement of the decorative article  116 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrates a perspective view  300 A and a top view  300 B respectively, of the in-ear device  101  with an attenuation filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in  FIG. 3A , the in-ear device  101  may further include a sound channel  302  (having a first end  302 A and a second end  302 B) and a filter, such as an attenuation filter  304 . 
     The sound channel  302  may correspond to a through-hole that creates an air column to pass through the earbud  102 . The air column, which runs through the ear canal insert portion  106  and the faceplate  110 , allows the ambient sound to pass through the earbud  102  and reach the ear drum  216  of the user wearing the in-ear device  101 . In accordance with an embodiment, the first end  302 A of the sound channel  302  initiates as a tiny aperture from the second planar region  110 B of the faceplate  110 . A second end  302 B of the sound channel  302  terminates as a wide aperture at the first end  106 A, i.e. the tip portion, of the ear canal insert portion  106  that is proximate to the ear drum  216 . In accordance with an embodiment, the shape of the sound channel  302  may be a conical shape and the diameter of the tiny aperture at the first end  302 A of the sound channel  302  is substantially smaller than the diameter of the wide aperture at the second end  302 B of the sound channel  302 . It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the shape of the sound channel  302  may also be cylindrical, without any deviation from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The attenuation filter  304  may comprise a filter medium that may be configured to filter the incoming sound waves for certain decibel levels and certain frequency bands. More specifically, the attenuation filter  304  may be adapted to control a sound pressure level (SPL) of the incoming sound waves (from the ambient sound sources) reaching the ear drum  216  of the user through the sound channel  302 . Such attenuation may be required where less than maximum hearing protection is required. For example, substantially loud sounds of high SPL, like blasts or heavy machinery, must be completely blocked. However, feeble sounds of low SPL, like another person talking or an alarm sounding, must remain unblocked. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the attenuation filter  304  may be fitted at the second end  302 B of the sound channel  302 . The attenuation filter  304  may include a mesh member and a filter medium that may correspond to one or more ultra-thin perforated disks with one or more tiny holes. Non-limiting examples of type of materials used to form the filter medium may include glass, ceramic, a metal or an alloy (for example, stainless steel, aluminum, and the like), or plastic (for example, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, polyurethane, polyoxmethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or silicon). 
     In accordance with various embodiments, the filter medium of the attenuation filter  304  may include a planar disk or a non-planar disk (such as convex, concave, or other shape) to optimize the dissipation of the incoming sound wave. In such embodiments, the incoming sound waves entering from the first end of the sound channel  302  and travelling along the sound channel  302  may reflect off the filter medium (i.e., the planar or non-planar disk) of the attenuation filter  304  and dissipate the energy of the sound wave. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, such disks may be coupled with a diaphragm member that may be highly flexible and may flex due to an incident sound pressure. The diaphragm member may be made of, for example, Teflon foil or extremely thin polyethylene. As known in the art, the sound pressure in the ear canal  214  (P ear ) may be related to an SPL of incoming sound waves (P ISW ), based on the following expression:
 
 P   ear   =P   ISW   {C   A /( C   A   +C   ear )}
 
where, C A  corresponds to compliance value of the diaphragm member, and
 
C ear  corresponds to compliance value of the ear  200 .
 
     Accordingly, attenuation value (A) provided by the attenuation filter  304  may be computed in decibels (dB), based on the following expression:
 
 A= 20*log( P   ear   /P   ISW ) or 20*log{ C   A /( C   A   +C   ear )}
 
     As apparent from the above expressions, a smaller value for the compliance value of the diaphragm member (C A ) may lead to a smaller pressure within the ear canal  214 . In other words, smaller value for the compliance value of the diaphragm member (C A ) may indicate a stiffer diaphragm member and a greater value of attenuation. 
     In accordance with various embodiment, when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is below the first threshold value, the diaphragm member may flex with a change in sound pressure, and attenuate the incoming sound waves at a constant and relatively lower values. When the SPL of the incoming sound waves exceeds beyond the second threshold value, the sound pressure causes the diaphragm member to flex to a point where it is impeded by the interior walls of the disks. Thus, the limited flexibility of the diaphragm member may substantially reduce the acoustical compliance of the diaphragm member and dramatically increase the attenuation value. Accordingly, extremely loud sounds may be fully attenuated or completely blocked by the attenuation filter  304 . 
     Thus, the attenuation provided by the attenuation filter  304  may vary based on the one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304  of the in-ear device  101 . The one or more parameters may include, but not limited to, the type of the material of filter medium of the attenuation filter  304  (as described above), flexibility of the diaphragm member (as described above), a structure of the filter medium (as described above), and pore size (preferably between 1 to 500 μm) of the filter medium. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, based on the one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304 , the attenuation filter  304  may generate a zero or minimal attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is below a first threshold value. In such embodiment, the SPL of the incoming sound waves may correspond to low-range sounds (for example, less than 80 dB). Thus, the SPL of filtered sound waves may substantially remain same as the SPL of incoming sound waves. For example, for low-range sound sources, such as a two persons talking to each other or an alarm sounding, the attenuation filter  304  provides zero or minimal attenuation. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, based on the one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304 , the attenuation filter  304  may generate a full attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is above a second threshold value. In such embodiment, the SPL of the incoming sound waves may correspond to high-range sounds (for example, higher than 120 dB). Thus, the SPL of filtered sound waves may become zero, i.e. the high-range sounds are completely blocked. For example, for high-range sounds source, such as blasts, gun shots, heavy-load machines, airports, or demolition and construction sites) the attenuation filter  304  provides highest level of attenuation and blocks the sounds. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, based on the one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304 , the attenuation filter  304  may generate an intermediate attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is between the first and the second threshold values. 
     In such embodiment, the SPL of the incoming sound waves may correspond to mid-range sounds (for example, between 80 and 120 dB). Thus, the SPL of filtered sound waves may be substantially reduced. For example, for mid-range sound sources, such as a crowded market, a stadium, or a concert, the attenuation filter  304  provides intermediate attenuation by partially blocking high intensity sound waves and allowing low range sound waves. 
     It may be noted that the above ranges are cited merely for exemplary purposes and may not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a computer implemented system  400  for producing a personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The one or more parts may include the ear plug  108  and the earbud  102 . The additional components, such as the first metal coupling plate  114 , the attenuation filter  304 , and optional electronics system may be fixed inside, mounted on, and/or embedded in or on the body of the ear canal insert portion  106  of the earbud  102  once the earbud  102  is produced. 
     The computer implemented system  400  may comprise a mobile application  402  and an electronic device  404 . The mobile application  402  may be launched from the electronic device  404 , such as a smartphone, and may be used to capture multiple images or video clips of both the ears of the user. 
     The computer implemented system  400  may comprise a server  406 . The server  406  may include any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof that may be operable to perform one or more functions for producing the personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 . The server  406  may be further configured to generate a 3D model that defines not only an exterior surface of the earbud  102 , but also the interior surface forming a sound channel. 
     The computer implemented system  400  may further comprise a data store  408 . The data store  408  may include any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof that may be operable to store and facilitate retrieval of information, such as images, video clips, and 3D models generated by the server  406 . The computer implemented system  400  may further comprise a 3D printer  410  that may be programmed to print the 3D model generated by the server  406  directly in the material, such as plastic or silicone. The computer implemented system  400  may further comprise a communication network  412  that may include one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), all and/or a portion of a global network, such as the Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. The communication network  412  may facilitate communication between various components of the computer implemented system  400  for producing the personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 . 
     In operation, the electronic device  404 , via the mobile application  402 , may be configured to capture multiple images or video clips of the pair of ears of the user. The electronic device  404  may be further configured to transmit the captured images or the video clips to the server  406  via the communication network  412 . The server  406  may be further configured to processes the images or the video clips to create a 3D dimensional model of the pair of ears of the user based on known techniques, such as photogrammetry analysis, and then another 3D model of the personalized one or more parts of in-ear device  101 , which may be secured comfortably in the ears. The server  406  may be configured to store the received images, the video clips, the 3D dimensional model of the pair of ears of the user, and the 3D model of the personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101  in the data store  408 . The data store  408  coupled to the server  406  may store the aforesaid data and related information, such as user details, user preferences, and the like. The server  406  may be further configured to transmit the 3D model of the personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 , to the 3D printer  410  via the communication network  412 . The 3D printer  410  may be configured to generate the personalized one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 , based on the images or the video clips of the pair of ears of the user. 
     In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the shape of the ear may be determined by taking an impression of the ear by inserting soft silicone, which is different from the silicone used to make the ear plug  108 . Having obtained the ear impression, there may be several ways to manufacture the one or more parts of the in-ear device  101 . The silicon ear impression may be digitally scanned to create the 3D model. In accordance with an embodiment, the 3D model may be used with the 3D printer  410  to make a plastic mould, which may be then filled with relevant material, such as silicone and plastic, to separately make the ear plug  108  and the earbud  102 . However, the disclosure may not be so limited and other alternate materials of similar characteristics as of silicone and plastic may be used to produce the ear plug  108  and the earbud  102  respectively, without any deviation from the scope of the disclosure. Further, in certain embodiments, the material used for producing the ear plug  108  and the earbud  102  may be the same. In such embodiments, the characteristics of the material may be an intermediate of silicone and plastic characteristics such that the in-ear device  101  is both comfortable and sturdy at the same time. In yet other embodiments, two different types of silicone, of different hardness, may be used, for the ear plug  108  and the earbud  102 . The result of the moulding process is a single solid body of the in-ear device  101  formed of silicone. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the sound channel  302  may be designed in conjunction with the 3D model of the earbud  102 , using a known computer 3D modelling software. In such embodiment, the 3D model in the computer defines not only the exterior surface of the body of the earbud  102 , but also the interior surface, forming the sound channel  302 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, after the one or more parts of the in-ear device  101  is produced in the desired shape (including the sound channel  302 ), the earbud  102  may be coated with a sealant, such as a lacquer, to make the earbud  102  more comfortable and reduce the sound absorption properties of the material used. One example of a suitable lacquer may be Abdrucklack™ used as a silicone sealant. 
     Thus, personalized in-ear device  101  may be customized, designed and produced to suitably fit into the ears of the user. Further, the personalized in-ear device  101  may be in accordance with the desired material, model and style, fitting preferences, ergonomic preferences, aesthetic preferences, activity preferences, soundscaping preferences of the user. Furthermore, the personalized in-ear device  101  may provide the user with various options for add-on capabilities as well as options to design or purchase matching accessories or apparels to be integrated with the personalized in-ear device  101 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a flowchart  500  illustrating exemplary operations for handling the in-ear device  101 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  is described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 4 , according to various embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  is further described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  which depicts an exemplary scenario  600  for personalizing an in-ear device, such as the in-ear device  101 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     At  502 , a first decorative article, such as the decorative article  116 , may be detached from the faceplate  110  of the earbud  102  of the in-ear device  101  by forcibly sliding the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , laterally along magnetically coupled surfaces of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , and the faceplate  110 . The forcibly sliding action may be one of a pulling action, depicted by F 1 , by or pushing action, depicted by F 2 , laterally along magnetically coupled surfaces of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , and the faceplate  110 . Such sliding action may be provided by the user by using one of the fingertips, finger nails, or an external object, such as a spatula, which reduces the magnetic resistance and then the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , may be detached easily. 
     The first magnetically coupled surface may correspond to the first metal coupling plate  114  housed in the recess portion  112   a  of the second planar region  110 B of the faceplate  110 . The second magnetically coupled surface may correspond to the second metal coupling plate  120  at a base of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 . In accordance with an embodiment, one of the first metal coupling plate  114  and the second metal coupling plate  120  is a magnetic material and the other is an armature. In accordance with another embodiment, both of the first metal coupling plate  114  and the second metal coupling plate  120  may be magnetic materials with surfaces of opposite polarities facing each other. 
     As depicted in a first perspective view  600 A, the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , may be coupled with the earbud  102 . As the user desires to replace the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , with a second decorative article  602 , the user may perform a forcibly sliding action, such as a pulling or pushing action, laterally along magnetically coupled surfaces of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , and the faceplate  110 , and detach the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , from the earbud  102 , as depicted in a second perspective view  600 B. 
     At  504 , a second decorative article  602 , that the user may desire to replace with the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , may be attached to the faceplate  110  of the earbud  102  when the second decorative article  602  is placed in proximity to the first metal coupling plate  114 . The structure of the second decorative article  602  may be similar to the structure of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 . The first metal coupling plate  114  may be magnetically coupled with a third metal coupling plate  604  of the second decorative article  602 , as depicted in a third perspective view  600 C. 
     Once the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , is replaced with the second decorative article  602 , as depicted in a fourth perspective view  600 D, the personalized in-ear device  101  may be ready to be used. The user may wear the personalized in-ear device  101  in the ear  200  such that the head portion  104  of the earbud  102  is secured in the ear  200  of the user by snuggly fitting the ear plug  108  inside the ear canal  214  of the ear  200 . The faceplate  110  of the earbud  102  protrudes out and snuggly fits in the cavum concha of the ear  200 . The faceplate  110  traversely extends from a base, i.e. the second end  106 B, of the ear canal insert portion  106  to an area that is proximate to an outer boundary of the first planar region  110 A of the faceplate  110 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a clicking sound may be generated as one of the third metal coupling plate  604  of the second decorative article  602 , i.e. the desired decorative article, is magnetically coupled to the first metal coupling plate  114 . The clicking sound may be similar to the clicking sound generated during the magnetic coupling of the second metal coupling plate  120  of the first decorative article, i.e. the decorative article  116 , with the first metal coupling plate  114 . The metal coupling plate  120  may also be a casing that the decorative article  116  is attached to, where the casing can attract a magnet, or be a magnet. The casing may be a cylindrical casing along the sides and/or bottom, surrounding the decorative article  116 . 
     At  506 , the SPL of the incoming sound waves reaching the ear drum  216  through the sound channel  302  may be controlled based on one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304  once the user wears the in-ear device  101  in the ear  200 . Non-limiting examples of the one or more parameters of the attenuation filter  304  may comprise a type of material of the filter medium of the attenuation filter  304 , a structure of the filter medium, flexibility of a diaphragm member, and pore size of the filter medium. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the attenuation filter  304  may be configured to generate a zero attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is below a first threshold value. In accordance with another embodiment, the attenuation filter  304  may be configured to generate a full attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is above a second threshold value. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the attenuation filter  304  may be configured to generate a partial attenuation effect when the SPL of the incoming sound waves is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. 
     The embodiments provide for several advantages over the prior art. For example, existing in-ear devices lack aesthetics appeal and limit the users to very selective designs, fixed accessories (such as jewels), and monochrome colors and do not provide any option of personalizing the devices. On the other hand, the in-ear device  101 , in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, score high on personal aesthetics as the in-ear device  101  facilitates magnetic interchangeability of the decorative article  116 . The decorative article  116  is so simply, securely and easily interchangeable that a hassle-free customization of the in-ear device  101  is provided to the user on-the-go. Thus, the in-ear device  101  easily satisfies the quest of the user to find a right colored or accessorized in-ear device  101  to match the mood or the overall look. 
     In addition to being highly customizable, the in-ear device  101  is also extremely cost effective as there is no added cost of acquiring different in-ear devices with different decorative embellishments. The user requires only one pair of earbuds  102  and different pairs of decorative articles, such as the decorative article  116 , that provide different looks to the in-ear device  101  to meet each wardrobe, home decor, and social event requirement. Such different pairs of decorative articles are small, thus, safekeeping of such in-ear device is hassle-free and the user is required to only stow the decorative articles in small handy pouch/pack. Thus, it becomes easy for the user to very conveniently carry along different pairs of decorative articles in his/her handbag all-the-time and interchange the decorative article  116  while at work or travelling. Thus, the user is relieved from the additional time-consuming task to safely secure different costly in-ear devices separately as they occupy larger space and can&#39;t be carried along everywhere. 
     Further, the in-ear device  101  with the decorative article  116  can be easily worn by the user. The compact design of the in-ear device  101  snuggly fits in the ear and makes the in-ear device  101  a comfortable and trendy wear. Thus, the in-ear device  101  provides ease of use, security of the connections, and cost-effectiveness, and personalized aesthetics, all at the same time. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.