Patent ID: 12212913

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Now, one embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is an exterior view of an earphone device1according to this embodiment.FIG.2(A)is an enlarged view of a part A of the earphone device1illustrated inFIG.1, andFIG.2(B)is an enlarged view of a part B of the earphone device1illustrated inFIG.1.

As illustrated in the drawings, the earphone device according to this embodiment is a neckband-type earphone device, and includes a right-ear earphone2a, a left-ear earphone2b, and a U-shaped neckband3connected to the earphones2aand2bthrough cables. This earphone device1is used under a state in which the neckband3is worn around a listener's neck, and is configured to receive audio data transmitted wirelessly from a portable music player, a smartphone, or the like through short-range wireless communication, for example, Bluetooth (trademark), and to output the audio data from the earphones2aand2b.

On an outer surface32of a distal end portion31aof the neckband3, which is positioned on the right as viewed from the listener wearing the neckband3around his or her neck, a holder (hereinafter also referred to as “right holder”)30ais provided. The holder30ais configured to detachably hold a held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2a. Further, on an outer surface32of a distal end portion31bof the neckband3, which is positioned on the left as viewed from this listener, a holder (hereinafter also referred to as “left holder”)30bis provided. The holder30bis configured to detachably hold a held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2b.

The right holder30ais a column-shaped recessed portion having a projection300on, for example, an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a magnet302is mounted on a bottom surface301of the right holder30a(seeFIG.2(A)). Meanwhile, the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2ais a column-shaped protruding portion, which has a cutout200to be engaged with the projection300of the right holder30ain, for example, an outer peripheral surface thereof, and is insertable into the right holder30a. On a top surface201of the held portion20a, a magnet202having a polarity opposite to that of the magnet302of the right holder30ais mounted (seeFIG.2(B)).

Although not shown, similarly, the left holder30bis a column-shaped recessed portion having a projection300on an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a magnet302is mounted on a bottom surface301thereof. Meanwhile, the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2bis a column-shaped protruding portion, which has a cutout200to be engaged with the projection300of the left holder30bin an outer peripheral surface thereof, and is insertable into the left holder30b. On a top surface201of the held portion20b, a magnet202having a polarity opposite to that of the magnet302of the left holder30bis mounted. In this case, the polarities of the magnets302of the right holder30aand the left holder30b(polarities of the magnets202of the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2aand the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2b) are set to be opposite to each other.

When the held portion20ais inserted into the right holder30awith the cutout200of the held portion20abeing engaged with the projection300of the right holder30a, an attractive force is generated by a magnetic force between the magnet202of the held portion20aand the magnet302of the right holder30a, and thus the held portion20ais attached to the right holder30a. At this time, the cutout200of the held portion20ais engaged with the projection300of the holder30a, and hence, as illustrated inFIG.3, the right-ear earphone2ais fixed in a posture that allows an ear pad203to be directed upward so that the sound output from the ear pad203is efficiently directed to the listener's right ear (so that a sound output direction Va becomes upward toward the listener's right ear).

Similarly, when the held portion20bis inserted into the left holder30bwith the cutout200of the held portion20bbeing engaged with the projection300of the left holder30b, an attractive force is generated by a magnetic force between the magnet202of the held portion20band the magnet302of the left holder30b, and thus the held portion20bis attached to the left holder30b. At this time, the cutout200of the held portion20bis engaged with the projection300of the holder30b, and hence, as illustrated inFIG.3, the left-ear earphone2bis fixed in a posture that allows an ear pad203to be directed upward so that the sound output from the ear pad203is efficiently directed to the listener's left ear (so that a sound output direction Vb becomes upward toward the listener's left ear).

The polarities of the magnets302of the right holder30aand the left holder30b(polarities of the magnets202of the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2aand the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2b) are set to be opposite to each other. When the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2ais inserted into the left holder30b, a repulsive force is generated by a magnetic force between the magnet202of the held portion20aand the magnet302of the holder30b. Accordingly, the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2ais not attached to the left holder30b. Similarly, when the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2bis inserted into the right holder30a, a repulsive force is generated by a magnetic force between the magnet202of the held portion20band the magnet302of the holder30a. Accordingly, the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2bis not attached to the right holder30a. In this manner, erroneous attachment of the left-ear earphone2bto the right holder30aand erroneous attachment of the right-ear earphone2ato the left holder30bcan be prevented.

Further, on the neckband3, an operation unit33and a microphone34are provided. The operation unit33is configured to receive, from the listener, various operations directed to a portable music player, a smartphone, or the like, which is wirelessly connected to the earphone device1according to this embodiment.

FIG.4is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the neckband3.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the neckband3includes, in addition to the holders30aand30b, the operation unit33, and the microphone34described above, a short-range wireless communication unit35, an earphone connection unit36, a volume level detection unit37, a wearing state determination unit38, a volume level control unit39, an acoustic characteristic control unit40, an operation mode switching unit41, and a main control unit42.

The short-range wireless communication unit35is an interface for connection to the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like, through short-range wireless communication, for example, Bluetooth (trademark).

The earphone connection unit36is an interface for connection to the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears through cables.

The volume level detection unit37is configured to detect an input volume level input to the microphone34.

The wearing state determination unit38is configured to determine a wearing state of the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears, based on the input volume level input to the microphone34, which is detected by the volume level detection unit37. Speakers (not shown) of the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears are each surrounded with the ear pad203. Therefore, under a state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the right and left ears, respectively, with the ear pads203of the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears being inserted into respective corresponding earholes, the volume level of the output sound of the earphones2aand2bto be detected by the microphone34is extremely small. In contrast, under a state in which the earphones2aand2bare removed from the right and left ears, respectively, the volume level of the output sound of the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears to be detected by the microphone34is larger than that detected under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the right and left ears, respectively. In view of this, the wearing state determination unit38determines that, when the input volume level input to the microphone34detected by the volume level detection unit37is smaller than a predetermined threshold value T (for example, 5 db), the earphones2aand2bare in a state of being worn on the right and left ears, respectively, and determines that, when the input volume level is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value T, the earphones2aand2bare in a state of being removed from the right and left ears, respectively.

The volume level control unit39is configured to control a volume level of audio data received from the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like via the short-range wireless communication unit35.

The acoustic characteristic control unit40is configured to control an acoustic characteristic (frequency characteristic) of audio data received from the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like via the short-range wireless communication unit35.

The operation mode switching unit41is configured to switch operation modes of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40based on the wearing state of the earphones2aand2bdetermined by the wearing state determination unit38. Specifically, in a case of a state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the right and left ears, respectively, the operation mode of the volume level control unit39is set to a normal mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears at a volume level (for example, 30 db) determined assuming listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the right and left ears, respectively, and the operation mode of the acoustic characteristic control unit40is set to a normal mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat an acoustic characteristic determined assuming the listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the right and left ears, respectively. Meanwhile, in a case of a state in which the earphones2aand2bare removed from the right and left ears, respectively, the operation mode of the volume level control unit39is set to a speaker mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat a volume level (for example, 50 db) determined to be a value larger than that in the normal mode, assuming listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare removed from the right and left ears, respectively, and the operation mode of the acoustic characteristic control unit40is set to a speaker mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bfor the respective ears at an acoustic characteristic determined so that a low frequency band is more emphasized as compared to the normal mode, assuming the listening under the state in which the listener removes the earphones2aand2bfrom the right and left ears, respectively.

The main control unit42is configured to comprehensively control the units of the neckband3. For example, in accordance with an operation mode setting operation received from the listener via the operation unit33, the main control unit42sets, to the operation mode switching unit41, the volume level and the acoustic characteristic in the normal mode and the speaker mode of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40. Further, the main control unit42transmits operation details, for example, a playback operation made for the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like, which are received from the listener via the operation unit33, to the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like via the short-range wireless communication unit35.

FIG.5is a flow chart for illustrating operation mode switching processing of the neckband3.

This flow is started when, in accordance with an audio data playback operation received from the listener via the operation unit33, the main control unit42transmits an audio data playback instruction to the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like via the short-range wireless communication unit35, and is ended when the audio data playback by the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like is ended.

First, the operation mode switching unit41sets the operation modes of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40to the normal mode (Step S10). Further, the volume level detection unit37starts the detection of the input volume level input to the microphone34(Step S11).

Next, the wearing state determination unit38monitors the input volume level detected by the volume level detection unit37to determine whether or not the input volume level is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value T (Step S12). Then, when the input volume level is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value T (“YES” in Step S12), the wearing state determination unit38determines that the earphones2aand2bare in a state of being removed from the right and left ears, respectively, and notifies the operation mode switching unit41of this determination result.

In response thereto, the operation mode switching unit41switches the operation modes of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40to the speaker mode (Step S13). At this time, it is preferred that the volume level control unit39gradually increase the volume level of the audio data and then switch the volume level to the speaker mode, instead of abruptly switching the volume level from the normal mode to the speaker mode.

After that, the wearing state determination unit38monitors the input volume level detected by the volume level detection unit37to check whether or not the input volume level is smaller than the predetermined threshold value T (Step S14). Then, when the listener starts to prepare for wearing the earphones2aand2bon the right and left ears by, for example, closing audio output opening portions (tip parts of the ear pads203) of the earphones2aand2bwith his or her fingers, and thus the input volume level becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value T (“YES” in Step S14), the wearing state determination unit38determines that the earphones2aand2bare in a state of being worn on the right and left ears, respectively, and notifies the operation mode switching unit41of this determination result.

In response thereto, the operation mode switching unit41switches the operation modes of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40to the normal mode (Step S15). Then, for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds), the operation modes are fixed to the normal mode regardless of the input volume level (Step S16), so as to wait until the listener finishes wearing the earphones2aand2bon the right and left ears, respectively. Then, the processing returns to Step S12.

Description has been given above of the one embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the operation mode of the volume level control unit39is switchable to any one of the normal mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat the volume level determined assuming the listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the listener's ears, and the speaker mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat the volume level determined to be a value larger than that in the normal mode, assuming the listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare removed from the listener's ears. Accordingly, the listener is not required to operate the sound volume in accordance with the wearing state of the earphones2aand2bto adjust the output volume level of the earphones2aand2b. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the listener can satisfactorily listen to the audio data regardless of the wearing state of the earphones2aand2b.

Further, in this embodiment, determination on the wearing state of the earphones2aand2bis made, and the operation mode of the volume level control unit39is switched to any one of the normal mode and the speaker mode based on a result of this determination. Accordingly, the listener can switch the operation mode without inputting a special instruction to the earphone device1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the usability of the earphone device1can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, when the input volume level of the microphone34is smaller than the predetermined threshold value T, it is determined that the listener is in a state of wearing the earphones2aand2bon his or her ears, and when the input volume level is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value T, it is determined that the listener is in a state of having the earphones2aand2bremoved from his or her ears. Accordingly, in the earphone device1having a function as a handset of a smartphone or the like in addition to a function of enabling the listener to listen to audio data, a microphone to be used in the handset can also be used as the microphone34to suppress an increase in cost.

Further, in this embodiment, on the neckband3, which is connected to the earphones2aand2bthrough cables, and is to be used by being worn around one's neck, the holders30aand30bconfigured to detachably hold the earphones2aand2b, respectively, are provided. Further, the holders30aand30bare caused to hold the earphones2aand2bso that, when the listener wears the neckband3around his or her neck, the sound output directions Va and Vb of the earphones2aand2bare directed upward (specifically, in directions toward the listener's ears). Accordingly, at the time of the speaker mode, the audio output from the earphones2aand2bcan be efficiently delivered to the listener's ears. Therefore, according to this embodiment, at the time of the speaker mode, the listener can satisfactorily listen to the audio data.

Further, in this embodiment, the holders30aand30bare caused to detachably hold the earphones2aand2bwith magnetic forces, respectively. In this case, in the right-ear earphone2a, an attractive force is generated by a magnetic force with respect to the right holder30a, while a repulsive force is generated by a magnetic force with respect to the left holder30b. In the left-ear earphone2b, an attractive force is generated by a magnetic force with respect to the left holder30b, while a repulsive force is generated by a magnetic force with respect to the right holder30a. Therefore, according to this embodiment, erroneous attachment of the right-ear earphone2ato the left holder30band erroneous attachment of the left-ear earphone2bto the right holder30acan be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, in conjunction with the switching of the operation mode of the volume level control unit39, the operation mode of the acoustic characteristic control unit40is switchable to any one of the normal mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat the acoustic characteristic determined assuming the listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare worn on the ears, and the speaker mode in which the audio data is output from the earphones2aand2bat the acoustic characteristic determined so that a low frequency region is more emphasized as compared to the normal mode, assuming the listening under the state in which the earphones2aand2bare removed from the ears. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the listener can listen to the audio data with a more suitable sound quality regardless of the wearing state of the earphones2aand2b.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the wearing state of the earphones2aand2bis determined based on the input volume level of the microphone34, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the earphones2aand2bor the holders30aand30bmay include a pressure sensor, and further include a holding state detection unit configured to determine a holding state of whether the earphones2aand2bare held by the holders30aand30b, respectively, based on a sensor value of the pressure sensor. Then, the wearing state determination unit38may determine that, when a holding state determination result obtained by the holding state detection unit indicates a state in which the earphones2aand2bare not held by the holders30aand30b, respectively, the listener is in a state of wearing the earphones2aand2bon his or her ears, and determine that, when the holding state determination result indicates a state in which the earphones2aand2bare held by the holders30aand30b, respectively, the listener is in a state of having the earphones2aand2bremoved from his or her ears.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the operation modes of the volume level control unit39and the acoustic characteristic control unit40are switched based on the wearing state of the earphones2aand2b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the neckband3may include a built-in speech recognition processing unit. In this manner, during the playback of the audio data by the portable music player, the smartphone, or the like, input speech of the microphone34may be subjected to speech recognition processing to monitor whether or not the listener has spoken a predetermined speech command for switching the operation mode. When the predetermined speech command is detected, the operation mode may be switched.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the projections300provided on the holders30aand30bare engaged with the cutouts200of the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2b, respectively, so that the earphones2aand2bare fixed in postures that allow the sound to be efficiently directed to the listener's ears (postures that allow the sound output directions Va and Vb to be directed upward toward the listener's ears). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The holders30aand30band the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2bmay have any shape as long as the earphones2aand2bcan be fixed in postures that allow the sound to be efficiently directed to the listener's ears (postures that allow the sound output directions Va and Vb to be directed upward toward the listener's ears). For example, cutouts may be formed in the holders30aand30b, and projections may be provided on the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2b. Further, the holders30aand30band the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2bmay have a heart shape so that, while preventing the rotation of the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2battached to the holders30aand30b, respectively, the earphones2aand2bare fixed in postures that allow the sound to be efficiently directed to the listener's ears (postures that allow the sound output directions Va and Vb to be directed upward toward the listener's ears). Further, instead of using the cutouts200and the projections300, the magnets302may be arranged in parts of the inner peripheral surfaces of the holders30aand30b, and the magnets202may be arranged in parts of the outer peripheral surfaces of the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2b. In this manner, the directions of the earphones2aand2baccommodated in the holders30aand30bmay be adjusted by a force of attraction between both of the magnets202and302.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, both of the earphones2aand2band the holders30aand30bare provided with the magnets202and302, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. One of the earphones2aand2band the holders30aand30bmay be provided with a magnetic body, for example, an iron plate, in place of the magnet. Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the holders30aand30bare caused to detachably hold the earphones2aand2bwith magnetic forces, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2bmay be formed of an elastic member made of, for example, rubber, and the held portions20aand20bmay be press-fitted into the holders30aand30bso as to cause the holders30aand30bto detachably hold the earphones2aand2b, respectively. As another example, the holders30aand30bmay be formed of an elastic member made of, for example, rubber, and the held portions20aand20bof the earphones2aand2bmay be press-fitted into the holders30aand30bso as to cause the holders30aand30bto detachably hold the earphones2aand2b, respectively.

In those cases, in order to prevent erroneous attachment of the right-ear earphone2ato the left holder30band erroneous attachment of the left-ear earphone2bto the right holder30a, an attachment part between the right-ear earphone2aand the right holder30aand an attachment part between the left-ear earphone2band the left holder30bmay have shapes different from each other. For example, a projecting portion is further formed on a side surface of the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2a, and a groove portion to be engaged with the projecting portion of the held portion20ais further formed in an inner side surface of the right holder30a. Further, a projecting portion is further formed on a side surface of the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2b, and a groove portion to be engaged with the projecting portion of the held portion20bis further formed in a side surface of the left holder30b. Further, a positional relationship between the projecting portion and the cutout200in the held portion20aof the right-ear earphone2aand a positional relationship between the projecting portion and the cutout200in the held portion20bof the left-ear earphone2bare set to be different from each other.

Further, the functional configuration of the earphone device1illustrated inFIG.4may be implemented in the form of hardware by an integrated logic IC such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or may be implemented in the form of software by a computer such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a microcomputer.

Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a binaural earphone device for right and left ears, but also to a monaural earphone device. Further, the present invention is not limited to a neckband-type earphone device, and is applicable to earphone devices of various types.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: earphone device,2a,2b: earphone,3: neckband,20a,20b: held portion,30a,30b: holder,31a,31b: distal end portion of neckband3,32: outer surface of neckband3,33: operation unit,34: microphone,35: short-range wireless communication unit,36: earphone connection unit,37: volume level detection unit,38: wearing state determination unit,39: volume level control unit,40: acoustic characteristic control unit,41: operation mode switching unit,42: main control unit,200: cutout of held portion20a,20b,201: top surface of held portion20a,20b,202,302: magnet,203: ear pad,300: projection of holder30a,30b,301: bottom surface of holder30a,30b

DRAWINGS

FIG.42a,2bEARPHONE3NECKBAND30a,30bHOLDER33OPERATION UNIT34MICROPHONE35SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION UNIT36EARPHONE CONNECTION UNIT37VOLUME LEVEL DETECTION UNIT38WEARING STATE DETERMINATION UNIT39VOLUME LEVEL CONTROL UNIT40ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTIC CONTROL UNIT41OPERATION MODE SWITCHING UNIT42MAIN CONTROL UNITPORTABLE MUSIC PLAYER, SMARTPHONE, OR THE LIKEFIG.5S10SET TO NORMAL MODES11START DETECTION OF INPUT VOLUME LEVELS12INPUT VOLUME LEVEL≥THRESHOLD VALUE T?S13SWITCH TO SPEAKER MODES14INPUT VOLUME LEVEL<THRESHOLD VALUE T?S15SWITCH TO NORMAL MODES16WAIT FOR ELAPSE OF PREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME(1) OPERATION MODE SWITCHING PROCESSING(2) START