Earphones With Sensors

Abstract

The invention relates to earphones with sensors. The invention discloses an electronic device, such as an earphone may have sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry may include optical proximity sensorsand capacitive sensor circuitry. An ear support structure such as an ear hook may be used to hold the earphone adjacent to an ear of a user. In this position, a speaker in the earphone may be used topresent audio to the user. The ear hook may be formed from an insulating elastomeric polymer. A stainless steel wire or other bendable structural support member may be embedded within the elastomericpolymer. The bendable member may hold the ear hook in a desired bent shape after bending by the user. The capacitive sensor circuitry may include one or more capacitive sensor electrodes coupled to capacitance-to-digital converter circuitry. Control circuitry may activate the optical proximity sensors in response to detection of a capacitance to confirm that the earphone is being worn.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 019,432, filed June 26, 2018, and Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 562,987, filed September 25, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety way incorporated into this article. technical field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to wearable electronic devices such as earphones. Background technique

[0003] Cellular phones, computers, and other electronic devices generate audio signals for media playback operations and phone calls. Speakers in these electronic devices can be used to play audio to the user. Accessories such as headphones can also be used to play audio to the user. Headphones and other devices with speakers may contain audio processing circuitry and communication circuitry. Some headsets contain batteries to support wireless operation.

[0004] Controlling the operation of a device such as a headset ...

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