Audio system with adaptive user interface

Abstract

An audio system (1) with an adaptive user interface includes an audio device (10) and a charging case (20) for storing the audio device (10). The charging case (20) includes a case housing (200) having a device compartment (201), a status detector (202), a case input interface (203), a rechargeable battery (204), and a case controller (205). The device compartment (201) is configured to accommodate the audio device (10) when it is stored in the charging case (20). The status detector (202) is configured to detect whether the audio device (10) is stored in the charging case (20), determine the corresponding storage state, and provide the determined storage state to the case controller (205) in a case status signal (CS). The case input interface (203) is configured to detect user input actions and provide an indication of the detected user input actions to the case controller (205) in a case input signal (UC).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an audio system including an audio device and a charging case for storing the audio device. Background Technology

[0002] User experience when interacting with audio devices is crucial for ensuring user satisfaction. Users interact with audio devices in various ways, such as adapting to them, adjusting audio settings, and controlling media playback. These interactions can take different forms, such as mechanically interacting with controls (such as buttons or touchscreens) included in the audio device and / or the charging case used to store the audio device. Mechanical interactions can include, for example, pressing a button, manipulating a touchscreen, adjusting a slider, etc.

[0003] However, as audio devices and systems become smaller and more portable, the space available for mechanically activated user input interfaces is often limited. This limitation restricts the number of ways a user can mechanically interact with the audio device or system. This is especially true for in-ear devices designed to be inserted into the user's ear canal and / or concha and typically do not include a sufficiently large surface area for accommodating mechanically activated user input interfaces.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to address this challenge and find innovative solutions to ensure that users can mechanically interact with audio devices or systems in more ways.

[0005] Therefore, an improved audio system is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an improved audio system, which includes an audio device and a charging case for storing the audio device.

[0007] This and other objectives of the invention are achieved by means of the invention as defined in the independent claims and further explained in the following description. Further objectives of the invention are achieved by means of embodiments defined in the dependent claims and specific embodiments.

[0008] Within this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” specify the presence of a corresponding entity such as a feature, operation, element, or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other entities. Similarly, the words “have,” “include,” and “contain” specify the presence of a corresponding entity, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other entities. The term “and / or” specifies the presence of one or more associated entities. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 An audio system according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the audio equipment included in the audio system. Figure 3 It shows the result of Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the audio system including the charging case. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The charging case has its lid in the open position. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 The charging case, with the lid in the closed position, and Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 Details of the audio equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Various exemplary embodiments and details will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings may or may not be drawn to scale, and throughout the drawings, elements with the same structure or function are indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the description of the embodiments; they are not intended as an exhaustive description of this disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not so stated or explicitly described.

[0011] Figure 1 The audio system 1 shown includes an audio device 10 and a charging case 20 for storing the audio device 10 and charging the audio device 10.

[0012] The audio device 10 is configured to be worn by a user. The audio device 10 may be configured to be placed at the user's ear, on the user's ear, covering the user's ear, inside the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear, and / or in the user's concha, i.e., at the user's ear.

[0013] Audio system 1 may include another audio device 10 configured to be worn on the corresponding other ear of a user. Thus, audio system 1 may include, for example, a pair of earbuds or a headset with two earcups, each earcup including the audio device 10. In such an audio system, the audio device 10 may be connected or capable of being connected wirelessly, wiredly, and / or via, for example, a strap, neckband, or headband containing cables. In such an audio system, the audio devices 10 may be substantially the same or different from each other.

[0014] Audio devices 10 may individually or together constitute a hearable device, such as a headset, headphone, earphone, earbud, hearing aid, hearing protection device, and / or another type of wearable head audio device.

[0015] The audio device 10 can be embodied individually or together in various housing styles or shape elements. Some of these shape elements are earbuds, on-ear headphone, and over-ear headphone. Those skilled in the art are aware of various types of audio devices and different options for placing the audio device 10 in and / or on the ear of the audio device wearer.

[0016] The audio device 10 is preferably an in-ear device intended to be positioned in an operating position, wherein the in-ear device is at least partially inserted into the ear canal and / or concha of the user's ear. When positioned in its operating position, such an audio device 10 may have a diameter of less than 10 cm. 2 Less than 8 cm 2 or even less than 6 cm 2 The exposed surface area. This audio device 10, when positioned in its operating position, may also not have any surface portion extending more than 2 cm or 1 cm from the edge of the concha of the ear. A typical adult user may not be able to easily and reliably manipulate the mechanically activated user interface disposed on the surface of such an audio device 10, and the embodiments described herein offer significant advantages over prior art audio systems.

[0017] For example, when the audio device 10 is not placed in the user's ear, the charging case 20 is configured to store the audio device 10 and optionally a second audio device 10 (not shown). The charging case 20 is preferably also configured to protect the audio device 10 or more audio devices 10 from mechanical and other impacts during transport (e.g., when carried in a pocket or bag). The charging case 20 is also configured to charge the audio device 10 or more audio devices 10 when stored in the charging case 20. The charging case 20 is preferably also configured to charge the audio device 10 or more audio devices 10 during transport when stored in and protected by the charging case 20. The charging case 20 is preferably also configured to charge the audio device 10 or more audio devices 10 when the charging case 20 itself is not connected to a power source.

[0018] In this context, the audio device 10 is "stored" in the charging case 20 if and only if the audio device 10 is arranged in a predefined storage location relative to the charging case 20, wherein the audio device 10 can receive power from the charging case 20 for its power supply (106, see also). Figure 2 (Charge)

[0019] Figure 2 The audio device 10 shown includes a device housing 100 having an input transceiver 101, a wireless transceiver 102, a signal processor 103, an output transceiver 104, a device input interface 105, a power supply 106, and a device controller 107.

[0020] Input transducer 101 is configured to extract input sound SI, convert the sound into a corresponding audio signal, and provide the generated audio signal to signal processor 103 in a microphone audio signal AM. Input transducer 101 may include a microphone, vibration sensor, accelerometer, and / or any other acoustic-electric transducer suitable for extracting voice sounds from a user and / or ambient sounds from the user's environment. In some embodiments, input transducer 101 may be omitted. In some embodiments, audio device 10 includes multiple input transducers 101 (such as corresponding microphones), each typically configured to convert acoustic signals into electrical input signals.

[0021] Wireless transceiver 102 is configured to wirelessly receive a wireless input signal WI, including external audio signals and / or external control signals, from an external device (not shown). Wireless transceiver 102 is also configured to provide the external audio signal in the input audio signal RX to the signal processor 103, and / or provide the external control signal in the external device control signal CDE to the device controller 107. Wireless transceiver 102 may be configured to exchange signals via radio frequency signals, magnetic induction signals, optical signals, and / or any other signals suitable for wirelessly exchanging audio signals and / or control signals. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver 102 may be omitted. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver 102 may include one or more wireless receivers and / or one or more wireless transmitters. Audio device 10 may include one or more antennas (not shown) connected to wireless transceiver 102 for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic or optical signals to a corresponding wireless transceiver (not shown) and / or other external device (not shown) (such as another audio device 10, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch, etc.) in charging case 20. The wireless transceiver 102 can be configured to utilize short-range wireless communication, such as near-field magnetic induction, and / or medium-range wireless communication, such as via Bluetooth, DECT, etc.

[0022] Signal processor 103 is configured to process the microphone audio signal AM and / or the input audio signal RX and provide the audio signal generated in the output audio signal AO to the output transducer 104. Signal processor 103 is also configured to process the microphone audio signal AM and provide the audio signal generated in the voice audio signal TX to the wireless transceiver 102. Wireless transceiver 102 is also configured to wirelessly transmit the voice audio signal TX in the wireless output signal WO to an external device (not shown). In some embodiments, signal processor 103 may be configured to ignore the microphone audio signal AM or the input audio signal RX when providing the output audio signal AO. In some embodiments, signal processor 103 may be configured to avoid providing the voice audio signal TX.

[0023] The external device that transmits a wireless input signal WI and / or receives a wireless output signal WO can be a gateway device, i.e., a device that provides a one-way or two-way audio connection between the audio device 10 and a communication network (not shown) to enable audio communication between the audio device 10 and a remote audio device (not shown) via the communication network. The communication network can be implemented as a fixed-line telephone network, a computer network (e.g., the Internet), a local area network (LAN), etc., or combinations thereof. The communication network can use analog and / or digital audio signals for communication between connected audio devices, and the communication network can use any known protocol to exchange and / or transmit such audio signals. Therefore, the gateway device can be embodied as a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, smartwatch, fixed-line telephone interface device, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the external device can be a media player, audio recorder, remote microphone, remote speaker, etc.

[0024] Output transducer 104 is configured to convert output audio signal AO into corresponding output sound SO and radiate the output sound toward and / or into the ear and / or ear canal of the user of audio device 10. Output transducer 104 may include an electrodynamic speaker driver, a balanced armature driver, a piezoelectric driver, and / or any other electroacoustic transducer suitable for converting electro-audio signals into sound.

[0025] Device input interface 105 is configured to detect user input actions and provide an indication of the detected user input action to device controller 107 in device input signal UD. Device input interface 105 may include one or more user controls (not shown), such as touch sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and / or any other sensors suitable for detecting user manipulation and / or other interactions of audio device 10. In some embodiments, device input interface 105 may be omitted.

[0026] Power source 106 is configured to receive electrical energy and / or remote control signals (not shown) from an external charger device (such as charging case 20), store the received electrical energy, provide the stored electrical energy to the audio device 10 via circuitry, and / or provide remote control signals in the Remote Device Control Signal (CDR) to the device controller 107. Power source 106 may include a rechargeable battery (not shown) and / or any other energy storage device adapted to receive electrical energy from an energy source, store the received electrical energy, and provide the stored electrical energy to the audio device 10 to enable its operation.

[0027] Power supply 106 may include one or more electrodes (110, see [reference]) configured to receive electrical energy from charging case 20 when audio device 10 is stored in charging case 20. Figure 6 The power supply 106 may include one or more electrodes 110, an electromagnetic coil (not shown), an optical receiver or transceiver, and / or other electronic interface devices configured to receive electronic signals, such as remote control signals, from the charging case 20 when the audio device is stored in the charging case 20. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical interface devices 110 for receiving electrical energy are also at least partially configured to receive electrical signals. In some embodiments, both electrical energy and electronic signals are received through the same set of one or more electrodes 110.

[0028] In some embodiments, power supply 106 and / or device controller 107 may be configured to provide remote status signals (not shown) indicating the status of audio device 10 (e.g., whether the rechargeable battery of audio device 10 is charging and / or the amount of energy available in the rechargeable battery and / or other energy storage devices). Power supply 106 and / or device controller 107 may be configured to transmit the remote status signals to charging case 20 via one or more electrodes 110, electromagnetic coils, optical transmitters or transceivers, and / or other electrical interface devices.

[0029] The device controller 107 can be configured to provide a processing control signal CP to the signal processor 103 based on one or more of an external device control signal CDE, a device input signal UD, and a remote device control signal CDR. The signal processor 103 can also be configured to control the processing of a microphone audio signal AM and / or an input audio signal RX when providing an output audio signal AO and / or a voice audio signal TX, based on the process control signal CP.

[0030] Audio device 10 and / or signal processor 103 may be configured to perform one or more of the following: enabling a user to listen to an input audio signal RX wirelessly received via wireless transceiver 102 (or receiver); enabling the user to conduct audio communication with a remote participant by exchanging the input audio signal RX and a speech audio signal TX via wireless transceiver 102 and an optional external gateway device; providing hearing enhancement, noise suppression, and / or hearing protection by including and optionally further enhancing and / or suppressing at least a portion of the microphone audio signal AM in the output audio signal AO; and extracting the user's speech sound SI using input transceiver 101 and transmitting a representation of the user's speech sound SI in the speech audio signal TX to an external device (not shown) via wireless transceiver 102 (or transmitter) and an optional external gateway device. Audio device 10 and / or signal processor 103 may include additional components and / or functional blocks that enable audio device 10 and / or signal processor 103 to perform other known functions from audio devices, such as active noise cancellation, echo cancellation, and / or speech enhancement.

[0031] Audio device 10 thus enables users to listen to remote audio media (such as music or radio) and / or participate in telephone calls, teleconferences, and other audio communications with remote participants, for example, via external devices (such as gateway devices). Audio device 10 and / or signal processor 103 may also preferably be configured to control the acceptance and / or rejection of telephone calls and other audio communications with or through such external devices or gateway devices according to a processing control signal CP.

[0032] Figure 3 The charging case 20 shown includes a case housing 200 with a device compartment 201, a status detector 202, a case input interface 203, a rechargeable battery 204, a case controller 205, a user output interface 206, and an update controller 207.

[0033] The device compartment 201 is configured to accommodate the audio device 10 when it is stored in the charging case 20. The charging case 20 may include a removable cover (210, see...) Figure 4 ), used to protect audio equipment 10 from mechanical impact and the ingress of, for example, water, dust or moisture during transport.

[0034] The status detector 202 is configured to detect whether the audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20, determine the corresponding storage status, and provide the determined storage status to the case controller 205 in the case status signal CS. The status detector 202 may also be configured to receive a remote status signal (not shown) from the audio device 10 stored in the device compartment 201 or otherwise arranged close to the device compartment 201, and convey one or more indications from the remote status signal in the case status signal CS.

[0035] The box input interface 203 is configured to detect user input actions and provide an indication of the detected user input action to the box controller 205 in the box input signal UC. The box input interface 203 may include one or more user controls (not shown), such as electromechanical switches, touch sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and / or any other sensors suitable for detecting user manipulation and / or other interactions of the charging box 20.

[0036] The rechargeable battery 204 is configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source (not shown), store the received electrical energy, and provide the stored electrical energy P to the audio device 10 via the box controller 205 and / or device compartment 201. The rechargeable battery 204 may also be configured to provide the stored electrical energy to the device compartment 201, status detector 202, box input interface 203, box controller 205, user output interface 206, and / or update controller 207. The rechargeable battery 204 may include one or more charging interfaces 208 for receiving electrical energy from an external power source, such as detachable electrical connectors, charging coils, etc. The one or more charging interfaces 208 may also be configured to receive electronic gateway control signals CG from an external power source and / or send electronic gateway control signals CG to an external power source. For example, the one or more charging interfaces 208 may include a USB-C connector (not shown) that allows the charging box 20 to receive power from a gateway device and exchange gateway control signals (not shown) with the gateway device. The box controller 205 can receive and / or send such gateway control signals CG through one or more charging interfaces 208.

[0037] The box controller 205 is configured to respond to an indication of a user input action detected in the box input signal UC and to provide a user output signal UO including an indication of a control command based on the box status signal CS. This means that for at least one or more user input actions with the same indication, the control command indicated in the user output signal UO depends on the storage status indication in the box status signal CS. In other words, for at least some identical user input actions, the control command indication in the user output signal UO is different for different storage status indications in the box status signal CS. This allows the controls of the box input interface 203 to be used for different purposes depending on whether the audio device 10 is stored in the charging box 20, and thereby reduces the number of user controls required on the audio device 10 and / or the charging box 20.

[0038] The control commands indicated in the user output signal UO may include any command described herein as indicated by the user output signal UO, such as update commands, device status commands, box status commands, device processing commands, box processing commands, device action commands, and / or gateway action commands.

[0039] In an embodiment of the charging case 20 including two device compartments 201, the state detector 202 can be configured to individually detect whether an audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20 for each device compartment 201, determine a corresponding storage state for each device compartment 201, and provide the determined storage state for each device compartment 201 to the case controller 205 in a case state signal CS. In such an embodiment, the state detector 202 can be configured to provide the case state signal CS to indicate, for example, that any one of the two audio devices 10 is stored in the charging case 20, a specific audio device of the two audio devices 10 is stored in the charging case 20, the corresponding other audio device of the two audio devices 10 is stored in the charging case 20, both audio devices 10 are stored in the charging case 20, or neither audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the case controller 205 can be configured to provide a control command indication in a user output signal UO based on such a more detailed storage state indication in the case state signal CS. In this implementation, the status detector 202 may also be configured to receive individual remote status signals (not shown) from each audio device 10 stored in or otherwise arranged close to the respective device compartment 201, and to convey one or more indications from the corresponding remote status signal in the box status signal CS.

[0040] As a result, the audio system 1 can provide multiple functions to the user of the audio system 1. Specifically, for example, by providing a user output signal UO based on the box status signal CS (i.e., based on whether the audio device 10 is stored in the charging box 20, and optionally, based on how many audio devices 10 are stored in the charging box 20), the audio system 1 can adapt its response to user input actions detected by the box input interface 203 to the user's assumptions (pre-configuration) or expressions (user configuration) for different situations.

[0041] The box controller 205 is configured to provide a user output signal UO to the device compartment 201, the user output interface 206, the update controller 207 and / or one or more charging interfaces 208.

[0042] Equipment compartment 201 may include one or more electrodes 211 (see Figure 4 ), electromagnetic coil (not shown), and / or other electrical interface devices, the one or more electrodes 211 (see Figure 4 An electromagnetic coil (not shown), and / or other electronic interface devices are configured to transmit power P to the audio device 10 when the audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20. The device compartment 201 may alternatively or additionally include one or more electrodes 211, an optical transmitter or transceiver, an electromagnetic coil (not shown), and / or other electronic interface devices configured to transmit remote control signals to the audio device 10 when the audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical interface devices 211 for transmitting power P are at least partially configured to also transmit remote control signals. In some embodiments, power P and remote control signals are transmitted through one or more electrodes 211 in the same group. The device compartment 201 may preferably be configured to provide an indication of a user output signal UO or any indication thereof in the remote control signals transmitted to the audio device 10.

[0043] User output interface 206 is configured to provide an indication of the status of audio system 1 to the user based on user output signal UO provided by box controller 205. In some embodiments, user output interface 206 may be omitted.

[0044] The update controller 207 is configured to update the firmware of the charging case 20 in response to a corresponding update command indicated in the user output signal UO provided by the case controller 205. In some embodiments, the update controller 207 may be omitted.

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2Further details of the embodiment of the charging case 20 shown are provided below. The case housing 200 includes a body 212 having a first device compartment 201, an optional second device compartment 201, and a [missing information - likely a device compartment] relative to the body 212. Figure 4 The open and closed positions shown are (see) Figure 5 A movable cover 210 is provided between the audio device 10 and the device compartment 201. When the cover 210 is in its closed position, the cover 210 and the device compartment 201 can be configured to hold or retain the audio device 10 and optionally additional audio devices 10 in a fixed or defined position, while when the cover 210 is in its open position, it allows the respective audio device 10 to be removed from the housing 200. In some embodiments, the cover 210 may be omitted. In other embodiments, the cover 210 may be configured, for example, as a sliding cover instead of a hinged cover.

[0046] Each device compartment 201 includes a recessed surface portion arranged and shaped to accommodate or retain an audio device 10 during storage. In some embodiments, each device compartment 201 may alternatively or additionally include one or more magnets, fixing devices, and / or protruding surface features (not shown) arranged and shaped to maintain, accommodate, and / or retain the corresponding audio device 10 during storage. Each device compartment 201 is shown having electrodes 211 as further described above. In some embodiments, electrodes 211 may be omitted. In some embodiments, each device compartment 201 may additionally or alternatively include an electromagnetic coil, a light receiver, a light transmitter or light transceiver, and / or other electrical or electronic interface devices.

[0047] In the illustrated charging case 20, the input interface 203 is implemented as a button 203 mounted on the main body 212. The input interface 203 can typically be any interface that allows a user to provide input to the charging case 20 via touch, voice, movement, gestures, etc. In some embodiments, the input interface 203 includes a button, such as an electromechanical switch or a capacitive touch sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the input interface 203 may include a microphone and / or a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer.

[0048] Button 203 can be defined as a surface of the charging case 20, which a user can interact with to operate the functions of the charging case 20 and / or the audio device 10. The interaction can be in the form of touch, such as pressing. In this embodiment, button 203 is a touch-sensitive button. The touch-sensitive button may include a touchscreen or the like. The touch-sensitive button can be configured to measure touch via capacitance measurement.

[0049] In some embodiments, button 203 is a pressure-sensitive button. A pressure-sensitive button may include a pressable portion of the surface of the housing 200 of the charging case 20. The pressure-sensitive button may include a sensor configured to measure the deflection of the pressable surface, such as a force sensor or a switch.

[0050] In the illustrated charging case 20, the user output interface is implemented in the form of an indicator 206 mounted on the main body 212. The user output interface 206 is configured to provide indications of multiple states related to the audio device 10 and / or the charging case 20. The user output interface 206 can be configured to provide auditory, visual, and / or tactile indications regarding multiple states related to the audio device 10 and / or the charging case 20.

[0051] Indicator 206 may include a speaker configured to provide an auditory indication to a user in response to interaction with the box input interface 203 and / or based on a user output signal UO. Indicator 206 may include an LED or other light-emitting device configured to provide a visual indication to a user in response to interaction with the box input interface 203 and / or based on a user output signal UO. Indicator 206 may include a vibration unit or other tactile device configured to provide a tactile indication to a user in response to interaction with the box input interface 203 and / or based on a user output signal UO.

[0052] The box controller 205 can also be configured to provide a user output signal UO based on whether the lid 210 is in its closed position. The box controller 205 can preferably determine the position of the lid 210 from a lid position signal (not shown) provided by a lid sensor 213. The lid sensor 213 is configured to provide a lid position signal to indicate whether the lid 210 is in its closed position. The lid sensor 213 can be, for example, a mechanical switch or a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor that engages with a magnetic or magnetizable fitting mounted on the lid.

[0053] Therefore, the box controller 205 can be configured to provide a user output signal UO such that the control command indication in the user output signal UO depends on the lid position indication in the lid position signal. In other words, for at least some of the same indicated user input actions, the control command indication in the user output signal UO will be different for different lid position indications in the lid position signal. This further enhances the possibility of using the controls of the box input interface 203 for different purposes.

[0054] The box controller 205 can be programmed by the user to change which control commands are indicated in the user output signal UO for different combinations of user input action indication in the box input signal UC, storage status indication in the status signal CS, and / or lid position indication in the lid position signal.

[0055] Figure 5 The charging case 20 is shown, with the cover 210 in its closed position relative to the body 212.

[0056] Figure 6 An audio device 10 with two electrodes 110 is shown, the two electrodes 110 being configured to enable the audio device 10 to receive electrical power from a charging case 20, optionally receive remote control signals from the charging case 20, and / or optionally send remote status signals to the charging case 20.

[0057] The general configuration of the audio system 1 and its components, the audio device 10, and the charging case 20 (optionally further configured as described in one or more of the various disclosed alternative embodiments or variations) enables the audio system 1 to provide a change response to the same user input action depending on whether the audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20, and optionally depending on whether the cover 210 is in its closed position. In embodiments of the audio system 1 that include two audio devices 10, the audio system 1 may further provide a change response to the same user input action depending on which of the two audio devices 10 is stored in the charging case 20 and / or whether both audio devices 10 are stored in the charging case 20.

[0058] Examples of such responses are described below. A user of audio system 1 (where the box controller 205 is user-programmable) may want to modify such responses to match their own preferences when interacting with the box input interface 203. In the description of the examples, the term "configured for" applies both to such responses pre-configured in the design or manufacture of audio system 1 and to such responses programmed by the user (user-configured), for example, through interaction with the box input interface 203 or with external devices connected to the charging box 20. Furthermore, the examples described below are based on audio system 1 comprising one audio device 10 and charging box 20, but are obviously readily applicable to audio system 1 comprising two audio devices 10 and charging box 20. The described examples can be combined arbitrarily to achieve the desired functionality of audio system 1.

[0059] In the example, the terms “pairing” and “connection” refer to the same named states known in the field of wired and / or wireless audio communication, such as from Bluetooth or DECT protocols.

[0060] Example 1: In this example, the box input interface 203 includes a status user control configured to activate an indication of the system status. The box controller 205 is configured to: provide a user output signal UO to the user output interface 206, and in response to receiving a user indication to activate the status user control, indicate a device status command when the status signal CS indicates that the audio device 10 is stored in the charging box 20 (storage status "stored"); and in response to receiving a user indication to activate the status user control, indicate a box status command when the status signal CS indicates that the audio device 10 is not stored in the charging box 20 (storage status "not stored"). Furthermore, the user output interface 206 is configured to indicate the system status ("device status") associated with the audio device 10 in response to receiving a device status command, and to indicate the system status ("box status") associated with the charging box 20 in response to receiving a box status command.

[0061] In a variant of this example, the box controller 205 can be configured to provide device status commands in the storage state "stored", but only when the status signal CS indicates that the cover 210 is closed (cover position "closed"), and when the status signal CS indicates that the cover 210 is not closed (cover position "not closed"), regardless of the indicated storage state, or vice versa for the cover position.

[0062] Device status may include device charging status, such as whether the rechargeable battery of audio device 10 is charging, and case status may include case charging status, such as whether the rechargeable battery 204 of charging case 20 is charging.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, device state may include device state of charge, such as the amount of energy available in the rechargeable battery of audio device 10, and case state may include case state of charge, such as the amount of energy available in the rechargeable battery 204 of charging case 20.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the device state may include: device pairing state (such as whether audio device 10 is paired with another device (such as a gateway device or another audio device 10); and / or device connection state (such as whether audio device 10 is connected to another device (such as a gateway device or another audio device 10); and the box state may include box connection state (such as whether charging box 20 is connected to another device (such as a gateway device).

[0065] The box controller 205 can be configured to derive the device status from an indication of a remote status signal, such as one received from the device compartment 201 and conveyed in the box status signal CS.

[0066] Example 2: In this example, the box input interface 203 includes a processing user control configured to activate system processing, and the box controller 205 is configured to: in response to receiving a user instruction to activate the processing user control, when the status signal CS indicates a "stored" storage state, provide a user output signal UO to the device compartment 201 and optionally to the user output interface 206, and the user output signal UO indicates a device processing command; and in response to receiving a user instruction to activate the processing user control, when the status signal CS indicates a "not stored" storage state, provide a user output signal UO to the device compartment 201, the user output interface 206, and / or the update controller 207, and the user output signal UO indicates a box processing command. Furthermore, the device compartment 201 is configured to, in response to receiving an indication of a device processing command in the user output signal UO, provide a remote control signal indicating a device processing command to the audio device 10, and the audio device 10 is configured to, in response to receiving an indication of a device processing command in the remote control signal, initiate system processing ("device processing") associated with the audio device 10. Furthermore, the user output interface 206 can be configured to: indicate the status of device processing in response to receiving a device processing command; and / or indicate the status of box processing in response to receiving a box processing command. Additionally, the update controller 207 can be configured to initiate system processing (“box processing”) related to the charging box 20 in response to receiving a box processing command.

[0067] In a variant of this example, the box controller 205 can be configured to provide device processing commands in the storage state "stored", but only when the status signal CS indicates the lid position "closed", and provide box processing commands when the status signal CS indicates the lid position "not closed", regardless of the indicated storage state, or vice versa for the lid position.

[0068] Device processing may include activating the pairing mode of audio device 10, establishing pairing between audio device 10 and another device (such as a gateway device or another audio device 10), and / or establishing a wireless connection between audio device 10 and another device (such as a gateway device or another audio device 10), and box processing may include establishing a connection between charging box 20 and another device (such as a gateway device).

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, device processing may include updating the firmware of the audio device 10, and box processing may include updating the firmware of the charging box 20.

[0070] Example 3: In this example, the box input interface 203 includes an action user control configured to modify system settings and / or system state, and / or the settings or state of a gateway device connected to the charging box 20. The box controller 205 is configured to: in response to receiving a user instruction activating the action user control, provide a user output signal UO when the status signal CS indicates a "stored" storage state, such that the user output signal indicates a device action command; and in response to receiving a user instruction activating the action user control, provide a user output signal UO when the status signal CS indicates a "not stored" storage state, such that the user output signal indicates a gateway action command. Furthermore, the device bay 201 is configured to: in response to receiving an instruction for a device action command in the user output signal UO, provide a remote control signal indicating a device action command to the audio device 10, and the audio device 10 is configured to: in response to receiving an instruction for a device action command in the remote control signal, modify the system settings and / or system state ("device settings") associated with the audio device 10. In addition, one or more charging interfaces 208 are configured to provide a gateway control signal CG indicating a first gateway command to a gateway device connected to one or more charging interfaces 208 in response to receiving a device setting command, and / or to provide a gateway control signal indicating a second gateway command to a gateway device in response to receiving a gateway action command.

[0071] In a variant of this example, the box controller 205 can be configured to provide indication of a device action command in the storage state “stored”, but only when the status signal CS indicates the cover position “closed”, and when the status signal CS indicates the cover position “not closed”, regardless of the indicated storage state, or vice versa for the cover position.

[0072] Device settings may include call settings that control whether the audio device 10 automatically answers incoming calls when it is not stored in the charging case 20, automatically answers incoming calls in response to detecting that the audio device 10 has been removed from the charging case 20, answers incoming calls in response to detecting that a user has activated a user control on the device input interface 105, ignores incoming calls, and / or automatically rejects incoming calls.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, device settings may include mute settings that control whether the audio device 10 automatically mutes its microphone when answering a call and / or connection settings that control whether the audio device 10 is connected to a gateway device.

[0074] The gateway device may include one or more audio interface devices (i.e., microphones or speakers) that can be used to input and / or output sound when transmitting audio over a communication network, playing back audio media content, and / or recording sound from the environment. Additionally or alternatively, the gateway device may be configured to connect to one or more other audio interface devices, such as audio device 10, another headset, a hands-free phone, etc., and use these audio interface devices for inputting and / or outputting sound where mentioned.

[0075] The first gateway command and / or the second gateway command may include commands that cause the gateway device to modify gateway settings. Gateway settings may include voice interface settings that control which voice interface device is used by default for input and / or output voice when answering incoming calls.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, the first gateway command and / or the second gateway command may include commands that cause the gateway device to modify the gateway state, such as commands to answer incoming calls, commands to reject incoming calls, commands to mute or unmute sound sent to the communication network, commands to increase or decrease the volume of sound output by the connected audio interface device, commands to start, pause or stop playback, and / or switch playback tracks or sources, and / or commands to start, pause or stop recording.

[0077] Therefore, when the audio device 10 is stored in the charging case 20, the user can modify various settings of the audio device 10 through the case input interface 203.

[0078] When audio device 10 is off, it is generally not usable as a sound interface device by the gateway device, and the gateway device will typically rely on other sound interface devices. However, when audio device 10 is on and connected to the gateway device, the gateway device will typically use audio device 10.

[0079] When the audio device 10 is powered on and stored in the charging case 20, the user can modify the settings of the audio device 10 as described above to achieve a desired response to, for example, an incoming call. However, when the audio device 10 is powered on, connected to the gateway device, and not stored in the charging case 20, there is no easy way for the user to modify those settings. When the audio device 10 is connected to the same gateway device as the charging case 20, the user can indirectly control the behavior of the audio device 10 by having the charging case 20 send gateway commands to the gateway device.

[0080] Example 4: This example is a special implementation of Example 3 above.

[0081] In this example, one or more charging ports 208 are configured to: provide an indication of a first gateway command, such that the first gateway command instructs the gateway device to answer incoming calls using only one or more sound interfaces not included in the audio system 1; and provide an indication of a second gateway command, such that the second gateway command instructs the gateway device to use the audio device 10 as a sound interface device to answer incoming calls.

[0082] This allows users to easily answer calls by activating the action user controls of the charging case 20 (when the user is already wearing the audio device 10, and when the user is not wearing the audio device 10 and wishes to use another audio interface device).

[0083] Furthermore, the audio device 10 can also be configured to answer incoming calls in response to detecting that the audio device has been removed from the charging case 20. This allows users to answer calls they want to participate in without performing a dedicated answering action through the audio device 10.

[0084] The described device can be implemented using analog or digital circuits or a combination thereof. Functional blocks of digital circuits can be implemented using hardware, firmware, or software or any combination thereof. Digital circuits can execute the functions of multiple functional blocks in parallel and / or in an interleaved order, and functional blocks can be distributed across multiple hardware units in any suitable manner, such as dedicated signal processors, microcontrollers, and other integrated or discrete circuits.

[0085] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that the features are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. An audio system (1), comprising: Audio equipment (10); as well as A charging case (20) is used to store the audio device (10). The charging box (20) includes a box shell (200) with a device compartment (201), a status detector (202), a box input interface (203), a rechargeable battery (204), and a box controller (205). in: The device compartment (201) is configured to accommodate the audio device (10) when the audio device (10) is stored in the charging case (20). The state detector (202) is configured to detect whether the audio device (10) is stored in the charging case (20), determine the corresponding storage state, and provide the determined storage state to the case controller (205) in the case status signal (CS). The box input interface (203) is configured to detect user input actions and provide an indication of the detected user input action to the box controller (205) in a box input signal (UC); and The rechargeable battery (204) is configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source, store the received electrical energy, and provide the stored electrical energy (P) to the audio device (10) via the box controller (205) and / or the device compartment (201). Its features are, The box controller (205) is configured to provide a user output signal (UO) based on the box status signal (CS) in response to receiving an indication of the detected user input action in the box input signal (UC).

2. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein: The charging box (20) also includes a user output interface (206) configured to provide the user with an indication of the status of the audio system (1) based on the user output signal (UO) provided by the box controller (205).

3. The audio system according to claim 2, wherein: The box input interface (203) includes a status user control configured to activate an indication of the system status; The box controller (205) is configured to: in response to receiving a user instruction activating the status user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a device status command; and in response to receiving the user instruction activating the status user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is not stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a box status command; and The user output interface (206) is configured to: in response to receiving the device status command, indicate the system status associated with the audio device (10); and in response to receiving the box status command, indicate the system status associated with the charging box (20).

4. The audio system according to claim 3, wherein: The system states associated with the audio device (10) include the device charging status, such as whether the rechargeable battery of the audio device (10) is being charged; and The system states associated with the charging case (20) include the case charging state, such as whether the rechargeable battery (204) of the charging case (20) is being charged.

5. The audio system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The system states associated with the audio device (10) include the device's state of charge, such as the amount of available energy in the rechargeable battery of the audio device (10); and The system states associated with the charging box (20) include the box state of charge, such as the amount of available energy in the rechargeable battery (204) of the charging box (20).

6. The audio system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The system states associated with the audio device (10) include: device pairing status, such as whether the audio device (10) is paired with another device, such as a gateway device or another audio device (10); and / or device connection status, such as whether the audio device (10) is connected to another device; and The system states associated with the charging box (20) include box connection status, such as whether the charging box (20) is connected to another device, such as a gateway device.

7. The audio system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The box input interface (203) includes a processing user control configured to activate system processing; The box controller (205) is configured to: in response to receiving a user instruction activating the processing user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a device processing command; and in response to receiving a user instruction activating the processing user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is not stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a box processing command; The device compartment (201) is configured to: in response to receiving an indication of a device processing command in the user output signal (UO), provide a remote control signal indicating the device processing command to the audio device (10); and The audio device (10) is configured to initiate system processing related to the audio device (10) in response to receiving a device processing command in the remote control signal.

8. The audio system according to claim 7, wherein: The charging box (20) also includes an update controller (207) configured to initiate system processing related to the charging box (20).

9. The audio system of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The user output interface (206) is also configured to: in response to receiving the device processing command, indicate the status of system processing related to the audio device (10); and / or in response to receiving the box processing command, indicate the status of system processing related to the charging box (20).

10. The audio system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The box input interface (203) includes an action user control configured to modify system settings and / or system status, and / or the settings or status of a gateway device connected to the charging box (20); The box controller (205) is configured to: in response to receiving a user instruction to activate the action user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a device action command; and in response to receiving the user instruction to activate the action user control, when the status signal (CS) indicates that the audio device (10) is not stored in the charging box (20), provide the user output signal (UO) such that the user output signal indicates a gateway action command; The device compartment (201) is configured to: in response to receiving an indication of the device action command in the user output signal (UO), provide a remote control signal indicating the device action command to the audio device (10). The audio device (10) is configured to modify system settings and / or system state associated with the audio device (10) in response to receiving an instruction for device action in the remote control signal; The rechargeable battery (204) includes one or more charging interfaces (208) configured to receive electrical energy from an external power source, and to receive electronic gateway control signals (CG) from the external power source and / or to send the electronic gateway control signals to the external power source; and The one or more charging interfaces (208) are configured to: in response to receiving an instruction from the device setting command, provide a gateway control signal (CG) indicating a first gateway command to a gateway device connected to the one or more charging interfaces (208); and / or in response to receiving an instruction from the gateway action command, provide the gateway control signal indicating a second gateway command to the gateway device.

11. The audio system according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more charging ports (208) are configured to provide the indication of the first gateway command, such that the first gateway command instructs the gateway device to use one or more sound interfaces not included in the audio system (1) to answer incoming calls for inputting and / or outputting sound. And the instruction to provide the second gateway command, which instructs the gateway device to use the audio device (10) as a sound interface device to answer incoming calls to input and / or output sound.

12. The audio system of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The audio device (10) is also configured to answer the incoming call in response to detecting that the audio device has been removed from the charging case (20).

13. The audio system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer shell (200) of the charging case (20) also includes a body (212) and a cover (210), the cover being movable relative to the body (212) between an open position and a closed position; The charging case (20) also includes a lid sensor (213) configured to provide a lid position signal indicating whether the lid (210) is in its closed position; and The box controller (205) is also configured to further provide the user output signal (UO) based on the lid position signal.

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