Earphone and method for activating earphone

Abstract

The earphone includes an earplug. The earplug includes a rod, a speaker, and a sleeve, the rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the speaker is disposed inside the rod at the distal end, and the sleeve is disposed inside the rod. The earphone also includes a housing connected to the proximal end of the rod. The housing includes a firmware configured to electronically communicate with the speaker and wirelessly communicate with an external device. The housing also includes a curved portion sleeve. Each curved portion sleeve is adjacent to an inner surface of a wall of the housing.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A headset is a small electronic device having at least a speaker that can be placed at least partially in a user's ear to listen to a phone call or audio generated by an external device (such as a mobile phone, television, or other device that generates audio signals). The headset can be a wireless device that communicates with a computing device via a wireless communication protocol. Summary of the invention

[0002] Generally, in one aspect, one or more embodiments relate to headphones. The headphones include an earplug. The earplug includes a rod, a speaker, and a sleeve, the rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the speaker is disposed inside the rod at the distal end, and the sleeve is disposed inside the rod. The headphones also include a housing connected to the proximal end of the rod. The housing contains firmware that is configured to electronically communicate with the speaker and wirelessly communicate with an external device. The housing also includes a curved portion sleeve. Each curved portion sleeve is adjacent to an inner surface of a wall of the housing.

[0003] One or more embodiments also relate to a method of automatically activating headphones. The method includes measuring a first change in capacitance of a first sleeve disposed inside a rod. The method also includes measuring a change in capacitance of a corresponding curved sleeve partially wrapped inside a housing attached to the rod. The method also includes automatically activating the headphones when the following conditions are met: the first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold; and a preselected number of curved portion sleeves have a change in capacitance that exceeds a corresponding respective threshold value set for each curved portion sleeve.

[0004] One or more embodiments also relate to a system including a circuit. The circuit is configured to measure a first change in capacitance of a first sleeve disposed inside a stem of an earphone. The circuit is further configured to measure a change in capacitance of a corresponding bend sleeve in a bend sleeve adjacent to an inner surface of a wall of a housing of the earphone. The housing is connected to a proximal end of the stem. The circuit is also configured to automatically set the earphone to an "on ear" state when the following conditions are met: the first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold; and a preselected number of bend sleeves have a capacitance change that exceeds a corresponding individual threshold set for each bend sleeve.

[0005] Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Depicted is a wireless headset worn in a person's ear in one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a headset in one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method in one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 is a partially exploded view of an earphone in one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method in one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Now, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals.

[0012] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, many specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0013] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular ordering of the elements, nor does it limit any element to being just a single element, unless explicitly disclosed, such as by use of the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish elements. As an example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may contain more than one element and succeed (or precede) a second element in the ordering of the elements.

[0014] Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a headset configured to communicate with an external device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet device, a television, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or any other computing device or device capable of wireless communication. The headset automatically detects whether the headset is in the ear canal of a user, and in response, automatically sets the headset to an "on the ear" state. By using the techniques further described below, the process of determining the "on the ear" state has a lower chance of false positives or false negatives compared to existing headsets. In other words, relative to existing headsets, the headset of one or more embodiments increases the likelihood that the headset correctly determines that the headset is actually in the ear canal of the user. The condition refers to the current state of the detected headset relative to the human ear. That is, the "on the ear" state means that the headset is detected as currently being worn by a person, and the "off the ear" state means that the headset is detected as not currently being worn by a person.

[0015] The earphone includes at least two groups of curved sleeves arranged inside the earphone. The first group of sleeves includes one or more sleeves that are at least partially wrapped around a speaker in a rod of the earphone, which is fitted in the ear canal of the user. The second group of sleeves includes two or more sleeves that are at least partially wrapped around the inner wall of a housing connected to the rod. The earphone also includes a circuit or software that measures the capacitance change of the first group of sleeves and the capacitance change of the second group of sleeves. Relative to the total capacitance change measured, a predetermined threshold is set for each of the different sleeves. Optionally, other predetermined thresholds are set for the capacitance difference measured between the second group of sleeves. If more than the total predetermined number of thresholds are exceeded, the earphone reports an "on ear" state, which can be used to automatically trigger the activation of the earphone so that the earphone starts playing audio or some other function. Otherwise, the earphone reports an "off ear" state and does not take any action, pauses audio playback, or turns off the earphone. Other embodiments are described herein.

[0016] Figure 1 A wireless headset is depicted being worn in a person's ear in one or more embodiments. A person (100) has placed a headset (102) in his or her ear (104). The stem ( Figure 1 Not shown; see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) is arranged in the ear canal of the ear (104) of a person (100).

[0017] The headset (102) is a computing device that communicates with an external device (such as any of the computing devices described above) wirelessly or possibly in a wired manner. Thus, the headset (102) allows a user to privately listen to audio produced by an external device without the inconvenience of having to hold the external device near the ear (104).

[0018] In order to maximize the convenience of the person (100), the headset is equipped with physical hardware as well as electronic devices and / or software that allow the headset (102) to automatically detect whether the headset (102) has been placed in the user's ear. When the headset (102) detects that the headset is in the ear (104), the headset (102) sets itself to the "on ear" state. Otherwise, the headset (102) sets itself to the "off ear" state.

[0019] The "On Ear" state turns on the speaker through the earphones ( Figure 1 The "on ear" state may also include other settings that control how the electronics of the earphone (102) are powered from a battery (not shown) disposed in the earphone (102). Figure 1 Not shown; see Figure 4) draws power. Otherwise, to conserve battery power, the earphone is set to an "off-ear" state, where a reduced amount of electrical power is used, perhaps requiring only enough power to detect when the earphone (102) is placed inside the ear so that the "on-ear" state can be set. The "off-ear" and "on-ear" states may also be used only to pause and resume audio playback, respectively.

[0020] However, a technical problem arises with respect to detecting when the earphone (102) is actually placed in the ear (104) of the person (100). Specifically, the technical problem is to minimize false positive results and false negative results. A false positive result occurs when the earphone (102) detects an "on ear" state, but the earphone (102) is not actually in the ear (104) of the person (100). A false negative result occurs when the earphone (102) detects an "off ear" state, but the earphone (102) is actually in the ear (104) of the person (100).

[0021] In some cases, the problem of false positive results is more difficult to solve than the problem of missed negative results. For example, consider the case where an infrared light emitting diode (IRLED) in an earphone (102) is used to identify an "on ear" state. In this case, the IRLED transmits infrared light of a specified frequency. The earphone has a separate infrared detector that detects a return signal of infrared light of the same or similar frequency reflected from an adjacent surface, such as the ear canal of the ear (104). A strong infrared signal occurs when the earphone (102) is in the ear (104), indicating a "true positive" result, and therefore a missed negative result is unlikely to occur. However, if the person (100) grasps the earphone (102) with his or her fingers, the infrared signal transmitted by the earphone (102) and then reflected from the fingers can cause the earphone (102) to set the earphone (102) to the "on ear" state, even if the earphone is not actually in the ear (104). This false positive problem may continue if the person (100) carries the headset (102) in his or her hand, places the headset (102) in his or her pocket, places the headset (102) very close to another surface that effectively reflects infrared light, or if the headset (102) is placed in a warm place that radiates similar frequencies of infrared light. As a result, even if the headset (102) has detected the "on ear" state, the battery may be consumed faster than expected because the headset (102) is not actually in use.

[0022] Similar technical problems may occur when using a change in capacitance or a change in resistance to determine an on-ear state. For example, when a person (100) grasps an earphone (102) or places an earphone (102) in an ear (104), the resistance or capacitance of one or more components within the earphone (102) may change. This change may be measured and then used to set the earphone (102) to an "on-ear" state. However, the same technical problems as above occur: false positives occur simply because the user grasps the earphone (102) or places the earphone (102) in a strong electric or magnetic field, thus again causing unnecessary and undesirable drain on the battery of the earphone (102).

[0023] One or more embodiments solve this problem by reducing the incidence of false positives and false negatives when detecting whether the earphone (102) should be set to the "on ear" state. One or more embodiments use capacitance changes in three or more different components within the earphone (102) and compare these capacitance changes to different individual thresholds.

[0024] refer to Figure 2 Components and structures for achieving this technical result are described. Figure 3 The process used to achieve the technical results is described. Figure 4 A specific example of the earphone is described, and reference is made to Figure 5 Specific examples of processes for reducing false positives and false negatives when determining "on the ear" and "off the ear" states are described.

[0025] Now turn your attention to Figure 2 . Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an earphone in one or more embodiments. The earphone (200) may be Figure 1 Headphones (102).

[0026] The earphone (200) includes an earplug (202) and a housing (204). The earplug (202) is sized and dimensioned to fit at least partially within a person's ear canal. The housing (204) may be integrally formed with the earplug (202) or may be separately connected to the earplug (202). For example, to fit within a person's ear, the earplug (202) may be connected to the housing via a stem (206), which may be integrally formed with both the earplug (202) and the housing (204), or may be otherwise connected to the earplug (202) and the housing (204).

[0027] Turning first to the details regarding the earplug (202), the earplug (202) is constructed of a material suitable for placement within a person's ear canal. In one embodiment, the material may be plastic, but many other materials are suitable for this purpose.

[0028] The earplug (202) also includes a stem (206). The stem (206) includes a distal end (208) and a proximal end (220). The terms "distal" and "proximal" are defined relative to the housing (204) so ​​that when the earphone (200) is in a person's ear, the distal end (208) of the stem is the deepest inside the ear. The proximal end (220) opposite the distal end (208) is connected to the housing (204).

[0029] Within the distal end (208) of the stem (206) of the earbud (202) is a speaker (222). The speaker (222) is configured to generate sound waves (ie, for reproducing speech, music, or other audio that a person can listen to).

[0030] Inside the stem (206) in the distal end (208) of the earplug (202) is a sleeve (224). The sleeve (224) can be at least partially wrapped around the speaker (222). For example, in one embodiment, the sleeve (224) is a single piece of cylindrical copper tape that is integrally wrapped around the speaker (222). However, in other embodiments, the sleeve (224) can vary.

[0031] For example, the sleeve (224) can be made of other materials, including but not limited to nickel, aluminum, gold, iron, or other metals. Because the embodiment contemplates measuring the change in capacitance of the sleeve (224) when the earplug (202) or rod (206) is grasped by a person's fingers or placed in the ear, the sleeve (224) can have a conductivity similar to that of such metal. However, the sleeve (224) can be made of many different materials and therefore does not have to be metal. However, the sleeve (224) should be made of such a material that the change in capacitance of the sleeve (224) can be measured when a person's fingers grasp the earplug (202) or rod (206), or when the rod (206) is placed in the ear.

[0032] In another variation, the sleeve (224) may be replaced by a plurality of partial sleeves that are only partially wrapped around the speaker (222). Thus, the sleeve (224) may be characterized in another embodiment as two or more curved strips of material (such as the materials described above). In yet another variation, the sleeve (224) may be a solid cylinder or block (or any other shape) of material (such as the materials described above) that is disposed within the stem (206) or other portion of the earplug (202) in or near the distal end (208) of the earplug (202).

[0033] Turning attention now to the components of the housing (204), the proximal end (220) of the stem (206) of the earplug (202) is connected to the housing (204). The housing (204) is characterized by a wall (226) that defines the outer dimensions of the housing (204). The wall (226) can be constructed of any material suitable for a person to grip the earphone (200), such as plastic or any other suitable material. The wall (226) of the housing (204) can be made of the same material as the earplug (202), so that the housing (204) and the earplug (202) form a single integrated (e.g., monolithic) body. Alternatively, the earplug (202) can be removably attached to the housing (204). The term "removably attached" means that there is a structure on the object being connected that allows the object to be repeatedly connected and disconnected.

[0034] Disposed within the wall (226) of the housing (204) is firmware (228), which may include a processor (230). The firmware (228) and processor (230) together provide circuitry for operating the headset (200). The circuitry may be entirely firmware programmed to perform the processes described herein with respect to automatically detecting an "on the ear" or "off the ear" state. However, the circuitry may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (232) storing instructions that, when executed by the processor (230), perform a computer-implemented method that performs the processes described herein with respect to automatically detecting an "on the ear" or "off the ear" state. Reference Figure 5 and Figure 5 Details about the process are described.

[0035] The circuitry may also provide firmware and / or software for communicating with an external device via a wired or wireless electronic connection. An external device is a device that is not part of the headset (200). In other words, the external device is separate from the headset and not in the housing (204) or earbud (202) of the headset (200). The external device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, or some other computing device, as well as any other device capable of wireless communication. In this manner, signals generated by the external device are electronically transmitted to the circuitry of the headset (200) and then processed by the circuitry of the headset (200) to generate sound waves at the speaker (222) so that the user can hear the "audio" generated by the external device.

[0036] There are also two or more partially curved sleeves inside the housing (204). The partially curved sleeves are made of materials similar to those described above for the sleeve (224). In one embodiment, the two or more partially curved sleeves are each partially wrapped around the body of a battery (234), which provides power to the earphone (200). In another embodiment, the two or more partially curved sleeves are just disposed within the inner surface of the wall (226) of the housing (204) and may be connected to the inner surface of the wall (226) of the housing (204). In one embodiment, an intermediate component (such as but not limited to firmware (228), a processor (230) and part or all of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (232), or possibly a support structure for a battery (234) or other component) may be disposed between the inner surface of the wall (226) and the two or more partially curved sleeves. However, in yet another embodiment, there may be some empty space between the inner surface of the wall (226) and the two or more partially curved sleeves.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In an embodiment, the two or more partially curved sleeves include four sleeves: sleeve A (236), sleeve B (238), sleeve C (240), and sleeve D (242). However, one or more embodiments contemplate the use of more or fewer sleeves, but with two or more sleeves present within the housing (204). Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the four partially curved sleeves are bands formed into an approximately hemispherical shape. A hemispherical shape is a shape that is bent at an angle of approximately ninety degrees about a common imaginary center. The term "approximately hemispherical" is used because there may be a gap (244) between each sleeve. In addition to the capacitance that may be created simply because a given sleeve is curved, the gap (244) may create additional capacitance between two or more partially curved sleeves. In one embodiment, two or more partially curved sleeves may be arranged about a common center point and aligned perpendicularly to each other relative to the housing (204).

[0038] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method in one or more embodiments. Figure 1 Headphones (102) and Figure 2 Headphones (200) Execution Figure 3 The method shown in .

[0039] In step 300, a first change in capacitance of a first sleeve disposed inside the stem of the earphone is measured. Because the sleeve is curved and has sufficient conductivity, electrical energy can be stored between the curved portions of the band forming the sleeve. The ability of the first sleeve to store electrical energy is called "capacitance", which is a quantitative value that can be measured. When a change in the electric field in or near the sleeve occurs, a change in capacitance of the first sleeve also occurs. In addition, a change in temperature of the sleeve may change the resistivity of the sleeve, thereby also changing the capacitance of the sleeve.

[0040] The change in capacitance is caused by any number of changes in the environment. This change can be caused by the user picking up the earphone by the stem, it can be caused by placing the earphone inside the user's ear, it can be caused by placing the earphone in an electromagnetic field, it can be caused by placing the earphone near a heat source other than human body heat, or it can be caused by any number of different environmental changes. The earphone itself cannot determine which of these causes is the actual cause of the change in capacitance, because all the earphone detects is the change in capacitance in the first sleeve at this time.

[0041] The change in capacitance in the first sleeve is measured by a processor, possibly in conjunction with software stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in the headset. Alternatively, the change in capacitance may be measured by firmware contained within the headset. The change in capacitance in the first sleeve may be referred to as a "first change."

[0042] At step 302, it is determined whether the first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold. The first threshold is a predetermined number selected by an engineer or possibly by an automated software program. The first threshold is set at a value close to or above the change in capacitance expected to occur when the earphone is placed in the ear. Thus, changes in capacitance in the first sleeve that are substantially less than the expected change in capacitance when the earphone is placed in the ear will be ignored. As used herein, the terms "close to" and "substantially less than" refer to a preselected range of values ​​determined by an engineer or software program. In one non-limiting example, "close to" or "substantially less than" is measured as within ten percent of an expected value, but this percentage can vary.

[0043] If the change in capacitance in the first sleeve is less than or equal to the first threshold (answer "no" to step 302), then the firmware and / or software sets the earphone to "off-ear" at step 310. The process then terminates.

[0044] However, if the change in capacitance in the first sleeve is greater than the first threshold value (step 302 answers "yes"), the change in capacitance is measured in the other remaining sleeves disposed in the housing. Specifically, in step 304, the change in capacitance of two or more curved sleeves that are partially wrapped around the inside of the housing attached to the rod is measured. Again, the processor and software and / or firmware make these measurements. Each change in capacitance between each of the two or more curved sleeves is measured separately. Therefore, if there are two sleeves, two measurements are taken, if there are three sleeves, three measurements are taken, and so on.

[0045] In step 306, determine whether the capacitance change of the preselected number of bend sleeves in two or more bend sleeves exceeds the corresponding respective threshold values ​​set for each of the two or more bend sleeves. In other words, each individual measurement in the capacitance is compared with a corresponding different threshold value. Thus, for example, if there are two sleeves, there are two threshold values, if there are three sleeves, there are three threshold values, and so on. Each threshold value may be different from the other threshold values. However, in another embodiment, each threshold value may be the same and stored as a single value. In yet another embodiment, two or more threshold values ​​may be the same, but one or more of the remaining threshold values ​​may be different.

[0046] The threshold is a predetermined number selected by an engineer or possibly by an automated software program. The threshold is set at a value or combination of values ​​that is close to or above the capacitance change expected to occur when the earphone is placed in the ear. Thus, a capacitance change in the first sleeve that is substantially less than the capacitance change expected when the earphone is placed in the ear will be ignored.

[0047] In one embodiment, experiments may have informed engineers about which combination of capacitance changes in the various sleeves is most likely to represent that the earphone is actually in a person's ear. For example, by experimenting with many different people's ears and by measuring each change in capacitance both off-ear and on-ear multiple times and in different temperatures and electrical environments, engineers can expect to learn a certain number of thresholds that are exceeded when the earphone is actually in a person's ear. In an alternative embodiment, one or more specific combinations of specific thresholds exceeded may indicate an "on-ear" or "off-ear" state.

[0048] In one specific example, assuming there are four partially wrapped curved sleeves with four associated thresholds, if the first threshold is W picofarads of capacitance, the second threshold is X picofarads of capacitance, the third threshold is Y picofarads of capacitance, and the fourth threshold is Z picofarads of capacitance, then (based on experience) it is expected that the earphone is actually in the ear. In another specific example, the corresponding individual thresholds are different, and a given threshold in the corresponding individual thresholds is greater than another threshold in the corresponding individual thresholds when the corresponding curved portion sleeve is closer to the rod relative to another curved portion sleeve. In other words, it is expected that the closer the sleeve is to the user's ear when the earphone is used, the greater the change in capacitance that will be measured. In any case, the precise threshold of each partially wrapped curved sleeve within the earphone housing can be measured and evaluated during use of the earphone, where each threshold is pre-set based on empirical evaluation.

[0049] In one embodiment, all thresholds of the different capacitances of the sleeve in the housing need not be exceeded in order to trigger the "on the ear" state. For example, an engineer may consider it sufficient that three of the four thresholds have been exceeded in order to set the "on the ear" state. However, in other embodiments, all thresholds must be met in order to set the "on the ear" state. The total number of thresholds (i.e., the preselected number) that must be met in order to satisfy the condition of step 306 may vary in different embodiments.

[0050] return Figure 3 , if the preselected number of thresholds is not exceeded (step 306 determines "no"), the headset is set to the "off-ear" state and the method terminates. Otherwise, (step 306 determines "yes"), the headset is set to the "on-ear" state. Once again, the firmware and / or software performs the actual setting of the "on-ear" or "off-ear" state, as well as determining the exact changes to the firmware or power settings of the headset based on the set state.

[0051] Figure 4 is a partially exploded view of an earphone in one or more embodiments. Figure 4 The earphone (400) shown in Figure 1 Headphones (102) and Figure 2 A variation of the earphone (200) shown in FIG. Figure 4 The earphone (400) shown in Figure 3 The method shown in . The earphone (400) may be considered a specific implementation of one or more embodiments and is therefore only a non-limiting example.

[0052] The earphone (400) includes a stem (402) extending from a housing (404). In this example, the stem (402) and the housing (404) are a unitary plastic piece. However, in other embodiments, the stem (402) can be connected to the housing (404), possibly removably connected to the housing (404). A flange (406) formed of a soft, compliant material suitable for insertion into a human ear can help retain the earphone (400) within a person's ear canal.

[0053] Within the stem (402) is a speaker (408) connected to firmware (410) and / or other circuitry (possibly including a processor and non-transitory computer-readable storage media) disposed within the housing (404). Figure 4 As better shown in the exploded portion A (412) of the embodiment, the sleeve A (414) is completely wrapped around the speaker (408). In different embodiments, the sleeve A (414) can be partially wrapped around the speaker (408). In other embodiments, the sleeve (414) can be divided into two or more partially curved sleeves. The sleeve A (414) can be made of metal (such as copper) or other similar conductive material, as described above with reference to Figure 2 Because the sleeve A (414) forms a tube having at least two opposing portions of sufficiently conductive material, capacitance exists within the sleeve A (414). Figure 5 As described, the capacitance may be measured and compared to a separately set threshold value.

[0054] In addition to including firmware (not shown), housing (404) also includes a battery (416) to supply power to the firmware, a speaker (408), and possibly other electronic components of the headset (400). Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, wrapped around the battery, just inside the inner wall of the housing (404), are four curved sleeves: sleeve B (418), sleeve C (420), sleeve D (422), and sleeve E (424). Each of the four sleeves can be made of metal (such as copper) or other similar conductive materials, as shown in reference Figure 2 described.

[0055] There is a gap between each pair of sleeves. Thus, as shown in exploded portion B (426), there is a gap A (430) between sleeve D (424) and sleeve B (418), and there is a gap B (432) between sleeve B (418) and sleeve C (420). In one embodiment, there is a corresponding capacitor across each gap. As shown in reference Figure 5 As described, these capacitances may be measured and compared to corresponding individually set threshold values.

[0056] A support infrastructure (428) may be provided within the housing (404) to support the cartridges and batteries (416) in a preselected arrangement. In this manner, four cartridges may be arranged around a common center point within the housing (404) and may be vertically aligned with one another.

[0057] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method in one or more embodiments. Figure 4 Headphones (400) Figure 5 The method shown in . Figure 5 The method shown in Figure 3 A variation of the method shown in .

[0058] In step 500, a first sensor at a speaker is triggered. The first sensor is wrapped around Figure 4 The sleeve A (414) around the speaker in FIG. Figure 4 When the sleeve A (414) in the housing detects a change in capacitance, the first sensor is triggered.

[0059] At step 502, first capacitance data is recorded from a first sensor at a speaker. The first data is a capacitance change in the first sensor. The first capacitance data may be generated by firmware (such as, Figure 4 Firmware (410)) record.

[0060] At step 504, it is determined whether the first data exceeds a first threshold. The threshold is pre-selected and can be set empirically based on the expected capacitance value when the earphone is placed in the ear canal of a person. If the first data does not exceed the threshold (step 504 answers "no"), then at step 542, the earphone is set to the "off-ear" state. The method terminates here. Therefore, in other words, the precondition for determining the on-ear state of the earphone may be to determine that the first sensor exceeds the first threshold.

[0061] Otherwise, (step 504 answers "yes"), then at step 506, the second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors surrounding the battery are enabled. Each sensor can be a curved portion sleeve that is partially wrapped around the battery. There can be gaps between each curved portion sleeve. Capacitance can be measured in the gaps and within the curved portion of any given sleeve. When the firmware is allowed to start recording capacitance data, the sensor is considered "enabled". Otherwise, data will not be recorded from the second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors. In this way, the capacitance measured at the first sensor must exceed a first threshold in order to start recording capacitance data at the second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors or between the second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors.

[0062] Next, steps 508, 510, 512, and 514 are performed in parallel. However, these steps do not necessarily have to be performed in parallel. For example, these steps can be performed in a pre-selected order. At step 508, first capacitance data is recorded from the first sensor. At step 510, third capacitance data is recorded from the third sensor. At step 512, fourth capacitance data is recorded from the fourth sensor. At step 514, fifth capacitance data is recorded from the fifth sensor. The second, third, fourth, and fifth capacitance data can be recorded by firmware (such as, Figure 4 The firmware (410) is recorded, or recorded by software when the software is executed by a processor.

[0063] After this, steps 516 to 534 are performed in parallel. However, these steps do not necessarily have to be performed in parallel. In another embodiment, steps 516 to 534 can be performed in a pre-selected order. In addition, the step groups can be performed in parallel, and the remaining step groups are performed in a pre-selected order.

[0064] At step 516, it is determined whether the second capacitance exceeds the second threshold. At step 518, it is determined whether the third capacitance exceeds the third threshold. At step 520, it is determined whether the fourth capacitance exceeds the fourth threshold. At step 522, it is determined whether the fifth capacitance exceeds the fifth threshold. At this point, the success (exceeded) or failure (not exceeded) of each determination is simply recorded. Each determination can be performed by firmware (such as, Figure 4 Firmware (410)) is made and recorded.

[0065] In addition to steps 516 to 522, the relative difference between the capacitances recorded by the four sensors disposed around the battery is determined and compared with further thresholds. In other words, between any two sensors, a capacitance difference can be recorded and then compared with various thresholds.

[0066] Therefore, in step 524, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the second sensor and the third sensor exceeds the sixth threshold value. Similarly, in step 526, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the third sensor and the fourth sensor exceeds the seventh threshold value. In step 528, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor exceeds the eighth threshold value. In step 530, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the second sensor and the fourth sensor exceeds the ninth threshold value. In step 532, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the second sensor and the fifth sensor exceeds the tenth threshold value. In step 534, it is determined whether the capacitance difference between the third sensor and the fifth sensor exceeds the eleventh threshold value.

[0067] Next, at step 538, a determination is made as to whether sufficient thresholds have been exceeded. In other words, a determination is made as to whether sufficient thresholds among the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh thresholds have been exceeded in order to proceed. Specifically, how many thresholds need to be exceeded in order to be considered "sufficient" is a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be selected empirically through experimentation by accurately noting how often fewer than all of the thresholds are exceeded which will result in an "on the ear" state of the headset. In the example, ten or more thresholds may be used. However, the actual predetermined value may be a design choice between accuracy of the calculation (the more thresholds used, the more accurate the "on the ear" determination) and speed (the more thresholds used, the longer the processing or calculation time, resulting in possible delays in prompting the user that the headset is "on the ear" and ready for use). Note that in some embodiments, the predetermined value may be changed by a software or firmware update later provided to the headset. In any case, the predetermined value may be determined by firmware (such as, Figure 4 The information may be determined and recorded by firmware (410) of the processor, or by software executed by the processor.

[0068] If an insufficient number of thresholds have been exceeded (a "no" determination at step 538), then at step 542 the firmware sets an "off-ear" state for the headset. Figure 5 The method can then terminate. Otherwise, if a sufficient number of thresholds have been exceeded (step 538 determines "yes"), then at step 540 the firmware sets the "on ear" state for the headset. Figure 5 The method may then terminate.

[0069] The software instructions in the form of computer-readable program code for executing the embodiments of the present invention may be stored in whole or in part temporarily or permanently on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as a CD, DVD), a disk, a tape, a flash memory, a physical memory, or any other computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, the software instructions may correspond to a computer-readable program code that is configured to execute one or more embodiments of the present invention when executed by (one or more) processors.

[0070] While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments can be designed which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A headset, comprising: An earplug, comprising: a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a speaker disposed inside the rod at the distal end, and a sleeve disposed inside the rod, wherein the sleeve is curved; and a housing connected to the proximal end of the rod, the housing comprising: firmware configured to electronically communicate with the speaker and wirelessly communicate with an external device, a plurality of curved portion sleeves, each of the plurality of curved portion sleeves being adjacent to an inner surface of a wall of the housing, and a processor in communication with the firmware, the sleeve, and the plurality of bend sleeves, the processor being programmed to: measuring a first change in capacitance of the sleeve, wherein the capacitance of the sleeve is established between a plurality of curved portions of the sleeve, measuring a plurality of changes in capacitance of corresponding flexure sleeves of the plurality of flexure sleeves, and When the following conditions are met, the earphone is set to the "on ear" state: The first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold, and A preselected number of the plurality of flexure sleeves have a capacitance change that exceeds a corresponding respective threshold value set for each of the plurality of flexure sleeves.

2. The headset according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the corresponding thresholds is equal to every other threshold.

3. The earphone according to claim 1, characterized in that The sleeve and the plurality of bends sleeve comprise copper.

4. The earphone according to claim 1, characterized in that The sleeve wraps completely around the speaker.

5. The earphone according to claim 1, characterized in that The earphone further includes a battery disposed inside the housing, and wherein the plurality of curved portion sleeves are wrapped around the battery.

6. The earphone according to claim 1, wherein: The corresponding thresholds are different, and wherein a given one of the corresponding thresholds is greater than another one of the corresponding thresholds when the corresponding bend sleeve is closer to the rod relative to the other bend sleeve.

7. The earphone according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of curved portion sleeves include four curved portion sleeves having a hemispherical cross-sectional shape of the same size.

8. The headset according to claim 7, wherein: The preselected number includes three of the four bend sleeves.

9. The earphone according to claim 8, characterized in that: The corresponding thresholds include: a second threshold value associated with a first bend sleeve of said four bend sleeves, a third threshold value associated with a second bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, a fourth threshold value associated with a third bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, a fifth threshold value associated with a fourth of the four bend sleeves, The first and second bend sleeves are closer to the rod than the third and fourth bend sleeves; and The second threshold and the third threshold are greater than the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold.

10. The headset of claim 1, further comprising: A battery, the battery being disposed inside the housing; in: The sleeve comprises copper, The sleeve is completely wrapped around the speaker, The plurality of curved portion sleeves are wrapped around the battery, The plurality of flexure sleeves include four flexure sleeves comprising copper and having a hemispherical cross-sectional shape of the same size, and The processor is configured to: measuring a first change in capacitance of the sleeve, measuring four capacitance changes of corresponding ones of the four flexure sleeves, and When the following conditions are met, the earphone is set to the "on ear" state: The first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold, and The capacitance changes of three of the four flexure sleeves exceed corresponding respective thresholds set for each of the four flexure sleeves.

11. The earphone according to claim 10, characterized in that: The corresponding thresholds include: a second threshold value associated with a second bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, a third threshold value associated with a third bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, a fourth threshold value associated with a fourth bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, a fifth threshold value associated with a fifth bend sleeve of the four bend sleeves, The second and third bend sleeves are closer to the rod than the fourth and fifth bend sleeves, and The second threshold and the third threshold are greater than the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold.

12. The earphone according to claim 10, characterized in that The corresponding thresholds further include: At least one additional threshold value is associated with a capacitance difference between any two of the four flexure sleeves.

13. The earphone according to claim 11, characterized in that The corresponding thresholds further include: a sixth threshold value associated with a first capacitance difference between the second bend sleeve and the third bend sleeve; a seventh threshold value associated with a second capacitance difference between the third bend sleeve and the fourth bend sleeve; an eighth threshold value associated with a third capacitance difference between the fourth bend sleeve and the fifth bend sleeve; a ninth threshold value associated with a fourth capacitance difference between the second bend sleeve and the fourth bend sleeve; a tenth threshold value associated with a fifth capacitance difference between the second bend sleeve and the fifth bend sleeve; An eleventh threshold value, the eleventh threshold value being associated with a sixth capacitance difference between the third bend sleeve and the fifth bend sleeve.

14. A method for activating a headset, the method comprising: measuring a first change in capacitance of a first sleeve disposed inside the rod, wherein the capacitance of the first sleeve is established between a plurality of curved portions of the first sleeve; measuring a plurality of capacitance changes of a corresponding plurality of curved portion sleeves partially wrapped inside a housing attached to the rod; The headset is activated when the following conditions are met: The first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold; and A preselected number of the corresponding plurality of flexure sleeves have a capacitance change that exceeds a corresponding respective threshold value set for each flexure sleeve of the corresponding plurality of flexure sleeves.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first threshold is greater than any threshold among the corresponding thresholds.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The corresponding respective thresholds are greater for a bending sleeve closer to the rod relative to a bending sleeve located further away from the rod.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein: The corresponding plurality of curved portion sleeves include a second sleeve, a third sleeve, a fourth sleeve, and a fifth sleeve, and further include hemispherical cross-sections of the same size; The corresponding respective thresholds include a second threshold associated with the second sleeve, a third threshold associated with the third sleeve, a fourth threshold associated with the fourth sleeve, and a fifth threshold associated with the fifth sleeve; and The preselected number includes at least three of the second sleeve, the third sleeve, the fourth sleeve, and the fifth sleeve.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The first threshold is greater than any threshold among the corresponding thresholds.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The corresponding respective thresholds include a further threshold associated with a capacitance difference between any two of the second sleeve, the third sleeve, the fourth sleeve, and the fifth sleeve.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: The second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, and the fifth threshold are all different.

21. A system comprising a circuit, the system being configured to: A first change in capacitance of a first sleeve is measured, the first sleeve being arranged inside a stem of the earphone, wherein The capacitance of the first sleeve is established between a plurality of curved portions of the first sleeve; measuring a plurality of capacitance changes of corresponding bend sleeves of a plurality of bend sleeves adjacent to an inner surface of a wall of a housing of the earphone, the housing being connected to a proximal end of the stem; and When the following conditions are met, the earphone is set to the "on ear" state: The first change in capacitance exceeds a first threshold; and A preselected number of the plurality of flexure sleeves have a capacitance change that exceeds a corresponding respective threshold value set for each flexure sleeve of the plurality of flexure sleeves.

Images