Earphone wearing state detection method, device and earphone

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining a wearing state of a headset and a corresponding headset are provided. The method includes determining whether a first event is experienced by the headset based on first acceleration data from the headset; in response to the first event, determining whether a second event is experienced by the headset based on first angular velocity data from the headset; and determining the wearing state of the headset based on a determination result for the second event. Thus, the wearing state of the headset can be accurately determined while saving power consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to the detection of the wearing status of headphones. Background Technology

[0002] Headphones are widely used in people's lives. To save power, it's desirable for headphones to automatically enter a low-power mode when the user isn't wearing them, and automatically return to normal mode when the user is wearing them. Therefore, detecting headphone wearing status is crucial. Incorrect detection of headphone wearing status can not only lead to unnecessary power consumption but also cause inconvenience for users.

[0003] Currently, accelerometers are typically used to collect motion data to identify the state in which the headphones are picked up in order to detect whether the headphones are being worn. When it is determined that the headphones have been picked up, they are considered to be in a wearing state, thus putting the headphones into normal mode; otherwise, they remain in low-power mode.

[0004] There are also methods that analyze data collected by an accelerometer to determine whether the earphone has been picked up, and then combine this with data collected by other sensors (such as micro-motion sensors) to make an overall judgment on the earphone's wearing status.

[0005] However, there remains a need for a more accurate way to determine whether headphones are worn. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is desired to provide a method and apparatus for detecting the wearing status of headphones, as well as corresponding headphones, which can more accurately determine the wearing status of headphones.

[0007] According to one aspect, a method for determining the wearing state of headphones is provided, comprising determining whether the headphones have experienced a first event based on first acceleration data from the headphones; determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event based on first angular velocity data from the headphones in response to the first event; and determining the wearing state of the headphones based on the determination results for the two events.

[0008] According to another aspect, a device for determining the wearing status of headphones is provided, comprising:

[0009] According to another aspect, an earphone is provided, including a receiving unit for acquiring acceleration data and angular velocity data from the earphone; and a processing unit for performing the steps of the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to another aspect, an earphone is provided, including an accelerometer for acquiring acceleration data of the earphone; an angular velocity sensor for acquiring angular velocity data of the earphone; and a device for determining the wearing state of the earphone according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] According to another aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions, which, when executed, cause a computer to perform the methods described according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] According to various embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure, by combining an accelerometer and an angular velocity sensor, and specifically by determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event based on angular velocity data sensed by the accelerometer after determining that the headphones have experienced a first event, the wearing state of the headphones is then determined based on angular velocity data sensed by the angular velocity sensor. The wearing state of the headphones is then determined based on the determination of this second event. Thus, on the one hand, by determining the wearing state of the headphones after considering the characteristics of both the acceleration data and angular velocity data corresponding to each event during the wearing and removing processes, the accuracy of wearing state detection can be increased. An accelerometer can be conveniently used to analyze the orientation of the headphones, while an angular velocity sensor is more sensitive to the subtle movements and rotations of the headphones themselves; combining these two allows for a more accurate determination of the wearing state of the headphones. On the other hand, by determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event based on angular velocity data only after determining that the headphones have experienced a first event based on acceleration data, it is possible to activate the angular velocity sensor only after determining that the headphones have experienced a first event to determine the second event. Angular velocity sensors, such as gyroscopes, can drift over long-term use, while accelerometers remain accurate over long-term use. Therefore, by using acceleration data to determine the first event before activating the angular velocity sensor to determine the second event based on the angular velocity data, power consumption is saved and measurement errors are reduced, thereby further improving the accuracy of headphone wearing status. Attached Figure Description

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1A The illustration shows angular velocity data and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during the entire process of a user putting on and taking off the headphones, according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 1B The coordinate systems of an accelerometer and an angular velocity sensor according to one embodiment are shown;

[0016] Figure 2A method for determining the wearing status of headphones according to one embodiment is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 A method for determining the wearing status of headphones according to another embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 4A The illustration shows angular velocity data and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during the process of a user wearing headphones, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A A magnified view of the angular velocity data shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A method for determining the wearing status of headphones according to another embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 6A The illustration shows angular velocity data and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during the process of a user wearing headphones, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6B The illustration shows angular velocity data and acceleration data collected using an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during the process of a user removing headphones, according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 A device for determining the wearing status of headphones according to one embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 An earphone according to one embodiment is shown.

[0025] Various aspects and features of the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive. The dimensions, shapes, reference numerals, or appearances of the elements in the drawings may vary without departing from the spirit of the invention, and are not limited to those shown only in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is recognized that the process of a user putting on and taking off headphones involves multiple stages (i.e., multiple events), each stage having its specific motion characteristics, which can be reflected in acceleration data and / or angular velocity data. Based on predetermined acceleration data patterns and predetermined angular velocity data patterns corresponding to different events formed by these specific motion characteristics, the corresponding events can be identified in the acceleration data and / or angular velocity data, thereby identifying the process of the user putting on and taking off headphones, and thus achieving accurate detection of the headphone wearing status.

[0027] It is foreseeable that accelerometers provide accurate measurements over extended periods, while angular velocity sensors are more accurate over shorter periods. However, over longer periods, their measurements become more erroneous due to drift. Furthermore, accelerometers consume relatively little power, while angular velocity sensors consume relatively much. Therefore, when combining accelerometers and angular velocity sensors, the accelerometer is used to continuously monitor events experienced by the headphones. Only after the first event is determined based on acceleration data is the angular velocity sensor activated to measure and determine whether a second event has occurred. Thus, considering the inherent characteristics of both accelerometers and angular velocity sensors, combining them to detect specific events during the process of putting on and taking off headphones improves the accuracy of wearing status detection while reducing power consumption and noise.

[0028] Figure 1A The illustration shows angular velocity and acceleration data collected using an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, throughout the entire process of a user putting on and taking off the headphones, according to one embodiment. Figure 1A As shown in the attached diagram, the top diagram displays angular velocity data GYROX, GYROY, GYROZ, and the square root of the sum of squares of the three-axis angular velocity data GYROsquare, acquired by a three-axis angular velocity sensor (e.g., a three-axis gyroscope). The bottom diagram displays acceleration data ACCX, ACCY, ACCZ, and the square root of the sum of squares of the three-axis acceleration data ACCsquare, acquired by a three-axis accelerometer. The three axes of the angular velocity and accelerometer sensors can be manually determined. (The diagram is shown below.) Figure 1B The right ear is shown. The z-axis is defined as the line parallel to the line connecting the user's left and right ears, pointing inwards into the ear; the y-axis is defined as the line perpendicular to this line, pointing upwards along the major axis of the ear; and the x-axis is defined as the line perpendicular to this line, pointing backwards along the minor axis of the ear. Figure 1A In this diagram, events P1-P4 correspond to the process of a user putting on the headphones, events S1-S3 correspond to the movement of the head while the headphones are in the ears, and events T1-T3 correspond to the process of a user taking off the headphones. Specifically, P1 corresponds to the movement from picking up the headphones to aligning them with the ears; P2 corresponds to the movement of the user holding the headphones close to the ears; P3 corresponds to the movement of fixing and adjusting the headphones to the ears; P4 corresponds to the movement caused by the hand leaving the headphones; S1 corresponds to the movement of the head returning to a normal position after the user puts on the headphones; S2 corresponds to the normal movement of the head while wearing the headphones; S3 corresponds to the slight rotation of the head before the user takes off the headphones; T1 corresponds to the movement of removing the headphones from the ears; T2 corresponds to the movement of removing the headphones from the ears; and T3 corresponds to the movement of rotating the arm to put down the headphones.

[0029] like Figure 1A As shown, during each event, the angular velocity and acceleration data have their own characteristics. By identifying these characteristics, it is possible to identify the process of putting on and taking off headphones, or specific movement events during the process, thereby identifying the wearing status of the headphones. Table 1 below shows examples of waveform characteristics of acceleration and angular velocity data for different events.

[0030] Table 1:

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034] It is understood that the waveform features listed in Table 1 above are merely exemplary and not limiting or exhaustive. Those skilled in the art can add other features, such as the duration of different events or the duration, amplitude, frequency, etc., of a specific waveform. Furthermore, the values ​​listed in Table 1 are not limiting; these values ​​can vary for different users and can be set by technicians according to specific scenarios and users. The waveform features of acceleration and angular velocity data for different events can generate predetermined acceleration and angular velocity data patterns corresponding to different events. These predetermined acceleration and angular velocity data patterns can be compared with the acquired acceleration and angular velocity data to determine whether the corresponding event has occurred.

[0035] Figure 2 A method 1000 for determining the wearing state of headphones according to one embodiment is shown. According to this method, at 1100, acceleration data from an accelerometer sensor, particularly a three-axis accelerometer sensor, disposed on or within the headphones is received as first acceleration data. This accelerometer sensor is capable of continuous monitoring. In some embodiments, the accelerometer sensor may be in a low-power state at this time, acquiring acceleration data at a relatively low first data acquisition frequency. Simultaneously, an angular velocity sensor, particularly a three-axis gyroscope, disposed on or within the headphones, may be in a sleep or low-power state.

[0036] At 1200, it is determined whether the headphones have experienced a first event based on the first acceleration data. In one embodiment, the first event may include any one or more of the events P1-P3, T1-T2, and S3 described above. The first event used to determine whether the headphones are being worn may be different from the first event used to determine whether the headphones are not being worn, or they may be the same. Whether the headphones have experienced a first event is determined by comparing the first acceleration data with a predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to the first event, i.e., any one or more of the events described above. The predetermined acceleration data pattern is generated based on the acceleration data waveform characteristics of the corresponding event and can be defined as a predetermined time, amplitude, and / or orientation characteristic of the acceleration data corresponding to a specific event. The predetermined time, amplitude, and / or orientation characteristics can be set by a technician as needed or for different objects. If the first acceleration data conforms to a predetermined acceleration data pattern, it is determined that the headphones have experienced a first event corresponding to that predetermined acceleration data pattern. When the first event includes multiple events among P1-P3, T1-T2, and S3, the features of the corresponding events can be integrated to generate a predetermined acceleration data model. Whether the headphones have experienced the first event is determined by comparing the collected acceleration data with this predetermined acceleration data model. In one embodiment, when the first event includes multiple events among P1-P3, T1-T2, and S3, the accelerometer can return from a low-power state to a normal operating state where it collects acceleration data at a relatively high second data acquisition frequency upon detecting the multiple events included in the first event. In another embodiment, the accelerometer can also return from a low-power state to a normal operating state upon detecting one or more of the multiple events included in the first event.

[0037] In another embodiment, the first event may include a movement event corresponding to picking up the earphones. Unlike the events listed in Table 1 above, the movement event of picking up the earphones can be determined by monitoring the amplitude of acceleration data. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the earphones have experienced the first event by comparing the amplitude of the acceleration data with a predetermined threshold. Optionally, the orientation of the acceleration data can also be considered. It is understood that in this embodiment, the movement event of the user picking up the earphones, corresponding to the process of putting on the earphones, may occur in the early part of event P1, and the movement event of the user picking up the earphones, corresponding to the process of taking off the earphones, may occur in event S3.

[0038] At 1300, in response to a first event, angular velocity data from an angular velocity sensor, particularly a three-axis gyroscope, located on or within the headphones is received as first angular velocity data. Preferably, the angular velocity sensor is in an idle or low-power state prior to this, and returns to normal operation only after determining that the headphones have experienced the first event, in order to acquire the first angular velocity data.

[0039] At 1400, it is determined whether the headphones have experienced a second event based on the received first angular velocity data. This second event can include any one or more of the events listed in Table 1 above, and in particular, the second event can occur after the first event. Whether the headphones have experienced a second event can be determined by comparing the first angular velocity data with a predetermined angular velocity data pattern corresponding to the second event. This predetermined angular velocity data pattern is generated based on the waveform characteristics of the angular velocity data for the corresponding event and can be defined as predetermined time, amplitude, and / or orientation characteristics of the angular velocity data for a specific event. These predetermined time, amplitude, and / or orientation characteristics can be set by a technician as needed or for different objects. If the first angular velocity data conforms to a predetermined angular velocity data pattern, it is determined that the headphones have experienced a second event corresponding to that predetermined angular velocity data pattern. When the second event includes multiple events listed in Table 1, the characteristics of the corresponding events can be integrated to generate a predetermined angular velocity data model. It is understood that the second event can be different for different first events. Furthermore, the second event used to determine whether the headphones are being worn can be different from the second event used to determine whether the headphones are not being worn.

[0040] Then, the wearing state of the headphones is determined based on the determination of the second event at 1400. Specifically, at 1500, the wearing state of the headphones is determined based on whether the headphones have experienced or not experienced the second event. The wearing state of the headphones can be a worn state or an unworn state. Specifically, if it is determined that the headphones have not experienced the second event, the original wearing state of the headphones remains unchanged at 1500. If it is determined that the headphones have experienced the second event, at 1500, it is further determined that the headphones have changed their wearing state. In a preferred embodiment, the initial wearing state of the headphones can also be considered to determine the wearing state of the headphones. However, this is not limiting; the wearing state of the headphones can also be determined from the temporal order of the first and second events. For example, during the process of putting on the headphones, event P1 is detected first, followed by events P2 and P3, while during the process of taking off the headphones, events T1 and T2 are detected first, followed by event T3. Figure 1A As shown, the waveform characteristics of events P1 and T3 correspond, the waveform characteristics of events P2 and T2 correspond, and the waveform characteristics of events P3 and T1 correspond. Therefore, if the headphones experience event P1 (the first event) at 1200 and events P2 and P3 (the second event) at 1400, then the headphones are determined to be in a worn state. Conversely, if the headphones experience event T1 (the first event) at 1200 and events T2 and T3 (the second event) at 1400, then the headphones are determined to be in a non-worn state.

[0041] As can be seen from the embodiments described above, the second event occurs after the first event and each of them may include one or more events. In one embodiment, the first event is a movement event indicating that the user picks up the earphone, which, as described above, can be determined by comparing the amplitude of the acceleration data with a predetermined threshold. In this case, the second event may include any one or more of the events P1-P4 and T1-T3 described above. Preferably, the second event may also include any one or more of the events S1-S3 described above to assist in determining the wearing status.

[0042] In another embodiment, the determination of the state where the headphones are worn may include any one or more of events P1-P3, and the second event may include at least event P4. In a preferred embodiment, the first event is event P3, and the second event is event P4. Furthermore, event S1 may be incorporated into the second event to assist in determining the wearing state.

[0043] In another embodiment, the determination of the state in which the headphones are removed may include any one or more of events S3 and events T1-T2, and the second event may include at least event T3.

[0044] In one embodiment, the same first event, such as the movement event of picking up the headphones described above, can be used to determine whether the headphones are worn or removed. In this case, the second events for the states of wearing and removing the headphones may respectively include P1-P4 and T1-T3, or a subset of P1-P4 and T1-T3.

[0045] The examples of the first and second events above are not restrictive, as long as the second event occurs after the first event, and the first and second events are specific events that can characterize the process of the headphones being put on and the headphones being taken off.

[0046] Figure 3 A method 2000 for determining the wearing state of headphones according to a further embodiment is shown. The method 2000 will be described below with reference to a first event including event P3 and a second event including event P4.

[0047] At 2100, as described at 1100, first acceleration data from the accelerometer is received. At 2200, the first acceleration data is compared with a predetermined acceleration data pattern for the corresponding event P3; if they do not match, the process returns to 2100 to receive further first acceleration data; if they match, the process proceeds to 2300, where, as described at 1300, first angular velocity data, for example, within a predetermined time period, is received from the angular velocity sensor. At 2400, the received first angular velocity data is compared with a predetermined angular velocity data pattern for the corresponding event P4; if they do not match, at 2500 it is determined that the wearing state of the headphones has not changed, and the process returns to 2100 to continue receiving further first acceleration data; if they match, at 2600 it is determined that the wearing state of the headphones has changed, i.e., from an unworn state to a worn state.

[0048] Figure 4A It shows Figure 1A The illustration shows angular velocity data and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during the process of a user wearing headphones, according to one embodiment. Figure 4B A detailed magnified view of the angular velocity data corresponding to event P4 is shown. Figure 4A and 4B As shown, P3 and P4 have significant characteristics, which are listed in Table 1 above. Figure 4B The arrows indicate the gradually decreasing amplitude. By using acceleration data to determine P3 and then using angular velocity data to determine P4, it is possible to accurately determine whether the headphones are being worn.

[0049] While the above description of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure for determining that the headphones are worn, and thus in a worn state, refers to events P3 and P4, this is not limiting. Other events can be used to determine the worn state of the headphones, wherein events P3 and P4 can be replaced by a first event and a second event. Alternatively, other events can be used... Figure 3 The process shown determines the state of the headphones not being worn. For example, a first event including event T1 and a second event including event T3 are used to determine that the headphones have been removed from the ears, thus indicating that they are not being worn.

[0050] The above description of various embodiments refers to determining a first event based on acceleration data and then determining a second event based on angular velocity data. It is also conceivable that after determining the first event based on acceleration data, a third event is determined not only based on the first angular velocity data but also on the second acceleration data, thereby determining the wearing state of the headphones. In this embodiment, in response to the first event, it is also determined whether the headphones have experienced a third event based on the second acceleration data from the headphones, and the wearing state of the headphones is determined based on the determination results for the second and third events. This third event also occurs after the first event, and the third event may be the same as or different from the second event.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first event is a movement event indicating that the user picks up the earphone, and the third event may include any one or more of the events P1-P4 and T1-T3 mentioned above. Preferably, the third event may also include any one or more of the events S1-S3 mentioned above to assist in determining the wearing status.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, for determining that the headphones are being worn, the first event is a movement event indicating that the user picks up the headphones, which can be determined by comparing the amplitude of the acceleration data with a predetermined threshold; the second and third events are both the aforementioned event P1.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, for the determination that the headphones have been removed, the first event includes at least T1, and the second and third events include at least event T3.

[0054] Figure 5 A method 3000 for determining the wearing state of headphones according to this embodiment is shown. According to this method 3000, the processing from 3100-3500 is... Figure 3 The processing shown is the same for 2100-2500. The difference is that after determining that the first event has occurred based on the first acceleration data at 3200, in addition to receiving the first angular velocity data at 3300, second acceleration data is also received at 3700, which is acquired after the first acceleration data.

[0055] At 3800, the second acceleration data is compared with the predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to the third event; if they do not match, at 3900, it is determined that the headphones remain in their original state, and the process returns to 3100 to continue receiving the first acceleration data; if they match, the process proceeds to 3600.

[0056] At 3600, it is determined that the wearing state of the headphones has changed, in order to further determine the current wearing state of the headphones. This can be determined by considering the original state of the headphones and the relationship between the first and second / third events.

[0057] Figure 6AFigure 1 illustrates angular velocity and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during a user's wearing of headphones according to one embodiment. As shown, the acceleration and angular velocity data corresponding to event P1 have distinct characteristics, particularly the acceleration data, which characterizes a significant change in the headphones' orientation / attitude. For example, the change in the direction angle calculated based on the acceleration data exceeds a certain amplitude, which can be set empirically. Further, there may be a single intersection between acceleration data along different axes; and the angular velocity data along the z-axis first decreases and then increases to represent the rotation of the headphones caused by the arm. In a preferred embodiment, the first event represents the user's movement when picking up the headphones, while the second and third events each include event P1. By comparing the first angular velocity data and the second acceleration data with predetermined angular velocity data patterns and predetermined acceleration data patterns corresponding to event P1, respectively, it can be determined whether the headphones have experienced event P1 based on the acceleration and angular velocity data, and thus... Figure 5 The indicated state shows that the wearing status of the headphones has changed, that is, it has changed to a worn state.

[0058] Figure 6B Figure 1 illustrates angular velocity and acceleration data collected by an angular velocity sensor and an accelerometer, respectively, during a user's removal of the headphones, according to one embodiment. As shown, the acceleration and angular velocity data corresponding to event T3 exhibit distinct characteristics, particularly the acceleration data, which characterizes a significant change in the headphones' orientation / attitude. For example, the change in the direction angle calculated based on the acceleration data exceeds a certain amplitude, which can be set empirically. Further, if possible, there is a single intersection between acceleration data along different axes, and the angular velocity data along the z-axis first increases and then decreases, representing the rotation of the headphones caused by the arm. In a preferred embodiment, the first event includes event T1, and the second and third events each include event T3. By comparing the first angular velocity data and the second acceleration data with predetermined angular velocity data patterns and predetermined acceleration data patterns corresponding to event T3, respectively, it can be determined whether the headphones have experienced event T3 based on the acceleration and angular velocity data, and thus... Figure 5 The event shown indicates a change in the wearing status of the headphones, specifically a change to an unworn state. It is also possible that the first event includes event T2, or a movement event indicating the user picking up the headphones, and the second and third events include event T3.

[0059] By determining specific events P1 and T3 based on acceleration and angular velocity data respectively, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the headphones are being worn. The above description refers to the second and third events as the same event, but it can also be expected that they are different events.

[0060] The methods of various embodiments have been described above with reference to Figures 1-6. It is understood that the various processes of different embodiments can be partially combined to obtain better results, and the various processes can be changed, split, or combined to achieve the expected purpose, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0061] While the above descriptions of different embodiments based on acceleration data to determine the first and / or third events, and on angular velocity data to determine the second event, can also be conceived as the existence of a fourth event. In response to the second event, it is further determined whether the headphones have experienced a fourth event based on the second angular velocity data, and finally, the wearing status of the headphones is determined based on the determination result for the fourth event.

[0062] For example, regarding the process of headphones being worn, event P4 can be combined with event S1 to determine that the headphones are being worn. Therefore, the second event includes event P4, and the fourth event includes event S1. Alternatively, P3-P4 and S1 can be combined to determine that the headphones are being worn. Therefore, the second event can include events P3-P4, and the fourth event can include event S1. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine events P1-P4, S1-S3, and T1-T3 according to different needs and user preferences to constitute the first, second, third, and fourth events.

[0063] In a further embodiment, in addition to the accelerometer and angular velocity sensor, a proximity sensor, such as an optical sensor, can be incorporated into the earphone to collect proximity data between the earphone and the user's skin. The collected proximity data can be received in response to the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth events to further determine the earphone's wearing status based on this data. When the optical sensor is obstructed, for example by a hand, determining the earphone's wearing status solely based on the optical sensor's measurement data would be inaccurate. However, combining the optical sensor with the aforementioned accelerometer and angular velocity sensor can further improve the accuracy of determining the earphone's wearing status.

[0064] Figure 7 A device 10 for determining the wearing state of headphones is shown according to one embodiment. The device 10 includes a receiving unit 11 for receiving sensor data from sensors in the headphones, particularly first and second acceleration data and first and second angular velocity data. The receiving unit is capable of receiving data in a wired or wireless manner. (Refer to the above...) Figure 2 , 3 According to the method described in 5, the receiving unit 11 can be configured to process and receive acceleration data as described in 1100, 2100, 3100, and 3700 above, or to process and receive angular velocity data as described in 1300, 2300, and 3300 above.

[0065] The device 10 also includes a processing unit 12, which is configured to perform further processing on the acceleration and angular velocity data, as referenced above. Figure 2 , 3 The processing described in section 5, excluding 1100, 2100, 3100, 1300, 2300, 3300, and 3700, includes all the processing functions of the processing unit 12. All functions of the processing unit 12 can typically be implemented by the headphone's microcontroller unit.

[0066] Although only one processing unit 12 is shown, it is conceivable that the above reference... Figure 2 , 3 The processing unit 12 is divided into multiple processing units by the various processing steps shown in Figure 5, and some of these processing units are kept in low-power mode and switched to normal mode only when necessary.

[0067] The device 10 used to determine the wearing status of the headphones can be integrated into the headphones, as shown in the following reference. Figure 8 As shown, it can also be set outside of the headphones, for example, as a cloud device, or integrated into a near-end device that is separate from the headphones.

[0068] Figure 8 The following is illustrated: a headset 20 of a device 10 employing various embodiments of the present invention for determining the wearing status of headsets according to one embodiment.

[0069] In addition to the device 10 for determining the wearing status of the headphones, the headphones 20 also include an accelerometer 21 for collecting acceleration data of the headphones; an angular velocity sensor 22 for collecting angular velocity data of the headphones; a speaker 23 for converting electrical signals into sound signals to be played to the user; a microphone 24 for converting sound signals from the user into electrical signals; a Bluetooth device 25; and a battery device 26 for powering the various components of the headphones.

[0070] like Figure 8The earphone 20 shown has an accelerometer 21 configured to continuously collect acceleration data, namely first acceleration data and second acceleration data. The processing unit 12 in device 10 determines whether the earphone has experienced a first event based on the first acceleration data. If the first event is determined to have occurred, an interrupt signal is sent to the earphone's control unit (not shown). The control unit can then activate or control the angular velocity sensor to collect the first angular velocity data, thereby enabling the processing unit 12 to determine whether the earphone has experienced a second event based on the first angular velocity data, and to determine the earphone's wearing state based on the determination result for the second event. If it is determined that the earphone is being worn, the control unit will activate the various components of the earphone, putting them into normal operating mode. Conversely, if it is determined that the earphone is not being worn, the control unit will put the various components of the earphone into a low-power mode, or even a non-operating mode, to save energy. Figure 8 The control unit, not shown, can be assumed that both device 10 and the control unit are part of the earphone's microcontroller unit. Although in Figure 8 Only the accelerometer and angular velocity sensor are shown in the image. It is possible that other sensors, such as proximity sensors and / or temperature sensors, are present to sense data from other sensors and to comprehensively determine the wearing status.

[0071] The control unit can also be in a low-power mode (or a non-operating mode), and when a first event is sensed from the acceleration sensor data, it is activated to the operating mode by receiving an interrupt signal from the processing unit 12.

[0072] In one embodiment, it is only necessary to maintain the accelerometer and the corresponding processing unit in an operating mode, including keeping the accelerometer at a low acquisition frequency and the processing unit in a low-power mode to ensure processing of the corresponding acceleration data. When the headphones detect a first event, the processing unit returns to normal operating mode and, through the control unit, puts the angular velocity sensor into normal operating mode. When the combined data from the angular velocity sensor determines that the headphones have experienced a second event, thus determining that the wearing state of the headphones has changed, the control unit can accordingly change the operating state of the various components of the headphones, such as switching to a low-power mode or a normal operating mode.

[0073] It is understood that the methods and apparatus for determining the wearing state of headphones according to the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer programs / software. This software can be loaded into the working memory of a data processor and, when run, is used to execute the methods according to the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0074] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure cover both: creating / using computer programs / software of this disclosure from the outset, and converting existing programs / software to use computer programs / software of this disclosure by means of updates.

[0075] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a machine-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, is provided, wherein the readable medium has computer program code stored thereon, which, when executed, causes a computer or processor to perform methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure. The machine-readable medium is, for example, an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware.

[0076] Computer programs for performing the methods according to the embodiments of this disclosure may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0077] Computer programs can also be provided on networks such as the World Wide Web and can be downloaded from such networks to the working computers of data processors.

[0078] It must be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method claims, while others are described with reference to device claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and below that, unless otherwise specified, any combination of features relating to different subjects, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed in this application. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all features to provide a synergistic effect greater than the simple sum of the features.

[0079] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0080] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, these embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to achieve the purposes of the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0081] The word "comprising" in the specification and claims does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps, and expressions such as "first," "second," etc., do not indicate order or limit quantity. The functions of the various elements described in the specification or recorded in the claims can also be separated or combined, and implemented by multiple corresponding elements or a single element.

Claims

1. A method for determining the wearing status of headphones, comprising: Determine whether the headphones have experienced a first event based on the first acceleration data from the headphones; In response to the first event, it is determined whether the headphones have experienced a second event based on the first angular velocity data from the headphones; as well as The wearing state of the headphones is determined based on the determination results of the two events.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the headphones have experienced a first event includes comparing the first acceleration data of the headphones with a predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to the first event; Furthermore, determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event includes comparing the first angular velocity data of the headphones with a predetermined angular velocity data pattern corresponding to the second event.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The first event is a movement event of picking up the earphone, and the second event includes at least one of the following events: movement from picking up the earphone to aligning it with the ear, movement approaching the ear, movement of fixing it to the ear and adjusting it, movement caused by the hand leaving the earphone, movement of fixing it from the ear, movement away from the ear, and movement of rotating the arm to put down the earphone.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first event includes a movement event of being fixed to and adjusted to the ear, and the second event includes at least a movement event caused by the hand leaving the earphone.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, further comprising: In response to the first event, a third event is determined based on second acceleration data from the headphones, wherein... Determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes The wearing state of the headphones is determined based on the determination result of the third event.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising, in response to the second event, determining whether the headphones have experienced a fourth event based on second angular velocity data from the headphones, wherein, Determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes The wearing state of the headphones is determined based on the determination result of the fourth event.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, The third event includes at least one of the following events: a movement from picking up the earphone to aligning it with the ear, a movement approaching the ear, a movement to fix it to the ear and adjust it, a movement caused by the hand leaving the earphone, a movement to fix it away from the ear, a movement of the earphone leaving the ear, and a movement of rotating the arm to put down the earphone.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The second event and the third event each include a movement event from picking up the earphone to aiming it at the ear. Determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event includes: The first angular velocity data is compared with a predetermined angular velocity data pattern corresponding to the movement event from picking up the earphone to aiming it at the ear; Determining whether the headphones have experienced a third event includes: The second acceleration data is compared with a predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to the movement event from picking up the earphone to aiming it at the ear; Furthermore, determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes... When it is determined that the headphones have experienced the second event and the third event, the wearing state of the headphones is determined to be the wearing state.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, The second event and the third event each include a movement event of rotating the arm to lower the headphones. Determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event includes: Compare the first angular velocity data with the predetermined angular velocity data pattern corresponding to the movement event of rotating the arm to put down the headphones; Determining whether the headphones have experienced a third event includes: The second acceleration data is compared with a predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to the movement event of rotating the arm to put down the headphones; Furthermore, determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes... When it is determined that the headphones have experienced the second event and the third event, the wearing state of the headphones is determined to be an unworn state.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein, Determining whether the headphones experienced the first event includes: The first acceleration data is compared with a predetermined acceleration data pattern corresponding to a movement event that is fixed to the ear and adjusted. Determining whether the headphones have experienced a second event includes: Compare the first angular velocity data with a predetermined angular velocity data pattern corresponding to the movement event caused by the hand leaving the earphone; Furthermore, determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes... When it is determined that the headphones have experienced the second event, the wearing state of the headphones is determined to be the wearing state.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: In response to the first event and / or the second event, proximity data from the proximity sensor of the earphone is received, wherein, Determining the wearing state of the headphones also includes The wearing status of the headphones is determined based on the proximity data.

12. A device for determining the wearing status of headphones, comprising: A receiving unit is used to acquire acceleration and angular velocity data from the headphones; and A processing unit for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. An earphone, comprising An accelerometer sensor is used to collect acceleration data from the headphones; An angular velocity sensor is used to collect the angular velocity data of the headphones, and The device for determining the wearing status of headphones according to claim 12.

14. The earphone of claim 13, further comprising a control unit configured to activate the angular velocity sensor in response to the first event to acquire the angular velocity data of the earphone.

15. A machine-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

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