Headphone and app control based on location data

Abstract

Disclosed are a headset for audio communication, a software application for an electronic device associated with the headset, and a method of controlling a headset feature. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset includes: a speaker for transmitting sound to the user's ear, a transceiver or radio communication unit for communicating with an external device, a connection to location-based service software, the location-based service software being configured to control at least one headset feature given the location data of the headset, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to enable the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data of the headset indicates that a change in the location data corresponds to a specific change criterion, and to change at least one headset feature if the change criterion associated with the change in the location data is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a headset for audio communication, a software application for an electronic device associated with the headset, and a method for controlling headset features. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset includes a speaker for transmitting sound to the user's ear, a transceiver or radio communication unit for communicating with external devices, a connection to location-based service software, the location-based service software configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset, and a processing unit. Background Art

[0002] Headphones can be used in a variety of situations. Users can wear headphones in many different environments, such as while working in an office building, relaxing at home, on the way to work, on public transportation, in their car, walking or running in a park, or at a fitness center. Furthermore, headphones can be used for different purposes. They can be used for audio communications, such as phone calls. They can be used to listen to music or radio stations. They can also be used as noise cancellation devices in noisy environments.

[0003] Depending on the environment or situation the user is wearing the headset, and / or the purpose of wearing the headset, different audio settings in the headset may be relevant. The audio settings in the headset may be, for example, sound mode settings, noise cancellation, and equalization.

[0004] Currently, users need to change the headphone settings themselves when wearing headphones, or rely on the headphones to perform satisfactory acoustic detection of the environment to determine the audio settings of the headphones.

[0005] US 9830930 B2 discloses systems and methods for providing environmental awareness. An example method includes receiving an acoustic signal representing at least one captured ambient sound, and determining that at least one triggering event has occurred based on at least the acoustic signal, a user profile, and a user context. In response to the above determination, the method modifies the acoustic signal representing the at least one captured ambient sound based on the at least one triggering event. The modified acoustic signal is provided to at least one ear canal of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the ambient sound is selectively and automatically transmitted to the user based on certain triggering events, so that the user can hear sounds outside the headphones while wearing the headphones. The triggering event can be selected by the user, for example, using a smartphone application.

[0006] US 2017060880 A1 discloses a computer-implemented method comprising receiving identification information associated with a geographic location. The identification information comprises one or more characteristics of an acoustic environment affecting the geographic location at a specific time. The method further comprises determining one or more parameters representing at least a subset of the one or more characteristics, and estimating at least one acoustic parameter representing the acoustic environment of the geographic location at the specific time. The at least one parameter may be estimated using a mapping function that generates an estimate of the at least one acoustic parameter as a weighted combination of the one or more parameters. The method further comprises presenting, using a user interface displayed on a computing device, information representing at least one acoustic parameter estimated for the geographic location at the specific time.

[0007] US 2016125869 A1 discloses a system including an automatic noise cancellation circuit and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is operable to provide an interface through which a user can configure which sounds the automatic noise cancellation circuit attempts to cancel and which sounds the automatic noise cancellation circuit does not attempt to cancel. The interface circuit is operable to provide an interface through which a user can select sounds to be whitelisted or blacklisted. The interface circuit is operable to provide an interface through which a user can increase or decrease a desired amount of noise cancellation. The interface circuit is operable to provide an interface through which a user can select from three or more levels of noise cancellation.

[0008] US 2018034951 A1 discloses a headset comprising a headset housing, a speaker associated with the headset housing, a microphone associated with the headset housing, a wireless transceiver disposed within the headset housing, and a processor disposed within the headset housing. The headset is configured to connect to a vehicle using the wireless transceiver and automatically enter a driving mode upon connection with the vehicle. In driving mode, the headset senses ambient sound using the microphone and reproduces the ambient sound through the speaker, and the driving mode can be locked in place during driving.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a headset and method that provides an improved headset setup. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides a headset for audio transmission. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset includes a speaker for transmitting sound to the user's ear. The headset includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device. The headset includes a connection to location-based service software, which is configured to control at least one headset feature based on the headset's location data. The headset includes a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to obtain the headset's current location data.

[0011] The processing unit is configured to enable the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data of the headset indicates a change in location data corresponding to a specific modification criterion. The processing unit is configured to modify at least one headset feature if the modification criterion associated with the change in location data is met.

[0012] Communication between the headset and the external device can be wired or wireless.

[0013] The change criteria may be a faster or slower change in the location data of the headset, such as GPS coordinates, the distance to an obstacle or building, for example, if the distance decreases below a threshold that requires the headset user to increase their attention or focus, etc. The above changes may be caused by the user's own movement while wearing the headset, such as changing pace or stopping.

[0014] For example, when a user is walking or running, such as during exercise, and changes their pace for some reason, it may indicate that they need increased or enhanced attention, focus, and / or awareness of traffic conditions, warning vehicles or emergency vehicles (such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police vehicles), intersections, or cross-traffic. Inconsistent pace or pauses may indicate obstacles, and location-based services (LBS) may detect such changes. When approaching intersections, cross-traffic busy roads, pedestrian areas, and especially if the user is riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or driving a car or other vehicle, the user needs to pay more attention to the surrounding environment, especially the sounds, so in these scenarios, a greater amount of surrounding / environmental sounds need to be delivered to the user's ears to make the user more aware, for example, by changing the sound mode of the headphones to hear-through mode.

[0015] Thus, one advantage is that the headset is configured to automatically change headset characteristics, such as sound mode, when a user wearing the headset changes movement or movement pattern.

[0016] One advantage is that a user wearing the headset in a certain location does not have to interact with the headset itself and / or his / her smartphone when a headset setting needs to be changed. When the change criteria are met, the headset automatically changes the headset features or settings according to the user's preferences.

[0017] While acoustic detection can serve as a trigger for changing audio settings in headphones, audio research on ambient acoustic detection faces significant challenges. Therefore, existing techniques analyze the acoustic environment and create settings appropriate for that environment. However, due to the significant challenges of acoustic detection, it is not always accurate, appropriate, or correct, and the resulting audio settings may not be optimal for the user.

[0018] Therefore, an advantage of the present headset is that the user can define the automatic settings himself.An additional advantage is that the user can define the headset settings based on the way of movement or movement pattern and their own preferences rather than based on the detected acoustic environment.

[0019] Therefore, the headset, software application, and method of the present invention are advantageous in that they provide a method for obtaining automatic user context and location-related settings, and instead of using acoustic detection as in the prior art, changes in location data are used for the present invention. Such changes in location data may be caused by the user's body movement, so that when the user is wearing the headset, if a change in the user's body movement or movement pattern is detected, then the change criteria for changing the headset characteristics are met.

[0020] The location-based service (LBS) may be arranged as an installed software application on the external device, such as an application on the external device. The external device may be connected to the headset. Thus, the headset may be configured to communicate with the external device.

[0021] The location-based service (LBS) may be arranged as a cloud service, with the headset being configured to communicate directly with the cloud service. Alternatively, the location-based service (LBS) may be locally loaded in the headset.

[0022] Headphones can be tethered or untethered. Tethered headphones connect (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to an external device, such as an electronic device that acts as a host for the headphones, where the electronic device provides internet connectivity. Untethered headphones are configured to have their own internet connection, thus supporting WiFi / 3G / 4G / LTE / 5G, eliminating the need for a host device.

[0023] Location-based services can be a backend application for the headset.

[0024] The processing unit is configured to enable the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data of the headset indicates a change in location data corresponding to a specific change criterion. The processing unit is configured to change at least one headset feature if the change criterion associated with the change in location data is met.

[0025] In addition, the user can set or define his / her own preferences related to changing at least one headphone feature. The preferences can relate to sound mode, sound level, amount of ambient sound allowed through the user's ears, noise cancellation, notifications allowed through, phone calls allowed through, etc.

[0026] These preferences may be set, defined, changed, or managed by the user in the user interface.

[0027] If the headset is an untethered headset and the user wishes to set his / her preferences by (e.g., only) using the headset, a user interface for the action or setting may be performed through the headset user interface. The headset user interface may be a button input, gesture input, and / or voice input user interface. Thus, the user may provide button input, gesture input, and / or voice input to define or set his / her preferences.

[0028] Thus, the user can provide settings on how changes to location data are applied.

[0029] Alternatively, if the headset is a tethered headset, the user can provide his / her preferences via a connected electronic device (e.g., a host device). The connected device can have a display, such as a touch screen, displaying a user interface on which the user can provide the desired preferences. These preferences can be provided on this visual user interface before the user uses or wears the headset. While the user is using or wearing the headset, if the user holds the connected electronic device or uses a hands-free device while wearing the headset, these preferences can also be provided on this visual user interface in user scenarios that cause a change in preferences. In this case, the user can provide preferences using touch gestures on the visual user interface on the connected electronic device.

[0030] Thus, one advantage is that the user can define and set preferences via a connected host electronic device and / or via the headset itself.

[0031] The external device (with which the headset is configured to communicate) can be an electronic device, such as a handheld electronic device and / or a portable electronic device, such as a smart device, such as a tablet or a smartphone, such as a user's smartphone. The external device can be a computer component, such as a personal computer, a stationary computer, etc. The external device can be a server, such as a cloud server, etc.

[0032] The wireless communication unit may be a radio communication unit and / or a transceiver. The wireless communication unit may be configured for Bluetooth (BT) communication, WiFi communication, mobile phone networks such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc.

[0033] The connection to the location based service software may be a means for connecting to the location based service software, and / or the headset may be configured for connecting to the location based service software.

[0034] The headset feature may be a sound mode. Changing the headset feature may include changing a state of the headset feature, changing a sound mode setting, and the like.

[0035] In some embodiments, the earphone characteristic to be modified is a sound mode of the earphone, whereby the sound mode is modified from a first sound mode to a second sound mode.

[0036] In some embodiments, the headset characteristic to be modified is a sound mode setting of the headset, whereby the sound mode setting is changed from a first sound mode to a second sound mode.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one of the first sound mode and the second sound mode is a hear-through mode.

[0038] In some embodiments, the changing of the headset characteristics is performed by a call control communication protocol, and wherein the call control communication protocol comprises a Bluetooth-SCO protocol.

[0039] A synchronous connection-oriented (SCO) link is a type of radio link used for voice data. An SCO link consists of a set of reserved time slots on an existing asynchronous connectionless (ACL) link. Each device sends encoded voice data in the reserved time slots. There are no retransmissions, but forward error correction is optionally applied. SCO packets can be sent every other time slot, every other time slot, or every third time slot.

[0040] In addition to the current Bluetooth-SCO protocol, a headset manufacturer protocol may be added to the call control communication protocol.

[0041] In some embodiments, the changing of the headset characteristics is performed by a call control communication protocol; and wherein the call control communication protocol includes a protocol that enables a back-end application and a front-end application to send commands to the headset to change the headset characteristics.

[0042] The call control communication protocol can be the current Bluetooth-SCO protocol, with a headset manufacturer protocol added on top. Thus, the protocol can enable headset manufacturers to send commands to the headset from a backend application and / or from a frontend application. The backend application can be, for example, cellular data / Wi-Fi. The frontend application can be location-based device control, in which the user defines which third-party application on the electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) should be linked to the location-based device control service. Location-based device control can be provided by the headset manufacturer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the location-based services software is further configured to control triggers and / or notifications from third-party applications based on the location data of the headset.

[0044] In some implementations, the position data of the headset affects changes in settings in applicable third-party applications on the electronic device based on predefined settings of the user.

[0045] For example, if a user is listening to music in headphones, and the music is streamed from a music application, the music application can change from playing fast-paced music to playing soft music, or turn down high-volume-level music to low-volume-level music, when the user approaches a location of particular interest determined by LBS or the user's own behavior (such as a change in movement pace).

[0046] The headset may be configured to provide an audio notification in the speaker based on the determination of the location.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the headset comprises means for determining position, the position data of the headset is determined in the headset; and / or wherein, when the electronic device comprises means for determining position, the position data of the headset is determined in the electronic device.

[0048] For example, when outdoors, location determination can be performed by the headset itself or by an electronic device via Global Positioning System (GPS) and / or WIFI. For example, when indoors, location determination can be performed via LTE, RFID, etc., for example, when moving from a stationary position at a desk to around the office, where there is a greater need to be aware of sounds from the environment to avoid collisions with other colleagues, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the headset includes an Internet connection such that the headset is configured to connect to the Internet.

[0050] The internet connection can be WIFI, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc.

[0051] The processing unit is further configured to obtain current location data of the headset. The current location of the headset may be obtained from a positioning system, such as a global positioning system (e.g., GPS), and / or via an internet connection (e.g., WiFi), installed in the headset and / or in an associated or connected electronic device, such as a smartphone, and / or via a network mobile phone network, such as 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G.

[0052] The processing unit is configured to enable the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data of the headset indicates a change in location data.

[0053] Preferences can be defined / set by the user, for example, using a user interface, such as a user interface on the headset itself, such as a mechanical button, and / or a user interface on a connected electronic device, such as a software application, such as an app. Preferences can be predefined or preset by the user, such as before wearing the headset at home. Preferences can be defined or set by the user while wearing the headset, such as at a location in the user's environment.

[0054] The processing unit is configured to change at least one headset feature if a change criterion associated with the change in the location data is met, wherein the change in the at least one headset feature is set / defined by the user. The processing unit can be configured to change the headset feature itself and / or change the state of the headset feature.

[0055] According to one aspect of the present invention, it would be an advantage if the location-based service software is further configured to control setting changes in applicable third-party applications running on the external device based on the location data of the headset.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, it is an advantage if, when the headset comprises means for position determination, the position data of the headset are determined in the headset; and / or wherein, when the external device comprises means for position determination, the position data of the headset are determined in the external device.

[0057] It is a further advantage if, in the headset according to the invention, the modification of at least one headset characteristic is defined by the user.

[0058] According to one aspect of the present invention, a software application for an electronic device associated with a headset is disclosed. The software application is configured to enable a user to define settings for location-based service software for controlling at least one headset feature based on the headset's location data. The software application includes a user interface that enables the user to define a change to at least one headset feature based on the headset's location data, wherein the headset feature is configured to change if change criteria associated with a change in the location data are met.

[0059] The user interface that enables the user to define changes to the headset features may be the first user interface or the second user interface, a headset feature user interface, a settings user interface, or the like.

[0060] The first user interface and the second user interface may be the same user interface or different user interfaces.

[0061] The software application can be an application installed on the user's electronic device, such as a smartphone. The use of the application on the user's electronic device may be when the headset is connected to the electronic device via Bluetooth, including a WiFi or cellular network connection.

[0062] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling headset features is disclosed. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset includes a connection to location-based service software, wherein the location-based service software is configured to control at least one headset feature based on the headset's location data. The method includes obtaining current location data of the headset. The method includes detecting whether the current location data of the headset indicates a change in location data corresponding to a specific change criterion, and if the change criterion associated with the change in location data is met, changing at least one headset feature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 An example of a headset is schematically shown.

[0065] Figure 2a )and Figure 2b ) schematically illustrates an example of wireless communication between a headset and an external device.

[0066] Figure 3a )and Figure 3b ) schematically illustrates an example of a user interface for defining one or more preferences.

[0067] Figure 4 Examples of users wearing headphones in different usage scenarios are schematically shown.

[0068] Figure 5 An example of input between a front-end application, a back-end application, a headset manufacturer SDK (Software Development Kit), and a third-party application is schematically shown.

[0069] Figure 6 An example of a method in headphones for controlling headphone features is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Therefore, similar elements will not be described in detail in the description of each figure. It should also be noted that these figures are intended only to facilitate easy understanding of the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or to limit the scope of protection of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment does not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be implemented in any other embodiment even if not shown as such or if not explicitly described as such.

[0071] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0072] Figure 1 An example of a headset 2 for audio communication is schematically shown. The headset 2 is configured to be worn by a user. The headset 2 includes at least one speaker 4 for transmitting sound to the user's ear. The headset 2 includes a wireless communication unit 6 for communicating with an external device. The headset 2 includes a connection device 8 to location-based service software. The location-based service software is configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset 2. The headset 2 includes a processing unit 10. The processing unit 10 is configured to obtain current location data of the headset 2, enable the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data indicates that a change in location data corresponds to a specific change criterion, and change at least one headset feature if the change criterion associated with the change in location data is met.

[0073] The criteria may be faster or slower changes in location data for the headset, such as GPS coordinates, distance to some kind of obstacle or building, such as when the distance decreases below a threshold at which the headset user requires increased attention or focus, etc. Such changes may be caused by the user's own movement while wearing the headset, such as when changing pace or pausing.

[0074] The modification of at least one headphone characteristic may be user-defined, such as sound level and equalization, and the type of sound mode, such as hear-through and noise cancellation.

[0075] The headset 2 may also include a microphone boom 12 with a microphone 14 that allows a user to conduct telephone calls using the headset 2 .

[0076] Figure 2a )and Figure 2b ) schematically shows an example of wireless communication between the headset 2 and the external device 16.

[0077] exist Figure 2a ), the external device 16 is an electronic device, such as a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. If the headset 2 itself is not configured for Internet connection (e.g., a tethered headset 2), the external device 16 can be an electronic device, such as a user's smartphone.

[0078] exist Figure 2b ), the external device 16 is a server, such as a cloud server. If the headset 2 itself is configured for Internet connection (e.g., an untethered headset 2), the external device 16 can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0079] Figure 3a )and Figure 3b) schematically illustrates an example of a user interface 18 for defining one or more user settings associated with one or more user scenarios.

[0080] Figure 3a ) schematically illustrates a visual user interface 18 on an external device 16, which is an electronic device, such as a smartphone. A user can define one or more preferences 22, 24 for different user scenarios 20 in the user interface 18. The user can define preferences by using a touch display on the electronic device.

[0081] The "Commuting" usage scenario is shown. For example, when a user is commuting to work, the default mode may be the "Noise Cancellation On" sound mode, but a change in the user's context may result in an automatic switch to a second sound mode. The user can pre-define this second sound mode as "Hear-Through" mode in the settings, meaning that changes in the user's movement pattern detected by the LBS will cause the sound mode to change from the first sound mode to the second sound mode. Equalization settings can also be pre-defined for each mode based on the user's preferences.

[0082] Figure 3b ) schematically shows the headset user interface 18 on the headset 2. The user can define one or more audio settings while wearing the headset 2 by pressing a button 26 on the headset user interface 18, or by giving a voice prompt to the headset user interface 18 via the microphone 14. The user can then switch between different settings by continuously pressing the button 26. The user can again indicate to the headset user interface 18 that the settings are to be stored, for example, by pressing the button 26 for a longer time, or by pressing another button 28 on the headset user interface 18, or by giving a voice prompt to the headset user interface 18 via the microphone 14. Therefore, the headset user interface 18 on the headset 2 may include a button 26, a button 28, voice control of the headset, gesture control, etc.

[0083] Figure 4 An example of a user 30 wearing the headset 2 in a specific usage scenario is schematically shown.

[0084] Figure 4 The upper part of FIG shows a user 30 in a usage scenario, referred to as scenario A. The user wears headphones 2. Figure 3a) and 3b) User 30 has previously defined that in scenario A, the headphone feature should be sound mode 1, for example, "Music and Noise Cancellation." Scenario A might be, for example, a situation where the user is commuting to work at a steady pace or exercising by walking, running, or cycling. In this scenario, the user would like to listen to music in their headphones 2 without being disturbed by ambient sound.

[0085] Figure 4The lower part of FIG shows a user 30 in another scenario, referred to as scenario B. The user is wearing headphones 2. Figure 3a) and 3b) , user 30 has previously defined that in scenario B, the headphone feature should be sound mode II, for example, called "hear-through." Scenario B could be, for example, a situation where the user suddenly stops, speeds up, or begins moving at an inconsistent pace. This could indicate that the user has encountered some obstacle that they need to be aware of, such as an approaching emergency vehicle (e.g., an ambulance), an accident blocking the road, or a traffic jam that is affecting the user's pace. Alternatively, the user could be approaching an intersection or crosswalk or area with cross traffic where they need to slow down or stop to be aware of other road users. The LBS may obtain information about this, such as GPS coordinates, and automatically change the headphone mode based on this information, based on a certain distance to a specific intersection or crossroads or other obstacle. Sound mode II could be a hear-through mode that provides a certain amount of ambient sound to the user's ears so that they are more aware of their surroundings.

[0086] Figure 5 An example of input between a front-end application 32 , a back-end application 34 , a headset manufacturer SDK 36 , and a third-party application 38 is schematically shown.

[0087] A headset manufacturer's software development kit (SDK or devkit) is a set of software development tools that allows the creation of applications for a specific software package, software framework, hardware platform, computer system, video game console, operating system, or similar development platform. To enrich applications with advanced features, advertising, push notifications, and more, application developers may implement specific SDKs. Some SDKs are essential for developing applications for specific platforms.

[0088] SDKs can be as simple as an implementation of one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) in the form of on-device libraries that interface with a specific programming language, or as complex as hardware-specific tools that can communicate with a specific embedded system. Common tools include debugging tools and other utilities, often provided within an integrated development environment (IDE). SDKs can also include sample code and technical notes or other supporting documentation, such as tutorials, to help illustrate key points in the primary reference material.

[0089] Thus, the headset manufacturer SDK can be open software so that third-party applications can communicate with the back-end application and the front-end application on different operating systems (e.g., Android, IOS, etc.), and can receive data and operate on the data to control the headset features. The front-end application 32 can be a software application, such as an application, in which the user can define preferences in the form of sound modes, where certain headset features and / or headset settings can be defined or set as rules. For example, a desired sound mode level can be defined in the front-end application for a certain usage scenario. The sound mode level can be, for example, a "hear-through level" that the user can set for a usage scenario such as "commuting" or "exercise". The front-end application 32 can be where the user defines which third-party application 38 on an associated electronic device (e.g., a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet) the user wants to link with the location-based device control service.

[0090] The user's headset can then automatically know when the location data changes and can automatically trigger a state change in the headset or a headset feature change through the backend application 34. This headset feature change or state change can affect all or only a selected portion of the headset features, depending on the user's preference settings.

[0091] The backend application 34 may be a location-based service using cellular networks, WiFi, and / or GPS for location determination settings.

[0092] Automatic state changes in the headset can use the same communication "route" used for today's call control. Therefore, the current Bluetooth SCO protocol can be used. In addition, a new protocol can be added on top of the current Bluetooth SCO protocol, such as a headset manufacturer protocol, which can enable the headset manufacturer SDK 36 to send commands to the headset from the backend application 34 and / or the front-end application 32 to cause the headset to automatically change settings. Therefore, the headset manufacturer SDK 36 can provide: a third-party application 38 that can pass context-related information to be used as input for trigger specifications. Data from the third-party application 38 can be used as input to the front-end application 32 for trigger definitions. Data from the third-party application 38 can be used as input to the back-end application 34 for location-based settings.

[0093] For example, if the user has set the headset feature to a sound mode, such as a hear-through sound mode for the headset in a particular scenario, the effect of changing the scenario as described above can be that the headset automatically (without the user having to provide input to the headset or the front-end application) changes from one sound mode to another sound mode.

[0094] The setting of the trigger for when to change the characteristics of the headset can occur in the front-end application 32. The trigger may only affect the general / built-in settings / features of the headset. Alternatively and / or additionally, the trigger can affect the change of settings in applicable third-party applications 38 installed on the user's electronic device (e.g., smartphone). The third-party application 38 can be, for example, a travel planner, a music streaming service, a calendar planner, a shopping service, a health tracking service, etc.

[0095] Thus, the user can also change the usage scenario by creating changes in, for example, a planned travel route, changing music tracks / playlists, affecting calendar content, changing / activating shopping push notifications or purchase plans, or, for example, affecting health status / recommendations, etc., all of which are related to third-party applications 38. With respect to the planned travel route, the headphones can pair information from the backend application about when to change the usage scenario due to unforeseen obstacles (e.g., traffic jams) with information from the planned travel route. The trigger or result can be that if the planned travel conflicts with the actual time and / or location, the user can get a voice notification in the headphones. This can further provide: providing the user with a "route change suggestion" or a "speed up suggestion" via a push notification (e.g., a voice prompt) in the headphones.

[0096] For example, a user may define that under certain circumstances, such as when exercising / running near an intersection, the user is not interested in incoming phone calls from one or more predefined contacts.

[0097] Figure 6 An example of a method 600 for controlling a headset feature in a headset 2 is schematically shown. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset includes a connection to location-based service software, wherein the location-based service software is configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset.

[0098] The method 600 includes the following steps.

[0099] In step 602, the current location data of the headset is obtained through a location-based service (LBS).

[0100] In step 604, the method includes detecting whether the current position data of the headset indicates that a change in the position data corresponds to a specific change criterion.

[0101] In step 606, the method includes modifying at least one headset feature if modification criteria associated with the change in location data are met. The modification criteria may be the same as previously described with respect to the headset and software application embodiments.

[0102] While certain features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention as claimed, and that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0103] Reference Signs List

[0104] 2 headphones

[0105] 4 speakers

[0106] 6 Wireless Communication Unit

[0107] 8 Connection to location-based service software

[0108] 10 processing units

[0109] 12 Microphone Arm

[0110] 14 Microphone

[0111] 16 External Devices

[0112] 18 User Interface

[0113] 20 User Scenarios

[0114] 22 Sound Mode Settings

[0115] 24 Equalizer Settings

[0116] 26 First button on the headset user interface

[0117] 28 Second button on the headset user interface

[0118] 30 headphone users

[0119] 32 front-end applications

[0120] 34 Backend Application

[0121] 36 Headphone Manufacturer SDK (Software Development Kit)

[0122] 38 Third-party applications

[0123] 600 Method

[0124] 602 Methods and steps for obtaining the current location data of the headset

[0125] 604 Method steps for detecting whether the current position data of the headset indicates that the change in the position data corresponds to a specific change standard

[0126] 606 A method step of modifying at least one headset characteristic if a modification criterion associated with the change in position data is met.

Claims

1. A headset (2) for audio communication, the headset (2) being configured to be worn by a user (30), the headset (2) comprising: A speaker (4) for transmitting sound to the user's ears; A communication unit (6) for communicating with an external device (16); a connection means (8) to a location-based service software, the location-based service software being configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset (2); The processing unit (10) is configured to: Acquiring current position data of the earphone (2); enabling the location-based service software to detect whether the current location data of the headset (2) indicates that a change in location data corresponds to a specific change criterion, wherein the change criterion is a faster or slower change in the location data of the headset; if a modification criterion associated with the change in the position data is met, modifying the at least one headset characteristic, wherein the changing of the headset characteristics is performed by a call control communication protocol; and wherein the call control communication protocol includes a protocol that enables a backend application (34) and a frontend application (32) to send commands to the headset to change the headset characteristics, wherein the frontend application is a location-based device control, and in the frontend application, a user defines which third-party application on the external device should be linked to a location-based device control service.

2. The headset according to claim 1, wherein: When a user wears the headset (2), if a change in the user's body movement is detected, the change criterion for changing the headset characteristics is met.

3. The earphone according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The headphone characteristic to be modified is a sound mode setting of the headphone, whereby the sound mode setting is changed from a first sound mode to a second sound mode.

4. The headset according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the first sound mode and the second sound mode is a hear-through mode.

5. The earphone according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The location-based service software is further configured to control the change of settings in an applicable third-party application (38) running on the external device based on the location data of the headset.

6. The earphone according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: When the earphone comprises means for determining a position, the position data of the earphone are determined in the earphone; and / or when the external device comprises means for determining a position, the position data of the earphone are determined in the external device (16).

7. The earphone according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The modification of at least one headset characteristic is defined by the user (30).

8. A software application product for an electronic device (16) associated with a headset, the software application product being configured to enable a user wearing the headset to define settings for location-based service software, the location-based service software being configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset, the software application product comprising: a user interface (18) enabling the user to define a change of at least one earphone characteristic based on position data of the earphone, wherein the earphone characteristic is changed if a change criterion associated with a change in the position data is met, wherein the change criterion is a faster or slower change in the position data of the earphone, wherein the changing of the headset characteristics is performed by a call control communication protocol; and wherein the call control communication protocol includes a protocol that enables a backend application (34) and a frontend application (32) to send commands to the headset to change the headset characteristics, wherein the frontend application is a location-based device control, and in the frontend application, a user defines which third-party application on the electronic device should be linked to a location-based device control service.

9. A method (600) for controlling a feature of a headset, the headset being configured to be worn by a user, the headset comprising connection means to location-based service software, the location-based service software being configured to control at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset; The method (600) comprises: Acquiring (602) current position data of the headset; detecting ( 604 ) whether the current position data of the headset indicates that a change in position data corresponds to a specific change criterion, wherein the change criterion is a faster or slower change in the position data of the headset; If a modification criterion associated with the change in the position data is met, modifying (606) the at least one headset characteristic, wherein the changing of the headset characteristics is performed by a call control communication protocol; and wherein the call control communication protocol includes a protocol that enables a backend application (34) and a frontend application (32) to send commands to the headset to change the headset characteristics, wherein the frontend application is a location-based device control, and in the frontend application, a user defines which third-party application on the electronic device associated with the headset should be linked to a location-based device control service.

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