Earphone connection method and smart device

Abstract

This invention discloses a smart device and a headphone connection method, belonging to the field of electronic device technology. The smart device includes a host and a headphone unit; the host includes a first contact, a first battery, and a first Bluetooth module; the headphone unit includes a storage case and headphones; the storage case includes a second contact; the headphones include a second battery and a second Bluetooth module, and the headphones can connect to the host via Bluetooth; when the storage case is installed on the host, the first contact and the second contact are in contact, and when the headphones are placed in the storage case, the host can charge the headphones. In this headphone connection method, when the storage case is attached to the host, the headphones can be removed and directly connect to the host via Bluetooth; when the storage case is separated from the host, the headphones are removed and preferentially connect to peripheral devices via Bluetooth. This smart device and headphone connection method allow the headphone unit and host to be used together or independently, meeting the needs of more usage scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a headphone connection method and a smart device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the development of intelligent educational devices is rapid. Intelligent devices are a type of intelligent educational device, and they can be applied to English listening learning.

[0003] In related technologies, smart devices generally have built-in speakers and learn audio directly through the speakers. Although this audio playback method is more convenient for indoor use, it is not suitable for use in public places, which limits the use scenarios of smart devices and results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a smart device in which the earphone device and the main unit can be used together or separately, which can meet the needs of more usage scenarios, with controllable cost and good user experience.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a headphone connection method that enables intelligent connection between the headphone and the host or other electronic devices, depending on the different scenarios in which the smart device's storage box and host are used together or separately, resulting in a better user experience.

[0006] To achieve one of the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A smart device, comprising: The main unit includes the first contact and the first battery; An earphone device includes a storage case and earphones; the storage case includes a second contact; the earphones include a second battery. The storage box has an installed state and a detached state. When the storage box is in the installed state, it is fixed relative to the main unit, and the first contact point is in contact with the second contact point. When the storage box is in the detached state, it is separated from the main unit, and the first contact point is separated from the second contact point. When the storage box is in the installed state and the earphones are stored in the storage box, the first battery is used to charge the second battery.

[0007] Optionally, the host includes a first Bluetooth module; the headset includes a second Bluetooth module.

[0008] Optionally, the storage box includes a power supply module and a third contact; the power supply module is electrically connected to the second contact and the third contact. The earphone includes a fourth contact point; when the earphone is in a stowed state, the third contact point is in contact with the fourth contact point.

[0009] Optionally, the first contact is a magnetic contact, and the second contact is a magnetic contact; when the storage box is in the installation state, the first contact and the second contact are attracted to each other by magnetic force, so that the storage box is relatively fixed to the host.

[0010] Optionally, the host includes a first control chip and a display screen, wherein the first contact, the first battery, the first Bluetooth module, and the display screen are electrically connected to the first control chip; the display screen is a touch screen.

[0011] Optionally, the main unit includes a housing, and further includes a first control chip, a charging interface, a speaker, and a microphone disposed within the housing; the first battery, the first Bluetooth module, the speaker, and the microphone are respectively electrically connected to the first control chip; the charging interface is electrically connected to the first battery; the housing is provided with a charging port, a sound outlet, and a sound reception port, and the charging interface is exposed through the charging port; the main unit includes a power switch and a function button installed on the housing, and the power switch and the function button are connected to the first control chip; The storage box includes a box body and a box lid. The box body has a receiving cavity, and the box lid is movably connected to the box body. The box lid can move relative to the box body to open or close the receiving cavity. The second contact and the third contact are located on the box body. The earphones include a second control chip, and the second battery, the second Bluetooth module, and the power supply module are electrically connected to the second control chip respectively; when the storage box is in the installed state and the earphones are in the stored state, the first circuit board is electrically connected to the second circuit board, and the first battery is electrically connected to the second battery.

[0012] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A method for connecting headphones, comprising: When the storage box is installed on the main unit, the earphones respond to a signal that the contacts of the storage box are disconnected and communicate with the main unit. When the charging case is separated from the main unit, the earphones, in response to a signal indicating that the contacts with the charging case have been disconnected, locate an electronic device with which a communication connection can be established and establish a communication connection with that electronic device. Optionally, when the charging case is separated from the main unit, the earphones, in response to a signal indicating that the contacts with the charging case have been disconnected, locate an electronic device with which a communication connection can be established, and, based on stored device priorities, determine one of the located electronic devices as the target connection device and establish a communication connection with that target connection device. In the storage device priority, peripheral devices have a higher priority than the host. The step of identifying one of the found electronic devices as the target connection device and establishing a communication connection with the target connection device includes: When the earphone detects the Bluetooth connection response signal of the peripheral device, it determines the peripheral device as the target connection device and establishes a communication connection with the peripheral device; When the headset does not detect a Bluetooth connection response signal from the peripheral device, the headset determines the host as the target connection device and establishes a communication connection with the host.

[0013] Optionally, when the storage box is separated from the host and the earphone is in communication with the host, the earphone disconnects from the host in response to the host's disconnection signal.

[0014] Optionally, after the headset disconnects from the host, it establishes a communication connection with the peripheral device on the stored communication connection record.

[0015] Optionally, when the earphone detects a signal that the storage box contact is connected to the host contact, the earphone determines that the storage box is installed in the host. When the earphone detects a signal that the storage case contact is disconnected from the main unit contact, the earphone determines that the storage case is separated from the main unit.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In this smart device, the earphone device and the main unit can be combined or separated; when the earphone is connected to the main unit, it can meet the needs of using smart devices in public places; the earphone device and the main unit can also be used separately and independently, and the earphone can be connected to the main unit or electronic devices other than the main unit. Under the premise of controllable cost, it can meet the usage needs of more usage scenarios and make it more convenient to use.

[0017] This headphone connection method allows for different connection options depending on whether the storage box and the main unit are connected or disconnected, providing a more convenient user experience for both the main unit and the headphones, and meeting a variety of user needs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural diagrams of the smart device described in an embodiment of the present invention (the storage box is in the installed state, and the earphones are in the stored state). Figure 2 This is a second structural diagram of the smart device described in an embodiment of the present invention (the storage box is in the installed state, and the earphones are in the stored state). Figure 3This is one of the structural diagrams of the smart device described in an embodiment of the present invention (the storage box is in the installed state, and the earphones are in the stored state). Figure 4 This is a second structural diagram of the smart device described in an embodiment of the present invention (the storage box is in a separated state, and the earphones are in a stored state). Figure 5 This is the third structural diagram of the smart device described in the embodiment of the present invention (the storage box is in a separated state, and the earphones are in a removed state). Figure 6 This is a partial schematic diagram of the headphone connection method of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction on the display screen when the host performs headphone pairing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This refers to the information displayed after the drop-down menu on the host screen of the smart device described in this embodiment of the invention, after the earphones are connected to the host for communication. Figure 9 This is an interactive diagram illustrating how, after the earphones are connected to the host device in the smart device described in this embodiment of the invention, the earphones can be operated on the host display screen to switch between devices.

[0020] In the diagram: 10. Main unit; 11. Housing; 111. Charging port; 112. Sound outlet; 113. Microphone hole; 12. First contact; 13. Charging interface; 141. Power button; 142. Function button; 15. Display screen; 20. Earphone assembly; 21. Storage box; 211. Box body; 2111. Receiving cavity; 212. Box lid; 213. Second contact; 22. Earphone. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] Intelligent educational devices, also known as intelligent learning devices, are hardware tools that assist in learning. Under the "double reduction" policy (reducing homework and extracurricular training burdens for students in compulsory education), the development of intelligent educational devices has entered a new stage. Tool-type educational hardware, represented by scanning pens, error correction printers, and vocabulary cards, has entered the public eye and is developing rapidly.

[0025] Smart devices are a type of smart educational device, specifically designed for learning and storing English listening audio resources or other audio materials. However, devices specifically designed for English listening practice are relatively few at present. Currently available smart devices generally utilize Android or Linux systems with built-in integrated audio content resources. These products typically also come with a large speaker for playing the audio resources. While convenient for indoor use, they are inconvenient in certain scenarios, such as public places. Using smart devices to play audio aloud in public can both disturb others and result in unclear audio playback. Therefore, smart devices in related technologies are not suitable for use in public places, and their usage scenarios are limited, failing to meet users' needs for fragmented learning.

[0026] To address the limitations of smart device usage scenarios, some users plug wired headphones into their smart devices to listen to audio and meet their learning needs in public places. However, wired headphones have long wires, which are not only inconvenient to use but also prone to tangling when stored.

[0027] To address the problems in related technologies, this invention proposes a smart device that combines a main unit 10 with a TWS earphone device 20. The TWS earphone device 20 can be combined with or separated from the main unit 10 as needed. This not only meets the user's need for learning in public places but also allows for standalone entertainment use. Furthermore, when not in use, the smart device can be combined with the main unit 10 to form a single unit, making it easy to store and preventing users from being unable to study in public places due to forgetting their earphones.

[0028] The present invention also proposes an earphone connection method, which can realize different connection methods of earphone 22 according to the connection state and separation state of storage box 21 and host 10, providing a more convenient user experience for host 10 and earphone 22, and meeting various user needs.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of the smart device, the smart device includes: a host 10 and an earphone device 20.

[0030] The main unit 10 is a portable, independent electronic device primarily for listening training in English and other languages, supplemented by audio listening functions such as listening to stories, articles, and music. The main unit 10 stores audio resources and has a built-in speaker, allowing it to directly play audio to meet users' listening training or other audio needs.

[0031] The earphone device 20 includes a storage case 21 and two earphones 22. The storage case 21 is used to store the earphones 22. The earphone device 20 is a TWS earphone device 20. TWS is an abbreviation for True Wireless Stereo, which means true wireless stereo sound. There is no wire connection between the two earphones 22 in the TWS earphone device 20. The two earphones 22 can communicate with each other via Bluetooth. The absence of wires between the two earphones 22 avoids problems such as tangled wires and inconvenient storage.

[0032] The storage box 21 has an installed state and a detached state. The main unit 10 is equipped with a first contact 12, and the storage box 21 is equipped with a second contact 213.

[0033] Figures 1 to 3In the installation state, the storage box 21 is physically connected to and relatively fixed to the host 10 to form a whole. The physical connection refers to the structural connection. When the storage box 21 is in the installation state, the second contact 213 contacts the first contact 12 to establish a conductive connection between the storage box 21 and the host 10, serving the functions of charging and data transmission. When the storage box 21 is in the installation state, the system defaults to using the earphone device 20 and the host 10 as a single integrated device. When the earphone 22 is removed from the storage box 21, it automatically connects to the host 10. In public places such as classrooms, libraries, coffee shops, shopping malls, subways, and buses, or in other scenarios where it is inconvenient to directly use the speaker of the main unit 10 to play audio, the storage box 21 can be placed on the main unit 10. Then, the earphones 22 can be directly taken out of the storage box 21, and the earphones 22 will connect directly to the main unit 10. The TWS earphones 22 can then be used for listening training. On the one hand, when users need to use smart devices to listen to English listening or other audio, they only need to take the earphones 22 out of the storage box 21. The operation is simple and convenient, and there is no need to pair the earphones 22 with the main unit 10 via Bluetooth every time. On the other hand, users can combine the storage box 21 and the main unit 10 for convenient storage as a whole, so that they will not forget to bring the earphones 22 when they go out, thus avoiding the situation where users cannot use smart devices in some places. This reliably meets the usage needs of various scenarios, improves the teaching assistance effect of smart devices, and enhances the user experience.

[0034] Figures 4 to 5 In this configuration, the storage box 21 is in a detached state, physically disconnected from the main unit 10, and the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are also disconnected, breaking the conductive connection between the storage box 21 and the main unit 10. When the storage box 21 is detached, the earphone device 20 can be separated from the main unit 10, allowing independent use of either the main unit 10 or the earphone 22. The TWS earphone 22 can connect to peripheral electronic devices other than the main unit 10. These peripheral electronic devices can include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc. This design maximizes user convenience in connecting the earphone 22 and meets the needs of users in various usage scenarios.

[0035] In some embodiments, the main unit 10 is equipped with a first battery, the storage box 21 has no battery but contains a power supply module, and the earphones 22 are equipped with a second battery. It should be noted that both earphones 22 contain a second battery. When the storage box 21 is in the installed state and the earphones 22 are placed inside, the main unit 10 and the storage box 21 are electrically connected via the first contact 12 and the second contact 213. At this time, the main unit 10 and the storage box 21 together function as a charging case, allowing the first battery of the main unit 10 to charge the second battery of the earphones 22. Even without a battery in the storage box 21, the charging needs of the earphones 22 can be met, reducing the cost and size of the storage box 21. The battery in the main unit 10 can be used for its own power and to charge the earphones 22. In other embodiments, the storage box 21 may contain a third battery. The first battery in the main unit 10 can also charge the third battery in the storage box 21; the third battery in the storage box 21 can also charge the second battery of the earphones 22.

[0036] To enable the host 10 to charge the earphone 22, a third contact is provided inside the storage case 21, and a fourth contact is provided inside the earphone 22. When the earphone 22 is placed inside the storage case 21, the third contact and the fourth contact are electrically connected. Thus, when the storage case 21 is in the installed state and the earphone 22 is placed inside the storage case 21, a conductive connection is established between the first battery of the host 10, the first contact 12 of the host 10, the second contact 213 of the storage case 21, the power supply module of the storage case 21, the third contact of the storage case 21, the fourth contact of the earphone 22, and the second battery of the earphone 22, enabling the host 10 battery to charge the earphone 22 battery. The contact between the third contact and the fourth contact is not only used to charge the earphone 22, but the earphone 22 can also detect the change in the circuit signal when the third contact and the fourth contact are disconnected, indicating that the earphone 22 has been removed from the storage case 21, thereby establishing a Bluetooth connection with the host 10 or other electronic devices.

[0037] The third and fourth contacts can be, but are not limited to, magnetic contacts.

[0038] In other embodiments, in order to charge the earphones 22 via the charging dock, wireless charging modules can be built into the storage box 21 and the earphones 22 respectively, so that when the earphones 22 are placed in the storage box 21, the charging dock charges the earphones 22 wirelessly.

[0039] In this embodiment, a first Bluetooth module is installed in the host 10, and a second Bluetooth module is installed in the earphone 22. Through the communication connection between the second Bluetooth module and the first Bluetooth module, a communication connection can be established between the earphone 22 and the host 10, allowing the earphone 22 to play audio files or other audio stored in the host 10. The earphone 22 can also establish a Bluetooth communication connection with electronic devices other than the host 10 via the second Bluetooth module.

[0040] The second Bluetooth module has a first communication state and a second communication state. When the second Bluetooth module is in the first communication state, it communicates with the first Bluetooth module, and the earphone 22 communicates with the host 10. When the second Bluetooth module is in the second communication state, the earphone 22 communicates with peripheral electronic devices other than the host 10 through the second Bluetooth module. This invention provides a novel design for a smart device, employing a TWS earphone device 20 and configuring the earphone device 20 and host 10 to be combined or separated as needed. This allows the smart device to be less restricted by usage scenarios and locations compared to traditional audio / video products, making it more applicable, practical, and providing a better user experience. While maintaining a controllable cost, this smart device allows the TWS earphone device 20 and host 10 to be used independently, and also optimizes the connection experience between the earphone 22 and different electronic devices through physical combination and conductive connection. The entire smart device has an ingenious structure, combining learning and entertainment functions. Separating the TWS earphone device 20 from the host 10 allows for independent use of either the earphone device 20 or the host 10, providing maximum convenience in scenarios where they are used separately, making it more portable and easier to use.

[0041] In related technologies, other smart devices do not support use with existing TWS earphones 22. The smart device of this invention has at least the following advantages: First, the host 10 has a built-in Bluetooth communication module, which allows the host 10 to communicate with the earphone 22. In some scenarios, the TWS earphone 22 can be used for listening and speaking learning or to listen to other audio, reducing usage limitations.

[0042] Secondly, the storage box 21 and the host 10 can be connected through the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 to enable the host 10 to charge the headphone device 20 and to realize data transmission between the host 10 and the headphone device 20. The settings of the headphone 22 can be adjusted through the host 10.

[0043] Third, the storage box 21 does not need to contain a battery. If the host 10 can meet the charging needs of the earphone 22, the cost and weight of the earphone 22 module can be reduced. When the earphone device 20 is used separately from the host 10, the second battery built into the earphone 22 can provide a certain amount of battery life. The removal of the battery in the storage box 21 does not affect the earphone 22's ability to connect to mobile phones and other peripheral devices for independent use.

[0044] Fourth, the storage box 21 does not need to be equipped with a SOC or other control chip. The storage box 21 does not contain computing power. All settings operations for the earphones 22 can be performed by the host 10. The host 10 has a screen, which can better and more clearly display the settings information of the earphones 22.

[0045] Fifth, the storage box 21 does not need to contain a battery or a control chip. While fulfilling the functions of storing the earphones 22 and charging and data transmission with the main unit 10, the size and weight of the storage box 21 can be greatly reduced, making it more portable and compact, reducing material costs and making the product more competitive. The small size of the storage box 21 makes it easier for users to carry, whether the earphone device 20 is used separately or in combination with the main unit 10, thus improving the user experience.

[0046] Sixth, a second battery is installed in the earphone 22. When the earphone device 20 is separated from the main unit 10, and the earphone device 20 is carried alone without the main unit 10, the battery built into the earphone 22 can provide a certain amount of battery life, meeting the needs of the earphone 22 to connect and use with other electronic devices when the earphone device 20 is carried alone.

[0047] Seventh, when the storage box 21 is in the installed state and the earphones 22 are in the stored state, the main unit 10 is electrically connected to the storage box 21 via contacts, and the storage box 21 is electrically connected to the earphones 22 via contacts. Data transmission between the main unit 10 and the earphones 22 can be achieved through a wired connection. When the user is not using the earphones 22 or the main unit 10, the data in the earphones 22 can be updated through the main unit 10, meeting the needs of more users. Compared with wireless transmission, wired transmission for data transmission between the main unit 10 and the earphones 22 is more efficient, more stable, and not affected by signal interference from other surrounding electronic devices.

[0048] In terms of functional design, the connection mode of the earphone 22 in the smart device of this invention is closely related to the installation and disassembly states of the storage box 21. This layer of logic is an improvement of the TWS earphone 22 in this invention. The connection methods of the earphone 22 in the smart device of this invention under different conditions are described below: Connection Mode 1: When the storage box 21 is fixedly connected to the host 10, that is, when the storage box 21 is in the installation state, under normal circumstances, the system will assume that the earphone 22 is connected to the host 10 for use. Therefore, when the earphone 22 is taken out, it will automatically connect to the host 10 for use.

[0049] Connection Mode 2: When the storage box 21 is separated from the host 10, that is, when the storage box 21 is in a separated state, the system will think that the earphone device 20 is separated from the host 10 and may be in a different position from the host 10. Therefore, when the earphone 22 is taken out, it will first connect to the peripheral device, which is an electronic device other than the smart device host 10, such as a mobile phone or tablet.

[0050] Connection Mode 3: Based on Connection Mode 2, if the peripheral device does not respond, the headset 22 will automatically connect to the host 10.

[0051] Connection Mode 4: After the headset 22 is connected to the host 10, if the user wants to connect the headset 22 to a peripheral device, they only need to click the switch button on the display screen 15 of the host 10. The host 10 will automatically disconnect from the headset 22. At this time, the headset 22 will reconnect to other peripheral devices according to the connection record, or connect to the peripheral device with the highest priority according to the pre-stored electronic device connection priority. Connection Mode 4 can be executed based on Connection Mode 2 or 3.

[0052] Connection Mode 5: When a user wants to reconnect the earphone 22 to the host 10 after connecting it to other peripheral devices, simply place the earphone 22 in the case to store it, then connect and secure the case 21 to the host 10 to install it. The next time the earphone 22 is removed, it will automatically reconnect to the host 10. Connection Mode 5 can be implemented based on Connection Mode 4.

[0053] Based on the structure of the smart device of this invention, the earphone 22 can connect to the host 10 or peripheral devices through the aforementioned connection modes. The connection and disconnection of the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 determine whether the earphone device 20 is combined or separated from the host 10. It intelligently identifies the user's usage scenario, determining whether the user needs to use the host 10 and earphone device 20 together or separately, reducing user operation steps, making it more intelligent, and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the earphone 22 can switch between different electronic devices. This fully utilizes the design of the earphone device 20 and the host 10, making the user experience even better.

[0054] Of course, in other embodiments, based on the structural design of the smart device of the present invention, other methods of earphone 22 connection can also be adopted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the main unit 10 is equipped with a first battery of approximately 1000mAh, which can power both itself and the earphones 22. The earphones 22 are equipped with a second battery configured to support 5 hours or more of battery life. In other embodiments, the battery capacities of the main unit 10 and earphones 22 can be adjusted as needed. The first battery can be, but is not limited to, a lithium battery.

[0056] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 To simplify the overall structure of the smart device, both the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are magnetic contacts. The contacts are actually conductors or connectors used to achieve charging and data transmission functions, while the magnetic contacts are conductors or magnetic connectors.

[0057] When the storage box 21 is in the installed state, the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are magnetically attracted to each other, fixing the storage box 21 relative to the main unit 10. Thus, the magnetic contacts serve both a fixing function and a function for charging and data transmission. With this design, the overall size of both the main unit 10 and the earphones 22 can be effectively controlled, meeting the requirements of portability and aesthetics.

[0058] The magnetic contacts include metal pins and magnets fitted over the metal pins. When the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are close together, the magnets inside the two contacts attract each other, and the pins inside the two contacts remain in contact, so that the storage box 21 and the main unit 10 are attracted to each other under the action of magnetic force and thus fixed.

[0059] In this embodiment, the host 10 is provided with three first contacts 12, and correspondingly, the storage box 21 is provided with three second contacts 213. It should be noted that the number of contacts is not a limitation of this invention, as long as it meets the circuit design requirements.

[0060] In other embodiments, the magnetic contacts can also be of other structures, as long as they can achieve conductive connection after contact between the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 and magnetic attraction between the two contacts; the number of first contacts 12 in the host 10 can also be two, four, five, etc., and the number of second contacts 213 in the storage box 21 can also be two, four, five, etc.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 7 to 9To provide a better interactive experience and meet more needs, the host 10 includes a display screen 15. The display screen 15 not only displays information such as audio content within the host 10, allowing users to select suitable learning or entertainment content, but also displays information related to the headphone device 20. This information may include Bluetooth pairing information between the host 10 and the headphone device 20, Bluetooth connection status information, and headphone 22 settings information. For user convenience, a touchscreen is used as the display screen 15.

[0062] Figure 7 The diagram below illustrates the pairing process between the host 10 and the earphones 22. Figure 8 The middle one is the settings interface after the headset 22 is connected to the host 10, following the drop-down menu. Figure 9 This is an interactive diagram showing how the host 10 controls the earphone 22 to switch connected devices after the host 10 is connected to the earphone 22. Figures 7 to 9 All content can be displayed on the screen 15 of the host 10. The screen 15 of the host 10 provides touch interaction functionality, allowing control of the headset 22 via touch. The host 10 is equipped with a screen 15, enabling control of the headset 22 via touch of the screen 15 whether the host 10 and headset 22 are wirelessly or wired connected. This provides good interactive effects and allows for more interactive functions. The host 10 includes a first control chip, and the screen 15 is electrically connected to the first control chip, allowing the first control chip to control the screen 15.

[0063] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 The main unit 10 includes a charging interface 13, which is electrically connected to the first battery. The charging interface 13 in the main unit 10 not only allows for the charging of the first battery, but also enables the first battery to charge the second battery. Furthermore, the charging interface 13 in the main unit 10 facilitates charging of both the main unit 10 and the earphones 22, compared to simply replacing the battery in the main unit 10.

[0064] In one embodiment, both the charging interface 13 and the first battery are disposed on the first circuit board of the host 10, and the first control chip is disposed on the first circuit board. The charging interface 13 is used to connect to an external power source to charge the first battery. The charging interface 13 is used for charging and data transmission, and the charging interface 13 can be, but is not limited to, a TYPE-C interface, a TYPE-B interface, or a Lightning interface.

[0065] The earphone 22 also includes a second control chip and a memory, which is electrically connected to the second control chip. The memory is used to store connection information, such as Bluetooth connection records and device priority information. In this embodiment, the memory stores the priority information of preset electronic devices. When the earphone 22 is taken out of the storage box 21 and there are several electronic devices around the earphone 22 that can communicate via Bluetooth, the earphone 22 communicates with the electronic device with the highest priority according to the priority information.

[0066] The specific structure of a smart device is as follows: The host 10 includes a housing 11, and further includes a first circuit board, a first contact 12, a first battery, a first Bluetooth module, a charging interface 13, a first control chip, a speaker, a microphone, a power switch 141, and function buttons 142, all disposed within the housing 11. The first contact 12, the first battery, the first Bluetooth module, the speaker, and the microphone are all electrically connected to the first control chip. The first control chip is an MCU, which stands for Microcontroller Unit.

[0067] The housing 11 is provided with a charging port 111, a first recessed hole, several sound outlet holes 112, and one or more microphone holes 113. The position of the charging port 111 corresponds to the charging interface 13, so that the charging interface 13 is exposed. At least a portion of the first contact 12 is disposed within the first recessed hole, or the position of the first contact 12 corresponds to the first recessed hole. The position of the sound outlet holes 112 corresponds to the speaker, and the position of the microphone holes 113 corresponds to the pickup.

[0068] In order to enable charging of smart devices when the storage box 21 is installed, the charging port 111 and the first clearance hole are located on different sides of the main unit 10. In this embodiment, the charging port 111 and the first clearance hole are located on opposite sides of the main unit 10, which facilitates charging when the earphone 22 module is installed on the main unit 10.

[0069] The storage box 21 includes a box body 211 and a lid 212. The box body 211 has a receiving cavity 2111, which provides storage space for the earphones 22. The lid 212 is movably connected to the box body 211 and is used to open or close the receiving cavity. The storage box 21 also includes a second contact 213, a third contact, and a power supply module disposed within the box body 211. The second contact 213 is electrically connected to the power supply module. The box body 211 has a second clearance hole, and at least a portion of the second contact 213 is disposed within the second clearance hole, or the position of the second contact 213 corresponds to the second clearance hole.

[0070] Each earphone 22 includes a sound-generating unit, a second battery, a second circuit board, a second control chip, a second Bluetooth module, a fourth contact, and a memory. The sound-generating unit, second battery, second Bluetooth module, fourth contact, and memory are electrically connected to the second control chip, which is located on the second circuit board. The sound-generating unit can be, but is not limited to, a dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, or a hybrid driver. The second control chip is a SOC chip. SOC stands for System on Chip. A SOC is a product, a dedicated integrated circuit containing a complete system and all embedded software. The second control chip is a microprocessor.

[0071] The following provides a headphone connection method based on an embodiment of the smart device in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0072] The headphone connection method is applied in a Bluetooth communication system, which includes a headphone device 20 and an electronic device. The electronic device is either the host device 10 or a peripheral device of a smart device. The peripheral device is any electronic device other than the host device 10, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer. The headphone device 20 includes a storage case 21 and a pair of earphones 22, which includes a main earphone 22 and a secondary earphone 22. The headphone device 20 is a TWS headphone device 20.

[0073] When the storage box 21 is installed on the main unit 10, the first contact 12 of the main unit 10 contacts the second contact 213 of the storage box 21, and the storage box 21 is in the installed state. When the storage box 21 is separated from the main unit 10, the first contact 12 of the main unit 10 separates from the second contact 213 of the storage box 21, and the storage box 21 is in the separated state. When the earphone 22 is placed inside the storage box 21, the third contact of the storage box 21 contacts the fourth contact of the earphone 22, and the earphone 22 is in the stored state. When the earphone 22 is removed from the storage box 21, the third contact of the storage box 21 separates from the fourth contact of the earphone 22, and the earphone 22 is in the removed state.

[0074] The headphone connection method is performed by headphone 22. Figure 6 The image illustrates part of the headphone connection method. The headphone connection method includes: S101: The earphone 22 determines whether the storage box 21 is in the installed or detached state; S201: Based on the state of the charging case 21, in response to the unchanged electrical signal inside the earphone 22 when the earphone 22 is taken out of the charging case 21, the earphone 22 performs different Bluetooth connection processing.

[0075] S201 includes: S2011: When the storage box 21 is installed on the host 10, that is, when the earphone 22 determines that the storage box 21 is in the installation state, the earphone 22 responds to the signal of disconnection from the contact of the storage box 21 and establishes a communication connection with the host 10 via Bluetooth. S2012: When the storage box 21 is separated from the host 10, the earphone 22 responds to the signal that the contact with the storage box 21 is disconnected, searches for an electronic device that can establish a communication connection via Bluetooth signal, determines an electronic device as the target connection device from the found electronic devices according to the pre-stored electronic device priority, sends a Bluetooth communication connection request to the target device, and establishes a communication connection with the target connection device via Bluetooth.

[0076] In this embodiment, the signal that the contact with the storage box 21 is disconnected refers to the signal that the fourth contact of the earphone 22 is disconnected from the third contact of the storage box 21.

[0077] Using step S2011, with the storage case 21 installed in the host 10, the earphone 22 is used in conjunction with the host 10 by default. When the earphone 22 is removed, it automatically establishes a communication connection with the host 10, eliminating the need for manual pairing or connection operations, saving operation time and conforming to user habits. Using step S012, with the storage case 21 separated from the host 10, the earphone 22 has a low probability of needing to connect to the host 10. The earphone 22 can then prioritize connecting to the higher-priority electronic device among those capable of establishing a communication connection, according to a priority list stored in the memory.

[0078] The headphone connection method of the present invention automatically selects the appropriate electronic device to establish a Bluetooth communication connection in different states of the storage box 21, which is more intelligent and meets the usage needs of most users in the corresponding scenarios, making it more convenient for users.

[0079] In one embodiment, S101 includes: S1011: When the earphone 22 detects a signal that the contact of the storage box 21 is connected to the contact of the host 10, it determines that the storage box 21 is installed in the host 10; in other words, when the earphone 22 detects a signal that the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are electrically connected, it determines that the storage box 21 is installed in the host 10. S1012: When the earphone 22 detects a signal that the contacts of the storage box 21 and the main unit 10 are disconnected, it determines that the storage box 21 is separated from the main unit 10; in other words, when the earphone 22 detects a signal that the first contact 12 and the second contact 213 are disconnected from the conductive connection, it determines that the storage box 21 is installed on the main unit 10.

[0080] In step S101, utilizing the characteristic that when the earphone 22 is inside the charging case 21, the fourth contact of the earphone 22 is electrically connected to the third contact of the charging case 21, and the fourth contact is electrically connected to the second contact 213 through the power supply module inside the charging case, the detectable electrical signals of the earphone 22 inside the charging case 21 are different when the second contact 213 is connected to the first contact 12 and when the second contact 213 is disconnected. This allows the earphone 22 inside the charging case 21 to determine the state of the charging case 21. Based on the structure of smart devices, determining the installation state of the charging case 21 through the earphone 22 is easier to implement compared to other methods.

[0081] In other embodiments, the state of the storage box 21 can also be detected by setting a sensing element between the storage box 21 and the host 10.

[0082] In this embodiment, in the device priority stored in the earphone 22 memory, the priority of peripheral devices is higher than that of host 10. If the electronic devices found in step S2012 include peripheral devices such as mobile phones and tablets, as well as host 10, then the earphone 22 will be taken out and connected to the peripheral devices first.

[0083] In one embodiment, S101 includes S1013, where S1013 is: when the storage box 21 is installed on the host 10, the host 10 controls the first battery to supply power to the second battery to meet the charging needs of the second battery.

[0084] After receiving a signal indicating that the contacts of the storage box 21 and the host 10 are connected, the host 10 directly controls the first battery to supply power to the second battery; or, after receiving a signal indicating that the contacts of the storage box 21 and the host 10 are connected, and after receiving an externally input charging command, the host 10 controls the first battery to supply power to the second battery. The charging command can be input to the host 10 by touching the screen, pressing a button, etc.

[0085] The following explains how the earphone 22 or the main unit 10 determines the status of the storage box 21: In one embodiment, the host 10 can obtain a signal indicating whether the contacts of the storage box 21 are connected or disconnected from the contacts of the host 10 at least in the following manner: Method 1: The host 10 actively detects whether the contact of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact of the host 10; Method 2: The earphone 22 detects a signal that the contact of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact of the host 10. The earphone 22 sends this signal to the host 10, and the host 10 receives the signal sent by the earphone 22 that the contact of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact of the host 10.

[0086] In one embodiment, the earphone 22 can obtain a signal indicating whether the contacts of the storage box 21 and the main unit 10 are connected or disconnected at least in the following manner: Method 1: The earphone 22 actively detects whether the contact point of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact point of the host 10; Method 2: The host 10 detects a signal that the contact of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact of the host 10. The host 10 sends this signal to the earphone 22, and the earphone 22 receives the signal sent by the earphone 22 that the contact of the storage box 21 is connected or disconnected from the contact of the host 10.

[0087] In one embodiment, in step S2012, the earphone 22 searches for electronic devices with which a communication connection can be established via Bluetooth signal. Determining an electronic device as the target connection device from among the found electronic devices, based on pre-stored electronic device priorities, includes: After finding an electronic device that can establish a communication connection, the earphone 22 compares the information of the found electronic device with the information in the pre-stored device priority list; when the information of at least some of the found electronic devices matches the information in the device priority list, the earphone 22 determines the electronic device with the highest priority among the multiple electronic devices as the target connection device.

[0088] In other words, peripheral devices have a higher priority than host 10, and connections are made to peripheral devices first. When there are more than two peripheral devices, connections are made to the peripheral device with the higher priority first. Of course, when there are more than two peripheral devices, connections can also be made to the peripheral device with the closest connection record.

[0089] In one embodiment, in step S2012, the earphone 22 determines an electronic device as the target connection device and establishes a communicative connection with the target connection device, including: When the earphone 22 detects the Bluetooth connection response signal of the peripheral device, it determines the peripheral device as the target connection device and establishes a communication connection with the peripheral device. When the headset 22 does not detect a Bluetooth connection response signal from the peripheral device, it determines that the host 10 is the peripheral device and establishes a communication connection with the host 10.

[0090] In other words, when the storage box 21 is detached, when the earphone 22 is taken out, the earphone 22 automatically prioritizes connecting to the peripheral device. When the peripheral device does not respond, the earphone 22 automatically reconnects to the host 10. This allows for scenarios where the earphone device 20 is detached from the host 10, accommodating the user's preference for independent use of the earphone device 20, and enables the earphone 22 to automatically connect to the peripheral device, making it more convenient for the user. In step S2012, the connection between the earphone 22 and the peripheral device or the host 10 is determined by the response of the peripheral device. This makes connecting the earphone 22 to electronic devices more convenient when there are many peripheral devices around the earphone 22.

[0091] In one embodiment, step S201 includes step S2013. If, after step S2012, the headset 22 is connected to the host 10 and the user needs to switch to a peripheral device other than the host 10, steps S2013 and S2014 are executed.

[0092] Step S2013 includes: when the storage box 21 is separated from the host 10 and the earphone 22 is in communication connection with the host 10, the earphone 22 responds to the disconnection signal of the host 10 and disconnects from the host 10.

[0093] Step 2014 includes: after disconnecting the communication connection with the host 10, establishing a communication connection with the peripheral device on the stored communication connection record.

[0094] S2014 can be executed after step S2013, or the Bluetooth of the headset 22 can be turned off after step S2013.

[0095] When S2014 is executed after step S2013, it can be understood that: when the headset device 20 is separated from the host 10 and the headset 22 is connected to the host 10, if the user needs to switch the headset 22 to connect to a peripheral device, they only need to click the switch button on the host 10. The host 10 will automatically disconnect from the headset 22. In response to the disconnection signal, the headset 22 will reconnect to the peripheral device according to the connection record, or connect to other electronic devices according to other rules. In this way, based on the host 10's active disconnection operation, more connection functions of the headset 22 can be realized to meet the needs of various usage scenarios.

[0096] In this embodiment, the connection between the host 10 and the headset 22 is disconnected by touching the virtual switch button on the display screen 15 of the host 10. In other embodiments, the connection between the host 10 and the headset 22 can also be disconnected by pressing the physical switch button on the host 10.

[0097] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0098] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0099] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0100] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for connecting headphones, characterized in that, include: When the storage box (21) is installed on the host (10), the earphone (22) communicates with the host (10) in response to a signal that the contact with the storage box (21) is disconnected; When the storage box (21) is separated from the host (10), the earphone (22) responds to the signal of disconnection from the contact of the storage box (21), searches for an electronic device that can establish a communication connection, and communicates with the electronic device; wherein, according to the stored device priority, one of the found electronic devices is determined as the target connection device, and a communication connection is established with the target connection device, wherein in the stored device priority, the priority of the peripheral device is higher than that of the host (10).

2. The headphone connection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of identifying one of the found electronic devices as the target connection device and establishing a communication connection with the target connection device includes: When the earphone (22) detects the Bluetooth connection response signal of the peripheral device, the earphone (22) determines the peripheral device as the target connection device and establishes a communication connection with the peripheral device; When the earphone (22) does not detect the Bluetooth connection response signal of the peripheral device, the earphone (22) determines the host (10) as the target connection device and establishes a communication connection with the host (10).

3. The headphone connection method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the storage box (21) is separated from the host (10) and the earphone (22) is in communication connection with the host (10), the earphone (22) disconnects from the host (10) in response to the disconnection signal of the host (10).

4. The headphone connection method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the earphone (22) disconnects from the host (10), it establishes a communication connection with the peripheral device on the stored communication connection record.

5. The headphone connection method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the earphone (22) detects a signal that the contact of the storage box (21) is connected to the contact of the host (10), the earphone (22) determines that the storage box (21) is installed in the host (10); When the earphone (22) detects a signal that the contact of the storage box (21) is disconnected from the contact of the host (10), the earphone (22) determines that the storage box (21) is separated from the host (10).

6. A smart device, characterized in that, For performing the headphone connection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the smart device includes: The host (10) includes a first contact (12) and a first battery; The headphone device (20) includes a storage case (21) and headphones (22); the storage case (21) includes a second contact (213); the headphones (22) include a second battery; The storage box (21) has an installed state and a detached state. When the storage box (21) is in the installed state, it is fixed relative to the host (10), and the first contact (12) is in contact with the second contact (213). When the storage box (21) is in the detached state, it is separated from the host (10), and the first contact (12) is separated from the second contact (213). When the storage box (21) is in the installed state and the earphone (22) is stored in the storage box (21), the first battery is used to charge the second battery.

7. The intelligent device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The host (10) includes a first Bluetooth module; the earphone (22) includes a second Bluetooth module.

8. The intelligent device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The storage box (21) includes a power supply module and a third contact; the power supply module is electrically connected to the second contact (213) and the power supply module is electrically connected to the third contact; The earphone (22) includes a fourth contact point; when the earphone (22) is in a retracted state, the third contact point is in contact with the fourth contact point.

9. The intelligent device according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The first contact (12) is a magnetic contact, and the second contact (213) is a magnetic contact; when the storage box (21) is in the installation state, the first contact (12) and the second contact (213) are attracted to each other by magnetic force so that the storage box (21) is relatively fixed to the host (10).

10. The intelligent device according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The host (10) includes a first control chip and a display screen (15). The first contact (12), the first battery, the first Bluetooth module, and the display screen (15) are electrically connected to the first control chip. The display screen (15) is a touch screen.

11. The intelligent device according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The host (10) includes a housing (11), and further includes a first control chip, a charging interface (13), a speaker, and a microphone disposed within the housing (11); the first battery, the first Bluetooth module, the speaker, and the microphone are electrically connected to the first control chip; the charging interface (13) is electrically connected to the first battery; the housing (11) is provided with a charging port (111), a sound outlet (112), and a sound receiving port (113), and the charging interface (13) is exposed through the charging port (111); the host (10) includes a switch button (141) and a function button (142) installed on the housing (11), and the switch button (141) and the function button (142) are connected to the first control chip; The storage box (21) includes a box body (211) and a box lid (212). The box body (211) has a receiving cavity (2111). The box lid (212) is movably connected to the box body (211). The box lid (212) can move relative to the box body (211) to open or close the receiving cavity (2111). The second contact (213) and the third contact are located on the box body (211). The earphone (22) includes a second control chip, and the second battery, the second Bluetooth module, and the power supply module are electrically connected to the second control chip respectively; when the storage box (21) is in the installed state and the earphone (22) is in the stored state, the first battery is electrically connected to the second battery.

Images