Earphone device with structural feature automatic detection function

Abstract

The application discloses an earphone device with a structure feature automatic detection function, wherein a method executed by the earphone device comprises: determining at least one structure feature of the earphone device; and adjusting at least one sound feature of the earphone device based on the determined at least one structure feature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of headphone devices. More specifically, this invention relates to methods performed by headphone devices, headphone devices themselves, and corresponding computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] Headphone devices (such as headphones, headsets, or hearing aids) have become everyday items and are now widely used. Their applications include personal life scenarios (such as listening to music, podcasts, or making phone calls), professional work scenarios (such as conducting business video calls or monitoring in sound and stage engineering), and medical scenarios (such as amplifying sound for people with hearing loss).

[0003] Headphones can be categorized into different ear-fitting types. For example, the first type is over-ear headphones, also known as full-coverage headphones or full-size headphones, where the earcups completely cover the ear. The second type is on-ear headphones, also known as on-ear headphones, where the earcups fit and press against the ear, rather than wrap around it. The third type is ear-hook headphones, also known as in-ear headphones, which are worn directly on the outer ear, facing the ear canal but not inserted into it. The fourth type is in-ear headphones, also known as in-ear headphones, which are inserted directly into the ear canal.

[0004] Furthermore, headphone devices can be categorized into different types of noise isolation. For example, the first type is closed-back headphones, whose design blocks a significant proportion of ambient sound. The second type is open-back headphones, whose design blocks a smaller proportion of ambient sound compared to closed-back headphones, thus allowing in more ambient noise, but also allowing more sound to leak out. The third type is semi-open-back headphones, whose design can be seen as a compromise between closed-back and open-back headphones. For over-ear and / or on-ear headphones, the noise isolation type primarily depends on the earcup type, such as closed-back, open-back, or semi-open-back. For ear-hook and / or in-ear headphones, the noise isolation type primarily depends on the ear tip type, such as closed-back, open-back, or semi-open-back.

[0005] Headphone manufacturers may design different products or models that differ primarily in ear fit and / or noise isolation, with all other aspects, especially in electronic hardware and software, being essentially identical. For example, a manufacturer might design one product as an over-ear headphone and another as an on-ear headphone; to reduce production costs, both products are essentially identical except for their respective earcups. Specifically, both products may use essentially the same electronic hardware and software. As another example, a manufacturer might design one product as a closed-back over-ear headphone and another as an open-back over-ear headphone; again, both products are essentially identical except for their respective earcups. Similarly, both products may use essentially the same electronic hardware and software. Furthermore, users can choose different configurations from a set of otherwise identical headphones. For example, users can choose the ear tip size for in-ear headphones based on comfort, and different ear tip sizes will result in different noise isolation levels; for instance, a looser fit will improve openness, while a tighter fit will improve closedness. However, in this case, the electronic hardware and software of the in-ear headphone device remain unchanged.

[0006] Especially in the aforementioned situations, it is often necessary to adjust the sound characteristics of the headphones based on the specific product, model, or configuration. More specifically, there is a desire to use different equalizer (EQ) settings based on the ear fit type and / or noise isolation type of a particular headphone to create a more comfortable listening experience. In this context, headphone users can typically configure their devices accordingly, for example, by selecting a specific ear fit type and / or noise isolation type based on the product, model, or configuration. However, this approach may cause inconvenience to users, thus degrading the user experience.

[0007] Based on the above background, there is a need to provide a headphone device with automatic configuration function, which does not require the user to manually specify the ear fit type and / or noise isolation type. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method. This method can be performed by an earphone device. The method may include:

[0009] Determine at least one structural feature of the headphone device;

[0010] Based on at least one of the identified structural features, adjust at least one sound feature of the headphone device.

[0011] In this invention, a headphone device is understood to be any device that can be worn on or around a user's head, and that includes at least one speaker driver unit for converting electrical audio signals into sound waves. Examples of headphone devices conforming to this definition specifically include headphones, over-ear headphones, and hearing aids.

[0012] In this invention, the structural features of a headphone device should be understood as any attribute determined by the structure, design, and / or configuration of the headphone device and related to its acoustic characteristics and / or wearing method. Examples of structural features conforming to this definition include ear fit types, namely, over-ear, on-ear, ear-hook, or in-ear types as mentioned above. Another example of a structural feature includes noise isolation types, namely, closed-back, open-back, or semi-open-back types as mentioned above.

[0013] In this invention, determining at least one structural feature should be understood as enabling any operation that defines at least one structural feature. For example, determining at least one structural feature may include performing one or more measurements, acquiring and / or analyzing one or more electrical signals, acquiring and / or processing one or more pieces of information, or any combination of the above operations.

[0014] In this invention, sound characteristics are understood to be any attribute related to the sound or sound waves generated by at least one speaker driver unit of the headphone device. Examples of sound characteristics conforming to this definition include the volume of the headphone device, i.e., the absolute volume of the sound or sound waves generated by at least one speaker driver unit, measured in dB or dB(A). Another example of a sound characteristic includes the frequency response of the headphone device, i.e., the relative volume of the sound or sound waves generated by at least one speaker driver unit at different frequencies. Yet another example of a sound characteristic includes a state or attribute related to the active noise cancellation function of the headphone device. For example, a state or attribute related to the active noise cancellation function may include an active noise cancellation function being on or off. As another example, a state or attribute related to the active noise cancellation function may include the noise reduction level of the active noise cancellation function, measured in dB or dB(A). According to the principle of active noise cancellation, at least one speaker driver unit of the headphone device can generate "anti-noise," i.e., a sound wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the background noise. Since this anti-noise can at least partially cancel out the actual background noise, it can suppress or weaken the background noise. Therefore, the states or properties associated with active noise cancellation are usually also related to the sound or sound waves generated by at least one speaker driver unit of the headphone device.

[0015] In this invention, adjusting at least one sound feature of the headphone device based on at least one determined structural feature should be understood as meaning that the at least one determined structural feature at least partially influences the adjustment of the at least one sound feature. For example, the adjustment of the at least one sound feature may depend on the at least one determined structural feature. As another example, the result of adjusting the at least one sound feature may be a function of the at least one determined structural feature.

[0016] By using the method according to the first aspect, automatic configuration of the headphone device can be achieved without the user manually specifying the ear fit type and / or noise isolation type. More specifically, the method of the present invention is performed by the headphone device, that is, the headphone device automatically determines at least one structural feature and adjusts at least one sound feature accordingly. Therefore, no user operation is required.

[0017] In the example, determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device may include analyzing the signal measured by the microphone of the headphone device.

[0018] In this process, analyzing the signal measured by the microphone of the headphone device may include analyzing the volume of the measured signal, i.e., the absolute volume of the signal, in units such as dB or dB(A). Alternatively, analyzing the measured signal may include analyzing the frequency characteristics of the measured signal, i.e., the relative volume of the signal at different frequencies. Alternatively, analyzing the measured signal may include comparing the signal measured by the microphone with at least one reference signal. For example, at least one reference signal may be a currently played signal converted into sound waves by at least one speaker driver unit of the headphone device. Another example is that at least one reference signal may be a stored reference signal stored in the memory of the headphone device. Yet another example is that at least one reference signal may be a signal measured by another microphone of the headphone device. Alternatively, analyzing the measured signal may include correcting the signal. For example, correcting the signal may include extracting a component of the signal. In this process, analyzing the signal measured by the microphone of the headphone device may also include analyzing the volume of the corrected signal, analyzing the frequency characteristics of the corrected signal, and / or comparing the corrected signal with at least one reference signal.

[0019] By analyzing the signals measured by the microphone of a headphone device, at least one structural feature of the headphone device can be determined in a convenient way for the user. For example, when the microphone is located on the earcups of an over-ear headphone device and is positioned closer to the ear when the user wears the device, by analyzing the volume of the signal measured by the microphone, analyzing the frequency characteristics of the measured signal, comparing the measured signal with at least one reference signal, correcting the signal, or using a combination of two or more of the above operations, it can be inferred that the over-ear headphone device is a closed-back, open-back, or semi-open headphone device. For example, if the volume of the measured signal is low and / or the frequency characteristics of the measured signal are dominated by low-frequency components, it indicates that the headphone device is a closed-back type. Conversely, if the volume of the measured signal is high and / or the frequency characteristics of the measured signal are basically balanced between high and low frequencies, it indicates that the headphone device is an open-back type. As another example, if the volume of the noise component in the measured signal is low and / or the frequency characteristics of the noise component are dominated by low-frequency components, it indicates that the headphone device is a closed-back type. Conversely, if the noise component has a high volume and / or the frequency response of the noise component remains basically balanced between high and low frequencies, it indicates that the headphone device is an open-back type. In this process, the noise component in the measured signal can be determined in a feasible way: by comparing the measured signal with a reference signal (such as the currently playing signal defined above), because the measured signal usually consists of two parts: one part is the currently playing signal generated by at least one speaker driver unit and picked up by the microphone, and the other part is the background noise received by the microphone.

[0020] Using a similar approach as described above, it's possible to deduce whether a headphone device is over-ear, on-ear, ear-hook, or in-ear. Furthermore, a similar approach can be used to deduce whether on-ear, ear-hook, or in-ear headphones are closed-back, open-back, or semi-open-back. Even if the microphone is positioned on the headphone device and faces the external environment when the user wears over-ear headphones, at least one structural feature of the headphone device can still be determined. In this case, as a feasible solution, the frequency characteristics of the currently played signal can be compared with the frequency characteristics of the signal measured by the microphone to deduce whether the headphone device is closed-back, open-back, or semi-open-back. For example, if the frequency characteristics of the measured signal contain more low-frequency components compared to the currently played signal, it indicates that the headphone device is a closed-back type. Conversely, if the frequency characteristics of the measured signal have a similar proportion of low-frequency components to the currently played signal, it indicates that the headphone device is an open-back type.

[0021] In the example, the microphone can be a microphone used for active noise cancellation in the headphone device. In other words, the microphone used to measure the signal to be analyzed to determine at least one structural feature of the headphone device can be the microphone used for active noise cancellation in the headphone device. Thus, at least one structural feature can be determined easily without incurring additional costs from additional components. Specifically, the active noise cancellation function itself requires a microphone, so this microphone can be used to determine at least one structural feature of the headphone device without the need for additional microphones. For example, the microphone can be a feedback microphone for the active noise cancellation function. For example, this feedback microphone can be located on the inside of the headphone device, i.e., the side closer to the ear when the user wears the headphone device. As another example, the microphone can be a feedforward microphone for the active noise cancellation function. For example, this feedforward microphone can be located on the outside of the headphone device, i.e., the side facing the external environment when the user wears the headphone device.

[0022] In the example, determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device may include determining the properties or state of electronic components integrated into the headphone device circuit board.

[0023] For example, an electronic component may be a built-in resistor on a circuit board, and determining the properties or state of the built-in resistor may include measuring its resistance value. As another example, an electronic component may be a dual in-line package (DIP) switch on a circuit board, and determining the properties or state of the DIP switch may include detecting the on / off state of the switch. Yet another example, an electronic component may be a pair of jumper pins on a circuit board, and determining the properties or state of the jumper pins may include determining whether the pins are shorted via a jumper. For example, an electronic component may be integrated into the circuit board of a headphone device, and the manufacturer may configure the electronic component according to at least one structural feature of the headphone device during the production or assembly process. For example, if the electronic component is a built-in resistor, different resistance values ​​may correspond to different structural features. For example, if the electronic component is a DIP switch, different on / off states may correspond to different structural features. For example, if the electronic component is a pair of jumper pins, whether the pins are shorted may correspond to different structural features. By determining the properties or state of electronic components integrated into the circuit board of a headphone device, at least one structural feature of the headphone device can be determined in a highly reliable manner.

[0024] In the example, determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device may include: determining the parameter values ​​of the computer program executed by the headphone device.

[0025] For example, the manufacturer can set this parameter value during the headphone device manufacturing process based on at least one structural feature of the headphone device. Different parameter values ​​may correspond to different structural features. For example, this parameter value may be stored in the headphone device's memory. By determining the parameter value of the computer program executed by the headphone device, at least one structural feature of the headphone device can be determined in a highly reliable manner.

[0026] In the example, at least one structural feature may be ear fitting type and / or sound insulation type. Thus, ear fitting type, sound insulation type, or both can be considered as at least one structural feature that needs to be determined.

[0027] In the example, determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device may include two or more of the following methods, especially all of them:

[0028] - Analyze the signals measured by the microphone of the headphone device;

[0029] - Determine the properties or status of electronic components integrated into the circuit board of the headphone device;

[0030] - Determine the parameter values ​​of the computer program executed by the headphone device.

[0031] Thus, the advantages of each of the methods mentioned above can be achieved simultaneously. For example, the ear fit type of a headphone device can be determined by determining the properties or state of the electronic components integrated into the headphone device's circuit board or by determining the parameter values ​​of the computer program executed by the headphone device; at the same time, the noise isolation type of the headphone device can be determined by analyzing the signal measured by the headphone device's microphone.

[0032] In the example, adjusting at least one sound characteristic of the headphone device may include adjusting the equalizer of the headphone device.

[0033] Therefore, non-ideal frequency response caused by at least one structural feature (such as a headphone device having a specific type of ear fit or a specific type of noise isolation) can be compensated, thereby creating a more comfortable listening experience for the user.

[0034] In the example, adjusting at least one sound characteristic of the headphone device may include adjusting the active noise cancellation function of the headphone device.

[0035] For example, adjusting the active noise cancellation function of headphones can be done by turning it on or off. Another example is adjusting the noise reduction level, measured in dB or dB(A). By adjusting the active noise cancellation function of headphones, it can be adapted to at least one structural feature (e.g., the headphones have a specific ear fit type or a specific sound isolation type), thereby creating a more comfortable listening experience for the user.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an earphone device. The earphone device may include:

[0037] A component used to define at least one structural feature of a headphone device;

[0038] A component for adjusting at least one sound characteristic of a headphone device based on at least one determined structural feature.

[0039] For example, a component for determining at least one structural feature of a headphone device may include a microphone. As another example, a component for determining at least one structural feature of a headphone device and / or a component for adjusting at least one sound feature of the headphone device based on the determined at least one structural feature may include a processor and a memory, the memory storing program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the headphone device to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0040] Any method step disclosed in the first aspect of this application, including specific information related to each method step, shall be deemed to be related to the components disclosed in the second aspect for performing the corresponding method steps, including specific information related to each method step.

[0041] The components or functions of the system according to the second aspect can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They may include one or more modules or units for implementing the corresponding functions. For example, they may include at least one processor for executing computer program code to implement the desired function, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both.

[0042] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium. This computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium of the third aspect may contain program instructions that, when executed by a headphone device of the second aspect, cause the headphone device to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0043] Computer-readable media can be media such as disks and memory. Program instructions can be encoded and stored in the computer-readable medium in the form of instructions. Computer-readable media can be used to participate in the operation of a device, for example, as the internal or external storage of a headphone device, such as read-only memory (ROM) or a hard disk; it can also be used for program distribution, for example, as an optical disc.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product. The computer program product of the fourth aspect may include a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a headphone device of the second aspect, cause the headphone device to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0045] Computer programs may be stored in computer-readable storage media, specifically, in tangible and / or non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Computer programs of the fourth aspect may in particular be stored in the non-transitory computer-readable media of the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Various aspects of the invention will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, these drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the invention while omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and illustrated in the following figures, wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the first aspect is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the headphone device according to the second aspect is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The detailed description below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, serves as a description of various different configurations. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of several different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by various different blocks, functional units, modules, elements, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, “elements”). Depending on the specific application, design constraints, or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Electronic hardware may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs) (e.g., flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this specification, such as sensors for sensing and / or recording the physical properties of the environment, devices, users, etc. Computer programs should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, programs, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other names.

[0051] The following is combined Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the method 10 according to the first aspect will be described. This method is performed by a headphone device, for example, in conjunction with the following... Figure 2 The described headphone device 20.

[0052] In step 11, at least one structural feature of the headphone device is determined. In an embodiment, the at least one structural feature is an ear fit type and / or a noise isolation type.

[0053] In step 12, based on at least one of the determined structural features, at least one sound feature of the headphone device is adjusted. In this embodiment, the equalizer and / or active noise cancellation function of the headphone device is adjusted.

[0054] Therefore, the headphone device can be automatically configured without the need for the user to manually specify the ear fit type and / or noise isolation type.

[0055] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the headphone device 20 according to the second aspect is illustrated schematically.

[0056] The headphone device 20 includes a microphone 21, a speaker 22, a processor 23, and a memory 24. In this specific example, the headphone device 20 is an over-ear headphone device, which includes earcups 25 and a support 26. The head and ears of the user wearing the headphone device 20 are schematically shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, for simplicity, only the left half of the device is shown. In some embodiments, the right half of the headphone device 20 (not shown) may be connected to... Figure 2 The left half shown is exactly the same. In other embodiments, the right half of the headphone device 20 may only be identical to the left half in external structure and appearance, and may not include... Figure 2 The left half shown may contain some or all of the components. Specifically, the right half may include additional microphones and additional speakers, but may not include additional processors and additional memory.

[0057] also, Figure 2 The headphone device 20 shown includes:

[0058] - A component used to define at least one structural feature of a headphone device;

[0059] - A component for adjusting at least one sound characteristic of a headphone device based on at least one determined structural feature.

[0060] The relevant content can be found in the above. Figure 1The method embodiment according to the first aspect. Specifically, the components for determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device include a microphone 21, a processor 23, and a memory 24. The memory 24 stores program instructions that, when executed by the processor 23, enable the headphone device 20 to determine at least one structural feature of itself. The components for adjusting at least one sound feature of the headphone device based on the determined at least one structural feature include the processor 23 and the memory 24. The memory 24 stores program instructions that, when executed by the processor 23, enable the headphone device 20 to adjust at least one sound feature of itself based on the determined at least one structural feature. When the speaker 22 emits sound by converting a corresponding electro-audio signal into sound waves, the emitted sound possesses the adjusted at least one sound feature.

[0061] In some embodiments of the headphone device 20, the microphone 21 is an active noise-canceling microphone, that is, the microphone 21 is used to implement the active noise cancellation (ANC) function of the headphone device 20. Specifically, the active noise-canceling microphone 21 can be a feedback microphone 21. Since the active noise cancellation function itself requires the configuration of the active noise-canceling microphone 21, at least one structural feature of the headphone device 20 can be determined using the active noise-canceling microphone 21 without the need for additional microphones, thereby saving costs.

[0062] In some embodiments, the headphone device 20 executes the process according to the first aspect of the method as follows: First, when the speaker 22 is not emitting sound waves, the headphone device 20 measures the signal collected by the microphone 21. At this time, it can be assumed that the collected signal consists primarily of background noise. Subsequently, the headphone device 20 analyzes the frequency characteristics of the collected signal and determines the noise isolation type and / or ear fit type of the headphone device 20 accordingly. For example, if the high-frequency portion of the collected signal is attenuated, it indicates that the headphone device is a closed-back noise isolation type and / or an over-ear ear fit type. After detecting that the device is a closed-back over-ear headphone device, the headphone device 20 adjusts the equalizer used by the speaker 22 accordingly. As a non-limiting example, the headphone device 20 may adjust the equalizer to reduce the high-frequency volume. In addition, after detecting that the device is a closed-back over-ear headphone device, the headphone device 20 may also adjust the noise cancellation function accordingly. As a non-limiting example, the headphone device 20 may enable the noise cancellation function and increase the noise cancellation level in the low-frequency range.

[0063] In some embodiments, the headphone device 20 may also measure the signal collected by the microphone 21 at the moment the speaker 22 emits sound waves. In this case, the collected signal can be considered to consist of the output signal of the speaker 22 and background noise. Subsequently, the headphone device 20 may remove the output signal of the speaker 22 from the collected signal, for example, by subtracting the proportionally converted signal of the electrical audio signal corresponding to the speaker 22 output signal from the collected signal. Afterwards, the headphone device 20 may use the corrected collected signal to continue performing operations according to the process described above, i.e., analyzing the frequency characteristics of the corrected collected signal and determining the noise isolation type and / or ear fit type of the headphone device 20.

[0064] In embodiments where microphone 21 is a feedback microphone 21 with active noise cancellation, the headphone device 20 may further include an additional feedforward microphone (not shown) with active noise cancellation, located on the outside of the headphone device, i.e., the side facing the external environment when the user wears the headphone device. In such cases, the headphone device 20 executes the procedure according to the first aspect of the method as follows: First, at a time when the speaker 22 is not emitting sound waves, the headphone device 20 measures the first signal acquired by the feedback microphone 21 and the second signal acquired by the feedforward microphone, respectively. Subsequently, the headphone device 20 subtracts the first signal from the second signal to obtain a corrected acquisition signal. Next, the headphone device 20 analyzes the frequency characteristics of the corrected acquisition signal and determines the noise isolation type and / or ear fit type of the headphone device 20 accordingly. For example, if the corrected acquisition signal contains essentially only high-frequency components, it can be indicated that the headphone device is a closed-back noise isolation type and / or an over-ear ear fit type. After detecting that the device is a closed-back over-ear headphone device, the headphone device 20 may continue to perform operations as described above, i.e., adjust the equalizer and active noise cancellation functions accordingly.

[0065] In some embodiments, the headphone device 20 uses only the microphone 21 to determine its own noise isolation type. In such cases, the headphone device 20 may not need to determine the ear fit type at all. Alternatively, the ear fit type of the headphone device 20 can be determined by determining the properties or state of electronic components (not shown) integrated into the headphone device circuit board (not shown). As a non-limiting example, the headphone device 20 may detect the resistance value of a built-in resistor on the circuit board, detect the on / off state of a dual in-line package (DIP) switch on the circuit board, or detect whether a jumper pin on the circuit board is shorted by a jumper. The aforementioned built-in resistor, DIP switch, or jumper pin may be configured by the manufacturer during the production or assembly of the headphone device 20 according to the ear fit type of the headphone device 20. For example, a first on / off state of the DIP switch may represent an over-ear headphone device, and a second on / off state may represent an on-ear headphone device. As another example, a first resistance value of the built-in resistor may represent an over-ear headphone device, and a second resistance value may represent an on-ear headphone device. Alternatively, the headphone device 20 can determine the ear fit type by determining the parameter values ​​of the computer program it executes. These parameter values ​​can be set by the manufacturer during the production of the headphone device 20, based on the ear fit type. For example, a first value of this parameter could represent an over-ear headphone device, and a second value could represent an on-ear headphone device. For example, these parameter values ​​can be stored in memory 23.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In some embodiments not shown, the headphone device may be an in-ear listening device with active noise cancellation and replaceable ear tips. The type of ear tips selected by the user determines whether the listening device's noise isolation type is open-back or closed-back. The listening device detects the noise isolation type via an active noise-canceling microphone and adjusts the equalizer and active noise cancellation accordingly.

[0067] Computer program

[0068] Furthermore, this application provides a computer program (product) including instructions that, when run by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method (method) described above, in detail in the "Detailed Description," and as defined in the claims. One or more (e.g., all) portions of the method of the present invention may be implemented in software form.

[0069] Computer-readable media

[0070] On the one hand, functionality can be stored on a tangible computer-readable medium or encoded as one or more instructions or codes on a tangible computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media suitable for storing computer programs containing program code that, when executed on a processing system, causes the data processing system to perform at least some (e.g., most or all) of the steps of the methods described above and defined in the claims.

[0071] By way of example, but not limitation, the aforementioned tangible computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to execute or store required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible by a computer. As used herein, disks include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein these disks typically magnetically copy data while simultaneously being optically copied using lasers. Combinations of the aforementioned disks should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. In addition to being stored on tangible media, computer programs may also be transmitted via transmission media such as wired or wireless links or networks such as the Internet and loaded into a data processing system for operation at a location different from that of tangible media. One or more (e.g., all) portions of the method of the present invention may be implemented in software form.

[0072] Data processing system

[0073] On one hand, the data processing system may include a processor adapted to execute the computer program, thereby causing the processor to perform at least some (or most or all) of the steps of the methods described above and defined in the claims. One or more (e.g., all) of the methods of the present invention may be implemented in software.

[0074] When appropriately replaced by a corresponding process, the structural features of the apparatus described above, in detail in the "Detailed Description" section, and as defined in the claims can be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention.

[0075] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” used herein include the plural forms (i.e., meaning “at least one”). It should be further understood that the terms “having,” “comprising,” and / or “including” as used in the specification indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be a direct connection or coupling to the other element, or there may be intermediate inserting elements. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0076] It should be understood that references to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or "may" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be suitably combined in one or more embodiments of the invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. Unless expressly stated, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated, the term "some" means one or more.

[0077] Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be determined based on the claims.

Claims

1. A method performed by an earphone device (20), the method comprising: Determine at least one structural feature of the headphone device; and Based on at least one of the determined structural features, adjust at least one sound feature of the headphone device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device includes: Analyze the signal measured by the microphone (21) of the headphone device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The microphone (21) is a microphone used for active noise cancellation in the headphone device (20).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device includes: Determine the properties or state of the electronic components integrated into the circuit board of the headphone device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Determining at least one structural feature of the headphone device includes: Determine the parameter values ​​of the computer program executed by the headphone device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one structural feature is an ear-fitting type and / or a sound-insulating type.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Adjusting at least one sound characteristic of the headphone device includes: Adjust the equalizer of the headphone device (20).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Adjusting at least one sound characteristic of the headphone device includes: Adjust the active noise cancellation function of the headphone device (20).

9. A headphone device (20), comprising: Components (21, 23, 24) used to determine at least one structural feature of the headphone device. and Components (23, 24) for adjusting at least one sound feature of the headphone device based on at least one determined structural feature.

10. A computer program product comprising a computer program having instructions that, when executed by a headphone device according to claim 9, cause the headphone device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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