An earphone configured to be held in a user's ear

Abstract

An earphone configured to be held in a user's ear, the earphone having a housing; the housing comprising at least two sub-housings; a first of the two sub-housings being provided with an earphone tip for insertion into an ear canal; a connector joining the two sub-housings; the connector providing a distance between the two sub-housings; each sub-housing having a width; the connector having a width that is narrower than the width of the part of the sub-housing to which the connector of the sub-housing is joined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ear-worn physiological monitoring devices, and in particular to an earphone structured to be supported in the user's ear. Background Technology

[0002] Personal audio devices such as headphones and earbuds were historically quite simple in purpose and function. Earbuds, in particular, consisted of small speakers powered by cables connected to a playback device. The speakers were disc-shaped, designed to cover the ear canal, and held in place by the tragus.

[0003] Smart headphones are much larger than traditional, non-smart headphones, and users cannot enjoy the stability and security that comes with wearing traditional headphones. One reason for making smart headphones larger is to accommodate batteries and antennas, since power and communication are no longer provided by cables.

[0004] Furthermore, smartphone manufacturers seem to be racing to cram more features into smart headphones, many of which are unrelated to audio output. Particularly popular are features for health monitoring in smart headphones. These features are certainly not insignificant, including assessing a user's gait, stress levels, sleep quality, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and more. Some of these features require the headphones to have numerous different sensors, such as photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for pulse measurement, eardrum temperature monitors, and accelerometers for step counting. Functions unrelated to physiology can include sensors for monitoring ambient noise, humidity, and heat. Needless to say, the operation of these sensors and electronics requires the headphones to also have memory and a processor.

[0005] Figure 4 Two images show existing smart earphones worn by a user. The left image shows the earphone located in the concha, but with a significant portion extending outside the ear, held in place by the ear tip in the ear canal, extending further and folding downwards to cover the antitragus, and extending alongside part of the earlobe. As shown in the right image, if the user tilts their head, the earphone can easily fall out of the ear because the center of gravity is almost outside the ear. If the user's head rests on the earphone while sleeping, the antitragus is pinched or pressed by the earphone portion outside the ear.

[0006] Attempts to improve the comfort and stability of users wearing large smart headphones have focused primarily on proposing novel headphone shapes, guided by one or the other of two general approaches.

[0007] Figure 5This is an illustration of a method that provides space for batteries, electronic components, sensors, etc., in headphones by extending the headphone shell along a plane. The ear opens like a funnel around the ear canal. Headphones are worn by inserting the end of the earphone into the ear canal, so that the plane of the headphone is as close as possible to the upward-sloping surface of the "funnel." However, the larger the headphone, the more of it protrudes from the ear. Therefore, headphones can easily fall out of the ear. Figure 6 This is a diagram of another approach, which simply integrates the contents of the earphone as close as possible to the bottom of the concha. However, inevitably, a portion of the smart earphone extends above the tragus, and if the end of the earphone becomes loose from the ear canal, it can easily slide over the tragus.

[0008] No method can produce headphones that contain all or most of the necessary electronics and sensors in a way that allows them to fit comfortably and securely for extended periods, including during sleep. Little attention seems to be paid to the shape and size of the headphones for long-term, even bedtime, comfort. In particular, no existing headphone design reduces the likelihood of an unconscious, sleeping user accidentally rubbing the headphones off.

[0009] It should be noted that it would be a serious mistake to assume that future technological advancements would allow for smaller ear-worn devices without sacrificing functionality. This is because there will be more sophisticated components and sensors to fit into smart headphones, and the need for larger battery capacity will offset any potential capacity increases, allowing for full utilization of available space once again.

[0010] Some health issues, such as sleep patterns, may only be assessed after a user has been monitored or observed for an extended period. Users attempt to wear their smart headphones almost continuously, even in bed, simply to monitor their sleep quality.

[0011] In this regard, smart headphones that can be safely worn during sleep may offer a potential solution to the difficulties of conducting clinical sleep research. Currently, spending the night in a well-equipped sleep clinic is already very expensive. However, this expense is completely wasted if a patient who already has difficulty falling asleep remains awake throughout the study because they cannot fully relax and fall asleep in the unfamiliar clinic environment. Smart headphones that allow patients to receive full or partial monitoring of the study at home in the comfort of their own bed could reduce the number of failed sleep studies. However, any existing technology device in the ear will eventually become a source of discomfort, and this uncomfortable wearing can easily dislodge when the head moves against the pillow during sleep. In particular, children react strongly to discomfort and may try to remove the device multiple times, thus interfering with the study.

[0012] We hope to propose improvements to the headphones to alleviate some of the issues or limitations discussed. In particular, we hope to propose comfortable headphones that can be worn comfortably while sleeping, while reducing the likelihood of them accidentally slipping off.

[0013] Publish utility model content

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention proposes an earphone configured to be supported in a user's ear; the earphone has a housing comprising: a lower sub-housing and an upper sub-housing connected by a neck; the lower sub-housing is provided with a mouth for holding in place in the ear canal, such that the upper sub-housing is held in place by passing over the neck of the helix crus; the neck has a width narrower than the width of the portion to which the sub-housing connector is connected, and a thickness thinner than the thickness of the sub-housing; the earphone has an overall length and thickness such that the earphone is located within the cartilaginous ridge surrounding the cymba conchae and the conchae cavity.

[0015] Embodiments of this invention provide the possibility of placing the earphone shell within the two cavities of the ear structure, thus preventing the earphone from protruding outside the ear. This reduces the likelihood of the earphone falling out of the ear. Furthermore, the ridge surrounding the earphone protects it from pressure from large surfaces and allows the user to rest their head on the ear with the earpiece inside without feeling any pressure pushing the earpiece in. This provides the possibility of earphones that can be worn for extended periods, especially at night, and are suitable for irritable children, thus enabling effective nighttime health monitoring. Moreover, since the earphones can collect user data throughout the night, users can monitor sleep disorders in the comfort of their own homes without having to visit a sleep clinic.

[0016] Preferably, the central high point extends linearly from the lower sub-shell to the upper sub-shell on the side away from the user when the headphones are worn.

[0017] Preferably, the neck of the earphone is able to bend and maintain its bent shape.

[0018] Preferably, each sub-shell has a length; the neck and the lengths of the two sub-shells have a combined length; such that one sub-shell can abut against any point along the user's tragus, intertragusal notch and antitragus; and the other sub-shell can abut against the user's antihelix.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention proposes a method for securing an earphone in a user's ear, comprising the following steps: providing an earphone in the form of two sub-shells; connecting the two sub-shells by a bridging member; distributing components for enabling the earphone to operate within the sub-shells; providing an earphone end to one of the sub-shells such that when the earphone end is inserted into the user's ear canal, the other sub-shell remains in place above the ear canal; wherein the bridging member holds the other sub-shell in place within the edge of the antihelix of the ear.

[0020] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps: providing an earphone in the form of two sub-shells; connecting the two sub-shells by a bridging member that is elastic such that if the two sub-shells are pressed close to each other, the bridging member is biased toward separating the two sub-shells; placing one sub-shell against a cartilaginous ridge surrounding the concha; placing the other sub-shell against a cartilaginous ridge of the antihelix; such that the earphone is held in place by the sub-shells against their respective cartilaginous ridges, rather than by the ear canal. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To facilitate further explanation of this utility model, possible embodiments will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar parts. This utility model may also have other embodiments; therefore, the specificity of the drawings should not be construed as replacing the foregoing general description of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 1 The illustration shows an in-ear headphone according to the prior art; Figure 2 The illustration shows headphones according to existing technology; Figure 3 The illustration shows a smart headset that can be worn to sleep based on existing technology; Figure 4 The illustration shows a smart earphone made with existing technology that is worn on the ear; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a general method for improving existing technology; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another general method for improving existing technology; Figure 7 The first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the anatomical structure of the outer ear. Figure 7 The embodiments can be worn on it; Figure 9 It is a line drawing showing relevant parts of the anatomical structure of the outer ear, used to explain how to wear items such as... Figure 7 The example shown; Figure 10 The illustration shows how to wear it. Figure 7 Examples; Figure 11 The diagram shows Figure 7 How can the embodiments be adjusted when worn? Figure 12 The diagram shows Figure 11 The opposite of the illustrations in the text, and a comparative example; Figure 13 The diagram shows Figure 7 Variations of the embodiments; Figure 14 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 15 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 16 The diagram shows Figure 15 Use of the embodiments; Figure 17 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 18 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 19 The diagram shows Figure 7 Components inside the embodiment; Figure 20 The diagram shows a battery, which is Figure 7 One of the internal components of the embodiment; Figure 21 yes Figure 15 Photographs of the prototype of the embodiment; Figure 22 It is user wearable Figure 21 A photo of the prototype; Figure 23 It was worn by another user. Figure 21 A photo of the prototype; Figure 24 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 25 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 26 A more detailed illustration is provided. Figure 25 Examples; Figure 27 The diagram shows Figure 7 Another variation of the embodiment; Figure 28 The diagram shows Figure 7 Further variations of the embodiments; Figure 29 It shows Figure 14 Two photographs of the prototype of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Terms related to wearable personal audio devices include headphones, in-ear headphones, and more recently, Apple EarPods. However, in general, in-ear headphones refer to disc-shaped audio speakers that sit at the opening of the ear canal without entering it. Headphones, on the other hand, are audio devices with a mouthpiece that can be inserted into the ear canal. This mouthpiece is typically covered with a soft material, referred to as the headphone tip.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, showing the headphones from three perspectives. The left side is the front view, which is the view of the outer side of the headphones worn in the user's ear as seen by someone standing next to the user. The rear view is the opposite, inner side, but is not shown. The inner side of the headphones is the side facing the user. Figure 7 The view on the right is a side view, showing the thickness of the earphone. The earphone end is shown as being located on the inside of the earphone, with the mouth extending from the inner surface covered and not visible by the earphone end. The top is a top view or plan view.

[0025] The headphones include a split housing. A preferred configuration of the split housing includes two sub-housings connected by a connector in the form of a slim neck 101. As seen in the front view, the neck is much narrower than the width of both sub-housings. As seen in the side view, the neck is also much thinner than the sub-housings.

[0026] The length of the earphone, denoted by x, includes the lengths of the two sub-shells and the length of the neck in the middle. The length of the neck between the two sub-shells is denoted by w. The width of the sub-shells is denoted by y, while the slender width of the neck is denoted by z. The sub-shells have a thickness denoted by p, and the thickness of the neck is denoted by q. The neck is shown as connecting the two sub-shells at a middle depth of p. However, there are other preferred points for connecting the neck and sub-shells, which will be described in subsequent paragraphs.

[0027] The sub-shell extending from the mouth is called the lower sub-shell 105. Therefore, the other sub-shell is the upper sub-shell 107. The mouth 811 is covered with a replaceable earphone tip 103, also known as ear glue, which is typically a silicone cap for the mouth 811. When inserted into the ear canal, the earphone tip 103 fills the space between the outer periphery of the mouth and the ear canal wall. If the ear canal opening is too large or too small, the earphone tip 103 can be replaced with another earphone tip 103 of a different size. Furthermore, the earphone tip provides cushioning to prevent the mouth from being forcefully pressed into the ear canal wall and to prevent the mouth from chafing the ear canal. The earphone tip also isolates the environment deep within the ear canal from ambient noise and light. Typically, the silicone material does not obstruct the sensors in the earphone from monitoring the user. However, the placement of the sensors should be carefully selected so that each sensor can operate as efficiently as possible.

[0028] Preferably, the entire earphone is made of a rigid thermoplastic material, making the earphone rigid in shape except for the earphone end 103. Examples of preferred materials include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PC (polycarbonate), or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). That is, the two sub-shells, the neck 101 therebetween, and the mouthpiece are all rigid in shape.

[0029] In most embodiments, the upper sub-shell 107 and the lower sub-shell 105 have the same length and width. In some embodiments, the upper sub-shell 107 and the lower sub-shell 105 have different lengths, widths, or thicknesses, or even different shapes.

[0030] The earphones are worn by inserting the earphone end 103 into the ear canal, which securely holds the mouth in place within the ear canal. This fixes the lower sub-shell 105 in the concha cavity 1017, while the upper sub-shell 107 is lifted upwards from the neck.

[0031] The entire visible part of the ear on the head is called the "outer ear," while the inner ear is not visible inside the head. The entire outer ear is a cartilaginous structure, containing several raised cartilaginous ridges that surround the ear canal. Between the ridges are cavities. The floor of these cavities is also mostly cartilaginous.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an anatomical diagram of the outer ear, provided for the reader's reference, as certain parts of the ear will be mentioned several times in the following paragraphs. Figure 8 The following parts can be seen in the ear canal: antihelix 1001, helix 1003, cymba conchae 1005, superior crus of antihelix 1007, triangular fossa 1009, inferior crus of antihelix 1011, crus of helix 1013, tragus 1015, conchae cavity 1017, intertragic notch 1019, earlobe 1021, and antitragus 1023. The tragus 1015 is a small, pointed ridge in the external ear located anterior to the conchae cavity 1017, protruding posteriorly beyond the ear canal. The nearby antitragus 1023 protrudes anteriorly and superiorly. The opening of the ear canal 1025 is... Figure 8 It is not visible in the ear, but a skilled reader can understand that the ear canal 1025 is typically located behind the tragus 1015 and extends into the inner ear.

[0033] The ear has a structure that resembles a funnel, opening by extending upwards, backwards, downwards, but only slightly forwards away from the person and also away from the ear canal. When the ear is turned to the side so that the ear canal faces upwards, the ear can also be described as resembling a cradle. Figure 9 The illustration depicts the ridge most relevant to understanding the wearing of the embodiment, arranged in a schematic manner that resembles a cradle.

[0034] More specifically, Figure 9 It is a schematic line drawing of the ridges and cavities within plane AA. Figure 9The lines in the diagram represent these ridges and cavities: earlobe 1021 (not a true ridge), antitragus 1023, concha 1017, crus of helix 1013, tragus 1015, inferior crus of antihelix 1011, antihelix 1001, triangular fossa 1009, superior crus of antihelix 1007, and helix 1003.

[0035] Figure 9 Not all ridges or canals are shown because plane AA does not cut through some ridges, such as the tragus 1015. However, although the ear canal 1025 is not within plane AA, it is depicted as a circle, as this is unlikely to confuse any reader. The helix crus 1013 are indicated by the thickest line at the center of the diagram.

[0036] The cartilaginous ridges of the ear are not all of the same hardness. Generally, the further away from the ear canal, the softer the cartilage. Typically, the crus of the helix 1013 and the antihelix 1001 are the stiffest and strongest ridges, which resist deformation well.

[0037] The conchae cavity 1017 is the cavity below the crus of the helix 1013, and the cymba conchae 1005 is the cavity above the crus of the helix 1013.

[0038] The concha 1005 is surrounded by the helix foot 1013 at the bottom, by the antihelix 1001 at the top and rear, and by the lower foot 1011 at the front. A suitably sized object placed in the concha 1005 is protected by the ridge from pressure from objects with large surfaces, but fingers can be inserted into the concha 1005 to remove such an object.

[0039] The concha 1017 is a cavity that extends slightly deeper into the head, located behind the jawbone, and is surrounded anteriorly by the tragus 1015, laterally and posteriorly by the antitragus 1023, and topped by the crus of the helix 1013. Appropriately sized objects placed in the concha 1017 are protected by these ridges and the greater depth of the cavity.

[0040] Therefore, "support" includes the following meanings: protected or shielded by the height of the surrounding cartilaginous ridges or by the sides and edges of the cartilaginous cavity, so as to prevent it from being compressed by a larger surface or object.

[0041] like Figure 10 As shown, the lower subshell is placed in the concha 1017 and supported by the concha 1017 and the surrounding tragus 1015, antitragus 1023, and crus of the helix 1013, wherein the mouth is held in place in the ear canal. The upper subshell is placed in the cymba concha 1005 and supported by the cymba concha 1005 and surrounded by the antitragus 1023, antihelix 1001, and the lower crus of the antihelix 1011 extending from the antihelix 1001. Figure 10The top insert diagram illustrates how the construction of the two sub-shells allows the headphones to be placed close to the outer ear surface within the concha 1017 and cymba concha 1005 when the user is standing upright. This keeps the headphone's center of gravity inside the outer ear and reduces the tendency for the headphones to fall out or be rubbed off.

[0042] More generally, however, the entire earphone, from the farthest edge of the lower sub-shell 105 to the farthest edge of the upper sub-shell 107, is fitted within the cartilaginous ridges surrounding both the cymba conchae 1005 and the cavum conchae 1017. In other words, the earphone is supported within an external cradle formed by the external ridges, including the portion at the bottom of the cavum conchae 1017 at one end and the surrounding antitragus 1023 and tragus 1015, and the antihelix 1001 and the lower antihelix 1011 at the other end.

[0043] Figure 10 A dashed line is shown indicating an invisible plane roughly defined by the antitragus 1023, the antihelix 1001, and the lower foot of the antihelix 1011, beneath which the earphone is located. This prevents or reduces any accidental scraping of the earphone, whether by a pillow or the user's hair, which could cause the earphone to leave its position in the ear canal.

[0044] For convenience, when referring to the "cradle" in the remainder of this specification, the antihelix 1001 is mentioned as also including the lower antihelix 1011, both sharing the same edge. Furthermore, the antitragus 1023 is mentioned as also including the tragus, since both surround the same base of the concha 1017. This base may also be described as being formed by the user's tragus, intertragic notch, and antitragus.

[0045] The helix 1003 and earlobe 1021 on the outer edge of the ear are the softer parts of the ear. However, even under pressure, these parts resist deformation and flattening. The thickness of these parts provides a minimum distance between the cavity and any hard surface the ear might lie on, ensuring that the surface cannot press against the earphone held within the ridge.

[0046] Therefore, the concha 1005 and concha 1017 are very good places to protect the subshell of the headphones from external factors, and the user can sleep with his ears resting on a large surface such as a pillow without feeling the headphones being pressed into his ears.

[0047] In addition to fitting the headphones into the cradle of the spine, the headphones should also be kept away from pressing on the helix base 1013. This is possible with a narrow, slender neck. The neck has only a small surface area that risks pressing on the helix base 1013, but this can be avoided by repositioning the headphones. Figure 11Includes three diagrams showing three angles the earphone can rotate around the ear canal to extend over different portions of the helix foot 1013. However, the thinness or slenderness of the neck is not the only factor that helps prevent the neck from pressing against the helix foot 1013. The neck is also quite thin in the side view, which provides the possibility of extending over a larger portion of the helix foot 1013 without contact.

[0048] Normally, the helix foot 1013 tapers from the front edge of the ear, extends across the concha to approximately one-half to two-thirds of its length, and then disappears. In the left image, the earphone neck contacts the thicker part of the helix foot 1013. However, the middle image shows the earphone at an angle where the neck does not contact the helix foot 1013. The left image shows the neck significantly higher than the helix foot 1013. Users may prefer the position shown in the middle image for placing the upper shell within the concha sac 1005.

[0049] Figure 12 The comparison example shows that the wide neck has almost no room to avoid the helix foot 1013.

[0050] Figure 13 A variation of this embodiment is shown, wherein the neck is narrower in the middle than at the end connected to the sub-shell. In the side view, the neck is also thinner in the middle than at the end. This embodiment also provides a good opportunity to avoid contact with the helix foot 1013 when the sub-shell is received in the concha sac 1005 and concha cavum 1017.

[0051] Figure 14 An embodiment is shown where the neck bends backward towards the user when worn. The bend of the neck follows the inner edge of the antihelix 1001, which avoids the helix foot 1013 because the helix foot 1013 should have disappeared into the concha. The dashed line on the outer portion of the bend of the neck indicates the preferred location of the antenna 814, and the solid line shows how the wire 813 extends between the two sub-shells.

[0052] Figure 15 An embodiment is shown where the neckpiece connects to the lower sub-shell at a point almost flush with the outer side of the earphone. The other end of the neckpiece connects to the upper sub-shell at a point almost flush with the inner side of the earphone. This embodiment resembles the letter S when viewed from the side. This construction is suitable for ears with a very steep funnel shape, meaning that the outward tilt of the ear structure relative to the vertical plane of the user's head is very sharp, starting from the ear canal. Therefore, as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram on the right, because the angle is closer to vertical, therefore Figure 15 In this embodiment, the neck makes it easier to lift the upper sub-shell. Figure 16 The left image shows how an embodiment with the neck almost flush with the outer sides of both sub-shells has a more outward tilt angle, which is less helpful in keeping the headphones securely in the cradle than the right image.

[0053] Figure 17 It shows Figure 15 A variation of the embodiment, in which one sub-shell is rotatable around the neck, allows the headphones to... Figure 16 The conversion between the two possible constructions shown.

[0054] Figure 18 An embodiment is shown in which the mouthpiece and earphone tip on the lower sub-shell have a sharper angle relative to the rear surface of the lower sub-shell, causing the earphone axis to tilt approximately inward toward the ear. This sharper angle does not cause discomfort when pressed into the ear, as the user can rotate the earphone around the ear canal to find an orientation that avoids pressing on the helix foot 1013. Alternatively, this feature offers the potential advantage of increasing the likelihood of wearing the upper sub-shell tilted inward, reducing the chance of the upper sub-shell accidentally protruding from the ear even if worn incorrectly.

[0055] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of some electronic components that can be installed in an actual product based on this embodiment. The actual number and type of components depend on the functions the manufacturer wants the headphones to provide.

[0056] Figure 19 A wireless rechargeable battery 809 installed in the upper sub-casing 107 is also shown. Figure 20 The illustration shows a battery 809 with a diameter of 9.7 mm and a thickness of 4.7 mm, and in at least this embodiment, it occupies the entire upper sub-casing with a diameter of approximately 10 mm and a thickness of approximately 5 mm. The battery 809 weighs slightly less than 1 g. The dimensions of the battery 809 used in the prototype are provided in this description so that a skilled reader can understand how large the battery 809 might be and appreciate the challenges of fitting such a battery 809, along with all the necessary components, into headphones of a size suitable for prolonged wear on the ear.

[0057] Because the interconnections between electronic components are typically provided by very fine wires that perform best over short distances, most electronic components are housed in the lower sub-housing 105 for integration. However, in some embodiments, some electronic components (not shown) may be housed in the upper sub-housing 107. In other, less preferred embodiments, the battery 809 is housed in the lower housing, while the upper housing contains most of the electronic components.

[0058] Figure 19The diagram shows a speaker 801, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone 803, a printed circuit board (PCB) 805, and various sensors 807 mounted within the lower sub-housing 105. A wire or cable 813 for connecting a battery 809 to components within the lower sub-housing 105 is laid inside the slim neck 101. An antenna 814 is also housed within the neck. Preferably, the antenna 814 is located near the outer side of the earpiece, while the cable 813 is on the inner side.

[0059] Such as about Figure 14 As mentioned, the antenna is preferably placed inside the neck and facing the back of the ear.

[0060] In addition, to avoid interference between the wires and the antenna inside the neck, a shielding material (not shown) is provided to separate the wires from the antenna. More preferably, the shielding material wraps around the wires like a sheath (not shown).

[0061] Sensors in the earphones may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and electrodes 2601, a 3-axis accelerometer for motion and gait detection, a user contact module such as a skin detector, an infrared detector for tympanic membrane temperature measurement, and so on. Different sensors 807 can be placed in various locations within either of the two sub-housings, depending on the type and purpose of each sensor. For example, the mouth 811 in the lower sub-housing 105 has sensors that can sense the user's physiological state from inside the ear canal. For example, the mouth 811 may be equipped with sensors that can be included among many sensors, such as a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor or an infrared temperature sensor, where the PPG sensor is a light-based pulse detector. Sensors that do not need to be placed in the ear canal include an ECG monitor that only requires skin contact with two electrodes 2601, and an accelerometer for motion detection.

[0062] Without needing illustrations, a technically literate reader will understand that headphones also include processors and memory to power the components within the headphones, communication modules for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., and non-audio function modules. Electronic components enable the headphones to convert data transmitted from a mobile phone (phone) into sound emitted by the speaker, and to apply other data to other functions, including sensor operation and calibration. Headphones also include a microphone for collecting sound from the user and converting the sound waves into a transmittable data stream for transmission to the mobile phone for further remote transmission.

[0063] Since it contains no or few electronic components and no battery, the upper sub-shell 107 can be made small enough to be supported within or held in place within the concha 1005 without protruding or protruding excessively beyond the ridge and risking being rubbed off. Similarly, since it mainly comprises electronic components and does not contain a battery, the lower sub-shell can be made small enough to be accommodated within the concha 1017 without protruding or protruding excessively beyond the ridge and risking being rubbed off.

[0064] Figure 21 This is a photograph of a prototype embodiment of this utility model. Figure 22 It is a photo of a male model wearing the prototype. Figure 23 It's a photo of a female model wearing the same prototype. Figure 22 and Figure 23 It can be clearly seen how the two sub-shells can span the cavity, but the earphone remains within the outer ridges of the tragus and antihelix.

[0065] Figure 24 An embodiment where the neck is not rigid is shown. Instead, the neck is flexible but relatively stiff and maintains its shape after the user bends it. This can be achieved, for example, by making the neck with a soft rubber material and inserting a thick wire rod, such as tin wire, inside the rubber. The wire can provide a structure for the user to bend and straighten it again. After the user inserts the earphone end on the lower sub-shell into the ear canal, they simply push the upper sub-shell. In this case, the upper sub-shell can move deeper into the concha 1005.

[0066] Because these embodiments are suitable for prolonged wear in the ear and have a low risk of being rubbed off by a sleeping user, they can now be equipped with sensors requiring long-term monitoring, such as those used in sleep research. For example, electrodes 2601 for detecting brain waves can be positioned inside the earpiece. Therefore, Figure 25 An embodiment is shown where the inner side of each sub-housing has a convex shape. Electrode 2601 can be placed on the convex surface to ensure the most constant and uninterrupted contact possible. Since there is no protrusion beyond the ridge, the convex side of the sub-housing is very unlikely to be forcefully pressed into the cavity.

[0067] Figure 26Three electrodes 2601 with varying electrode widths are shown, surrounding the convex surface of the lower sub-shell. Wider widths are used on the side of the convex surface that is more prone to wobbling or movement, reducing the chance of interrupted contact with the ear. Additionally, three other electrodes 2601 are provided surrounding a specially designed earphone end. The upper sub-shell provides electrodes 2601 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the neck, increasing the likelihood that all electrodes 2601 will maintain ridge contact with the bottom or sides of the cavity should the earphone potentially move around the axis of the neck. This is not to imply strict adherence to the electrode example, and the arrangement of electrodes 2601 on one sub-shell can be used for another sub-shell.

[0068] Figure 27 A variation of this embodiment is shown, in which the upper housing is covered with padding 2701 for greater comfort.

[0069] In applications where smart earphones have electrodes 2601 for electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement, a brain-controlled mouse can replace a computer mouse using two earphones or just one earphone.

[0070] Figure 28 Different variations of the embodiment are shown. These variations have a flexible but resilient neck that springs back to straight after being bent. The upper figure shows an embodiment in front view. However, the lower figure shows another embodiment in side view. Both figures show two reversible configurations of the embodiment. Pressure can be applied to the earphone to bend the neck and then insert it into the desired cavity. When the pressure is released, the bias force in the earphone will cause the earphone to attempt to bounce back to its original shape, but the edges of the two sub-shells press against the associated ridges. Thus, the earphone is held in place by the strength of the ridges against the unreleased bias pressure. Therefore, the mouth does not need to be held tightly in place in the ear canal as in the prior embodiments. These embodiments are less comfortable than embodiments that rely on the mouth to be stably held in place in the ear canal. However, these embodiments can provide the same benefit of being protected within the larger cavity of the antihelix and antitragus 1023. Because the earphone is secured by the expanding bias of the sub-shells against the antihelix and antitragus 1023, another benefit is that the earphone end can be made thinner so that it is inserted into the ear canal less tightly.

[0071] Smart earphones with health monitoring capabilities that use PPG technology to read a user's pulse can benefit from wearing loosely fitted earpiece ends 103. Generally, PPG technology uses at least one light emitter to send light of a predetermined wavelength into the walls of the ear canal 1401 (or multiple light emitters, each sending light of a predetermined wavelength into the walls of the ear canal). The light scatters along a trajectory in all directions within the tissue, and a statistical portion re-enters the ear canal 1401, where it is detected by one or more sensors. This wavelength is readily absorbed by components in oxygenated blood. Therefore, the user's pulse is represented by sensing fluctuations in light absorption. When the heart contracts, the body is filled with oxygenated blood, which absorbs a large amount of light. Therefore, the sensors detect very little light emanating from the walls of the ear canal 1401. When the heart expands and pumps blood, there is very little oxygenated blood in the body to absorb backscattered light, and the sensors detect more light. The pulse can be interpreted to infer certain health conditions. For example, a person's blood pressure has been inferred from the shape of the pulse. Furthermore, low variance in the pulse shape has been found to indicate strong mental or emotional stress.

[0072] However, manufacturers of existing ear-worn pulse monitors, also known as heart rate sensors, follow the instruction to fill the ear canal 1401 as securely as possible with the earpiece end 103. This is because practitioners of the prior art believe that a secure attachment reduces the minute, random movement of the earpiece in the ear caused by user activity. However, a securely inserted earpiece end 103 exerts pressure against the ear canal 1401, which can disrupt normal blood flow in the ear.

[0073] The PPG sensor, positioned on the mouth 811 and emitting and sensing backscattered light, is not as sensitive to small positional displacements within the sub-millimeter range as reduced blood flow caused by pressure applied to the ear canal wall, unless this displacement allows ambient light to enter the ear canal 1401 and randomly disables the sensor. However, continuous pressure applied against the tissue of the ear canal 1401 slowly restricts blood flow. As a result, PPG sensing becomes increasingly inaccurate, often going unnoticed until the latest data is clearly unusable, thus wasting considerable time.

[0074] To avoid uncertainty, it is important to note that by choosing the appropriate size, design, and material for the earphone end, a loose-fitting mouth can still provide good sound insulation and light blocking within the ear canal 1401.

[0075] Figure 29 The two photographs show a prototype of another embodiment. In this prototype, the neck is curved, the inner side of the upper sub-shell is almost flush with the neck, and the outer side of the lower sub-shell is almost flush with the neck.

[0076] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations or modifications in the details of design, structure or operation may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0077] For example, although the earphones are described as a pair in the embodiments, only one earphone in a pair may be constructed according to the embodiments. The other earphone may not have smart earphone functionality, or may have a completely different smart earphone construction.

[0078] For example, although the headphones are described as having a lower sub-shell that supports an upper sub-shell via a connector called a neck, in most embodiments the neck is rigid, or in other embodiments the neck is deformable but still stiff enough to allow the lower sub-shell to support the upper sub-shell, or in still other embodiments the neck is flexible and elastic, and in a further embodiment the neck is completely flexible like a rope. In this case, the lower sub-shell is secured in place by a mouth-like structure within the ear canal. The upper sub-shell is secured by being made of a suitable expandable material such that it can be compressed into the concha 1005 and held there by expanding the material against the surrounding ridges.

[0079] In some embodiments not described in the preceding paragraphs, the feature of supporting the two sub-shells within the height of the ridge surrounding the sub-shells may not be implemented. These embodiments are not preferred because sub-shells protruding beyond the ridge are more likely to be rubbed off. Nevertheless, these embodiments can still benefit from the advantage of a better headphone distribution, i.e., distributed across two cavities.

[0080] In another embodiment, the earpieces can be used to detect the angle of the head, thereby inferring the neck position during sleep monitoring. The user's head position can be detected by accelerometers. The 3-axis accelerometer in each earpiece worn on both ears can determine whether the head is turning, bending towards the chest, or whether the neck and head are raised higher, etc.

Claims

1. An earphone constructed to be supported in a user's ear, characterized in that: The earphone has a housing, the housing comprising: The lower sub-shell and the upper sub-shell are connected by a neck; The lower sub-shell is provided with a mouth that holds it in place in the ear canal of the ear, such that the upper sub-shell is held in place by passing over the neck of the helix crus; The neck has a width narrower than the width of the portion to which the connector of the sub-housing is connected, and a thickness thinner than the thickness of the sub-housing; The earphone has a total length and thickness such that it is located within the cartilaginous ridges surrounding the cymba conchae and the conchae cavity.

2. The earphone as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The central high point extends linearly from the lower sub-shell to the upper sub-shell on the side away from the user when the headphones are worn.

3. The earphone as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The neck of the earphone is able to bend and maintain its bent shape.

4. An earphone constructed as described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the sub-shells has a length; The lengths of the neck and the two sub-shells have a combined length; such that... A subshell can abut any point along the user's tragus, intertragusal notch, and antitragus; Another sub-shell can abut against the user's antihelix.

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