Instrumentation system and measurement method

Abstract

To determine an earpiece having a size to be adopted to a user own ear.SOLUTION: An instrumentation system outputs a sound signal from a speaker in a state where an earphone is mounted to a left ear or a right ear of a user, calculates a score indicating a level that a size of an earpiece to be mounted is matched to the left ear or the right ear of the user on the basis of a result of a sound collection that is obtained by collecting the sound signal with a microphone, executes a determination whether or not the earpiece to be mounted seals the left ear or the right ear of the user on the basis of the score, and determines and outputs the size of the earpiece that is most matched to each of the left ear or the right ear of the user from a plurality of earpieces on the basis of a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measurement system and a measurement method.

Background Art

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a measurement system in which an earphone and a terminal device are communicably connected and can measure an earpiece suitable for the size of the ear of the wearer (user). When the user wears the earphone, this measurement system measures whether the user's ear is sealed by the earpiece. When this measurement system performs measurements on a plurality of earpieces, among the earpieces that received a measurement result indicating that the user's ear is sealed, the terminal device is caused to display a result indicating that the earpiece with the smallest size is the earpiece with the optimal size for the user's ear.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-described conventional situation, the present disclosure has been devised, and an object thereof is to provide a measurement system and a measurement method for determining an earpiece having a size more suitable for the user's own ear.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure provides a measurement system comprising: two earphones each worn on a user's left ear and right ear, respectively, and having a plurality of earpieces of different sizes that are interchangeably worn; and a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones. The earphones have a speaker and a microphone. With an earphone having any one of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces worn on the user's left ear or right ear, a sound signal is output from the speaker, and based on a sound collection result obtained by collecting the sound signal with the microphone, a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece worn by the user is suitable for the user's left ear or right ear is calculated and transmitted to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal, based on the score, determines at least once for each of the left ear and the right ear whether the currently worn earpiece seals the user's left ear or right ear, and based on the determination result, determines and outputs the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left ear and right ear among the plurality of earpieces.

[0006] In addition, the present disclosure provides a measurement system including two earphones each worn on a user's left ear and right ear, with a plurality of earpieces having different sizes being interchangeably attached thereto, and a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones. The earphones have a speaker and a microphone. With an earphone having any one of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces being worn on the user's left ear or right ear, a sound signal is output from the speaker, a sound collection result obtained by collecting the sound signal with the microphone is transmitted to the wireless terminal, the wireless terminal calculates a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece worn by the user is suitable for the user's left ear or right ear based on the sound collection result, and based on the score, at least once for each of the left ear and the right ear, determines whether the currently worn earpiece seals the user's left ear or right ear, and based on the determination result, determines and outputs the size of the earpiece among the plurality of earpieces that is most suitable for each of the user's left ear and right ear.

[0007] In addition, the present disclosure provides a measurement method performed by a system including two earphones each having a speaker and a microphone, worn on a user's left ear and right ear, with a plurality of earpieces having different sizes being interchangeably attached thereto, and a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones. With an earphone having any one of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces being worn on the user's left ear or right ear, a sound signal is output from the speaker, and based on the sound collection result obtained by collecting the sound signal with the microphone, a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece worn by the user is suitable for the user's left ear or right ear is calculated, and based on the score, at least once for each of the left ear and the right ear, determines whether the currently worn earpiece seals the user's left ear or right ear, and based on the determination result, determines and outputs the size of the earpiece among the plurality of earpieces that is most suitable for each of the user's left ear and right ear.

[0008] Note that these general or specific aspects may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or may be implemented in any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an earpiece of a size suitable for the user's own ear can be determined.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) Recently, a style has emerged in which users insert completely wireless earphones, also known as True Wireless Stereo (TWS), into both the left and right ears and use them. Such completely wireless earphones are provided with a microphone for picking up external sounds together with a speaker. The completely wireless earphones perform noise cancellation by analyzing the sounds picked up by the microphone and output high-quality sounds from the speaker. In order to deliver the sounds output from the speaker to the user's ears without degrading the quality of the sounds, it has been necessary to seal the user's ears with earpieces attached to the completely wireless earphones. Note that noise cancellation is an example and is not limited to this as a method for outputting high-quality sounds from completely wireless earphones.

[0012] In Non-Patent Document 1, when measuring the earpiece of the optimal size for the user's ears, it is necessary to measure earpieces of all sizes for each of the left and right completely wireless earphones. The more types of earpiece sizes there are, the more cumbersome the operation of the user replacing the earpieces becomes, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of improving the user's convenience.

[0013] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and an object thereof is to provide a measurement system and a measurement method for determining an earpiece of a size more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0014] Hereinafter, with appropriate reference to the drawings, embodiments specifically disclosing the measurement system and measurement method in the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, detailed descriptions that are more detailed than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0015] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hardware configurations of the earphones 1L and 1R will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the earphones 1L and 1R. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the earphones 1L and 1R.

[0016] For convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, an axis perpendicular to the surface of the touch sensor TCL of the earphone 1L is defined as the Z-axis. An axis perpendicular to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the touch sensor TCL of the earphone 1L) and extending from the earphone 1L to the earphone 1R is defined as the Y-axis. An axis perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis is defined as the X-axis. In the present embodiment, the orientation of the earphone 1L according to FIG. 1 is defined as the front view. Expressions related to these directions are used for convenience of explanation and are not intended to limit the posture during actual use of the structure. The same applies to other drawings.

[0017] Also, in the present embodiment, in the pair of left and right earphones 1L and 1R, the configurations of the left earphone 1L and the right earphone 1R are the same. The reference numerals of the same components are expressed by adding "L" at the end for the left earphone 1L and "R" at the end for the right earphone 1R. In the following description, only the left earphone 1L on one side will be described, and the description of the right earphone 1R on the other side will be omitted.

[0018] The earphone 1 consists of two earphones 1L and 1R, which are worn on the user's left and right ears respectively, and a plurality of earpieces with different sizes are detachably attached to one end side of each.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the earphone 1L is an in-ear type acoustic device used by being worn on the user's ear, and receives audio data (such as music data) transmitted wirelessly (for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark)) from an external device such as a smartphone or a portable music player owned by the user. The earphone 1L acoustically outputs an audio signal based on the received audio data. Also, when not in use, the earphone 1L is placed on a cradle (not shown) which is a charging case. When the earphone 1L is placed at a predetermined placement position of the cradle, for example, when the battery B1L (FIG. 3) built in the earphone 1L is not fully charged, the battery B1L built in the earphone is charged based on the power transmitted from the cradle.

[0020] The earphone 1L has a housing HOL as a structural member. The housing HOL is provided as a composite of materials such as synthetic resin, metal, and ceramic.

[0021] The earphone 1L has an earpiece IPL attached to the main body of the earphone 1L. For example, the earphone 1L is held in a state of being inserted into the inner ear canal by the earpiece IPL with respect to the user's ear, and this held state is the usage state of the earphone 1L.

[0022] The earpiece IPL is formed of a flexible member such as silicon, and has an inner cylinder portion (not shown) and an outer cylinder portion (not shown) and is injection molded. The earpiece IPL is inserted and fixed to the mounting cylinder portion of the housing HOL at its inner cylinder portion, and is provided so as to be replaceable (detachable) with respect to the mounting cylinder portion of the housing HOL. The earpiece IPL is worn in the user's external auditory canal at its outer cylinder portion, and elastically deforms according to the shape of the external auditory canal to be worn. Due to this elastic deformation, the earpiece IPL is held in the user's external auditory canal. The earpiece IPL has a plurality of different sizes. The earpiece IPL is such that an earpiece of any one of the plurality of different sizes of earpieces is attached to the earphone 1L and worn on the user's left ear.

[0023] The touch sensor TCL is provided on the other end side of the housing HOL opposite to the one end side where the earpiece IPL is disposed as shown in FIG. 1. The touch sensor TCL is a sensor element having a touch sensor function for detecting a user's input operation (for example, a touch operation). The sensor element is, for example, an electrode of a capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensor TCL may be formed, for example, as a circular surface, or may be formed, for example, as a surface on an ellipse. Further, the touch sensor TCL may be formed as a rectangular surface.

[0024] Based on the touch operation, the earphone 1L executes instructions such as reproduction, stop, song forward, song backward, etc. of sound for an external device, a pairing operation instruction for performing wireless communication with an external device such as a smartphone via Bluetooth (registered trademark), volume control (adjustment) of the sound output from the speaker SP1L, etc. Here, only the volume control of the sound will be described, and other operations will be omitted.

[0025] The microphone MCL is disposed in the plane near the mounting cylinder portion of the housing HOL as shown in FIG. 2 and is disposed as close as possible to the external auditory canal of the user's left ear. The microphone MCL converts the sound leaking from between the user's ear and the earpiece IPL in a state where the earphone 1L is worn on the user's ear into an electrical signal (sound signal) and sends it to the sound signal input / output control unit S1L.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the speaker SP1L is disposed within the mounting cylindrical portion of the housing HOL. The speaker SP1L is an electronic component that acoustically outputs sound data wirelessly transmitted from an external device. Inside the housing HOL, the front surface of the speaker SP1L (in other words, the sound emission surface of the sound acoustically output) faces the mounting cylindrical portion side of the housing HOL covered by the earpiece IPL. As a result, the sound acoustically output from the speaker SP1L is transmitted from the user's earhole (for example, the outer ear portion) to the inner ear and eardrum further inside, enabling the user to hear the sound.

[0027] The wearing sensor SEL is constituted by a device that detects whether the earphone 1L is worn on the user's left ear, and is constituted by using, for example, an infrared sensor or an electrostatic sensor. In the case of the infrared sensor, when the earphone 1L is worn on the user's left ear, the wearing sensor SEL can detect the wearing on the user's left ear by receiving the infrared rays reflected inside the left ear from the infrared rays irradiated from the wearing sensor SEL. Also, when the earphone 1L is not worn on the user's left ear, the wearing sensor SEL can detect the non-wearing on the user's left ear by not receiving the infrared rays because the infrared rays irradiated from the wearing sensor SEL are not reflected.

[0028] On the other hand, in the case of the electrostatic sensor, when the earphone 1L is worn on the user's left ear, the wearing sensor SEL can detect the wearing on the user's left ear by determining that the change value of the capacitance according to the distance to the inside of the user's left ear is greater than the threshold value held by the wearing sensor SEL. Also, when the earphone 1L is not worn on the user's left ear, the wearing sensor SEL can detect the non-wearing on the user's left ear by determining that the change value of the capacitance value is smaller than the threshold value held by the wearing sensor SEL. The wearing sensor SEL is provided at a position facing the external auditory canal when the earphone 1L is inserted into the user's left ear and on the back side of the touch sensor TCL.

[0029] Next, referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the earphone will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block diagram of the earphone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of each of the pair of left and right earphones 1L and 1R shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the configuration of the left earphone 1L among the pair of left and right earphones 1L and 1R will be described. The configuration of the earphone 1R is the same as that of the earphone 1L. Therefore, similarly in FIG. 3, the description of the earphone 1R will be omitted.

[0030] The measurement system 100 includes the earphone 1L, the earphone 1R, and the smartphone F1.

[0031] The touch sensor TCL is communicably connected to the earphone control unit S2L. The touch sensor TCL outputs a signal regarding the touch operation performed by the user to the earphone control unit S2L.

[0032] The wearing sensor SEL is communicably connected to the earphone control unit S2L and outputs a signal regarding whether or not the user's ear is in contact with the earphone 1L to the earphone control unit S2L.

[0033] The power monitoring unit 13L is configured using, for example, a semiconductor chip. The power monitoring unit 13L has a battery B1L and measures the remaining charge of the battery B1L. The battery B1L is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The power monitoring unit 13L outputs information regarding the measured remaining charge of the battery B1L to the earphone control unit S2L.

[0034] The sound signal input / output control unit S1L and the earphone control unit S2L realize their respective functions by using programs and data stored in a Read Only Memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM") ROM11L. The sound signal input / output control unit S1L and the earphone control unit S2L may use a Random Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM") RAM12L during operation and temporarily store the generated or acquired data or information in the RAM12L.

[0035] The audio signal input / output control unit S1L is configured by using a processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The audio signal input / output control unit S1L is communicably connected to the earphone control unit S2L, and exchanges digital signals obtained by converting audio signals into a digital format by a Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) method.

[0036] The audio signal input / output control unit S1L is connected to the microphone MCL, and the audio signal picked up by the microphone is input thereto. The audio signal input / output control unit S1L may be capable of performing processes such as amplifying the audio signal input from the microphone and converting the analog signal into a digital signal. The audio signal input / output control unit transmits the data of the audio signal input from the microphone to the earphone control unit S2L.

[0037] The earphone control unit S2L is configured by using a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP, and is communicably connected to the audio signal input / output control unit S1L, the ROM 11L, the RAM 12L, the power monitoring unit 13L, and the wireless communication unit 14L, and exchanges digital signals obtained by converting audio signals into a digital format by a PCM method. The earphone control unit S2L functions as a controller that controls the overall operation of the earphone 1L, and performs control processing for coordinating the operations of the respective parts of the earphone 1L, input / output processing of data between the respective parts of the earphone 1L, arithmetic processing of data, and storage processing of data.

[0038] When the earphone control unit S2L acquires the signal input from the touch sensor TCL, it causes the light 10L to light up, blink, or the like. For example, when the earphone control unit S2L is paired with an external device via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), the light 10L blinks alternately in a single color or different colors. Note that this is just an example, and the operation of the light 10L is not limited to these. Also, the earphone control unit S2L may acquire information regarding the remaining charge of the battery B1L from the power monitoring unit 13L and cause the light 10L to light up or blink according to the remaining charge of the battery B1L.

[0039] The earphone control unit S2L inputs the sound signal picked up by the microphone MC3L from the sound signal input / output control unit S1L. The earphone control unit S2L performs processes such as amplifying the sound signal input from the sound signal input / output control unit S1L and transmits it to the wireless communication unit 14L. Note that the earphone control unit S2L may perform measurement regarding whether the user's ear is sealed by the wearing earpiece based on the sound signal picked up by the microphone MC3L.

[0040] The wireless communication unit 14L wirelessly connects the earphones 1L and 1R to the smartphone F1 so that transmission and reception are possible, and transmits the sound signal processed by the sound signal input / output control unit S1L or the earphone control unit S2L to the smartphone F1. The wireless communication unit 14L has an antenna ATL and performs short-range wireless communication according to, for example, the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication unit 14L may be provided so as to be connectable to a communication line such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a mobile communication line. Also, each of the earphones 1L and 1R can perform individual wireless communication with the smartphone F1 using the wireless communication unit 14L and the wireless communication unit 14R. Therefore, each of the earphones 1L and 1R can receive data, sound signals, or information transmitted from the smartphone F1.

[0041] Next, referring to FIG. 4, a hardware configuration example of the smartphone F1 will be described using the block diagram of the smartphone F1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the block diagram of the smartphone F1 according to the present embodiment.

[0042] The smartphone F1 is a wireless terminal carried by a user. The smartphone F1 includes a display / operation unit 30, a public line communication I / F unit 31, a public line protocol control unit 32, a control unit 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, an audio signal bus 36, an audio signal input / output control unit 37, a short-range wireless control unit 38, a wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39, a headphone communication I / F unit 40, a USB communication I / F unit 41, and a battery B2. In FIG. 4, the interface is abbreviated as "IF".

[0043] The display / operation unit 30 is configured using a touch panel that receives user operations and displays data generated by the control unit 33, forming a so-called user interface. The display / operation unit 30 may display various screen examples (see FIG. 13) generated by the control unit 33. The display / operation unit 30 receives user operations on the displayed various screen examples, generates an input signal, and outputs it to the control unit 33.

[0044] The public line communication I / F unit 31 is connected to the antenna AT3 provided in the smartphone F1 and performs wireless communication using a public line with a public base station (not shown) (for example, wireless communication compliant with 4G (fourth-generation mobile communication system) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system)). Note that the public line communication I / F unit may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone F1.

[0045] The public line protocol control unit 32 executes control regarding data input / output between the audio signal bus 36 and the public line communication I / F unit 31. Note that the public line protocol control unit 32 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone F1.

[0046] The control unit 33 is configured using a processor such as a CPU, MPU, or DSP. It functionally has a smartphone OS processing unit 33A and a smartphone app processing unit 33B, and performs various processes and controls through the cooperation of each of the smartphone OS processing unit 33A and the smartphone app processing unit 33B with the ROM 34.

[0047] The ROM 34 has written in it a program that defines the operation of the control unit 33 and data used when executing the program. In the ROM 34, the identification information of the smartphone F1 and the identification information of the earphone 1 pre-registered (paired) as the destination for transmitting the sound signal are respectively stored.

[0048] The RAM 35 is a RAM that serves as a work memory used when executing each process of the control unit 33. In the RAM 35, data or information generated or acquired by the control unit 33 is temporarily stored.

[0049] The sound signal bus 36 performs input and output of sound signal data between the control unit 33, sound signal data between the public line protocol control unit 32, sound signal data between the sound signal input / output control unit 37, and sound signal data between the short-range wireless control unit 38.

[0050] Based on a command output from the control unit 33, the sound signal input / output control unit 37 sends the sound signal data picked up by the microphone MC4 to the control unit 33 via the sound signal bus 36, or outputs the sound signal input via the sound signal bus 36 from the speaker SP2.

[0051] The microphone MC4 picks up the voice based on the speech of the user using the smartphone F1, converts it into a sound signal, and transmits the converted sound signal to the sound signal input / output control unit 37. The sound signal picked up by the microphone MC4 is input to the control unit 33 via the sound signal input / output control unit 37 and the sound signal bus 36.

[0052] The speaker SP2 acoustically outputs the sound signal data from the sound signal input / output control unit 37.

[0053] The short - range wireless control unit 38 executes control regarding the input and output of data between the audio signal bus 36 and the wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39, and between the audio signal bus 36 and the earphone communication I / F unit 40. The short - range wireless control unit 38 transmits the command output from the control unit 33 and the data of the audio signal input via the audio signal bus 36 to the wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39 or the earphone communication I / F unit 40. Also, the short - range wireless control unit 38 may transmit the data of the audio signal input from the wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39 or the earphone communication I / F unit 40 to the control unit 33.

[0054] The wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39 is connected to the antenna AT2 provided in the smartphone F1 and performs wireless communication via wireless LAN (for example, data transmission from the short - range wireless control unit 38) with the earphone 1. The wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39 is configured using a communication circuit that can be connected to the Internet via a wireless LAN router (not shown). Also, the wireless LAN communication I / F unit 39 may perform wireless communication (for example, wireless LAN such as Wi - Fi (registered trademark)) with each of the earphones 1L and 1R via the above - mentioned wireless LAN router (not shown).

[0055] The earphone communication I / F unit 40 is connected to the antenna AT1 provided in the smartphone F1 and performs short - range wireless communication via Bluetooth (for example, data transmission from the short - range wireless control unit 38) with the earphone 1.

[0056] The USB communication I / F unit 41 is an interface for communicating between the smartphone F1 and an external device (for example, a Personal Computer (PC)) by wire such as a cable. The USB communication I / F unit 41 is connected to the control unit 33 so as to be capable of data communication and can transmit data from the external device to the control unit 33. Also, the battery B2 may be charged from an external commercial power source via the USB communication I / F unit 41.

[0057] The battery B2 is a battery (e.g., a cell) capable of storing charges supplied from an external commercial power source, and supplies power to the smartphone F1. Note that the battery B2 may have a detachable configuration. The battery B2 may directly obtain power supply from an external commercial power source, or may be able to supply power to the smartphone F1 when disconnected from the external commercial power source.

[0058] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the order of replacing the earpiece will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the first measurement order of the earpiece. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the second measurement order of replacing the earpiece.

[0059] The parts Pi1, Pi2, Pi3, Pi4, Pi5 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are earpieces respectively, and the earpieces are schematically illustrated to explain the difference in the size of each earpiece. The part Pi1 is the earpiece with the smallest size among the parts Pi1, Pi2, Pi3, Pi4, Pi5. The part Pi2 is an earpiece with a size larger than that of the part Pi1 and smaller than that of the part Pi3. The part Pi3 is an earpiece with a size larger than that of the part Pi2 and smaller than that of the part Pi4. The part Pi4 is an earpiece with a size larger than that of the part Pi3 and smaller than that of the part Pi5. The part Pi5 is the earpiece with the largest size among the parts Pi1, Pi2, Pi3, Pi4, Pi5.

[0060] In FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is determined by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100 that the earpiece during wearing seals the user's ear, that state is described as "sealed". Also, in FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is determined by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100 that the earpiece during wearing does not seal the user's ear, that state is described as "leakage".

[0061] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the earpiece replacement procedure when the earpiece worn by the user during the first measurement is "sealed" will be described. When the earpiece worn by the user during the first measurement is "sealed", the user wears an earpiece of the next smaller size after the currently worn earpiece. The user gradually reduces the size of the earpiece and repeats the earpiece replacement until an earpiece with "leakage" is found. When an earpiece with "leakage" is found, an earpiece of one size larger than the first earpiece with "leakage" is determined to be the earpiece of the size that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear.

[0062] For example, if the user first wears the earpiece of part Pi4 and the earpiece of part Pi4 is "sealed", the user then wears the earpiece of part Pi3. If the earpiece of part Pi3 is "sealed", the user then wears the earpiece of part Pi2. If the earpiece of part Pi2 has "leakage", the earpiece of part Pi3 is determined to be the earpiece of the size that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear.

[0063] In this way, when the measurement result is that the earpiece worn by the user during the first measurement by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100 is sealed to the user's left or right ear, the smartphone F1 displays a notification prompting the user to replace the earpiece with the next smaller size on the display / operation unit 30. Thereafter, when the measurement result for the first time shows that the earpiece worn during the measurement is not sealed to the user's left or right ear among the measurement results repeatedly executed by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100, the smartphone F1 displays a notification on the display / operation unit 30 that the size of the earpiece corresponding to that measurement result, which is one size larger, is the earpiece of the size presumed to be optimal for the user's left or right ear.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the earpiece replacement procedure when the earpiece being worn that the user wore during the first measurement is "leaking" will be described. When the earpiece being worn that the user wore during the first measurement is "leaking", the user wears the next larger earpiece after the earpiece currently being worn. The user increases the size of the earpiece in order and repeats the earpiece replacement until an earpiece that is "airtight" is found. When an earpiece that is "airtight" is found, it is determined that the first earpiece that became "airtight" is the earpiece of the size that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear.

[0065] For example, if the user first wears the earpiece of part Pi2 and the earpiece of part Pi2 is "leaking", the user then wears the earpiece of part Pi3. If part Pi3 is "airtight", it is determined that the earpiece of part Pi3 is the earpiece of the size that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear.

[0066] In this way, when the measurement result is that the earpiece being worn that the user wore during the first measurement by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100 is not airtight on the user's left or right ear, the smartphone F1 displays a notification prompting the user to replace the earpiece with the next larger size on the display / operation unit 30. After that, when, for the first time, among the measurement results repeatedly executed by either the smartphone F1 or the earphone 1 of the measurement system 100, the measurement result is that the earpiece being worn is airtight on the user's left or right ear, the smartphone F1 displays a notification on the display / operation unit 30 that the size of the earpiece being worn corresponding to that measurement result is the earpiece of the size presumed to be optimal for the user's left or right ear.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a method for determining the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the determination score of the earpiece and determination example 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the determination score of the earpiece and determination example 2. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the determination score of the earpiece and determination example 3.

[0068] In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, an example of determining an earpiece suitable for the user's ear will be described based on the measurement results of the presence or absence of sound leakage of earpieces having seven different sizes from the minimum size "XS2" to the maximum size "XL" of the earpiece. However, it is not essential to measure the presence or absence of sound leakage for all size earpieces. Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, for the sake of easy understanding, an example is shown where the score is from "0" to "100", and the threshold values Th1 and Th2 for determining the size of the earpiece are set to "80" and "60" respectively. Needless to say, the above-mentioned numerical values are just examples and are not limited to this.

[0069] The earphone control units S2L and S2R of the earphones 1L and 1R calculate a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece is suitable for the user based on the volume information of the sound collected by the corresponding microphones MCL and MCR, and transmit it to the smartphone F1. The control unit 33 associates the calculated score with the size information of the earpiece corresponding to this score and records it in the RAM 35. Note that the calculation of the score may be executed by the control unit 33 of the smartphone F1. In such a case, the control unit 33 acquires the volume information from the earphones 1L and 1R and calculates the score.

[0070] After the measurement of earpieces of a plurality of different sizes is completed in the order shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the control unit 33 executes a determination process for the size of the earpiece based on the scores corresponding to the respective sizes of the earpiece recorded in the RAM 35.

[0071] When the control unit 33 determines that there is a score equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 among the recorded scores, it refers to the size information of the scores equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 and determines that the earpiece with the smallest size is the size of the earpiece suitable for the user. Note that the threshold Th2 mentioned here is a threshold for determining that there is no sound leakage or the volume of sound leakage is small and the earpiece seals the user's ear. The control unit 33 determines that an earpiece with a score equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 is an earpiece with a size suitable for the user.

[0072] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 33 compares each of the scores Pt11, Pt12, Pt13, Pt14, Pt15, Pt16, Pt17 recorded in the RAM 35 with the thresholds Th1 and Th2. The control unit 33 determines that the earpiece with the smallest size "XS1" among the scores Pt11 to Pt15 that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 among the scores Pt11 to Pt17 is an earpiece suitable for the user.

[0073] Also, when the control unit 33 determines that there is no score equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 among the recorded scores, it determines whether there is a score less than the threshold Th2 and equal to or greater than the threshold Th1. When the control unit 33 determines that there is a score less than the threshold Th2 and equal to or greater than the threshold Th1, it determines that the earpiece with the size having the largest score is the size of the earpiece suitable for the user. Note that the threshold Th1 mentioned here is a threshold for determining that the volume of sound leakage is small and the earpiece seals the user's ear. The control unit 33 determines that the earpiece with the largest score calculated among the earpieces having a score equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 is an earpiece with a size more suitable for the user.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 33 compares each of the scores Pt21, Pt22, Pt23, Pt24, Pt25, Pt26, Pt27 recorded in the RAM 35 with the threshold values Th1 and Th2. The control unit 33 determines that the earpiece of size "M" corresponding to the largest score Pt22 among the scores Pt21 to Pt24 that are less than the threshold value Th2 and greater than or equal to the threshold value Th1 among the scores Pt21 to Pt27 is the earpiece suitable for the user.

[0075] Further, when the control unit 33 determines that there is no score that is less than the threshold value Th2 and greater than or equal to the threshold value Th1 among the recorded scores, that is, when it is determined that all the recorded scores are less than the threshold value Th1, the control unit 33 determines that there is no earpiece of a size suitable for the user.

[0076] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 33 compares each of the scores Pt31, Pt32, Pt33, Pt34, Pt35, Pt36, Pt37 recorded in the RAM 35 with the threshold values Th1 and Th2. Since all of the scores Pt31 to Pt37 are less than the threshold value Th1, the control unit 33 determines that there is no earpiece of a size suitable for the user.

[0077] As described above, the measurement system 100 according to the embodiment can determine the size of the earpiece suitable for the user for each of the left and right ears.

[0078] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively, a method for correcting the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining Example 1 of earpiece size correction. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining Example 2 of earpiece size correction.

[0079] In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for the sake of easy understanding, an example is shown in which the scores are from "0" to "100", and the threshold values Th1 and Th2 for determining the size of the earpiece are set to "80" and "60" respectively. However, it goes without saying that the above-described numerical values are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0080] When the control unit 33 determines that the sizes of the earpieces of the left earphone 1L and the right earphone 1R determined using the above-described method for determining the size of the earpiece are different by 2 or more, the control unit 33 executes a correction process for correcting the size of the earpiece so as to reduce the size difference between the earpieces of the left and right earphones 1L and 1R. The control unit 33 compares the sizes of the earpieces of the earphones 1L and 1R, and corrects the size of the earpiece of the earphone having the smaller size.

[0081] First, the control unit 33 refers to the RAM 35 and determines whether there are a plurality of scores equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2 based on the score of the earpiece corresponding to the earphone having the smaller size. When the control unit 33 determines that there are a plurality of scores equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2, the control unit 33 refers to the size information associated with these scores. The control unit 33 determines that the size of the earpiece corresponding to the other earphone, which is the same as or closer to the size of the earpiece corresponding to the other earphone, is the size of the earpiece suitable for the user, based on the size of the earpiece corresponding to the other earphone and the size of the earpiece corresponding to the score equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2. The control unit 33 corrects the current size of the earpiece corresponding to one earphone to the determined size.

[0082] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the size of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L is "S2", the size of the earpiece of the right earphone 1R is "L", and the size difference between these earpieces is 4. In such a case, the control unit 33 compares the sizes of the earpieces of the earphones 1L and 1R, and corrects the size of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L having the smaller size.

[0083] The control unit 33 refers to the RAM 35 and determines that there are multiple scores that are greater than or equal to the threshold Th2 based on the scores Pt41, Pt42, Pt43, and Pt44 of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L. The control unit 33 determines that the size "M" that is the same as or closer to the size "L" of the earpiece corresponding to the right earphone 1R is the size of the earpiece that is more suitable for the user, based on the size "L" of the earpiece corresponding to the right earphone 1R and the sizes "S2" to "M" of the earpieces corresponding to the scores Pt41 to Pt44 that are greater than or equal to the threshold Th2. The control unit 33 corrects the current size "S2" of the earpiece corresponding to the left earphone 1L to the determined size "M".

[0084] Also, when the control unit 33 determines that there is no score greater than or equal to the threshold Th2 based on the score of the earpiece corresponding to one earphone, it determines whether there are multiple scores that are less than the threshold Th2 and greater than or equal to the threshold Th1. When the control unit 33 determines that there are multiple scores that are less than the threshold Th2 and greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, it determines that the size that is the same as or closer to the size of the earpiece corresponding to the other earphone is the size of the earpiece that is more suitable for the user. The control unit 33 corrects the current size of the earpiece corresponding to one earphone to the determined size.

[0085] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the size of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L is "S2", the size of the earpiece of the right earphone 1R is "M", and the size difference between these earpieces is 3. In such a case, the control unit 33 compares the sizes of the earpieces of the earphones 1L and 1R and corrects the size of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L that has the smaller size.

[0086] The control unit 33 refers to the RAM 35 and determines that there are a plurality of scores that are less than the threshold Th2 and equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 based on the scores Pt51, Pt52, Pt53, Pt54, and Pt55 of the earpiece of the left earphone 1L. The control unit 33 determines that the size "M" of the earpiece corresponding to the right earphone 1R and the sizes "XS2" to "M" of the earpieces corresponding to the scores Pt51 to Pt55 that are less than the threshold Th2 and equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 are the same or a size "M" closer to the size "M" of the earpiece corresponding to the right earphone 1R is the size of the earpiece suitable for the user. The control unit 33 corrects the current size "S2" of the earpiece corresponding to the left earphone 1L to the determined size "M".

[0087] Note that when the control unit 33 determines that there are not a plurality of scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 and determines that there are not a plurality of scores that are less than the threshold Th2 and equal to or greater than the threshold Th1, the size correction process is omitted.

[0088] As described above, even when the sizes of the earpieces determined to be suitable for the user are different between the left and right earphones due to the method of wearing the earpieces, the ambient environmental sound of the user during measurement of the earpieces, etc., the measurement system 100 according to the embodiment can correct the sizes of the left and right earpieces to sizes more suitable for the user.

[0089] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an output example of the determination result of the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a determination result table TB of the earpiece.

[0090] The control unit 33 visualizes the degree of optimality of the size of the earpiece for the user based on the score obtained by the size measurement process of the earpiece, or the score corresponding to the size of the earpiece determined to be suitable for the user by the size determination process or correction process of the earpiece.

[0091] For example, in the determination result table TB shown in FIG. 12, when the score measured by the control unit 33 or the score corresponding to the size determined to be the size of the earpiece suitable for the user is "95 to 100", the control unit 33 determines the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to be visualized for the user as "★★★★★". Similarly, when the score is "90 to 95", the control unit 33 sets the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to "★★★★☆", when the score is "80 to 90", the control unit 33 sets the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to "★★★☆☆", when the score is "70 to 80", the control unit 33 sets the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to "★★☆☆☆", when the score is "60 to 70", the control unit 33 sets the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to "★☆☆☆☆", and when the score is "0 to 50", the control unit 33 sets the display of the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece to "☆☆☆☆☆", respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the optimum degree of the size of the earpiece is indicated by the number of "☆" and "★", but it goes without saying that the display method is not limited to this.

[0092] The control unit 33 generates an earpiece replacement screen (see screen examples SC5A and SC5B in FIG. 13) or a result screen (see screen examples SC6A and SC6B in FIG. 13) including the display of the optimum degree of the determined size of the earpiece, and outputs it to the display / operation unit 30 for display.

[0093] Note that the scores and display examples shown in FIG. 12 are just examples and are not limited thereto. For example, when the obtained score is less than the threshold Th1 and it is determined that there is no size of the earpiece suitable for the user, a message such as "Determination failed" may be displayed.

[0094] Thereby, the measurement system 100 according to the embodiment can visualize for the user whether the measured or determined size of the earpiece is the size of the earpiece suitable for the user in a simpler and more intuitive way than the score and is easier to understand.

[0095] Next, referring to FIG. 13, a transition example of various screens displayed on the display / operation unit 30 of the smartphone F1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen transition example in the determination of the earpiece. The screen transition example shown in FIG. 13 is a screen transition example generated by an application used when measuring an earpiece that is presumed to be the optimal size for the user's ear. This application is executed by the smartphone application processing unit 33B of the smartphone F1.

[0096] The screen examples SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, SC5A, SC5B, SC6A, and SC6B shown in FIG. 13 are examples of screens displayed on the display / operation unit 30 generated by the control unit 33 (for example, the smartphone application processing unit 33B). Each screen example SC1 to SC6B causes the screen displayed on the display / operation unit 30 to transition under the control of the smartphone application processing unit 33B when the user performs an input operation on the screen displayed on the display / operation unit 30.

[0097] The screen example SC1 is a description screen for measuring an earpiece that is displayed at time t1 and is presumed to be the optimal size for the user's ear. The screen example SC1 includes messages such as instructions requested from the user to perform the measurement correctly. For example, the messages are "Please go to a quiet place.", "Please firmly attach both earphones.", "Rotate left and right to confirm that they are firmly attached.", etc. Note that the messages are not limited to these. When the user presses the button "Select the optimal piece" in the screen example SC1, the screen transitions to the screen example SC2 under the control of the smartphone application processing unit 33B.

[0098] The screen example SC2 is a screen that is displayed at time t2 and requests the user to input the size of the earpiece currently attached to the earphone 1. When inputting the size of the earpiece, the screen transitions to the screen example SC3 under the control of the smartphone application processing unit 33B.

[0099] The screen example SC3 is displayed at time t3 and outputs an instruction to prompt the user to input the size of the earpiece attached to the earphone 1L or 1R before the first measurement process by the control unit 33. As one of the input options, it includes "as purchased", which is the size of the earpiece IPL or IPR that was pre-attached to the earphone 1L or 1R when the user purchased it. When the user inputs the size of the earpiece and presses the "OK" button, it returns from the screen example SC3 to the screen example SC2 under the control of the smartphone app processing unit 33B. When the user has completed inputting the sizes of the earpieces for the right and left earphones and presses the "Next" button, it transitions from the screen example SC2 to the screen example SC4 under the control of the smartphone app processing unit 33B.

[0100] The screen example SC4 is displayed at time t4 and is a screen indicating that measurement is in progress. The screen example SC4 is a screen indicating that measurement is currently in progress when the control unit 33 is performing the measurement process. For example, it includes a message such as "Measuring. Please do not touch the earphone." Also, for example, it includes a gauge indicating the progress of the measurement. This may be a percentage or a pie chart. When the measurement is completed, it transitions from the screen example SC4 to the screen example SC5A or SC5B under the control of the smartphone app processing unit 33B.

[0101] The screen examples SC5A and SC5B are displayed at time t5 and are screens prompting the user to replace the earpiece. The screen examples SC5A and SC5B are screens including at least an image or schematic diagram of each of the left and right earphones 1L and 1R, the size of the earpiece to be measured next for each of the earpieces currently worn on the left and right ears, the size corresponding to the earpiece of the size to be measured next, the display SC5RA and SCR5B indicating the degree of optimality of the measured earpiece size, and text prompting the replacement of the earpiece. The screen examples SC5A and SC5B include a display determined corresponding to the score based on the measurement result of the earpiece measured at time t4. When the user presses the "Replaced" button, it transitions from the screen examples SC5A and SC5B to the screen example SC4 under the control of the smartphone app processing unit 33B.

[0102] The screen example SC6A is a screen that is displayed at time t6 and indicates that the measurement has been completed. The screen example SC6A is a screen that is displayed when the control unit 33 performs the measurement process and the size of the earpiece that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear cannot be determined. The screen example SC6A is a screen that includes at least an image or schematic diagram of each of the left and right earphones 1L and 1R, the degree of optimality of the size of the earpiece that is inferred to be optimal for the user's ear, a display SCR6A indicating that there is no size suitable for the user's ear, the size of the earpiece, and a message instructing re-measurement of the size of the earpiece. For example, the message is "Please wear the earphone correctly and try again. If it cannot be determined after several attempts, please select the earpiece with the most stable fit." etc. Note that the message is not limited to these. When the user presses the "Try again" button in the screen example SC6A, the screen transitions to the screen example SC4 under the control of the smartphone application processing unit 33B.

[0103] The screen example SC6B is a screen that is displayed at time t6 and indicates that the measurement has been completed. The screen example SC6B is a screen that is displayed when the control unit 33 performs the measurement process and the size of the earpiece that is presumed to be optimal for the user's ear is determined. The screen example SC6B is a screen that includes at least an image or schematic diagram of each of the left and right earphones 1L and 1R, a display SCR6B indicating the degree of optimality of the size of the earpiece that is inferred to be optimal for the user's ear, and the size of the earpiece.

[0104] Next, a flowchart for determining an earpiece of an appropriate size will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for determining an earpiece of an appropriate size. The flowchart according to FIG. 14 is a process by the control unit 33.

[0105] Before the first measurement process, the display / operation unit 30 outputs a screen including an explanation of the measurement of the earpiece estimated to be the optimal size for the user's ear (see FIG. 13 and screen example SC1). After that screen, the display / operation unit 30 outputs an instruction prompting the user to input the size of the earpiece attached to the earphone 1L before the first measurement process (see FIG. 13, screen examples SC2 and SC3). When the display / operation unit 30 receives an input for the user to select the size of the earpiece IPL currently attached to the earphone 1L, it transmits a signal corresponding to the input content to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 acquires a signal corresponding to the size information of the earpiece IPL from the display / operation unit 30 (St11).

[0106] Before the first measurement process, the display / operation unit 30 outputs an instruction prompting the user to input the size of the earpiece attached to the earphone 1R (see FIG. 13, screen examples SC2 and SC3). When the display / operation unit 30 receives an input for the user to select the size of the earpiece IPR currently attached to the earphone 1R, it transmits a signal corresponding to the input content to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 acquires a signal corresponding to the size information of the earpiece IPR from the display / operation unit 30 (St12).

[0107] The control unit 33 sets a parameter (n, n: an integer of 1 or more) indicating the number of measurements to 1 (St13).

[0108] The earphone control units S2L and S2R execute the first measurement process regarding whether the earpiece being worn is sealed to the user's left ear or right ear (St14), and transmit the result (score) of the measurement process to the smartphone F1.

[0109] The control unit 33 makes a first determination of the left ear earpiece IPL based on the result (score) of the measurement process measured in the process of step St14 (St15). The process of step St15 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. Also, when the control unit 33 is performing the process of step St14, the display / operation unit 30 outputs a screen indicating that the measurement is currently in progress (see FIG. 13 and screen example SC4).

[0110] The control unit 33 makes a first determination of the right earpiece IPR based on the result of the measurement process measured in the process of step St14 (St16). The process of step St16 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. Also, when the control unit 33 is performing the process of step St14, the display / operation unit 30 outputs a screen indicating that the measurement is currently in progress (see FIG. 13 and screen example SC4).

[0111] The control unit 33 checks whether the sizes of the left and right earpieces IPL and IPR have both been determined (St17). In the process of step St17, if the sizes of the left and right earpieces IPL and IPR have both been determined (St17, YES), the sizes of the left and right earpieces IPL and IPR are corrected (St25), and the finally determined result is displayed on the display / operation unit 30 (St26) (see FIG. 13 and screen examples SC6A and SC6B). Note that the size correction process (step St25) will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0112] In the process of step St17, if the sizes of the left and right earpieces IPL and IPR have not both been determined, or if the size of either one of the earpieces has not been determined (St17, NO), the control unit 33 generates a screen prompting the replacement with an earpiece of the next different size from the determination result and transmits it to the display / operation unit 30. The display / operation unit 30 displays the screen acquired from the control unit 33 (St18) (see FIG. 13 and screen examples SC5A and SC5B).

[0113] The control unit 33 increments (in other words, increments n) a parameter (n) indicating the number of measurements (St19).

[0114] The control unit 33 executes the nth measurement process regarding whether the earpiece being worn is sealed to the user's left or right ear based on the sound signal acquired from the earphone 1. (St20).

[0115] Based on the result of the measurement process measured in the process of step St20, the control unit 33 checks whether the size of the left earpiece IPL has been determined (St21). In the process of step St21, if the size of the left earpiece IPL has not been determined (St21, YES), the control unit 33 makes the nth determination of the left earpiece IPL (St22). The process of step St22 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. After the process of step St22, the process of the control unit 33 proceeds to the process of step St23.

[0116] In the process of step St21, if the size of the left earpiece IPL has been determined (St21, NO), or after the process of step St22, the control unit 33 checks whether the size of the right earpiece IPR has been determined based on the result of the measurement process measured in the process of step St20 (St23). In the process of step St23, if the size of the right earpiece has not been determined (St23, YES), the control unit 33 makes the nth determination of the right earpiece IPR (St24). The process of step St24 will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0117] In the process of step St23, if the size of the right earpiece IPR has not been determined (St23, NO), or after the process of step St24, the process of the control unit 33 returns to the process of step St17.

[0118] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a flowchart related to the first determination of the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to the first determination of the size of the earpiece. The flowchart according to FIG. 15 is a process by the control unit 33. The flowchart of FIG. 15 is a flowchart for determining the left earpiece IPL or the right earpiece IPR. Hereinafter, only the case of the left earpiece IPL will be described, and the case of the right earpiece IPR will be omitted, but it can be similarly applied by replacing the left ear with the right ear and the earpiece IPL with the earpiece IPR.

[0119] The control unit 33 checks whether the result of the first measurement process indicates that the left earpiece IPL is sealing the user's ear (St31). In the process of step St31, if the result of the measurement process indicates sealing (St31, YES), the control unit 33 determines whether the size of the earpiece during wearing is the smallest (St32).

[0120] If the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St32 that the size of the earpiece during wearing is the smallest (St32, YES), it determines that the earpiece with the size during wearing is the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the user's ear (St33). Note that the screen for displaying the size of the earpiece determined in this step St33 is displayed in the process of step St26 in FIG. 14.

[0121] If the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St32 that the size of the earpiece during wearing is not the smallest (St32, NO), it determines the size of the earpiece one size smaller than the earpiece during wearing as the size to prompt the user to change to next (St34). Note that the screen for prompting the change to the size of the earpiece determined in this step St34 is displayed in the process of step St18 in FIG. 14.

[0122] If, in the process of step St31, it is determined that the measurement result is not sealing (St31, NO), the control unit 33 determines whether the size of the earpiece during wearing is the largest (St35).

[0123] If the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St35 that the size of the earpiece during wearing is not the largest (St35, NO), it determines the size of the earpiece one size larger than the earpiece during wearing as the size to prompt the user to change to next (St36). Note that the screen for prompting the change to the size of the earpiece determined in this step St36 is displayed in the process of step St18 in FIG. 14.

[0124] When the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St35 that the size of the worn earpiece is the largest (St35, YES), it determines whether the score of the worn earpiece is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 (St37).

[0125] When the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St37 that the score of the worn earpiece is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 (St37, YES), it determines that the size of the worn earpiece is the earpiece that is inferred to be optimal for the user's ear (St38). Note that the screen for displaying the size of the earpiece determined in this step St38 is displayed in the process of step St26 in FIG. 14.

[0126] When the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St37 that the score of the worn earpiece is less than the threshold Th1 (St37, NO), it determines that the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the left ear could not be measured (St39). Note that the screen indicating that the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the left ear could not be measured in this step St39 is displayed in the process of step St26 in FIG. 14.

[0127] Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a flowchart related to the n-th determination of the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart related to the n-th determination of the size of the earpiece. The flowchart related to FIG. 16 is a process by the control unit 33. The flowchart of FIG. 16 is a flowchart for determining the left ear earpiece IPL or the right ear earpiece IPR. Hereinafter, only the case of the left ear earpiece IPL will be described, and the case of the right ear earpiece IPR will be omitted, but it can be similarly applied by replacing the left ear with the right ear and the earpiece IPL with the earpiece IPR.

[0128] The control unit 33 checks whether the result of the n-th measurement process indicates that the left earpiece IPL is sealing the user's ear (St41). In the process of step St41, if it is determined that the measurement result indicates a seal (St41, YES), the control unit 33 determines whether the size of the currently worn earpiece is the smallest (St42).

[0129] In the process of step St42, if the control unit 33 determines that the size of the currently worn earpiece is the smallest (St42, YES), it determines that the currently worn earpiece is the earpiece whose size is inferred to be optimal for the user's ear (St43).

[0130] In the process of step St42, if the control unit 33 determines that the size of the currently worn earpiece is not the smallest (St42, NO), it checks whether the previous, i.e., (n - 1)-th measurement result indicates that the user's ear is not sealed by the left earpiece IPL (St44).

[0131] In the process of step St44, if the control unit 33 determines that the measurement result indicates a seal (St44, NO), it determines the size of the earpiece one size smaller than the currently worn earpiece as the size for which it will prompt the user to make the next change (St45). Note that the screen for prompting the user to change to the size of the earpiece determined in this step St45 is displayed in the process of step St18 in FIG. 14.

[0132] In the process of step St44, if the control unit 33 determines that the measurement result does not indicate a seal (St44, YES), it determines that the currently worn earpiece is the earpiece whose size is inferred to be optimal for the user's ear (St46).

[0133] In the process of step St41, if it is determined that the measurement result does not indicate a seal (St41, NO), the control unit 33 determines whether the size of the currently worn earpiece is the largest (St47).

[0134] When the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St47 that the size of the worn earpiece is not the largest (St47, NO), it checks whether the measurement result of the previous, that is, the (n - 1)-th time, indicates that the user's ear is sealed by the left earpiece (St48).

[0135] In the process of step St48, when the measurement result indicates sealing (St48, YES), the control unit 33 determines that the earpiece with the next larger size than the size of the worn earpiece is the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the user's ear (St49).

[0136] In the process of step St48, when the measurement result does not indicate sealing (St48, NO), the control unit 33 determines that the earpiece with a size one larger than the size of the worn earpiece is the size for which it will prompt the user to make the next change (St50). Note that the screen for prompting the user to change to the size of the earpiece determined in this step St50 is displayed in the process of step St18 in FIG. 14.

[0137] When the control unit 33 determines in the process of step St47 that the size of the worn earpiece is the largest (St47, YES), it determines that the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the left ear could not be measured (St51). Note that the screen indicating that the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the left ear could not be measured in this step St51 is displayed in the process of step St26 in FIG. 14.

[0138] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the procedure for correcting the size of the earpiece will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for correcting the size of the earpiece. The flowchart according to FIG. 17 is a process by the control unit 33.

[0139] The control unit 33 compares the size of the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the left ear with the size of the earpiece inferred to be optimal for the right ear, and determines whether the size difference between these earpieces is 2 or more (St61).

[0140] In the process of step St61, when the control unit 33 determines that the size difference between the earpieces is 2 or more (St61, YES), it refers to all the scores measured for the earpiece with the smaller size among the left and right earpieces. The control unit 33 determines whether there are multiple scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 among all the scores measured for the earpiece with the smaller size (St62).

[0141] In the process of step St61, when the control unit 33 determines that the size difference between the earpieces is less than 2 (St61, NO), it determines the size of the earpiece that is currently inferred to be the most suitable (St63).

[0142] In the process of step St62, when the control unit 33 determines that there are no multiple scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 (St62, NO), it further determines whether there are multiple scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 and less than the threshold Th2 among all the scores measured for the earpiece with the smaller size (St64).

[0143] In the process of step St62, when the control unit 33 determines that there are multiple scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 (St62, YES), it determines one of the sizes with a size closer to the size of the other earpiece with the larger size among the left and right earpieces, from among the sizes of the earpieces for which scores equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 were obtained (St65).

[0144] In the process of step St64, when the control unit 33 determines that there are multiple scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 and less than the threshold Th2 (St64, YES), it determines one of the sizes with a size closer to the size of the other earpiece with the larger size among the left and right earpieces, from among the sizes of the earpieces for which scores equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 and less than the threshold Th2 were obtained (St66).

[0145] In the process of step St64, when the control unit 33 determines that there are no scores that are equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 and less than the threshold Th2 (St64, NO), it determines with the size of the earpiece currently presumed to be optimal (St67).

[0146] As described above, the measurement system 100 according to the embodiment can determine the size of the earpiece suitable for the user. Further, the measurement system 100 according to the embodiment compares the sizes of the left and right earpieces once determined, and corrects them so as to make the size difference smaller, thereby more effectively suppressing the determination error of the size of the earpiece due to the way the user wears the earpiece and the ambient sound around the user during the measurement of the earpiece.

[0147] (Supplementary Note) According to the description of the above embodiment, the following technology is disclosed.

[0148] (Technology 1) Two earphones 1L and 1R, which are respectively worn on the left ear and the right ear of the user, and on which a plurality of earpieces having different sizes are interchangeably worn, A measurement system 100 including a wireless terminal (smartphone F1) capable of communicating with the two earphones 1L and 1R, The earphones 1L and 1R Have speakers SP1L and SP1R and microphones MCL and MCR, With an earphone 1 having the size of any one of the plurality of earpieces worn on the left ear or the right ear of the user, an audio signal is output from the speakers SP1L and SP1R, Based on the sound collection result of collecting the audio signal with the microphones MCL and MCR, a score indicating the degree to which the size of the earpiece being worn by the user is suitable for the left ear or the right ear of the user is calculated and transmitted to the wireless terminal (smartphone F1), The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) Based on the score, determine whether the worn in-earpiece is sealing the user's left ear or right ear at least once for each of the left and right ears, Based on the determination result, determine and output the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears among the plurality of earpieces. Measurement system 100. With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece with a size more suitable for the user's own ear.

[0149] (Technology 2) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) When it is determined that the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold (threshold Th1) and less than the second threshold (threshold Th2) that is greater than the first threshold (threshold Th1), determine and output the size of the earpiece for which the largest score among the scores equal to or greater than the first threshold (threshold Th1) is calculated as the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears. The measurement system 100 according to (Technology 1). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece with a size that is estimated to seal the user's own ear most tightly based on the value of the score.

[0150] (Technology 3) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) When it is determined that the score is equal to or greater than the second threshold (threshold Th2), determine and output the size of the smallest earpiece among the sizes of the earpieces for which the scores equal to or greater than the second threshold (threshold Th2) are calculated as the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears. The measurement system 100 according to (Technology 1) or (Technology 2). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece with a size more suitable for the user's own ear among the sizes estimated to seal the user's own ear based on the value of the score.

[0151] (Technology 4) When it is determined that the score is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value (threshold value Th1), the determination of the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears is omitted, and a notification (see, for example, screen example SC5B and FIG. 13) for prompting the user to replace the currently worn earpiece with another earpiece having a different size is generated and output. The measurement system 100 according to (Technology 1) or (Technology 2). (Technology 1) or the measurement system 100 described in (Technology 2). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can efficiently identify the size of the earpiece that is presumed to be optimal for the user's own ears.

[0152] (Technology 5) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) Based on the determination result, when it is determined that the currently worn earpiece does not seal the user's left or right ear, a notification (see, for example, screen example SC5B and FIG. 13) for prompting the user to replace the currently worn earpiece with another earpiece having the next larger size is output. The measurement system 100 according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 4). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can efficiently identify the size of the earpiece that is presumed to be optimal for the user's own ears.

[0153] (Technology 6) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) Based on the determination, when it is determined that the currently worn earpiece seals the user's left or right ear, a notification (see, for example, screen example SC5A and FIG. 13) for prompting the user to replace the currently worn earpiece with another earpiece having the next smaller size is output. The measurement system 100 according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 4). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can efficiently identify earpieces sized optimally for the user's own ears.

[0154] (Technology 7) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) calculates the size difference between the size of the earpiece most suitable for the left ear and the size of the earpiece most suitable for the right ear, and when it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, corrects the size of the smaller one of the earpiece sizes from the current size to a larger size. The measurement system 100 according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 6). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 compares the sizes of the left and right earpieces once determined, and corrects them to reduce the size difference, thereby more effectively suppressing errors in determining the size of the earpiece due to the way the user wears the earpiece, environmental sounds around the user during measurement of the earpiece, etc. Therefore, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece sized more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0155] (Technology 8) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) when it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determines whether there are a plurality of scores that are greater than or equal to a first threshold value (threshold value Th1) and less than a second threshold value (threshold value Th2) among the scores used to determine the size of the one earpiece, and when it is determined that there are a plurality of scores that are greater than or equal to the first threshold value (threshold value Th1) and less than the second threshold value (threshold value Th2), corrects the size of the one earpiece to the size closest to the size of the other earpiece among the earpieces for which scores greater than or equal to the first threshold value (threshold value Th1) and less than the second threshold value (threshold value Th2) are calculated. The measurement system 100 according to (Technology 7). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can more effectively suppress the determination error of the size of the earpiece caused by the way the user wears the earpiece and the ambient noise around the user during the measurement of the earpiece by comparing the sizes of the left and right earpieces that have been determined once and correcting them to make the size difference smaller. Therefore, the measurement system 100 can determine the size of the earpiece that is more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0156] (Technology 9) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) When it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined whether there are a plurality of scores among the scores used for determining the size of the one earpiece that are equal to or greater than the second threshold value (threshold Th2). When it is determined that there are a plurality of scores that are equal to or greater than the second threshold value (threshold Th2), the size of the one earpiece is corrected to the size that is closest to the size of the other earpiece among the earpieces for which the scores equal to or greater than the second threshold value (threshold Th2) are calculated. The measurement system 100 according to (Technology 8). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can more effectively suppress the determination error of the size of the earpiece caused by the way the user wears the earpiece and the ambient noise around the user during the measurement of the earpiece by comparing the sizes of the left and right earpieces that have been determined once and correcting them to make the size difference smaller. Therefore, the measurement system 100 can determine the size of the earpiece that is more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0157] (Technology 10) The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) Based on the scores of the earpieces that are most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears, an evaluation value (see display SCR6A, SCR6B, and FIG. 13) that visualizes for the user the degree to which the most suitable earpiece is suitable for the user's left or right ear is generated. Generate and output a notification (see, for example, screen examples SC6A and SC6B, FIG. 13) including the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears and the evaluation value. The measurement system 100 according to any one of (Technique 1) to (Technique 9). With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can visualize for the user both the determination result of the size of the earpiece that is more suitable for the user's own ears and the certainty of this determination result.

[0158] (Technique 11) Two earphones 1L and 1R that are worn on each of the user's left and right ears and to which a plurality of earpieces having different sizes are interchangeably attached, A measurement system 100 including a wireless terminal (smartphone F1) that can communicate with the two earphones 1L and 1R, The earphones 1L and 1R Have speakers SP1L and SP1R and microphones MCL and MCR, With an earphone 1 having any one of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces attached to the user's left or right ear, output a sound signal from the speakers SP1L and SP1R, Transmit the sound collection result obtained by collecting the sound signal with the microphones MCL and MCR to the wireless terminal (smartphone F1), The wireless terminal (smartphone F1) Based on the sound collection result, calculate a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece worn by the user is suitable for the user's left or right ear, Based on the score, at least once for each of the left and right ears, determine whether the currently worn earpiece is sealing the user's left or right ear, Based on the determination result, determine and output the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears among the plurality of earpieces. Measurement system 100. With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece size that is more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0159] (Technology 12) Two earphones 1L and 1R having speakers SP1L, SP1R and microphones MCL, MCR, respectively attached to the user's left and right ears, and a plurality of earpieces of different sizes being interchangeably attached thereto, A measurement method performed by a system including a wireless terminal (smartphone F1) capable of communicating with the two earphones 1L and 1R, With an earphone 1 having any one of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces attached to the user's left or right ear, a sound signal is output from the speakers SP1L, SP1R, Based on the sound collection result of collecting the sound signal with the microphones MCL, MCR, a score indicating the degree to which the size of the currently worn earpiece worn by the user is suitable for the user's left or right ear is calculated, Based on the score, at least once for each of the left and right ears, a determination is made as to whether the currently worn earpiece is sealing the user's left or right ear, Based on the determination result, the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears among the plurality of earpieces is determined and output, Measurement method. With this configuration, the measurement system 100 can determine an earpiece size that is more suitable for the user's own ears.

[0160] As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive various modification examples, correction examples, substitution examples, addition examples, deletion examples, equivalent examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Also, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

Industrial Applicability

[0161] The present disclosure is useful for providing a measurement system and a measurement method for determining an earpiece of a size suitable for the user's own ear.

Description of Signs

[0162] 1, 1L, 1R earphones 14L, 14R wireless communication unit 30 display / operation unit 31 public line communication I / F unit 33 control unit 33A smartphone OS processing unit 33B smartphone app processing unit 37 sound signal input / output control unit 38 short-range wireless control unit 39 wireless LAN communication I / F unit 40 earphone communication I / F unit 41 USB communication I / F unit 100 measurement system F1 smartphone IPL, IPR earpieces MCL, MCR microphones SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, SC5A, SC5B, SC6A, SC6B screen examples SCR5A, SCR5B, SCR6A, SCR6B displays SP1L, SP1R speakers TB determination result table

Claims

1. Two earphones that are worn on each of the user's left and right ears, and a plurality of earpieces having different sizes are detachably attached thereto, A measurement system comprising: a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones, The earphone, Has a speaker and a microphone, With an earphone having any of the sizes of the plurality of earpieces attached to the user's left or right ear, an audio signal is output from the speaker, Based on the sound collection result of collecting the sound signal with the microphone, a score indicating the degree to which the size of the earpiece being worn by the user is suitable for the user's left or right ear is calculated and transmitted to the wireless terminal, The wireless terminal, Based on the score, at least once for each of the left and right ears, it is determined whether the earpiece being worn seals the user's left or right ear, Based on the determination result, the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears among the plurality of earpieces is determined and output, Measurement system.

2. The wireless terminal, When it is determined that the score is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the size of the earpiece for which the largest score among the scores is calculated is the most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears. Determine and output the size of the earpiece, The measurement system according to claim 1.

3. The wireless terminal, When it is determined that the score is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the size of the smallest earpiece among the sizes of the earpieces for which a score equal to or greater than the second threshold value is calculated is the most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears. Determine and output the size of the earpiece, The measurement system according to claim 2.

4. The wireless terminal, When it is determined that the score is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the determination of the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears is omitted, Generate and output a notification prompting the user to exchange the earpiece being worn for another earpiece having a different size, The measurement system according to claim 2.

5. The wireless terminal, When it is determined based on the determination result that the in-wearing earpiece does not seal the left ear or the right ear of the user, a notification is output to prompt replacement with another earpiece having the next larger size of the size of the in-wearing earpiece. The measurement system according to claim 1.

6. The wireless terminal When it is determined based on the determination result that the in-wearing earpiece seals the left ear or the right ear of the user, a notification is output to prompt replacement with another earpiece having the next smaller size of the size of the in-wearing earpiece. The measurement system according to claim 1.

7. The wireless terminal Calculate the size difference between the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for the left ear and the size of the earpiece that is most suitable for the right ear. When it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, correct the size of the smaller one of the sizes of the earpieces from the current size to a larger size. The measurement system according to claim 1.

8. The wireless terminal When it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determine whether there are a plurality of scores that are equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value among the scores used for determining the size of the one earpiece. When it is determined that there are a plurality of scores that are equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, correct the size of the one earpiece to the size closest to the size of the other earpiece among the earpieces for which the scores that are equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value are calculated. The measurement system according to claim 7.

9. The wireless terminal When it is determined that the size difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determine whether there are a plurality of scores for which the score is equal to or greater than the second threshold value among the scores used for determining the size of the one earpiece. When it is determined that there are a plurality of scores that are equal to or greater than the second threshold value, correct the size of the one earpiece to the size closest to the size of the other earpiece among the earpieces for which the scores that are equal to or greater than the second threshold value are calculated. The measurement system according to claim 8.

10. The wireless terminal Based on the scores of the earpieces that are most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears, generate an evaluation value that visualizes for the user the degree to which the most suitable earpiece is suitable for the user's left or right ear. Generate and output a notification including the sizes of the earpieces that are most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears and the evaluation value. The measurement system according to claim 1.

11. Two earphones each worn on the user's left and right ears, and a plurality of earpieces having different sizes are interchangeably worn. A measurement system comprising: a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones. The earphone is Provided with a speaker and a microphone. Output a sound signal from the speaker while an earphone having any size among the plurality of earpieces is worn on the user's left or right ear. Transmit the sound collection result obtained by collecting the sound signal with the microphone to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal is Based on the sound collection result, calculate a score indicating the degree to which the size of the earpiece being worn by the user is suitable for the user's left or right ear. Based on the score, at least once for each of the left and right ears, determine whether the earpiece being worn seals the user's left or right ear. Based on the determination result, determine and output the sizes of the earpieces that are most suitable for each of the user's left and right ears among the plurality of earpieces. Measurement system.

12. Two earphones each having a speaker and a microphone, worn on each of the user's left and right ears, and a plurality of earpieces having different sizes are interchangeably worn. A measurement method performed by a system comprising: a wireless terminal capable of communicating with the two earphones. While an earphone having any size among the plurality of earpieces is worn on the user's left or right ear, Output a sound signal from the speaker. Based on the sound collection result of collecting the sound signal with the microphone, calculate a score indicating the degree to which the size of the earpiece being worn by the user is suitable for the user's left or right ear. Based on the score, determine at least once for each of the left ear and the right ear whether the worn in-earpiece is sealing the left ear or the right ear of the user, Based on the determination result, determine and output the size of the in-earpiece that is most suitable for each of the left ear and the right ear of the user among the plurality of in-earpieces, Measurement method.

Images