Sound production device and sound output control system

Abstract

To provide a sound production device and a sound output control system that enable good hearing.SOLUTION: A first sound production device (10) includes connection terminals (12, 13) connectable to a connection device (20), and a first output section (11) that outputs sound based on sound data received from an electronic apparatus (40) when the first sound production device is not connected to the connection device (20) via the connection terminals (12, 13). When the first sound production device is connected to the connection device (20) via the connection terminals (12, 13) and a second sound production device (30) including a second output section (31) having characteristics different from those of the first output section (11) is connected to the connection device (20), the first sound production device (10) does not output the sound based on the sound data from the first output section (11), but outputs sound data to the connection device (20) for the connection terminal (13) to output from the second output section (31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound generating device and a sound output control system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, open-type sound producing devices that are not inserted into the ear canal have been used as sound producing devices such as earphones that allow users to listen to desired sounds independently (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-96092 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, open-type sound generation devices can sometimes make it difficult to hear comfortably depending on the surrounding environment, and it is desirable for users to be able to select a sound generation device from among multiple sound generation devices with different characteristics according to their intended use.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sound generating device and a sound output control system that enable preferable hearing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first connection portion connectable to a connection device; a first output unit that outputs sound based on sound data received from an external device when the device is not connected to the connection device through the first connection unit; Equipped with When the device is connected to the connection device via the first connection unit and a second sound generation device having a second output unit with characteristics different from those of the first output unit is connected to the connection device, the first connection unit outputs sound data to the connection device to be output from the second output unit without outputting a sound based on the sound data from the first output unit. It is a sound producing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to enable a user to hear more preferably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a first sound generation device and a connection device. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating sound output, communication, and charging. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the exchanges and operations between the connection device, the first sound generation device, and the electronic device. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for output control processing in the connection device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for an output destination control process and a sound source control process in the first sound generation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the sound producing device will be referred to as a hearing aid for convenience, but the sound producing device may be other ear devices such as a sound collector other than a hearing aid. In addition, in this disclosure, the first sound producing device 10 has an open-type first output section 11, and the second sound producing device 30 has a closed-type second output section 31. However, the first output section 11 and the second output section 31 may have different acoustic characteristics, and the user may select either the first sound producing device 10 or the second sound producing device 30 depending on the application. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sound output control system 100 according to this embodiment. The sound output control system 100 includes a first sound producing device 10 (sound producing device), a connection device 20, and a second sound producing device 30.

[0010] The first sound production device 10 is a hearing aid, and is a pair of hearing aids, a hearing aid 10L for the left ear and a hearing aid 10R for the right ear. The hearing aid 10L has an open-type first output unit 11L and connection terminals 12L and 13L. The hearing aid 10R has an open-type first output unit 11R and connection terminals 12R and 13R. Hereinafter, the first sound production device 10 refers to each of the hearing aids 10L and 10R. Each of the first output units 11L and 11R will be referred to as a first output unit 11. Each of the connection terminals 12L and 12R will be referred to as a connection terminal 12. Each of the connection terminals 13L and 13R will be referred to as a connection terminal 13. The first sound production device 10 has, for example, an open-type first output unit 11 and connection terminals 12 and 13. The first output unit 11 may be a type that vibrates air, or may be a bone conduction type or a cartilage conduction type. The first sound production device 10 normally operates independently. Meanwhile, both of the connection terminals 12 and 13 can be connected to the connection device 20. The first sound production device 10 has an internal secondary battery 19 (see FIG. 2 ). By connecting the first sound production device 10 to the connection device 20 via the connection terminal 12, the secondary battery 19 can be charged via the connection device 20. The connection terminal 13 (first connection unit) outputs a sound signal (analog sound data; hereinafter, the term "sound data" includes various processed digital data and analog-converted sound signals) to the connection device 20. As described below, the output sound data is data that the connection device 20, when connected to the second sound production device 30, outputs to the second output unit 31 of the second sound production device 30. The connection terminal 13 may be configured to be connected to the connection device 20 in conjunction with or integrally with the connection between the connection terminal 12 and the connection device 20. The connection terminal 13 may have a structure specialized for connection with the connection device 20, or may be a general-purpose terminal for sound output.

[0011] The connection device 20 is a charger and includes connection terminals 21 to 24 and a power supply unit 29 (see FIG. 2). The connection terminals 21 and 22 are connection terminals connectable to the first sound production device 10. The connection terminal 21 is a terminal for supplying power to the first sound production device 10. Of the connection terminals 21, the connection terminal 21L is connected to the connection terminal 12L, and the connection terminal 21R is connected to the connection terminal 12R. The connection terminal 22 is a terminal for receiving sound signals from the first sound production device 10. Of the connection terminals 22, the connection terminal 22L is connected to the connection terminal 13L, and the connection terminal 22R is connected to the connection terminal 13R. The connection terminal 23 (second connection unit) is connectable to the second sound production device 30 and is a connection terminal for outputting sound signals (analog sound data) to the second sound production device 30. The connection terminal 23 may have a terminal shape specific to a specific second sound production device 30. Alternatively, the connection terminal 23 may have the shape of a general-purpose earphone jack, etc. In this case, any sound generating device can be connected, and may be selected according to the user's preference.

[0012] The connection terminal 24 receives power from an external source. The power supply unit 29 has a secondary battery 291 (see FIG. 2). The secondary battery 291 is charged with power received from the connection terminal 24, and supplies the charging power to the secondary battery 19 of the first sound generation device 10 connected to the connection terminal 21. The power supply line 28 may be connectable to various terminals of a USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example. Alternatively, the power supply line 28 may be directly connectable to a commercial power source via an outlet. The power supply unit 29 can switch between charging and discharging based on the voltage, input / output current, etc. of the secondary battery 291.

[0013] The connection device 20 has a housing-like shape with an openable lid 20b and can accommodate the first sound-producing device 10. The connection device 20 has, for example, a recessed housing portion 20a corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of the first sound-producing device 10, and the lid 20b can be closed with the first sound-producing device 10 fitted into the housing portion 20a. After charging of the first sound-producing device 10 is completed, the first sound-producing device 10 can simply be stored inside the connection device 20. The connection terminal 24 may be located on the outer surface of the housing of the connection device 20. Alternatively, the connection terminal 23 may be located on the outer surface of the housing. In this case, the connection terminals 23 and 24 may be covered with a separate cover member when not in use. Alternatively, the connection terminal 23 may be located inside the housing. In this case, the second sound-producing device 30 cannot be connected to the connection device 20 when the lid 20b of the housing is closed.

[0014] The second sound producing device 30 (external sound producing device) has a sealed second output unit 31, and receives analog sound data (sound signals) via a wire from the connection terminal 23 and produces sound from the second output unit 31. That is, the second sound producing device 30 is a sealed earphone or headphone, such as an in-ear type. The second sound producing device 30 may have frequency characteristic information of the sound output stored therein in advance. Alternatively, the user may be able to obtain this information separately from the first sound producing device 10 and the connection device 20. As described above, the second sound producing device 30 has a sealed second output unit 31, which makes it difficult for external sounds to enter the ear canal directly, making it difficult for the user to hear noise when they want to listen to a specific sound.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first sound generation device 10 and the connection device 20. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the first sound producing device 10 includes a control unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication unit 16, a sound collecting unit 17, a signal processing unit 18, and a secondary battery 19 in addition to the above-mentioned first output unit 11 and connection terminals 12 and 13. The first sound producing device 10 operates using operating power supplied from the secondary battery 19.

[0016] The control unit 14 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the first sound generation device 10. The processor may be a general-purpose CPU, a dedicated microcomputer, or an integrated circuit. The processor may be a single processor, or multiple processors may operate in parallel or independently depending on the application.

[0017] The storage unit 15 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory. The RAM provides a working memory space for the control unit 14 and stores temporary data. The non-volatile memory stores control data, setting data, and a program 151. The non-volatile memory may be, for example, a flash memory.

[0018] The communication unit 16 controls communication with an external device. The communication unit 16 is capable of establishing a communication connection with the outside through wireless communication, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 16 as an acquisition unit acquires control information from the external device under the control of the control unit 14, and receives sound data as setting data including information on sounds to be output in a hearing test. The external device includes, for example, an electronic device 40 such as a smartphone, and a connection device 20.

[0019] The sound collection unit 17 is a microphone that detects external sounds. An analog signal of the sound collected by the sound collection unit 17 is input to the signal processing unit 18.

[0020] The signal processing unit 18 includes an AD conversion unit 181 (ADC), a DSP 182 (Digital Signal Processor), a DA conversion unit 183 (DAC), an amplifier 184, a switch 185, etc. The AD conversion unit 181 converts the analog sound signal input from the sound collection unit 17 into a digital signal. Note that the sound collection unit 17 may have the AD conversion unit 181 and input the digitized sound data to the signal processing unit 18. The DSP 182 processes the acquired digital sound data and / or digitized sound data. The DA conversion unit 183 converts the processed digital sound data into analog sound data (sound signal). The amplifier 184 amplifies the acquired sound signal according to the output volume. The acquired digital sound data includes the output sound data (setting data) related to the hearing test as described above.

[0021] The switching unit 185 switches the output destination of the sound signal according to the control of the control unit 14. The output destination is either the first output unit 11 or the connection terminal 13. The switching unit 185 may have various switching elements and the like.

[0022] The connection terminal 12 has a connection detection mechanism. When the connection detection mechanism detects a connection to the connection terminal 12, a detection signal is output to the control unit 14. The first sound production device 10 may also have a detection mechanism between the connection terminal 12 and the secondary battery 19 that detects the charging status of the secondary battery 19 and sends the detection result to the control unit 14. If the charging level exceeds a reference level, the control unit 14 cuts off the power supply from the connection device 20 or outputs a signal to the connection device 20 to stop the power supply.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the connection device 20 includes the connection terminals 21 to 24 and the power supply unit 29, as well as a control unit 25, a storage unit 26, a communication unit 27, and the like.

[0024] The control unit 25 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the connection device 20. The processor may be a general-purpose CPU, or a dedicated microcomputer or integrated circuit. There may be one processor, or multiple processors may be used in combination.

[0025] The storage unit 26 includes a RAM and a non-volatile memory. The RAM provides a working memory space for the control unit 25 and stores temporary data. The non-volatile memory stores control data, setting data, and programs 261. The non-volatile memory may be, for example, a flash memory.

[0026] The communication unit 27 controls communication with an external device. The external device may include the first sound production device 10. In this case, the communication unit 27 supports the same communication protocol as the communication unit 16, which is Bluetooth in this case.

[0027] Connection terminal 21 has a mechanism for detecting connection of power supply line 28. The detection result is output to control unit 25. Connection device 20 also has a detection mechanism between connection terminal 21 and power supply unit 29 that detects the charging state of the secondary battery of power supply unit 29 and outputs the detection result to control unit 25. If the charging state exceeds a reference level, control unit 25 cuts off the power supply to power supply unit 29 from the outside.

[0028] Next, sound output control in the sound output control system 100 will be described. The sound output control system 100 can output sounds collected by the sound collection unit 17 from the first sound producing device 10 and / or sounds based on sound data acquired from the electronic device 40. When the first sound producing device 10 and the second sound producing device 30 are connected to the connection device 20, the above sounds are switched to be output from the second sound producing device 30 instead of the first sound producing device 10.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating sound output, communication, and charging. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the first sound-producing device 10 is housed in and connected to the connection device 20, power is supplied from the power supply unit 29 of the connection device 20 to the secondary battery 19 of the housed first sound-producing device 10. The connection device 20 can also transmit the connection status of the second sound-producing device 30 to the first sound-producing device 10. The transmission may be via a communication connection between the communication unit 16 and the communication unit 27. Alternatively, a simple signal may be superimposed on the power supply between the connection terminal 21 and the connection terminal 12 as a transmission unit. In this case, the connection device 20 may not have the communication unit 27. The sound detected by the sound collection unit 17 is output at an appropriate amplification level from the first output unit 11 via the signal processing unit 18. However, when the first sound-producing device 10 is connected to the connection device 20, the first sound-producing device 10 is not worn by the user. Therefore, in this case, the amplification factor of the amplifier 184 may be set to the lowest level. Alternatively, the entire operation of the signal processing unit 18 may be stopped.

[0030] As described above, there are two first sound production devices 10: hearing aid 10L for the left ear and hearing aid 10R for the right ear. Charging and switching of the sound output destination may be limited to when both first sound production devices 10 are connected to the connection device 20.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the first sound producing device 10 is connected to the connection device 20, a second sound producing device 30 may be further connected to the connection device 20. In this case, in response to a signal from the connection device 20 to the first sound producing device 10, the first sound producing device 10 switches the output destination of the sound from the first output unit 11 to the connection terminal 13. As a result, the sound output by the first sound producing device 10 is input to the connection device 20 from the connection terminals 22L and 22R connected to the connection terminals 13L and 13R. Furthermore, the output sound is sent to the second output unit 31 of the second sound producing device 30 via the connection device 20. The supply of power from the power supply unit 29 to the secondary battery 19 is independent of whether the connection terminals 21L and 21R of the second sound producing device 30 are connected to the connection terminals 12L and 12R. That is, the power supply unit 29 continues to supply power until charging of the secondary battery 19 is completed, until it becomes difficult to supply power from the power supply unit 29, or until the connection with the first sound generation device 10 is cut off.

[0032] Note that even if the first sound producing device 10 is connected to the connection device 20, the second sound producing device 30 will not be connected to the connection device 20 if the connection is for charging purposes or simply for storage. In such cases, the connection device 20 may suspend the operation of the control unit 25 to the extent that it is able to control charging of the first sound producing device 10 and detect the connection of the second sound producing device 30. Furthermore, if a communication connection is established between the communication units 16 and 27, the operation of the control unit 14 of the first sound producing device 10 may also be suspended to the extent that this communication can be maintained.

[0033] As described above, the open-type first sound generation device 10 does not create a feeling of blockage or muffled sound in the ears and allows external sounds to easily penetrate. On the other hand, the closed-type second sound generation device 30 provides a sense of immersion and prevents external sounds from penetrating. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sound generation device 10 is open-type and operates wirelessly, and can be switched to the second sound generation device 30 is closed-type and operates wiredly as needed, enabling flexible and easy hearing depending on the intended use. The first sound generation device 10 and the second sound generation device 30 of the present invention may be sound generation devices with different characteristics, including acoustic characteristics. In other words, both the first sound generation device 10 and the second sound generation device 30 may be closed-type sound generation devices.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the signal exchange and operations between the connection device 20, the first sound generation device 10, and the electronic device 40. As shown in FIG. In the initial state, the first sound producing device 10 operates alone, and the sound collected by the sound collecting section 17 is subjected to appropriate signal processing and amplification, and is output from the first output section 11.

[0035] The first sound production device 10 requests a Bluetooth connection to the electronic device 40 and establishes a communication connection with the electronic device 40. When an app that outputs sound is started on the electronic device 40, a notification is sent from the electronic device 40 to the first sound production device 10, and the first sound production device 10 adds the sound data sent from the electronic device 40 as a sound source. The first sound production device 10 synthesizes the digital sound data acquired from the electronic device 40 with the digital data of the sound collected by the sound collection unit 17 and performs signal processing. The synthesized sound data is converted to analog and output to the first output unit 11, and sound is output from the first output unit 11.

[0036] When the first sound producing device 10 is accommodated in and connected to the connection device 20, the connection device 20 detects the connection of the first sound producing device 10 and starts supplying power to the first sound producing device 10. When the first sound producing device 10 is connected to the connection device 20, the cover 20b is in an open state.

[0037] When the connection device 20 detects the connection of the second sound producing device 30, it outputs a signal to the first sound producing device 10 requesting the output of sound data. This signal does not have to be a direct request for the output of sound data. For example, it may simply be connection detection information of the second sound producing device 30. In this case, the first sound producing device 10 can determine the start of sound output to the connection device 20 based on this connection detection information. The second sound producing device 30 may have been connected to the connection device 20 before the connection of the first sound producing device 10 was detected. In response to this signal, the first sound producing device 10 switches the sound output destination from the first output unit 11 to the connection terminal 13, i.e., the connection device 20. As a result, analog sound data based on the synthesized sound data is output to the second sound producing device 30 via the connection device 20, and the second sound producing device 30 outputs sound.

[0038] When the connection device 20 detects that the lid 20b is closed, the connection device 20 notifies the first sound production device 10 of the detection information. In the first sound production device 10, the sound collection unit 17 is excluded from the sound source. That is, sound collected by the sound collection unit 17 of the first sound production device 10 inside the housing of the connection device 20 with the lid 20b closed is not targeted for output.

[0039] Conversely, when the connection device 20 detects that the lid 20b is open, the connection device 20 notifies the first sound production device 10 of the detection information. In the first sound production device 10, a sound collection unit 17 is added to the sound source. That is, even within the housing of the connection device 20, when the lid 20b is open, ambient sounds collected by the sound collection unit 17 may be output. Furthermore, the connection device 20 to which the first sound production device 10 is more actively connected can also be used as a sound collection device at a position other than near the ear.

[0040] When the connection device 20 detects that the second sound production device 30 has been separated, the connection device 20 outputs a signal to the first sound production device 10 requesting that sound output to be stopped. This signal does not have to be a direct request to stop sound output. It is sufficient that the first sound production device 10 can make a decision to stop sound output to the connection device 20. When the sound output destination is switched in the first sound production device 10, the first sound production device 10 outputs sound from the first output unit 11.

[0041] When the application that outputs sound data to the first sound production device 10 is terminated in the electronic device 40, a notification indicating the end of output of sound data may be output from the electronic device 40 to the first sound production device 10. In response to this, the first sound production device 10 may exclude the electronic device 40 from its sound sources. As a result, the first sound production device 10 performs signal processing and amplification on the sound collected by the sound collection unit 17, and outputs the sound from the first output unit 11, just as in the initial state.

[0042] When the secondary battery 19 is charged to a set level, the first sound production device 10 stops charging and cuts off the power supply from the connection device 20. As described above, the first sound production device 10 may output a stop signal to the connection device 20 so that the power supply is cut off on the connection device 20 side. The Bluetooth communication connection between the first sound production device 10 and the electronic device 40 may be disconnected when the adjustment app is terminated, or may be maintained as is until an appropriate situation arises.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the output control process by the control unit 25 of the connection device 20. The control unit 25 determines whether or not the first sound producing device 10 is connected to the connection terminal 21 (S1). If it is determined that the first sound producing device 10 is not connected to the connection terminal 21 (S1; N), the control unit 25 repeats the process S1.

[0044] If it is determined that the first sound producing device 10 is connected to the connection terminal 21 (S1; Y), the control unit 25 starts supplying power to the first sound producing device 10 (S2). As described above, if the connection status of the second sound producing device 30 cannot be transmitted to the first sound producing device 10 via a wire together with the power supply, the control unit 25 may request a wireless communication connection with the first sound producing device 10 and establish the communication connection.

[0045] The control unit 25 determines whether or not the second sound producing device 30 is connected to the connection terminal 23 (S3). If it is determined that the second sound producing device 30 is connected to the connection terminal 23 (S3; Y), the control unit 25 outputs a signal to the first sound producing device 10 to request that the output destination of the sound signal be switched to the connection terminal 13 (connection device 20) (S4). The sound signal input from the connection terminal 22 in response to the switching operation of the first sound producing device 10 is output directly from the connection terminal 23 to the second sound producing device 30 without going through the control unit 25.

[0046] The control unit 25 determines whether or not the lid 20b has been opened or closed (S5). If it is determined that the lid 20b has been opened or closed (S5; Y), the control unit 25 outputs opening / closing information to the first sound generation device 10 (S6). Then, the process of the control unit 25 proceeds to step S7. If it is determined that the lid 20b has not been opened or closed (S5; N), the process of the control unit 25 proceeds to step S7.

[0047] In process S7, the control unit 25 determines whether the second sound producing device 30 has been detached from the connection terminal 23 (S7). If it is determined that the second sound producing device 30 has been detached from the connection terminal 23 (S7; Y), the control unit 25 transmits a request to the first sound producing device 10 via the communication unit 27 to change the sound output destination to the first output unit 11 (S8). Then, the process of the control unit 25 proceeds to S9. If it is determined that the second sound producing device 30 has not been detached from the connection terminal 23 (S7; N), the process of the control unit 25 proceeds to process S9.

[0048] In the determination process of step S3, if it is determined that the second sound generating device 30 is not connected to the connection terminal 23 (S3; N), the process of the control unit 25 proceeds to S9.

[0049] In step S9, the control unit 25 determines whether the first sound producing device 10 has been detached from the connection terminal 22 (S9). If it is determined that the first sound producing device 10 has been detached (S9; Y), the control unit 25 returns to step S1. At this time, the power supply to the first sound producing device 10 is automatically stopped due to a physical disconnection.

[0050] If it is determined that the first sound producing device 10 is not detached (S9; N), the control unit 25 determines whether the second sound producing device 30 is connected (S10). If it is determined that the second sound producing device 30 is connected (S10; Y), the control unit 25 returns to step S5. If it is determined that the second sound producing device 30 is not connected (S10; N), the control unit 25 returns to step S3.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the output destination control process and the sound source setting control process executed by the control unit 14 of the first sound generation device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0052] The output destination control process shown in FIG. 6(a) is executed when an event occurs regarding the connection between the first sound generation device 10 and the connection device 20.

[0053] The control unit 14 determines whether the connection terminal 12 has been separated from the connection device 20 (S11). If it is determined that the connection terminal 12 has been separated from the connection device 20 (S11; Y), the control unit 14 switches the output destination of the sound to the first output unit 11 by the switching unit 185 (S15). Then, the control unit 14 ends the output destination control process.

[0054] If it is determined that the connection terminal 12 has not been separated from the connection device 20 (S11; N), the control unit 14 determines whether or not a sound output request to the connection device 20 has been received from the connection device 20 (S12). If it is determined that a sound output request to the connection device 20 has been received (S12; Y), the control unit 14 switches the sound output destination to the connection device 20, i.e., the connection terminal 12, by the switching unit 185 (S14). Then, the control unit 14 ends the output destination control process.

[0055] If it is determined that a request to cancel sound output to the connection device 20 has not been received from the connection device 20 (S12; N), the control unit 14 determines whether a request to cancel sound output to the connection device 20 has been received from the connection device 20 (S13). If it is determined that a request to cancel sound output to the connection device 20 has been received (S13; Y), the processing of the control unit 14 proceeds to S15. If it is determined that a request to cancel sound output to the connection device 20 has not been received (S13; N), the control unit 14 ends the output destination control processing.

[0056] The sound source setting control process shown in Figure 6(b) is started when the control unit 25 receives a notification regarding sound output from the electronic device 40 or when information regarding the opening and closing of the lid body 20b is obtained from a signal on the power supply input from the connection terminal 23.

[0057] The control unit 25 determines whether or not it has received a notification of sound data output from the electronic device 40 (S21). If it is determined that it has received a notification of sound data output (S21; Y), the control unit 25 adds the electronic device 40 to the sound source (S22). Then, the control unit 25 ends the sound source setting control process.

[0058] If it is determined that the sound data output notification has not been received from the electronic device 40 (S21; N), the control unit 25 determines whether or not the sound data output end notification has been received from the electronic device 40 (S23). If it is determined that the sound data output end notification has been received (S23; Y), the control unit 25 excludes the electronic device 40 from the sound source (S24). Then, the control unit 25 ends the sound source setting control process.

[0059] If it is determined that the notification of the end of output of sound data has not been received from the electronic device 40 (S23; N), the control unit 25 determines whether or not a notification of closing of the lid body 20b has been received from the connection device 20 (S25). If it is determined that a notification of closing of the lid body 20b has been received (S25; Y), the control unit 25 excludes the sound collection unit 17 from the sound source (S26). Then, the control unit 25 ends the sound source setting control process.

[0060] If it is determined that the electronic device 40 has not received a notification that the lid 20b is closed (S25; N), the control unit 25 determines whether or not a notification that the lid 20b is opened has been received (S27). If it is determined that a notification that the lid 20b is opened has been received (S27; Y), the control unit 25 adds the sound collection unit 17 to the sound source (S28). Then, the control unit 25 ends the sound source setting control process. If it is determined that a notification that the lid 20b is opened has not been received (S27; N), the control unit 25 ends the sound source setting control process.

[0061] As described above, the first sound production device 10 of the present embodiment includes connection terminals 12 and 13 connectable to the connection device 20, and a first output unit 11. When the first output unit 11 is not connected to the connection device 20 via the connection terminals 12 and 13, it outputs sound based on sound data received from the electronic device 40. When the first sound production device 10 is connected to the connection device 20 via the connection terminals 12 and 13 and a second sound production device 30 including a second output unit 31 having characteristics different from those of the first output unit 11 is connected to the connection device 20, the first sound production device 10 does not output sound based on the sound data from the first output unit 11, but instead outputs sound data to the connection device 20 to be output from the second output unit 31 by the connection terminal 13. In this way, when sound output from the open-type first sound device 10 is not suitable for the user, the first sound device 10 can easily output sound data to the connection device 20. This sound data is output from the connection device 20 to the second sound device 30, and sound is output from the closed-type second output unit 31. Typically, the first sound device 10 can be used alone. On the other hand, wireless-type first sound devices 10 are often carried around with cases that can store them when not in use. Also, by connecting the second sound device 30 using the connection device 20, which stores the first sound devices 10 together when connected, there is no need to increase the number of connection terminals for the first sound device 10. Therefore, the first sound device 10 can provide a hearing experience that is suitable for the user.

[0062] The first sound producing device 10 also includes a switching unit 185 and a control unit 14. The switching unit 185 switches between the first output unit 11 and the connection terminal 13 to which analog sound data is output. The control unit 14 switches the switching unit 185 based on information regarding whether the connection terminals 12, 13 are connected to the connection device 20 and information regarding whether the second sound producing device 30 is connected to the connection device 20. The switching unit 185 allows the first sound producing device 10 to easily and selectively determine the output destination of the analog sound data.

[0063] The sound output control system 100 of this embodiment also includes a first sound production device 10 having connection terminals 12 and 13 and a first output unit 11, and a connection device 20 connectable to the first sound production device 10 via the connection terminals 12 and 13. The first output unit 11 outputs sound based on sound data received from an electronic device 40 when the first sound production device 10 is not connected to the connection device 20 via the connection terminals 12 and 13. When the first sound production device 10 is connected to the connection device 20 via the connection terminal 13 and a second sound production device 30 including a second output unit 31 having characteristics different from those of the first output unit 11 is connected to the connection device 20, the sound based on the sound data is not output from the first output unit 11, and the connection device 20 outputs sound data corresponding to the sound output by the connection terminal 13 to the connection device 20. The connection device 20 is connectable to the second sound production device 30 and includes a connection terminal 23 that outputs sound data acquired via the connection terminal 13 to the second sound production device 30. According to this sound output control system 100, when the sound output from the first output unit 11 is not suitable for the user and the user desires to output the sound from the second output unit 31, the sound output destination can be easily switched via the connection device 20. Therefore, the sound output control system 100 allows the user to obtain a suitable hearing situation.

[0064] The connection device 20 may also have a housing portion 20a capable of housing the first sound producing device 10. By housing the first sound producing device 10 in the housing portion 20a, the connection terminal 13 is connected to the connection device 20. In this way, the connection terminal 13 can be easily connected to the connection device 20, reducing the effort required to switch sound output to the second sound producing device 30.

[0065] The connection device 20 may also have a lid 20b that can open and close the storage section 20a. The first sound production device 10 may also have a sound collection section 17 that collects ambient sound. When the first sound production device 10 is housed in the storage section 20a and the storage section 20a is in an open state, the sound output from the first output section 11 or the second output section 31 may include sound based on sound data obtained by sound collection by the sound collection section 17. On the other hand, when the first sound production device 10 is housed in the storage section 20a and the storage section 20a is in a closed state, the output sound may not include sound based on sound data obtained by sound collection by the sound collection section 17. That is, the sound collection unit 17 of the first sound generation device 10 housed in the housing 20a can be used as a separate microphone when the lid 20b is open. On the other hand, when the lid 20b is closed, only sound based on the sound data obtained from the electronic device 40 is output. Therefore, the user can easily immerse themselves in the sound they want to hear without being bothered by surrounding noise. Furthermore, because the function of the sound collection unit 17 itself is hindered when the lid 20b is closed, the user can easily determine whether or not to use the sound collection unit 17.

[0066] The connection device 20 also has a power supply unit 29 that supplies charging power to the secondary battery 19 included in the first sound production device 10. The power supply unit 29 is capable of charging the secondary battery 19 when the first sound production device 10 is housed in the housing unit 20a. In other words, the connection device 20 may also be a charging device for the first sound production device 10. The connection device 20, which has the lid 20b, also functions as a simple housing for the first sound production device 10. Therefore, since the connection device 20 is easy to carry around even under normal circumstances, the burden on the user to output sound using the second sound production device 30 is reduced. Furthermore, the second sound producing device 30 outputs sound while the first sound producing device 10 is housed in the housing 20a. Therefore, the first sound producing device 10 can acquire sound data from the electronic device 40 while receiving power supply, and output the sound data to the connection device 20. This allows the first sound producing device 10 to delay the decrease in the remaining battery power of the secondary battery 19, and to continuously output sounds related to various contents that the electronic device 40 can output for a long period of time.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, sound data may be acquired from an external device using a method other than Bluetooth, and may be acquired according to other appropriate communication protocols depending on communication speed and power consumption.

[0068] In the above description, when first sound producing device 10 is housed in housing 20a and lid 20b is open, the sound collected by sound collector 17 is not output, but this is not limited to this. While first sound producing device 10 is housed in housing 20a, the sound collected by sound collector 17 may not be output regardless of the state of lid 20b. In this case, the sound collecting operation of sound collector 17 may be stopped, or the sound collecting operation may continue but not be input to DSP 182.

[0069] In the above description, the first sound production device 10 is described as being the hearing aids 10L and 10R, but is not limited to this. The first sound production device 10 may be a simple wireless earphone that does not have a sound collection unit 17. Furthermore, the first sound production device 10 and the second sound production device 30 may each be an open type or a closed type, as long as they have different characteristics.

[0070] Furthermore, the connection device 20 does not necessarily have to be a charging device. Furthermore, the connection device 20 does not have to have the lid 20b, and the first sound producing device 10 does not have to be housed in the recessed housing portion 20a. For example, the first sound producing device 10 may be fixed to a protruding support member or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, the external device does not have to be a smartphone. For example, the external terminal may be a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet terminal.

[0072] In addition, the specific configurations, contents and procedures of the processing operations, etc. shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 First sound generating device 10L, 10R hearing aids 11, 11L, 11R 1st output section 12, 12L, 12R, 13, 13L, 13R connection terminals 14 Control Unit 15 Storage section 151 Programs 16 Communications Department 17 Sound collection section 18 Signal Processing Section 181 AD conversion section 182 DSP 183 DA conversion section 184 Amplification Unit 185 Switching section 19 Secondary battery 20 Connection Device 20a Storage section 20b Lid body 21~24, 21L, 21R, 22L, 22R connection terminals 25 Control Unit 26 Memory section 261 Programs 27 Communications Department 28 Power supply line 29 Power supply section 291 Secondary battery 30 Second sound generating device 31 Second output section 40 Electronic equipment 100 Sound output control system

Claims

1. a first connection portion connectable to a connection device; a first output unit that outputs sound based on sound data received from an external device when the device is not connected to the external device via the first connection unit; Equipped with When the device is connected to the connection device via the first connection unit and a second sound generation device is connected to the connection device, the second sound generation device has a second output unit whose characteristics are different from those of the first output unit, and the first connection unit outputs sound data to the connection device to be output from the second output unit without outputting a sound based on the sound data from the first output unit. Sound generating device.

2. a switching unit that switches whether to output sound data to the first output unit or the first connection unit; a control unit that switches the switching unit based on information regarding whether the first connection unit is connected to the connection device and information regarding whether the second sound generation device is connected to the connection device; The sound generating device according to claim 1 ,

3. a first sound-producing device having a first connection portion and a first output portion; and a connection device connectable to the first sound-producing device via the first connection portion; the first output unit outputs sound based on sound data received from an external device when the device is not connected to the external device by the first connection unit; When the device is connected to the connection device via the first connection unit and a second sound generation device is connected to the connection device, the second sound generation device has a second output unit whose characteristics are different from those of the first output unit, and the first connection unit outputs sound data to the connection device without causing a sound based on the sound data to be output from the first output unit; the connection device is connectable to the second sound generation device and includes a second connection unit that outputs the sound data acquired via the first connection unit to the second sound generation device; Sound output control system.

4. the connection device has a housing portion capable of housing the first sound generation device, The first sound generating device is accommodated in the accommodation portion, whereby the first connection portion is connected to the connection device. The sound output control system according to claim 3.

5. the connection device has a lid that can open and close the storage section, the first sound generating device includes a sound collecting unit that collects surrounding sounds, When the first sound producing device is housed in the housing section and the housing section is in an open state, the sound output by the first output section or the second output section includes a sound based on sound data obtained by sound collection by the sound collection section, and when the first sound producing device is housed in the housing section and the housing section is in a closed state, the sound does not include a sound based on sound data obtained by sound collection by the sound collection section. The sound output control system according to claim 4.

6. the connection device has a power supply unit that supplies charging power to a secondary battery that is included in the first sound generation device and supplies operating power to the first sound generation device, the power supply unit is capable of charging the secondary battery when the first sound generation device is housed in the housing unit. The sound output control system according to claim 4.

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