Beat frequency earphones

Abstract

We provide beat frequency earphones that can produce superior brainwave-inducing effects over longer periods of time. [Solution] The beat frequency earphone 100 includes a left ear speaker 110, a right ear speaker 120, a wireless communication device 140, and a frequency adjuster 160. The left ear speaker 110 is used to provide a first sound wave to the user's left ear. The right ear speaker 120 is used to provide a second sound wave to the user's right ear. The frequency adjuster 160 receives an external audio signal from the wireless communication device 140, adjusts the external audio signal to a first audio signal, transmits it to the left ear speaker 110 to generate a first sound wave, adjusts the external audio signal to a second audio signal, and transmits it to the right ear speaker 120 to generate a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to earphones, and more particularly to beat frequency earphones.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid progress of current science and technology, long-distance travel has become part of people's daily lives. To reduce the fatigue caused by long-distance travel, people often listen to music or enjoy video content using earphones without disturbing the people around them. However, improving the user experience of earphones has been an area that the earphone industry has been continuously improving.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a beat frequency earphone capable of making a user feel binaural beats.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The beat frequency earphone of the present invention includes a left ear speaker, a right ear speaker, a wireless communicator, and a frequency adjuster. The left ear speaker is used to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user. The right ear speaker is used to provide a second sound wave to the right ear of the user. The frequency adjuster is signal-connected to the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker via wiring and is signal-connected to the wireless communicator. The frequency adjuster receives an external audio signal from the wireless communicator. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio signal into a first audio signal and then transmits it to the left ear speaker to generate a first sound wave. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio signal into a second audio signal and then transmits it to the right ear speaker to generate a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference value.

[0005] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the beat frequency earphone further includes a sound source connection port and a switch. The frequency adjuster is signal-connected to the sound source connection port or wireless communication device via the switch and receives external audio signals from the sound source connection port or wireless communication device.

[0006] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the beat frequency earphone further includes an audio source cable. Both ends of the audio source cable are inserted into an audio source connection port and an audio source output socket of an analog audio source output device, respectively.

[0007] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the beat frequency earphone further includes a control box. A sound source connection port, a wireless communication device, a switch, and a frequency adjuster are installed in the control box.

[0008] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the switch is a manual switch.

[0009] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the beat frequency earphone further includes a wireless receiver used to receive FM radio broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts, which is signal-connected to the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker via wiring.

[0010] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the wireless communication device communicates wirelessly with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone transmits an external audio signal.

[0011] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the wireless communication device performs Bluetooth communication.

[0012] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the frequency adjuster includes, in sequence, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a frequency adjustment circuit, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the frequency difference values ​​include a plurality of switchable first frequency difference values. These first frequency difference values ​​are within two or more ranges of 0.5Hz to 4Hz, 4Hz to 8Hz, 8Hz to 12Hz, 12Hz to 20Hz, and 25Hz to 40Hz.

[0014] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the frequency difference value includes a plurality of switchable first frequency difference values. These first frequency difference values ​​automatically cycle within two or more ranges of 0.5Hz to 4Hz, 4Hz to 8Hz, 8Hz to 12Hz, 12Hz to 20Hz, and 25Hz to 40Hz.

[0015] In one embodiment of the beat frequency earphone described above, the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker are dynamic speakers, balanced armature speakers, or bone conduction speakers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the beat frequency earphones of the present invention can provide the user with effects other than simply hearing sound waves, because the sound waves received by both ears have a frequency difference. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram of the beat frequency earphone. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a circuit block diagram of the beat frequency earphone of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the beat frequency earphone 100 of this embodiment includes a left ear speaker 110, a right ear speaker 120, a wireless communication device 140, and a frequency adjuster 160. The left ear speaker 110 is used to provide a first sound wave to the user's left ear. The right ear speaker 120 is used to provide a second sound wave to the user's right ear. The form of the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 may be bone conduction type, behind-the-ear type, over-ear type, in-ear type, or other forms.

[0019] The beat frequency earphone 100 is formed as an integrated earphone. That is, the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 are fixedly connected and cannot be separated. For example, the beat frequency earphone 100 has a moderately deformable arc-shaped housing 112, and the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 are mounted on opposite ends of the housing 112, respectively. In addition to housing the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120, the housing 112 also houses the wireless communication unit 140 and the frequency adjuster 160. At the same time, the housing 112 also serves the function of hanging the entire beat frequency earphone 100 around the user's neck. However, the left ear speaker 110, the right ear speaker 120, the wireless communication unit 140, and the frequency adjuster 160 may all be connected to each other by wiring without the housing 112 being in place.

[0020] The frequency adjuster 160 is signal-connected to the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 via wiring. In other words, the frequency adjuster 160 and the left ear speaker 110 are signal-connected via a wired connection, and the frequency adjuster 160 and the right ear speaker 120 are also signal-connected via a wired connection. The wiring used for the connection can also be housed within the enclosure 112. Because the frequency adjuster 160 is signal-connected to the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 via wiring, it can transmit signals synchronously to the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120, and during wireless transmission, there is no need to consider whether the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 are synchronized when receiving the signal.

[0021] The frequency adjuster 160 receives an external audio signal from the radio communication device 140. The frequency adjuster 160 adjusts the external audio signal into a first audio signal and then transmits it to the left ear speaker 110 to generate a first sound wave. The frequency adjuster 160 adjusts the external audio signal into a second audio signal and then transmits it to the right ear speaker 120 to generate a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference value.

[0022] Brain waves refer to the electrical vibrations that occur when nerve cells in the human brain are active, and are also called the rhythm of brain cell activity. The human brain constantly generates brain waves. When classified by frequency, brain waves include at least beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves, delta waves, and gamma waves. Generally, the brain waves of a person in the third stage of non-REM sleep are usually delta waves (frequency between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz), and the brain waves of a person in a state of having a dream during deep sleep, being in a state of deep meditation, or having a strong subjective state are usually theta waves (frequency between 4 Hz and 8 Hz). The brain waves of a person in a drowsy state before falling asleep, a state where consciousness is gradually becoming ambiguous, an inspired state, or a state where the mind and body are relaxed and attention is concentrated are usually alpha waves, and the brain waves of a person in a state where they are relaxed but concentrating their mind, or a state where they are organizing previously received information are usually beta waves. However, according to research, it has also been found that when the human brain is induced to generate different brain waves, it conversely affects the human state. For example, when the human brain is induced to generate alpha waves, that person may be led to an inspired state or a state where the mind and body are relaxed and attention is concentrated.

[0023] By setting the frequency difference value between the first sound wave and the second sound wave provided by the beat frequency earphone 100, the brain of the user can be induced to generate beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves, delta waves, gamma waves, or other brain waves, and the user can be led to the corresponding state described above.

[0024] For example, the wireless communicator 140 of the present embodiment can perform wireless communication with the mobile phone 50, and the mobile phone 50 transmits a music, video audio signal, voice audio signal, or other external audio signal. The wireless communicator 140 performs, for example, Bluetooth communication or other wireless communication. The frequency adjuster 160 can adjust the external audio signal received from the mobile phone 50 and make the sound waves with a frequency difference value be heard by the left ear and the right ear of the user, thereby stimulating the brain of the user to generate specific brain waves and achieving effects such as improvement of concentration, sound sleep, stress reduction, and induction to a meditation state.

[0025] In this embodiment, the frequency difference value includes a plurality of switchable first frequency difference values. That is, the user can control the frequency adjuster 160 according to the demand at the time and set the frequency difference value to different first frequency difference values. These first frequency difference values ​​are within two or more of five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz. For example, there may be two first frequency difference values. One first frequency difference value is within one of the five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz, and the other first frequency difference value is within another of the five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz. Furthermore, for example, there may be three first frequency difference values. One first frequency difference value lies within one of five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz. Another first frequency difference value lies within another of five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz. The remaining first frequency difference value lies within one of three ranges remaining after subtracting the two ranges mentioned above from the five ranges: between 0.5Hz and 4Hz, between 4Hz and 8Hz, between 8Hz and 12Hz, between 12Hz and 20Hz, and between 25Hz and 40Hz.

[0026] In this embodiment, the frequency difference value can automatically change cyclically over time. That is, each first frequency difference value can automatically change cyclically within one of the five ranges to which it belongs. In other words, this frequency difference value is not a fixed, unchanging value. Furthermore, this frequency difference value changes automatically in a predetermined manner without requiring human intervention. Moreover, the method of changing this frequency difference value is a preset method and cannot be adjusted or selected by the user. Alternatively, there may be multiple methods of change, and the user may select the method to use. Furthermore, the user's physiological state is not detected before determining the method of changing the frequency difference value. In other words, the method of changing the frequency difference value is not changed by differences in the user's physiological state.

[0027] For example, the frequency difference value can automatically and gradually cycle between 8Hz and 12Hz, with each change in the frequency difference value being 0.1Hz, and maintaining the same frequency difference value for 10 seconds after each change. Automatic and gradually cyclical change of the frequency difference value between 8Hz and 12Hz means, for example, gradually changing from 8Hz to 12Hz, and then gradually changing from 12Hz to 8Hz. It also means repeatedly changing from 8Hz to 12Hz, or repeatedly changing from 12Hz to 8Hz.

[0028] In this embodiment, the frequency difference can automatically cycle between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz to induce a delta wave, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz to induce a theta wave, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz to induce an alpha wave, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz to induce a beta wave, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz to induce a gamma wave. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the time period is not sufficiently long, the frequency difference may simply gradually increase or gradually decrease.

[0029] Each user's brain does not produce a superior evocative effect for only a single frequency difference value; typically, it can produce a superior evocative effect for multiple frequency differences. The neckband earphones of this embodiment can produce a superior evocative effect for multiple frequency differences because they automatically elicit the user with cyclically changing frequency differences. Even if a subject shows a superior evocative effect for a single input frequency difference value, the duration of this effect may not be long. The neckband earphones of this embodiment can automatically elicit the user with cyclically changing frequency differences and can automatically cyclically change within a selected range, so after the user's brain becomes fatigued, it can change to a different frequency difference value and produce a superior evocative effect again. As a result, the neckband earphones of this embodiment can produce a superior EEG evocative effect for a longer period of time.

[0030] In this embodiment, the beat frequency earphone 100 may further include a sound source connection port 130 and a switch 150. The frequency adjuster 160 is signal-connected to the sound source connection port 130 or the wireless communication device 140 via the switch 150 and receives the aforementioned external audio signal from the sound source connection port 130 or the wireless communication device 140. In other words, the frequency adjuster 160 is never signal-connected to both the sound source connection port 130 and the wireless communication device 140 simultaneously. When the frequency adjuster 160 is signal-connected to the sound source connection port 130, it is not signal-connected to the wireless communication device 140, and when the frequency adjuster 160 is signal-connected to the wireless communication device 140, it is not signal-connected to the sound source connection port 130. The switch 150 is used to determine whether to signal the frequency adjuster 160 to the sound source connection port 130 or the wireless communication device 140. The switch 150 may be a manual switch, for example, a mechanical switch, a touch switch, or another type of switch.

[0031] The enclosure 112 also houses the sound source connection port 130 and the switch 150. However, the left ear speaker 110, the right ear speaker 120, the sound source connection port 130, the wireless communication device 140, the switch 150, and the frequency adjuster 160 may all be interconnected by wiring without the enclosure 112 being placed in place.

[0032] In this embodiment, the beat frequency earphone 100 may further include an audio cable 170. The audio connection port 130 in this embodiment is an audio socket. Both ends of the audio cable 170 are inserted into the audio connection port 130 and the audio output socket of an analog audio output device, for example, an aircraft audio output socket 60. In other words, when a user is on board an aircraft, they cannot connect to their mobile phone wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth, but they can receive external audio signals output from the aircraft's audio output socket 60 via a wired method through the audio cable 170. Furthermore, the frequency adjuster 160 adjusts the external audio signals received from the aircraft's audio output socket 60 so that sound waves with frequency differences are heard in the user's left and right ears, thereby inducing the generation of specific brainwaves in the user's brain, achieving effects such as improved concentration, better sleep, stress reduction, and induction into a meditative state. The audio cable 170 can also be connected to the audio output port of an analog audio output device such as a television, radio, Walkman, laptop computer, or cruise ship seat.

[0033] In this embodiment, the frequency adjuster 160 includes, for example, a sequentially signal-connected analog-to-digital converter 162, a frequency adjustment circuit 164, and a digital-to-analog converter 166. Typically, the external audio signal received by the frequency adjuster 160 is an analog signal. After the analog-to-digital converter 162 converts the external audio signal to a digital signal, the frequency adjustment circuit 164 can adjust it into a first audio signal and a second audio signal. Subsequently, the digital-to-analog converter 166 converts the first and second audio signals back from digital to analog signals to drive the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120.

[0034] The beat frequency earphone 100 of this embodiment may further include a printed circuit board assembly 180 and a battery 190. The printed circuit board assembly 180 and the battery 190 are, for example, housed in a housing 112, and are located on the left and right sides of the housing 112, respectively. The sound source connection port 130, wireless communication device 140, switch 150, and frequency adjuster 160 are, for example, all housed in the printed circuit board assembly 180. The battery 190 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly 180, the left ear speaker 110, and the right ear speaker 120, supplying them with power. The left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 may be dynamic speakers, balanced armature speakers, bone conduction speakers, or other types of speakers.

[0035] The beat frequency earphone 100 of this embodiment may further include a wireless receiver 185 used to receive FM radio broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts, which is signal-connected to the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 via wiring. The wireless receiver 185 may also be mounted on a printed circuit board assembly 180. The wireless receiver 185 and the wireless radio transmitter 140 perform their respective functions independently. After the wireless receiver 185 receives an FM radio broadcast or Bluetooth broadcast, it can transmit an audio signal to the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120. In other words, the beat frequency earphone 100 of this embodiment can listen to FM radio broadcasts, Bluetooth broadcasts, or other wireless broadcasts.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the beat frequency earphone 200 of this embodiment is similar to the beat frequency earphone 100 of Figure 1, so only the differences between the two will be explained here. The sound source connection port 270 of the beat frequency earphone 200 of this embodiment is a sound source plug, and both the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 are signal-connected to the sound source connection port 270 via wiring. Therefore, the sound source connection port 270 can receive external audio signals output from the aircraft's sound source output socket in a wired manner by being inserted into the aircraft's sound source output socket.

[0037] In this embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 180 of the beat frequency earphone 200 may, for example, share a housing with the left ear speaker 110, and the battery 190 may, for example, share a housing with the right ear speaker 120, or their positions may be swapped.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a beat frequency earphone in yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the beat frequency earphone 300 of this embodiment is similar to the beat frequency earphone 100 of Figure 1, so only the differences between the two will be described here. The sound source connection port 370 of the beat frequency earphone 300 of this embodiment is a sound source plug, and both the left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 are signal-connected to the sound source connection port 370 via wiring. Therefore, the sound source connection port 370 can receive external audio signals output from the aircraft's sound source output socket by being wired to the aircraft's sound source output socket.

[0039] The beat frequency earphone 300 of this embodiment may further include a control box 380. The printed circuit board assembly 180 and the battery 190 are housed in the control box 380. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, the sound source connection port 130, the wireless communication device 140, the switch 150, and the frequency adjuster 160 are all housed in the printed circuit board assembly 180, for example. The control box 380 may further include a number of buttons 382 that function as an operating interface for functions such as control of the switch 150, volume adjustment, and playback control.

[0040] As described above, the beat frequency earphones of the present invention can receive external audio signals by wired or wireless means, and can therefore be used even on aircraft where wireless communication is prohibited, thus having a wide range of applications. Furthermore, because the sound waves received by both ears of the user by the frequency adjuster 160 have a frequency difference, it can provide the user with corresponding effects other than simply hearing sound waves, such as improved concentration, better sleep, stress reduction, and induction into a meditative state. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] This invention can be used as an earphone. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 50 Mobile phones 60 audio output sockets 100, 200, 300 beat frequency earphones 110 Left ear speaker 112 cabinets 120 Right Ear Speaker 130 audio source connection ports 140 Wireless communication devices 150 switches 160 Frequency Adjuster 162 Analog / Digital Conversion Circuit 164 Frequency Adjustment Circuit 166 Digital / Analog Conversion Circuit 170 Audio Cable 180 Printed Circuit Board Assembly 185 Wireless receiver 190 batteries 270, 370 Audio source connection ports 380 Control Box 382 buttons

Claims

1. A left ear speaker for delivering the first sound wave to the user's left ear, A right ear speaker for providing a second sound wave to the user's right ear, Wireless communication equipment, A frequency adjuster is connected via wiring to the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker, and is also connected to the wireless communication device. Includes, The frequency adjuster receives an external audio signal from the wireless communication device, adjusts the external audio signal to a first audio signal, and then transmits it to the left ear speaker to generate the first sound wave, and the frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio signal to a second audio signal, and then transmits it to the right ear speaker to generate the second sound wave, wherein the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference. Beat frequency earphones.

2. The frequency adjuster further includes a sound source connection port and a switch, wherein the frequency adjuster is signal-connected to the sound source connection port or the wireless communication device via the switch, and receives the external audio signal from the sound source connection port or the wireless communication device. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an audio cable, the ends of which are inserted into the audio connection port and the audio output socket of the analog audio output device, respectively. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 2.

4. The control box further includes the sound source connection port, the wireless communication device, the switch, and the frequency adjuster, which are installed in the control box. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned switch is a manual switch. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 2.

6. The system further includes a wireless receiver used for receiving FM radio broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts, which is signal-connected to the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker via wiring. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

7. The wireless communication device communicates wirelessly with the mobile phone, and the mobile phone transmits the external voice signal. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned wireless communication device performs Bluetooth communication. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

9. The frequency adjuster includes, in sequence, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a frequency adjustment circuit, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit, The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

10. The frequency difference value includes a plurality of switchable first frequency difference values, wherein the plurality of first frequency difference values ​​are within two or more ranges of 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz, 4 Hz to 8 Hz, 8 Hz to 12 Hz, 12 Hz to 20 Hz, and 25 Hz to 40 Hz. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

11. The frequency difference value includes a plurality of switchable first frequency difference values, and the plurality of first frequency difference values ​​automatically cycle within two or more ranges from 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz, 4 Hz to 8 Hz, 8 Hz to 12 Hz, 12 Hz to 20 Hz, and 25 Hz to 40 Hz. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

12. The left ear speaker and the right ear speaker are dynamic speakers, balanced armature speakers, or bone conduction speakers. The beat frequency earphone according to claim 1.

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