Wireless connection management system

Abstract

This system provides a wireless connection management system that allows earphones to wirelessly connect to the device intended by the user. [Solution] The device comprises an earphone 2 capable of maintaining a wireless connection to multiple devices 6 simultaneously, and an information holding unit 20 that holds connection information for each device 6, which is information relating to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the devices 6. The earphone 2 is configured to wirelessly connect to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information held in the information holding unit 20, and the upper limit of the number of devices 6 for which the information holding unit 20 holds connection information is the same as the simultaneous upper limit, which is the upper limit of the number of devices 6 that the earphone 2 can maintain a wireless connection to simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless connection management system.

Background Art

[0002] As a wireless connection management system, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is already known. This wireless connection management system (referred to as a "reproduction system" in Patent Document 1) includes a reproduction device having a multi - pairing function and a multi - point function.

[0003] The multi - pairing function is a function of holding a plurality of connection information (pairing information), which is information regarding the wireless connection between an earphone and a device. With this function, for a plurality of devices for which the corresponding connection information is held in the reproduction device, the registration operation of the connection information can be omitted.

[0004] The multi - point function is a function of maintaining a state of being paired with a plurality of devices simultaneously (a state of being wirelessly connected simultaneously). With this function, the reproduction device can communicate with a plurality of devices in parallel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent Document 1 does not detail the upper limit of the number of devices whose connection information is maintained by the multi-pairing function, nor the upper limit of the number of devices whose pairing state can be maintained by the multipoint function. Hereinafter, in the wireless connection management system described in Patent Document 1, for example, a configuration can be considered in which the playback device is an earphone, the upper limit of the number of devices whose connection information is maintained is five, and the upper limit of the number of devices whose pairing state can be maintained by the multipoint function is two.

[0007] In this configuration, connection information for five devices is stored within the earphones, and when these five devices are located near the earphones, it is difficult to predict which two devices will be automatically paired when the earphones are activated (powered on). As a result, it is conceivable that the pairing target may be something unintended by the user.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a wireless connection management system that allows earphones to wirelessly connect to the device intended by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The features of the present invention are an earphone capable of maintaining a wireless connection to multiple devices simultaneously, and a device that stores connection information, which is information regarding the wireless connection between the earphone and the devices, for each of the devices. multiple Information storage unit, A connection control unit that controls the wireless connection of the earphones based on the connection information, and a reception unit that accepts human input, The earphone is equipped with, multiple The aforementioned information holding unit Each of Based on the connection information held therein, it is configured to wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information. multiple The aforementioned information holding unit Each of them The aforementioned connection information of retention possible The number of the aforementioned devices each The upper limit is equal to the simultaneous limit, which is the maximum number of devices on which the earphones can maintain a wireless connection at the same time. The connection control unit is configured to switch between multiple control states in response to a human operation received by the reception unit. It is what is happening.

[0010] In this configuration, the upper limit of the number of devices for which connection information is stored is the same as the simultaneous upper limit. Therefore, for example, if the earphones are configured to automatically wirelessly connect to devices corresponding to the connection information stored in the information storage unit, and the simultaneous upper limit is two, and the information storage unit stores connection information for two specific devices (e.g., one specific PC and one specific smartphone), and many devices including these two specific devices are present near the earphones, when the earphones are activated (powered on), the earphones will always wirelessly connect to those two specific devices. Therefore, the user can predict which two devices the earphones will wirelessly connect to. As a result, the earphones will always wirelessly connect to the two devices intended by the user.

[0011] Thus, this configuration makes it possible to realize a wireless connection management system in which earphones wirelessly connect to the device intended by the user.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention, before The aforementioned information holding units include a first information holding unit, which is the information holding unit, and a second information holding unit, which is a separate information holding unit from the first information holding unit. The multiple control states include a first state and a second state, When the connection control unit is in the first state, it is preferable that the connection control unit controls the wireless connection of the earphones so that the earphones wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information held in the first information holding unit, and when the connection control unit is in the second state, it is preferable that the connection control unit controls the wireless connection of the earphones so that the earphones wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information held in the second information holding unit.

[0013] In this configuration, the user can switch the control state of the connection control unit between a first state and a second state by performing a manual operation on the reception unit. If the device corresponding to the connection information held in the first information holding unit and the device corresponding to the connection information held in the second information holding unit are different, switching the control state of the connection control unit will switch the device to which the earphones wirelessly connect.

[0014] In other words, this configuration makes it possible to realize a wireless connection management system that allows users to easily switch between devices to which the earphones are wirelessly connected.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention includes a registration unit that performs a registration process to register the device as the target of wireless connection of the earphones, wherein the registration unit is configured to cause the information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered when the registration process is performed when the connection control unit is in the first state, and preferably the registration unit causes the first information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered when the registration process is performed when the connection control unit is in the second state, and preferably the registration unit causes the second information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered.

[0016] With this configuration, the user can arbitrarily select which information storage unit to store the connection information in by performing manual operations on the reception unit. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to use the first information storage unit (first state) and the second information storage unit (second state) separately for different purposes (for example, using one for work and the other for personal use).

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the device includes a case capable of housing the earphones, and that both the earphones and the case each have the receiving portion.

[0018] According to this configuration, the user can perform a manual operation on the receiving part of the earphone or the receiving part of the case that is easier to operate according to the situation. Thereby, the convenience of the wireless connection management system is improved.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable to provide a state notification unit that notifies the current control state of the connection control unit.

[0020] According to this configuration, the user can grasp the current control state of the connection control unit. Thereby, the convenience of the wireless connection management system is improved.

[0021] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable to provide a number notification unit that notifies the number of devices in which the connection information is held by the information holding unit.

[0022] According to this configuration, the user can grasp the number of devices in which the connection information is held by the information holding unit. Thereby, the user can easily grasp how many devices the earphone will automatically wirelessly connect to at most.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an overview of the wireless connection management system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless connection management system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a touch display or the like. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of the registration flow. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of the connection flow.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0025] [Overall configuration of the wireless connection management system] As shown in Figure 1, the wireless connection management system 1 includes earphones 2. Earphones 2 have multi-pairing and multipoint functions.

[0026] The multi-pairing function is a function that stores multiple connection information (pairing information), which is information related to the wireless connection between the earphones 2 and the device 6. This function makes it possible to omit the registration operation of connection information for multiple devices 6 whose corresponding connection information is stored by the information storage unit 20 (described later).

[0027] The multipoint function is a function that maintains a state of simultaneous wireless connection with multiple devices 6. This function allows the earphone 2 to communicate with multiple devices 6 in parallel. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 is equipped with earphone 2 capable of maintaining a state of simultaneous wireless connection with multiple devices 6.

[0028] For example, Figure 1 shows the first terminal 61, the second terminal 62, the third terminal 63, and the fourth terminal 64. The first terminal 61, the second terminal 62, the third terminal 63, and the fourth terminal 64 are all devices 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first terminal 61 is a notebook computer. The second terminal 62 is a smartphone. The third terminal 63 is a tablet device. The fourth terminal 64 is a smartphone different from the second terminal 62. In the example shown in Figure 1, the earphone 2 is wirelessly connected to both the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 62 simultaneously.

[0030] In this embodiment, the maximum number of earphones 2 that can be simultaneously connected is two. The maximum number of simultaneous connections is the upper limit of the number of devices 6 that can maintain a wireless connection state with the earphones 2 at the same time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The maximum number of simultaneous connections may be three or more.

[0031] While not particularly limited, the wireless connection method between the earphones 2 and the device 6 may be a short-range wireless communication method. In particular, the earphones 2 and the device 6 may be wirelessly connected, for example, by Bluetooth®.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the earphone 2 has a left housing 4 and a right housing 5. The left housing 4 is configured to be worn on the user's left ear. The right housing 5 is configured to be worn on the user's right ear.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the earphone 2 has two speakers 11 capable of outputting sound. Of the two speakers 11, one speaker 11 is located in the left housing 4, and the other speaker 11 is located in the right housing 5.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, each device 6 has a device-side communication unit 8. The earphone 2 has an earphone-side communication unit 9 and an output unit 10. The earphone-side communication unit 9 is configured to communicate with the device-side communication unit 8 of the device 6 to which the earphone 2 is wirelessly connected.

[0035] When audio data is sent from the device-side communication unit 8 to the earphone-side communication unit 9, the earphone-side communication unit 9 sends the audio data to the output unit 10. The output unit 10 sends an electrical signal based on the audio data to each speaker 11. Each speaker 11 outputs audio according to the electrical signal. As a result, the audio from the device 6 to which the earphones 2 are wirelessly connected is output from each speaker 11.

[0036] Furthermore, the earphone 2 may be worn by fitting (or hooking) it onto a predetermined part of the auricle, or it may have an audio output unit configured to cover (or be pressed against the auricle or the area around the auricle) and be worn by fixing the position of the audio output unit to the user's head with a headband or the like (for example, so-called headphones). In other words, the "earphone" according to the present invention includes headphones.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the wireless connection management system 1 includes a case 3. The case 3 has an openable and closable lid 7 and is configured to accommodate the earphones 2 (in other words, the left housing 4 and the right housing 5). That is, the wireless connection management system 1 includes a case 3 capable of accommodating the earphones 2.

[0038] [Information storage unit and registration unit] As shown in Figure 2, the earphone 2 has multiple information holding units 20. In this embodiment, three information holding units 20 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of information holding units 20 may be any number.

[0039] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the earphone 2 has a first information storage unit 21, a second information storage unit 22, and a third information storage unit 23. The first information storage unit 21, the second information storage unit 22, and the third information storage unit 23 are all information storage units 20.

[0040] In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 includes a plurality of information holding units 20. Furthermore, the plurality of information holding units 20 in this embodiment include a first information holding unit 21, which is an information holding unit 20, and a second information holding unit 22, which is an information holding unit 20 separate from the first information holding unit 21.

[0041] Each information storage unit 20 is configured to store (remember) connection information for each device 6. Connection information refers to information relating to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the device 6. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 includes an information storage unit 20 that stores connection information, which is information relating to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the device 6, for each device 6.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the earphone 2 has a registration unit 12. The registration unit 12 is configured to perform a registration process. The registration process is the process of registering the device 6 as a target for wireless connection of the earphone 2. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 includes a registration unit 12 that performs a registration process to register the device 6 as a target for wireless connection of the earphone 2.

[0043] The registration unit 12 is configured to store connection information corresponding to the device 6 to be registered in the information storage unit 20 during the registration process. The registration process will be described in detail below.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, each device 6 is equipped with a storage unit 30. The storage unit 30 stores connection information corresponding to the device 6 in which it is installed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the storage unit 30 of the first terminal 61 stores the first connection information Y1. The first connection information Y1 is connection information, which is information relating to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the first terminal 61.

[0046] Furthermore, the memory unit 30 of the second terminal 62 stores the second connection information Y2. The second connection information Y2 is connection information, and is related to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the second terminal 62.

[0047] Furthermore, the memory unit 30 of the third terminal 63 stores the third connection information Y3. The third connection information Y3 is connection information, and is related to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the third terminal 63.

[0048] Furthermore, the memory unit 30 of the fourth terminal 64 stores the fourth connection information Y4. The fourth connection information Y4 is connection information, and is related to the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the fourth terminal 64.

[0049] During the registration process, the device 6 to be registered sends connection information corresponding to the device 6 to the earphone-side communication unit 9 via the device-side communication unit 8. The registration unit 12 obtains this connection information from the earphone-side communication unit 9. The registration unit 12 then stores (stores) the obtained connection information in the information storage unit 20 (specifically, one of the first information storage unit 21, the second information storage unit 22, or the third information storage unit 23).

[0050] For example, if the first terminal 61 is selected for registration, the first terminal 61 sends the first connection information Y1 to the earphone-side communication unit 9 via the device-side communication unit 8. The registration unit 12 obtains the first connection information Y1 from the earphone-side communication unit 9. The registration unit 12 then stores (stores) the obtained first connection information Y1 in the information storage unit 20 (specifically, one of the first information storage unit 21, the second information storage unit 22, or the third information storage unit 23).

[0051] [Reception Department] As shown in Figure 2, the earphone 2 has a connection control unit 13. As will be described in more detail later, the connection control unit 13 is configured to control the wireless connection between the earphone 2 and the device 6 by controlling the earphone-side communication unit 9.

[0052] Case 3 also has a case-side control unit 24. The case-side control unit 24 is configured to communicate with the connection control unit 13. The method of communication between the connection control unit 13 and the case-side control unit 24 may be any method.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the earphone 2 and the case 3 each have a reception unit 14. Each reception unit 14 is configured to accept human operation by the user. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 is equipped with a reception unit 14 that accepts human operation.

[0054] More specifically, the receiver section 14 of the earphone 2 is composed of a button 15. Although not particularly limited, the button 15 is located on the left housing 4. The user can manually operate the button 15 (specifically, by pressing it).

[0055] Furthermore, the reception unit 14 of case 3 is composed of a touch display 16 (corresponding to the "status notification unit" and "quantity notification unit" according to the present invention). The touch display 16 can display various information. The case-side control unit 24 described above is configured to control the touch display 16. The user can perform manual operations (specifically, touch operations) on the touch display 16.

[0056] The connection control unit 13 shown in Figure 2 is configured to switch between multiple control states, including a first state and a second state, in response to human operations received by each reception unit 14. In this embodiment, the connection control unit 13 is capable of switching between three control states: a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0057] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when button 15 receives a human input, a predetermined signal is sent from button 15 to the connection control unit 13. The connection control unit 13 switches the control state according to this signal.

[0058] Specifically, when the connection control unit 13 receives the signal while the control state is in the first state, the control state switches to the second state. When the connection control unit 13 receives the signal while the control state is in the second state, the control state switches to the third state. When the connection control unit 13 receives the signal while the control state is in the third state, the control state switches to the first state.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the touch display 16 displays a first touch button 17, a second touch button 18, and a third touch button 19. The first touch button 17, the second touch button 18, and the third touch button 19 correspond to the first state, the second state, and the third state, respectively.

[0060] When any of the first touch button 17, second touch button 18, or third touch button 19 receives a human input, predetermined information is sent from the touch display 16 to the case-side control unit 24, as shown in Figure 2. Based on this information, the case-side control unit 24 sends a predetermined signal to the connection control unit 13. The connection control unit 13 switches the control state according to this signal.

[0061] Specifically, the connection control unit 13 switches the control state to the state corresponding to the first touch button 17, second touch button 18, and third touch button 19 that has received a human input. For example, if the control state is the first state and the second touch button 18 receives a human input, the control state switches to the second state.

[0062] [Registration Flow] The registration unit 12 is configured to perform registration processing according to the registration flow shown in Figure 4. This registration flow will be described in detail below. Although not particularly limited, the registration unit 12 may be configured to start this registration flow when a predetermined registration operation (pairing operation) is performed by the user. Furthermore, the registration operation may be any operation (for example, a long press operation on a predetermined push button, or a predetermined operation on the device 6 to be registered).

[0063] When the registration flow is initiated, the process in step S01 is executed first. In step S01, the registration unit 12 obtains connection information from the earphone-side communication unit 9 as described above. This connection information corresponds to the device 6 to be registered and is the information sent from the device 6 to the earphone-side communication unit 9. After that, the process moves on to step S02.

[0064] In step S02, the registration unit 12 determines whether the control state of the connection control unit 13 is in the first state.

[0065] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the registration unit 12 is configured to continuously acquire information indicating the current (latest) control state from the connection control unit 13. Based on this information, the registration unit 12 makes the determinations in step S02 in Figure 4 and in step S04 described later.

[0066] If the control state is the first state (Yes in step S02), the process proceeds to step S03. If the control state is not the first state (No in step S02), the process proceeds to step S04.

[0067] In step S03 of Figure 4, the registration unit 12 registers (in other words, stores) the connection information acquired in step S01 in the first information holding unit 21, as shown in Figure 2. After that, this registration flow ends.

[0068] In step S04 of Figure 4, the registration unit 12 determines whether the control state of the connection control unit 13 is in the second state. If the control state is in the second state (Yes in step S04), the process proceeds to step S05. If the control state is not in the second state (No in step S04), the process proceeds to step S06.

[0069] In step S05 of Figure 4, the registration unit 12 registers (or rather, stores) the connection information acquired in step S01 in the second information holding unit 22, as shown in Figure 2. After that, this registration flow ends.

[0070] In step S06 of Figure 4, the registration unit 12 registers (in other words, stores) the connection information acquired in step S01 in the third information storage unit 23, as shown in Figure 2. After that, this registration flow ends.

[0071] With the configuration described above, when the registration process is executed while the connection control unit 13 is in the first state, the registration unit 12 causes the first information holding unit 21 to hold the connection information corresponding to the device 6 to be registered. Furthermore, when the registration process is executed while the connection control unit 13 is in the second state, the registration unit 12 causes the second information holding unit 22 to hold the connection information corresponding to the device 6 to be registered. Furthermore, when the registration process is executed while the connection control unit 13 is in the third state, the registration unit 12 causes the third information holding unit 23 to hold the connection information corresponding to the device 6 to be registered.

[0072] [Maximum number of retention] The wireless connection management system 1 is configured such that the maximum number of devices to be held matches the maximum number of simultaneous connections mentioned above. The maximum number of devices to be held is the upper limit of the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20 (or one information holding unit 20 if multiple information holding units 20 are provided). In other words, the maximum number of devices to be held is the upper limit of the number of devices 6 whose connection information can be held by the multi-pairing function mentioned above.

[0073] As described above, the maximum number of earphones 2 that can be used simultaneously in this embodiment is two. Therefore, the maximum number that can be held is also two. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The maximum number that can be held may be any number of three or more, as long as it matches the maximum number of simultaneous use.

[0074] Thus, the upper limit of the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20 is the same as the simultaneous limit, which is the upper limit of the number of devices 6 that the earphones 2 can simultaneously maintain a wireless connection with.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 2, connection information for two devices 6 is stored in each of the first information storage unit 21, the second information storage unit 22, and the third information storage unit 23. That is, in each of the first information storage unit 21, the second information storage unit 22, and the third information storage unit 23, the number of devices 6 for which connection information is stored has reached the maximum storage limit. Therefore, even if the above-described registration process is executed in this state, the amount of connection information stored in each information storage unit 20 will not increase.

[0076] Here, when any of the processes in steps S03, S05, or S06 shown in Figure 4 is executed, if the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held in the information holding unit 20 where the connection information is registered has already reached the maximum number of devices 6 that can be held, the information holding unit 20 may be configured to overwrite the oldest connection information held in the information holding unit 20 with the connection information of the newly registered device 6, or the registration process may be terminated (cancelled) without registering (in other words, without holding) the connection information of the newly registered device 6 in the information holding unit 20.

[0077] [Notification of control status] The case-side control unit 24 shown in Figure 2 is configured to continuously acquire information indicating the current (latest) control state from the connection control unit 13. Based on this information, the case-side control unit 24 controls the touch display 16 to change the display mode of the first touch button 17, the second touch button 18, and the third touch button 19.

[0078] More specifically, the case-side control unit 24 displays the touch display 16 in the most emphasized manner the one of the first touch button 17, second touch button 18, and third touch button 19 that corresponds to the current control state of the connection control unit 13.

[0079] For example, if the current control state of the connection control unit 13 is the first state, then, as shown in Figure 3, the first touch button 17 is displayed in the most emphasized manner among the first touch button 17, the second touch button 18, and the third touch button 19.

[0080] In this configuration, the current control status of the connection control unit 13 is communicated through the display patterns of the first touch button 17, the second touch button 18, and the third touch button 19 on the touch display 16. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 is equipped with a touch display 16 that communicates the current control status of the connection control unit 13.

[0081] Furthermore, although not particularly limited, of the first touch button 17, second touch button 18, and third touch button 19, the two other than the one displayed in the most emphasized manner may be displayed relatively faintly or may be hidden.

[0082] [Count notification area] The case-side control unit 24 shown in Figure 2 is configured to acquire the number of items held by each information holding unit 20. The number of items held by the information holding unit 20 is information indicating the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by that information holding unit 20. As shown in Figure 2, the number of items held is sent from each information holding unit 20 to the case-side control unit 24 via the connection control unit 13.

[0083] Based on the acquired number of held devices, the case-side control unit 24 displays the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20 (in other words, the number of registered devices 6) in the number notification area 25 of the touch display 16, as shown in Figure 3.

[0084] At this time, the case-side control unit 24 displays the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by one of the multiple information holding units 20. More specifically, the case-side control unit 24 displays the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the current (latest) control state of the connection control unit 13 in the number notification area 25. In this embodiment, the first information holding unit 21, the second information holding unit 22, and the third information holding unit 23 correspond to the first state, the second state, and the third state, respectively.

[0085] For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the current control state of the connection control unit 13 is the first state. Therefore, the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the first information holding unit 21 is displayed in the count notification area 25.

[0086] Thus, the wireless connection management system 1 is equipped with a touch display 16 that notifies the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the count notification area 25 is displayed on the touch display 16 together with the first touch button 17, the second touch button 18, and the third touch button 19. That is, the current control state of the connection control unit 13 and the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20 corresponding to that control state are both notified (displayed) on a single screen on the touch display 16.

[0088] [Connection Flow] The connection control unit 13 is configured to control the wireless connection of the earphone 2 according to the connection flow shown in Figure 5. This connection flow will be described in detail below. Although not particularly limited, the connection control unit 13 may be configured to start this connection flow when the earphone 2 is powered on. In the following description of the connection flow, it is assumed that the first terminal 61, second terminal 62, third terminal 63, and fourth terminal 64 are located near the earphone 2 (in other words, within the range where the earphone 2 can wirelessly connect).

[0089] When the connection flow is initiated, the process in step S11 is executed first. In step S11, the connection control unit 13 determines whether or not its control state is in the first state.

[0090] If the control state is the first state (Yes in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If the control state is not the first state (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0091] In step S12, the connection control unit 13 retrieves all connection information held in the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the first state. The connection control unit 13 then controls the wireless connection of the earphone 2 by controlling the earphone-side communication unit 9 so that the earphone 2 wirelessly connects to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information. As a result, the device 6 (more specifically the device-side communication unit 8) and the earphone 2 (more specifically the earphone-side communication unit 9) automatically enter a state where they are wirelessly connected to each other (a state where a wireless connection is established). Here, the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the first state is specifically the first information holding unit 21.

[0092] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the first information holding unit 21 holds the first connection information Y1 and the second connection information Y2. Therefore, in this example, when the process in step S12 of Figure 5 is executed, the earphone 2 automatically becomes wirelessly connected to the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 62 simultaneously.

[0093] Thus, when the connection control unit 13 is in the first state, the connection control unit 13 controls the wireless connection of the earphones 2 so that the earphones 2 wirelessly connect to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information held in the first information holding unit 21.

[0094] After step S12, this connection flow ends.

[0095] In step S13, the connection control unit 13 determines whether or not its control state is in the second state.

[0096] If the control state is the second state (Yes in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. If the control state is not the second state (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0097] In step S14, the connection control unit 13 retrieves all connection information held in the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the second state. The connection control unit 13 then controls the wireless connection of the earphone 2 by controlling the earphone-side communication unit 9 so that the earphone 2 wirelessly connects to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information. As a result, the device 6 (more specifically the device-side communication unit 8) and the earphone 2 (more specifically the earphone-side communication unit 9) automatically enter a state where they are wirelessly connected to each other (a state where a wireless connection is established). Here, the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the second state is specifically the second information holding unit 22.

[0098] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the second information holding unit 22 holds the third connection information Y3 and the fourth connection information Y4. Therefore, in this example, when the process in step S14 of Figure 5 is executed, the earphone 2 automatically becomes wirelessly connected to the third terminal 63 and the fourth terminal 64 simultaneously.

[0099] Thus, when the connection control unit 13 is in the second state, the connection control unit 13 controls the wireless connection of the earphones 2 so that the earphones 2 wirelessly connect to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information held in the second information holding unit 22.

[0100] After step S14, this connection flow ends.

[0101] In step S15, the connection control unit 13 retrieves all connection information held in the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the third state. The connection control unit 13 then controls the wireless connection of the earphone 2 by controlling the earphone-side communication unit 9 so that the earphone 2 wirelessly connects to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information. As a result, the device 6 (more specifically the device-side communication unit 8) and the earphone 2 (more specifically the earphone-side communication unit 9) automatically enter a state where they are wirelessly connected to each other (a state where a wireless connection is established). Here, the information holding unit 20 corresponding to the third state is specifically the third information holding unit 23.

[0102] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the third information holding unit 23 holds the second connection information Y2 and the fourth connection information Y4. Therefore, in this example, when the process of step S15 in Figure 5 is executed, the earphone 2 automatically becomes wirelessly connected to the second terminal 62 and the fourth terminal 64 simultaneously.

[0103] After step S15, this connection flow ends.

[0104] With the configuration described above, the connection control unit 13 controls the wireless connection of the earphones 2 based on the connection information. In other words, the wireless connection management system 1 includes a connection control unit 13 that controls the wireless connection of the earphones 2 based on the connection information. Furthermore, the earphones 2 are configured to wirelessly connect to the device 6 corresponding to the connection information held in the information holding unit 20.

[0105] Furthermore, each element, such as the earphone-side communication unit 9 and output unit 10 shown in Figure 2, may be composed of a physical device such as a microcomputer, or it may be a functional unit in software. For example, the program corresponding to each functional unit may be stored in ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and the process corresponding to each functional unit may be executed by loading and executing these programs into the CPU.

[0106] According to the configuration described above, the upper limit of the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held matches the simultaneous upper limit. Therefore, for example, if the earphones 2 are configured to automatically wirelessly connect to devices 6 corresponding to the connection information held in the information holding unit 20, and the simultaneous upper limit is two, and the information holding unit 20 holds connection information for two specific devices 6 (for example, one specific PC and one specific smartphone), and many devices 6, including these two specific devices 6, are located near the earphones 2, then when the earphones 2 are turned on, the earphones 2 will always wirelessly connect to those two specific devices 6. Therefore, the user can predict which two devices 6 the earphones 2 will wirelessly connect to. As a result, the earphones 2 will always wirelessly connect to the two devices 6 intended by the user.

[0107] Thus, with the configuration described above, a wireless connection management system 1 can be realized in which the earphones 2 wirelessly connect to the device 6 intended by the user.

[0108] [Other Embodiments] (1) A voice notification unit may be provided to notify the current control status of the connection control unit 13 by voice. In this case, the voice notification unit corresponds to the "status notification unit" according to the present invention.

[0109] (2) The system may also be provided with an audio notification unit that announces the number of devices 6 whose connection information is held by the information holding unit 20. In this case, the audio notification unit corresponds to the "number notification unit" according to the present invention.

[0110] (3) Each information storage unit 20 may be located outside the earphone 2.

[0111] (4) The earphone-side communication unit 9, output unit 10, registration unit 12, connection control unit 13, button 15, and each information holding unit 20 may be provided in the left housing 4, in the right housing 5, or distributed between the left housing 4 and the right housing 5.

[0112] (5) The reception area 14 does not need to be provided.

[0113] (6) The registration unit 12 may be configured to determine the information holding unit 20 that holds (registers) connection information in the registration process, independently of the control state of the connection control unit 13.

[0114] (7) Case 3 does not need to be provided.

[0115] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the object of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] This invention can be used in wireless connection management systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1: Wireless connection management system 2: Earphones 3: Case 6:Equipment 12: Registration Department 13: Connection Control Unit 14: Reception Department 16: Touch display (status notification unit, quantity notification unit) 20: Information holding section 21:First information holding section 22:Second information holding section

Claims

1. Earphones that can maintain a wireless connection to multiple devices simultaneously, The system includes an information holding unit that holds connection information, which is information relating to the wireless connection between the earphone and the device, for each of the devices. The earphone is configured to wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information based on the connection information held in the information holding unit. A wireless connection management system in which the upper limit of the number of devices whose connection information is held by the information holding unit is equal to the simultaneous upper limit, which is the upper limit of the number of devices that can simultaneously maintain a wireless connection state for the earphones.

2. The system comprises multiple information holding units, The plurality of information holding units include a first information holding unit, which is an information holding unit, and a second information holding unit, which is an information holding unit separate from the first information holding unit. A reception desk that accepts human operations, The system includes a connection control unit that controls the wireless connection of the earphones based on the connection information, The connection control unit is configured to switch between a plurality of control states, including a first state and a second state, in response to a human operation received by the reception unit. When the connection control unit is in the first state, the connection control unit controls the wireless connection of the earphones so that the earphones wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information held in the first information holding unit. The wireless connection management system according to claim 1, wherein when the connection control unit is in the second state, the connection control unit controls the wireless connection of the earphones so that the earphones wirelessly connect to the device corresponding to the connection information held in the second information holding unit.

3. The system includes a registration unit that performs a registration process to register the device as a target for wireless connection of the earphones, The registration unit is configured to cause the information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered during the registration process. When the registration process is executed while the connection control unit is in the first state, the registration unit causes the first information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered. The wireless connection management system according to claim 2, wherein when the registration process is executed while the connection control unit is in the second state, the registration unit causes the second information holding unit to hold the connection information corresponding to the device to be registered.

4. The earphones are provided in a case capable of housing them. The wireless connection management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the earphone and the case each have the receiving portion.

5. The wireless connection management system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a status notification unit for notifying the current control state of the connection control unit.

6. A wireless connection management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a count notification unit that notifies the number of devices whose connection information is held by the information holding unit.

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