Headphone system, headphones, and headphone charger

Abstract

The present invention provides a headphone system, a headphone, and a headphone charger that are equipped with a new blinking mode for when a battery is being charged.　This headphone system is constituted by including a headphone, a charger that charges the headphone, and an indicator lamp that indicates the charging state of the headphone and / or the charger by blinking. The indicator lamp is provided on the headphone and / or the charger; the blinking period includes a first period during which the brightness of the indicator lamp gradually increases and a second period during which the brightness gradually decreases; the first period and the second period repeat in alternation; and the length of the first period differs from the length of the second period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a headphone system, headphones, and a charger for headphones.

Background Art

[0002] A completely wireless headphone (earphone) includes left and right sound emitting units that are not connected by a cable. Each sound emitting unit includes a battery that stores power for its own operation.

[0003] Each sound emitting unit and charger include an indicator light that blinks when the battery is being charged.

[0004] Techniques related to a headphone system including an indicator light that blinks when the battery is being charged have been proposed heretofore (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Here, for example, the blinking of the indicator light is realized by repeatedly increasing and then decreasing the brightness (luminance) of the light source built into the indicator light.

[0006] The length of the period during which the brightness gradually increases (hereinafter referred to as the "ramp-up time") is equal to the length of the period during which the brightness gradually decreases (hereinafter referred to as the "ramp-down time"). When the length of the ramp-up time is equal to the length of the ramp-down time, the blinking of the indicator light gives the user an artificial impression. That is, the user does not feel comfortable with the blinking.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a headphone system, headphones, and a charger for headphones, which have a new blinking mode during charging of a battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The headphone system according to the present invention includes headphones, a charger for charging the headphones, and an indicator light that blinks to indicate the charging state of at least one of the headphones and the charger. The indicator light is provided in at least one of the headphones and the charger, and the blinking period includes a first period in which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases and a second period in which the brightness gradually decreases. The first period and the second period are alternately repeated, and the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can provide a headphone system, headphones, and a charger for headphones, which have a new blinking mode during charging of a battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of a headphone system (hereinafter referred to as "this system"), headphones (hereinafter referred to as "these headphones"), and a charger for headphones (hereinafter referred to as "this charger") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] This system includes these headphones and this charger. This system is connected via a communication network to an information processing device on which a program for a headphone system operates.

[0014] ● Embodiment (1) of This System ● ● Configuration of This System (1) The following description is an example in which an indicator light provided in the charger blinks while these headphones are housed in the charger and being charged.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of this system.

[0016] This figure shows a state in which headphones 2 (left sound-emitting unit 20L and right sound-emitting unit 20R) that constitute this system 1 are housed in a charger 3 that constitutes this system 1. The headphones 2 are an example of these headphones. The charger 3 is an example of this charger.

[0017] This figure shows a state in which the lid of the charger 3 is open.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of this system.

[0019] In the figure, solid arrows indicate the flow of signals, dashed arrows indicate the flow of power, and double solid arrows indicate electrical connections.

[0020] In the figure, S1 indicates a detection signal, S2 indicates a power supply instruction signal, S3 indicates a blinking instruction signal, and S4 indicates a blinking control signal. Details of each signal will be described later.

[0021] The headphones 2 output sound waves corresponding to an audio signal from a sound source (not shown) such as a portable music player (reproducing device). The headphones 2 include a left sound - emitting unit 20L and a right sound - emitting unit 20R. Each sound - emitting unit (20L, 20R) includes a connection part 21, a power - receiving part 22, and a storage battery 23.

[0022] The charger 3 charges the headphones 2. The charger 3 houses the headphones 2 (left sound - emitting unit 20L, right sound - emitting unit 20R). When the headphones 2 are housed in the charger 3, the headphones 2 are connected to the charger 3. The connection (contact or non - contact) between the headphones 2 and the charger 3 is electrical. The headphones 2 connected to the charger 3 are charged. The charger 3 includes a detection part 31, a storage battery 32, a power - transmission part 33, a charge control part 34, a reception part 35, a determination part 36, a storage part 37, a display control part 38, and a display lamp 39.

[0023] The smartphone 4 is an information processing device that the user of the present system 1 operates to set the ramp - up time T1 and the ramp - down time T2, which will be described later. The smartphone 4 is connected to the present system 1 via a communication network. The smartphone 4 includes an input part 41, a specifying part 42, and a transmission part 43. The smartphone 4, which is an information processing device, is an example of an external device.

[0024] The power supply 5 is a power source that supplies power to the storage battery 32.

[0025] ● Blinking pattern of the display lamp Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen of an information processing device connected to the present system.

[0026] This screen is a lighting - interval setting screen P1 in which the ramp - up time T1 and the ramp - down time T2 are input (set) by a touch operation with the user's finger F.

[0027] The lamp-up time T1 is a period during which the brightness of the light source (hereinafter referred to as "luminance") incorporated in the display lamp 39 gradually increases. The user inputs the lamp-up time T1 into the lighting interval setting screen P1 displayed on the operation screen of the smartphone 4 connected to the present system 1. The lamp-up time T1 is an example of the first period in the present invention.

[0028] The lamp-down time T2 is a period during which the luminance gradually decreases. The user inputs the lamp-down time T2 into the lighting interval setting screen P1 displayed on the operation screen of the smartphone 4 connected to the present system 1. The length of the lamp-down time T2 is different from the length of the lamp-up time T1. The lamp-down time T2 is an example of the second period in the present invention.

[0029] This figure shows that "1 second" is input as the lamp-up time T1. This figure shows that "2 seconds" is input as the lamp-down time T2.

[0030] Figure 4 is a graph showing the blinking pattern of the display lamp provided in the present system. In the figure, the vertical axis indicates the percentage (%) of the luminance (cd / m 2 ). The horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time (s).

[0031] Here, the percentage of the luminance is the percentage with respect to the maximum luminance of the display lamp 39. That is, for example, "the percentage of the luminance is 10%" indicates that the luminance of the display lamp 39 is 10% of the maximum luminance.

[0032] The blinking of the display lamp 39 is realized by repeating the gradual increase and the gradual decrease of the luminance. That is, one blinking of the display lamp 39 is composed of one lamp-up time T1 and one lamp-down time T2. That is, the lamp-up time T1 and the lamp-down time T2 are alternately repeated during the blinking period of the display lamp 39. In other words, the blinking period of the display lamp 39 may include the lamp-up time T1 and the lamp-down time T2.

[0033] t 0 is the lighting time of the indicator lamp 39. The brightness ratio at the lighting time of the indicator lamp 39 is 0%.

[0034] t 1 and t 3 are the start time (starting point) of the lamp-up time T1. The brightness ratio at the start time of the lamp-up time T1 is 10%.

[0035] t 2 and t 4 are the start time of the lamp-down time T2. The brightness ratio at the start time of the lamp-down time T2 is 100%.

[0036] t 5 is the completion time of the charging of the headphones 2. The brightness ratio at the completion time of the charging of the headphones 2 is 10%. When the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 ends. When the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the brightness ratio changes to 100%. The indicator lamp 39 lights up with the brightness ratio remaining 100% for a predetermined time (T3: from time t 5 to time t 6 until).

[0037] t 6 is the extinguishing time of the indicator lamp 39. When the indicator lamp 39 is extinguished, the brightness ratio changes from 100% to 0%.

[0038] The time T0 is the period from time t 0 to time t 1 . The brightness ratio gradually increases from 0% to 10% over a predetermined time (T0).

[0039] The time T1 is the lamp-up time T1. The time T1 is from time t 1 to time t 2 and from time t 3 to time t 4Each of them is a respective period. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 is 10%. The ratio of the luminance gradually increases until the end time (end point) of the ramp-up time T1. The ratio of the luminance at the end time of the ramp-up time T1 is 100%.

[0040] The time T2 is the lamp-down time T2. The time T2 is from the time t 2 to the time t 3 and from the time t 4 to the time t 5 Each of them is a respective period. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the lamp-down time T2 is 100%. The ratio of the luminance gradually decreases until the end time of the lamp-down time T2. The ratio of the luminance at the end time of the lamp-down time T2 is 10%.

[0041] The time T3 is the period from the time t 5 to the time t 6 The ratio of the luminance is 100% for a predetermined time (T3).

[0042] ● Configuration of the headphones Return to FIG. 2. The specific configuration of the headphones 2 will be described below.

[0043] The left sound output unit 20L is worn on the user's left ear and outputs sound waves corresponding to the audio signal from the sound source. The left sound output unit 20L is housed in the charger 3.

[0044] The right sound output unit 20R is worn on the user's right ear and outputs sound waves corresponding to the audio signal from the sound source. The right sound output unit 20R is housed in the charger 3.

[0045] The connection part 21 is connected to the detection part 31. The connection part 21 includes connection terminals (not shown) that connect to the detection terminals (not shown) of the detection part 31. The connection (contact or non-contact) between the connection terminal and the detection terminal is electrical. The connection terminal of the connection part 21 connects to the detection terminal of the detection part 31 when the headphones 2 are housed in the charger 3.

[0046] The power receiving unit 22 receives power from the power transmitting unit 33. The power received by the power receiving unit 22 is supplied to the storage battery 23.

[0047] The storage battery 23 receives power from the power receiving unit 22. The storage battery 23 stores the power received from the power receiving unit 22. The headphones 2 are driven by the power stored in the storage battery 23. The storage battery 23 is an example of the rechargeable battery (battery) provided in the headphones of the present invention.

[0048] ● Configuration of the charger The specific configuration of the charger 3 will be described below.

[0049] The detection unit 31 detects that the headphones 2 are housed in the charger 3. The detection unit 31 includes a detection terminal that connects to the connection terminal of the connection unit 21. While the headphones 2 are housed in the charger 3, that is, while the detection terminal of the detection unit 31 is connected to the connection terminal of the connection unit 21, the detection unit 31 periodically transmits a detection signal S1 to the charge control unit 34.

[0050] The storage battery 32 receives power from the power source 5. The storage battery 32 stores the power received from the power source 5. The power stored in the storage battery 32 is supplied to the headphones 2 via the power transmitting unit 33. The storage battery 32 is an example of the rechargeable battery (battery) provided in the charger of the present invention.

[0051] The power transmitting unit 33 supplies the power stored in the storage battery 32 to the power receiving unit 22.

[0052] The charging control unit 34 controls the power supply from the power transmission unit 33 to the power reception unit 22. The charging control unit 34 receives the detection signal S1 from the detection unit 31. While receiving the detection signal S1, the charging control unit 34 periodically transmits a power supply instruction signal S2 to the power transmission unit 33. The power supply instruction signal S2 is a signal for instructing the power transmission unit 33 to supply power to the power reception unit 22. While receiving the detection signal S1, the charging control unit 34 periodically transmits a blinking instruction signal S3 to the display control unit 38. The blinking instruction signal S3 is a signal for instructing the display control unit 38 to transmit a blinking control signal S4 to the indicator lamp 39. The blinking control signal S4 is a signal for controlling the blinking and lighting of the indicator lamp 39.

[0053] The receiving unit 35 receives the set values of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "set values") from the transmitting unit 43. The receiving unit 35 is an example of the acquisition unit in the present invention.

[0054] The determination unit 36 determines the length of the ramp-up time T1 and the length of the ramp-down time T2 based on the set values.

[0055] The storage unit 37 stores in advance, before charging the headphones 2, the length of the ramp-up time T1 determined by the determination unit 36, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information regarding the brightness. The information regarding the brightness indicates the ratio of the brightness at each elapsed time from the start time of each of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. The information regarding the brightness is determined by the determination unit 36 based on the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. That is, for example, when the ramp-up time T1 is "1 second", the determination unit 36 determines, as the information regarding the brightness, that the ratio of the brightness increases by 9% every 0.1 seconds from the start time of the ramp-up time T1.

[0056] The display control unit 38 controls the blinking of the indicator lamp 39. The display control unit 38 receives the blinking instruction signal S3 from the charging control unit 34. While receiving the blinking instruction signal S3, the display control unit 38 periodically transmits a blinking control signal S4 to the indicator lamp 39.

[0057] The display control unit 38 acquires the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information regarding the luminance, which are stored in the storage unit 37. The display control unit 38 controls the blinking of the display lamp 39 by using the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance. That is, the display control unit 38 controls the luminance of the display lamp 39 during the blinking period.

[0058] The display lamp 39 blinks to indicate the charging state (whether it is charging or not) of the battery 23 provided in the headphones 2. The display lamp 39 is an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). The display lamp 39 blinks when the charging state of the battery 23 is charging. The blinking of the display lamp 39 is realized by repeating the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. The display lamp 39 turns off when the battery 23 is not charging. The display lamp 39 receives a blinking control signal S4 from the display control unit 38. The display lamp 39 blinks while receiving the blinking control signal S4. That is, the charging state of the battery 23 is charging when the display lamp 39 is receiving the blinking control signal S4.

[0059] In this way, the display control unit 38 causes the display lamp 39 to blink by using the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance, which are stored in the storage unit 37. In other words, the display lamp 39 blinks based on the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance, which are stored in the storage unit 37.

[0060] The display lamp 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T0) from the start time of charging of the headphones 2 and for a predetermined time (T3) from the completion time of charging of the headphones 2. The display lamp 39 turns off when the predetermined time (T3) has elapsed from the completion time of charging of the headphones 2.

[0061] ● Configuration of the information processing device The specific configuration of the information processing device will be described below.

[0062] The input unit 41 allows the user of the present system 1 to input a set value. The set value is information used by the present system 1 to specify the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. The input unit 41 is an example of the operation unit in the present invention.

[0063] The set value is the numerical value (number of seconds) of each of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. The user inputs an arbitrary numerical value (number of seconds) as the set value. For example, the user inputs "1 second" as the length of the ramp-up time T1. The user inputs "2 seconds" as the length of the ramp-down time T2.

[0064] Here, the set value may be the value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2. That is, the user inputs the value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2 as the set value. The value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2 is, for example, "2". Here, the fact that the value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2 is "2" indicates that the length of the ramp-down time T2 is twice the length of the ramp-up time T1. That is, for example, the storage unit 37 stores "1 second" in advance as the length of the ramp-up time T1. The determination unit 36 uses the length "1 second" of the ramp-up time T1 stored in the storage unit 37 and the value "2" of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2 input by the user to determine "2 seconds" as the length of the ramp-down time T2.

[0065] Further, the set value may be the cycle of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 (the total time (in seconds) of the length of one ramp-up time T1 and the length of one ramp-down time T2). That is, the user inputs the cycle as the set value. The cycle is, for example, "3 seconds". Here, for example, the storage unit 37 stores in advance "1 second" as the length of the ramp-up time T1, or "2" as the value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2. The determination unit 36 determines "2 seconds" as the length of the ramp-down time T2 using the length "1 second" of the ramp-up time T1 stored in the storage unit 37, or the value "2" of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2, and the cycle "3 seconds" input by the user.

[0066] Furthermore, the set value may be a combination of a numerical value (in seconds) and a ratio value. That is, for example, the user inputs "1 second" as the length of the ramp-up time T1 and "2" as the value of the ratio of the ramp-up time T1 to the ramp-down time T2.

[0067] Furthermore, one of the values of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 may be fixed in the set value. That is, for example, when the length of the ramp-up time T1 is fixed at "1 second", the user inputs only the length of the ramp-down time T2.

[0068] Furthermore, the set value may be at least one of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. That is, for example, the user inputs only the ramp-up time T1 as the set value. The ramp-down time T2 not input by the user is determined to a predetermined value by the determination unit 36 based on the ramp-up time T1.

[0069] Furthermore, the set value does not have to be input by the user. That is, the fixed value of the length of the ramp-up time T1 and the fixed value of the length of the ramp-down time T2 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 37. The fixed value of the length of the ramp-up time T1 is, for example, "1 second". The fixed value of the length of the ramp-down time T2 is, for example, "2 seconds".

[0070] The specifying unit 42 specifies the set value based on the input operation on the input unit 41.

[0071] The transmitting unit 43 transmits the set value specified by the specifying unit 42 to the receiving unit 35.

[0072] ● Operation of the present system (1) during charging The operation of the present system 1 during charging will be described below.

[0073] Here, it is assumed that the present system 1 has already determined the information necessary for the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 during charging of the headphones 2. That is, in the following description, the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance have already been determined and stored in the storage unit 37. That is, the timing at which the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance are stored in the storage unit 37 is before the timing at which the charging of the headphones 2 is started.

[0074] First, the headphones 2 (left sound output unit 20L, right sound output unit 20R) are housed in the charger 3.

[0075] Next, the headphones 2 housed in the charger 3 are connected to the charger 3.

[0076] Next, the detection unit 31 detects that the headphones 2 are connected to the charger 3.

[0077] Next, the detection unit 31 that has detected the connection between the headphones 2 and the charger 3 starts to periodically transmit a detection signal S1 to the charge control unit 34.

[0078] Next, the charging control unit 34 that has received the detection signal S1 starts transmitting a power supply instruction signal S2 to the power transmission unit 33. The charging control unit 34 that has received the detection signal S1 starts transmitting a blinking instruction signal S3 to the display control unit 38. Transmission of each signal (S2, S3) from the charging control unit 34 is periodically executed while the charging control unit 34 is receiving the detection signal S1.

[0079] Here, the charging of the headphones 2 and the blinking of the indicator light 39 when each signal (S2, S3) is transmitted are described below.

[0080] ● Charging of Headphones The power transmission unit 33 that has received the power supply instruction signal S2 supplies the power stored in the storage battery 32 to the power receiving unit 22.

[0081] Next, the power received by the power receiving unit 22 is supplied to the storage battery 23.

[0082] Next, the power supplied to the storage battery 23 is stored in the storage battery 23. The headphones 2 (20L, 20R) are charged while power is stored in the storage battery 23.

[0083] ● Blinking of Indicator Light The display control unit 38 that has received the blinking instruction signal S3 transmits a blinking control signal S4 to the indicator light 39 based on the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information regarding the luminance stored in the storage unit 37. That is, the display control unit 38 transmits a blinking control signal S4 including information indicating the luminance of the indicator light 39 to the indicator light 39 based on the elapsed time from the start time of the ramp-up time T1 or the ramp-down time T2 and the information regarding the luminance.

[0084] During the lamp-up time T1 and the lamp-down time T2, the indicator lamp 39 that periodically receives the blinking control signal S4 emits light of its luminance based on the information indicating the luminance included in the received blinking control signal S4. During the lamp-up time T1 and the lamp-down time T2, the luminance of the light emitted by the indicator lamp 39 gradually increases or gradually decreases and changes. In this way, by the luminance of the light emitted by the indicator lamp 39 gradually increasing or gradually decreasing, the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 is realized.

[0085] ● Relationship between charging of the headphones and blinking of the indicator lamp Return to FIG. 4. The following description is an example from the start of charging of the headphones 2 to the completion of charging of the headphones 2. The following description is an example in the case where the charging of the headphones 2 is completed after the lamp-up time T1 and the lamp-down time T2 are repeated twice.

[0086] First, when the charging of the headphones 2 starts, the indicator lamp 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T0: from time t 0 to time t 1 ). The ratio of the luminance changes from 0% (at time t 0 ) to 10% (at time t 1 ).

[0087] Next, the ratio of the luminance gradually increases from 10% to 100% in a predetermined time (T1: from time t 1 to time t 2 ) (the first lamp-up time T1).

[0088] Next, the ratio of the luminance gradually decreases from 100% to 10% in a predetermined time (T2: from time t 2 to time t 3 ) (the first lamp-down time T2).

[0089] Next, the ratio of the luminance gradually increases from 10% to 100% in a predetermined time (T1: from time t 3 to time t 4 ) (the second lamp-up time T1).

[0090] Next, the brightness ratio gradually decreases from 100% to 10% over a predetermined time (T2: from time t 4 to time t 5 up to) (the second lamp-down time T2).

[0091] Next, when the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the brightness ratio changes to 100%. Here, the present system 1 includes means (not shown) for detecting that the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, that is, the storage battery 23 is in a so-called fully charged state. When the full charging of the storage battery 23 is detected, the power supply control unit 34 stops transmitting the power supply instruction signal S2 to the power transmission unit 33, and transmits a signal indicating that the storage battery 23 is fully charged to the display control unit 38. When the display control unit 38 receives a signal indicating that the storage battery 23 is fully charged, it changes the brightness ratio of the indicator lamp 39 to 100%.

[0092] Next, the indicator lamp 39 remains lit with a brightness ratio of 100% for a predetermined time (T3: from time t 5 to time t 6 up to).

[0093] Next, the indicator lamp 39 turns off. The brightness ratio changes from 100% to 0%. The user can recognize that the charging of the headphones 2 is completed (the storage battery 23 is fully charged) when the blinking indicator lamp 39 turns off.

[0094] ● Summary (1) As described above, the present system 1 includes a headphone 2, a charger 3, and an indicator lamp 39. The indicator lamp 39 blinks to indicate (notify) the charging state of the headphone 2. That is, a user who visually recognizes the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 can grasp that the headphone 2 is being charged. The blinking period includes a ramp-up time T1 during which the brightness gradually increases and a ramp-down time T2 during which the brightness gradually decreases. The ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 are repeatedly alternated. The length of the ramp-up time T1 is different from the length of the ramp-down time T2. As a result, the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 does not give the user an artificial impression as if the lengths of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 were equally spaced.

[0095] As described above, the indicator lamp 39 is lit at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 and the end time of the ramp-down time T2. The brightness ratio at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 and the end time of the ramp-down time T2 is 10%. That is, the indicator lamp 39 does not turn off (the brightness ratio does not become 0%) while the indicator lamp 39 is blinking.

[0096] In the above description, the brightness ratio at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 and the end time of the ramp-down time T2 was 10%. However, the brightness ratio at the same time (the same start time and the same end time) in the present invention is not limited to 10%. That is, for example, the brightness ratio at the same time in the present invention may be between 5% and 15% of the brightness ratio at the end time of the first period and the start time of the second period. The brightness ratio at the same time is stored in the storage unit in advance, and the display control unit controls the blinking of the indicator lamp using the information on the brightness (for example, 10%) stored in the storage unit.

[0097] Note that the above description was an example where the completion time of charging the headphones 2 coincides with the end time of the ramp-down time T2. However, in the present invention, the completion time of charging the headphones does not necessarily coincide with the end time of the second period. That is, the completion time of charging the headphones in the present invention may be within either the first period or the second period. In other words, the brightness ratio at the completion time of charging the headphones is in the range from 10% to 100%.

[0098] ● Embodiment (2) of the present system ● Another embodiment (2) of the present system described below will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the embodiment (1) of the present system described above.

[0099] Embodiment (2) is different from Embodiment (1) in that the maximum value (%) of the brightness ratio (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum brightness value") for each cycle of the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 gradually increases within the blinking period, while the maximum brightness value is constant (100%) within the blinking period in Embodiment (1).

[0100] ● Configuration of the present system (2) ● FIG. 5 is a graph showing another blinking pattern of the indicator light included in the present system. In the figure, the vertical axis indicates the brightness ratio, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time.

[0101] t 0 is the start time of charging the headphones 2. The indicator light 39 lights up at time t 0 . The brightness ratio at the start time of charging the headphones 2 is 0%.

[0102] t 1 and t 3 and t 5 are the start times of the ramp-up time T1. The brightness ratio at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 is 10%.

[0103] t 2 and t 4 and t 6is the start time of the lamp down time T2. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the lamp down time T2 at each time is t 2 is 90% at time t 4 is 95% at time t 6 is 100% at time t

[0104] t 7 is the completion time of the charging of the headphones 2. The ratio of the luminance at the completion time of the charging of the headphones 2 is 10%. When the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the blinking of the indicator lamp 39 ends. When the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the ratio of the luminance changes to 100%. The indicator lamp 39 lights up with the ratio of the luminance remaining at 100% for a predetermined time (from time t 7 to time t 8 ).

[0105] t 8 is the extinguishing time of the indicator lamp 39. When the indicator lamp 39 is extinguished, the ratio of the luminance changes from 100% to 0%.

[0106] The time T0 is the period from time t 0 to time t 1 . The ratio of the luminance gradually increases from 0% to 10% for a predetermined time (T0).

[0107] The time T1 is the lamp up time T1. The time T1 is the period from time t 1 to time t 2 and from time t 3 to time t 4 and from time t 5 to time t 6 respectively. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the lamp up time T1 is 10%. The luminance gradually increases until the end time of the lamp up time T1. The ratio of the luminance at the end time of the lamp up time T1 increases each time the blinking period (lamp up time T1 and lamp down time T2) of the indicator lamp 39 is repeated. That is, the ratio of the luminance at the end time of the lamp up time T1 varies depending on the number of times the blinking period (lamp up time T1 and lamp down time T2) of the indicator lamp 39 is repeated.

[0108] Time T2 is the lamp down time T2. Time T2 is from time t 2 to time t 3 and from time t 4 to time t 5 and from time t 6 to time t 7 respectively for each period. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the lamp down time T2 varies depending on the number of times the periods of the blinking of the display lamp 39 (lamp up time T1 and lamp down time T2) are repeated. The luminance gradually decreases until the end time of the lamp down time T2. The ratio of the luminance at the end time of the lamp down time T2 is 10%.

[0109] Time T3 is the period from time t 7 to time t 8 The ratio of the luminance is 100% for a predetermined time (T3).

[0110] ● Operation of this system (2) ● Relationship between charging of the headphones and blinking of the display lamp The following explanation is an example from the start of charging of the headphones 2 to the completion of charging of the headphones 2. The following explanation is an example when the charging of the headphones 2 is completed after the lamp up time T1 and the lamp down time T2 are repeated three times.

[0111] First, when the charging of the headphones 2 starts, the display lamp 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T0: from time t 0 to time t 1 ). The ratio of the luminance changes from 0% (at time t 0 ) to 10% (at time t 1 ).

[0112] Next, the ratio of the luminance gradually increases from 10% to 90% in a predetermined time (T1: from time t 1 to time t 2 ) (the first lamp up time T1).

[0113] Next, the ratio of the luminance is for a predetermined time (T2: from time t2 to time t 3 and gradually decreases from 90% to 10% (the first lamp-down time T2).

[0114] Next, the luminance ratio gradually increases from 10% to 95% over a predetermined time (T1: from time t 3 to time t 4 and (the second lamp-up time T1).

[0115] Next, the luminance ratio gradually decreases from 95% to 10% over a predetermined time (T2: from time t 4 to time t 5 and (the second lamp-down time T2).

[0116] Next, the luminance ratio gradually increases from 10% to 100% over a predetermined time (T1: from time t 5 to time t 6 and (the third lamp-up time T1).

[0117] Next, the luminance ratio gradually decreases from 100% to 10% over a predetermined time (T2: from time t 6 to time t 7 and (the third lamp-down time T2).

[0118] Next, when the charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the luminance ratio changes to 100%.

[0119] Next, the indicator lamp 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T3: from time t 7 to time t 8 while the luminance ratio remains 100%.

[0120] Next, the indicator lamp 39 turns off. The luminance ratio changes from 100% to 0%.

[0121] ● Summary (2) As described above, the ramp-up time T1 includes the first ramp-up time T1 during the blinking period and the second ramp-up time T1 during the blinking period. The ratio of the brightness of the indicator lamp 39 at the end time t 2 of the first ramp-up time T1 is smaller than the ratio of the brightness of the indicator lamp 39 at the end time t 4 of the second ramp-up time T1. That is, the indicator lamp 39 indicates the charge amount (ratio to full charge) of the headphones 2 with the brightness of the indicator lamp 39 at the end time of the ramp-up time T1.

[0122] Note that the above description was an example in the case where the completion time of charging the headphones 2 coincides with the end time of the ramp-down time T2. However, in the present invention, the completion time of charging the present headphones does not necessarily coincide with the end time of the second period. That is, the completion time of charging the present headphones in the present invention may be within either the first period or the second period. The maximum brightness value for each cycle of the first period and the second period gradually increases according to the number of times the blinking period (the first period and the second period) of the indicator lamp is repeated. The maximum brightness value can be 100% when the blinking period of the indicator lamp is repeated. That is, the ratio of the brightness at the completion time of charging the present headphones is in the range from 10% to 100%.

[0123] ● Summary ● In the embodiment described above, the charger 3 includes the indicator lamp 39. However, in the present invention, instead of the present charger including the indicator lamp, the present headphones may include the indicator lamp.

[0124] In the embodiment described above, the charger 3 includes the receiving unit 35, the determining unit 36, and the storage unit 37. However, in the present invention, instead of the present charger including the acquisition unit, the determining unit, and the storage unit, the present headphones may include the acquisition unit, the determining unit, and the storage unit.

[0125] In the embodiments described above, the indicator lamp 39 indicated the charging state (whether it was charging or not) of the battery of the headphones 2 by flashing. However, the charging state of the battery indicated by the flashing indicator lamp in the present invention is not limited to the charging state of the battery of these headphones. That is, for example, the indicator lamp may indicate the charging state of the battery of this charger by flashing. Further, the indicator lamp may indicate the charging states of the battery of these headphones and the battery of this charger respectively by flashing. This system may be provided with switching operation means for switching between the charging state of the battery of these headphones and the charging state of the battery of this charger as the object of the flashing display by the indicator lamp. The user operates the switching operation means to cause the indicator lamp to display the charging state of these headphones or this charger.

[0126] In the embodiments described above, the indicator lamp 39 indicated the charging state (how much it was charged) of the battery of the headphones 2 by flashing. The color of the indicator lamp 39 did not change during flashing. However, the color of the indicator lamp during flashing in the present invention is not limited to a single color. That is, for example, the color of the indicator lamp during flashing may include a plurality of colors. The color of the indicator lamp during flashing may change according to the charging state of the battery of these headphones.

[0127] In the embodiments described above, the headphones 2 were charged by the charger 3. However, in the present invention, what charges these headphones is not limited to this charger. That is, for example, these headphones may be charged by a power source.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, the number of indicator lamps 39 was 1. However, the number of indicator lamps in the present invention is not limited to 1. That is, for example, the number of indicator lamps in the present invention may be plural (for example, an indicator lamp for indicating the charging state of these headphones and an indicator lamp for indicating the charging state of this charger).

[0129] ●Features of This System, These Headphones, and This Charger● The features of the present system, the present headphones, and the present charger described so far are summarized below.

[0130] ● Features of the present system The present system (for example, the headphone system 1) includes headphones (for example, headphones 2) and a charger (for example, charger 3) for charging the headphones, and an indicator light (for example, indicator light 39) that blinks to indicate the charging state of at least one of the headphones and the charger, and is characterized in that the indicator light is provided on at least one of the headphones and the charger, and the blinking period includes a first period (for example, ramp-up time T1) during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, and a second period (for example, ramp-down time T2) during which the brightness gradually decreases, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated, and the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. This is the feature.

[0131] The present system may include an acquisition unit (for example, reception unit 35) that acquires the set values of the first period and the second period, a determination unit (for example, determination unit 36) that determines the lengths of the first period and the second period based on the set values, and a storage unit (for example, storage unit 37) that stores the lengths of the first period and the second period. This is also possible.

[0132] In the present system, either the headphones or the charger includes the acquisition unit, the determination unit, and the storage unit. This is the case.​ It may be a thing.

[0133] In this system, The acquisition unit acquires the set value from an external device operated by the user. It may be a thing.

[0134] In this system, The indicator lights at the start time of the first period and the end time of the second period are lit. During the first period said The start time and during the second period said The brightness at the end time is between 5% and 15% of the brightness at the end time of the first period and the start time of the second period. It may be a thing.

[0135] In this system, The first period is The first first period during the blinking period, The second first period during the blinking period, Including The brightness of the indicator light at the end time of the first first period is less than the brightness of the indicator light at the end time of the second first period. It may be a thing.

[0136] In this system, The length of the first period is 1 second, The length of the second period is 2 seconds. It may be a thing.

[0137] ● Features of this headphone This headphone A rechargeable battery (for example, battery 23), An indicator light that blinks to indicate the charge state of the rechargeable battery, And has The blinking period is A first period in which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, A second period in which the luminance gradually decreases, is included, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated, wherein the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. This is the feature.

[0138] ● Features of this charger This charger has a rechargeable battery (for example, battery 32) that stores the power supplied to the headphones, and an indicator light that blinks to indicate the charge state of the rechargeable battery. It is characterized by having The blinking period includes a first period in which the luminance of the indicator light gradually increases, and a second period in which the luminance gradually decreases, is included, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated, wherein the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. This is the feature.

Explanation of symbols

[0139] 1 Headphone system 2 Headphones 20L Left sound output unit 20R Right sound output unit 21 Connection part 22 Power receiving part 23 Battery 3 Charger 31 Detection part 32 Battery 33 Power transmission part 34 Charge control part 35 Receiving part 36 Decision part 37 Memory part 38 Display control part 39 Indicator light 4 Smartphone 41 Input part 42 Identification part 43 Transmission part 5 Power supply S1 Detection signal S2 Power supply instruction signal S3 Blinking instruction signal S4 Blinking control signal T1 Lamp up time T2 Lamp down time

Claims

1. A headset, a charger for charging the headset, an indicator light for flashing and indicating the charging state of at least one of the headset and the charger, characterized in that it comprises: the indicator light is provided on at least one of the headset and the charger, the flashing period includes: a first period in which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, a second period in which the brightness gradually decreases, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated, wherein the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period, a headset system.

2. an acquisition unit for acquiring set values of the first period and the second period, a determination unit for determining the lengths of the first period and the second period based on the set values, a storage unit for storing the lengths of the first period and the second period, characterized in that it comprises: the headset system according to Claim 1.

3. either the headset or the charger is provided with: the acquisition unit, the determination unit, the storage unit, characterized in that it comprises: the headset system according to Claim 2.

4. the acquisition unit acquires the set values from an external device operated by the user, the headset system according to Claim 2.

5. the indicator light is lit at the start of the first period and at the end of the second period, the brightness at the start of the first period and at the end of the second period is between 5% and 15% of the brightness at the end of the first period and at the start of the second period, the headset system according to Claim 1.

6. the first period includes: the first first period in the flashing period, the second first period in the flashing period, and the brightness of the indicator light at the end of the first first period is less than the brightness of the indicator light at the end of the second first period, the headset system according to Claim 1.

7. the length of the first period is 1 second, the length of the second period is 2 seconds, the headset system according to Claim 1.

8. a rechargeable battery, an indicator light for flashing and indicating the charging state of the rechargeable battery, characterized in that it comprises: the flashing period includes: a first period in which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, a second period in which the brightness gradually decreases, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated, The length of the first period is different from the length of the second period, A headphone characterized by this.

9. A rechargeable battery that stores the power supplied to the headphones, An indicator light that blinks to indicate the charge state of the rechargeable battery, It has, The period of the blinking is, A first period in which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, A second period in which the brightness gradually decreases, Including, The first period and the second period are alternately repeated, The length of the first period is different from the length of the second period, A charger for headphones characterized by this.

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