Method for providing audio using earphone set and earphone set

Abstract

To provide a method and device for providing audio that enables a user to feel binaural beats.SOLUTION: In an earphone 100 that provides a first sound wave W12 to a user's left ear EL and simultaneously provides a second sound wave W14 to a right ear ER, a frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave is caused. The frequency difference, which automatically changes periodically over time, is generated by a frequency regulator 140 and can induce corresponding brain waves in the user's brain, producing concentration or other effects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus, and more particularly to a method for providing audio using an earphone set and an earphone set.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid progress of technology, the opportunities to communicate with people or receive messages using headphones are increasing. However, there is a problem of how to improve the efficiency by concentrating the participants on communication even in a non-face-to-face situation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a method for providing audio using an earphone set that enables a user to feel binaural beats.

[0004] The method for providing audio using the earphone set of the present invention includes simultaneously providing a first sound wave to the left ear of the user using the left ear earphone of the earphone set and providing a second sound wave to the right ear of the user using the right ear earphone of the earphone set. There is a frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. The frequency difference changes periodically and automatically over time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frequency difference changes in multiple steps over time.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frequency difference does not change for 5 to 120 seconds after each change.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frequency difference automatically and periodically changes at 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 4 Hz to 8 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 8 Hz to 12 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 12 Hz to 20 Hz, or automatically and periodically changes at 25 Hz to 40 Hz.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the first sound wave and the second sound wave are provided to the user's left ear and right ear respectively for a predetermined time, the provision of the first sound wave and the second sound wave is automatically stopped.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sound wave and the second sound wave are each generated after frequency adjustment is performed on the voice selected by the user himself by the frequency adjuster of the earphone set.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the voice providing method using the earphone set further includes providing a first background sound wave to the user's left ear using the left ear earphone while providing the first sound wave and the second sound wave, and providing a second background sound wave to the user's right ear using the right ear earphone. The frequency difference is provided between the third frequency of the first background sound wave and the fourth frequency of the second background sound wave.

[0011] The earphone set of the present invention includes a left earphone, a right earphone, a first wireless communication unit, and a frequency adjuster. The left earphone is configured to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user. The right earphone is configured to provide a second sound wave to the right ear of the user. The frequency adjuster is electrically connected to the left earphone, the right earphone, and the first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communicator is configured to receive external audio and transmit it to the frequency adjuster. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio to a first audio and transmits it to the left earphone so that the first sound wave is radiated. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio to a second audio and transmits it to the right earphone so that the second sound wave is radiated. There is a frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. The frequency difference automatically changes periodically with the passage of time.

[0012] In one embodiment of the earphone set of the present invention, the earphone set further includes a second wireless communication unit and a wireless communication switch. The second wireless communication unit is configured to receive external audio. The wireless communication switch is configured to switch the left earphone and the right earphone to be signal-connected to the first wireless communication unit or the second wireless communication unit.

[0013] Another earphone set of the present invention includes a left earphone, a right earphone, a first wireless communication unit, a frequency adjuster, a second wireless communication unit, and a wireless communication switch. The left earphone is configured to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user. The right earphone is configured to provide a second sound wave to the right ear of the user. The frequency adjuster is electrically connected to the left earphone, the right earphone, and the first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit is configured to receive external audio and transmit it to the frequency adjuster. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio to a first audio and transmits it to the left earphone so that the first sound wave is radiated. The frequency adjuster adjusts the external audio to a second audio and transmits it to the right earphone so that the second sound wave is radiated. There is a frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. The frequency difference automatically changes over time. The second wireless communication unit is configured to receive external audio. The wireless communication switch is configured to switch the left earphone and the right earphone to be signal-connected to the first wireless communication unit or the second wireless communication unit.

[0014] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone transmits external audio.

[0015] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone executes a voice communication application.

[0016] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the earphone set further includes a pickup and a pickup switch. The pickup is electrically connected to the first wireless communication unit and is configured to transmit a third audio obtained by the pickup to the first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit transmits the third audio externally. The pickup switch is electrically connected to the pickup and is configured to enable or disable the pickup.

[0017] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the earphone set further includes a language conversion circuit configured to receive and identify a first language included in a third voice, convert the first language into a second language, and transmit a fourth voice including the second language to the left earphone and the right earphone.

[0018] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the first wireless communication unit functions as a node of a multi - to - multi Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh or performs Bluetooth broadcast.

[0019] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the second wireless communication unit performs frequency - modulation communication, and the first wireless communication unit performs Bluetooth communication.

[0020] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the second wireless communication unit includes a receiver, a plurality of antennas, and a frequency - band switch. The antennas are configured to receive signals in different frequency bands. The frequency - band switch is configured to control the receiver and electrically connect to one of the antennas.

[0021] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone. The mobile phone executes a differential - frequency control application to control the frequency difference via a frequency regulator.

[0022] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the differential - frequency control application further controls the frequency differences of a plurality of slave earphone sets.

[0023] In one embodiment of the two types of earphone sets of the present invention described above, the earphone set further includes a sound source configured to transmit internal sound to a frequency adjuster. The frequency adjuster further includes a sound source configured to transmit internal sound to the frequency adjuster, and transmits it to the left earphone so that a third sound wave is radiated. The frequency adjuster adjusts the internal sound to a fourth sound and transmits it to the right earphone so that a fourth sound wave is radiated. There is a frequency difference between the third frequency of the third sound wave and the fourth frequency of the fourth sound wave.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] Based on the above, in the voice providing method and the earphone set using the earphone set of the present invention, the frequency difference automatically changes with the passage of time, and the user can receive the changing inter-aural frequency difference and obtain the corresponding effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing sound using an earphone set. In this method, simultaneously, a first sound wave is provided to the user's left ear using the left earphone of the earphone set, and a second sound wave is provided to the user's right ear using the right earphone of the earphone set. The earphone set used here may be any earphone set introduced in subsequent embodiments, or any other earphone set capable of executing this method. The frequency of the first sound wave is the first frequency, and the frequency of the second sound wave is the second frequency. There is a frequency difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. This frequency difference changes automatically periodically with the passage of time. That is, the frequency difference is not constant. Furthermore, this frequency difference is automatically changed according to a preset method without manual intervention. Also, the method for changing this frequency difference is preset and cannot be adjusted or selected by the user. Alternatively, there may be multiple change methods, and the user may select which one to use. Also, the user's physiological state is not detected before it is determined how the frequency difference is to be changed. That is, the frequency difference does not change according to the difference in the user's physiological state.

[0027] Brain waves refer to the electrical vibrations generated by the activities of nerve cells in the human brain, and can also be called the rhythm of brain cell activities. The human brain is constantly generating brain waves. Brain waves can be classified by frequency and include at least beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves, delta waves, and gamma waves. Generally, when a person is in the third stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, the brain waves are usually delta waves (with a frequency between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz). When a person is in deep sleep and dreaming, deep meditation, a strong subjective state, etc., the brain waves are usually theta waves (with a frequency of 4 Hz to 8 Hz). When a person is in a drowsy state before going to sleep, gradually losing consciousness, having inspirations, relaxing physically and mentally, and being in a concentrated state, etc., the brain waves are usually alpha waves. When a person is in a relaxed but concentrated state, or in a state of organizing previously received information, etc., the brain waves are usually beta waves. However, it has also been found in research that when the human brain is induced to generate different brain waves, it can affect a person's state. For example, when the human brain is induced to generate alpha waves, a person can have inspirations, relax physically and mentally, and be in a concentrated state.

[0028] For the above reasons, the prior art attempts to provide two types of sound waves with different frequencies to the user's left ear and right ear respectively, and make the frequency difference between the two sound waves correspond to the frequency of the brain wave to be induced. However, in the prior art, the frequency difference between the two sound waves is maintained at a constant value. Figure 1A shows the experimental results of Comparative Example 1 using the voice providing method with the prior art earphone set. In Comparative Example 1, the frequency difference is constant at 8 Hz. Referring to Figure 1A, when such a frequency difference is continuously input within 8 minutes, almost no alpha waves are induced in the subject's brain.

[0029] In contrast, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, the frequency difference between the first frequency and the second frequency automatically and periodically changes with the passage of time. FIG. 1B shows the experimental results of Example 1 using the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment. The subjects in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 are the same person. In Example 1, the frequency difference was automatically and periodically changed stepwise between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 10 seconds after each change. Automatically and periodically changing the frequency difference stepwise between 8 Hz and 12 Hz means, for example, gradually changing from 8 Hz to 12 Hz, then gradually changing from 12 Hz to 8 Hz, for example, repeating the stepwise change to 8 Hz to 12 Hz, or, for example, repeating the stepwise change to 12 Hz to 8 Hz. Referring to FIG. 1B, it is detected that alpha waves are induced in most time zones of the subject's brain within 8 minutes while continuously inputting the frequency difference as in Example 1. In particular, when the frequency difference is 8.6 Hz, 9.1 Hz, 9.6 Hz, 10.6 Hz, 10.7 Hz, 11 Hz, 11.3 Hz, the energy of the induced alpha waves becomes particularly high.

[0030] Comparing the experimental results of Comparative Example 1 in FIG. 1A and the experimental results of Example 1 in FIG. 1B, it is clear that the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment has a higher brain wave induction efficiency than the prior art. That is, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, by automatically and periodically changing the frequency difference with the passage of time, brain waves can be induced remarkably and effectively.

[0031] To provide two types of sound waves with different frequencies to the user's left and right ears, earphone sets such as earphone-type earphone sets, earplug-type earphone sets, canal-type earphone sets, and other different types of earphone sets can be used. The earphone sets can use, for example, wired earphone sets, Bluetooth earphone sets, or other wireless earphone sets. The earphone sets may further have an active noise cancellation (ANC) function to avoid the influence of environmental noise.

[0032] In various embodiments of the present invention, the user can select audio such as pop songs, classical music, radio programs, or other types of audio. After receiving the self-selected audio, for example, the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the left ear is up-converted to generate a first sound wave, and the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the right ear is down-converted to generate a second sound wave, so that there is a desired frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave, and the first sound wave and the second sound wave are respectively provided to the user's left and right ears. Alternatively, the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the left ear is down-converted to generate a first sound wave, and the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the right ear is up-converted to generate a second sound wave, so that there is a desired frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. Alternatively, the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the left ear is up-converted to generate a first sound wave, and the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the right ear is directly used as the second sound wave, so that there is a desired frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. Alternatively, the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the left ear is directly used as the first sound wave, and the sound wave of the self-selected audio provided to the right ear is down-converted as the second sound wave, so that there is a desired frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave. Whichever method is adopted, as long as there is a desired frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave, the concept of the present invention is satisfied.

[0033] Furthermore, since the user's self - selected voice may contain blank parts, in order to continuously induce brain waves in the blank parts, while providing the first sound wave and the second sound wave, the first background sound wave can be provided to the user's left ear and the second background sound wave can be provided to the user's right ear. The third frequency of the first background sound wave and the fourth frequency of the second background sound wave have a desired frequency difference. Since the background sound waves are continuous and have no blank parts, brain waves can be continuously induced in the blank parts of the user's self - selected voice. The background sound waves are, for example, sound waves such as the sound of wind or the sound of sea waves that are less likely to affect the self - selected voice.

[0034] Figure 2A shows the experimental results of Comparative Example 2 using the voice - providing method with a conventional earphone set. In Comparative Example 2, the frequency difference was kept constant at 8 Hz, but the subjects were different from those in Comparative Example 1. Referring to Figure 2A, it was only detected that alpha waves were initially induced in the subject's brain within 8 minutes while continuously inputting the frequency difference, and the duration was less than 30 seconds.

[0035] Figure 2B shows the experimental results of Example 2 using the voice - providing method with the earphone set of this embodiment. The subject in Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 is the same person. In Example 2, the frequency difference was automatically and periodically changed step - by - step from 8 Hz to 12 Hz, and the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 10 seconds after each change. Referring to Figure 2B, it was detected that alpha waves were induced in the subject's brain in most time periods within 8 minutes while continuously inputting the frequency difference as in Example 2. In particular, when the frequency difference was 8 Hz, 8.6 Hz, 10 Hz, and 11 Hz, the energy of the induced alpha waves became particularly high.

[0036] Comparing the experimental results of Comparative Example 2 in FIG. 2A with the experimental results of Example 2 in FIG. 2B, it is again proven that the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment has a higher brain wave induction efficiency than the prior art. That is, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, by automatically and periodically changing the frequency difference over time, brain waves can be induced significantly and effectively.

[0037] Furthermore, referring to the experimental results of Example 1 in FIG. 1B and the experimental results of Example 2 in FIG. 2B, it can be seen that the first sound wave and the second sound wave with different frequency differences have different effects on the induction of brain waves of different subjects. Therefore, in the prior art, a certain frequency difference is used to induce the brain waves of different users, but there is a possibility that a good induction effect cannot be obtained. In contrast, the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment induces the user's brain waves with an automatically and periodically changing frequency difference. Even if the brain waves of a specific user do not have a good induction effect at a specific frequency difference, since the frequency difference changes automatically and periodically, the method of the present invention can basically bring a good induction effect to the user's brain in the period of change.

[0038] Furthermore, the brain of each user not only has a good induction effect on a single frequency difference, but usually also has a good induction effect on a plurality of frequency differences. Since the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment induces the user's brain waves with an automatically and periodically changing frequency difference, a better induction effect can be obtained with a plurality of frequency differences. Furthermore, as can also be seen from Comparative Example 2 in FIG. 2A, even if the subject has a good induction effect on the single frequency difference input, the duration may not be long. Since the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment induces the user's brain waves with an automatically and periodically changing frequency difference and can be automatically and periodically changed within the selected range, after the user's brain gets tired, by switching to another frequency difference, a good induction effect can be produced again. Finally, the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment can produce a better brain wave induction effect over a longer period.

[0039] In this embodiment, the frequency difference changes in multiple stages over time. That is, there is a relatively obvious difference between the frequency difference at the previous moment and the frequency difference at the next moment. The amount of change in the frequency difference in each change may be between 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz, and may be, for example, 0.1 Hz, 0.2 Hz, 0.5 Hz, or 1 Hz. In other embodiments, the frequency difference may change continuously over time.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] Referring to Table 1 above, when a test of inducing brain waves with sound waves of a certain frequency difference was conducted on 25 subjects, it was detected that 9 to 12 people induced brain waves of 2 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz, and / or 20 Hz within 5 to 30 seconds, 7 to 8 people were detected to induce brain waves within 30 to 60 seconds, 1 to 4 people were detected to induce brain waves within 60 to 90 seconds, and 1 to 3 people were detected to induce brain waves within 90 to 120 seconds. However, within the first 5 seconds of the test, no one was detected to induce brain waves of 2 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz, or 20 Hz, and even after the test was conducted for more than 120 seconds, there were still 2 to 3 people in whom no induction of brain waves of 2 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz, or 20 Hz was detected. That is, when the test time is less than 5 seconds, basically the purpose of inducing brain waves cannot be achieved. On the other hand, if the subject's brain waves are not induced even when the test is continued for 120 seconds, the purpose of inducing brain waves cannot be achieved even if the test is continued.

[0042] In each embodiment of the present invention, after inducing the user's brain waves with sound waves of a certain frequency difference for a predetermined time, the provision of the first sound wave and the second sound wave may be automatically stopped, but it is not limited thereto.

[0043] Figure 3A shows the experimental results of Example 3 using the voice providing method with the earphone set of the present embodiment. In Example 3, the frequency difference was automatically and periodically changed stepwise at 8 Hz to 12 Hz, the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 4 seconds after each change. Referring to Figure 3A, it is detected that the brain of the subject has alpha waves induced in most time zones within 8 minutes while continuously inputting the frequency difference as in Example 3, but the energy of the induced alpha waves was very low.

[0044] Figure 3B shows the experimental results of Example 4 using the voice providing method with the earphone set of the present embodiment. The subject in Example 3 and Example 4 is the same person. In Example 4, the frequency difference was automatically and periodically changed stepwise at 8 Hz to 12 Hz, the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 5 seconds after each change. Referring to Figure 3B, it is detected that the brain of the subject has alpha waves induced in most time zones within 8 minutes while continuously inputting the frequency difference as in Example 4, and the energy of the induced alpha waves was continuously maintained at a high level.

[0045] Based on the analysis results in Table 1, comparing the experimental results of Example 3 in Figure 3A and the experimental results of Example 4 in Figure 3B, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, by maintaining the same frequency difference between 5 seconds and 120 seconds after each change, better brain wave induction efficiency can be achieved, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] In this embodiment, the frequency difference may be automatically and periodically changed at 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz to induce delta waves, the frequency difference may be automatically and periodically changed at 4 Hz to 8 Hz to induce theta waves, the frequency difference may be automatically and periodically changed at 8 Hz to 12 Hz to induce alpha waves, the frequency difference may be automatically and periodically changed at 12 Hz to 20 Hz to induce beta waves, and the frequency difference may be automatically and periodically changed at 25 Hz to 40 Hz to induce gamma waves. Further, in this embodiment, when the time is not long enough, the frequency difference may only gradually increase or only gradually decrease.

[0047] In a voice providing method using an earphone set according to another embodiment of the present invention, the frequency difference gradually decreases from a larger value to a target value, for example, gradually decreases from 12 Hz to 0.5 Hz. When the frequency difference becomes smaller than the target value, the brain wave induction procedure may be terminated. In this embodiment, the frequency difference may automatically and gradually decrease step by step. For example, the frequency difference decreases by 0.1 Hz each time.

[0048] FIG. 4A shows the experimental results of Comparative Example 3 using a voice providing method using a conventional earphone set. In Comparative Example 3, the frequency difference is constant at 2 Hz. Referring to FIG. 4A, within 30 minutes of continuously inputting the frequency difference, delta waves are induced in the subject's brain only for the first 2 minutes. However, it was almost impossible to detect that delta waves were being induced in the subject's brain 2 minutes after the start of the experiment.

[0049] In contrast, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, the frequency difference between the first frequency and the second frequency automatically and gradually decreases with the passage of time. FIG. 4B shows the experimental results of Example 5 using the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment. The subjects in Comparative Example 3 and Example 5 are the same person. In Example 5, the frequency difference was automatically and gradually decreased in steps from 12 Hz to 0.5 Hz, the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 16 seconds after each change. Referring to FIG. 4B, in the first 20 minutes in which the frequency difference was continuously input in the same manner as in Example 5, since the difference between the frequency difference and the delta wave was relatively large, the delta wave induced in the subject's brain was hardly detectable. However, 20 minutes after the start of the experiment, in most cases, the delta wave was detected in the subject's brain, and the energy of the detected induced delta wave was particularly high. This is because the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment induces the subject with a frequency difference that automatically and gradually decreases, so that a better induction effect can be obtained with a plurality of frequency differences, and a good brain wave induction effect can be obtained over a longer period of time.

[0050] Comparing the experimental results of Comparative Example 3 in FIG. 4A with the experimental results of Example 5 in FIG. 4B, it is clear that the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment has a higher brain wave induction efficiency than the prior art. That is, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, by automatically and gradually decreasing the frequency difference with the passage of time, the brain waves can be induced significantly and effectively.

[0051] FIG. 5A shows the experimental results of Comparative Example 4 using the voice providing method using the earphone set of the prior art. In Comparative Example 4, the frequency difference was fixed at 2 Hz, but the subject was different from that in Comparative Example 3. Referring to FIG. 5A, similar to Comparative Example 3, when such a frequency difference was continuously input for 30 minutes, the delta wave was induced in the subject's brain only in the first 2 minutes. However, 2 minutes after the start of the experiment, it was almost impossible to detect that the delta wave was being induced in the subject's brain.

[0052] Figure 5B shows the experimental results of Example 6 using the voice providing method with the earphone set of the present embodiment. The subjects in Comparative Example 4 and Example 6 are the same person. In Example 6, the frequency difference was automatically and gradually decreased step by step from 12 Hz to 0.5 Hz, the change amount of the frequency difference in each change was 0.1 Hz, and the same frequency difference was maintained for 16 seconds after each change. Referring to Figure 5B, similar to Example 5, for the first 20 minutes when the frequency difference was continuously input in the same way as in Example 6, since the difference between the frequency difference and the delta wave was relatively large, the delta wave could hardly be induced in the subject's brain. However, 20 minutes after the start of the experiment, in most cases, the delta wave was detected in the subject's brain, and the energy of the detected induced delta wave was particularly high.

[0053] Comparing the experimental results of Comparative Example 4 in Figure 5A and the experimental results of Example 6 in Figure 5B, it is again proved that the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment has a higher brain wave induction efficiency than the prior art. That is, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present embodiment, by automatically and periodically changing the frequency difference within a preset range over time, the brain wave can be induced significantly and effectively.

[0054] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an earphone set in an operating state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a schematic circuit block diagram of the earphone set of FIG. 6A. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment includes a left earphone 110, a right earphone 120, a first wireless communication unit 130, and a frequency adjuster 140. The speaker 112 of the left earphone 110 is configured to provide a first sound wave W12 to the left ear EL of the user. The speaker 122 of the right earphone 120 is configured to provide a second sound wave W14 to the right ear EL of the user. The frequency adjuster 140 is electrically connected to the speaker 112 of the left earphone 110, the speaker 122 of the right earphone 120, and the first wireless communication unit 130. The first wireless communication unit 130 is configured to receive external audio and transmit it to the frequency adjuster 140. The frequency adjuster 140 adjusts the external audio to a first audio and transmits it to the speaker 112 of the left earphone 110 so that the first sound wave W12 is radiated. The frequency adjuster 140 adjusts the external audio to a second audio and transmits it to the speaker 122 of the right earphone 120 so that the second sound wave is radiated. There is a frequency difference between the first frequency of the first sound wave W12 and the second frequency of the second sound wave W14. The frequency adjuster 140 automatically and periodically changes the frequency difference over time.

[0055] The frequency adjuster 140 automatically and periodically changes the frequency difference over time. This means that this frequency difference is not constant. Furthermore, this frequency difference is automatically changed according to a preset method without manual intervention. Also, the method of changing this frequency difference is preset and cannot be adjusted or selected by the user. Alternatively, there may be multiple change methods, and the user may select which one to use. Also, the user's physiological state is not detected before determining how the frequency difference is changed, that is, the frequency difference does not change according to the difference in the user's physiological state.

[0056] In the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment, the frequency adjuster 140 creates a frequency difference between the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 provided to the user's left ear EL and right ear EL, so that the user can receive the corresponding binaural beat due to the frequency difference, and the human brain that has received the binaural beat can be induced to have brain waves of the corresponding frequency. At the same time, this frequency difference changes automatically and periodically over time, and can significantly and effectively induce the desired brain waves.

[0057] For example, when the user wears the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment and listens to an audio message transmitted from another person, for example, when the user wears the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment during a group tour and listens to the tour navigation transmitted by the tour guide, the frequency adjuster 140 may change the frequency difference between the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 at 12 Hz to 20 Hz. Thereby, the user can receive the corresponding binaural beat, and since the brain that has received the binaural beat is stimulated to generate beta waves, the user can listen to the tour navigation in a concentrated state.

[0058] Alternatively, when the tour group is moving over a long distance and the user continues to wear the earphone set 100 of the present invention, the frequency adjuster 140 may also change the frequency difference between the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 at 8 Hz to 14 Hz. Thereby, the user can receive the corresponding binaural beat, and since the brain that has received the binaural beat is stimulated to generate alpha waves, a sense of relaxation is obtained, which contributes to restoring physical strength in preparation for the next trip.

[0059] Alternatively, when the tour group is moving over a long distance or resting at a hotel at night, and the user continues to wear the earphone set 100 of the present invention, the frequency adjuster 140 may also change the frequency difference between the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 at 0.5 to 4 Hz. Thereby, the user can receive the corresponding binaural beat, and since the brain that has received the binaural beat is stimulated to generate delta waves, the user can immediately fall asleep and obtain high-quality sleep.

[0060] Alternatively, when the user wants to enter a meditation state by eliminating distractions, when the user wears the earphone set 100 of the embodiment, the frequency adjuster 140 may also change the frequency difference between the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 at 4 Hz to 8 Hz. Thereby, the user can receive the corresponding binaural beat, and since the brain that has received the binaural beat is stimulated to generate theta waves, the user can enter the meditation state very quickly.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the earphone set 100 further includes a second wireless communicator 150. The first wireless communication unit 130 is disposed in the left ear earphone 110. That is, the first wireless communication unit 130 is disposed in the housing of the left ear earphone 110. The second wireless communication unit 150 is disposed in the right ear earphone 120. That is, the second wireless communication unit 150 is disposed in the housing of the right ear earphone 120. The frequency adjuster 140 transmits the second voice to the second wireless communication unit 150 via the first wireless communication unit 130. The second wireless communication unit 150 transmits the second voice to the speaker 122 of the right ear earphone 120 so that the second sound wave W14 is radiated. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the left ear earphone 110 and the right ear earphone 120 using a physical circuit for signal transmission, and interference to the user by the physical circuit can be avoided.

[0062] However, in other embodiments, the left earphone 110 and the right earphone 120 may be connected by means such as a neck frame or a connecting wire, thereby reducing the trouble of storing each of the left earphone 110 and the right earphone 120. At this time, the first wireless communication unit 130 may directly transmit the second audio to the right earphone 120, or the second wireless communication unit 150 may transmit the second audio to the right earphone 120.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the earphone set 100 may further include a pickup 160 that is electrically connected to the first wireless communication unit 130 and is configured to transmit the third audio obtained by the pickup to the first wireless communication unit 130. The first wireless communication unit 130 transmits the third audio to the outside. For example, the pickup 160 is formed by a microphone and an analog-to-digital converter, but is not limited thereto. With the pickup 160, the earphone set 100 has a call function, and the user can send a message to another device.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the earphone set 100 may further include an active noise canceling circuit 180 that is electrically connected to the pickup 160 and the frequency adjuster 140, is configured to invert the ambient sound obtained by the pickup and transmit it to the frequency adjuster 140, and incorporate the first audio and the second audio. That is, after the pickup 160 receives the ambient sound, the inverted ambient sound may be added to the first audio and the second audio. As a result, the first sound wave W12 and the second sound wave W14 heard by the user do not seem to contain ambient sound, and a positive noise prevention effect can be obtained. In this way, the effect of the frequency difference that stimulates brain waves can also be improved.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 complies with, for example, the low-power Bluetooth communication specification and has the effects of low power consumption and environmental friendliness. In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 can also transmit position information, which makes it easier for a tour guide to know the locations of group members during a group tour, and other more relevant applications can also be used.

[0066] In this embodiment, the earphone set 100 may further include a language conversion circuit 170 configured to receive and identify the first language included in the third voice, convert the first language into the second language, and transmit the fourth voice including the second language to the speaker 112 of the left earphone 110 and the speaker 122 of the right earphone 120. That is, the earphone set 100 may have a language translation function. When the user is traveling overseas or in a non-native language environment, the earphone set 100 can convert the third voice picked up by the pickup 160 into the language specified by the user and play it back to the user.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 can perform wireless communication with the mobile phone 50. The mobile phone 50 can execute a voice communication application such as WeChat (registered trademark), LINE (registered trademark), or other communication applications, and transmit external voice to the first wireless communication unit 130. When the user makes a two-way call through the earphone 100 and the mobile phone 50 using the voice communication application, the frequency difference generated by the frequency adjuster 140 can induce brain waves corresponding to the user's brain and produce concentration or other effects.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 can perform wireless communication with the mobile phone 50. The mobile phone 50 executes a differential frequency control application and controls the frequency difference via the frequency adjuster 140. For example, during a group tour, the tour guide can execute the differential frequency control application on their own mobile phone. Thereby, not only the frequency difference of the tour guide's own earphone set 100 but also the frequency differences of a plurality of slave earphone sets can be controlled. That is, the tour guide can control the slave earphone sets worn by group members through the differential frequency control application of the mobile phone so as to be adjustable according to the needs of the journey.

[0069] In the case of a general user, the frequency adjuster 140 can also be controlled through the differential frequency control application of the mobile phone 50. Thereby, the type of brain wave to be stimulated can be determined, and the corresponding desired effect can be obtained.

[0070] In this embodiment, the earphone set 100 may further include a sound source 190 configured to transmit internal sound to the frequency adjuster 140. The frequency adjuster 140 adjusts the internal sound to a third sound and transmits it to the speaker 112 of the left ear earphone 110 so that the third sound wave is radiated. The frequency adjuster 140 adjusts the internal sound to a fourth sound and transmits it to the speaker 122 of the right ear earphone 120 so that the fourth sound wave is radiated. The third frequency of the third sound wave and the fourth frequency of the fourth sound wave have the same frequency difference as described above, that is, the same frequency difference as the first sound wave W12 or the second sound wave W14.

[0071] Since the narration of the tour guide is not continuous, in order for the user to continuously receive the frequency difference and induce brain waves, during the period of providing the first sound wave and the second sound wave, or during the blank period in between, a third sound wave may be provided to the user's left ear EL, and a fourth sound wave may be provided to the user's right ear EL. Since such background sound waves are continuous and have no blank parts, the brain waves can continue to be induced even when the guide stops the narration. The background sound waves are, for example, the sound of the wind, the sound of the sea waves, etc. In the present embodiment, the internal voice may be stored in advance in the sound source 190, or the sound source 190 may calculate and generate the internal voice. The calculation process of the sound source 190 can apply artificial intelligence to reduce the repetitive feeling of the background sound waves.

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the earphone set of FIG. 6A in an operating state when communicating with other devices, and only a part of the components of the left-ear earphone 110 and the earphone set 100 of FIG. 6A are shown. Referring to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 performs Bluetooth (registered trademark) broadcast. That is, the first wireless communication unit 130 functions as a broadcast host that transmits voice to other earphone sets 200, and the wireless communication units 230 of each earphone set 200 receive the broadcast. For example, during a group tour, the tour guide may wear the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment and speak to give a tour narration, and the group members can wear the earphone sets 200 to listen to the tour narration, and can also freely move and visit by themselves without distance limitation.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the earphone set of FIG. 6A in another operating state when communicating with other devices, and only some components of the left ear earphone 110 and the earphone set 100 of FIG. 6A are shown. Referring to FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 functions as a node of a multi-to-multi Bluetooth mesh. That is, the wireless communication unit 330 may be used for two-way communication between the first wireless communication unit 130 and each earphone set 300. For example, during a group tour, a tour guide may wear the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment and give guiding instructions by speaking. Not only can the group members wear the earphone set 300 and listen to the tour guide, but they can also ask questions at any time, so they can quickly communicate with each other. As another example, when a lecture is given in a large conference room, the lecturer may wear the earphone set 100 of the present embodiment and give a lecture, and the audience may wear the earphone set 300 and listen to the content. Also, they can ask questions at any time without going through a microphone.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an earphone set in an operating state according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the earphone set 400 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the earphone set 100 of FIG. 6A, and here, the description will focus on the differences between the two. Since the earphone set 400 of this embodiment also includes a pickup 160, it has a call function, and the user can transmit voice to other devices. For example, during a group tour, the earphone set 400 can receive the narration of the tour guide. When a group member has a question or other request, the voice can be transmitted to the tour guide via the pickup 160 and the first wireless communication unit 130, or can be transmitted to other group members simultaneously. In this embodiment, the earphone set 400 further includes a pickup switch 462 that is electrically connected to the pickup 160 and is configured to enable or disable the pickup 160. That is, the user can use the pickup switch 462 to enable the pickup 160 when the user wants to speak, or the user can use the pickup switch 462 to disable the pickup 160 when there is no need for the user to speak so as not to interfere with the tour guide. The pickup switch 462 may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a touch switch, or may be one that switches the switch state by a signal.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit block diagram of the main components of an earphone set according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the earphone set of this embodiment is similar to the earphone set 100 of FIG. 6A, and here, the description will focus on the differences between the two. The earphone set of this embodiment further includes a wireless communication unit 530 and a wireless communication switch 532. The wireless communication unit 530 is configured to receive external audio. The wireless communication switch 532 is configured to control the speaker 112 of the first earphone and the speaker 122 of the second earphone to be signal-connected to the first wireless communication unit 130 or the wireless communication unit 530. That is, in the first state, the speaker 112 of the first earphone and the speaker 122 of the second earphone are signal-connected to the first wireless communication unit 130 via the frequency adjuster 140. In the second state, the speaker 112 of the first earphone and the speaker 122 of the second earphone are signal-connected to the wireless communication unit 530. In this embodiment, the frequency adjuster 140 automatically changes the frequency difference over time, but is not limited to automatically changing over time.

[0076] For example, the first wireless communication unit 130 and the wireless communication unit 530 are each suitable for different situations. For example, in the tour mode, the wireless communication device 530 can be used to receive a tour narration from a tour guide. Different from the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the frequency adjuster 140 is not used in the tour mode. After the tour mode ends, the earphone set may be switched to perform wireless communication with the user's own mobile phone using the first wireless communication unit 130. That is, at this time, the earphone set can be used as a normal earphone for the user to listen to music played on the mobile phone, talk to other people via the mobile phone, or be used for other purposes. At the same time, the frequency adjuster 140 can also be used to stimulate the user's brain to generate different brain waves and produce relaxation, concentration, or other effects. The wireless communication switch 532 may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a touch switch, or may be one that switches the switch state by a signal. In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 130 performs, for example, Bluetooth communication, and the wireless communication unit 530 performs, for example, frequency modulation communication.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit block diagram of the wireless communication unit of the earphone set in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 11, the wireless communication unit 530 of the present embodiment includes a receiver 530A, a plurality of antennas 530B, and a frequency band switch 530C. The antennas 530B are configured to receive signals in different frequency bands. The frequency band switch 530C is configured to control the receiver 530A to be electrically connected to one of the antennas 530B. The wireless communication unit 530 of the present embodiment is configured to receive, for example, a frequency modulation (FM) signal. Since the frequency bands of FM signals permitted in different regions may be different, when the user arrives in a different region, in order to ensure that the antenna 530B to be used can receive the local frequency modulation (FM) signal, it may be necessary to use the frequency band switch 530C to switch the antenna 530B to be used. Further, the wireless communication unit 530 of the present embodiment may further include a transmitter 530D that can wirelessly transmit the signal input to the wireless communication unit 530 to the outside. Further, the multi-antenna and switchable architecture of the wireless communicator 530 of the present embodiment can also be applied to the first wireless communication unit 130 of the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

[0078] In summary, in the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present invention, since the frequency difference automatically and periodically changes with the passage of time, even if different users have different brain wave induction effects after receiving different frequency differences, most users can induce the target brain waves with a more sensitive frequency difference by changing the frequency difference. Furthermore, the frequency differences that each user feels more sensitively may be a plurality of specific values rather than a single specific value. Since the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present invention utilizes a frequency difference that automatically and periodically changes with the passage of time, it can induce the target brain waves corresponding one by one to the correct frequency differences and extend the time when the brain wave induction is successful. In the earphone set of the present invention, in addition to listening to the voice content, the user can receive a binaural beat that automatically and periodically changes due to the frequency difference controlled by the frequency adjuster, thereby stimulating the user's brain to generate specific brain waves, and thus has effects such as improving concentration, sleep, relieving stress, and transitioning to meditation.

Industrial Applicability

[0079] According to the voice providing method using the earphone set of the present invention, the user can feel the binaural beat.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] W12: First sound wave W14: Second sound wave EL: Left ear ER: Right ear 50: Mobile phone 100, 200, 300, 400: Earphone set 110: Left ear earphone 112, 122: Speaker 120: Right ear earphone 130: First wireless communication unit 140: Frequency adjuster 150: Second wireless communication unit 160: Pickup 170: Language conversion circuit 180: Active noise canceling circuit 190: Sound source 230, 330: Wireless communication unit 462: Pickup switch 530: Wireless communication unit 530A: Receiver 530B: Antenna 530C: Frequency band switcher 530D: Transmitter 532: Wireless communication switch

Claims

Claim 1: Simultaneously providing a first sound wave to a user's left ear using the left earphone of an earphone set and providing a second sound wave to the user's right ear using the right earphone of the earphone set, wherein there is a frequency difference between a first frequency of the first sound wave and a second frequency of the second sound wave, and the frequency difference automatically and periodically changes at 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 4 Hz to 8 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 8 Hz to 12 Hz, automatically and periodically changes at 12 Hz to 20 Hz, or automatically and periodically changes at 25 Hz to 40 Hz, and the frequency difference automatically and periodically changes with the passage of time. A method for providing sound using an earphone set. Claim 2 The frequency difference changes in multiple stages with the passage of time. The method for providing sound using the earphone set according to Claim 1. Claim 3 The frequency difference does not change for 5 seconds to 120 seconds after each change. The method for providing sound using the earphone set according to Claim 1. Claim 4 After providing the first sound wave and the second sound wave to the user's left ear and right ear respectively for a predetermined time, the provision of the first sound wave and the second sound wave is automatically stopped. The method for providing sound using the earphone set according to Claim 1. Claim 5 The first sound wave and the second sound wave are each generated after frequency adjustment is performed on the sound selected by the user himself / herself by a frequency adjuster of the earphone set. The method for providing sound using the earphone set according to Claim 1. Claim 6 A left earphone configured to provide a first sound wave to a user's left ear A right earphone configured to provide a second sound wave to a user's right ear A first wireless communication unit Comprising the left-ear earphone, the right-ear earphone, and a frequency adjuster electrically connected to the first wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit being configured to receive external audio and transmit it to the frequency adjuster, the frequency adjuster being configured to adjust the external audio to a first audio and transmit it to the left-ear earphone so that the first sound wave is radiated, the frequency adjuster being configured to adjust the external audio to a second audio and transmit it to the right-ear earphone so that the second sound wave is radiated, there being a frequency difference between a first frequency of the first sound wave and a second frequency of the second sound wave, the frequency difference automatically and periodically changing between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, or automatically and periodically changing between 25 Hz and 40 Hz, the frequency difference automatically and periodically changing over time. Earphone set.

7. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone transmits the external audio. The earphone set according to claim 6.

8. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone executes a voice communication application. The earphone set according to claim 6.

9. Further comprising a pickup and a pickup switch, the pickup being electrically connected to the first wireless communication unit and configured to transmit a third audio obtained by the pickup to the first wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit transmitting the third audio externally, the pickup switch being electrically connected to the pickup and configured to enable or disable the pickup. The earphone set according to claim 6.

10. Further comprising a language conversion circuit configured to receive and identify a first language included in the third audio, convert the first language into a second language, and transmit a fourth audio including the second language to the left-ear earphone and the right-ear earphone. The earphone set according to claim 9.

11. The first wireless communication unit functions as a node of a multi-to-multi Bluetooth mesh or executes Bluetooth broadcast. The earphone set according to claim 6.

12. Further comprising a second wireless communication unit and a wireless communication switch, the second wireless communication unit being configured to receive the external sound, The wireless communication switch switches the left earphone and the right earphone to be signal-connected to the first wireless communication unit or the second wireless communication unit. The earphone set according to claim 6.

13. The second wireless communication unit performs frequency modulation communication, and the first wireless communication unit performs Bluetooth communication. The earphone set according to claim 12.

14. The second wireless communication unit includes a receiver, a plurality of antennas, and a frequency band switcher. The antennas are configured to receive signals in different frequency bands, and the frequency band switcher is configured to control the receiver to be electrically connected to one of the antennas. The earphone set according to claim 12.

15. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone executes a differential frequency control application to control the frequency difference via the frequency adjuster. The earphone set according to claim 6.

16. The differential frequency control application further controls the frequency differences of a plurality of slave earphone sets. The earphone set according to claim 15.

17. A left earphone configured to provide a first sound wave to a user's left ear, A right earphone configured to provide a second sound wave to a user's right ear, A first wireless communication unit, A frequency adjuster electrically connected to the left-ear earphone, the right-ear earphone, and the first wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit being configured to receive external audio and transmit it to the frequency adjuster, the frequency adjuster being configured to adjust the external audio to a first audio and transmit it to the left-ear earphone so that the first sound wave is radiated, the frequency adjuster being configured to adjust the external audio to a second audio and transmit it to the right-ear earphone so that the second sound wave is radiated, there being a frequency difference between a first frequency of the first sound wave and a second frequency of the second sound wave, the frequency difference automatically and periodically changing between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, automatically and periodically changing between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, or automatically and periodically changing between 25 Hz and 40 Hz, the frequency difference automatically changing with the passage of time, the frequency adjuster; A second wireless communication unit configured to receive the external audio; A wireless communication switch configured to switch and signal-connect the left-ear earphone and the right-ear earphone to the first wireless communication unit or the second wireless communication unit; An earphone set comprising the above.

18. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone transmits the external audio. The earphone set according to claim 17.

19. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone executes a voice communication application. The earphone set according to claim 17.

20. Further comprising a pickup and a pickup switch, the pickup being electrically connected to the first wireless communication unit and configured to transmit a third audio obtained by the pickup to the first wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit transmitting the third audio externally, the pickup switch being electrically connected to the pickup and configured to enable or disable the pickup; The earphone set according to claim 17.

21. Further comprising a language conversion circuit configured to receive and identify a first language included in the third audio, convert the first language into a second language, and transmit a fourth audio including the second language to the left-ear earphone and the right-ear earphone. The earphone set according to claim 20.

22. The first wireless communication unit functions as a node of a multi - to - multi Bluetooth mesh or executes Bluetooth broadcast. The earphone set according to claim 17.

23. The second wireless communication unit performs frequency - modulation communication, and the first wireless communication unit performs Bluetooth communication. The earphone set according to claim 17.

24. The second wireless communication unit includes a receiver, a plurality of antennas, and a frequency - band switch. The antennas are configured to receive signals in different frequency bands, and the frequency - band switch is configured to control the receiver to be electrically connected to one of the antennas. The earphone set according to claim 17.

25. The first wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a mobile phone, and the mobile phone executes a differential - frequency control application to control the frequency difference via the frequency adjuster. The earphone set according to claim 17.

26. The differential - frequency control application further controls the frequency differences of a plurality of slave earphone sets. The earphone set according to claim 25.

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