Ear tips and ear tip components

Abstract

To provide an ear tip that can acquire biological signals appropriately while reducing costs.SOLUTION: The ear tip includes a conductive first member (10) having a cylindrical portion (11) with a first end and a second end and a contact portion extending from the first end to the second end and a second member (20) that covers the outside of the cylindrical portion and has elasticity. The contact portion is located on the outside of the second member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an eartip and components of an eartip. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique is known in which silver is used as a conductive agent in ear tips of earphones that acquire biosignals (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-215963 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-24758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional ear tips, silver is sometimes used as a conductive filler mixed into rubber to enhance conductivity. However, because silver is expensive, mixing silver filler into the entire ear tip increases the cost of the ear tip. Furthermore, multiple sizes of ear tips may be prepared for different users with different ear and ear canal shapes, and preparing multiple ear tips containing silver filler for each user further increases costs.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ear tip that can appropriately acquire a biological signal while reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ear tip comprises a conductive first member having a tubular portion with a first end and a second end, and a contact portion extending from the first end toward the second end, and a second member having elasticity and covering the outside of the tubular portion, wherein the contact portion is located outside the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ear tip that can appropriately acquire a biological signal while reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an entire earphone according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the ear tip according to the first embodiment in the YZ plane as seen from the X direction. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section passing through a central axis R in the Z direction of the first member according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the first member in the XZ plane as seen from the Y direction according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an ear tip when another second member according to the first embodiment is used. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first member according to a modified example. [Figure 6B] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of ear tips according to modified examples. [Figure 7A] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an ear tip 1D according to a modified example in the YZ plane. FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an ear tip 1D according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an earphone according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an earphone according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ground sensor according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference sensor according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how three sensors of the earphone according to the second embodiment come into contact with the wearer. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an earphone according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described below. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of its spirit. Furthermore, in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Parts in the drawings may have different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0010] [First embodiment] Below, an overview of the earphones according to the first embodiment will be described, and then an example of an ear tip according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Earphone Overview> First, an overview of the earphone according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the entire earphone according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The earphone shown in FIG. 1 is one of a pair of earphones. The earphone includes an ear tip 1 and an earphone main body 2. The earphone main body 2 has a nozzle (connection part) 3 that detachably attaches the ear tip 1 to the earphone main body 2. The nozzle 3 is, for example, a part that constitutes a sound guide part, and has electrodes and contacts that electrically connect with the conductive part of the ear tip 1, which will be described later. The nozzle 3 has an attachment structure that allows it to be detachably attached to the ear tip 1.

[0013] The earphone main body 2 may include, for example, a communication circuit (communication interface) for communicating sound signals with other devices, an operation unit with a function for operating the earphones, a power source (battery), a microphone, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the earphones are wireless, but they may also include a cable containing multiple signal lines connecting the various circuits within the earphones. The earphone main body 2 also includes a biosensor that acquires biosignals detected from the ear tips 1. Biosignals include, for example, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and electrooculogram (EOG) signals, and the following will use electroencephalogram signals as an example.

[0014] In the example of the ear tip 1 shown in FIG. 1, the ear tip 1 is formed by a first member (component) 10 having electrical conductivity and a second member 20. For example, the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be formed from different materials and each may be detachable. The shape of the first member 10 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and may be any configuration that has a portion that contacts the inner wall of the wearer's ear canal and that ensures appropriate contact with the ear canal. Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface area of ​​this contact portion is large. Furthermore, it is preferable that the second member 20 is formed from an inexpensive, non-conductive elastic material (such as silicone rubber).

[0015] <Ear tip overview> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the ear tip 1 according to the first embodiment in the YZ plane as viewed from the X direction. The ear tip 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first member 10 located on the eardrum side (Z1 direction) and a second member 20 located on the earphone main body 2 side (Z2 direction). The first member 10 is made of, for example, conductive rubber, and this conductive rubber contains silver or silver chloride. Preferably, to ensure appropriate conductivity, the conductive rubber contains 10% by mass or more of silver or silver chloride as the conductive material.

[0016] The first member 10 may also be formed from a silicon material containing a metal-based filler. For example, the first member 10 can be made into a highly conductive material by appropriately blending metal-based fillers such as silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, or nickel into the silicon material. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the filler to be silver or silver chloride; it is sufficient if only a portion of the filler is silver or silver chloride. This reduces the silver or silver chloride content, thereby lowering the hardness of the rubber and creating a conductive rubber with an appropriate hardness.

[0017] 2 has a cylindrical portion 11 (the dotted line portion shown in FIG. 2) having a second end in the Z2 direction and a first end in the Z1 direction, and a contact portion (including a first portion 12 and a second portion 13) extending from the first end toward the second end of the cylindrical portion 11. The contact portion has a first portion (tip portion) 12 formed in a dome shape (or bowl shape) from the first end, and a second portion (extension portion) 13 extending from a predetermined position on this tip portion 12 toward the second end.

[0018] Cylindrical portion 11 is hollow, and this cavity serves as a sound guide for sound output from earphone main body 2. Sound output from earphone main body 2 and output through the nozzle passes through the cavity at the first end from the second end of tubular portion 11 and reaches the wearer's eardrum. Cylindrical portion 11 does not necessarily have to be shaped like a hollow cylinder, as long as it has a configuration that forms a sound guide.

[0019] The first portion (tip portion) 12 of the contact portion has, for example, a dome- or bowl-like shape with a recess, and the opening of the first end of the tubular portion 11 is formed in the center of the bottom of the bowl. The convex direction of the tip portion 12 is located on the first end side. The tip portion 12 is formed so that the radius from the central axis R decreases as the tip portion 12 moves in the Z1 direction (toward the first end) so that the ear tip 1 can easily fit into the ear canal when attached to the ear canal. Note that the tip portion 12 does not necessarily have to be dome- or bowl-shaped, and may have any shape that allows it to be easily inserted into the ear along the ear canal (a shape in which the diameter decreases toward the tip).

[0020] The second portion (extension portion) 13 of the contact portion is a portion that extends from the first end side to the second end side of the tubular portion 11 and is a portion that is formed on the outside of the tubular portion 11. For example, the extension portion 13 has a planar shape that extends from the first end side to the second end side of the tubular portion, and at least a portion of the extension portion 13 comes into contact with the inner wall of the wearer's ear canal. Furthermore, the extension portion 13 may be formed, for example, by extending at least a portion of the tip portion 12 located at the first end of the tubular portion 11 toward the second end side.

[0021] The extension portion 13 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, as long as at least one extension portion 13 is provided on the first member 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an extension portion 13 is also provided on the back side, so that two extension portions 13 are provided on the first member 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the extension portion 13 has a plate-like shape, but is not limited to this plate-like shape and may have any shape that includes a flat surface that properly contacts the inner wall of the wearer's ear canal. It is preferable that the surface area of ​​the extension portion 13 is as large as possible. Furthermore, the extension portion 13 does not need to be straight in the Z direction or Y direction, and may have a rounded curved surface that fits along the curve of the outer surface of the second member 20, which will be described later.

[0022] The mounting structure 14 (shown by dotted lines) has a structure or mechanism that allows it to be detachably attached to the earphone main body 2. The mounting structure 14 has, for example, a recessed portion in the circumferential direction on the second end side of the tubular portion 11. The mounting structure 14, which includes this recessed portion, is detachably fitted into a protrusion formed on the nozzle 3 of the earphone main body 2. Alternatively, the protrusion may be provided on the tubular portion 11, and the recessed portion on the nozzle 3. Note that, in addition to using recesses and projections, any mechanism or structure that allows attachment or detachment may be used for the mounting structure 14. This mounting structure 14 may also employ an ear tip attachment or detachment structure or mechanism that is used in known earphones, etc.

[0023] According to the first embodiment described above, by mixing a metal-based filler into the first member 10 that constitutes part of the ear tip 1, the selling price can be lower than if the metal-based filler were mixed into the entire ear tip 1.

[0024] In addition, when the entire ear tip is made of silicone material mixed with metal fillers (silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, etc.), as in conventional technology, it is possible to increase the amount of carbon particles to lower impedance. However, if too many carbon particles are added, the repulsive force weakens, making the surface of the ear tip more susceptible to tearing and other damage, and reducing the pressure on the skin. As a result, it becomes difficult to obtain high-quality biosignals.

[0025] Furthermore, if the ear tip is made entirely from silicone material mixed with metal fillers (silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, etc.), and the amount of carbon particles is increased, and the hardness of the silicone is increased to prevent breakage, the ear tip will be uncomfortable to wear and will no longer fit the shape of the ear.

[0026] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the following configuration is adopted as an example for the first member 10 in order to use a material that has appropriate flexibility while reducing impedance. For silicone materials mixed with AG (silver) filler, the carbon content must be 10% or more. The impedance of silicon material mixed with AG filler is, for example, 1×10 5 Ω·cm or less. For silicone materials mixed with AG filler, the hardness must be 30 to 50 degrees or less.

[0027] By mixing the silicone material with AG filler, it becomes possible to create a material with adequate flexibility, which makes it easier to fit into the ear canal when worn. Also, by mixing in an appropriate amount of AG filler, it is possible to lower impedance and obtain appropriate biosignals, such as brainwave signals.

[0028] The first member 10 may be formed by integrally molding the tubular portion 11 and the contact portion including the tip portion 12 and the extension portion 13 using a mold or the like, or may be made of the same conductive silicone material as described above. The tubular portion 11 and the contact portion may be separate members as long as they are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, since the tubular portion 11 serves as a sound guide, it is preferable that its shape does not deform so as not to block the cavity. Therefore, the tubular portion 11 may be conductive, but may have a hardness greater (harder) than that of the extension portion 13. Furthermore, since the tip portion 12 is also a portion that comes into contact with the ear canal, the hardness of the tubular portion 11 may be greater than that of the tip portion 12.

[0029] The second member 20 is an elastic member that roughly determines the overall size of the ear tip 1. The second member 20 is made of, for example, rubber, a material that is commonly used for ear tips. The second member 20 has a shape that covers the tubular portion 11 of the first member 10, and has, for example, a hollow donut shape or a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0030] Because the second member 20 is hollow, the cylindrical portion 11 is slid from the second end at Z2 toward the first end at Z1 so as to be inserted into the hollow of the second member 20, thereby attaching the second member 20 to the first member 10. In this way, the second member 20 can be easily attached and detached to the first member 10. At this time, the tip portion of the second member 20 in the Z1 direction may be housed in the space of the tip portion 12 of the first member 10. In this case, by housing the tip portion of the second member 20 in the space of the tip portion 12 of the first member 10, the cylindrical portion 11 cannot slide any further and is less likely to shift in the horizontal direction (X direction or Y direction). Note that the method of attaching and detaching the first member 10 and the second member 20 is not limited to the example described above.

[0031] The size of the second member 20 is determined by the length of the radius extending outward in the Y direction from the central axis. For example, in the Z direction, three levels of average radius length in the Y direction may be prepared, with the sizes being L, M, and S from largest to smallest. Furthermore, even for second members 20 of the same size, the radius in the Y direction may be shorter from the Z2 direction toward the Z1 direction (the tip of the ear tip 1).

[0032] In addition, since the extension portion 13 of the first member 10 has elasticity, it can be elastically deformed outward by the second member 20. For example, when this ear tip 1 is inserted into an ear canal that is slightly narrower than the diameter around the central axis R of the ear tip 1, the elastic second member 20 is inserted while pressing against the outer side. As a result, the extension portion 13 located between the second member 20 and the ear canal can appropriately contact the inner wall of the ear canal because the second member 20 applies pressure to the ear canal.

[0033] Regarding the extension portion 13, as going from the first end side to the second end side, the distance L1 from the central axis R gradually increases. Regarding the second member 20 as well, as going from the first end side to the second end side, the distance L2 from the central axis R to the outer edge gradually increases. In this case, at least a part of the extension portion 13 may have L1 < L2. Thereby, when the second member 20 is attached to the first member 10, the extension portion 13 receives pressure outward in the Y direction by the second member 20, and the extension portion 13 will be pushed outward in the Y direction. As a result, as described above, when the ear tip 1 is inserted into the ear canal, the extension portion 13 can more appropriately contact the inner wall of the ear canal due to the force pushing from the second member 20 toward the ear canal side and the reaction force pushing back from the ear canal.

[0034] When at least the extension portion 13 appropriately contacts the ear canal, the contact portion detects a bio-signal (for example, an electroencephalogram signal), and this bio-signal is conducted through the cylindrical portion 11. Then, the bio-signal is conducted from the contact point of the earphone main body portion 2 to the bio-sensor of the earphone main body portion 2. Thereby, the bio-sensor of the earphone main body portion 2 can appropriately acquire the bio-signal conducted through the first member 10.

[0035] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section passing through the central axis R in the Z direction of the first member 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular portion 11 has a hollow portion 15 passing through the central axis R, and this hollow portion 15 serves as a sound path portion that conducts sound. The tubular portion 11 also has an attachment structure 14 near its second end in the Z2 direction, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 are attached by fitting a convex portion provided on the nozzle 3 of the earphone main body 2 into a concave portion of the attachment structure 14.

[0036] For example, an electrode is provided on nozzle 3 of earphone body 2, and the contact point of this electrode comes into contact near the second end of tubular portion 11. As an example, a convex portion provided on nozzle 3 of earphone body 2 is fitted into a concave portion of mounting structure 14, thereby allowing tubular portion 11 and the contact point of nozzle 3 to come into appropriate contact.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the first member 10 according to the first embodiment in the XZ plane as viewed from the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 4, contact portions (tip portion 12 and extension portion 13) are provided on the outer sides of the first member 10 in the X1 and X2 directions. Furthermore, a tubular portion 11 having a cavity including a central axis R in the Z direction is provided at the center of the first member 10. The extension portion 13 has a thickness W. The extension portion 13 has a rounded curved shape in both the XZ plane and the XY plane. For example, the extension portion 13 may be formed by folding back and extending from a first end portion including an opening in the Z1 direction of the tubular portion 11.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an ear tip 1B when another second member 20B according to the first embodiment is used. The second member 20B of the example shown in Fig. 5 has a smaller diameter and size than the second member 20 shown in Fig. 2. That is, the average diameter of the second member 20B in the XY plane is shorter than the average diameter of the second member 20 in the same plane, and therefore the surface volume of the second member 20B is smaller than the surface volume of the second member 20. As shown in Fig. 5, second members of different sizes can be detachably attached to a common first member 10.

[0039] This allows each user to select one second member from multiple second members to suit the size and shape of their ear canal, and then combine that second member with a common first member, thereby changing the size of the ear tip itself.

[0040] As described above, the ear tip 1 in the first embodiment has a two-stage structure consisting of a first member 10 and a second member 20, in order to ensure sufficient conductivity while also providing a structure with an appropriate hardness that changes appropriately inside the ear. In this case, since the first member 10 detects biological signals, the first member 10 uses a conductive elastic electrode containing a metal-based (e.g., AG) filler, and the second member 20 can use inexpensive elastic rubber to keep the price of the ear tip down.

[0041] The second member 20 may also have a lower hardness (more flexibility) than the first member 10. This makes it easier to insert the ear tip into the ear canal by using the flexibility of the second member 20 that forms part of the ear tip to fit the shape of the ear canal.

[0042] The first member 10 and the second member 20 may be detachably attached. This allows the expensive first member 10 to be used as a common part, and the inexpensive second member 20 to be changed as needed, making it possible to change the size of the ear tip itself and reducing sales costs.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing the first member 10 with the tubular portion 11, the tip portion 12, and the extension portion 13, the extension portion 13 and the tip portion 12 are pressed against (pressed into) the inner wall of the ear canal, enabling accurate detection of biological signals. Furthermore, the tubular portion 11, the tip portion 12, and the extension portion 13 can be molded integrally, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0044] [Variations] Although the first embodiment of the technology disclosed in the present application has been described above, the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited to the above.

[0045] 6A is a diagram showing an example of a first member 10C according to a modified example. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the multiple extensions 13C of the first member 10C are connected to the first end via a dome-shaped tip and are formed radially from a predetermined position of this tip. As a result, the multiple extensions 13C are formed radially so as not to overlap with each other, which increases the surface area in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal and enables accurate acquisition of biosignals.

[0046] Furthermore, a slit 16C may be provided between two of the extensions 13C on the second end side of the extensions 13C. For example, the slit 16C is provided along the Z direction (central axis direction). This slit allows the extensions 13C to open and close radially as needed to match the size of the second member 20.

[0047] Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of an ear tip 1C according to a modified example. In the example shown in Fig. 6B, a second member 20C is inserted into a cylindrical portion of a first member 10C. As shown in Fig. 6B, the slits 16C expand radially, allowing the contact portion of the first member 10C (e.g., extension portion 13C) to appropriately contact the outer peripheral surface of the second member 20C depending on the size of the second member 20C.

[0048] 6 is just an example, and the shape is not limited to this. In order to maximize the area in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal, it is better to have as few slits 16C as possible.

[0049] The first member 10 may also have at least two extensions 13, and by insulating the respective conduction paths to the corresponding contacts of the nozzle, one of the extensions 13 may be acquired as a reference signal. In this case, the cylindrical portion 11 of the first member 10 may be divided into two regions by a plane passing through the central axis, and each region may be insulated.

[0050] Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an ear tip 1D according to a modified example in the YZ plane. In the example shown in Fig. 7A, contact portions 13D1 and 13D2 are provided on both ends in the Y direction of a first member 10D of the ear tip 1D. The contact portions (e.g., extensions) 13D1 and 13D2 are each made of a conductive elastic body but are insulated from each other, and a non-conductive second member 20D (e.g., silicone or urethane) is provided between the two contact portions.

[0051] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an ear tip 1D according to a modified example. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the contact portions 13D1 and 13D2 are located outside the second member 20D. The first portion 13D1 of the contact portion and the first portion 11D1 of the tubular portion are electrically connected, and the second portion 13D2 of the contact portion and the second portion 11D2 of the tubular portion are electrically connected. The first portion (13D1 and 11D1) of the contact portion and the first portion (13D2 and 11D2) of the tubular portion are electrically insulated from the second portion (13D2 and 11D2). One of the first and second portions may be used as a bioelectrode that primarily detects a biosignal, and the other may be used as a bioelectrode that detects a reference signal. In this case, the biosensor of the earphone main body 2 outputs a differential signal obtained by subtracting the reference signal from the biosignal. The first and second members 10D and 20D may be separate, detachable members, or may be integrally molded.

[0052] [Second embodiment] Next, a description will be given of the earphone 100 that uses the ear tip described in the first embodiment. The ear tip in the second embodiment may be any of the ear tips described in the first embodiment, and will be described using the reference numeral 272 in the second embodiment.

[0053] The components of the earphone 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an example of the earphone 100 according to the second embodiment. The earphone 100 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 has three sensors. For example, the earphone 100 includes a main sensor 272 (first sensor) corresponding to the ear tip in the first embodiment, a reference sensor 273 (second sensor), and a ground sensor 274 (third sensor).

[0054] The main sensor 272 is provided at a position where it can acquire the first biological information of the user as an electrical signal. As described in the first embodiment, the main sensor 272 is disposed at the tip portion that is inserted into the ear canal and is in close contact with the inner wall of the ear canal. The main sensor 272 outputs the sensed first biological information to an amplifier (amplifier) ​​described below.

[0055] The reference sensor 273 is provided at a position where it can acquire the second biological information of the user as an electrical signal. The reference sensor 273 is disposed, for example, at the tip of the wing 120. The reference sensor 273 outputs the sensed second biological information to an amplifier (amplifier) ​​described below.

[0056] Here, the wings 120 are provided on the periphery of the cover portion 105, which houses the circuit board and the like. The wings 120 protrude from the periphery of the cover portion 105 in a roughly U-shape toward the main sensor (ear tip) 272. The reference sensors 273 provided at the ends of the wings 120 function to hook onto the wearer's outer ear when the earphone 100 is worn, and support the earphone 100 so that it does not fall off the wearer's concha. Furthermore, the reference sensor 273 comes into contact with the concha, enabling measurement of the second biological signal. The wings 120 can be formed from an elastic and flexible material, similar to the housing, which is the outer member of the earphone main body 2. The housing may be formed from a non-conductive elastic body.

[0057] The ground sensor 274 is a sensor that acquires ground potential information as an electrical signal. The ground sensor 274 is disposed, for example, on the cover portion 105 side of the housing, in the opposite direction from the reference sensor 273. This is because it is desirable to keep the distance between the reference sensor 273 and the ground sensor 274 as large as possible. By separating the sensors, the accuracy of each biological signal acquired from each sensor can be improved. The ground sensor 274 outputs the sensed ground potential information to an A / D conversion portion, which will be described later. The ground sensor 274 preferably has a convex shape facing outward to make it easier to fit closely to the ear.

[0058] The material or composition of the main sensor 272 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The reference sensor 273 and the ground sensor 274 are made of, for example, conductive rubber, and this conductive rubber contains silver or silver chloride. Preferably, to ensure appropriate conductivity, the conductive rubber contains silver or silver chloride in a predetermined mass % or more of the conductive material contained in the conductive rubber.

[0059] The reference sensor 273 and the ground sensor 274 may be formed from a silicon material containing a metal-based filler. For example, the reference sensor 273 and the ground sensor 274 can be made into a highly conductive material by appropriately blending metal-based fillers such as silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, and nickel into the silicon material. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the filler to be silver or silver chloride; it is sufficient if only part of the filler is silver or silver chloride. This reduces the silver or silver chloride content, thereby lowering the hardness of the rubber and creating a conductive rubber with an appropriate hardness.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a ground sensor 274 according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the ground sensor 274 is detachable from a predetermined area of ​​the earphone body 2. For example, the ground sensor 274 has a convex second mounting structure 112, and the housing has a concave first mounting structure 110 that fits into the second mounting structure 112. When the second mounting structure 112 and the first mounting structure 110 fit together, their respective connection points come into contact and are electrically connected, and ground potential information from the ground sensor 274 is output to the A / D conversion unit in the earphone body 2. Note that the convex-concave relationship may be reversed.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference sensor 273 according to the second embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the wing 120 including the reference sensor 273 is slidable along the circumferential direction of the cover unit 105. For example, a slide mechanism 130 is provided along the circumferential direction of the cover unit 105, and the end of the wing 120 opposite the reference sensor 273 forms part of the slide mechanism 130. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the wing 120 relative to the circumferential surface of the cover unit 105, thereby bringing the reference sensor 273 into closer contact with the wearer's ear and more appropriately acquiring the second biological signal. Note that the slide mechanism 130 can be easily moved toward the ear, but it is sufficient to apply more force when moving away from the ear.

[0062] 12 is a diagram illustrating how the three sensors of the earphone 100 according to the second embodiment come into contact with the wearer. As shown in Fig. 12, as the main sensor 272 corresponding to the ear tip of the earphone 100 enters the ear canal, the main sensor 272 comes into closer contact with the main sensor. Furthermore, as the main sensor 272 enters the ear canal, the reference sensor 273 comes into contact with the concha vesicle above the wearer's concha, and further the ground sensor 274 comes into contact with the concha cavity below the wearer's concha.

[0063] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an earphone 100 according to a second embodiment. The earphone 100 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes a first earphone 100R and a second earphone 100L. The first earphone 100R is worn on the right ear of a user (wearer). The second earphone 100L is worn on the left ear of the user. The first earphone 100R and the second earphone 100L are configured to be able to communicate with a smartphone M. The smartphone M is an example of a communication terminal. The first earphone 100R and the second earphone 100L are configured to be able to receive GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals transmitted from GNSS satellites Sa and Sb.

[0064] The first earphone 100R includes, as its components, a first time acquisition unit 271, a main sensor 272 (first sensor), a reference sensor 273 (second sensor), a ground sensor 274 (third sensor), a first A / D conversion unit 275, a first transmission unit 276, and an amplifier 277.

[0065] The first time acquisition unit 271 receives a GNSS signal transmitted from a GNSS satellite Sa and acquires absolute time information contained in the GNSS signal. The first time acquisition unit 271 outputs the acquired absolute time information to the first A / D conversion unit 275. The first time acquisition unit 271 includes, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) chip.

[0066] The main sensor 272 is provided at a position where it can acquire the first biological information of the user as an electrical signal. The main sensor 272 outputs the sensed first biological information to the amplifier 277.

[0067] The reference sensor 273 is provided at a position where it can acquire the second biological information of the user as an electrical signal. The reference sensor 273 outputs the sensed second biological information to the amplifier 277.

[0068] The ground sensor 274 is a sensor that acquires ground potential information as an electric signal and outputs the sensed ground potential information to the first A / D conversion unit 275.

[0069] The amplifier 277 amplifies and expands the first biological signal sensed by the main sensor 272 and the second biological signal sensed by the reference sensor 273. The amplifier 277 outputs the expanded signals to the first A / D conversion unit 275.

[0070] The first A / D conversion unit 275 samples each piece of information in accordance with the timing of the absolute time information. For example, as a method of aligning sampling with the timing of the absolute time information, sampling may be performed every time in accordance with the absolute time information, or sampling may be performed in accordance with the absolute time information at regular intervals, such as every second. The first A / D conversion unit 275 outputs each piece of sampled information to the first transmission unit 276.

[0071] The first transmission unit 276 associates the first biological information, the second biological information, and the third biological information sampled by the first A / D conversion unit 275 with absolute time information and transmits them to the communication terminal M. The first transmission unit 276 may also generate first difference information which is the difference between the first biological information output from the main sensor 272 and the ground potential information output from the ground sensor 274, associate it with the absolute time information, and transmit it to the communication terminal M. Similarly, the first transmission unit 276 may generate second difference information which is the difference between the second biological information output from the reference sensor 273 and the ground potential information output from the ground sensor 274, associate it with the absolute time information, and transmit it to the communication terminal M. Note that associating each piece of information with absolute time information (e.g., assigning a timestamp) may be performed by the first A / D conversion unit 275.

[0072] In the above example, the first transmission unit 276 associates the first biometric information or the first difference information with absolute time information and transmits them to communication terminal M over the first channel. The absolute time information associated with the first biometric information or the first difference information is synchronized with the timing of sensing by the main sensor 272. The first transmission unit 276 also associates the second biometric information or the second difference information with absolute time information and transmits them to communication terminal M over the second channel. The absolute time information associated with the second biometric information or the second difference information is synchronized with the timing of sensing by the reference sensor 273. The second channel may be the same channel as the first channel or a different channel.

[0073] The second earphone 100L has the same configuration as the first earphone 100R. The components in the second earphone 100L that have the same names as the components in the first earphone 100R perform the same processing, so descriptions of them will be omitted here.

[0074] The first transmitting unit 276 transmits the first biometric information on the right ear side where the first earpiece 2R is worn, in association with absolute time information, to the communication terminal, so that the communication terminal can accurately determine at what time the biometric information was acquired.

[0075] The first transmitter 276 associates absolute time information with the first biometric information collected from the right ear of the first earphone 100R and transmits it to the communication terminal, allowing the communication terminal to accurately determine the time at which the biometric information was acquired. Because earphones are worn in the ear, even if multiple sensors for acquiring biometric information are installed within the same earphone, the potential difference between the acquired signals is small, causing the signals to cancel each other out and making it difficult to improve the accuracy of the biometric information. On the other hand, the problem of insufficient potential difference can be solved by installing a sensor in each earphone and acquiring biometric information using each sensor. However, attempting to transmit biometric information acquired by different earphones to a communication terminal for information processing poses a new problem: errors may occur due to communication delays, etc. Therefore, in the second embodiment, absolute time information is associated with each piece of biometric information acquired by each earphone and transmitted to the communication terminal, eliminating errors caused by communication delays and ensuring a high potential difference, enabling accurate acquisition of biometric information.

[0076] In this embodiment, absolute time information included in GNSS signals is used as an example of reference time information. However, other time information can be used as reference time information as long as it has the accuracy required to identify the time of the biometric information acquired by each earphone. For example, the first time acquisition unit 271 and the second time acquisition unit 281 may acquire signals that result in an error of 1 ms or less between the reference times of the respective earphones. The reference time information not only indicates the time of acquisition of the biometric information, but can also be used as information for synchronizing with biometric information acquired by other earphones. The reference time information can also be substituted for synchronization information for synchronizing with biometric information acquired by other earphones. The positional relationship of each sensor may be exchanged or changed as appropriate.

[0077] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Design modifications to these specific examples made by a person skilled in the art as appropriate are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they comprise the features of the present disclosure. The elements of the above-described specific examples, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shape, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of the above-described specific examples can be combined in various ways as appropriate, as long as no technical contradictions arise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 ear tip 10 First member 11 Cylindrical part 12 Tip 13 Stretching section 14 Mounting structure 15 Cavity 16 Slit 20 Second member 100 earphones 105 Cover part 110 First mounting structure 112 Second mounting structure 130 Slide mechanism 272 Main Sensor 273 Reference Sensor 274 Ground Sensor

Claims

1. An earphone, a main sensor for acquiring first biological information, the main sensor corresponding to an ear tip having a cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, and a contact portion extending from the first end toward the second end, the contact portion having at least a portion formed of a conductive material; a reference sensor that acquires second biological information at a position different from the main sensor; a ground sensor that acquires third biological information at a position different from the main sensor and the reference sensor; An earphone having:

2. The earphone according to claim 1 , wherein the reference sensor is provided at a different position from the main sensor within the ear tip.

3. The reference sensor contacts the concha of the wearer of the earphone, above the concha; The earphone according to claim 1 , wherein the ground sensor contacts the cavity of the concha below the concha of the wearer.

4. The earphone according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the reference sensor is provided at the tip of a wing that protrudes from the body of the earphone, and the position of the wing is adjustable relative to the body of the earphone.

5. The earphone according to claim 1 , wherein the ground sensor is detachable from a housing of the earphone.

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