Headphone system, headphone, and headphone charger

Abstract

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

Description

Headphone system, headphones, and headphone charger

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

[0002] Completely wireless headphones (earphones) have left and right sound-emitting units that are not connected by a cable. Each sound-emitting unit has a battery that stores power for its own operation.

[0003] Each sound emitting unit and charger is equipped with an indicator light that flashes when the battery is charging.

[0004] A technology relating to a headphone system equipped with an indicator light that flashes when the battery is being charged has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Here, for example, the blinking of an indicator light is achieved by repeating a gradual increase and decrease in the brightness (luminance) of the light from a light source built into the indicator light.

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

[0007] International Publication No. 2020 / 017128

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a headphone system, headphones, and a headphone charger that have a new flashing pattern when the battery is being charged.

[0009] A headphone system according to the present invention comprises headphones, a charger for charging the headphones, and an indicator light that flashes to indicate the charging status of at least one of the headphones and the charger, wherein the indicator light is provided on at least one of the headphones and the charger, the flashing period includes a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases and a second period during which the brightness gradually decreases, the first period and the second period are repeated alternately, and the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period.

[0010] The present invention can provide a headphone system, headphones, and a headphone charger that are equipped with a new flashing pattern when the battery is being charged.

[0011] It is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a headphone system according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the headphone system of Fig. 1. It is a schematic diagram of an operation screen of an information processing device connected to the headphone system of Fig. 1. It is a graph showing a blinking pattern of an indicator light provided in the headphone system of Fig. 1. It is a graph showing another blinking pattern of the indicator light.

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

[0013] The system includes the headphones and the charger, and is connected to an information processing device running a headphone system program via a communication network.

[0014] ●Embodiment (1) of the present system● ●Configuration of the present system (1) The following explanation is an example in which the indicator light provided on the present charger flashes while the present headphones are housed in the present charger and being charged.

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

[0016] The figure shows a state in which headphones 2 (left sound output unit 20L and right sound output unit 20R) constituting the present system 1 are housed in a charger 3 constituting the present system 1. The headphones 2 are an example of the present headphones. The charger 3 is an example of the present charger.

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

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

[0019] In the diagram, solid arrows indicate signal flow, dashed arrows indicate power flow, and solid double arrows indicate electrical connections.

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Flashing Pattern of Indicator Light FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the operation screen of an information processing device connected to this system.

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

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

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

[0029] This figure shows that "1 second" has been input as the ramp-up time T1, and "2 seconds" has been input as the ramp-down time T2.

[0030] 4 is a graph showing the flashing behavior of the indicator lamp of the present system. In the graph, the vertical axis represents brightness (cd / m ２ The horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (s).

[0031] Here, the brightness ratio is a ratio to the maximum brightness of the indicator light 39. That is, for example, "brightness ratio is 10%" indicates that the brightness of the indicator light 39 is 10% of the maximum brightness.

[0032] The blinking of the indicator light 39 is achieved by repeatedly gradually increasing and decreasing the brightness. That is, one blinking of the indicator light 39 is made up of one ramp-up time T1 and one ramp-down time T2. That is, the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 are alternately repeated during the blinking period of the indicator light 39. In other words, the blinking period of the indicator light 39 can include the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2.

[0033] t ０ is the lighting time of the indicator light 39. The luminance ratio of the lighting time of the indicator light 39 is 0%.

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

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

[0036] t ５ is the time when charging of the headphones 2 is completed. The brightness ratio at the time when charging of the headphones 2 is completed is 10%. When charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the indicator light 39 stops flashing. When charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the brightness ratio changes to 100%. The indicator light 39 remains at 100% brightness ratio for a predetermined time (T3: time t ５ From time t ６ (until the

[0037] t ６ is the time when the indicator light 39 is turned off. The brightness ratio when the indicator light 39 is turned off changes from 100% to 0%.

[0038] Time T0 is time t ０From time t １ The brightness ratio gradually increases from 0% to 10% for a predetermined time (T0).

[0039] The time T1 is the ramp-up time T1. １ From time t ２ Until time t ３ From time t ４ The luminance ratio at the start time of ramp-up time T1 is 10%. The luminance ratio gradually increases until the end time (end point) of ramp-up time T1. The luminance ratio at the end time of ramp-up time T1 is 100%.

[0040] Time T2 is the ramp-down time T2. Time T2 is the time t ２ From time t ３ Until time t ４ From time t ５ The luminance percentage at the start time of ramp-down time T2 is 100%. The luminance percentage gradually decreases until the end time of ramp-down time T2. The luminance percentage at the end time of ramp-down time T2 is 10%.

[0041] Time T3 is time t ５ From time t ６ The brightness ratio is 100% for a predetermined time (T3).

[0042] Headphone Configuration Returning to Fig. 2, the specific configuration of the headphones 2 will be described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The detection unit 31 detects that the headphones 2 are accommodated in the charger 3. The detection unit 31 has a detection terminal that connects to the connection terminal of the connection unit 21. The detection unit 31 periodically transmits a detection signal S1 to the charging control unit 34 while the headphones 2 are accommodated in the charger 3, i.e., while the detection terminal of the detection unit 31 is connected to the connection terminal of the connection unit 21.

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

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

[0052] The charging control unit 34 controls the supply of power from the power transmitting unit 33 to the power receiving unit 22. The charging control unit 34 receives a detection signal S1 from the detection unit 31. While the charging control unit 34 is receiving the detection signal S1, it periodically transmits a power supply instruction signal S2 to the power transmitting unit 33. The power supply instruction signal S2 is a signal that instructs the power transmitting unit 33 to supply power to the power receiving unit 22. While the charging control unit 34 is receiving the detection signal S1, it periodically transmits a blinking instruction signal S3 to the display control unit 38. The blinking instruction signal S3 is a signal that instructs the display control unit 38 to transmit a blinking control signal S4 to the indicator light 39. The blinking control signal S4 is a signal that controls the blinking or lighting of the indicator light 39.

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

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

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

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

[0057] The display control unit 38 acquires the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information on brightness stored in the storage unit 37. The display control unit 38 controls the blinking of the indicator light 39 using the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information on brightness. That is, the display control unit 38 controls the brightness of the indicator light 39 during the blinking period.

[0058] The indicator light 39 flashes to indicate the charging state (whether or not charging) of the storage battery 23 provided in the headphones 2. The indicator light 39 is an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). The indicator light 39 flashes when the storage battery 23 is charging. The flashing of the indicator light 39 is achieved by repeating a ramp-up time T1 and a ramp-down time T2. The indicator light 39 is turned off when the storage battery 23 is not charging. The indicator light 39 receives a flashing control signal S4 from the display control unit 38. The indicator light 39 flashes while receiving the flashing control signal S4. In other words, the charging state of the storage battery 23 is charging when the indicator light 39 receives the flashing control signal S4.

[0059] In this way, the display control unit 38 blinks the indicator light 39 using the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information on brightness stored in the storage unit 37. In other words, the indicator light 39 blinks based on the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and the information on brightness stored in the storage unit 37.

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

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

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

[0063] The set values ​​are numerical values ​​(number of seconds) for the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2. The user inputs any numerical value (number of seconds) as the set values. The user inputs, for example, "1 second" as the length of the ramp-up time T1. The user inputs, for example, "2 seconds" as the length of the ramp-down time T2.

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

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

[0066] Furthermore, the set value may be a combination of a numerical value (number of seconds) and a ratio value. For example, the user may input "1 second" as the length of the ramp-up time T1 and "2" as the ratio value between the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2.

[0067] Furthermore, the set value may be a fixed value for either the ramp-up time T1 or the ramp-down time T2. For example, when the length of the ramp-up time T1 is fixed to "1 second," the user inputs only the length of the ramp-down time T2.

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

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

[0070] The specifying unit 42 specifies a setting value based on an input operation to the input unit 41 .

[0071] The transmitting unit 43 transmits the setting value identified by the identifying unit 42 to the receiving unit 35 .

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

[0073] Here, it is assumed that the system 1 has already determined the information necessary for blinking the indicator light 39 when charging the headphones 2. That is, in the following description, the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information related to brightness have already been determined and stored in the storage unit 37. In other words, the timing at which the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information related to brightness are stored in the storage unit 37 is before the timing at which charging of the headphones 2 starts.

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

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

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

[0077] Next, the detection unit 31 detects the connection between the headphones 2 and the charger 3 and starts periodically transmitting a detection signal S1 to the charging control unit 34 .

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

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

[0080] Charging the headphones Upon receiving the power supply instruction signal S2, the power transmitting unit 33 supplies the power stored in the storage battery 32 to the power receiving unit 22.

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

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

[0083] Flashing of Indicator Light On receiving the flashing instruction signal S3, the display control unit 38 transmits a flashing control signal S4 to the indicator light 39 based on the length of the ramp-up time T1, the length of the ramp-down time T2, and information regarding brightness stored in the memory unit 37. In other words, the display control unit 38 transmits to the indicator light 39 a flashing control signal S4 including information indicating the brightness of the indicator light 39 based on the time elapsed since the start of the ramp-up time T1 or the ramp-down time T2 and information regarding brightness.

[0084] During the periods between the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2, the indicator light 39 periodically receives the blinking control signal S4, and emits light of a brightness based on the information indicating brightness contained in the received blinking control signal S4. During the periods between the ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2, the brightness of the light emitted by the indicator light 39 gradually increases or decreases. In this way, the blinking of the indicator light 39 is achieved by the gradual increase or decrease in the brightness of the light emitted by the indicator light 39.

[0085] Relationship between charging of headphones and blinking of indicator light Return to Figure 4. The following explanation is an example from the start of charging of headphones 2 to the completion of charging of headphones 2. The following explanation is an example in which charging of headphones 2 is completed after ramp-up time T1 and ramp-down time T2 are repeated twice.

[0086] First, when charging of the headphones 2 starts, the indicator light 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T0: time t ０ From time t １ The brightness ratio is 0% (time t ０ ) to 10% (time t １ When

[0087] Next, the brightness ratio is １ From time t ２ The voltage gradually increases from 10% to 100% (first ramp-up time T1).

[0088] Next, the brightness ratio is ２ From time t ３ The first ramp-down time T2 is then gradually decreased from 100% to 10%.

[0089] Next, the brightness ratio is ３ From time t ４ The second ramp-up time T1 is then gradually increased from 10% to 100%.

[0090] Next, the brightness ratio is ４ From time t ５ Then, the voltage gradually decreases from 100% to 10% (second ramp-down time T2).

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

[0092] Next, the indicator light 39 remains at 100% brightness for a predetermined time (T3: time t ５ From time t ６ (until the

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

[0094] Summary (1) As explained above, the system 1 includes the headphones 2, the charger 3, and the indicator light 39. The indicator light 39 indicates (notifies) the charging status of the headphones 2 by flashing. That is, a user who sees the flashing of the indicator light 39 can understand that the headphones 2 are being charged. The flashing period includes a ramp-up time T1, which is a period during which the luminance gradually increases, and a ramp-down time T2, which is a period during which the luminance gradually decreases. The ramp-up time T1 and the ramp-down time T2 are repeated alternately. The length of the ramp-up time T1 is different from the length of the ramp-down time T2. As a result, the flashing of the indicator light 39 does not give the user the artificial impression that would be felt if the length of the ramp-up time T1 and the length of the ramp-down time T2 were equal intervals.

[0095] As explained above, the indicator light 39 is lit at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 and the end time of the ramp-down time T2. The brightness ratio at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 and the end time of the ramp-down time T2 is 10%. In other words, the indicator light 39 does not go out (the brightness ratio does not reach 0%) while the indicator light 39 is flashing.

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

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

[0098] Embodiment (2) of the Present System Another embodiment (2) of the present system will be described below, focusing on the differences from the embodiment (1) of the present system described above.

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

[0100] Configuration of this system (2) Figure 5 is a graph showing another flashing mode of the indicator light of this system. In the figure, the vertical axis represents the brightness ratio, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time.

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

[0102] t １ And, t ３ And, t ５ is the start time of the ramp-up time T1. The luminance ratio at the start time of the ramp-up time T1 is 10%.

[0103] t ２ And, t ４ And, t ６ is the start time of the ramp-down time T2. The ratio of the luminance at the start time of the ramp-down time T2 for each time is expressed as t ２ 90% at t ４ 95% at t ６ When this happens, it is 100%.

[0104] t ７ is the time when charging of the headphones 2 is completed. The brightness ratio at the time when charging of the headphones 2 is completed is 10%. When charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the indicator light 39 stops flashing. When charging of the headphones 2 is completed, the brightness ratio changes to 100%. The indicator light 39 remains at 100% brightness ratio for a predetermined time (T3: time t ７ From time t ８ (until the

[0105] t ８ is the time when the indicator light 39 is turned off. The brightness ratio when the indicator light 39 is turned off changes from 100% to 0%.

[0106] Time T0 is time t ０ From time t １ The brightness ratio gradually increases from 0% to 10% for a predetermined time (T0).

[0107] The time T1 is the ramp-up time T1. １ From time t ２ Until time t ３ From time t ４ Until time t ５ From time t ６ The brightness ratio at the start of ramp-up time T1 is 10%. The brightness gradually increases until the end of ramp-up time T1. The brightness ratio at the end of ramp-up time T1 increases each time the blinking period of indicator light 39 (ramp-up time T1 and ramp-down time T2) is repeated. In other words, the brightness ratio at the end of ramp-up time T1 differs depending on the number of times the blinking period of indicator light 39 (ramp-up time T1 and ramp-down time T2) is repeated.

[0108] Time T2 is the ramp-down time T2. Time T2 is the time t ２ From time t ３ Until time t ４ From time t ５ Until time t ６ From time t ７ The brightness ratio at the start of ramp-down time T2 varies depending on the number of times the blinking periods of the indicator lamp 39 (ramp-up time T1 and ramp-down time T2) have been repeated. The brightness gradually decreases until the end of ramp-down time T2. The brightness ratio at the end of ramp-down time T2 is 10%.

[0109] Time T3 is time t ７ From time t ８ The brightness ratio is 100% for a predetermined time (T3).

[0110] Operation of this system (2) Relationship between charging of headphones and blinking of indicator light The following explanation is an example from the start of charging of headphones 2 to the completion of charging of headphones 2. The following explanation is an example in which charging of headphones 2 is completed after ramp-up time T1 and ramp-down time T2 are repeated three times.

[0111] First, when charging of the headphones 2 starts, the indicator light 39 lights up for a predetermined time (T0: time t ０ From time t １ The brightness ratio is 0% (time t ０ ) to 10% (time t １ When

[0112] Next, the brightness ratio is １ From time t ２ The voltage gradually increases from 10% to 90% (first ramp-up time T1).

[0113] Next, the brightness ratio is ２ From time t ３ The first ramp-down time T2 is then gradually decreased from 90% to 10%.

[0114] Next, the brightness ratio is ３ From time t ４ The second ramp-up time T1 is then increased gradually from 10% to 95%.

[0115] Next, the brightness ratio is ４ From time t ５ The second ramp-down time T2 is then gradually decreased from 95% to 10%.

[0116] Next, the brightness ratio is ５ From time t ６ The third ramp-up time T1 is then gradually increased from 10% to 100%.

[0117] Next, the brightness ratio is ６ From time t ７ The third ramp-down time T2 is then gradually decreased from 100% to 10%.

[0118] Then, when the headphones 2 are fully charged, the brightness percentage changes to 100%.

[0119] Next, the indicator light 39 remains at 100% brightness for a predetermined time (T3: time t ７From time t ８ (until the

[0120] The indicator light 39 then goes out and the brightness percentage changes from 100% to 0%.

[0121] Summary (2) As explained above, the ramp-up time T1 includes the first ramp-up time T1 in the blinking period and the second ramp-up time T1 in the blinking period, and the end time t ２ The brightness ratio of the indicator lamp 39 at the end time t ４ That is, the brightness of the indicator light 39 at the end of the ramp-up time T1 indicates the charge amount of the headphones 2 (a ratio to a full charge) by the brightness of the indicator light 39 at the end of the ramp-up time T1.

[0122] The above description is an example in which the charging completion time of the headphones 2 coincides with the end time of the ramp-down time T2. However, in the present invention, the charging completion time of the headphones does not necessarily coincide with the end time of the second period. That is, the charging completion time of the headphones in the present invention may be within either the first period or the second period. The maximum brightness value for each cycle of the first period and the second period gradually increases depending on the number of times the indicator light flashing period (the first period and the second period) is repeated. The maximum brightness value can reach 100% when the indicator light flashing period is repeated. That is, the brightness ratio at the time charging of the headphones is completed ranges from 10% to 100%.

[0123] Summary In the embodiment described above, the charger 3 is provided with the indicator light 39. However, in the present invention, instead of the charger being provided with an indicator light, the headphones may be provided with an indicator light.

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

[0125] In the embodiment described above, the indicator light 39 flashes to indicate the charging status of the battery of the headphones 2 (whether charging is in progress or not). However, the battery charging status that the indicator light flashes to indicate in the present invention is not limited to the charging status of the battery of the headphones. That is, for example, the indicator light may flash to indicate the charging status of the battery of the charger. Furthermore, the indicator light may flash to indicate the charging status of both the battery of the headphones and the battery of the charger. The present system may also include a switching operation means that switches between the charging status of the battery of the headphones and the charging status of the battery of the charger as the target for the flashing indication by the indicator light. The user operates the switching operation means to have the indicator light indicate the charging status of the headphones or the charger.

[0126] In the embodiment described above, the indicator light 39 flashes to indicate the charge state (how charged) of the battery of the headphones 2. The color of the indicator light 39 when flashing does not change. However, the color of the flashing indicator light in the present invention is not limited to a single color. That is, for example, the color of the flashing indicator light may include multiple colors. The color of the flashing indicator light may change depending on the charge state of the battery of the headphones.

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

[0128] In the embodiment described above, the number of indicator lights 39 is one. However, the number of indicator lights in the present invention is not limited to one. That is, for example, the number of indicator lights in the present invention may be multiple (for example, an indicator light that indicates the charging state of the headphones and an indicator light that indicates the charging state of the charger).

[0129] ●Features of the Present System, the Present Headphones, and the Present Charger● The features of the present system, the present headphones, and the present charger that have been explained so far are summarized below.

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

[0131] The system may include an acquisition unit (e.g., a receiving unit 35) that acquires set values ​​for the first period and the second period; a determination unit (e.g., a determination unit 36) that determines the length of the first period and the length of the second period based on the set values; and a storage unit (e.g., a storage unit 37) that stores the length of the first period and the length of the second period.

[0132] In the system, either the headphones or the charger may include the acquisition unit, the determination unit, and the storage unit.

[0133] In the system, the acquisition unit may acquire the setting value from an external device operated by a user.

[0134] In this system, the indicator light may be on at the start of the first period and the end of the second period, and the brightness at the start of the first period and the end of the second period may be between 5% and 15% of the brightness at the end of the first period and the start of the second period.

[0135] In this system, the first period may include a first first period in the flashing period and a second first period in the flashing period, and the brightness of the indicator light at the end of the first first period may be lower than the brightness of the indicator light at the end of the second first period.

[0136] In the system, the length of the first period may be 1 second, and the length of the second period may be 2 seconds.

[0137] ●Features of the present headphones The present headphones comprise a rechargeable storage battery (e.g., storage battery 23), and an indicator light that flashes to indicate the charging status of the rechargeable storage battery, wherein the flashing period includes a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, and a second period during which the brightness gradually decreases, wherein the first period and the second period are repeated alternately, and wherein the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period.

[0138] ●Features of the present charger The present charger comprises a rechargeable battery (e.g., battery 32) that stores power to be supplied to headphones, and an indicator light that flashes to indicate the charging status of the rechargeable battery, wherein the flashing period includes a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases, and a second period during which the brightness gradually decreases, and wherein the first period and the second period are repeated alternately, and the length of the first period is different from the length of the second period.

[0139] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 headphone system 2 headphones 20L left sound output unit 20R right sound output unit 21 connection unit 22 power receiving unit 23 storage battery 3 charger 31 detection unit 32 storage battery 33 power transmission unit 34 charging control unit 35 receiving unit 36 ​​determination unit 37 memory unit 38 display control unit 39 indicator light 4 smartphone 41 input unit 42 identification unit 43 transmission unit 5 power supply S1 detection signal S2 power supply instruction signal S3 blinking instruction signal S4 blinking control signal T1 ramp-up time T2 ramp-down time

Claims

1. Headphones and A charger for charging the headphones; an indicator light that flashes to indicate a charging state of at least one of the headphones and the charger; and The indicator light is provided on at least one of the headphones and the charger, The period of the flashing is: a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases; a second period in which the luminance gradually decreases; Including, The first period and the second period are alternately repeated, The length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. A headphone system comprising:

2. an acquisition unit that acquires set values ​​of the first period and the second period; a determination unit that determines a length of the first period and a length of the second period based on the set value; a storage unit that stores the length of the first period and the length of the second period; It is made of The headphone system according to claim 1.

3. Either the headphones or the charger The acquisition unit; The determination unit; The storage unit; Equipped with The headphone system according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the setting value from an external device operated by a user. The headphone system according to claim 2.

5. The indicator light is on at the start of the first period and the end of the second period, the luminance at the start of the first period and the end of the second period is between 5% and 15% of the luminance at the end of the first period and the start of the second period; The headphone system according to claim 1.

6. The first period is the first period during the period of the blinking; a second first period during the blinking period; Including, The luminance of the indicator light at the end of the first period of the first cycle is lower than the luminance of the indicator light at the end of the first period of the second cycle. The headphone system according to claim 1.

7. the first period has a length of 1 second; The length of the second period is 2 seconds. The headphone system according to claim 1.

8. A rechargeable battery, an indicator light that flashes to indicate the charging state of the rechargeable battery; and The period of the flashing is: a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases; a second period in which the luminance gradually decreases; Including, The first period and the second period are alternately repeated, The length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. The headphone is characterized by:

9. A rechargeable battery that stores the power supplied to the headphones; an indicator light that flashes to indicate the charging state of the rechargeable battery; and The period of the flashing is: a first period during which the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases; a second period in which the luminance gradually decreases; Including, The first period and the second period are alternately repeated, The length of the first period is different from the length of the second period. A headphone charger comprising: