Audio device comprising micro valve

Abstract

An earpiece is disclosed. The earpiece comprises a housing, a speaker, a valve, a sensor and a processor. The speaker includes a diaphragm and is arranged inside the housing. The housing includes: the front space of the diaphragm; an acoustic port connected to the front space in order to transmit, to the outside of the earpiece, sound that is output by the speaker; and a vent hole connected to the front space. The valve opens the vent hole or at least partially closes same. The processor determines the leakage level of the acoustic port by using the sensor. The processor controls the degree of closure of the valve on the basis of the leakage level such that the leakage level of the acoustic port is reduced.

Description

Audio devices containing microvalves

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an audio device including a microvalve.

[0002] Personal audio devices, such as earphones and earbuds, are inserted into or around the user's ears and can provide a variety of audio content, including music, audiobooks, and phone calls. Initially connected to a host device via wires, audio devices are now transitioning to wireless connectivity, particularly via Bluetooth. Furthermore, various features, such as noise canceling and ambient sound mode, are being added to enhance the user experience.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] An earpiece according to one embodiment may include a housing, a speaker, a valve, a sensor, and a processor. The speaker may include a diaphragm and be disposed within the housing. The housing may include a front space of the diaphragm, an acoustic port connected to the front space for transmitting sound from the speaker to the outside of the earpiece, and a vent hole connected to the front space. The valve may be configured to open or at least partially close the vent hole. The sensor may be disposed within the housing. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the acoustic port using the sensor. The processor may be configured to control a degree of closure of the valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port.

[0005] An earpiece, according to one embodiment, without an ear tip, may include a housing, a speaker, a valve, a sensor, and a processor. The speaker may include a diaphragm and may be disposed within the housing. The housing may include a front space of the diaphragm, an acoustic port connected to the front space for transmitting sound by the speaker to the exterior of the earpiece, and a vent hole connected to the front space. The valve may be configured to open or at least partially close the vent hole. The sensor may be disposed within the housing. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the acoustic port using the sensor, and to control a degree of closure of the valve based on the determined leakage level so that the leakage level of the acoustic port increases.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an earphone configured to be worn on a user's ear may include a housing forming an outer surface of the earphone that comes into contact with the user's ear, a driver including a diaphragm, a first valve, a second valve, a microphone, and a processor. The housing may include a first space, a second space separated from the first space by the diaphragm, an acoustic port connected to the first space for transmitting sound generated by the driver to the outside, a first vent hole formed on the outer surface and connected to the first space, a second vent hole formed on the outer surface and connected to the second space, and a third vent hole located inside the housing and connecting the first space and the second space. The first valve may be configured to control airflow in the first vent hole. The second valve may be configured to control airflow in the second vent hole. The microphone may be located within the first space. The processor may be configured to output sound through the driver. The processor may be configured to detect sound pressure within the first space using the microphone while the sound is being output. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the sound port based on the sound pressure. The processor may be configured to control the degree of closure of the first valve and the degree of closure of the second valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the sound port. This may reduce the impact of leakage of the sound port, which may vary depending on the user.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] In this document, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals. Descriptions of components with the same reference numerals, even when referring to different drawings, apply equally unless otherwise specified. Duplicate descriptions of components with the same reference numerals may be omitted.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may be worn on a user's ear to provide sound. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as an earpiece, earbuds, earphones, headphones, or a personal audio device. The electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may include a housing (110), a speaker (120), a first valve (135), a sensor (102), and an ear tip (190).

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing (110) may form the exterior of the electronic device (100). The housing (110) may be in contact with a user's ear. In one embodiment, the housing (110) may include an acoustic port (111), a front space (112), a rear space (114), a first vent hole (130), an external port (119), and a first conduit (115).

[0020] In one embodiment, a speaker (120) configured to output sound may be placed inside a housing (110). The speaker (120) may include a diaphragm (125) that generates sound waves by vibration. By the vibration of the diaphragm (125), sound waves may be formed in a front space (112) and a rear space (114) of the diaphragm (125). In one embodiment, the front space (112) and the rear space (114) may be separated by the diaphragm (125). For a non-limiting example, the front space (112) and the rear space (114) may be separated by the diaphragm (125) and a partition wall (118) of the housing (110). For a non-limiting example, the speaker (120) may include a dynamic speaker. In one embodiment, the speaker (120) may be referred to as a driver.

[0021] In one embodiment, an acoustic port (111) may be formed at an end (116) of the housing (110). The acoustic port (111) may be connected to a front space (112). Sound from the speaker (120) may be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a user's ear) through the front space (112) and the acoustic port (111).

[0022] In one embodiment, a first vent hole (130) may be formed on an outer surface of the housing (110) to be connected to the front space (112). The first vent hole (130) may connect the front space (112) to the outside. In one embodiment, a first valve (135) may be provided in the first vent hole (130). For example, the first valve (135) may be configured to open or at least partially close the first vent hole (130).

[0023] In one embodiment, the external port (119) may be formed on the outer surface of the housing (110) to be connected to the rear space (114). For example, the external port (119) may be connected to the rear space (114) through a first conduit (115) formed inside the housing (110). The rear space (114) may be connected to the exterior of the electronic device (100) through the first conduit (115) and the external port (119).

[0024] In one embodiment, the sensor (102) may be disposed in the housing (110). The sensor (102) may include, for example, at least one of a wear detection sensor, a biometric sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a GPS sensor, a body temperature detection sensor, a moisture detection sensor, a barometric sensor, a hall sensor, a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor (e.g., a microphone), and / or a touch sensor.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ear tip (190) may be coupled to the housing (110). For example, the ear tip (190) may be coupled to the end (116) of the housing (110) so as to surround the sound port (111). The ear tip (190) may be brought into contact with the ear of a user wearing the electronic device (100), thereby reducing sound leakage output from the sound port (111).

[0026] Although not shown, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a processor (e.g., processor (1020) of FIG. 10). The processor may control the operation of the electronic device (100), for example, the first valve (135) to adjust the flow rate of the first vent hole (130).

[0027] Since the shape of the ears of users wearing the electronic device (100) varies, the sealing between the acoustic port (111), the ear tip (190), and the user's ear canal may vary depending on the user. If leakage occurs in the acoustic port (111), the performance (e.g., low-frequency performance) of the speaker system of the electronic device (100) may deteriorate.

[0028] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can adjust the leakage level of the speaker system of the electronic device (100) by varying the air flow of the first vent hole (130) through the first valve (135). Through this, a degradation in acoustic performance due to leakage of the acoustic port (111) can be compensated for.

[0029] For example, the processor may determine a leakage level of the acoustic port (111) using the sensor (102). As a non-limiting example, the sensor (102) may include a microphone disposed within the front space (112) and configured to receive sound. The processor may determine the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) based on a sound pressure of a designated frequency band (e.g., a low frequency band) received by the microphone while the speaker (120) outputs sound. For example, as the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) increases, a sound pressure level received by the microphone may be reduced. As a non-limiting example, the sensor (102) may be configured to detect an acoustic impedance of the front space (112). Depending on the degree of leakage of the acoustic port (111), a resonant frequency of the front space (112) may change, and thus an acoustic impedance of the front space (112) may change. The above processor can determine the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) by detecting a change in the acoustic impedance.

[0030] In one embodiment, the processor may control the closing degree of the first valve (135) based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port (111). For example, the processor may control the closing degree of the first valve (135) to increase as the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) increases. For non-limiting examples, the closing degree of the first valve (135) may be controlled according to a predetermined table including a control amount according to the leakage level, and / or may be feedback-controlled so that the determined leakage level matches the predetermined leakage level through the sensor (102).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a housing (110) according to an embodiment may include a second vent hole (240) and a third vent hole (250). In an embodiment, the second vent hole (240) may be formed on an outer surface of the housing (110) so that the rear space (114) of the diaphragm (125) is connected to the outside. In an embodiment, the third vent hole (250) may be formed in a partition wall (118) of the housing (110) so that the front space (112) is connected to the rear space (114).

[0032] In one embodiment, the first vent hole (130), the second vent hole (240), and the third vent hole (250) can eliminate fatigue caused by pressure applied to the eardrum of a user wearing the electronic device (100) by regulating the balance between the pressure inside the ear canal and the external pressure.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first conduit (115) connected to the first vent hole (130), the second vent hole (240), the third vent hole (250) and the external port (119) can adjust the performance of the speaker (120), such as output of multimedia, noise canceling and ambient sound listening.

[0034] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a second valve (245) provided in a second vent hole (240). In one embodiment, the second valve (245) may be configured to open or at least partially close the second vent hole (240). The second valve (245) may be controlled by the processor. The flow of air through the second vent hole (240) may be controlled according to the opening and closing of the second valve (245).

[0035] Alternatively or optionally, unlike the city, the first valve (135) may be arranged in the third vent hole (250) and configured to control the air flow in the third vent hole (250). In this case, the second valve (245) may optionally be omitted.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can adjust the leakage level of the speaker system of the electronic device (100) by varying the air flow of the first vent hole (130) and the second vent hole (240) through the first valve (135) and the second valve (245). Through this, the degradation of acoustic performance due to leakage of the acoustic port (111) can be compensated for.

[0037] For example, the processor may control the degree of closure of the first valve (135) and / or the second valve (245) based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port (111).

[0038] For a non-limiting example, the processor may close (e.g., completely close) the first valve (135) and the second valve (245) when the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) is greater than or equal to a first threshold. For a non-limiting example, the processor may close (e.g., completely close) the first valve (135) and open (e.g., completely open) the second valve (245) when the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold. The second threshold may be less than the first threshold. For a non-limiting example, the processor may open (e.g., completely open) the first valve (135) and close (e.g., completely close) the second valve (245) when the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) is less than the second threshold and greater than or equal to a third threshold. The third threshold may be less than the second threshold. For example, but not limited to, the processor may open (e.g., fully open) the first valve (135) and the second valve (245) when the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) is less than the third threshold. Here, examples in which the first valve (135) and / or the second valve (245) are fully opened or fully closed have been described, but are not limited thereto. For example, depending on the leakage level of the acoustic port (111), the first valve (135) and / or the second valve (245) may be opened or closed in stages.

[0039] Additionally, although not shown, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a third valve (e.g., the third valve (355) of FIG. 3) configured to open or close the third vent hole (250). The valves (135, 245, 355) of the electronic device (100) may be referred to as micro valves. For non-limiting examples, the actuation mechanism of the valves (135, 245, 355) may utilize a piezoelectric actuation structure, an electrostatic actuation structure, an electromagnetic actuation structure, a thermoelectric actuation structure, or an actuation structure using a polymer conductive polymer that contracts and expands in response to an applied voltage.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may not include a first vent hole (130) and a first valve (135), unlike FIG. 2.

[0041] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a third valve (355) provided in a third vent hole (250). In one embodiment, the third valve (355) may be configured to open or at least partially close the third vent hole (250). The third valve (355) may be controlled by the processor. The flow of air through the third vent hole (250) may be controlled according to the opening and closing of the third valve (355).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can adjust the leakage level of the speaker system of the electronic device (100) by varying the air flow of the second vent hole (240) and the third vent hole (250) through the second valve (245) and the third valve (355). Through this, the degradation of acoustic performance due to leakage of the acoustic port (111) can be compensated for. For example, the processor can control the closing degree of the second valve (245) and / or the third valve (355) based on the determined leakage level so that the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) is reduced.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, it has been described that the opening / closing degree of at least one of the first valve (135), the second valve (245), and / or the third valve (355) is controlled so as to reduce the leakage level of the speaker system of the electronic device (100), but is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the characteristics required according to the function provided by the electronic device (100) or the user's settings, the valves of the vent holes may be controlled so as to increase the leakage level of the speaker system.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, according to an embodiment, a housing (110) may include an external port (419) (e.g., the external port (119) of FIG. 1). The external port (419) may be formed on an outer surface of the housing (110) so as to be connected to the exterior of the electronic device (100).

[0045] In one embodiment, the second vent hole (240) may be connected to the exterior of the electronic device (100) by being connected to the external port (419). In one embodiment, the first conduit (115) may be connected to the exterior of the electronic device (100) by being connected to the external port (419). For example, the second vent hole (240) may be connected to a portion of the external port (419), and the first conduit (115) may be connected to another portion (or a remaining portion) of the external port (419). In one embodiment, the second vent hole (240) may be aligned with the external port (419) (e.g., the portion of the external port (419)). This may reduce the number of holes visible from the exterior of the housing (110).

[0046] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a conduit structure having various lengths and / or areas to control the amount of ventilation and noise leakage of the internal space.

[0047] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the second vent hole (240) may be formed in the first conduit (115). For example, the second vent hole (240) may be directly connected to the first conduit (115) and may be connected to the outside through the first conduit (115) and an external port (119).

[0048] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the housing (110) of the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may further include a second conduit (615). In one embodiment, the second conduit (615) may extend from the second vent hole (240) to the rear space (114). The second vent hole (240) may be connected to the rear space (114) through the second conduit (615). In one embodiment, the second conduit (615) may extend parallel to the first conduit (115), but is not limited thereto.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may include a microphone (704) disposed within a housing (110). In an embodiment, the microphone (704) may be configured to receive external sounds of the electronic device (100). For a non-limiting example, the electronic device (100) may provide noise canceling and / or ambient sound listening functions based on external sounds through the microphone (704). For a non-limiting example, the microphone (704) may include a feedforward microphone of an active noise canceling system.

[0050] In one embodiment, the external port (119) may be positioned between the second vent hole (240) and the microphone (704). The external port (119) may be positioned closer to the microphone (704) than the second vent hole (240). The first conduit (115) may extend from the external port (119) away from the microphone (704). For example, the first conduit (115) may extend from the external port (119) toward the second vent hole (240). This may prevent problems that may occur when the second valve (245) is opened, such as howling by the microphone (704).

[0051] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may not include an ear tip (e.g., the ear tip (190) of FIG. 7). For a non-limiting example, the electronic device (100) may be an open-type earphone used without the ear tip. For a non-limiting example, the electronic device (100) may be an audio device that can be used as a kernel-type earphone or an open-type earphone depending on whether the ear tip is attached.

[0052] For example, when the ear tip is coupled, the more the first vent hole (130) is closed, the less the influence of leakage from the acoustic port (111) can be reduced. On the other hand, when the ear tip is separated, the more the first vent hole (130) is opened, the less the influence of leakage from the acoustic port (111) can be reduced. For example, the external port (119) can compensate for the degradation of low-frequency performance due to acoustic leakage. In one embodiment, the processor can determine whether the ear tip is coupled. For example, the processor can determine whether the ear tip is coupled using a signal (or data) acquired using a sensor (102) (e.g., a hall sensor, a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a capacitive sensor). In one embodiment, the processor may control the opening and closing of the valves (135, 245, 355) based on whether the ear tip is engaged and / or the leakage level of the speaker system determined using the sensor (102). For example, when the ear tip is engaged, the description provided with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 may be substantially identically applied to the operation of the processor. For example, when the ear tip is not engaged, the processor may control the valves (135, 245, 355) differently than when the ear tip is engaged. For example, when the ear tip is not engaged, the processor may control the closure degree of at least one of the valves (135, 245, 355) based on the determined leakage level such that the leakage level of the acoustic port (111) increases. For example, the processor can control the degree of closure of at least one of the valves (135, 245, 355) to decrease as the leakage level of the sound port (111) decreases.

[0053] Through this, it may be possible to optimize acoustic performance depending on whether the ear tips are combined.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, the housing (110) of the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may not include a vent hole (e.g., the third vent hole (250) of FIG. 8) for connecting the front space (112) and the rear space (114).

[0055] Additionally, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may further include another vent hole (not shown) connecting the front space (112) to the outside. If the electronic device (100) does not include the ear tip, the other vent hole may improve the acoustic characteristics of the speaker (120).

[0056] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device (1001) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 9) may include a processor (1020), a memory (1030), a wireless communication circuit (1092), a sensor (1076) (e.g., the sensor (102) of FIG. 1), a speaker (1055) (e.g., the speaker (120) of FIG. 1), and a battery (1089). In an embodiment, the processor (1020) may include processing circuitry or control circuitry, such as a micro controller unit (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), a sensor processor, a sensor hub, an application processor (AP), and / or a communication processor (CP).

[0057] In one embodiment, the processor (1020) may control the operation of the electronic device (1001). In one embodiment, the operation controlled by the processor (1020) may be performed at least in part by a processor of an external device (electronic device (1002)) paired to the electronic device (100).

[0058] In one embodiment, the speaker (1055) can output an acoustic signal (or audio signal) received from an external electronic device (1002) (e.g., a user's terminal).

[0059] In one embodiment, a battery (1089) may power components of the electronic device (1001). The battery (1089) may include a rechargeable secondary battery or a fuel cell.

[0060] In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (1092) can establish a wireless communication channel with the electronic device (1002) and perform communication using the established communication channel. In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (1092) can transmit various data (e.g., audio data) to an external electronic device (1002) connected (e.g., paired) through a designated network (e.g., a short-range communication network) or receive data from the external electronic device (1002) through the antenna (1097).

[0061] In one embodiment, the antenna (1097) may transmit a signal (e.g., data or power) to an external electronic device (1002), or receive a signal from an external electronic device (1002). For example, but not limited to, the antenna (1097) may include one or more antennas that include a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB).

[0062] In one embodiment, the memory (1030) may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., the processor (1020) or the sensor module (1076)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software and commands related thereto. In one embodiment, the memory (1030) may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0063] In one embodiment, the memory (1030) may store one or more programs (or applications) and instructions executed by the processor (1020) and / or the processor of the external electronic device (1002). In one embodiment, the memory (1030) may temporarily and / or provisionally store data input / output from the electronic device (1001) and / or the external electronic device (1002).

[0064] In one embodiment, an earpiece (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (e.g., a housing (110) of FIG. 1), a speaker (e.g., a speaker (120) of FIG. 1), a valve (e.g., a first valve (135) of FIG. 1), a sensor (e.g., a sensor (102) of FIG. 1), and a processor (e.g., a processor (1020) of FIG. 10). The speaker may include a diaphragm (e.g., a diaphragm (125) of FIG. 1) and be disposed within the housing. The housing may include a front space of the diaphragm (e.g., the front space (112) of FIG. 1), an acoustic port (e.g., the acoustic port (111) of FIG. 1) connected to the front space for transmitting sound from the speaker to the outside of the earpiece, and a vent hole (e.g., the first vent hole (130) of FIG. 1 or the third vent hole (250) of FIG. 3) connected to the front space. The valve may be configured to open or at least partially close the vent hole. The sensor may be disposed within the housing. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the acoustic port using the sensor. The processor may be configured to control a degree of closure of the valve based on the determined leakage level so that the leakage level of the acoustic port is reduced. Through this, the impact of leakage of the acoustic port, which may vary depending on the user, can be reduced.

[0065] In one embodiment, the sensor may include a microphone positioned within the front space of the housing.

[0066] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect the acoustic impedance of the front space.

[0067] In one embodiment, the vent hole can connect the front space to the outside. In one embodiment, the vent hole can be a first vent hole (e.g., a first vent hole (130) of FIG. 1) connecting the front space to the outside. In one embodiment, the housing can include a rear space of the diaphragm (e.g., a rear space (114) of FIG. 1), a second vent hole (e.g., a second vent hole (240) of FIG. 1) connecting the rear space to the outside, and a third vent hole (e.g., a third vent hole (250) of FIG. 2) connecting the rear space to the front space. In one embodiment, the valve can be a first valve (e.g., a first valve (135) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the earpiece can include a second valve (e.g., a second valve (245) of FIG. 2) configured to open or at least partially close the second vent hole. The processor may be configured to control the degree of closure of the first valve and the second valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port.

[0068] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to close the first valve and the second valve in response to determining that the leakage level of the acoustic port is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0069] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to close the first valve and open the second valve in response to determining that the leakage level of the acoustic port is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold, wherein the second threshold may be less than the first threshold.

[0070] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to open the first valve and close the second valve in response to determining that the leakage level of the acoustic port is less than the second threshold and greater than or equal to a third threshold, wherein the third threshold may be less than the second threshold.

[0071] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to open the first valve and the second valve in response to determining that the leakage level of the acoustic port is less than the third threshold.

[0072] In one embodiment, the housing may include a hole formed on an outer surface of the housing (e.g., an external port (419) in FIG. 4), and a conduit connecting the rear space to the exterior (e.g., a first conduit (115) in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the second vent hole and the conduit may be connected to the exterior through the hole.

[0073] In one embodiment, the housing may include a hole formed in an outer surface of the housing (e.g., an external port (119) of FIG. 5), and a conduit extending from the hole to the rear space (e.g., a first conduit (115) of FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the second vent hole may be formed in the conduit.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second vent hole can be aligned with the hole.

[0075] In one embodiment, the housing may include another conduit extending from the second vent hole to the rear space (e.g., the second conduit (615) of FIG. 6).

[0076] In one embodiment, the housing may include another microphone (e.g., microphone (704) of FIG. 7) positioned within the rear space. The housing may include a hole formed in an outer surface of the housing (e.g., external port (119) of FIG. 7), and a conduit (e.g., first conduit (115) of FIG. 7) extending from the hole to the rear space. In one embodiment, the second vent hole may be formed in the outer surface of the housing and may be positioned further from the other microphone than the hole.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the earpiece may include a third valve (e.g., the third valve (355) of FIG. 3) configured to open or at least partially close the third vent hole. The processor may be configured to control the degree of closure of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve based on the determined leakage level, such that the leakage level of the acoustic port is reduced.

[0078] In one embodiment, the vent hole may be a first vent hole (e.g., the first vent hole (130) of FIG. 2) connecting the front space to the outside. In one embodiment, the housing may include a rear space of the diaphragm (e.g., the second rear space (114) of FIG. 2), a second vent hole (e.g., the second vent hole (240) of FIG. 2) connecting the rear space to the outside, and a third vent hole (e.g., the third vent hole (250) of FIG. 2) connecting the rear space to the front space. The valve may be a first valve (e.g., the first valve (135) of FIG. 2). The earpiece may include a second valve (e.g., the third valve (355) of FIG. 3) configured to open or at least partially close the third vent hole. The processor may be configured to control the degree of closure of the first valve and the second valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port.

[0079] In one embodiment, the housing includes a rear space of the diaphragm (e.g., rear space (114) of FIG. 2), and the vent hole can connect the front space to the rear space. In one embodiment, the vent hole is a first vent hole, and the housing can include a second vent hole (e.g., second vent hole (240) of FIG. 2) connecting the rear space to the outside.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the earpiece may include an ear tip (e.g., ear tip (190) of FIG. 1) coupled to the acoustic port.

[0081] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to use the sensor to determine whether the ear tip is engaged with the housing, and in response to determining that the ear tip is engaged with the housing, control the degree of closure of the valve so that the leakage level of the acoustic port is reduced, and in response to determining that the ear tip is not engaged with the housing, control the degree of closure of the valve so that the leakage level of the acoustic port is increased.

[0082] An earpiece, according to one embodiment, without an ear tip, may include a housing, a speaker, a valve, a sensor, and a processor. The speaker may include a diaphragm and may be disposed within the housing. The housing may include a front space of the diaphragm, an acoustic port connected to the front space for transmitting sound by the speaker to the exterior of the earpiece, and a vent hole connected to the front space. The valve may be configured to open or at least partially close the vent hole. The sensor may be disposed within the housing. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the acoustic port using the sensor, and to control a degree of closure of the valve based on the determined leakage level so that the leakage level of the acoustic port increases.

[0083] According to one embodiment, an earphone configured to be worn on a user's ear (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (e.g., a housing (110) of FIG. 1) forming an outer surface of the earphone that comes into contact with the user's ear, a driver (e.g., a speaker (120) of FIG. 1) including a diaphragm (e.g., a diaphragm (125) of FIG. 1), a first valve (e.g., a first valve (135) of FIG. 1), a second valve (e.g., a second valve (245) of FIG. 2), a microphone (e.g., a sensor (102) of FIG. 1), and a processor (e.g., a processor (1020) of FIG. 10). The housing may include a first space (e.g., a front space (112) of FIG. 1), a second space (e.g., a rear space (114) of FIG. 1) separated from the first space by the diaphragm, an acoustic port (e.g., an acoustic port (111) of FIG. 1) connected to the first space for transmitting sound generated by the driver to the outside, a first vent hole (e.g., a first vent hole (130) of FIG. 1) formed on the outer surface and connected to the first space, a second vent hole (e.g., a second vent hole (240) of FIG. 1) formed on the outer surface and connected to the second space, and a third vent hole (e.g., a third vent hole (250) of FIG. 1) located inside the housing and connecting the first space and the second space. The first valve may be configured to control air flow in the first vent hole. The second valve may be configured to control air flow in the second vent hole. The microphone may be positioned within the first space. The processor may be configured to output sound through the driver. The processor may be configured to detect sound pressure within the first space using the microphone while the sound is being output. The processor may be configured to determine a leakage level of the sound port based on the sound pressure.The processor may be configured to control the degree of closure of the first valve and the degree of closure of the second valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port. This may reduce the impact of leakage of the acoustic port, which may vary depending on the user.

[0084] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0085] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, in one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0086] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium. For example, a processor of the device may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0087] In one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0088] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an earpiece, housing; A speaker comprising a diaphragm and disposed within the housing; The above housing, The front space of the above diaphragm, An acoustic port connected to the front space for transmitting sound from the speaker to the outside of the earpiece, and A vent hole connected to the front space is included; A valve configured to open or at least partially close the vent hole; a sensor disposed within the housing; and Contains a processor, The above processor; Using the above sensor, the leakage level of the acoustic port is determined, configured to control the closing degree of the valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port. Earpiece.

2. In claim 1, The above sensor comprises a microphone positioned within the front space of the housing. Earpiece.

3. In claim 1, The above sensor is configured to detect the acoustic impedance of the front space, Earpiece.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The above vent hole connects the front space to the outside. Earpiece.

5. In claim 4, The above vent hole is a first vent hole, The above housing: The rear space of the above diaphragm; A second vent hole connecting the rear space to the exterior; and Including a third vent hole connecting the rear space to the front space, The above valve is the first valve, The earpiece comprises a second valve configured to open or at least partially close the second vent hole, The above processor, configured to control the closing degrees of the first valve and the second valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port. Earpiece.

6. In claim 5, The above processor, In response to determining that the leakage level of the above acoustic port is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first valve and the second valve are configured to close. Earpiece.

7. In claim 6, The above processor, In response to determining that the leakage level of the above acoustic port is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the first valve is configured to close and the second valve to open; The above second threshold is smaller than the above first threshold, Earpiece.

8. In claim 7, The above processor, In response to determining that the leakage level of the acoustic port is less than the second threshold and greater than or equal to the third threshold, the first valve is configured to open and the second valve to close; The above third threshold is smaller than the above second threshold. Earpiece.

9. In claim 8, The above processor, In response to determining that the leakage level of the said acoustic port is less than the third threshold, configured to open the first valve and the second valve, Earpiece.

10. In claim 5, The above housing, a hole formed on the outer surface of the housing; and Including a conduit connecting the above rear space to the outside, The second vent hole and the conduit are connected to the outside through the hole. Earpiece.

11. In claim 5, The above housing, a hole formed on the outer surface of the housing; and Including a conduit extending from the above hole to the rear space, The above second vent hole is formed in the pipe, Earpiece.

12. In claim 11, The second vent hole is aligned with the hole, Earpiece.

13. In claim 12, The housing comprises another conduit extending from the second vent hole to the rear space. Earpiece.

14. In claim 5, Including another microphone positioned within the rear space, The above housing, a hole formed on the outer surface of the housing; and Including a conduit extending from the above hole to the rear space, The second vent hole is formed on the outer surface of the housing and is located further from the other microphone than the hole. Earpiece.

15. In claim 5, comprising a third valve configured to open or at least partially close the third vent hole; The above processor, configured to control the closing degrees of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve based on the determined leakage level so as to reduce the leakage level of the acoustic port. Earpiece.

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