Wearable electronic device comprising opening / closing device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a speaker; a microphone spaced apart from the speaker; a housing for containing the speaker and the microphone, the housing comprising an output conduit configured to transfer sounds output from the speaker and an acoustic conduit configured to transfer sounds received by the microphone; an opening / closing device configured to open / close at least a part of the acoustic conduit; a sensing device configured to sense information regarding sounds received by the microphone; at least one processor; and a memory for storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to generate operations of the at least one processor for controlling the opening / closing device on the basis of the information sensed by the sensing device.

Description

Wearable electronic device including an opening and closing device

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to wearable electronic devices, for example, wearable electronic devices including an opening and closing device.

[0002] Thanks to the advancement of electronic technology, various types of wearable electronic devices are becoming smaller and more functional.

[0003] At least one component related to sound effects may be arranged on a printed circuit board of a wearable electronic device. The components related to sound effects may include, for example, a speaker and a microphone, and these components may be arranged in various shapes and arrangement structures within a housing of the wearable electronic device to correspond to various exterior designs of the wearable electronic device.

[0004] Wearable electronic devices containing speakers and microphones may be, for example, in-ear earphones (or earbuds, headphones, headsets) or hearing aids. Wearable electronic devices can be worn close to the user's ears and may be manufactured in a compact size for this purpose.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background information 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.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device comprises: a speaker; a microphone spaced apart from the speaker; a housing that accommodates the speaker and the microphone and includes an output conduit configured to transmit sound output from the speaker and an acoustic conduit configured to transmit sound picked up by the microphone; an opening / closing device configured to open / close at least a portion of the acoustic conduit; a sensing device configured to sense information about sound picked up by the microphone; at least one processor; and a memory that stores instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to cause an operation of the at least one processor to control the opening / closing device based on the information sensed by the sensing device.

[0007] An operating method of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of outputting sound through a speaker while an acoustic conduit formed inside a housing accommodating the speaker is open; an operation of sensing information about sound received through a microphone disposed inside the housing; and an operation of controlling an opening / closing device configured to close the acoustic conduit based on information about sound received through the microphone.

[0008] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an audio module according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3c is a diagram illustrating wearing of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a part of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating sound transmission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8a is a conceptual diagram of a first state of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8b is a conceptual diagram of a second state of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8c is a conceptual diagram of a third state of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9a is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9b is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9c is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating relationships between components of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an operation method of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the effect of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 16a is a graph illustrating the effect of a wearable electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0032] FIG. 16b is a graph illustrating the effect of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 17 is a graph illustrating the effectiveness of a wearable electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0034] Figure 18 is a graph illustrating the effectiveness of a wearable electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0035] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0036] The following description of the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one example of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0037] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings and can be used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents.

[0038] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "a component surface" could be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)). The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of an electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations.According to one embodiment, as at least a part of data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in the volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0041] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0042] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0043] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0044] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0045] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0046] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0047] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0048] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0049] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0050] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0051] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0052] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0053] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0054] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0055] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0056] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0057] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0059] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0060] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0061] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0062] 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 (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.

[0063] 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, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0064] 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.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) of an audio module (170) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the audio module (170) may include, for example, an audio input interface (210), an audio input mixer (220), an analog to digital converter (ADC) (230), an audio signal processor (240), a digital to analog converter (DAC) (250), an audio output mixer (260), or an audio output interface (270).

[0066] The audio input interface (210) can receive an audio signal corresponding to a sound acquired from the outside of the electronic device (101) as part of the input module (150) or through a microphone (e.g., a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, or a piezo microphone) configured separately from the electronic device (101). For example, when the audio signal is acquired from an external electronic device (102) (e.g., a headset or a microphone), the audio input interface (210) can be directly connected to the external electronic device (102) through a connection terminal (178) or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth communication) through a wireless communication module (192) to receive the audio signal. According to one embodiment, the audio input interface (210) can receive a control signal (e.g., a volume control signal received through an input button) related to the audio signal acquired from the external electronic device (102). The audio input interface (210) includes a plurality of audio input channels and can receive different audio signals for each corresponding audio input channel among the plurality of audio input channels. According to one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the audio input interface (210) can receive audio signals from other components of the electronic device (101), such as the processor (120) or the memory (130).

[0067] The audio input mixer (220) can synthesize a plurality of input audio signals into at least one audio signal. According to one embodiment, the audio input mixer (220) can synthesize a plurality of analog audio signals input through the audio input interface (210) into at least one analog audio signal.

[0068] The ADC (230) can convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. According to one embodiment, the ADC (230) can convert an analog audio signal received through an audio input interface (210) or, additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized through an audio input mixer (220) into a digital audio signal.

[0069] The audio signal processor (240) may perform various processing on a digital audio signal input through the ADC (230) or a digital audio signal received from another component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the audio signal processor (240) may change a sampling rate, apply one or more filters, perform interpolation processing, amplify or attenuate all or part of a frequency band, process noise (e.g., noise or echo reduction), change a channel (e.g., switching between mono and stereo), mix, or extract a specified signal on one or more digital audio signals. According to one embodiment, one or more functions of the audio signal processor (240) may be implemented in the form of an equalizer.

[0070] The DAC (250) can convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. According to one embodiment, the DAC (250) can convert a digital audio signal processed by an audio signal processor (240) or a digital audio signal obtained from another component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120) or a memory (130)) into an analog audio signal.

[0071] The audio output mixer (260) can synthesize a plurality of audio signals to be output into at least one audio signal. According to one embodiment, the audio output mixer (260) can synthesize an audio signal converted into analog through the DAC (250) and another analog audio signal (e.g., an analog audio signal received through the audio input interface (210)) into at least one analog audio signal.

[0072] The audio output interface (270) can output an analog audio signal converted by the DAC (250), or additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized by the audio output mixer (260), to the outside of the electronic device (101) through the audio output module (155). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker such as a dynamic driver or a balanced armature driver, or a receiver. According to one embodiment, the audio output module (155) can include a plurality of speakers. In this case, the audio output interface (270) can output an audio signal having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo or 5.1 channels) through at least some of the speakers among the plurality of speakers. According to one embodiment, the audio output interface (270) can be directly connected to an external electronic device (102) (e.g., an external speaker or a headset) through a connection terminal (178) or wirelessly through a wireless communication module (192) to output an audio signal.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can generate at least one digital audio signal by synthesizing a plurality of digital audio signals using at least one function of the audio signal processor (240) without separately having an audio input mixer (220) or an audio output mixer (260).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) may include an audio amplifier (not shown) (e.g., a speaker amplifier circuit) capable of amplifying an analog audio signal input through the audio input interface (210) or an audio signal to be output through the audio output interface (270). According to one embodiment, the audio amplifier may be configured as a separate module from the audio module (170).

[0075] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from one direction. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a different direction than FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a drawing explaining a state of wearing the wearable electronic device (300). Some or all of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C may be the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Some or all of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C may be the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 18.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a housing (310). The housing (310) may form the outer shape of the wearable electronic device (300). The housing (310) may be mounted on a user's ear. For example, at least a portion of the housing (310) may have a curved surface.

[0077] In one embodiment, the housing (310) may include a first housing (311). The housing (310) may include a second housing (312). For example, the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) may be integrated. For example, an antenna (e.g., antenna (360) of FIG. 5), a first substrate (e.g., first substrate (370) of FIG. 5), a battery (e.g., battery (380) of FIG. 5), and / or a microphone (e.g., microphones (340, 350) of FIG. 5) may be disposed inside the first housing (311). For example, a speaker (e.g., speaker (390) of FIG. 5) may be disposed inside the second housing (312).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a port (320). For example, the port (320) may protrude outside the housing (310). For example, the port (320) may be formed integrally with the second housing (312). For example, the port (320) may be coupled to the second housing (312). Sound output from a speaker (e.g., speaker (390) of FIG. 5) may be transmitted to the outside of the housing (310) through the port (320).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the housing (310) may include openings (313, 314). The openings (313, 314) may be formed by opening on the surface of the housing (310). The openings (313, 314) may be formed in the first housing (311). Sound from outside the housing (310) may be transmitted to the inside of the housing (310) through the openings (313, 314).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a grill (330). The grill (330) may be positioned in the opening (313). The grill (330) may be coupled to the housing (310). The grill (330) may filter out impurities directed toward the opening (313).

[0081] In one embodiment, the openings (313, 314) may be plural. For example, the plurality of openings (313, 314) may include a first opening (313) and a second opening (314). The first opening (313) and the second opening (314) may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the first opening (313) and the second opening (314) may be referred to as an "opening."

[0082] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may be mounted on the user's ear (E). When the wearable electronic device (300) is mounted on the user's ear (E), the openings (313, 314) may be exposed to the outside.

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which a housing (e.g., housing (310) of FIG. 3a) of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is removed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 4. The components described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3c. The components described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 18.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone (340, 350). In one embodiment, a plurality of microphones (340, 350) may be arranged. For example, the microphones (340, 350) may include a first microphone (340) and / or a second microphone (350). The first microphone (340) and the second microphone (350) may be spaced apart from each other. The first microphone (340) and the second microphone (350) may be referred to as “microphones.” The microphones (340, 350) may pick up sounds outside the housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 3A). For example, the microphones (340, 350) may perform an active noise cancellation (ANC) function. For example, the microphones (340, 350) may be placed inside the first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3A). The microphones (340, 350) may include microphone holes (341, 351). The first microphone (340) may include the first microphone hole (341). The second microphone (350) may include the second microphone hole (351). The microphones (340, 350) may pick up sounds outside the housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 3A) through the microphone holes (341, 351). For example, air (e.g., wind) flowing outside a housing (e.g., housing (310) of FIG. 3a) can flow into a microphone (340, 350) through a microphone hole (341, 351), and the microphone (340, 350) can detect sound generated by the flow of the air.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the microphone (340) can pick up sounds outside the housing (310). The M region illustrated in FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an area near the microphone (340) in a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device (300) including the housing (310). The wearable electronic device (300) may include a chamber (316). The housing (310) may be coupled to a grill (330). The wearable electronic device (300) may include a hole (315) that is connected to a microphone hole (341) of the microphone (340). Sounds outside the housing (310) may be picked up by the microphone (340) through the chamber (316) and the hole (315).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an antenna (360). The antenna (360) may be positioned inside a first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3A). The antenna (360) may transmit and / or receive signals from the housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 3A).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a first substrate (370). For example, the first substrate (370) may be electrically connected to a microphone (340, 350), an antenna (360), a second substrate (375), a battery (380), and / or a speaker (390).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a second substrate (375). The second substrate (375) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (370). For example, the second substrate (375) may connect the first substrate (370) and a microphone (340, 350). For example, the second substrate (375) may connect the first substrate (370) and a battery (380). For example, the second substrate (375) may connect the first substrate (370) and a speaker (390). For example, the second substrate (375) may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0089] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a battery (380). For example, the battery (380) may be placed inside a first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3A). The battery (380) may supply power to a microphone (340, 350) and a speaker (390).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a speaker (390). For example, the speaker (390) may be positioned within a second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3A). The speaker (390) may output sound to the outside of the housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 3A).

[0091] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an eartip (325). The eartip (325) may be inserted into a user's ear. For example, the eartip (325) may be secured to a port (320).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an output conduit (321). The output conduit (321) may be formed on the inside of the port (320). The output conduit (321) may face the speaker (390). Sound generated from the speaker (390) may be transmitted to the outside of the housing (310) through the output conduit (321).

[0093] Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' illustrated in Fig. 3b when the wearable electronic device (300) is in a first state. Fig. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' illustrated in Fig. 3b when the wearable electronic device (300) is in a second state. The components described with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b may be partly or entirely the same as the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. The components described with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b may be partly or entirely the same as the components described with reference to Figs. 7 to 18.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a housing (310), a port (320), a substrate (370), a battery (380), and a speaker (390). The substrate (370), the battery (380), and the speaker (390) may be disposed inside the housing (310). The port (320) may include an output conduit (321) configured to transmit sound generated by the speaker (390) to the outside of the housing (310).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone (410). The microphone (410) may be disposed inside the output conduit (321). The microphone (410) may be disposed inside the port (320). The microphone (410) may pick up sounds outside the housing (310). The microphone (410) may be referred to as a “third microphone.” The wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone (e.g., the microphone (440) of FIG. 7) that includes a plurality of microphones (e.g., the first and second microphones (340, 350) of FIG. 5 and the microphone (410) of FIG. 6A).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an acoustic conduit (420). The acoustic conduit (420) may be formed inside the housing (310). The acoustic conduit (420) may be a portion of a space formed inside the housing (310). The acoustic conduit (420) may connect the opening (314) and the output conduit (321). The acoustic conduit (420) may extend from the opening (314) toward the output conduit (321). The acoustic conduit (420) may be connected to the outside of the housing (310) through the opening (314). The acoustic conduit (420) may be connected to the outside of the housing (310) through the output conduit (321). The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a “conduit.” The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a "bypass conduit." The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a "vent hole." The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a "sound path." The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a "tunnel." The acoustic conduit (420) may be referred to as a "flow conduit."

[0097] In one embodiment, the acoustic conduit (420) may include a passage (421). The passage (421) may be formed inside the housing (310). Sound outside the housing (310) may pass through the passage (421). The passage (421) may be referred to as a "conduit." The passage (421) may be referred to as a "first conduit." The passage (421) may be referred to as a "stream." The passage (421) may be referred to as a "first channel."

[0098] In one embodiment, the acoustic conduit (420) may include a first conduit (423). The first conduit (423) may be in communication with the opening (314). The first conduit (423) may connect the opening (314) and the passage (421). Sound from outside the housing (310) may be transmitted to the first conduit (423) through the opening (314). Sound transmitted to the first conduit (423) may be transmitted to the passage (421). The housing (310) may include a recess (317) forming the opening (314). The recess (317) may be recessed from an outer surface of the housing (310) into the inside of the housing (310). The wearable electronic device (300) may include a battery outer wall (381). The battery outer wall (381) may be disposed inside the housing (310). The battery outer wall (381) may be spaced apart from a portion of the inner surface of the housing (310). The first conduit (423) may be formed between the battery outer wall (381) and a portion of the inner surface of the housing (310). The first conduit (423) may be referred to as an "inlet." The first conduit (423) may be referred to as an "upstream portion." The first conduit (423) may be referred to as an "inlet passage."

[0099] According to one embodiment, the sound pipe (420) may include a second pipe (424). The second pipe (424) may be in communication with the output pipe (321). The second pipe (424) may connect the output pipe (321) and the passage (421). Sound from outside the housing (310) may be transmitted to the second pipe (424) through the passage (421). Sound transmitted to the second pipe (424) may be transmitted to the output pipe (321). The wearable electronic device (300) may include a speaker outer wall (391). The speaker outer wall (391) may be disposed inside the housing (310). The speaker outer wall (391) may be spaced apart from another portion of the inner surface of the housing (310). A second conduit (424) may be formed between the speaker outer wall (391) and another portion of the inner surface of the housing (310). The second conduit (424) may be referred to as an "outlet." The second conduit (424) may be referred to as a "downstream portion." The second conduit (424) may be referred to as an "outlet passage."

[0100] In one embodiment, the acoustic conduit (420) may include a channel (422). The channel (422) may be formed within the housing (310). The channel (422) may be connected to the passage (421). The channel (422) may connect the passage (421) and the second conduit (424). In one embodiment, the channel (422) may be formed to be openable. The channel (422) may be referred to as a “second channel.” The channel (422) may be referred to as a “connecting passage.” The channel (422) may be referred to as a “closable conduit.” The channel (422) may be referred to as a “flow passage.”

[0101] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an opening device (430). The opening device (430) may open an acoustic conduit (420). The opening device (430) may close an acoustic conduit (420). The opening device (430) may adjust the degree of opening of the acoustic conduit (420). The opening device (430) may open a channel (422). The opening device (430) may close a channel (422). The opening device (430) may adjust the degree of opening of the channel (422). The opening device (430) may be referred to as a "closing device." The opening device (430) may be referred to as an "opening member." The opening / closing device (430) may be referred to as a "close member." The opening / closing device (430) may be referred to as a "door." The opening / closing device (430) may be referred to as a "closer." The opening / closing device (430) may be referred to as an "opening and closing device."

[0102] According to one embodiment, the opening / closing device (430) may include a first opening / closing member (431) and / or a second opening / closing member (432). For example, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be disposed to face each other. For example, at least one of the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be disposed to be movable toward the other. For example, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be disposed to be movable toward each other. The first opening / closing member (431) may be referred to as a “first close member.” The first opening / closing member (431) may be referred to as a “first door.” The first opening / closing member (431) may be referred to as a “first closer.” The second opening / closing member (432) may be referred to as a "second closing member." The second opening / closing member (432) may be referred to as a "second door." The second opening / closing member (432) may be referred to as a "second closer."

[0103] Referring to Fig. 6a, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, a channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). The channel (422) may be open. Sound from outside the housing (310) may be transmitted to the output pipe (321) through the passage (421) and the channel (422). For example, a state in which the channel (422) is open may be defined as a "first state."

[0104] Referring to Fig. 6b, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be in contact with each other. The channel (422) may not be formed. The channel (422) may be closed. Sound outside the housing (310) may not be transmitted to the output tube (321). For example, a state in which the channel (422) is closed may be defined as a "second state."

[0105] FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a sound transmission path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIG. 7 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6b. The components described with reference to FIG. 7 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 8a to 18.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone (440). The microphone (440) may include a plurality of microphones (e.g., the first and second microphones (340, 350) of FIG. 5 and the third microphone (410) of FIG. 6A). The plurality of microphones (340, 350, 410) may be arranged inside a housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 6A). Sound outside the housing (310) may be picked up by the microphone (440).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a signal processing device (450). The signal processing device (450) may identify a signal (e.g., vibration) regarding a sound received by the microphone (440). The signal processing device (450) may identify a signal regarding a sound received by the microphone (440) in the form of an analog or digital signal.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a converter (460). The converter (460) may convert a signal for sound processed by the signal processing device (450). For example, the converter (460) may convert a digital signal for sound processed by the signal processing device (450) into an analog signal. For example, the converter (460) may include a DAC.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a speaker (390). The speaker (390) may output a signal converted by the converter (460) to the outside of the housing (310). Sound output from the speaker (390) may be transmitted to the outside of the housing (310). For example, sound output from the speaker (390) and transmitted to the outside of the housing (310) may be picked up by a microphone (440).

[0110] FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram illustrating an opening / closing device (430) of a wearable electronic device (300) in a first state. FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram illustrating an opening / closing device (430) of a wearable electronic device (300) in a third state. FIG. 8C is a conceptual diagram illustrating an opening / closing device (430) of a wearable electronic device (300) in a second state. The components described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The components described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 18.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the opening / closing device (430) may include a first opening / closing member (431) and a second opening / closing member (432). The description of the first and second opening / closing members (431, 432) may be substantially identical to the description of the first and second opening / closing members (431, 432) described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. A channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a channel (422) may be defined as "a space bounded by components included in a wearable electronic device (300) or a set of boundaries of the components." For example, the channel (422) may include a space formed between the inner surface of the housing (310) and the outer battery wall (381). For example, the channel (422) may include a space formed between the inner surface of the housing (310) and the outer speaker wall (391). For example, the channel (422) may include a space formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the channel (422) may be defined as "a portion of a space formed inside the housing (310)." The opening / closing device (430) may be arranged to be movable toward the channel (422). The first opening / closing member (431) may be movable toward the channel (422) and may close a portion of the channel (422). The first opening / closing member (431) may be located inside the channel (422). The second opening / closing member (432) may be movable toward the channel (422) and may close a portion of the channel (422). The second opening / closing member (432) may be located inside the channel (422).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a support member (435). For example, the support member (435) may be disposed within a housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 6A). For example, the support member (435) may be fixed within the housing (310). For example, the support member (435) may be a part of the housing or a part of a component disposed within the housing. The opening / closing device (430) may be movably disposed on the support member (435). The support member (435) may support the opening / closing device (430). The support member (435) may include a first support member (433) on which a first opening / closing member (431) is movably disposed. The support member (435) may include a second support member (434) on which the second opening / closing member (432) is movably arranged.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8A, the wearable electronic device (300) may be in a first state. For example, the first state may be defined as a state in which the channel (422) is fully open. In the first state, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be spaced apart from each other. In the first state, the channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 8B, the wearable electronic device (300) may be in a third state. For example, the third state may be defined as a state in which the channel (422) is partially open (semi-open). In the third state, the distance between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be smaller than in the first state. In the third state, the channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may be in a second state. For example, the second state may be defined as a state in which the channel (422) is fully closed. For example, in the second state, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be in contact with each other. In the second state, the channel (422) may not be formed. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, in the second state, the distance between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be smaller than in the third state of the wearable electronic device (300), and the channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be spaced apart from each other. A channel (422) may be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). In the first state, the first gap (G1) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be greater than the second gap (G3) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) in the second state. In the first state, the first gap (G1) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be greater than the third gap (G2) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) in the third state. In the second state, the second gap (G3) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) may be smaller than the third gap (G2) between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) in the third state.

[0119] FIG. 9A is a drawing explaining an operating method according to one embodiment of the opening / closing member (430). FIG. 9B is a drawing explaining an operating method according to one embodiment of the opening / closing member (430). FIG. 9C is a drawing explaining an operating method according to one embodiment of the opening / closing member (430). The components described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C may be partly or entirely the same as the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8C. The components described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C may be partly or entirely the same as the components described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the switch (430) can be opened and closed by an electrostatic actuation method. The switch (430) can be opened and closed by an electromagnetic actuation method. The switch (430) can be opened and closed by a piezoelectric actuation method.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 9A, the switching device (430) may include a conductive member (436), a first circuit (437), and a second circuit (438). In a first state, the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be spaced apart from each other to form a gap (G) therebetween. A channel (422) may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the first state, the first circuit (437) may be electrically connected to the second switching member (432). In the first state, a repulsive force may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the second state, the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be in close contact with each other to close the channel (422). In the second state, at least a portion of the first opening / closing member (431) can be bent. The first opening / closing member (431) can include a bending portion (431a). In the second state, the second circuit (438) can be electrically connected to the conductive member (436). In the second state, an attractive force can be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). In one embodiment, the first opening / closing member (431) can include an elastic material. In the first state, a gap (G) can be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432), and in the second state, an attractive force can be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). When changing from the first state to the second state, current may be applied to at least one of the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432), and an attractive force may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). When changing from the second state to the first state, current may not be applied to the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432), and the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be separated by the restoring force of the first switching member (431).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9B, the switching device (430) may include a coil (536) and a first circuit (537). In a first state, the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be spaced apart from each other to form a gap (G) therebetween. A channel (422) may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the first state, the circuit (537) may block the electrical connection between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). For example, in the first state, a repulsive force may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the second state, the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be in close contact with each other to close the channel (422). In the second state, at least a portion of the first opening / closing member (431) can be bent. The first opening / closing member (431) can include a bending portion (431a). In the second state, the first circuit (537) can electrically connect the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). In the second state, current can be applied to the coil (536). In the second state, an attractive force can be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). In the second state, an electromagnetic force can be formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) due to the current application through the first circuit (537) and the current application through the coil (536). The support member (435) can include a conductive material.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9C, the switching device (430) may include a first circuit (637) and a second circuit (638). In a first state, the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432) may be spaced apart from each other to form a gap (G) therebetween. A channel (422) may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the first state, the first circuit (637) may block the electrical connection between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). For example, in the first state, a repulsive force may be formed between the first switching member (431) and the second switching member (432). In the second state, the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) can be in close contact with each other to close the channel (422). In the second state, at least a portion of the first opening / closing member (431) can be bent. The first opening / closing member (431) can include a bending portion (431a). In the second state, the first circuit (637) can electrically connect the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432). In the second state, the second circuit (638) can apply voltage to the first opening / closing member (431). The first opening / closing member (431) can include a piezoelectric element. The first opening / closing member (431) can include a material that contracts when voltage is applied. The first opening / closing member (431) can include a conductive material.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the relationship between components (430, 471, 472, 481, 482, 483) of a wearable electronic device (300). Fig. 11 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an operating method of a wearable electronic device (300). The components described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 may be partly or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9c. The components described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 may be partly or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 12 to 18.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a processor (471). The processor (471) may be substantially the same as the processor (120) described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the processor (471) may be identical to the description of the processor (120) described with reference to FIG. 1. The wearable electronic device (300) may include a memory (472). The memory (472) may be substantially the same as the memory (130) described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the memory (472) may be identical to the description of the memory (130) described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an opening / closing device (430). The description of the opening / closing device (430) may be substantially identical to the description of the opening / closing device (430) described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 9C.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a signal processing device (450) and a converter (460). The description of the signal processing device (450) and the converter (460) may be substantially identical to the description of the signal processing device (450) and the converter (460) described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include an input device (481). The input device (481) may be exposed on the outside of a housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 6A). The input device (481) may be arranged to be touch-sensitive. A user may input a signal to the input device (481). For example, the wearable electronic device (300) may change its operating mode based on a signal input by the user to the input device (481).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a sensing device (482). The sensing device (482) may detect a signal for a sound received through a microphone (440). The sensing device (482) may detect noise in the sound received through the microphone (440). The sensing device (482) may detect howling in the sound received through the microphone (440). The sensing device (482) may include a measuring device (4821) that senses a signal (e.g., a sound wave) received through the microphone (440). For example, the sensing device (482) may include a detector (4822) that detects howling in a signal sensed by the measuring device (4821).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a tuning device (483). The tuning device (483) may adjust a signal for a sound output through a speaker (390).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the processor (471) may receive a signal from the input device (481). For example, the processor (471) may receive information about the driving mode of the wearable electronic device (300) from the input device (481). The processor (471) may receive a signal from the sensing device (482). For example, the processor (471) may receive information about howling of a sound picked up through the microphone (440) from the sensing device (482). The processor (471) may transmit a signal to the tuning device (483). The processor (471) may transmit a signal to the opening / closing device (430). For example, the processor (471) may control the opening / closing device (430) so that the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a first state, a second state, or a third state. For example, the processor (471) can adjust the openness of a channel (e.g., channel (422) of FIGS. 8A to 8B) so that the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a first state, a second state, or a third state.

[0132] According to one embodiment, noise (e.g., howling) included in the sound received through the microphone (440) can be detected by the detection device (482). The processor (471) can control the opening / closing device (430) when the noise is detected by the detection device (482).

[0133] FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device (300) operating in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIG. 12 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 . The components described with reference to FIG. 12 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18 .

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a processor (471) and a memory (472). The processor (471) may include at least one processor, and the description of the processor (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the processor (120) described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the memory (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the memory (130) described with reference to FIG. 1. The memory (472) may store instructions. The memory (472) may be executed by the processor (471). The memory (472), when executed by the processor (471), may cause the processor (471) to configure to operate some operations when executed by the processor.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (1010) in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a first mode. The first mode may be defined as a mode in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a state in which the opening / closing device (430) opens a channel (e.g., channel (422) of FIGS. 8A to 8B). The processor (471) may operate the wearable electronic device (300) in the first mode based on a signal input to the input device (481). The user may input a signal to the input device (481) so that the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the first mode. The first mode may be named an “ambient sound listening mode.”

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (1020) in which the wearable electronic device (300) detects howling of a sound received from a microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect noise (e.g., howling) included in the sound received through the microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). For example, the measuring device (4821) may detect waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect information about noise (e.g., howling) in waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). For example, the detector (4822) can detect information about the frequency band in which the wave is amplified in the wave graph of the sound received through the microphone (440).

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include a first output operation (1030) of the wearable electronic device (300). The first output operation (1030) may be an operation in which the processor (471) adjusts the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430). For example, when the processor (471) receives information about noise (e.g., howling) from the detection device (482), the processor (471) may control the opening / closing device (430) so that the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430) decreases.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include a second output operation (1050) of the wearable electronic device (300). The second output operation (1050) may be an operation in which the processor (471) maintains the degree of opening of the opening / closing device (430). For example, when the processor (471) does not receive information about noise (e.g., howling) from the detection device (482), the processor (471) may maintain the degree of opening of the opening / closing device (430) in a fully opened state. When the processor (471) does not receive information about noise (e.g., howling) from the detection device (482), the processor (471) may control the opening / closing device (430) to operate in a first state as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (1040) of tuning a sound output through a speaker (390). When the processor (471) receives information about noise (e.g., howling) from the sensing device (482), the processor (471) may control the tuning device (483) based on the information. For example, the processor (471) may receive information about a frequency band in which noise is generated from the sensing device (482), and control the tuning device (483) to reduce the output (e.g., amplitude of a wave) of the frequency band. The processor (471) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may tune the sound based on the degree to which the opening / closing device (430) opens / closes the channel (422). The operation (1040) of tuning the above sound can also be performed by the signal processing device (450) in the above-described manner.

[0140] FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device (300) operating in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIG. 13 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 . The components described with reference to FIG. 13 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18 .

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a processor (471) and a memory (472). The processor (471) may include at least one processor, and the description of the processor (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the processor (120) described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the memory (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the memory (130) described with reference to FIG. 1. The memory (472) may store instructions. The memory (472) may be executed by the processor (471). The memory (472), when executed by the processor (471), may cause the processor (471) to configure to operate some operations when executed by the processor.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2010) in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a second mode. The second mode may be defined as a mode in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a state in which the opening / closing device (430) closes a channel (e.g., channel (422) of FIGS. 8A to 8B). The processor (471) may operate the wearable electronic device (300) in the second mode based on a signal input to the input device (481). The user may input a signal to the input device (481) so that the wearable electronic device (300) operates in the second mode. The second mode may include an operation of recording a sound picked up by the microphone (440) using the microphone (440). For example, the second mode may be named “recording mode”.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2020) of closing the opening / closing device (430). When the processor (471) receives a signal through the input device (481) indicating that the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the second mode, the processor (471) may control the opening / closing device (430) to close the opening / closing device (430).

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation of receiving sound (2030). When the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the second mode, the wearable electronic device (300) may receive sound through the microphone (440).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2040) of tuning and storing a received sound. When the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the second mode, the sound received through the microphone (440) may be processed by the tuning device (483) and then stored.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2050) of tuning and outputting sound. When the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the second mode, the sound recorded by the microphone (440) may be processed by the tuning device (483) and then output to the speaker (390).

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2060) of determining whether the second mode continues. When the wearable electronic device (300) is being driven in the second mode, the processor (471) may receive a signal regarding the mode of the wearable electronic device (300) from the input device (481). The signal may be a signal for switching the mode of the wearable electronic device (300) from the second mode to the first mode. For example, when the processor (471) receives a signal regarding the second mode from the input device (481), the processor (471) may maintain the closed state of the opening / closing device (430). For example, when the processor (471) does not receive a signal regarding the second mode from the input device (481), the processor (471) may control the opening / closing device (430) to open the opening / closing device (430). For example, when the processor (471) receives a signal for the first mode from the input device (481), the processor (471) can control the opening / closing device (430) to open the opening / closing device (430).

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (2070) of opening the opening / closing device (430). The processor (471) may receive a signal for stopping the operation of the second mode from the input device (481) while the wearable electronic device (300) is being driven in the second mode. When the processor (471) receives a signal for stopping the operation of the second mode from the input device (481), the processor (471) may open the opening / closing device (430). When the processor (471) receives a signal for stopping the operation of the second mode from the input device (481), the processor (471) may open the opening / closing device (430) as illustrated in FIG. 8A or 8B.

[0149] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a wearable electronic device (300) operating in a first mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIG. 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 . The components described with reference to FIG. 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 .

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the wearable electronic device (300) may include a processor (471) and a memory (472). The processor (471) may include at least one processor, and the description of the processor (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the processor (120) described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the memory (471) may be applied in the same manner as the description of the memory (130) described with reference to FIG. 1. The memory (472) may store instructions. The memory (472) may be executed by the processor (471). The memory (472), when executed by the processor (471), may cause the processor (471) to configure to operate some operations when executed by the processor.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3010) in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a first mode. The first mode may be defined as a mode in which the wearable electronic device (300) operates in a state in which the opening / closing device (430) opens a channel (e.g., channel (422) of FIGS. 8A to 8B). The processor (471) may operate the wearable electronic device (300) in the first mode based on a signal input to the input device (481). The user may input a signal to the input device (481) so that the wearable electronic device (300) is driven in the first mode. For example, the first mode may be named “ambient sound listening mode.”

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3020) of opening the opening / closing device (430). The processor (471) may open the opening / closing device (430) when the wearable electronic device (300) operates in the first mode.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3030) of receiving sound through a microphone (440) and outputting the received sound through a speaker (390).

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3040) of the wearable electronic device (300) detecting howling of a sound received from a microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect noise (e.g., howling) included in the sound received through the microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). For example, the measuring device (4821) may detect waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). The detection device (482) may detect information about noise (e.g., howling) in waves of the sound received through the microphone (440). For example, the detector (4822) can detect information about the frequency band in which the wave is amplified in the wave graph of the sound received through the microphone (440).

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3050) of checking the degree of howling. The processor (471) may receive information about noise detected by the detection device (482). The processor (471) may check the degree of noise detected by the detection device (482) (e.g., the amplitude of the frequency band in which howling occurs).

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include an operation (3060) of adjusting the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430). The processor (471) may compare the degree of noise detected by the detection device (482) with stored information (instructions). For example, the stored information may be stored in the memory (482). The memory (482) may store information on the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430) corresponding to the degree of noise. The memory (482) may store information on the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430) corresponding to the frequency band of the noise. The processor (471) may adjust the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430) based on the information. For example, the processor (471) can control the open road opening / closing device (430) corresponding to the level of noise detected by the detection device (482). For example, the processor (471) can control the open road opening / closing device (430) corresponding to the frequency band of noise detected by the detection device (482).

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the operating method of the wearable electronic device (300) may include a tuning operation (3070). After the opening degree of the opening / closing device (430) is adjusted by the processor (471), the sound received through the microphone (440) may be processed by the tuning device (483) and the signal processing device (450). For example, the tuning device (483) and the signal processing device (450) may process the sound through an EQ tuning method.

[0158] FIGS. 15, 16A, and 16B are diagrams illustrating the effects of a wearable electronic device (300) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16A, and 16B may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 15, information about the sound transmitted through the speaker (390) when the sound pipe (420) is opened and closed by the opening and closing device (430) can be confirmed. The S1 diagram is a graph showing information (e.g., dB) about the sound when the sound pipe (420) is open according to the frequency band. The S2 diagram is a graph showing information (e.g., dB) about the sound when the sound pipe (420) is closed according to the frequency band. It can be confirmed that when the sound pipe (420) is open, the level (dB) of the sound is greater in the first frequency band (e.g., less than 3K) compared to when the sound pipe (420) is closed. It can be confirmed that when the sound pipe (420) is open, the level (dB) of the sound is less in the second frequency band (e.g., 3K to 5K) compared to when the sound pipe (420) is closed. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device (300) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can control the level (dB) of sound output through the speaker (390) by controlling the operation of the opening / closing device (430) according to the sound transmitted through the sound pipe (420).

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B , a wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a wearable electronic device according to a comparative embodiment can be compared. FIG. 16A is a graph of information about sound according to a comparative embodiment in which the opening / closing device is not controlled. FIG. 16B is a graph of information about sound according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the opening / closing device (430) is controlled. Referring to FIG. 16A , it can be confirmed that sound is amplified in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 1000 to 10000 Hz) (H1) by sound transmitted through an acoustic pipe. Howling may occur in the wearable electronic device according to the comparative embodiment of FIG. 16A due to the amplification of sound in the frequency band (H1). Referring to FIG. 16b, the wearable electronic device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not generate howling because no amplification of sound occurs in the frequency band (e.g., 1000 to 10000 Hz) (H2).

[0161] Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating howling occurring in a wearable electronic device according to a comparative example. Figure 17 is a diagram visually illustrating howling occurring in which sound is amplified in a certain frequency band. Figure 18 is a diagram confirming that a frequency shift occurs due to the operation of the wearable electronic device that eliminates the howling.

[0162] A wearable electronic device can be worn on a user's ear. The wearable electronic device may include a housing having a speaker and a microphone arranged therein. The speaker can output sound to the outside of the housing, and the microphone can receive sound from the outside of the housing. Sound output from the speaker to the outside of the housing can be received by the microphone again through an acoustic conduit formed inside the housing. When the acoustic conduit is in a constantly open state, sound output from the speaker to the outside of the housing is continuously received by the microphone through the acoustic conduit, thereby causing amplification in a predetermined frequency band.

[0163] A problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be reducing noise in sound received through a microphone.

[0164] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be controlling the transmission of sound through an acoustic pipe.

[0165] The problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0166] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce sound noise by controlling the openness of an acoustic duct depending on whether noise is included in a sound picked up by a microphone.

[0167] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can control an opening / closing device that adjusts the openness of an acoustic pipe depending on whether there is sound noise.

[0168] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0169] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0170] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18) spaced apart from the speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0171] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18) that accommodates the speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18), and includes an output conduit (e.g., 321 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to transmit sound output from the speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and an acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to transmit sound received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0172] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a switching device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to open and close at least a portion of the acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0173] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensing device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to sense information about a sound received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0174] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0175] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a memory (e.g., 130, 472 of FIGS. 1 to 18) that stores instructions.

[0176] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed, can cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to cause the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to perform an operation to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) based on the information sensed by the sensing device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0177] The information sensed by the detection device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be information about howling included in a sound received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0178] The detection device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to determine whether the howling has occurred based on the sound wave received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0179] The sensing device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a measuring device (e.g., 4821 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to sense a sound wave received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0180] The sensing device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detector (e.g., 4822 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to determine whether the howling has occurred based on the wave sensed by the measuring device (e.g., 4821 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0181] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to adjust the opening degree of the sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) based on the information sensed by the sensing device (e.g., 482 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed.

[0182] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to close the sound conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the sound received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18) includes howling when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed.

[0183] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to open the sound conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed, and cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to open the sound conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the howling is not included in the sound received by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0184] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to vary the degree of opening of the sound conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) depending on the degree of howling included in the sound picked up by the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed.

[0185] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to operate in either a first mode in which the acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) operates in an open state or a second mode in which the acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) operates in a closed state when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed.

[0186] Instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to control the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) to open the sound channel (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when the wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) switches from the second mode to the first mode when the at least one processor (e.g., 120, 471 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is executed.

[0187] The housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an opening (e.g., 314 of FIGS. 1 to 18) communicating with the exterior of the housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may extend from the opening (e.g., 314 of FIGS. 1 to 18) toward the output pipe (e.g., 321 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0189] The sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a passage (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) formed inside the housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18) toward the output pipe (e.g., 321 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0190] The acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a channel (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) that is connected to the passage (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and is formed to be closable by the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0191] The acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first conduit (e.g., 423 of FIGS. 1 to 18) connecting the opening (e.g., 314 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the passage (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0192] The sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second pipe (e.g., 424 of FIGS. 1 to 18) connecting the channel (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the output pipe (e.g., 321 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0193] The opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first opening / closing member (e.g., 431 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0194] The opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second opening / closing member (e.g., 432 of FIGS. 1 to 18) spaced apart from the first opening / closing member (e.g., 431 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0195] The opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in either a first state in which a first gap is formed between the first opening / closing member (e.g., 431 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the second opening / closing member (e.g., 432 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and a second state in which a second gap smaller than the first gap is formed between the first opening / closing member (e.g., 431 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the second opening / closing member (e.g., 432 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0196] The switch (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in any one of an electrostatic actuation method, an electromagnetic actuation method, and a piezoelectric actuation method.

[0197] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a tuning device (e.g., 483 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to tune a sound output through the speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18) after the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is controlled.

[0198] An operating method of a wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of outputting sound through a speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18) in a state where an acoustic conduit (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) formed inside a housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18) that accommodates the speaker (e.g., 390 of FIGS. 1 to 18) is open.

[0199] An operating method of a wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of sensing information about a sound received through a microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18) disposed inside the housing (e.g., 310 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0200] An operating method of a wearable electronic device (e.g., 300 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling an opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to close the sound passage (e.g., 321 of FIGS. 1 to 18) based on information about sound received through the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0201] An operation of controlling the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of adjusting the degree of opening of the sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) based on the degree of howling included in the sound received through the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0202] An operation of controlling the opening / closing device (e.g., 430 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of closing the sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when howling is included in a sound received through the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18), and opening the sound pipe (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) when howling is not included in a sound received through the microphone (e.g., 440 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0203] Although the detailed description of this document has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this document.

[0204] While this disclosure has been described by way of example and example, it should be understood that the specific embodiment is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (300), Speaker (390); A microphone (440) spaced apart from the above speaker (390); A housing (310) that accommodates the speaker (390) and the microphone (440), and includes an output conduit (321) configured to transmit sound output from the speaker (390), and an acoustic conduit (420) configured to transmit sound received by the microphone (440); A switching device (430) configured to open and close at least a portion of the above sound pipe (420); A detection device (482) configured to sense information about a sound received by the above microphone (440); At least one processor (120, 471); and Contains a memory (130, 472) for storing instructions, The above instructions are, A wearable electronic device (300) that, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), causes the wearable electronic device (300) to cause the at least one processor (120, 471) to control the opening / closing device (430) based on the information sensed by the detection device (482).

2. In paragraph 1, The information sensed by the above detection device (482) is A wearable electronic device having information about howling included in a sound picked up by the above microphone (440).

3. In paragraph 2, The above detection device (482) is A wearable electronic device configured to determine whether the howling occurs based on the sound waves received by the microphone (440).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above detection device (482) is A measuring device (4821) configured to sense the sound waves received by the above microphone (440); and A wearable electronic device including a detector (4822) configured to determine whether the howling occurs based on the wave sensed by the measuring device (4821).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), cause the wearable electronic device (300) to: A wearable electronic device configured to control the opening / closing device (430) so that the opening degree of the sound pipe (420) is adjusted based on the information sensed by the sensing device (482).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), cause the wearable electronic device (300) to: When the sound received by the above microphone (440) includes howling, the opening / closing device (430) is controlled so that the sound pipe (420) is closed. A wearable electronic device configured to control the opening / closing device (430) so that the sound passage (420) is opened when the howling is not included in the sound received by the microphone (440).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), cause the wearable electronic device (300) to: A wearable electronic device configured to control the opening / closing device (430) so that the degree of opening of the sound passage (420) varies depending on the degree of howling included in the sound picked up by the microphone (440).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), cause the wearable electronic device (300) to: A wearable electronic device set to operate in either a first mode in which the sound channel (420) operates in an open state or a second mode in which the sound channel (420) operates in a closed state.

9. In paragraph 8, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (120, 471), cause the wearable electronic device (300) to: A wearable electronic device (300) configured to control the opening / closing device (430) so that the sound passage (420) is opened when the wearable electronic device (300) switches from the second mode to the first mode.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above housing (310) is It includes an opening (314) communicating with the exterior of the housing (310), The above sound pipe (420) is A wearable electronic device extending from the above opening (314) toward the output channel (321).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above sound pipe (420) is A passage (421) formed inside the housing (310) toward the output pipe (321); and A wearable electronic device including a channel (422) connected to the passage (421) and formed so as to be closable by the opening / closing device (430).

12. In paragraph 11, The above housing (310) is It includes an opening (314) communicating with the exterior of the housing (310), The above sound pipe (420) is A first conduit (423) connecting the above opening (314) and the passage (421); and A wearable electronic device including a second conduit (424) connecting the above channel (422) and the above output conduit (321).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above opening / closing device (430) is First opening member (431); and It includes a second opening / closing member (432) spaced apart from the first opening / closing member (431), The above opening / closing device (430) is A wearable electronic device that operates in either a first state in which a first gap is formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432) and a second state in which a second gap smaller than the first gap is formed between the first opening / closing member (431) and the second opening / closing member (432).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above opening / closing device (430) is A wearable electronic device that operates by any one of the electrostatic actuation method, the electromagnetic actuation method, or the piezoelectric actuation method.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, A wearable electronic device further comprising a tuning device (483) configured to tune a sound output through the speaker (390) after the above-mentioned opening / closing device (430) is controlled.

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