Audio device having leakage sound cancellation structure

The audio device uses separate front and rear spaces with distinct resonant frequencies to cancel sound leakage, addressing noise pollution and privacy issues in open-type earphones.

WO2026005271A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-02SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/006314
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-01
Filing Date
2025-05-09
Publication Date
2026-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Personal audio devices that are not inserted into the ear canal, such as open-type earphones, suffer from sound leakage, which can cause noise pollution to others and compromise user privacy, due to the design not fully blocking the external auditory canal.

Method used

The audio device incorporates a housing with separate front and rear spaces, where the speaker generates sounds with different resonant frequencies, with the front space having a resonant frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz and the rear space having a resonant frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz, allowing the sounds to cancel each other out and reduce leakage.

Benefits of technology

This design effectively reduces sound leakage by utilizing destructive interference, maintaining comfort for the user while minimizing noise disturbance to others and ensuring privacy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An audio device according to an embodiment comprises: a housing forming the exterior of the audio device; and a speaker disposed in the housing. A front space having a first hole facing the ear of a user wearing the audio device and a rear space having a second hole formed in a direction different from that of the first hole are formed in the housing. The speaker is configured to generate a first sound output to the outside through the front space and the first hole, and a second sound output to the outside through the rear space and the second hole. The front space is configured to have a first resonance frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The rear space may be configured to have a second resonance frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz so that a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of the second sound destructively interfere with each other.
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Description

Audio device with noise cancellation structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an audio device having a leakage noise canceling structure.

[0002] Personal audio devices, such as earphones, are worn on a user's ears and can provide a variety of audio content. For example, a personal audio device can be connected to a host device, such as a smartphone, either wired or wirelessly, and output sound based on signals received from the host device.

[0003] 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.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an audio device may include a housing that at least partially forms an exterior of the audio device and a speaker disposed within the housing. The housing may include a front space having a first hole facing an ear of a user wearing the audio device and a rear space having a second hole formed in a direction different from the first hole. The speaker may be configured to generate a first sound output to the outside through the front space and the first hole and a second sound output to the outside through the rear space and the second hole. The front space may be configured to have a first resonant frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The rear space may be configured to have a second resonant frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz so that a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of the second sound cancel each other.

[0005] In one embodiment, an earphone may include a housing having a front space and a rear space formed therein, and a speaker disposed within the housing so as to at least partially separate the front space and the rear space, and configured to generate sound transmitted to the outside through the front space and the rear space. The front space may be configured to have a first fundamental frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The rear space may be configured to have a second fundamental frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a Helmholtz resonator.

[0009] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an equal loudness contour.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a graph showing sound pressure levels measured according to frequency, according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8c is an exploded perspective view of a first housing of an audio device according to one embodiment.

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

[0016] In the following description, descriptions of components having the same reference numerals, even when referring to different drawings, may be applied in substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, overlapping descriptions of components having the same reference numerals may not be repeated. In the following description referring to a specific drawing, reference numerals in other drawings may be referenced.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, an audio device (1) may be an audio output device configured to transmit sound by being worn on a user's ear (5). For example, the audio device (1) may include an earpiece, an earphone, earbuds, or a headphone. The audio device (1) may be referred to as an open wireless stereo (OWS) speaker.

[0019] For example, an audio device (1) may include a speaker (10) configured to output sound. The audio device (1) may include, for example, a front space (e.g., a front space (50) of FIG. 2) and a rear space (e.g., a rear space (60) of FIG. 2) of the speaker (10). Sound of the speaker (10) may be output through the front space and the rear space. For example, the speaker (10) may output a front sound (16) through a first hole (55) of the front space. For example, the speaker (10) may output a rear sound (18) through a second hole (65) of the rear space.

[0020] The audio device according to the comparative example may be an in-ear type earphone. For example, the audio device according to the comparative example may be worn in a form inserted into the ear canal of the user's ear (5).

[0021] For example, the audio device (1) can be worn in a form that is not inserted into the ear canal of the user's ear (5), unlike in-ear type earphones. For example, the audio device (1) can be placed on the concha of the ear (5) so as not to block the entrance of the external auditory canal of the user's ear (5). Since the audio device (1) does not block the ear canal of the user's ear (5), the audio device (1) may not be uncomfortable even when used for a long time. However, due to the characteristic of not blocking the user's ear (5), a part of the front sound (16) output from the audio device (1) may leak to the outside. For example, the front sound (16) of the speaker (10) may be output near the entrance of the user's external auditory canal. Since the audio device (1) does not completely block the user's external auditory canal, a part of the front sound (16), like the sound (6), may leak to the outside. Sound leaking outside can cause noise damage to people next to you and may not guarantee the user's privacy.

[0022] In this way, in order to reduce the sound leaking to the outside of the audio device (1), the rear sound (18) of the speaker (10) can be used. For example, the rear sound (18) of the speaker (10) can be output from a location further away from the entrance of the user's external auditory canal than the front sound. For example, like the sound (8), at least a part of the rear sound (18) can meet the sound (6) at any point or space (9) outside of the audio device (1). The sound (6) and the sound (8) can have opposite phases, and when the sound (6) and the sound (8) meet and cancel each other, the performance of the sound (6) leaked to the outside can be degraded and / or at least a part of the sound (6) leaked to the outside can be canceled. Accordingly, the leaked sound can be reduced.

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 may be a cross-section corresponding to line A-A' of Fig. 8b.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, an audio device (1) may include a housing (or case) (20). The housing (20) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the audio device (1).

[0025] In one embodiment, the audio device (1) may include a bracket (30) disposed inside a housing (20). The speaker (10) may be mounted on the bracket (30) so as to be positioned inside the housing (20). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bracket (30) may be formed integrally with the housing (20).

[0026] In one embodiment, the speaker (10) may include a frame (or enclosure) (12), a magnet (13), a voice coil (11), and a diaphragm (14) accommodated by the frame (12).

[0027] The diaphragm (14) may be supported by, for example, a frame (12). For example, the diaphragm (14) may be mounted on the frame (12) so as to vibrate. The diaphragm (14) may generate sound waves by vibrating. For example, the voice coil (11) may interact with the magnet (13) by forming a magnetic field according to the applied current. The voice coil (11) may mechanically move according to the interaction with the magnet (13). The diaphragm (14) may vibrate according to the movement of the voice coil (11).

[0028] In one embodiment, a front space (50) having a first hole (55) and a rear space (60) having a second hole (65) may be formed within the housing (20). For example, the front space (50) and the rear space (60) may be distinguished based on the diaphragm (14) of the speaker (10). For example, the front of the diaphragm (14) may be connected to the front space (50), and the rear of the diaphragm (14) may be connected to the rear space (60). The front of the diaphragm (14) may be communicated with the exterior of the audio device (1) through the front space (50) and the first hole (55). For example, the rear of the diaphragm (14) may be communicated with the rear space (60) through the internal space of the frame (12) and one or more holes (15) formed in the frame (12). Optionally, the inner space of the frame (12) and one or more holes (15) of the frame (12) may be understood as being included in the rear space (60). The rear surface of the diaphragm (14) may be communicated with the exterior of the audio device (1) through the rear space (60) and the second hole (65). The front space (50) and the rear space (60) may be referred to as the front cavity and the rear cavity of the audio device (1), respectively.

[0029] In one embodiment, the front space (50) of the speaker (10) may be formed by the bracket (30). Alternatively, the front space (50) may be formed by the bracket (30) and the housing (20). The first hole (55) of the front space (50) may be formed by the bracket (30) and / or the housing (20). At least a portion of the bracket (30) and / or a portion of the housing (20) forming the front space (50) may be referred to as a front wall of the speaker (10). The first hole (55) included in the front space (50) may be referred to as a front hole, a front radiation hole, a port, or an acoustic port.

[0030] For example, the rear space (60) of the speaker (10) may be formed at least partially by the housing (20). For example, the rear space (60) may be formed by the housing (20), the frame (12) of the speaker (10), and the bracket (30). The second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be formed, for example, by the housing (20). A portion of the housing (20), at least a portion of the bracket (30), and at least a portion of the frame (12) of the speaker (10), which form the rear space (60), may be referred to as a rear wall of the speaker (10). The second hole (65) included in the rear space (60) may be referred to as a rear hole, a rear radiation hole, a port, or an acoustic port.

[0031] In one embodiment, when a user wears the audio device (1), the first hole (55) of the front space (50) may be closer to the user's ear (5) than the second hole (65) of the rear space (60). In one embodiment, the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be formed in a different direction from the first hole (55) of the front space (50). For example, the first hole (55) of the front space (50) may face toward the ear (5) (or the entrance of the external auditory canal) of the user wearing the audio device (1). For example, the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may face away from the ear (5) (or the entrance of the external auditory canal) of the user wearing the audio device (1).

[0032] In one embodiment, the speaker (10) (or diaphragm (14)) can generate front sound (16) that is output to the outside through the front space (50) and rear sound (18) that is output to the outside through the rear space (60). The front sound (16) and the rear sound (18), which are generated by the diaphragm (14) vibrating between the front space (50) and the rear space (60), can have opposite phases. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, at least a portion of the front sound (16) (e.g., sound (6)) can leak from the inside to the outside of the user's ear (5). However, at least a portion of the leaked front sound (16) (e.g., sound (6)) can be canceled out by at least a portion of the rear sound (18) (e.g., sound (8)) that has an opposite phase to the front sound (16). Accordingly, the leaked sound can be reduced.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a Helmholtz resonator.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an equal loudness contour.

[0035] The Helmholtz resonator formula is as follows: Mathematical Formula 1.

[0036]

[0037] In the above mathematical expression 1, f may be a resonant frequency, and c may be the speed of sound. In the above mathematical expression 1 and FIG. 3, V may be a volume of an internal space of the resonator (e.g., a volume of a front space (50) or a volume of a rear space (60) in FIG. 2), A may be an area of ​​an opening area connected to the internal space (e.g., a cross-sectional area of ​​a first hole (55) or a cross-sectional area of ​​a second hole (65) in FIG. 2), and l may be a length of the opening area (or neck) (e.g., a length (l1) of a first hole (55) or a length (l2) of a second hole (65) in FIG. 2).

[0038] The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents sound pressure level. In Fig. 4, sound volume curves that humans perceive as having the same loudness are shown according to frequency and sound pressure level. The sound volume level that humans perceive may vary depending on the frequency or sound pressure level. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, even if the frequency or sound pressure level is different, the human ear can perceive it as having the same sound volume level. For example, the human ear can hear a sound of about 3 kHz louder than another frequency, even if the sound pressure level is lower. In other words, the human ear can hear a sound of about 3 kHz most sensitively or loudly.

[0039] Considering the human acoustic perception characteristics according to the above frequency, the resonance frequency of the front space (50) and the resonance frequency of the rear space (60) of the audio device (1) can be set.

[0040] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be set as high as possible for acoustic characteristics (e.g., within the audible frequency range). For example, the front space (50) may have a first resonant frequency. For example, the first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be 7 kHz or higher. For example, the first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be 10 kHz or higher. The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be, for example, 7 kHz to 10 kHz. The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be, for example, 7 kHz to 15 kHz. The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be, for example, 7 kHz to 20 kHz. The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be, for example, 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be, for example, 7 kHz to 20 kHz.

[0041] For example, the range of the resonant frequency of the rear space (60) can be set to include the frequency of sound most perceived by humans (e.g., 3 kHz). For example, the rear space (60) can have a second resonant frequency. For example, the second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) can be 3 kHz or less. For example, the second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) can be 1 kHz to 3 kHz. For example, the second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) can be 6 kHz or less. For example, the second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) can be 1 kHz to 6 kHz. Accordingly, sounds in a frequency band that are sensitively perceived by a user can be effectively canceled out and interfered with.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be the fundamental frequency of the front space (50), and / or the second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) may be the fundamental frequency of the rear space (60).

[0043] For the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency described above, a Helmholtz resonator can be applied to the front space (50) and the rear space (60).

[0044] For example, the volume of the front space (50) may be smaller than the volume of the rear space (60). For example, the volume of the front space (50) may be 50% or less of the volume of the rear space (60). For example, the volume of the front space (50) may be 65% or less of the volume of the rear space (60).

[0045] For example, the width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be smaller than the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50). For example, the width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 50% or less of the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0046] For example, the length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50) may be greater than the length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60). For example, the length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 80% or less of the length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0047] For example, the effect of destructive interference of the front sound (16) by the rear sound (18) may vary depending on the distance between the first hole (55) through which the front sound (16) is radiated and the second hole (65) through which the rear sound (18) is radiated. For example, the closer the distance between the first hole (55) and the second hole (65), the more the effect of destructive interference of the front sound (16) leaking to the outside may be enhanced. For example, the distance between the first hole (55) and the second hole (65) may be 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. The first hole (55) may be closer to the ear of the user wearing the audio device (1) than the second hole (65).

[0048] In one embodiment, the angle (s) between the first hole (55) of the front space (50) and the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 30 degrees or more. For example, the angle (s) may be 30 degrees or more and 330 degrees or less. For example, the angle (s) may be 20 degrees or more and 330 degrees or less. The angle (s) may be the angle between the central axis (a1) of the first hole (55) and the central axis (a2) of the second hole (65).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the audio device (1) may include a first acoustic member (e.g., a first acoustic member (857) of FIG. 8B) covering a first hole (55) of a front space (50) and / or a second acoustic member (e.g., a second acoustic member (867) of FIG. 8B) covering a second hole (65) of a rear space (60). The first acoustic member and the second acoustic member may include a mesh screen or a grill to prevent wind noise.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a graph showing a sound pressure level measured according to a frequency according to an embodiment. In FIG. 5, the graph (501) may be a graph measuring the sound pressure level of the front sound (16) of the audio device (1) at a specified distance (about 50 cm). For example, the graph (501) shows a sound pressure level according to a frequency measured when only the front sound (16) is output among the front sound (16) and the rear sound (18) of the audio device (1). The graph (502) may be a graph measuring the sound pressure level of the rear sound (18) of the audio device (1) at a specified distance. For example, the graph (502) shows a sound pressure level according to a frequency measured when only the rear sound (18) is output among the front sound (16) and the rear sound (18) of the audio device (1).

[0051] The graph (503) may be a graph measuring the sound pressure level of the audio device (1) at a specified distance. For example, the graph (503) represents the sound pressure level according to frequency measured when both the front sound (16) and the rear sound (18) of the audio device (1) are output.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, when both the front sound (16) and the rear sound (18) are output (graph (503)), the sound pressure level may be reduced compared to when only the front sound (16) is output (graph (501)). This may be because a portion of the front sound (16) is canceled out and interfered by the rear sound (18). In particular, the degree of reduction in the sound pressure level may be greatest in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 3 kHz, to which humans are most sensitive.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, the audio device (1) may be an open-type earphone (or earbud). According to one embodiment, the audio device (1) may include a first housing (610), a second housing (620) coupled to the first housing (610), and a cable (630) connected to the second housing (620). The first housing (610) may be a portion that is placed on the user's ear when worn. In FIG. 6, the audio device (1) is illustrated as being connected by a wire via the cable (630), but the audio device (1) may be configured to enable wireless connection with an external device. In this case, the audio device (1) may not include the cable (630).

[0055] In one embodiment, a speaker (10) may be placed within the first housing (610) and / or the second housing (620). The first housing (610) and / or the second housing (620) may form a front space (50) and a rear space (60) for the speaker (10).

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates an audio device according to one embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 7, an audio device (701) (e.g., audio device (1) of FIG. 2) may include a head portion (710) and a hook portion (720) extending from the head portion (710). The head portion (710) and the hook portion (720) may be referred to as a housing of the audio device (701).

[0058] For example, the head portion (710) can accommodate a speaker (10). The head portion (710) can form a front space (50) and a rear space (60) of the speaker (10). For example, a first hole (705) (e.g., the first hole (55) of FIG. 2) and a second hole (706) (e.g., the second hole (65) of FIG. 2) can be formed in the head portion (710). The first hole (705) can connect the front space (50) to the outside, and the second hole (706) can connect the rear space (60) to the outside. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second hole (706) can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first hole (705).

[0059] For example, the hook portion (720) may be configured to be hooked onto the ear (5) such that the head portion (710) is positioned adjacent to the user's ear (5).

[0060] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate an audio device according to one embodiment. Figure 8c is an exploded perspective view of a first housing of the audio device according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8A, the audio device (801) (e.g., the audio device (1) of FIG. 2) may include an on-ear type headphone. For example, the audio device (801) may include a first housing (810R), a first hook portion (820R), and a second housing (830R) corresponding to the user's right ear, and a third housing (810L), a second hook portion (820L), and a fourth housing (830L) corresponding to the user's left ear.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first housing (810R) can be mounted on the user's right ear when worn. In one embodiment, the first hook portion (820R) can extend from the first housing (810R) to the second housing (830R). The first hook portion (820R) can have a shape that can be hung on the user's ear. The first hook portion (820R) can be hung on the user's ear to secure the first housing (810R) mounted on the user's ear. In one embodiment, various components of the audio device (801) can be arranged in the second housing (830R). For example, at least one of the components of FIG. 9 can be arranged in the second housing (830R).

[0063] In one embodiment, the third housing (810L) can be mounted on the user's left ear when worn. In one embodiment, the second hook portion (820L) can extend from the third housing (810L) to the fourth housing (830L). The second hook portion (820L) can have a shape that can be hung on the user's ear. The second hook portion (820L) can be hung on the user's ear to secure the third housing (810L) mounted on the user's ear. In one embodiment, various components of the audio device (801) can be arranged in the fourth housing (830L). For example, at least one of the components of FIG. 9 can be arranged in the fourth housing (830L).

[0064] In one embodiment, the audio device (801) may further include a headband (840). The headband (840) may extend from the second housing (830R) to the fourth housing (830L). The headband (840) may be configured to be fitted to the user's head. By fitting the headband (840) to the user's head, the audio device (801) may be maintained in a state of being worn by the user.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 8B, according to one embodiment, a first housing (810R) of an audio device (801) may be formed with a first hole (855) (e.g., the first hole (55) of FIG. 2), a second hole (865) (e.g., the second hole (65) of FIG. 2), and a microphone hole (875). The audio device (801) may include a speaker (e.g., the speaker (10) of FIG. 2 or the speaker (810) of FIG. 8C) positioned within the first housing (810R), and the first housing (810R) may form a front space (e.g., the front space (50) of FIG. 2) and a rear space (e.g., the rear space (60) of FIG. 2) for the speaker. The first hole (855) of the first housing (810R) may be included in the front space of the first housing (810R), and the second hole (865) of the first housing (810R) may be included in the rear space of the first housing (810R).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the audio device (801) may further include a first acoustic member (857) disposed within a first hole (855) of the first housing (810R) and / or a second acoustic member (867) disposed within a second hole (865) of the first housing (810R). The first acoustic member (857) and the second acoustic member (867) may include a mesh screen or a grill to prevent wind noise.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, an audio device (801) according to one embodiment may include a speaker (810) (e.g., speaker (10) of FIG. 2), a bracket (814), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (816), and a microphone (818). The speaker (810), the bracket (814), the FPCB (816), and the microphone (818) may be disposed within a first housing (810R).

[0068] In one embodiment, the first housing (810R) may include a lower part (811) and an upper part (812). The lower part (811) and the upper part (812) may be coupled to each other to form a space that accommodates a speaker (810), a bracket (814), an FPCB (816), and a microphone (818). The lower part (811) and the upper part (812) may be coupled to each other to form the front space and the rear space for the speaker (810). The first hole (855) of the front space and the second hole (865) of the rear space may be formed in the lower part (811) of the first housing (810R). The microphone hole (875) may be formed in the upper part (812) of the first housing (810R).

[0069] In one embodiment, an FPCB (816) may be placed on one side of the bracket (814). On the other side of the bracket (814), a portion of a speaker (810) may be placed, and another portion of the speaker (810) may be positioned within the hollow portion of the bracket (814).

[0070] In one embodiment, the bracket (814) may be coupled to the lower part (811) and / or the upper part (812) of the first housing (810R). The bracket (814), together with the lower part (811) and the upper part (812) of the first housing (810R), may define the front space and the rear space for the speaker (810). In this respect, the bracket (814) may be understood to be included in the housing (810R) forming the front space and the rear space.

[0071] In one embodiment, the FPCB (816) may be mounted on the bracket (814). A microphone (818) may be disposed on the FPCB (816). The microphone (818) may be aligned with a microphone hole (875) of the first housing (810R). The microphone (818) may include a sensor configured to detect sound received through the microphone hole (875). For example, the microphone (818) may include a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone. The FPCB (816) may be electrically connected to the microphone (818) and the speaker (810). Electrical signals for the microphone (818) and the speaker (810) may be transmitted through the FPCB (816).

[0072] The description of the first housing (810R) provided with reference to FIGS. 8b and 8c can be applied to the third housing (810L) in a substantially identical or corresponding manner.

[0073] The audio devices of the present disclosure are exemplified as personal audio output devices such as earphones, but are not limited thereto. For example, the audio devices of the present disclosure may include various types of electronic devices, such as a head-mounted display (HMD), which are equipped with a speaker (10), a front space (50) for the speaker (10), and a rear space (60).

[0074] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (901) according to one embodiment (e.g., audio device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a processor (920), a memory (930), a wireless communication circuit (992), an antenna (997), a sensor (976), a speaker (955) (e.g., speaker (10) of FIG. 1), and a battery (989).

[0076] In one embodiment, the processor (920) may include processing circuitry or control circuitry, such as a micro controller unit (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), a sensor processor, a sensor hub, an application processor (AP), and / or a communication processor (CP).

[0077] In one embodiment, the processor (920) may control the operation of the electronic device (901). In one embodiment, the operation controlled by the processor (920) may be performed at least in part by a processor of an external device (e.g., electronic device (902)) paired to the electronic device (901).

[0078] In one embodiment, the speaker (955) can output an acoustic signal (or audio signal) received from an external electronic device (902) (e.g., a user's terminal).

[0079] In one embodiment, a battery (989) may power components of the electronic device (901). The battery (989) may include a rechargeable secondary battery or a fuel cell.

[0080] In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (992) can establish a wireless communication channel with the electronic device (902) and perform communication using the established communication channel. In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (992) can transmit various data (e.g., audio data) to an external electronic device (902) connected (e.g., paired) through a designated network (e.g., a short-range communication network) or receive data from the external electronic device (902) through the antenna (997).

[0081] In one embodiment, the antenna (997) may transmit a signal (e.g., data or power) to an external electronic device (902), or receive a signal from an external electronic device (902). For example, but not limited to, the antenna (997) may include one or more antennas that include a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB).

[0082] In one embodiment, the sensor (976) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (901) or the external environmental state, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor (976) can include, but is not limited to, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a 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, for example.

[0083] In one embodiment, the memory (930) may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (901), such as the processor (920) or the sensor (976). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software and commands related thereto. In one embodiment, the memory (930) may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0084] In one embodiment, the memory (930) may store one or more programs (or applications) and instructions executed by the processor (920) and / or the processor of the external electronic device (902). In one embodiment, the memory (930) may temporarily and / or provisionally store data input / output from the electronic device (901) and / or the external electronic device (902).

[0085] According to one embodiment, an audio device (1) may include a housing (20) that at least partially forms an exterior of the audio device (1) and a speaker (10) disposed within the housing (20). Within the housing (20), a front space (50) having a first hole (55) facing an ear of a user wearing the audio device (1) and a rear space (60) having a second hole (65) formed in a different direction from the first hole (55) may be formed. The speaker (10) may be configured to generate a first sound (16) output to the outside through the front space (50) and the first hole (55) and a second sound (18) output to the outside through the rear space (60) and the second hole (65). The front space (50) may be configured to have a first resonant frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The rear space (60) may be configured to have a second resonant frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz so that at least a portion of the first sound (16) and at least a portion of the second sound (18) cancel each other out.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first resonant frequency of the front space (50) may be the first fundamental frequency of the front space (50). The second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) may be the second fundamental frequency of the rear space (60).

[0087] In one embodiment, the volume of the front space (50) may be smaller than the volume of the rear space (60).

[0088] In one embodiment, the volume of the front space (50) may be 65% or less of the volume of the rear space (60).

[0089] In one embodiment, the width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be smaller than the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0090] In one embodiment, the width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 50% or less of the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0091] In one embodiment, the length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50) may be greater than the length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60).

[0092] In one embodiment, the length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 80% or less of the length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0093] In one embodiment, the audio device (1) may include a first mesh screen covering the first hole (55) of the front space (50) and a second mesh screen covering the second hole (65) of the rear space (60).

[0094] In one embodiment, when the audio device (1) is worn on the user's ear, the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be located further from the ear than the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0095] In one embodiment, the distance between the first hole (55) and the second hole (65) may be 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0096] In one embodiment, the audio device (1) may be an open-type earphone that is not inserted into the ear canal of the user when worn on the user's ear.

[0097] In one embodiment, the housing (20) may include a head portion (710) that includes the front space (50) and the rear space (60), and accommodates the speaker (10); and an ear hook portion (720) that is configured to be hung on the ear so that the head portion (710) is positioned adjacent to the ear of the user.

[0098] In one embodiment, the audio device (1) may be a head mounted display (HMD).

[0099] In one embodiment, the speaker (10) may include a frame (12) positioned within the housing (20) and a diaphragm (14) accommodated within the frame (12) and configured to vibrate to produce the first sound (16) and the second sound (18). The housing (20) and the frame (12) may at least partially form the front space (50) and at least partially form the rear space (60).

[0100] In one embodiment, the diaphragm (14) may be arranged within the frame (12) such that the front surface of the diaphragm (14) is connected to the front space (50) and the rear surface of the diaphragm (14) is connected to the internal space of the frame (12). The rear surface of the diaphragm (14) may be connected to the rear space (60) through the internal space of the frame (12) and a hole formed in the frame (12).

[0101] According to one embodiment, an earphone (1) may include a housing (20) having a front space (50) and a rear space (60) formed therein; and a speaker (10) disposed within the housing (20) so as to at least partially separate the front space (50) and the rear space (60), and configured to generate sound transmitted to the outside through the front space (50) and the rear space (60). The front space (50) may be configured to have a first fundamental frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz. The rear space (60) may be configured to have a second fundamental frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0102] In one embodiment, the volume of the front space (50) may be 65% or less of the volume of the rear space (60).

[0103] In one embodiment, the front space (50) may include a first hole (55) acoustically connected to the exterior. The rear space (60) may include a second hole (65) acoustically connected to the exterior. The width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be 50% or less of the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0104] In one embodiment, when the earphone (1) is worn on the user's ear, the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) may be located further from the ear than the first hole (55) of the front space (50).

[0105] In one embodiment, the earphone (1) may be an open-type earphone that is not inserted into the user's ear canal.

[0106] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0107] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, in one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0108] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium. For example, a processor of the device may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0109] In one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0110] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the audio device (1), a housing (20) at least partially forming the exterior of the audio device (1); and It includes a speaker (10) placed within the above housing (20), Within the housing (20), a front space (50) having a first hole (55) facing the ear of a user wearing the audio device (1) and a rear space (60) having a second hole (65) formed in a different direction from the first hole (55) are formed. The above speaker (10) is configured to generate a first sound (16) output to the outside through the front space (50) and the first hole (55) and a second sound (18) output to the outside through the rear space (60) and the second hole (65). The above front space (50) is configured to have a first resonant frequency of 12 kHz to 20 kHz, The rear space (60) is configured to have a second resonant frequency of 1 kHz to 6 kHz so that at least a part of the first sound (16) and at least a part of the second sound (18) cancel each other out. Audio device (1).

2. In claim 1, The first resonant frequency of the front space (50) is the first fundamental frequency of the front space (50); The second resonant frequency of the rear space (60) is the second fundamental frequency of the rear space (60). Audio device (1).

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The volume of the above front space (50) is smaller than the volume of the above rear space (60). Audio device (1).

4. In claim 3, The volume of the front space (50) is less than or equal to 65% of the volume of the rear space (60). Audio device (1).

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) is smaller than the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50). Audio device (1).

6. In claim 5, The width of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) is less than or equal to 50% of the width of the first hole (55) of the front space (50). Audio device (1).

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50) is greater than the length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60). Audio device (1).

8. In claim 7, The length (l2) of the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) is less than or equal to 80% of the length (l1) of the first hole (55) of the front space (50). Audio device (1).

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, A first mesh screen covering the first hole (55) of the front space (50); and A second mesh screen covering the second hole (65) of the rear space (60); Audio device (1).

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, When the audio device (1) is worn on the user's ear, the second hole (65) of the rear space (60) is located further from the ear than the first hole (55) of the front space (50). Audio device (1).

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The distance between the first hole (55) and the second hole (65) is 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. Audio device (1).

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, The above audio device (1) is an open-type earphone that is not inserted into the ear canal of the user when worn on the user's ear. Audio device (1).

13. In claim 12, The above housing (20): A head portion (710) including the front space (50) and the rear space (60) and accommodating the speaker (10); and The head portion (710) includes an ear hook portion (720) configured to be hung on the ear so that the head portion (710) is positioned adjacent to the ear of the user. Audio device (1).

14. In any one of claims 1 to 13, The above speaker (10): A frame (12) positioned within the housing (20); and A diaphragm (14) is accommodated within the frame (12) and configured to vibrate to produce the first sound (16) and the second sound (18); The above housing (20) and the above frame (12): At least partially forming the above front space (50); At least partially forming the above rear space (60), Audio device (1).

15. In claim 14, The diaphragm (14) is arranged within the frame (12) such that the front surface of the diaphragm (14) is connected to the front space (50) and the rear surface of the diaphragm (14) is connected to the internal space of the frame (12). The rear surface of the diaphragm (14) is connected to the rear space (60) through the internal space of the frame (12) and a hole formed in the frame (12). Audio device (1).

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