Wireless earphone device and method for controlling same

Abstract

One of two earbuds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a first wearing portion including a first microphone; a second wearing portion including a second microphone; a bridge physically and electrically connecting the first wearing portion and the second wearing portion and being formed to be bendable; a sensor including a Hall sensor configured to detect a change in magnetic force according to a positional relationship between the first and second microphones; a processor; and a memory connected to the processor, wherein the memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, instruct the processor to acquire first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbud from the Hall sensor, acquire second data indicating a magnetic force between the first and second microphones from the Hall sensor, and determine an effective distance between the first and second microphones with respect to an utterance point on the basis of the first and second data.

Description

Wireless earphone device and control method thereof

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a clip-type wireless earphone device and a control method thereof.

[0002] With the advancement of communication technology, the use of wireless earphones is gradually increasing. Recently, true wireless stereo (TWS) products, which feature no cables or connectors between the earbuds, have become mainstream, allowing them to connect with electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to provide a variety of functions.

[0003] Wireless earphones may include a speaker configured to output audio signals and a microphone configured to input audio signals. For example, if a user receives a phone call while listening to music using a wireless earphone device connected to a smartphone, the user can use the wireless earphone device to make a phone call.

[0004] Meanwhile, depending on the wearing state of the earbuds, the distance between one or more microphones included in the earbuds and the speaking point (e.g., the user's mouth) may change. The wireless earphone device may detect the wearing state and wearing position of the earbuds and generate various control signals for controlling the wireless earphones based on the detection. For example, when a voice signal is input through the microphone of the wireless earphone device, the wireless earphone device may compensate for the voice signal by considering the wearing state and wearing position of the earbuds in order to maintain a constant quality of transmission performance. Alternatively, when the wireless earphone device receives a user's input, it may generate different control commands by considering a change in the position of the earbuds.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wireless earphone in the form of a clip and a method for controlling the wireless earphone.

[0007] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include two earbuds. At least one of the two earbuds may include a first wearing portion including a first microphone, a second wearing portion including a second microphone, a bridge that physically and electrically connects one side of the first wearing portion (10) to one side of the second wearing portion and is formed to be bendable, a communication circuit, at least one sensor including a Hall sensor configured to detect a change in magnetic force according to a positional relationship between the first microphone and the second microphone, at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor of the communication circuit, the first microphone, and the second microphone, and a memory operatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbud from the Hall sensor, obtain second data indicating a magnetic force between the first microphone and the second microphone from the Hall sensor, and determine an effective distance between the first microphone and the second microphone with respect to a speaking point based on the first data and the second data.

[0008] A method for controlling a wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining first data indicating a wearing angle of an earbud from a hall sensor, an operation of obtaining second data indicating a magnetic force between a first microphone and a second microphone from the hall sensor, and an operation of determining an effective distance between the first microphone and the second microphone with respect to an utterance point based on the first data and the second data.

[0009] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a clip-type wireless earphone including wearable parts positioned in front and behind the user's ears and a bridge connecting the wearable parts, which can provide comfort and a unique aesthetic feel when worn.

[0010] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones using a Hall sensor and, in response to this, identify whether the wireless earphone device is being worn.

[0011] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones using a Hall sensor and, in response, improve the transmission performance of sound input to the wireless earphone device.

[0012] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones using a Hall sensor, and generate a control signal according to the type of user's touch input signal input to the wireless earphone device in response thereto.

[0013] However, 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.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a wireless earphone device is worn on a user's ear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of an earbud included in a wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a front view of the earbuds as viewed from above, before the earbuds are worn, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5b is a front view of the earbuds viewed from above, with the earbuds worn, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for a wireless earphone device to generate a control signal for an earbud according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for a wireless earphone device to generate a control signal for an earbud according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for a wireless earphone device to generate a control signal for an earbud according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a wireless earphone device identifying a distance and an arrangement angle from a plurality of microphones to a firing point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for compensating for delay in a voice signal input to a first to third microphone by a wireless earphone device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a GSC block diagram for a wireless earphone device to perform beamforming according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates an operation of a wireless earphone device identifying a touch input signal input to an earbud according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates an operation of a wireless earphone device identifying a touch input signal input to an earbud according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating the appearance of an earbud included in a wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from one direction.

[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments disclosed in this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. For convenience of explanation, the components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the drawings.

[0033] Electronic devices according to 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 embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0034] 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, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the components from other such components and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 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.

[0035] 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, for example. A module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit or part of the 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).

[0036] According to 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 downloaded from an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), 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.

[0037] 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 arranged 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.

[0038] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0040] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0041] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0042] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (100) within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] 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 at least one of 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)).

[0045] 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 calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store resultant data in a 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 a secondary 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, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0046] 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 device) 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, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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), output sound through the sound 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 include one or more communication processors that operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and 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 (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) 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 a plurality of 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).

[0061] 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) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0062] 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 (197) 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, for example, by 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).

[0063] 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) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0064] 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)).

[0065] 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 using 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.

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a wireless earphone device (1) is worn on a user's ear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a wireless earphone device (1) can be connected to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) via a short-range wireless network. The electronic device (1501) can include, for example, a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, and the description of the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 1 above can be applied.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can output an audio signal or generate a voice signal based on a function provided by the electronic device (101). At least some of the descriptions of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 described above can be applied to the wireless earphone device (1).

[0070] According to one embodiment, a short-range wireless network for establishing a connection between a wireless earphone device (1) and an electronic device (101) may be established based on various communication methods. For example, the various communication methods may include Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) communication, or infrared (Infra-Red) communication.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) may include two earbuds (2, 3). One of the two earbuds (2, 3) may be mounted on the user's left ear, and the other may be mounted on the user's right ear.

[0072] Although not shown, the wireless earphone device (1) may further include a cradle (not shown) that provides a storage space for the earbuds (2; 3) in addition to the earbuds (2, 3) and provides a charging function.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the two earbuds (2, 3) of the present disclosure may be clip-type earbuds. The clip-type earbuds may be positioned to surround the outer periphery of the user's ear when worn on the user's ear. For example, one side of the clip-type earbud may be positioned in front of the user's ear, and the other side of the clip-type earbud may be positioned in the back of the user's ear.

[0074] In one embodiment, the clip-type earbuds are secured to the user's ears by surrounding the sides of the ears, thereby enhancing their fixation when worn. Since the clip-type earbuds do not need to be inserted into the user's ears when worn, they can enhance comfort even when worn for extended periods. Furthermore, the clip-type earbuds have the shape of an accessory that can be worn on the ear, creating a unique aesthetic.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the two earbuds (2, 3) may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other. By having symmetrical shapes, the two earbuds (2, 3) can be worn on each side of the user's ears. For convenience of explanation, the earbud (2) worn on the user's left ear among the earbuds (2; 3) will be described below based on FIG. 3.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, the earbud (2) may include a first wearing portion (10) positioned in front of the user's ear when worn on the user's ear, a second wearing portion (20) positioned in the back of the user's ear, and a bridge (30) positioned along the outer edge of the user's ear and formed to physically and / or electrically connect the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first wearable portion (10) may include a first housing (11) and a first cover (13) that form the overall appearance. For example, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the first housing (11) may be positioned to touch the front of the ear. For example, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the first cover (13) may be positioned in front of the first housing (11). For example, the first cover (13) may be coupled with the first housing (11).

[0078] According to one embodiment, a speaker hole (17) and a vent hole (19) may be formed in the first housing (11). The speaker hole (17) may be formed as an outlet for outputting sound from a speaker placed inside the first wearing portion (10) toward the user's ear. The vent hole (19) may be formed to control the air flow and pressure flowing inside the earbud (2). For example, the positions of the speaker hole (17) and the vent hole (19) may be exchanged with each other.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a microphone hole (15) may be formed in the first cover (13). The microphone hole (15) may form an entrance for inputting a voice signal to a first microphone (e.g., the first microphone (210) of FIG. 10) to be described later.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2) may further include components arranged within a space formed by the first housing (11) and the first cover (13). For example, the earbud (2) may further include a speaker and a first microphone (210). The speaker and the first microphone may be arranged within the space. For example, the first microphone (210) may be arranged near the microphone hole (15).

[0081] In one embodiment, the second wearable portion (20) may include a second housing (21) and a second cover (23) that form the overall appearance. For example, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the second housing (21) may be positioned to touch the back of the ear. For example, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the second cover (23) may be positioned at the back of the second housing (21). For example, the second cover (23) may be coupled with the second housing (21).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2) may include a charging terminal (25). The charging terminal (25) may be configured to receive power from the cradle when the earbud (2) is mounted on the cradle.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2) may further include components arranged in the internal space of the second wearing portion (20) formed by the second cover (23) and the second housing (21). For example, the earbud (2) may further include a second microphone (e.g., the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10) and a main board. The second microphone (220) may be arranged on the upper side of the internal space formed by the second wearing portion (20).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2) may further include a third microphone (e.g., the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11). The third microphone (230) may be positioned, for example, on the lower side of the internal space formed by the second wearing portion (20).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the main board may be equipped with a control unit (e.g., a control unit (610) of FIG. 6) including a processor (e.g., a processor (611) of FIG. 6) and a memory (e.g., a memory (613) of FIG. 6), a communication circuit constituting a communication unit (e.g., a communication unit (620) of FIG. 6), a sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (630) of FIG. 6), and an audio interface (e.g., an audio interface (641) of FIG. 6).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2) may include a Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6). The Hall sensor (631) may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated in the earbud (2). The Hall sensor may measure the strength of a magnetic field or detect the direction of a magnetic field by utilizing the Hall effect, in which a voltage difference is generated by a magnetic field.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (631) may be configured to detect a magnetic force formed by the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). For example, the Hall sensor (631) may be configured to detect a magnetic force by a magnet member included in the first microphone (210) and a magnet member included in the second microphone (220). For example, the Hall sensor (631) may be configured to detect a magnetic force by a magnet member included in the third microphone (230).

[0088] For example, when the magnetic force by the magnetic member included in each of the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220), and the third microphone (230) is less than the threshold level of magnetic force to be detected by the Hall sensor (631), the earbud (2) may further include a magnetic member. For example, when the earbud (2) further includes a magnetic member, the magnetic member may be placed near the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220), and / or the third microphone (230). For example, the magnetic member additionally placed near the first microphone (210) may be referred to as a first magnetic member, and the magnetic member additionally placed near the second microphone (220) may be referred to as a second magnetic member.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain information about the placement angle of the earbuds (2) based on the strength and direction of the magnetic force detected by the Hall sensor (631), or can obtain information about the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). The wireless earphone device (1) can generate a control signal for controlling the earbuds (2; 3) based on the above information. In this regard, it will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a microphone hole (27) may be formed in the second housing (21). The microphone hole (27) may be positioned on the upper side of the second housing (21). The microphone hole (27) may form an entrance for inputting a voice signal to the second microphone (220).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the second housing (21) may further be formed with a microphone hole that forms an entrance for inputting a voice signal to the third microphone (230). The microphone hole may be positioned near the third microphone (230). For example, the microphone hole may be positioned on the lower side of the second housing (21).

[0092] In one embodiment, the bridge (30) may physically and / or electrically connect the first wearable portion (10) and the second wearable portion (20). For example, one side of the bridge (30) may be arranged to be connected to one side of the first wearable portion (10), and the other side of the bridge (30) may be arranged to be connected to one side of the second wearable portion (20).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the bridge (30) may include a transmission line electrically connecting the first wearable portion (10) and the second wearable portion (20). The transmission line may be composed of wires and may electrically connect electrical components disposed within the first wearable portion (10) and electrical components disposed within the second wearable portion (20).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the bridge (30) may include a first bridge portion (31) formed to be connected to the first wearing portion (10), a second bridge portion (33) formed to be connected to the second wearing portion (20), and a bending portion (35) formed to be bendable and disposed between the first bridge portion (31) and the second bridge portion (33).

[0095] According to one embodiment, one side of the first bridge portion (31) may be arranged to be connected to a side of the first housing (11) included in the first wearing portion (10), and the other side of the first bridge portion (31) may be arranged to be connected to one side of the bending portion (35).

[0096] According to one embodiment, one side of the second bridge portion (33) may be arranged to be connected to a side of the second housing (21) included in the second wearing portion (20), and the other side of the second bridge portion (33) may be arranged to be connected to the other side of the bending portion (35).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the bending portion (35) may be formed in a “C” shape. The bending portion (35) may be formed to be bendable. When the bending portion (35) is bent, the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) may be arranged to come closer to each other or to move away from each other. For example, the bending portion (35) may be formed to have a predetermined range of motion. For example, as the bending portion (35) is bent within the predetermined range of motion, the positions of the first microphone (210) arranged inside the first wearing portion (10) and the second microphone (220) arranged inside the second wearing portion (20) may be arranged differently.

[0098] According to one embodiment, when the earbud (2) is worn, the bending portion (35) included in the bridge (30) can be bent to correspond to the user's ear. For example, the first bridge portion (31), the second bridge portion (33), and the bending portion (35) are each arranged to surround a portion of the user's ear, and the bridge (30) can secure the earbud (2) to the user's ear.

[0099] According to one embodiment, since the bending portion (35) is formed to be bendable, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the positions of the first wearing portion (10) and / or the second wearing portion (20) can be adjusted in response to the shape or size of the user's ear. For example, as the thickness of the user's ear on which the earbud (2) is worn is thicker, the bending portion (35) can be bent to be wider. Accordingly, the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) can be increased. For example, as the ear of the user on which the earbud (2) is worn is thinner, the bending portion (35) can be bent to be shrinked. Accordingly, the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) can be decreased.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the user wearing the earbud (2) is different, the first wearing portion (10) and / or the second wearing portion (20) may be positioned differently. Accordingly, the positions of the first microphone (210) positioned inside the first wearing portion (10) and the second microphone (220) (and / or the third microphone (230)) positioned inside the second wearing portion (20) may be positioned differently.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the angle of placement between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) (and / or the third microphone (230)) may be different depending on the angle of placement of the earbud (2). For example, when the earbud (2) is worn, the angle that the bridge (30) forms in the height direction with respect to the ground may be different.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain information about the wearing angle of the earbud (2) and information about the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20). Based on the above information, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate various types of control signals for controlling the earbud (2). This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the earbud (2) is worn based on the difference in the wearing angle of the earbud (2) and the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the earbud (2) is worn by identifying the degree of opening of the bridge (30) based on the difference in the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20). In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0104] According to one embodiment, since the wearing angle of the earbud (2) and the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) are different, the distance between the speaking point and the first microphone (210) and the distance between the speaking point and the second microphone (220) may be different. Since the distance between the speaking point and the first microphone (210) and the distance between the speaking point and the second microphone (220) are different, the wireless earphone device (1) may generate a correction parameter for correcting the voice signal generated from the speaking point when the voice signal is input to the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). In order to generate the correction parameter, the wireless earphone device (1) may acquire information on the arrangement angle of the earbud (2) and / or information on the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220), and generate a correction parameter for correcting the voice signal based on the acquired information. In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0105] According to one embodiment, when a user input is received through the earbud (2) due to a difference in distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) of the earbud (2), the wireless earphone device (1) can identify the location and input method of the user input and generate different control commands based on the same. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether a touch input is received simultaneously for the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) of the earbud (2) or whether a touch input is received only for one of the two, and can generate a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether a touch input is received for a preset time or longer for the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) or whether a plurality of touch inputs are received, and can generate a control command corresponding thereto. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0106] FIG. 4 is a front view of an earbud (2) (e.g., earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 2) included in a wireless earphone device (e.g., wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0107] FIG. 5a is a front view of the earbud (2) viewed from above before the earbud (2) is worn, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 5b is a front view of the earbud (2) viewed from above while the earbud (2) is worn according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The embodiments of FIGS. 4, 5a, and 5b can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0110] The earbud (2) illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5a, and 5b illustrates an earbud (2) that can be worn on the user's left ear among the two earbuds (2, 3) illustrated in FIG. 2, and may include substantially the same configuration as the earbud (3) that can be worn on the right ear, and may have a symmetrical shape. Therefore, descriptions overlapping with those in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4, the earbud (2) may further include a third microphone (e.g., the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11). The third microphone (230) may be disposed, for example, in an internal space formed by the second wearing portion (e.g., the second wearing portion (20) of FIG. 3). The third microphone (230) may be disposed, for example, on the lower side of the internal space. For example, the second housing (21) of the second wearing portion (20) may further include a microphone hole (27a) (e.g., the microphone hole (27) of FIG. 3) which is an entrance for inputting a voice signal to the third microphone (230). The microphone hole (27a) may be formed on the lower side of the second wearing portion (20).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, FIG. 5A is a front view of the earbud (2) viewed from above in a state where the bridge (30) (e.g., the bridge (30) of FIG. 3) is not bent before the earbud (2) is worn, and FIG. 5B is a front view of the earbud (2) viewed from above in a state where the bridge (3) is bent as the earbud (2) is worn.

[0113] For example, the earbud (2) in a state before being worn may be the state of the earbud (2) immediately after being removed from the cradle, and may not be bent because no external force is applied to the bridge (30). The above state of the earbud (2) in Fig. 5a will be referred to as the "default state" of the earbud (2).

[0114] For example, the earbud (2) in the state after being worn may be in a state in which the bridge (30) portion is bent within a predetermined range of motion so that the earbud (2) in the state of FIG. 5a can be worn on the wearer's ear, and may be adaptively bent according to the size and / or shape of the user's ear. In this document, for the convenience of explanation, it will be assumed that the bridge (30) is bent by a predetermined amount so that the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) are arranged relatively far apart from each other compared to the default state. The above state of the earbud (2) in FIG. 5b will be referred to as the "wearing state" of the earbud (2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, in the wearing state of the earbud (2), the distance d1' between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) may be relatively longer than the distance d1 between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) in the default state of the earbud (2).

[0116] According to one embodiment, in the wearing state of the earbud (2), the distance d2' between the first microphone (210) and the third microphone (230) may be relatively longer than the distance d2 between the first microphone (210) and the third microphone (230) in the default state of the earbud (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, a wireless earphone device (e.g., a wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) may obtain information about a changing magnetic force using a Hall sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6) as the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone and the distance between the first microphone (210) and the third microphone are different depending on the default state and the wearing state of the earbud (2). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may generate a control signal, such as whether the earbud (2; 3) is in a wearing state, generating a correction parameter for a voice signal input to the microphone of the earbud (2; 3) (e.g., the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220) and the third microphone (230)), and generating a control command by a user input input to the earbud (2; 3), based on the information obtained by the Hall sensor (631). In addition, in order to generate the control signal, the wireless earphone device (1) may additionally consider information acquired from various sensors (e.g., a tilt sensor (631), a touch sensor (635), and a wearing detection sensor (637) of FIG. 6) included in the sensor unit (e.g., a sensor unit (630) of FIG. 6). A functional block diagram of the wireless earphone device (1) related to this will be described in FIG. 6.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a wireless earphone device (e.g., the wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] The embodiment of FIG. 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0120] The components illustrated in FIG. 6 are centered on components required from the viewpoint of generating a control signal according to the positions of one or more microphones (e.g., the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10, and the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11) included in the earbuds (2; 3) of the wireless earphone device (1) of the present disclosure. In addition, some of the components of FIG. 6 may be included in each of the two earbuds (2, 3) constituting the wireless earphone device (1), or may be included in either of the two earbuds (2, 3).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, the wireless earphone device (1) may include a control unit (610), a communication unit (620), a sensor unit (630), and audio (640).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (620) may correspond at least in part to the communication module (190) of FIG. 1. For example, the communication unit (620) may omit some of the communication module (190) of FIG. 1.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (620) can establish a communication connection with an electronic device (e.g., a communication-capable electronic device including a smartphone or tablet PC) and transmit and receive various data. For example, the communication unit (620) can support at least one communication method among Wi-Fi (wireless-fidelity), Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication), or UWB (ultra-wide band) communication.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (620) may be implemented as communication circuitry. For example, the communication circuitry may be placed in the internal space of the second wearable portion (e.g., the second wearable portion (20) of FIG. 3).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (630) may be configured to detect various signals for controlling the wireless earphone device (1). For example, the sensor unit (630) may include a hall sensor (631), a tilt sensor (633), a touch sensor (635), and a wearing detection sensor (637).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (631) may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from the earbud (2). The Hall sensor may measure the strength of a magnetic field or detect the direction of a magnetic field by utilizing the Hall effect, in which a voltage difference is generated by a magnetic field.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (631) can detect a magnetic field generated by the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220), and / or the third microphone (230) as the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) included in the earbud (2) changes.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) can determine the positions and angles of the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) based on the magnitude and direction of the preset magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor (631). For example, the processor (611) can determine the positions and angles of the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) by comparing the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor (631) with data corresponding to a mapping table (mapping table of and ) stored in a memory (613) to be described later, and can identify the wearing state of the earbuds (2) based on the positions and angles of the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230), or can generate correction parameters to improve the transmission performance of a voice signal input from a speech point to the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230).

[0129] In one embodiment, the tilt sensor (633) may be configured to detect the placement angle of the earbud (2). The tilt sensor (633) may detect the tilt and / or rotation angle of the earbud (2). For example, the tilt sensor (633) may include an acceleration sensor, a six-axis sensor, and a gyro sensor.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the tilt sensor (633) detects the placement angle of the earbud (2), and based on this, the processor (611) can identify whether the earbud (2) is worn. For example, the processor (611) can identify whether the earbud (2) is worn based on information obtained from the hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633). The processor (611) can identify whether the earbud (2) is worn based on at least one of the information obtained from the hall sensor (631) and the information obtained from the tilt sensor (633). In response to identifying that the earbud (2) is worn, the processor (611) can generate a control signal for the earbud (2).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (635) may be configured to detect a user's touch input input into the earbud (2). The touch sensor (635) may be implemented as a capacitive touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor (635) may detect a change in an electrical signal when a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) approaches or touches the first wearing portion (10) and / or the second wearing portion (20). For example, the touch sensor (635) may be implemented in various ways, including a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, and a pressure-sensitive sensor.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (635) can acquire touch inputs input at multiple points of the earbud (2). For example, the touch sensor (635) can be implemented in multiple numbers and placed at each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20). For example, the touch sensor (635) can detect a touch signal input at one or more points formed at the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) can generate various types of control commands based on a touch input signal input to the touch sensor (635). For example, the processor (611) can obtain the type of touch input input to the touch sensor (635) and execute a control command corresponding to the type.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) can identify a control command for each type of touch input stored in the memory (613) from a mapping table that stores the control command, and execute a control command preset in the mapping table. For example, the processor (611) can receive a touch input for either the first wearing portion (10) or the second wearing portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the processor (611) can identify a specific point of a touch input for either the first wearing portion (10) or the second wearing portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the processor (611) can identify the number of inputs (e.g., double click or double tap) of a touch input for either the first wearing portion (10) or the second wearing portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the processor (611) can identify the input time (e.g., a touch of 2 seconds or more) of a touch input for either the first wearing portion (10) or the second wearing portion (20) and execute a corresponding control command.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may identify simultaneous touch inputs to the first worn portion (10) and the second worn portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the processor (611) may identify the number of simultaneous inputs (e.g., double clicks or double taps) to the first worn portion (10) and the second worn portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. For example, the processor (611) may identify the input time of simultaneous inputs to the first worn portion (10) and the second worn portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto. In addition, the processor (611) may identify various types of touch inputs input to the first worn portion (10) and the second worn portion (20) and execute a control command corresponding thereto.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the audio unit (640) may transmit a voice signal through a speaker (645) or receive a voice signal input to a microphone (643). The audio unit (640) may include an audio interface (641), a microphone (643), and a speaker (645).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the audio interface (641) may be configured to convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal, or to convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. For example, the audio interface (641) may further include an amplifier and may adjust the intensity of the audio signal. For example, the audio interface (641) may perform various controls to improve sound quality by removing noise included in the audio signal, performing equalization, or performing sound field effects during the process of processing the audio signal.

[0138] In one embodiment, the microphone (643) may be configured to acquire a user's voice signal. The microphone (643) may include a plurality of microphones (210, 220, 230). The plurality of microphones (210, 220, 230) may include a first microphone (210), a second microphone (220), and a third microphone (230). The microphone (643) may correspond to the input module (150) of FIG. 1.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first microphone (210) may be placed in the inner space of the first wearing part (10), the second microphone (220) may be placed in the upper inner space of the second wearing part (20), and the third microphone (230) may be placed in the lower inner space of the second wearing part (20). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the speaker (645) can output an audio signal related to a function provided by an electronic device with which a wireless connection is established with the wireless earphone device (1). The speaker (645) can be placed, for example, in the internal space of the first wearable portion (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the control unit (610) may include a processor (611) and a memory (613). The processor (611) and the memory (613) may be implemented as separate components or may be configured as an integral unit.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may be configured to control the overall operation of the wireless earphone device (1). The processor (611) may correspond at least in part to the processor (120) of FIG. 1.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may be configured to control one or more components included in the wireless earphone device (1) by executing one or more commands (instructions) stored in the memory (613), control one or more components with a hardware circuit or chip, or control one or more components as a combination of software and hardware.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may be configured to be electrically connected to and control various components within a wireless audio device (1), including a communication unit (620), a sensor unit (630), and an audio unit (640).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the memory (613) may be configured to store commands or data for controlling the overall operation of the wireless earphone device (1). The memory (613) may correspond at least in part to the memory (130) of FIG. 1.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the memory (613) can store various data required for the processor (611) to generate a control signal for the wireless earphone device (1). For example, the memory (613) can store a mapping table for data for determining the arrangement direction of the wireless earphone device (1) and data for determining the distance between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) included in the earbuds (2; 3).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the memory (613) can store a first mapping table indicating a corresponding magnetic force according to the positional relationship between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) detected by the Hall sensor (631). The first mapping table can be implemented in the form of below.

[0148] Separation distance (unit: mm) Magnetic force value applied to the Hall sensor (unit: Gauss (G)) Reference point (default) A Reference point -1 (x-axis direction) A+d1 Reference point +1 (x-axis direction) A-d1 Reference point -1 (y-axis direction) A+d2 Reference point +1 (y-axis direction) A-d2 Reference point -1 (z-axis direction) A+d3 Reference point +1 (z-axis direction) A-d3

[0149] Referring to , Table 1 illustrates changes in the magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (631) in response to the distance and direction between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) based on the default state. For example, the positions of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) may change during the process of wearing the earbuds (2; 3) or as the earbuds (2; 3) receive user input. Accordingly, the values ​​of the magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (631) in response to changes in the distance between the first microphone (210) placed in the first wearing portion (10) and the second and third microphones (220, 230) placed in the second wearing portion (20) are illustrated as examples. only shows the magnetic force values ​​according to a distance change of 1 mm from the reference point, but is not limited thereto and may further include magnetic force values ​​corresponding to other distance changes. For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are in the default state, a magnetic force of A Gauss (G, hereinafter, units omitted) may be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0150] For example, when the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) of the earbuds (2; 3) are spaced apart by +1 mm in the x-axis direction (e.g., 1 mm in the right direction) with respect to the default state, a magnetic force of A+d1 can be applied to the hall sensor (631).

[0151] For example, when the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) are spaced apart by -1 mm in the x-axis direction (e.g., by 1 mm in the left direction) in the default state, a magnetic force of A-d1 can be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0152] For example, when the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) are spaced apart by +1 mm in the y-axis direction (e.g., 1 mm forward) in the default state, a magnetic force of A+d2 can be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0153] For example, when the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) are spaced apart by -1 mm in the y-axis direction (e.g., 1 mm backward) in the default state, a magnetic force of A-d2 can be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0154] For example, when the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) are spaced apart by +1 mm in the z-axis direction (e.g., 1 mm upward) in the default state, a magnetic force of A+d3 can be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0155] For example, when the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) are spaced apart by -1 mm in the z-axis direction (e.g., 1 mm downward) in the default state, a magnetic force of A-d3 can be applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may obtain a magnetic force value applied to the Hall sensor (631) and determine the distance and direction of the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) based on a default state in correspondence with the magnetic force value stored in the first mapping table. The data obtained by calculating the distance between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) in correspondence with the magnetic force value obtained by the processor (611) from the Hall sensor (631) may be referred to as “second data.”

[0157] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may generate a control signal for controlling the wireless earphone device (1) based on the second data. For example, the processor (611) may detect whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn based on the second data, identify the type of user input input to the earbuds (2; 3), or generate a correction parameter for improving the transmission performance of a voice signal input to the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230).

[0158] According to an example, the memory (613) can store a second mapping table indicating data according to the placement angle of the earbuds (2; 3) detected by the tilt sensor (633). The second mapping table can be implemented in the form of below.

[0159] Rotation in x-axis direction Rotation in y-axis direction Rotation in z-axis direction 0 degrees (default) BBB 90 degrees (counterclockwise) B+p1 B+p2 B+p3 90 degrees (clockwise) B-p1 B-p2 B-p3

[0160] Referring to , Table 2 illustrates the acceleration or angular velocity applied to the tilt sensor (633) in response to the degree to which the earbud (2; 3) is tilted based on the default state. For example, the placement angle of the earbud (2; 3) may change during the process of wearing the earbud (2; 3) or due to the movement of the user wearing the earbud (2; 3), and the tilt sensor (633) exemplarily illustrates data values ​​for the acceleration or angular velocity applied to the tilt sensor (633) as the placement angle of the earbud (2; 3) changes. illustrates data values ​​when rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise or clockwise from the default state, but is not limited thereto, and may further include data values ​​corresponding to other angle changes. For example, when the earbud (2; 3) is in the default state, data of B may be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0161] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° counterclockwise in the x-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B+p1 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0162] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° clockwise in the x-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B-p1 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0163] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° counterclockwise in the y-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B+p2 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0164] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° clockwise in the y-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B-p2 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0165] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° counterclockwise in the z-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B+p3 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0166] For example, when the earbuds (2; 3) are rotated 90° counterclockwise in the z-axis direction with respect to the default state, data of B-p3 can be applied to the tilt sensor (633).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may acquire data from the tilt sensor (633) and determine the placement angle of the earbuds (2; 3) based on the default state in correspondence with the data values ​​stored in the second mapping table. The data obtained by calculating the placement angle between the first microphone to the third microphone (210, 220, 230) in correspondence with the data acquired by the processor (611) from the tilt sensor (633) may be referred to as “first data.”

[0168] According to one embodiment, the processor (611) may generate a control signal for controlling the wireless earphone device (1) based on the first data. For example, the processor (611) may detect whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn based on the second data, identify the type of user input input to the earbuds (2; 3), or generate a correction parameter for improving the transmission performance of a voice signal input to the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230). Hereinafter, an operation for the wireless earphone device (1) to generate a control signal based on the first data and the second data will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0169] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for generating a control signal for an earbud (e.g., earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 2) by a wireless earphone device (e.g., wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] Hereinafter, each operation illustrated in the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 can be implemented as a hardware and software function by the components included in the wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 6 (e.g., the control unit (610), communication unit (620), sensor unit (630), and audio unit (640) of FIG. 6).

[0171] In addition, each operation illustrated in the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 may be performed repeatedly as needed, some operations may be omitted, and the order may be changed.

[0172] The embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 7, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) in operation 710. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the first data indicating the wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) from a tilt sensor (e.g., a tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can also obtain the first data by further considering information obtained from a Hall sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain second data indicating a magnetic force between a first microphone (e.g., the first microphone (210) of FIG. 10) and a second microphone (e.g., the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10) in operation 720. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the second data by obtaining an electric signal applied in response to the magnetic force between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from a hall sensor (631).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify a positional relationship, such as a distance or angle, between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) based on the second data.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a control signal for controlling the earbuds (2; 3) based on the first data and the second data in operation 730.

[0177] For example, a wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn by the user based on the first data and the second data. This will be described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0178] For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate correction parameters to improve the quality of a voice signal input to the microphone (e.g., microphone (643) of FIG. 6) of the earbuds (2; 3) based on the first data and the second data. This will be described in FIG. 8.

[0179] For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate control commands corresponding to various types of user touch inputs acquired by the earbuds (2; 3) based on the first data and the second data. This will be described in detail in FIG. 9.

[0180] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for correcting a voice signal input to a microphone (e.g., a microphone (643) of FIG. 6) by a wireless earphone device (e.g., a wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 8, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbud (e.g., the earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 2) in operation 810. Operation 810 may correspond at least in part to operation 710 of FIG. 7. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbud (2; 3) from a tilt sensor (e.g., the tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may also obtain the first data by further considering information obtained from a Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) may obtain second data indicating a magnetic force between a first microphone (e.g., the first microphone (210) of FIG. 10) and a second microphone (e.g., the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10) in operation 820. Operation 820 may correspond at least in part to operation 720 of FIG. 7. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may obtain the second data by obtaining an electric signal applied in response to the magnetic force between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from a hall sensor (631).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine, at operation 830, whether the amount of change in the magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (643) exceeds a threshold level based on the second data. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine whether the amount of change in the magnetic force exceeds a preset threshold level from a database stored in a memory (e.g., memory (613) of FIG. 6).

[0184] According to one embodiment, when the amount of change in the magnetic force exceeds a preset threshold level, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify that the earbuds (2; 3) are being worn in operation 840. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the earbuds (2; 3) are being worn by considering the amount of change in the magnetic force applied between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) acquired as the second data and the angle of arrangement of the earbuds (2; 3) acquired as the first data.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) based on the second data in operation 850. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) based on an electric signal applied to the Hall sensor (631) corresponding to the position between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the first data corresponding to the magnetic force of the Hall sensor (631) from a mapping table stored in the memory (613).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine an effective distance (e.g., effective distance (r) of FIG. 10) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an utterance point (e.g., utterance point (S) of FIG. 10) based on the first data and the second data in operation 860. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine the effective distance (r) based on the distance (e.g., d3 of FIG. 10) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) determined in operation 850, the distance (r1) between the utterance point (S) and the first microphone, and the distance (r2) between the utterance point (S) and the second microphone. The effective distance (r) may be defined as a distance corresponding to the time delay and / or phase delay between the times at which a voice signal generated from the utterance point (S) reaches the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220), respectively, depending on the positional relationship between the utterance point (S), the first microphone (210), and the second microphone (220), for example. This will be described in connection with operation 860 in FIG. 10.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can correct the transmission performance based on the effective distance (r) in operation 870. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a correction parameter for correcting the transmission performance based on the effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the utterance point (S) determined in operation 860. The correction parameter can be defined as a parameter for compensating for the delay of a voice signal input to the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220), and the third microphone (e.g., the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11), or for performing beamforming. In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0188] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for generating a control command in response to a touch signal input to an earbud (e.g., an earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 2) by a wireless earphone device (e.g., a wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 9, operations 910 to 940 may correspond to operations 810 to 840 of FIG. 8, respectively.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) in operation 910. Operation 910 may correspond at least in part to operation 710 of FIG. 7 and operation 810 of FIG. 8. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) from a tilt sensor (e.g., tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may also obtain the first data by further considering information obtained from a Hall sensor (e.g., Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) may obtain second data indicating a magnetic force between a first microphone (e.g., the first microphone (210) of FIG. 10) and a second microphone (e.g., the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10) in operation 920. Operation 920 may correspond at least in part to operation 720 of FIG. 7 and operation 820 of FIG. 8. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may obtain the second data by obtaining an electric signal applied in response to the magnetic force between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from a hall sensor (631).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine, at operation 930, whether the amount of change in the magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (643) based on the second data has exceeded a threshold level. Operation 930 may correspond at least in part to operation 830 of FIG. 8. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine, from a database stored in a memory (e.g., memory (613) of FIG. 6), whether the amount of change in the magnetic force has exceeded a preset threshold level.

[0193] According to one embodiment, when the amount of change in the magnetic force exceeds a preset threshold level, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify that the earbuds (2; 3) are being worn in operation 940. Operation 940 may correspond at least in part to operation 840 of FIG. 8. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) may identify whether the earbuds (2; 3) are being worn by considering both the amount of change in the magnetic force applied between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) acquired as the second data and the arrangement angle of the earbuds (2; 3) acquired as the first data.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain a touch input for the earbuds (2; 3) at operation 950. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain a user's touch input for a specific point of a first wearing portion (e.g., a first wearing portion (10) of FIG. 3) and a second wearing portion (e.g., a second wearing portion (20) of FIG. 3) of the earbuds (2; 3). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the touch input from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (635) of FIG. 6).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify the location of the touch input acquired by the earbuds (2; 3) at operation 960. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify the location of the touch input from touch sensors disposed on each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify a change in distance between a plurality of microphones (e.g., first to third microphones (210, 220, 230)) based on the second data in operation 970. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain a magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (631) and identify how much the distance between the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) has changed based on the change in the magnetic force.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a control command to control the earbuds (2; 3) based on the location of the touch input identified in operation 980 and the change in distance between the microphones.

[0198] For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine whether the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) have been pressed to become closer to each other for a preset period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or longer based on a change in the distance between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) identified by the touch input signal. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain a touch input for each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20), detect a change in magnetic force due to the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) becoming closer, determine whether the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) have been pressed to become closer to each other for a preset period of time or longer, and generate an input signal corresponding thereto. This will be described in connection with FIG. 13.

[0199] For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine whether an input has occurred through a double-tap gesture based on a change in the distance between a touch input signal and the identified first to third microphones (210, 220, 230). The double-tap gesture can be defined as a gesture in which the user presses the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) twice while wearing the earbuds (2; 3).

[0200] For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can acquire touch inputs for each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20), detect a change in magnetic force caused by the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) coming closer, determine whether each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) has been pressed twice for a preset time (e.g., 2 seconds), and generate an input signal corresponding thereto. This will be described in connection with FIG. 14.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether or not it is being worn by using a hall sensor (631) and a tilt sensor (633). The wireless earphone device (1) can detect a change in magnetic force applied from the hall sensor (631) to improve transmission performance through the clip-type earphone, and can obtain an input gesture adaptive to the shape of the clip-type earphone to generate a control command.

[0202] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a wireless earphone device (e.g., wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) identifying a distance and an arrangement angle from a plurality of microphones (210, 220) (e.g., microphone (643) of FIG. 6) to a firing point (S) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which a wireless earphone device (1) identifies the distance and angle to a speech point (S) using a voice signal input to two microphones (e.g., a first microphone (210) and a second microphone (220)).

[0204] The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 9.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 10, when the wireless earphone device (1) is worn, the distance between the ignition point (S) and the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) and / or the distance between the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) may be different depending on the user's body structure and wearing method.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify a distance (r1) between a speech point (S) and a first microphone (210), and a distance (r2) between the speech point (S) and a second microphone (220). The wireless earphone device (1) can identify a distance (d3) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). The speech point (S) may be, for example, a mouth of a user wearing earbuds (e.g., earbuds (2; 3) of FIG. 2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the speech point (S) may be a point where a voice signal input to the first to third microphones (e.g., the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) of FIG. 11) is generated.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can calculate an angle (1010) formed by a straight line connecting the utterance point (S) and the first microphone (210) and a straight line connecting the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220) based on a distance (r1) between the utterance point (S) and the first microphone (210), a distance (r2) between the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220), and a distance (d3) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) based on the magnetic value detected by the Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain the distance (d3) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the mapping table shown in of FIG. 6.

[0209] According to one embodiment, when an audio signal from an utterance point (S) reaches the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220), the wireless earphone device (1) can determine the difference (r) between the distance (r1) between the utterance point (S) and the first microphone (210) and the distance (r2) between the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220) by using the arrival time difference and the speed of sound of the audio signal between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine an angle (1010) formed by a straight line connecting the utterance point (S) and the first microphone (210) and a straight line connecting the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220) using the difference (r) between the distance (r1) between the utterance point (S) and the first microphone (210), the distance (r2) between the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220), and the distance (d3) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine the angle (1010) using the following mathematical equation.

[0211] θ(1010)=cos -1 (r / d3)

[0212] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can calculate the input delay time (t) of the voice signal due to the separation of the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) by using the distance (d3) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) and the speed of sound (v). For example, the input delay time (t) of the voice signal can be t=(d3 / v)*cosθ. The speed of sound can be, for example, approximately 340 m / s, but is not limited thereto, and can vary depending on the ambient temperature.

[0213] According to one embodiment, when the positions of the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) included in the earbuds (2; 3) change and the angles change, the time delay applied to the voice signal input to each of the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) may change.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate correction parameters for improving the performance of a voice signal input to the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) based on the distance (d1) between the first microphone (210), the difference (r) between the distance (r2) between the utterance point (S) and the second microphone (220), and the angle (1010). The correction parameters generated by the wireless earphone device (1) will be described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0215] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for compensating for delay of a voice signal input to a first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) by a wireless earphone device (e.g., wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] The functions or operations described with reference to FIG. 11 may be understood as functions performed by at least one processor (e.g., processor (611) of FIG. 6) included in the wireless earphone device (1). At least one processor (611) may execute commands (e.g., instructions) stored in a memory (e.g., memory (613) of FIG. 6) to implement the software modules illustrated in FIG. 11, and may control hardware related to the function (e.g., communication unit (620), sensor unit (630), and audio unit (640) of FIG. 6).

[0217] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 10.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 11, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a voice signal by a user's speech by using a plurality of microphones (e.g., a first microphone (210), a second microphone (220), and a third microphone (230)) included in one selected earbud among two earbuds (e.g., earbuds (2; 3) of FIG. 2). For example, the earbuds (2; 3) can include a Hall sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6), a tilt sensor (e.g., a tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6), a first microphone (210), a second microphone (220), or a third microphone (230).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the rotation angle detection unit (1110) of the wireless earphone device (1) may be configured to obtain an acceleration signal measured for the earbuds (2; 3) using a tilt sensor (633), and detect a declination indicating how much a straight axis connecting the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) is rotated with respect to a default state based on the obtained acceleration signal.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the delay compensation unit (1120) of the wireless earphone device (1) may be configured to calculate a time delay for a voice signal input to the second microphone (220) by considering the detected bias, and to compensate for the time delay for the voice signal input to the second microphone (220) by applying a function for compensating for the calculated time delay to the input signal.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the beamforming unit & noise suppression unit (1130) of the wireless earphone device (1) can synthesize voice signals input to the first to third microphones (210, 220, 230) respectively when the user speaks. For example, the beamforming unit & noise suppression unit (1130) can synthesize the input signal of the second microphone (220) for which the constant time delay has been compensated with the input signal of the first microphone (210) and / or the input signal of the third microphone (230). The beamforming unit & noise suppression unit (1130) can be configured to generate a clearer voice signal by removing noise components from the synthesized signal.

[0222] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a generalized side-lobe canceller (GSC) for a wireless earphone device (e.g., the wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) to perform beamforming according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] The functions or operations described with reference to FIG. 12 may be understood as functions performed by at least one processor (e.g., processor (611) of FIG. 6) included in the wireless earphone device (1). At least one processor (611) may execute commands (e.g., instructions) stored in a memory (e.g., memory (613) of FIG. 6) to implement the software modules illustrated in FIG. 12, and may control hardware related to the function (e.g., communication unit (620), sensor unit (630), and audio unit (640) of FIG. 6).

[0224] The embodiment of FIG. 12 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 11.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 12, the wireless earphone device (1) can perform acoustic beamforming to obtain an audio signal from a specific direction. For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a correction parameter for performing acoustic beamforming. The correction parameter can be, for example, a weight determined by either the GSC method or the LCMV (linearly constrained minimum variance) method.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can perform beamforming by applying a filter and a correction algorithm for performance improvement, for example, an adaptive beamforming method such as the GSC and LCMV methods, based on a time delay or phase delay corresponding to the distance between the utterance point and the plurality of microphones (210, 220, 230).

[0227] In one embodiment, the GSC may include a fixed beamforming and target signal blocking matrix, and a multiple interference canceller.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) may time-delay steer signals output from a plurality of microphones to generate four signals, which are target signals having different phases. For example, the plurality of microphones may be a first microphone (210) and a second microphone (220) included in each of two earbuds (2; 3), and may be changed according to the number of microphones included in the earbuds (2; 3). For example, the four signals may be transmitted to a blocking matrix. In the blocking matrix, a voice signal may be blocked using input signals and only a noise signal may be output. Since the blocking matrix must adaptively remove noise, the noise may be transmitted to a plurality of filters (FIR1, FIR2, FIR3). Here, the filter weight of each filter may be determined by an LMS (least mean square) algorithm.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the wireless earphone device (1) can remove noise again from the output signal of fixed beamforming, from which noise has already been removed once, by using noise signals output from the target signal blocking matrix in the multiple interference remover.

[0230] In one embodiment, as described above, the time delay or phase delay corresponding to the distance between a specific object (e.g., a user's mouth) and a microphone can be used to determine weights for beamforming or to remove noise within the GSC. However, this is not limited thereto, and the filter and performance compensation algorithms can be implemented in various ways other than the GSC disclosed in the present invention.

[0231] FIG. 13 illustrates an operation of a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to identify a touch input signal input to an earbud (e.g., an earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 2).

[0232] FIG. 14 illustrates an operation of a wireless earphone device (1) identifying a touch input signal input to an earbud (2; 3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] FIG. 13 illustrates an action of pressing both sides of a first wearing part (e.g., the first wearing part (10) of FIG. 3) and a second wearing part (e.g., the second wearing part (20) of FIG. 3) included in an earbud (2; 3) for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) or longer, and FIG. 14 illustrates an action of pressing the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) twice (e.g., the double tap gesture of FIG. 9).

[0234] The embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify the type of user's touch input based on information obtained from a Hall sensor (e.g., Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6) and a tilt sensor (e.g., tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6).

[0236] In FIG. 13, the wireless earphone device (1) obtains touch inputs for each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20), detects a change in magnetic force due to the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) coming closer, determines whether the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) are pressed together for a preset period of time, and generates an input signal corresponding thereto.

[0237] In Fig. 14, the wireless earphone device (1) can determine whether an input via a double-tap gesture has occurred based on a change in the distance between the touch input signal and the identified first to third microphones (210, 220, 230). For example, the wireless earphone device (1) can obtain a touch input for each of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20), detect a change in magnetic force due to the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) coming closer, determine whether the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) have been pressed twice for a preset time (e.g., 2 seconds), and generate an input signal corresponding thereto.

[0238] According to one embodiment, in each of FIGS. 13 and 14, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify different input gestures and generate different control signals corresponding thereto.

[0239] For example, when an input gesture of either FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 is identified, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a control signal to activate or deactivate the noise canceling function.

[0240] For example, when an input gesture of either FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 is identified, the wireless earphone device (1) can generate a control signal to activate or deactivate the voice assistance function.

[0241] However, without limitation thereto, when identifying an input gesture of either FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, the wireless earphone device (1) may generate a control signal for activating or deactivating a preset function.

[0242] Although not shown, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn and perform control based on whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn. For example, when a user wearing the earbuds (2; 3) removes the earbuds (2; 3) from the body (e.g., the user's ears), a control signal can be generated to pause the music (or video) being played. For example, when the music (or video) is paused and the user puts the earbuds (2; 3) back on, the wireless earphone device (1) can identify whether the user is wearing the earbuds and generate a control signal to resume playing the music (or video) that is paused.

[0243] FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating the appearance of an earbud (2-1) (e.g., earbud (2; 3) of FIG. 3) included in a wireless earphone device (e.g., wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from one direction.

[0244] The earbud (2-1) of FIG. 15 is different in appearance from the earbuds (2; 3) illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5a, and 5b, and the control operations related to the functions can be arranged to be performed substantially identically. Therefore, the earbud (2-1) of FIG. 15 can be understood as an extended embodiment of the earbuds (2; 3) illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5a, and 5b. Therefore, the explanation will focus on the differences in appearance.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may include a first wearing portion (10-1), a second wearing portion (20-1), and a bridge (30-1). The earbud (2-1) may be implemented as a clip-type earbud (2-1).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may include a first wearing portion (10-1) positioned in front of the user's ear when worn on the user's ear, a second wearing portion (20-1) positioned in the back of the user's ear, and a bridge (30-1) positioned along the outer edge of the user's ear and formed to physically and / or electrically connect the first wearing portion (10-1) and the second wearing portion (20-1).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first wearable portion (10-1) may include a first housing (11-1) and a first cover (13-1) that form the overall appearance. For example, when the earbud (2-1) is worn on the user's ear, the first housing (11-1) may be positioned to touch the front of the ear. For example, when the earbud (2-1) is worn on the user's ear, the first cover (13) may be positioned at the front of the first housing (11-1). For example, the first cover (13) may be coupled with the first housing (11).

[0248] According to one embodiment, a microphone hole (15-1) may be formed in the first cover (13-1). The microphone hole (15-1) may form an entrance for inputting a voice signal to a first microphone (e.g., the first microphone (210) of FIG. 10).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may further include components arranged within a space formed by the first housing (11-1) and the first cover (13-1). For example, the earbud (2-1) may further include a speaker and a first microphone (210). The speaker and the first microphone may be arranged within the space. For example, the first microphone (210) may be arranged near the microphone hole (15-1).

[0250] According to one embodiment, the second wearable portion (20-1) may include a second housing (21-1) and a second cover (23-1) that form the overall appearance. For example, when the earbud (2) is worn on the user's ear, the second housing (21-1) may be positioned to touch the back of the ear. For example, when the earbud (2-1) is worn on the user's ear, the second cover (23-1) may be positioned at the back of the second housing (21-1). For example, the second cover (23-1) may be coupled with the second housing (21-1).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may further include components arranged in the internal space of the second wearing portion (20-1) formed by the second cover (23-1) and the second housing (21-1). For example, the earbud (2-1) may further include a second microphone (e.g., the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10) and a main board. The second microphone (220) may be arranged on the upper side of the internal space formed by the second wearing portion (20-1).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may further include a third microphone (e.g., the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11). The third microphone (230) may be positioned, for example, on the lower side of the internal space formed by the second wearing portion (20-1).

[0253] In one embodiment, the bridge (30-1) may physically and / or electrically connect the first wearable portion (10-1) and the second wearable portion (20-1). For example, one side of the bridge (30) may be arranged to be connected to one side of the first wearable portion (10-1), and the other side of the bridge (30-1) may be arranged to be connected to one side of the second wearable portion (20-1).

[0254] According to one embodiment, the bridge (30-1) is made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, so that when the earbud (2-1) is worn on the user's ear, it can be stretched (e.g., bent) by a predetermined range of motion to fit the shape and size of the user's ear. For example, when the earbud (2-1) is detached from the user's ear, the bridge (30-1) can be restored to its shape prior to being worn.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) may further include one or more sensors (e.g., the sensor unit (230) of FIG. 6). The one or more sensors may include, for example, a Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6), a tilt sensor (e.g., the tilt sensor (633) of FIG. 6), and a touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor (635) of FIG. 6).

[0256] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) can improve the transmission performance of the earbud (2-1) based on information acquired from the hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633). For example, the earbud (2-1) can determine the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from an ignition point (e.g., the ignition point (S) of FIG. 10) based on information acquired from the hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633), and thereby determine an effective distance for compensating for an input delay due to a difference in the distance between the microphones from the ignition point (S).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) can generate a control command corresponding to a type of touch input signal input to the earbud (2-1) based on information acquired from the hall sensor (631), the tilt sensor (633), and the touch sensor (635). For example, the earbud (2-1) can identify a type of touch input signal and generate a control command corresponding to a different touch input signal based on information acquired from the hall sensor (631), the tilt sensor (633), and the touch sensor (635).

[0258] According to one embodiment, the earbud (2-1) can identify whether the earbud (2-1) is being worn based on information obtained from the Hall sensor (631). For example, the earbud (2-1) can identify whether the earbud (2-1) is being worn by detecting a change in magnetic force applied to the Hall sensor (631).

[0259] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a clip-type wireless earphone including wearing parts (e.g., a first wearing part (10) and a second wearing part (20) of FIG. 3) positioned in front and behind the user's ears, respectively, and a bridge (e.g., a bridge (30) of FIG. 3) connecting the wearing parts (10; 20), which can provide comfort and a unique aesthetic feel when worn.

[0260] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones (e.g., the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220) of FIG. 10, and the third microphone (230) of FIG. 11) using a Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (631) of FIG. 6), and in response to this, identify whether the wireless earphone device (1) is being worn.

[0261] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones (210, 220, 230) using a Hall sensor (631) and, in response to this, improve the transmission performance of sound input to the wireless earphone device (10).

[0262] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect magnetic force from a plurality of microphones (210, 220, 230) using a Hall sensor (631) and generate a control signal according to the type of user's touch input signal input to the wireless earphone device (1) in response thereto.

[0263] A wireless earphone device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the wireless earphone device (1) of FIG. 1) may include two earbuds (2, 3). One of the two earbuds (2, 3) comprises: a first wearing part (10) positioned in front of the user's ear when worn and including a first microphone (210); a second wearing part (20) positioned in the rear of the user's ear when worn and including a second microphone (220); a bridge (30) formed to be bendable and physically and electrically connecting one side of the first wearing part (10) and one side of the second wearing part (20); a communication circuit (620); at least one sensor (630) including a hall sensor (631) configured to detect a change in magnetic force according to a positional relationship between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220); at least one processor (611) operatively connected to the communication circuit (620), the at least one sensor (630), the first microphone (210), and the second microphone (220); and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one processor (611). It may include a memory (613). The memory (613) may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor (611) to obtain first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) from the hall sensor (631), obtain second data indicating a magnetic force according to a distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the hall sensor (631), and determine an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

[0264] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the effective distance (r) may be determined by the positional relationship between the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220), and the speech point (S). The effective distance (r) may be the difference between a first distance (r1) for a voice signal generated from the speech point (S) to reach the first microphone (210), and a second distance (r2) for a voice signal generated from the speech point (S) to reach the second microphone (220).

[0265] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inclination sensor (633) configured to detect an inclination of the earbuds (2, 3) in the at least one sensor (630). The memory (613) may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor (611) to obtain the second data from the Hall sensor (631) and the inclination sensor (633), and determine an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) with respect to an utterance point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

[0266] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tilt sensor (633) may include a 6-axis (6 degree of freedom (DOF)) sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0267] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (613) may be configured to store instructions for identifying whether the earphone device is worn when, upon execution, the at least one processor (611) determines, based on the second data, that the amount of change in magnetic force due to a change in the distance between the first microphone and the second microphone exceeds a threshold level.

[0268] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (613) may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor (611) to generate correction parameters for correcting the transmission performance of the first microphone (210) or the second microphone (220) based on the effective distance (r) in response to identifying whether the earbud (2; 3) is worn.

[0269] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the correction parameter may be generated based on a time delay or phase delay corresponding to a first distance (r1) between the firing point (S) and the first microphone (210) and a second distance (r2) between the firing point (S) and the second microphone (220) for acoustic beamforming.

[0270] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the correction parameter may be generated by either a generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) method or a linearly contrained minimum variance (LCMV) method.

[0271] In a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors (630) may further include a touch sensor (635) configured to acquire a user's touch input. The memory (613) may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor (611) to, in response to identifying whether the earbuds (2; 3) are worn, acquire inputs for the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) from the touch sensor (635), and identify simultaneous inputs of the first wearing portion (10) and the second wearing portion (20) when the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) changes based on the first data and the second data.

[0272] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first magnetic member disposed inside the first wearing portion (10) and disposed near the first microphone (210).

[0273] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second magnetic member disposed inside the second wearing portion (20) and disposed near the second microphone (220).

[0274] In a method for controlling a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless earphone device (1) may include two earbuds (2, 3), and at least one of the two earbuds (2, 3) may include a first wearing part (10) including a first microphone (210), a second wearing part (20) including a second microphone (220), and a bridge (30) that physically and electrically connects one side of the first wearing part (10) and one side of the second wearing part (20) and is formed to be bendable. The above control method may include an operation of obtaining first data indicating a wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) from a hall sensor (631), an operation of obtaining second data indicating a magnetic force according to a distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the hall sensor (631), and an operation of determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) with respect to an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

[0275] A wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a tilt sensor (633) configured to detect an inclination of the earbuds (2, 3). A method for controlling the wireless earphone device may include an operation of acquiring the first data from the Hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633), an operation of acquiring the second data from the Hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633), and an operation of determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) with respect to an utterance point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

[0276] A method for controlling a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of identifying whether the earphone device is worn when the amount of change in magnetic force due to a change in the distance between the first microphone and the second microphone exceeds a threshold level based on the second data.

[0277] A method for controlling a wireless earphone device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of generating a correction parameter for correcting the reception performance of the first microphone (210) or the second microphone (220) based on the effective distance (r), in response to identifying whether the earbud (2; 3) is worn.

Claims

1. In the wireless earphone device (1), comprising two earbuds (2, 3), at least one of said two earbuds (2, 3), A first wearable part (10) including a first microphone (210); A second wearable part (20) including a second microphone (220); A bridge (30) that physically and electrically connects one side of the first wearing portion (10) and one side of the second wearing portion (20) and is formed to be bendable; Communication circuit (620); At least one sensor (630) including a hall sensor (631) configured to detect a change in magnetic force according to the positional relationship between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220); At least one processor (611) operatively connected to the communication circuit (620), the at least one sensor (630), the first microphone (210), and the second microphone (220); and comprising a memory (613) operatively connected to at least one processor (611); The above memory (613), when executed, at least one processor (611), Obtain first data indicating the wearing angle of the earbud (2; 3) from the above hall sensor (631), Obtain second data indicating a magnetic force according to the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the above Hall sensor (631), A wireless earphone device (1) configured to store instructions for determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

2. In paragraph 1, The above effective distance (r) is determined by the positional relationship between the first microphone (210), the second microphone (220) and the ignition point (S), The wireless earphone device (1), wherein the effective distance (r) is the difference between the first distance (r1) for the voice signal generated from the utterance point (S) to reach the first microphone (210) and the second distance (r2) for the voice signal generated from the utterance point (S) to reach the second microphone (220).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The at least one sensor (630) further includes a tilt sensor (633) configured to detect the tilt of the earbud (2, 3), The above memory (613), when executed, at least one processor (611), Obtain the first data from the above Hall sensor (631) and the inclination sensor (633), Obtain the second data from the above Hall sensor (631) and the inclination sensor (633), A wireless earphone device (1) configured to store instructions for determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

4. In paragraph 3, The above tilt sensor (633) is a wireless earphone device (1) including a 6-axis (6 degree of freedom (DOF)) sensor and a gyro sensor.

5. In paragraphs 1 to 4, The above memory (613), when executed, at least one processor (611), A wireless earphone device configured to store instructions for identifying whether the earphone device is worn when the amount of change in magnetic force according to the change in distance between the first microphone and the second microphone exceeds a threshold level based on the second data.

6. In paragraph 5, The above memory (613), when executed, at least one processor (611), In response to identifying whether the above earbuds (2; 3) are worn, A wireless earphone device (1) configured to store instructions for generating correction parameters for correcting the transmission performance of the first microphone (210) or the second microphone (220) based on the effective distance (r).

7. In paragraph 6, The above correction parameter is a wireless earphone device (1) generated based on a time delay or phase delay corresponding to a first distance (r1) between the firing point (S) and the first microphone (210) and a second distance (r2) between the firing point (S) and the second microphone (220) for acoustic beamforming.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, The above correction parameter is generated by either the GSC (generalized sidelobe canceller) method or the LCMV (linearly contrained minimum variance) method, a wireless earphone device (1).

9. In paragraph 5, The one or more sensors (630) further include a touch sensor (635) configured to obtain a user's touch input, The above memory (613), when executed, at least one processor (611), In response to identifying whether the above earbuds (2; 3) are worn, Obtain input for the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) from the touch sensor (635), A wireless earphone device (1) configured to store instructions for identifying simultaneous input of the first wearing part (10) and the second wearing part (20) when the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) changes based on the first data and the second data.

10. In paragraph 9, A wireless earphone device (1) further comprising the first magnetic member disposed inside the first wearing portion (10) and disposed near the first microphone (210).

11. In paragraph 9 or 10, A wireless earphone device (1) further comprising a second magnetic member disposed inside the second wearing portion (20) and disposed near the second microphone (220).

12. In a method for controlling a wireless earphone device, The above wireless earphone device (1) comprises two earbuds (2, 3), and at least one of the two earbuds (2, 3) is A first wearable part (10) including a first microphone (210); A second wearable part (20) including a second microphone (220); and It includes a bridge (30) that is formed to be bendable and physically and electrically connects one side of the first wearing part (10) and one side of the second wearing part (20), The above control method is, An operation of acquiring first data indicating the wearing angle of the earbuds (2; 3) from the hall sensor (631); An operation of obtaining second data indicating a magnetic force according to the distance between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) from the above Hall sensor (631); and A method comprising an operation of determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

13. In paragraph 12, The wireless earphone device (1) further includes a tilt sensor (633) configured to detect the tilt of the earbud (2, 3). The above control method is, An operation of acquiring the first data from the hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633); An operation of acquiring the second data from the Hall sensor (631) and the tilt sensor (633); and A method comprising an operation of determining an effective distance (r) between the first microphone (210) and the second microphone (220) for an ignition point (S) based on the first data and the second data.

14. In paragraph 12 or 13, A method further comprising an operation of identifying whether the earphone device is worn when the amount of change in magnetic force according to a change in the distance between the first microphone and the second microphone exceeds a threshold level based on the second data.

15. In paragraph 14, In response to identifying whether the above earbuds (2; 3) are worn, A method further comprising an operation of generating a correction parameter for correcting the sign language performance of the first microphone (210) or the second microphone (220) based on the effective distance (r).

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