CN116685267A

CN116685267A - Headphones with biometric sensing capability and method for performing biometric measurements

Info

Publication number: CN116685267A
Application number: CN202180089544.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 维吉妮·维萨克; 朱萸; 赵兆
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2021-01-08
Publication date: 2023-09-01
Also published as: EP4243693A1; WO2022148543A1

Abstract

A headset (1) is provided having a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6) coupled to a biosensor (17, 18) for performing a bio-signal measurement, and a method of performing a bio-recognition measurement using a headset (1) having a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6).

Description

Headphones with biometric sensing capability and method for performing biometric measurements

Technical Field

The present invention relates to headphones (earboud) (small headphones worn in the ear), and in particular to headphones with biometric sensing capabilities and methods for performing biometric measurements.

Background

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method of measuring the electrical activity generated by depolarization of the heart muscle by measuring the potential difference between two points on the body, and the electrical activity propagates as a pulsating wave to the skin. Medical measurement of ECG requires the use of 12 wet electrodes placed on the chest and extremities of the patient. Such measurements are helpful in detecting heart problems, such as arrhythmias, which is why such measurements are widely studied to embed such measurements in watches. In this configuration, the potential difference between the hands is related to the potential difference found in the horizontal portion of the heart, as the electrical loop formed by the arms passes horizontally through the heart. One problem that may exist with these devices is that they require the use of both hands/arms so that the relevant user cannot use their hands to do anything else while performing the measurement. Furthermore, it requires that the user does not move during the measurement process, so that the wrist wearing the watch does not move too much, thereby preventing damage to the ECG signal. Therefore, it is challenging for the user to perform the measurement.

Bioimpedance is a method for analyzing the body composition of a user and is typically made by using scales or electronics similar to wet electrodes used for ECG. The upper body composition analysis apparatus has recently been developed in the form of a handle or a wristwatch.

Performing ECG using a wristwatch requires the user to stop moving and use both hands.

Other approaches to wearable devices involve wires, which may perform ECG and/or bioelectrical impedance analysis (bioelectrical impedance analysis, BIA)/bioimpedance measurements. The use of wires that are not required for other functions of the wearable device is cumbersome and not optimal, as these wires require a storage solution and risk getting entangled.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the invention to enable ECG and BIA measurements to be made in the form of headphones.

The user wears headphones (e.g., wireless headphones) much of the day just like a wristwatch. However, conventional headphones are not used to perform any medical or health measurements. Adding medical functionality to these devices may extend the functionality of these devices. Furthermore, unlike a wristwatch, the headset provides a more stable location for the biosensor. Because the wrist moves independently of the body, adding noise to the noise that has been generated by the body movement, the wristwatch generates spurious noise on the measured biological signal. In addition, the tightening degree of the wristwatch varies from person to person, and people who like to wear the wristwatch more loosely can generate more parasitic noise. In contrast, the ear does not move as compared with the body, and the earphone can be stably placed in the ear to minimize movement between the earphone and the ear, thereby making the measurement result more accurate.

The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an earphone 1 comprising:

a housing having a first opening and a second opening,

an audio transducer disposed within the housing and arranged in the housing such that audio emitted by the audio transducer exits the housing through the first opening,

at least one first electrode for contacting the inside of the ear of a user wearing the headset,

at least one second electrode for contacting a finger of a user,

a sensor for detecting whether a finger of a user is placed on the second electrode,

at least one biosensor coupled to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode for performing measurements on biological signals of the user,

a processor 10 coupled to the sensor and the biosensor,

-the processor is for initiating the measurement when the sensor detects a finger of the user on the second electrode.

The earphone realizes ECG or BIA measurement between the ear and the finger, and realizes a more convenient measurement mode, only one hand of a user is needed, and the earphone can be stably kept in the ear by pressing the earphone with the finger of the user.

It is necessary to trigger (initiate) the measurement of the user's biological signal. Thus, it is an advantage that the automatic triggering of the measurement leaves the user free to have one hand when performing the measurement. Furthermore, being able to make frequent measurements (even if these measurements are very short) is an advantage for opportunistic detection of arrhythmias.

When the user touches the second electrode of the headset with his/her finger, the automatic trigger immediately starts the measurement and is robust enough to prevent false measurement triggers that may drain the headset battery. The use of a sensor for detecting a user's finger in contact with the second electrode reduces the risk of accidental triggering of the measurement.

By providing the earpiece with a first electrode facing towards the ear canal and a second electrode facing away from the user's head, the ECG or BIA measurement can be performed by the user touching the second electrode, thereby pressing the earpiece stably into the user's ear canal, thereby establishing a good electrical contact between the first electrode and the skin of the user's ear canal and between the first electrode and the skin of the user's finger or hand and triggering the measurement. This supports the addition of medical measurements to the headset. It also produces good ECG signals because the heart is placed on the electrical path. Furthermore, no wires need to be connected to the body part, thus enabling truly wireless measurements. Furthermore, the number of electrodes can be reduced to a minimum. ECG or BIA measurements can be made while standing. Furthermore, ECG or bioimpedance measurements can be made using only one hand. Upon detecting that the user presses the headset with his/her finger into the ear canal, automatic triggering or measurement is enabled.

According to a possible implementation of the first aspect, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor and/or a capacitive sensor.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, a pressure sensor or a capacitance sensor is associated with the first electrode or the second electrode.

According to a possible implementation of the first aspect, the pressure sensor is arranged between the housing and the first electrode or the second electrode.

According to a possible implementation of the first aspect, the at least one biosensor comprises an electrocardiogram sensor.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the earphone comprises two first electrodes and/or two second electrodes.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the at least one biosensor comprises a bioimpedance sensor.

According to a possible implementation of the first aspect, a pressure sensor is associated with each electrode, the processor being adapted to select at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode for measurement from among the first electrodes and the second electrodes associated with the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being indicative of a highest pressure applied to the associated pressure sensor.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the headset comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of the user, the temperature sensor preferably being arranged in the first electrode.

According to a possible implementation of the first aspect, the processor is configured to initiate the body temperature measurement using the temperature sensor when the pressure sensor indicates that the pressure applied to the pressure sensor is above a first threshold.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the headset comprises a pressure sensor and an electrocardiogram sensor, wherein the processor is adapted to continuously measure the pressure detected by the pressure sensor during an electrocardiogram measurement to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the electrocardiogram measurement.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the headset comprises a rechargeable battery, at least the first electrode or the second electrode being used as a charging electrode for charging the rechargeable battery.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first electrode and/or the second electrode is a surface electrode.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, a layer of elastic material is arranged under the first electrode or the second electrode.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the earphone is configured to perform an electrocardiogram and/or bioimpedance measurement in response to a measurement of an impedance between the skin of the user and the first electrode and/or an impedance between the skin of the user and the second electrode.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first electrode is arranged in the following manner: when the headset is intended for use in the ear of a user, the first electrode will be in direct electrical contact with the surface of the ear canal or concha of the user.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second electrode is arranged outside the ear of the user when the headset is for use in the ear of the user.

According to one possible implementation of the first aspect, the opening is directed towards the ear canal of the user when the headset is for use in the ear of the user.

According to one possible implementation form of the first aspect, the headset comprises at least one of: a rechargeable battery, a memory, a processor coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, and an RF module.

In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the electrocardiogram measurement and/or the bioimpedance measurement may be activated by voice instructions or signals from an external device (e.g. a smart phone) wirelessly coupled to the headset.

According to a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the headset is configured to wirelessly communicate with the audio source.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a pair of left and right headphones, at least the left or right headphone being the headphone of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an assembly of a housing for receiving and charging headphones and a pair of left and right headphones according to the second aspect.

In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the housing is configured to charge the left earphone using at least the first electrode or the second electrode.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of performing an electrocardiogram or bioimpedance measurement using headphones comprising:

at least one second electrode for contacting a finger of a user,

the method comprises the following steps:

detecting with the sensor whether a finger of the user is placed on the second electrode,

-measuring a biological signal of the user using the first electrode and the second electrode when the sensor detects that the finger of the user is placed on the second electrode.

In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the earphone comprises two first electrodes and/or two second electrodes, a pressure sensor is associated with each of the first and second electrodes, the method comprises selecting the first and second electrodes for measurement from the first and second electrodes associated with the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor indicating the highest pressure applied to the associated pressure sensor.

These and other aspects are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

In the following detailed portion of the invention, aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an inner view and an outer view, respectively, of a headset according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the earphone of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the use of the earphone of the embodiment of fig. 1 during biometric measurement.

Fig. 4 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows an inner view and an outer view of a headset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 10 shows an elastic layer between the housing and the electrode of the earphone according to any of the above embodiments.

Fig. 11 shows a pressure sensor associated with an electrode of a headset according to any of the above embodiments.

Fig. 12 shows an EGC sensor coupled to an electrode in a headset according to any of the above embodiments.

Fig. 13 illustrates a bio-impedance sensor coupled to an electrode in a headset according to any of the above embodiments.

Fig. 14 shows impedance measurements using electrodes of headphones according to any of the above embodiments.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of components of a headset according to any of the above embodiments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the headset 1, wherein the inner view of the headset 1 is located on the left side of fig. 1 and the outer view of the headset 1 is located on the right side of fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the headset of the embodiment of fig. 1, showing the placement of the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 on the housing 2 of the headset 1. During use, the headset 1 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal (concha) of a user. The headset 1 shown in fig. 1 is intended for use in the left ear of a user. However, it should be understood that the headset 1 may also be used in the right ear of a user. "inside view" refers to the view on the headset 1 on the side of the headset 1 facing the user of the headset 1 when the headset 1 is (partly) inserted into the ear canal of the user, and "outside view" refers to the view on the side of the headset 1 facing away from the head of the user when the headset 1 is partly inserted into the ear canal of the user.

The headset 1 is provided with a housing 2, which housing 2 is shaped and dimensioned for insertion into an ear canal (the left or right ear canal of a typical user). The housing 2 defines a first opening 3 and a second opening 4. An audio transducer (speaker) 13 (fig. 15) is provided within the housing 2 and arranged in the housing 2 such that audio emitted by the audio transducer 13 leaves the housing 2 through the first opening 3. The first opening 3 is arranged in the housing 2 in such a way that the opening is substantially directed towards the ear canal of the user when the headset 1 is at least partly inserted into the ear canal of the user. An optional second opening 4 supports air in and out of the interior of the housing 2, thereby helping to improve the performance of the speaker 13. In an embodiment the headset 1 is provided with a second audio transducer (not shown) in the form of a microphone.

The headset 1 is provided with at least one first electrode 5. The first electrode 5 is a surface electrode arranged in or on a surface of the housing 2, the surface of the electrode forming part of the outer surface of the headset 1. The first electrode is arranged on the housing 2 and is sized and shaped such that it is likely to be in contact with the inside (skin) of the ear of the user of the headset 1 when the headset 1 is used in the ear of the user. When used in the ear of a user, the first electrode 5 is typically arranged at least mainly on the side of the headset 1 facing the user (inner side). In the embodiment shown, the first electrode 5 is a contour of a chamfered rectangular shape, but it will be appreciated that other shapes (e.g. circular, oval, triangular or square) are also suitable. The optimal shape, size and position of the first electrode 5 will depend on the shape and size of the headset 1 and can easily be determined by simple trial and error.

The headset 1 is further provided with at least one second electrode 6. The second electrode 6 is a surface electrode arranged in or on a surface of the housing 2, the surface of the electrode forming part of the outer surface of the headset 1. The second electrode 6 is arranged on the housing 2 and is sized and shaped such that when the user presses the headset 1 into his/her ear and the headset 1 is for use in the user's ear, the user easily touches the second electrode 6 with one of his/her fingers. When the headset 1 is for use in the left ear, the second electrode 6 is arranged such that the user contacts and presses the headset 1 when pressing the headset into the left ear with the fingers of the user's left hand. The second electrode 6 is typically arranged at least mainly on the side of the headset 1 that is remote from the user in use. The second electrode 6 is preferably arranged to be located outside the ear canal of the user when the headset 1 is used in the ear of the user, so that the user can touch the second electrode 6 with a finger. The second electrode 6 is preferably arranged outwardly with respect to the user's ear such that the second electrode 6 is exposed and touchable by the user's finger when the headset 1 is used in use at the user's ear. In the embodiment shown, the second electrode 6 has the contour of a circular shape, but it will be appreciated that other shapes (such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a square shape or a rectangular shape) are also suitable. The optimal shape, size and position of the second electrode 6 will depend on the shape and size of the headset 1 and can easily be determined by simple trial and error.

A gesture for performing a biometric measurement using the headset 1 is shown in fig. 3. The gesture is shown with respect to the left earphone 1 of a pair of earphones, but it will be appreciated that it may also be applied to the right earphone 1 of a pair of earphones. The gesture comprises the user moving the index finger of his/her hand onto the headset 1 and pressing the headset 1 into the ear canal of the user. The second electrode 6 faces away from the ear canal and is therefore easy to touch with the user's finger. By pressing the headset 1 into the ear canal with his/her finger, the finger is brought into contact with the second electrode 6 and an electrical connection between the electrode and the finger is established. Furthermore, the earpiece is pressed into the ear canal, thereby creating a direct physical contact between the first electrode 5 and the ear canal surface of the user, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first electrode 5 and the ear canal surface of the user. The headset 1 is used for automatically performing electrocardiogram and/or bio-impedance measurements when the user presses the headset 1 with his/her fingers into his/her ear canal. The automatic triggering of the biometric measurement is triggered by the sensor described below.

The first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 may be used as charging electrodes to provide the headset 1 with two charging electrodes for charging the battery 12 of the headset 1.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the headset 1 with two first electrodes 5. In the present embodiment, the same or similar structures and features as those previously described or illustrated herein are denoted by the same reference numerals as previously used for the sake of simplicity. Providing two first electrodes 5 increases the chance that one of the first electrodes 5 has good electrical contact with the skin of the user's ear canal (i.e. a contact providing an electrical connection with the user's skin with low impedance).

The two first electrodes 5 may be used as charging electrodes to provide the headset 1 with two charging electrodes for charging the battery 12 of the headset 1.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the headset 1. In the present embodiment, the same or similar structures and features as those previously described or illustrated herein are denoted by the same reference numerals as previously used for the sake of simplicity. The headset 1 of the present embodiment has a charging electrode 7 at the distal end of the headset 1. The charging electrode 7 is connected to a rechargeable battery 12 (fig. 15) of the headset 1 for charging the rechargeable battery 12. In an embodiment, the distal end of the headset 1 is provided with a third opening (not shown) supporting a microphone (not shown) to take sound from the user's mouth. In this embodiment, the first electrode 5 or the second electrode 6 may be used as a charging electrode in combination with the charging electrode 7 to provide an earphone having two charging electrodes.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the headset 1 with two first electrodes 5 and two second electrodes 6. In the present embodiment, the same or similar structures and features as those previously described or illustrated herein are denoted by the same reference numerals as previously used for the sake of simplicity. Providing two second electrodes 6 increases the chance that one of the second electrodes 6 will make good contact with the skin of the user's finger (i.e. contact providing an electrical connection with the user's skin with low impedance). The two first electrodes 5, the two second electrodes 6 or the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 may be used as charging electrodes to provide the headset 1 with two charging electrodes for charging the battery 12 of the headset 1.

Fig. 7 is an embodiment with an alternative to the headset 1, the two first electrodes 5 being in a different configuration than the above-described embodiment. In this embodiment, both first electrodes 5 have a rectangular profile, the orientation of which differs from that shown in the above-described embodiments. The optimal shape, orientation and dimensions of the pair of first electrodes 5 for ensuring electrical contact with the surface of the user's ear canal can be easily determined by simple trial and error.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the headset 1. In the present embodiment, the same or similar structures and features as those previously described or illustrated herein are denoted by the same reference numerals as previously used for the sake of simplicity. The headset 1 in this embodiment has a temperature sensor 7. When the headset is partly inserted into the ear canal of a user in use, the temperature sensor 7 is placed in the housing 2 or on the housing 2, on the side of the headset 1 facing the user. The temperature sensor 7 is coupled to a processor 10, and in one embodiment the processor 10 is configured to measure or estimate the temperature of the user, in particular the core temperature of the user.

In one embodiment, the headset 1 is provided with a capacitive sensor 19. The capacitive sensor 19 is coupled to the processor 10 (fig. 15) of the headset 1, the processor 10 being adapted to initiate an electrocardiogram measurement or a bioimpedance measurement using the signals of the capacitive sensor 19. In one embodiment, the processor 10 is configured to initiate an electrocardiogram measurement or a bioimpedance measurement when the signal from the capacitive sensor 19 indicates that a finger or other body part contacts the capacitive sensor 19 or an outer surface of a headset associated with the capacitive sensor 19. Preferably, the capacitive sensor 19 is arranged outside the headset 1 such that the capacitive sensor 19 faces away from the user when the headset 1 is (partly) inserted into the user's ear. In one embodiment, the capacitive sensor 19 is arranged integrally with the second electrode 6 or arranged below the second electrode 6. The capacitive sensor 19 may be arranged below the second electrode 6, but at the same time extend laterally beyond the boundary of the second electrode 19.

Fig. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of the headset 1. In the present embodiment, the same or similar structures and features as those previously described or illustrated herein are denoted by the same reference numerals as previously used for the sake of simplicity. The headset 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a layer 8 of an elastic material under the first electrode 5 and/or the second electrode 6. A frame 15 is arranged around the first electrode 5 and a frame 16 is arranged around the second electrode 6. The layer 8 of elastic material supports the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 to move in response to the pressure exerted on the respective electrodes 5, 6. In one embodiment, the layer 8 of elastomeric material is a foam, preferably an elastic foam.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment based on the embodiments of fig. 9 and 10, wherein a pressure sensor 9 is arranged between the first and second electrodes 5, 6 and the layer 8 of elastic material. In another embodiment, the pressure sensor 9 is arranged directly between the associated electrode 5, 6 and the housing 2. Alternatively, the pressure sensor is an integral part of the first electrode 5 or the second electrode 6.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the electrocardiogram sensor 17 and the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. An electrocardiogram sensor 17 is connected to the at least one first electrode 5 and the at least one second electrode 6. The broken line in fig. 12 shows the side of the housing 2 of the headset 1 facing the ear canal when in use in the ear of a user (broken line between the electrocardiogram sensor 17 and the first electrode 5) and the side of the housing 2 of the headset 1 facing away from the ear canal when in use in the ear of a user (broken line between the electrocardiogram sensor 17 and the second electrode 6). In the embodiment of fig. 12, the electrocardiogram sensor 17 is directly hardwired to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. The electrocardiogram sensor 17 is used to measure the electrical signals generated by the heart over a time interval using the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the bio-impedance sensor 18 and the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. The bio-impedance sensor 18 is connected to the at least one first electrode 5 and the at least one second electrode 6. The broken line in fig. 12 shows the side of the housing 2 of the headset 1 facing the ear canal when in use in the ear of a user (broken line between the bio-impedance sensor 18 and the first electrode 5) and the side of the housing 2 of the headset 1 facing away from the ear canal when in use in the ear of a user (broken line between the patient sensor 18 and the second electrode 6). In the embodiment of fig. 13, the biometric impedance sensor 17 is directly hardwired to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6.

Bioimpedance measurements are examples that are automatically initiated by: the impedance value between the electrodes 5, 6 is periodically checked to detect a sudden decrease in the impedance value caused by a user touching the second external electrode 6, a signal from the pressure sensor 9, a signal from an external unit (e.g. a smart phone connected to the headset 1) or a voice command registered by the headset 1. When the pressure sensor 9 or the capacitance sensor 19 detects that the user's finger is on the second electrode 6, a bio-impedance measurement is initiated.

Fig. 14 shows a bioimpedance measurement. The bio-impedance sensor 18 uses one of the first electrodes 5 and one of the second electrodes 6 (in fig. 14, the upper first electrode 5 and the upper second electrode 6) to inject an electric current through the body of the user. The voltage difference between the other first electrode 5 and the other second electrode 6 (in fig. 14, the lower first electrode 5 and the lower second electrode 6) is measured, and the resistance (bio-impedance) is determined according to the magnitude of the voltage. The injected current may be alternating current. Different frequencies of alternating current may be used to determine the bio-impedance in different ways and for different parts of the body/arm composition.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of the headset 1. In an embodiment the headset 1 is provided with a memory 11 coupled to a processor 10, a rechargeable battery 12, a speaker 13, an RF (bluetooth) module 14, an electrocardiogram sensor 17, a biometric impedance sensor 18. These electrical components are connected to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 via a bus 20. In embodiments comprising a pressure sensor 9, a temperature sensor 7, a capacitance sensor 19, these respective centers are also connected to other electrical components by a bus 20.

The processor 10 is used to initiate and perform a biometric (ECG and/or BIA) in response to a signal from the pressure sensor 9 or from the capacitance sensor 19 indicating that the user's finger is on the respective sensor 9, 19.

In one embodiment, a pressure sensor 9 is associated with each of the first and second electrodes 5, 6, and the processor 10 is configured to select the first and second electrodes 5, 6 for measurement from the first and second electrodes 5, 6 associated with the pressure sensor 9, the pressure sensor 9 indicating the highest pressure applied to the associated pressure sensor 9.

In an embodiment, the processor 10 is arranged to periodically measure the skin impedance of the at least one first electrode 5 and the at least one second electrode 6 to determine whether the impedance between the skin of the user and the associated electrode is below a predefined threshold.

In an embodiment, the processor 10 is adapted to automatically initiate a bio-impedance measurement and/or an electrocardiogram measurement when the measured skin impedance of the at least one first electrode 5 and the at least one second electrode 6 is below a predefined threshold. The processor 10 may be used to first initiate a bioimpedance measurement and then an electrocardiogram measurement and vice versa. In one embodiment, the processor 10 is configured to analyze data from the respective measurements, and in one embodiment, the processor 10 is configured to transmit the analysis results to a remote device, such as a smart phone, via RF (i.e., using the bluetooth module 14).

In one embodiment, an electrocardiogram sensor 17 or processor 10 is used to process the signals from the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 and derive therefrom heart rate, heart beat interval and/or heart rate variability. In one embodiment, an electrocardiogram sensor 17 or processor 10 is used to detect fibrillation.

In an embodiment the electrocardiogram sensor 17 and/or the processor 10 is used to measure which of the electrodes 5, 6 has the best contact with the skin of the user, i.e. which of the electrodes 5, 6 has a good electrical connection with the skin of the user with the lowest impedance. Furthermore, the electrocardiogram sensor 17 and/or the processor 10 are used to select the three electrodes 5, 6 with the best electrical contact (lowest skin impedance) and to use the selected electrodes 5, 6 when performing electrocardiogram measurements.

In one embodiment, the processor 10 is configured to continuously measure the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 9 during the electrocardiographic measurement to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the electrocardiographic measurement.

In one embodiment, the bio-impedance sensor 18 or processor 10 is used to process the signals from the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 and determine the composition of the user's arm. In one embodiment, the impedance sensor 18 or processor 10 is used to extend the composition of the user's arm to the composition of the body using a model to determine moisture content, fat content, bone mass, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the processor 10 is configured to initiate a body temperature measurement using the temperature sensor 7 when the pressure sensor 9 indicates that the pressure applied to the pressure sensor 9 is above a first threshold.

In one embodiment, the headset 1 is part of a pair of headphones. The pair of headphones may comprise a headphone 1 according to the invention and a conventional headphone or a pair of two headphones 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment, the headphones (1) of the pair of headphones are connected to each other wirelessly using the bluetooth module 14 or the like.

Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in connection with various embodiments. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) should be understood in connection with the specification, and should be considered as a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in this description, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," as well as adjectives and adverbs thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "right," "upward," etc.), simply refer to the direction of the structure as shown when the particular drawing figure is oriented toward the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. An earphone (1), characterized by comprising:

a housing (2) having a first opening (3),

an audio transducer (13) provided within the housing (2) and arranged in the housing (2) such that audio emitted by the audio transducer (13) leaves the housing (2) through the first opening (3),

at least one first electrode (5) for contacting the inside of the ear of a user wearing the headset (1),

at least one second electrode (6) for contacting a finger of the user,

a sensor for detecting whether a finger of the user is placed on the second electrode (6),

at least one biosensor (17, 18) coupled to the at least one first electrode (5) and the at least one second electrode (6) for performing measurements on a biological signal of the user,

a processor (10) coupled to the sensor and the biosensor (17, 18),

the processor (10) is configured to initiate the measurement when the sensor detects the user's finger on the second electrode (6).

2. Earphone (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (9) and/or a capacitive sensor (19).

3. Earphone (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressure sensor (9) or the capacitive sensor (19) is associated with the first electrode (5) or the second electrode (6).

4. A headset (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressure sensor (9) is arranged between the housing (2) and the first electrode (5) or the second electrode (6).

5. Earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one biosensor comprises an electrocardiogram sensor (17).

6. Earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that,

comprising two first electrodes (5) and/or two second electrodes (6).

7. Earphone (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one bio-sensor comprises a bio-impedance sensor (18).

8. Earphone (1) according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a pressure sensor (9) is associated with each electrode (5, 6), the processor (10) being adapted to select at least one first electrode (5) and at least one second electrode (6) for the measurement from the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) associated with the pressure sensor (9), the pressure sensor (9) being indicative of the highest pressure applied to the associated pressure sensor (9).

9. Earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a temperature sensor (7) for measuring the body temperature of the user, which temperature sensor (7) is preferably arranged in the first electrode (5, 6).

10. Earphone (1) according to claim 9, comprising a pressure sensor (9), wherein the processor (10) is adapted to initiate a body temperature measurement using the temperature sensor (7) when the pressure sensor (9) indicates that the pressure applied to the pressure sensor (9) is above a first threshold.

11. Earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure sensor (9) and an electrocardiogram sensor (17), wherein the processor (10) is adapted to continuously measure the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (9) during an electrocardiogram measurement in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the electrocardiogram measurement.

12. Earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a rechargeable battery (12), wherein at least the first electrode (5) or the second electrode (6) is used as a charging electrode for charging the rechargeable battery (12).

13. A pair of left (1) and right (1) headphones, characterized in that at least the left or right (1) headphone (1) is a headphone (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method of making electrocardiogram or bioimpedance measurements using headphones (1), comprising:

at least one second electrode (6) for contacting a finger of the user,

the method comprises the following steps:

detecting with the sensor whether a finger of the user is placed on the second electrode (6),

-measuring a bio-signal of the user using the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) when the sensor detects that the user's finger is placed on the second electrode (6).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the earphone (1)

Comprising two first electrodes (5) and/or two second electrodes (6), wherein a pressure sensor (9) is associated with each first electrode (5) and second electrode (6), the method comprising selecting the first electrode (5) and second electrode (6) for the measurement from the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) associated with the pressure sensor (9), the pressure sensor (9) indicating the highest pressure applied to the associated pressure sensor (9).