EP3393138A1 - An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone - Google Patents
An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3393138A1 EP3393138A1 EP17167106.8A EP17167106A EP3393138A1 EP 3393138 A1 EP3393138 A1 EP 3393138A1 EP 17167106 A EP17167106 A EP 17167106A EP 3393138 A1 EP3393138 A1 EP 3393138A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- harmonics
- backward
- earpiece
- audio signal
- signal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
- H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2400/00—Loudspeakers
- H04R2400/01—Transducers used as a loudspeaker to generate sound aswell as a microphone to detect sound
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2430/00—Signal processing covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
- H04R2430/01—Aspects of volume control, not necessarily automatic, in sound systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/03—Aspects of the reduction of energy consumption in hearing devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
- H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
Definitions
- This invention refers to an automatic mute system for headphone according to claim 1 and a method thereof for muting the headphone automatically according to claim 7.
- Headphones or earphones are a pair of small size electronic or electric listening devices. Usually it is worn on or around the head over a user's ears.
- the headphones are electroacoustic transducers, which can convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound in the user's ear. Headphones are designed to allow a single user to listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker.
- the main drawback of headphones or earphones is that the headphone can continue to work even after removal of them from the ear, until the audio source is made to stop. After removal of headphone from ear, the audio source may not be stopped automatically and that leads to undesirable and power consuming case while using.
- the prior art provides an audio volume control apparatus and method for mobile communication device. More specifically, the prior art describes about an apparatus and a method for adjusting an audio volume of a mobile terminal are provided to detect whether a user wears an earphone when an audio sound and a bell sound are to be outputted through the earphone and to output the bell sound with the same volume as the volume of the audio outputted through the earphone.
- the apparatus requires a special made earpieces which includes special sensors inside the earpiece that detects whether the earpieces is in use or not. This leads to increase in cost of the headphone and it cannot be used for all earpieces. Further, a special communication is required between source and earpiece.
- US2013345842A1 the prior art describes about an earphone removal detection.
- An aspect provides a method, information handling device and a program product for detecting the earphone removal. The method comprising the steps of detecting that a first earphone and a second earphone are not both positioned in a listening position with respect to a user; generating a signal in response to detecting that a first earphone and a second earphone are not both positioned in a listening position with respect a user; and in response to the generated signal, halting an application on a device providing audio to the first earphone and second earphone.
- the prior art deals with acoustic and biometric characteristics of the earphone for detecting the presence of earphone in an appropriate position. Further, the US2013345842A1 requires a software program for controlling the system.
- the earphone device with optical sensor In another prior art WO2015051819A1 , the earphone device with optical sensor.
- An earphone device to be worn in the ear which earphone device comprising a main body to be arranged in the concha of the outer ear of a user and an optical sensor, which optical sensor comprises a light emitter and a light detector.
- the earphone device comprises window means through which light emitted by the light emitter can be transmitted. By optical means the earphone removal is detected.
- the prior art WO2015051819A1 also requires a special made earpieces which includes special sensors inside the earpiece that detects whether the earpieces is in use or not. It cannot be used for all earpieces.
- the automatic mute system for earphone according to claim 1.
- the automatic mute system preferably comprises an audio source, an amplifier unit, a buffer unit, at least one earpiece and a comparator.
- the audio source is provided for sending audio signal.
- the amplifier unit is provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source.
- the buffer unit is provided in between the amplifier and the ear piece for generating buffered audio signal.
- the earpiece is provided for rendering amplified audio signal to a user. Further, the earpiece is mounted on an ear canal of the user and the earpiece is capable of obtaining backward harmonics.
- the backward harmonics are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal.
- the comparator provided for detecting backward harmonics by subtracting the input and output buffered audio signal. The comparator generates a mute signal for turning off the amplifier unit when the backward harmonics is not present.
- the buffer unit is a unit gain buffer amplifier. That is an output of the buffer unit can be transferred to an output jack of the earpiece. Further, the amplified audio signal is transferred to the earpiece with its cord.
- the comparator can provide the mute signal to the amplifier unit to turn OFF the amplifier unit. Further, the comparator can detect the backward harmonics by subtracting input and output signal of the buffer unit. In addition to that, the comparator can enable the mute signal to turn off the amplifier unit even for very small level of the backward harmonics.
- the backward harmonics are created by harmonics on a line between the buffer unit and the earpiece.
- the generation of backward harmonics indicates that the earpiece is positioned on the ear of the user.
- the absence of backward harmonics indicates that the earpiece is not positioned on the ear of the user.
- Said method preferably comprises the steps: transmitting audio signal from an audio source to an amplifier unit, checking for mute signal at the amplifier input stage, amplifying the audio signal received at the amplifier unit, if the mute signal is not received, buffering and transmitting the amplified audio signal to an earpiece using a buffer unit, receiving an audio signal at the earpiece that is reflected from an ear canal of a user, detecting the backward harmonics with the buffered audio signal using a comparator, checking whether the backward harmonics is present or not; and keeping a mute signal in hold for turning off , if the backward harmonics is present.
- the method for automatically muting headphone further comprising the steps of, sending the mute signal to the amplifier unit, if the backward harmonics is absent and stopping the amplification of the audio signal by turning off the amplifier unit.
- Fig. 1 illustrates the functional circuit diagram 100 for automatic mute system for earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the automatic mute system preferably comprises an audio source 1, an amplifier unit 2, a buffer unit 3, at least one earpiece 5 and a comparator 4.
- the audio source 1 is provided for sending audio signal.
- the amplifier unit 2 is provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source 1.
- the buffer unit 3 is provided in between the amplifier unit 2 and the earpiece 5 for generating buffered audio signal.
- the earpiece 5 is provided for rendering (output from earpiece) amplified audio signal 6 to a user. Further, the earpiece 5 is mounted on an ear canal of the user and the earpiece 5 is capable of obtaining backward harmonics 10.
- the backward harmonics 10 are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal.
- the comparator 4 is provided for detecting backward harmonics 10 by subtracting the input and output buffered audio signal.
- the comparator 4 can generate a mute signal 7 for turning off the amplifier unit 2 when the backward harmonics 10 is not present.
- the buffer unit 3 is a unit gain buffer amplifier. That is an output 9 of the buffer unit 3 can be transferred to an output jack of the earpiece 5. Further, the output 9 of the buffer unit 3 (amplified audio signal) is transferred to the earpiece 5 with its cord.
- the comparator 4 can detect the backward harmonics 10 by subtracting input 8 and output 9 of the buffer unit 3. Further, the comparator 4 can provide the mute signal 7 to the amplifier unit 2 to turn OFF the amplifier unit 2. In addition to that, the comparator 4 can enable the mute signal 7 to turn off the amplifier unit 2 even for very small level of the backward harmonics 10.
- the backward harmonics 10 are created by harmonics on a line between the buffer unit 3 and the earpiece 5.
- the generation of backward harmonics 10 indicates that the earpiece 5 is positioned on the ear 11 of the user.
- the absence of backward harmonics 10 indicates that the earpiece 5 is not positioned on the ear 11 of the user.
- Fig. 2 illustrates the method 200 for mute the earphone automatically according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the method to mute the earphone automatically comprising the steps of transmitting audio signal 12 from an audio source 1 to an amplifier unit 2, checking 13 whether the mute signal 7 is received or not. If the mute signal 7 is not received at the amplifier unit 2 then the amplifier unit can amplify 14 the audio signal. Otherwise, the amplifier unit 2 can be turned off 20 with by the mute signal 7.
- the amplified signal can be buffered 15 using a buffer unit 3. Further, the buffered audio signal may be transmitted 16 to the earpiece 5.
- the backward harmonics 10 are received 17 from the earpiece 5. That is the backward harmonics 10 are reflected from an ear canal of the user.
- the comparator 4 can detect 18 the backward harmonics 10 by means of the input and output buffered audio signal 9. The comparator 4 can detect even very small harmonics by subtracting input 8 and output 9 of buffer unit 3. Before amplification process, the condition for the presence 19 of any backward harmonics 10 is verified. If there may not any presence of backward harmonics 10 then the comparator 4 can generate the mute signal 7. Otherwise, the comparator 4 may not generate any mute signal 7 to turn off the amplifier unit 2.
- the present invention refers to an automatic mute system for earphone.
- the automatic mute system preferably comprises an audio source 1, an amplifier unit 2, a buffer unit 3, at least one earpiece 5 and a comparator 4.
- the system can detect the availability of that backward harmonics 10 due to reflected signal from the ear canal and mute the audio source 1 if they are not available.
- the amplifier unit 2 is provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source 1.
- the buffer unit 3 is provided in between the amplifier and the earpiece 5 for generating buffered audio signal.
- the backward harmonics 10 are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal and obtained by the earpiece 5.
- the comparator 4 is provided for detecting backward harmonics 10 by means of input and output buffered audio signal.
- the comparator 4 can generate a mute signal 7 for turning off the amplifier unit 2 when the backward harmonics 10 is not present.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention refers to an automatic mute system for earphone. The automatic mute system comprises an audio source (1), an amplifier unit (2), a buffer unit (3), at least one earpiece (5) and a comparator (4). The system can detect the availability of backward harmonics (10) due to reflected signal from the ear canal and mute the audio source (1) if they are not available. The amplifier unit (2) is provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source (1). The buffer unit (3) is provided in between the amplifier and the earpiece (5) for generating buffered audio signal. The backward harmonics (10) are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal and obtained by the earpiece (5). The comparator (4) is provided for detecting backward harmonics (10) by means of input and output buffered audio signal. The comparator (4) can generate a mute signal (7) for turning off the amplifier unit (2) when the backward harmonics (10) is not present.
Description
- This invention refers to an automatic mute system for headphone according to
claim 1 and a method thereof for muting the headphone automatically according toclaim 7. - Headphones or earphones are a pair of small size electronic or electric listening devices. Usually it is worn on or around the head over a user's ears. The headphones are electroacoustic transducers, which can convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound in the user's ear. Headphones are designed to allow a single user to listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker.
- The main drawback of headphones or earphones (or earpieces in general) is that the headphone can continue to work even after removal of them from the ear, until the audio source is made to stop. After removal of headphone from ear, the audio source may not be stopped automatically and that leads to undesirable and power consuming case while using.
- In the prior art
KR20070025167A - In another prior art
US2013345842A1 , the prior art describes about an earphone removal detection. An aspect provides a method, information handling device and a program product for detecting the earphone removal. The method comprising the steps of detecting that a first earphone and a second earphone are not both positioned in a listening position with respect to a user; generating a signal in response to detecting that a first earphone and a second earphone are not both positioned in a listening position with respect a user; and in response to the generated signal, halting an application on a device providing audio to the first earphone and second earphone. The prior art deals with acoustic and biometric characteristics of the earphone for detecting the presence of earphone in an appropriate position. Further, theUS2013345842A1 requires a software program for controlling the system. - In another prior art
WO2015051819A1 , the earphone device with optical sensor. An earphone device to be worn in the ear, which earphone device comprising a main body to be arranged in the concha of the outer ear of a user and an optical sensor, which optical sensor comprises a light emitter and a light detector. The earphone device comprises window means through which light emitted by the light emitter can be transmitted. By optical means the earphone removal is detected. Similar toKR20070025167A WO2015051819A1 also requires a special made earpieces which includes special sensors inside the earpiece that detects whether the earpieces is in use or not. It cannot be used for all earpieces. - In the literature, "Considerations in high-fidelity moving-coil earphone design," by White, J. Audio, IEEE Transactions on , vol.11, no.6, pp. 188- 194, Nov 1963 doi: 10.1109/TAU.1963.1161732 describes the characteristics of loudspeakers including backward sound harmonics. The usage of such characteristics in earphone is not described so far.
- The subject-matter of
US2013345842A1 ,KR20070025167A WO2015051819A1 does not provide an effective solution for automatically muting the earphone without changing the existing design in the earpiece. - It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a system, in particular an automatic mute system for headphone that can save power and can be adapted to any earpiece without change in design.
- The before mentioned object is solved by an automatic mute system for earphone according to
claim 1. The automatic mute system according to the present invention preferably comprises an audio source, an amplifier unit, a buffer unit, at least one earpiece and a comparator. The audio source is provided for sending audio signal. The amplifier unit is provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source. The buffer unit is provided in between the amplifier and the ear piece for generating buffered audio signal. The earpiece is provided for rendering amplified audio signal to a user. Further, the earpiece is mounted on an ear canal of the user and the earpiece is capable of obtaining backward harmonics. The backward harmonics are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal. The comparator provided for detecting backward harmonics by subtracting the input and output buffered audio signal. The comparator generates a mute signal for turning off the amplifier unit when the backward harmonics is not present. - This solution is beneficial hence the automatic mute system for earphone has a very wide usage area. That is it can be used in every device that have headphone / earphone output. The undesirable power consumption when the earphone is not in use can be avoided by the aforementioned system.
- Further preferred embodiments are subject-matter of dependent claims and/or of the following specification parts.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buffer unit is a unit gain buffer amplifier. That is an output of the buffer unit can be transferred to an output jack of the earpiece. Further, the amplified audio signal is transferred to the earpiece with its cord. The comparator can provide the mute signal to the amplifier unit to turn OFF the amplifier unit. Further, the comparator can detect the backward harmonics by subtracting input and output signal of the buffer unit. In addition to that, the comparator can enable the mute signal to turn off the amplifier unit even for very small level of the backward harmonics. The backward harmonics are created by harmonics on a line between the buffer unit and the earpiece.
- According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generation of backward harmonics indicates that the earpiece is positioned on the ear of the user. The absence of backward harmonics indicates that the earpiece is not positioned on the ear of the user.
- The before mentioned object is also solved by a method to mute the earphone automatically, according to claim 9. Said method preferably comprises the steps: transmitting audio signal from an audio source to an amplifier unit, checking for mute signal at the amplifier input stage, amplifying the audio signal received at the amplifier unit, if the mute signal is not received, buffering and transmitting the amplified audio signal to an earpiece using a buffer unit, receiving an audio signal at the earpiece that is reflected from an ear canal of a user, detecting the backward harmonics with the buffered audio signal using a comparator, checking whether the backward harmonics is present or not; and keeping a mute signal in hold for turning off , if the backward harmonics is present.
- According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for automatically muting headphone further comprising the steps of, sending the mute signal to the amplifier unit, if the backward harmonics is absent and stopping the amplification of the audio signal by turning off the amplifier unit.
- Further benefits, goals and features of the present invention will be described by the following specification of the attached figures, in which components of the invention are exemplarily illustrated. Components of the devices and method according to the inventions, which match at least essentially with respect to their function can be marked with the same reference sign, wherein such components do not have to be marked or described in all figures.
- The invention is just exemplarily described with respect to the attached figures in the following.
-
- Fig. 1
- illustrates the functional circuit diagram for automatic mute system for earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 2
- illustrates the method for mute the earphone automatically according to an embodiment of the present invention.
-
Fig. 1 illustrates the functional circuit diagram 100 for automatic mute system for earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic mute system according to the present invention preferably comprises anaudio source 1, anamplifier unit 2, abuffer unit 3, at least one earpiece 5 and a comparator 4. Theaudio source 1 is provided for sending audio signal. Theamplifier unit 2 is provided for amplifying the audio signal from theaudio source 1. Thebuffer unit 3 is provided in between theamplifier unit 2 and the earpiece 5 for generating buffered audio signal. The earpiece 5 is provided for rendering (output from earpiece) amplified audio signal 6 to a user. Further, the earpiece 5 is mounted on an ear canal of the user and the earpiece 5 is capable of obtainingbackward harmonics 10. Thebackward harmonics 10 are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal. The comparator 4 is provided for detectingbackward harmonics 10 by subtracting the input and output buffered audio signal. The comparator 4 can generate amute signal 7 for turning off theamplifier unit 2 when thebackward harmonics 10 is not present. - According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
buffer unit 3 is a unit gain buffer amplifier. That is an output 9 of thebuffer unit 3 can be transferred to an output jack of the earpiece 5. Further, the output 9 of the buffer unit 3 (amplified audio signal) is transferred to the earpiece 5 with its cord. The comparator 4 can detect thebackward harmonics 10 by subtractinginput 8 and output 9 of thebuffer unit 3. Further, the comparator 4 can provide themute signal 7 to theamplifier unit 2 to turn OFF theamplifier unit 2. In addition to that, the comparator 4 can enable themute signal 7 to turn off theamplifier unit 2 even for very small level of thebackward harmonics 10. - According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
backward harmonics 10 are created by harmonics on a line between thebuffer unit 3 and the earpiece 5. The generation ofbackward harmonics 10 indicates that the earpiece 5 is positioned on theear 11 of the user. The absence ofbackward harmonics 10 indicates that the earpiece 5 is not positioned on theear 11 of the user. -
Fig. 2 illustrates themethod 200 for mute the earphone automatically according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method to mute the earphone automatically comprising the steps of transmittingaudio signal 12 from anaudio source 1 to anamplifier unit 2, checking 13 whether themute signal 7 is received or not. If themute signal 7 is not received at theamplifier unit 2 then the amplifier unit can amplify 14 the audio signal. Otherwise, theamplifier unit 2 can be turned off 20 with by themute signal 7. The amplified signal can be buffered 15 using abuffer unit 3. Further, the buffered audio signal may be transmitted 16 to the earpiece 5. Thebackward harmonics 10 are received 17 from the earpiece 5. That is thebackward harmonics 10 are reflected from an ear canal of the user. The comparator 4 can detect 18 thebackward harmonics 10 by means of the input and output buffered audio signal 9. The comparator 4 can detect even very small harmonics by subtractinginput 8 and output 9 ofbuffer unit 3. Before amplification process, the condition for thepresence 19 of anybackward harmonics 10 is verified. If there may not any presence ofbackward harmonics 10 then the comparator 4 can generate themute signal 7. Otherwise, the comparator 4 may not generate anymute signal 7 to turn off theamplifier unit 2. - Thus, the present invention refers to an automatic mute system for earphone. The automatic mute system preferably comprises an
audio source 1, anamplifier unit 2, abuffer unit 3, at least one earpiece 5 and a comparator 4. The system can detect the availability of thatbackward harmonics 10 due to reflected signal from the ear canal and mute theaudio source 1 if they are not available. Theamplifier unit 2 is provided for amplifying the audio signal from theaudio source 1. Thebuffer unit 3 is provided in between the amplifier and the earpiece 5 for generating buffered audio signal. Thebackward harmonics 10 are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal and obtained by the earpiece 5. The comparator 4 is provided for detectingbackward harmonics 10 by means of input and output buffered audio signal. The comparator 4 can generate amute signal 7 for turning off theamplifier unit 2 when thebackward harmonics 10 is not present. -
- 1
- an audio source
- 2
- an amplifier unit
- 3
- a buffer unit
- 4
- a comparator
- 5
- an earpiece
- 6
- output from earpiece or audio signal to ear canal
- 7
- mute signal
- 8
- input of the buffer unit
- 9
- output of the buffer unit
- 10
- reflected signal from ear canal or backward harmonics
- 11
- user's ear
- 12
- transmitting audio signal from an audio source to an amplifier unit,
- 13
- condition to check whether the mute signal is received or not.
- 14
- amplifying the audio signal received at the amplifier unit.
- 15
- buffering the amplified signal to next stage using a buffer unit.
- 16
- transmitting the buffered audio signal to the earpiece.
- 17
- receiving backward harmonics from the earpiece that is reflected from an ear canal of the user.
- 18
- detecting the backward harmonics with the buffered audio signal using a comparator.
- 19
- condition to check whether there are any backward harmonics.
- 20
- stopping the amplification of audio.
- 100
- the functional circuit diagram for automatic mute system for earphone
- 200
- the method for mute the earphone automatically
Claims (10)
- An automatic mute system for headphone comprises of,
an audio source (1) provided for sending audio signal;
an amplifier unit (2) provided for amplifying the audio signal from the audio source (1); a buffer unit (3) provided in between the amplifier and the earpiece (5) for generating buffered audio signal;
at least one earpiece (5) provided for rendering amplified audio signal to a user; wherein the earpiece (5) is mounted on an ear canal of the user;
wherein the earpiece (5) is capable of obtaining backward harmonics (10);
wherein the backward harmonics (10) are generated from reflected audio signals from the ear canal;
characterized in that
a comparator (4) provided for detecting backward harmonics (10) by means of input and output buffered audio signal; and
wherein the comparator (4) generates a mute signal (7) for turning off the amplifier unit (2) when the backward harmonics (10) is not present. - The system of claim 1, wherein the buffer unit (3) is a unit gain buffer amplifier;
wherein an output (9) of the buffer unit (3) transferred to an output jack of the earpiece (5) and the amplified audio signal transferred to the earpiece (5) with its cord. - The system of claim 1, wherein the comparator (4) provides the mute signal (7) to the amplifier unit (2) to turn OFF the amplifier unit (2).
- The system of claim 1, wherein the comparator (4) detects the backward harmonics (10) by subtracting input (8) and output (9) signal of the buffer unit (3).
- The system of claim 1, wherein the comparator (4) enables the mute signal (7) to turn off the amplifier unit (2) even for very small level of the backward harmonics (10).
- The system of claim 1, wherein the backward harmonics (10) are created by harmonics on a line between the buffer unit (3) and the earpiece (5).
- The system of claim 1, wherein the generation of backward harmonics (10) indicates that the earpiece (5) is positioned on the ear (11) of the user.
- The system of claim 1, wherein an absence of backward harmonics (10) indicates that the earpiece (5) is not positioned on the ear (11) of the user.
- A method for automatically muting headphone comprising the steps of
transmitting audio signal from an audio source (1) to an amplifier unit (2);
checking for mute signal (7) at the amplifier input stage;
amplifying the audio signal received at the amplifier unit (2), if the mute signal (7) is not received;
buffering and transmitting the amplified audio signal to an earpiece (5) using a buffer unit (3);
receiving an audio signal at the earpiece (5) that is reflected from an ear canal of a user;
detecting the backward harmonics (10) with the buffered audio signal using a comparator (4);
checking whether the backward harmonics (10) is present or not; and
keeping a mute signal (7) in hold for turning off , if the backward harmonics (10) is present. - The method of claim 9, the method for automatically muting headphone further comprising the steps of
sending the mute signal (7) to the amplifier unit (2), if the backward harmonics (10) is absent; and
stopping the amplification of the audio signal by turning off the amplifier unit (2).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17167106.8A EP3393138A1 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2017-04-19 | An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17167106.8A EP3393138A1 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2017-04-19 | An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3393138A1 true EP3393138A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
Family
ID=58579030
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17167106.8A Withdrawn EP3393138A1 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2017-04-19 | An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3393138A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113676819A (en) * | 2021-10-21 | 2021-11-19 | 武汉市聚芯微电子有限责任公司 | Soft mute control circuit, soft mute control method and device |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2004072498A (en) * | 2002-08-07 | 2004-03-04 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Earphone microphone |
US20040196992A1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2004-10-07 | Ryan Jim G. | System and method for detecting the insertion or removal of a hearing instrument from the ear canal |
KR20070025167A (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2007-03-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Audio volume control apparatus and method for mobile communication device |
US20070297634A1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2007-12-27 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Earphone system with usage detection |
US20120207319A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2012-08-16 | Sony Corporation | Sound signal output apparatus and sound signal output method |
US20130345842A1 (en) | 2012-06-25 | 2013-12-26 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Earphone removal detection |
US20150063587A1 (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2015-03-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Electronic device and control method thereof |
WO2015051819A1 (en) | 2013-10-07 | 2015-04-16 | Gn Netcom A/S | Earphone device with optical sensor |
US20160081018A1 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-17 | Nxp B.V. | Mobile device |
-
2017
- 2017-04-19 EP EP17167106.8A patent/EP3393138A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2004072498A (en) * | 2002-08-07 | 2004-03-04 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Earphone microphone |
US20040196992A1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2004-10-07 | Ryan Jim G. | System and method for detecting the insertion or removal of a hearing instrument from the ear canal |
KR20070025167A (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2007-03-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Audio volume control apparatus and method for mobile communication device |
US20070297634A1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2007-12-27 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Earphone system with usage detection |
US20120207319A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2012-08-16 | Sony Corporation | Sound signal output apparatus and sound signal output method |
US20130345842A1 (en) | 2012-06-25 | 2013-12-26 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Earphone removal detection |
US20150063587A1 (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2015-03-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Electronic device and control method thereof |
WO2015051819A1 (en) | 2013-10-07 | 2015-04-16 | Gn Netcom A/S | Earphone device with optical sensor |
US20160081018A1 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-17 | Nxp B.V. | Mobile device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
WHITE, J. AUDIO: "Considerations in high-fidelity moving-coil earphone design", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON, vol. 11, no. 6, November 1963 (1963-11-01), pages 188 - 194, XP055405179, DOI: doi:10.1109/TAU.1963.1161732 |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113676819A (en) * | 2021-10-21 | 2021-11-19 | 武汉市聚芯微电子有限责任公司 | Soft mute control circuit, soft mute control method and device |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11741935B2 (en) | Communication apparatus with ambient noise reduction | |
CN110089129B (en) | On/off-head detection of personal sound devices using earpiece microphones | |
US20170214994A1 (en) | Earbud Control Using Proximity Detection | |
KR101731714B1 (en) | Method and headset for improving sound quality | |
US9628893B2 (en) | Method of auto-pausing audio/video content while using headphones | |
MY133991A (en) | Hand held telephone set and audio processing method. | |
CN111800696B (en) | Hearing assistance method, earphone, and computer-readable storage medium | |
KR20170026786A (en) | Smart hearing aid system with active noise control and hearing aid control device thereof | |
US20160330541A1 (en) | Audio duplication using dual-headsets to enhance auditory intelligibility | |
KR20160100648A (en) | Active Noise Cancellation in Audio Output Device | |
CN115412788A (en) | Ear-hanging microphone | |
KR20200017702A (en) | Electronic device and method for adjusting the output intensity of a speaker based on distance from an external electronic device | |
KR20070105555A (en) | Earphone having microphone | |
WO2021123758A3 (en) | Systems and methods for on ear detection of headsets | |
US20090196443A1 (en) | Wireless earphone system with hearing aid function | |
KR101861357B1 (en) | Bluetooth device having function of sensing external noise | |
US11089429B1 (en) | Indication for correct audio device orientation | |
KR101953866B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for processing sound signal of earset having in-ear microphone | |
EP3393138A1 (en) | An automatic mute system and a method thereof for headphone | |
KR20160137290A (en) | Method and computer program for cancelling howling and echo in a headset | |
US11950041B2 (en) | Control of an earphone device | |
TW201906419A (en) | Intelligent earphone device personalization system for user oriented conversation and use method thereof | |
KR20160137291A (en) | Headset with a function for cancelling howling and echo | |
JP4915466B2 (en) | Audio output device | |
US20240298120A1 (en) | User interface control using vibration suppression |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20190425 |