EP4216569A1 - Filtering element for a headphone - Google Patents

Filtering element for a headphone Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4216569A1
EP4216569A1 EP22152866.4A EP22152866A EP4216569A1 EP 4216569 A1 EP4216569 A1 EP 4216569A1 EP 22152866 A EP22152866 A EP 22152866A EP 4216569 A1 EP4216569 A1 EP 4216569A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filtering element
protrusions
headphone
microphone input
earpiece
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Withdrawn
Application number
EP22152866.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Timo Oess
Heiko Neumann
Marc O. Ernst
Daniel Schmid
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Baden Wuerttemberg Stiftung gGmbH
Original Assignee
Baden Wuerttemberg Stiftung gGmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Baden Wuerttemberg Stiftung gGmbH filed Critical Baden Wuerttemberg Stiftung gGmbH
Priority to EP22152866.4A priority Critical patent/EP4216569A1/en
Publication of EP4216569A1 publication Critical patent/EP4216569A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H04R1/1008—Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type
    • 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
    • H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
    • H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
    • H04R1/086—Protective screens, e.g. all weather or wind screens
    • 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
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/222—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only  for microphones

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filtering element for a headphone.
  • the present invention further relates to a headphone comprising a filtering element.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a filtering element for a headphone.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a headphone comprising a filtering element.
  • Headphones are a pair of small loudspeaker drivers worn on or around the head over a user's ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound. Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earspeakers, earphones or, colloquially, cans. Circumaural ('around the ear') and supra-aural ('over the ear') headphones use a band over the top of the head to hold the speakers in place. Another type, known as earbuds or earpieces consist of individual units that plug into the user's ear canal. A third type are bone conduction headphones, which typically wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal open. In the context of telecommunication, a headset is a combination of headphone and microphone.
  • Headphones connect to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, mobile phone, video game console, or electronic musical instrument, either directly using a cord, or using wireless technology such as Bluetooth, DECT or FM radio.
  • a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, mobile phone, video game console, or electronic musical instrument
  • wireless technology such as Bluetooth, DECT or FM radio.
  • Headphones exhibit a range of different audio reproduction quality capabilities. Headsets designed for telephone use typically cannot reproduce sound with the high fidelity of expensive units designed for music listening by audiophiles. Headphones that use cables typically have either a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) or 1/8 inch (3.5mm) phone jack for plugging the headphones into the audio source. Some stereo earbuds are wireless, using Bluetooth connectivity to transmit the audio signal by radio waves from source devices like cellphones and digital players. As a result of the Walkman effect beginning in the 1980s, headphones started to be used in public places such as sidewalks, grocery stores, and public transit.
  • Headphones are also used by people in various professional contexts, such as audio engineers mixing sound for live concerts or sound recordings and DJs, who use headphones to cue up the next song without the audience hearing, aircraft pilots and call center employees.
  • the latter two types of employees use headphones with an integrated microphone.
  • the auditory detection of the surroundings of the wearer is significantly limited. This has particular influence on the vertical localization of sound as headphones and particularly in ear headphones modify the impinging sound signals such that those frequency components usually used by the human brain for localization are unusable. Particularly, this may cause dangerous situations for traffic, for example if a vehicle approaching from behind of the wearer may not be detected.
  • Headphone particularly in ear headphones such as Google buds or Apple Air pods may only have two outer microphones for constructional and space reasons.
  • These microphones allow a localization of sound only in a horizontal plane by evaluating of time and intensity differences between the microphones, i.e. the so called horizontal localization features.
  • these features involve ambiguities in the spatial detection of sound, i.e. the so called cone of confusion. This makes it difficult or even impossible to distinguish whether a sound source approaches from the front or behind, i.e. the so called front-back confusion.
  • a filtering element for a headphone a headphone comprising a filtering element
  • a method for manufacturing a filtering element a method for manufacturing a headphone comprising a filtering element with the features of the independent claims.
  • the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present.
  • the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.
  • the terms "at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element.
  • the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.
  • a filtering element for a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input.
  • the filtering element is configured to be arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input. Further, the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
  • the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones independent on the spectral composition thereof.
  • the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • headphone as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a small loudspeaker driver configured to be worn on or around the head over a user's ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound. Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earspeakers, earphones or, colloquially, cans.
  • Circumaural ('around the ear') and supra-aural ('over the ear') headphones use a band over the top of the head to hold the speakers in place.
  • Another type known as earbuds or earpieces consist of individual units that plug into the user's ear canal.
  • a third type are bone conduction headphones, which typically wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal open.
  • a headset is a combination of headphone and microphone. Headphones connect to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, mobile phone, video game console, or electronic musical instrument, either directly using a cord, or using wireless technology such as Bluetooth, DECT or FM radio.
  • earpiece as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a speaker configured to be placed inside or held near to the ear.
  • microphone input is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an input to a microphone of the headphone.
  • the microphone input is an orifice, opening or any other member through which sound may enter into the microphone.
  • microphone as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, sound recording, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting. They are also used in computers for recording voice, speech recognition, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic sensors or knock sensors.
  • a complete microphone also includes a housing, some means of bringing the signal from the element to other equipment, and often an electronic circuit to adapt the output of the capsule to the equipment being driven.
  • a wireless microphone contains a radio transmitter.
  • filter element as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member configured to filter specific or predetermined frequencies of sound.
  • the filtering may be realized by reflecting sound with a specific or predetermined frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • modulate and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of varying one or more properties of a periodic waveform, called the carrier signal, with a separate signal called the modulation signal that typically contains information to be transmitted.
  • the modulation signal might be an audio signal representing sound from a microphone, a video signal representing moving images from a video camera, or a digital signal representing a sequence of binary digits, a bitstream from a computer.
  • the carrier is higher in frequency than the modulation signal.
  • the purpose of modulation is to impress the information on the carrier wave, which is used to carry the information to another location.
  • the modulated carrier is transmitted through space as a radio wave to a radio receiver.
  • Another purpose is to transmit multiple channels of information through a single communication medium, using frequency division multiplexing (FDM).
  • FDM frequency division multiplexing
  • many carrier signals, each modulated with a different television channel are transported through a single cable to customers. Since each carrier occupies a different frequency, the channels do not interfere with each other.
  • the carrier signal is demodulated to extract the information bearing modulation signal.
  • frequency modulate and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of modulating a frequency. Particularly, this term may refer to a process of encoding of information in a carrier wave by varying the instantaneous frequency of the wave.
  • the technology is used in telecommunications, radio broadcasting, signal processing, and computing.
  • analog frequency modulation such as radio broadcasting, of an audio signal representing voice or music, the instantaneous frequency deviation, i.e.
  • FSK frequency-shift keying
  • the frequencies may represent digits, such as '0' and '1'.
  • FSK is widely used in computer modems, such as fax modems, telephone caller ID systems, garage door openers, and other low-frequency transmissions.
  • Radioteletype also uses FSK.
  • Frequency modulation is widely used for FM radio broadcasting.
  • Frequency modulation and phase modulation are the two complementary principal methods of angle modulation; phase modulation is often used as an intermediate step to achieve frequency modulation. These methods contrast with amplitude modulation, in which the amplitude of the carrier wave varies, while the frequency and phase remain constant.
  • the filtering element may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  • the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones from different directions, particularly vertical directions, independent on the spectral composition thereof.
  • the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • the filtering element may comprise an opening configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input.
  • the filtering element may further comprise protrusions arranged at least partially around the opening for the microphone input.
  • the protrusions may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
  • the outer surface of the filtering element is provided with shape structures modifying the impinging sound in its spectral composition such that frequency modulations depending on their spatial position result.
  • Such "artificial" head-related transfer functions allow an exact localization of tones within the vertical plane and a resolution of disambiguations resulting from the horizontal localization features.
  • any ambient auditory objects of the wearer may be exactly localized. Further, due to the resolution of the disambiguations it is possible to localize auditory objects on the facing away side of the wearer.
  • outer surface and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a surface of the filtering element facing away from the earpiece when arranged at or attached to the earpiece.
  • the protrusions may be continuously arranged around the opening for the microphone input. Alternatively, the protrusions may be discontinuously arranged around the opening for the microphone input. Thus, different arrangements of the protrusions may be used to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the protrusions may have a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
  • the protrusions may have different heights to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the protrusions may have a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
  • the protrusions may have different orientations to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the protrusions may have a different size.
  • the protrusions may have different sizes to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • a distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input may increase with a clockwise angle around the microphone input.
  • the protrusions may be arranged at different distances from the opening for the microphone input to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the protrusions may be arranged in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input.
  • protrusions may be arranged in a specific pattern to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the protrusions may be arranged in a logarithmic spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. While the shape of the filter element can vary, it is advantageous for the protrusions to be in a logarithmic spiral shape wherein with increasing clockwise angle the distance to the opening for the microphone input increases. Thus, the protrusions are arranged similar to a shape of a human ear.
  • the protrusions may comprise a rounded shape.
  • the protrusions may comprise an angular shape.
  • the shape of the protrusions may be defined depending on constructional requirements and/or design requirements.
  • the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency.
  • the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave. Depending on the elevation of the sound source, the distance to the filter element changes and thus the reflected frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • vertical as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation parallel to a direction of gravity.
  • horizontal as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning.
  • the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation perpendicular to a direction of gravity.
  • the filtering element may be configured to be attached to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be mounted to or connected to the earpiece.
  • the attachment may be permanent.
  • the filtering element may be configured to be releasably attached to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be manufactured separately from the earpiece and attached to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate.
  • the filtering element may be at least partially made of plastics.
  • the filtering element may be made from rather costs efficient materials.
  • a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input.
  • the headphone further comprises a filtering element according to anyone of the embodiments described herein.
  • the filtering element is arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input.
  • the filtering element may be permanently or releasably attached to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be mounted to or connected to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate.
  • the headphone may further comprise at least one microphone connected to the microphone input.
  • the ambient sound may reliably enter the wearer's ear.
  • the headphone may further comprise an alert device configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone.
  • the headphone may be connectable to an alert device configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone.
  • the alert device may be external to or separate from the headphone.
  • the alert device may be part of a wearer's glasses or integrated into a smartphone. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed about potential dangerous situations.
  • the alert may be an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
  • a wearer of the headphone may be informed in different ways about potential dangerous situations.
  • the headphone may further comprise two earpieces each having a microphone input.
  • the filtering element may be arranged at an outer side of each earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be arranged at both sides of the human ear thereby increasing the filtering effect.
  • the headphone may further comprise two microphones, wherein each microphone input is connected to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.
  • the sound signals may be integrated into the headphone's electronics so as to localize the sound source's position.
  • the headphone may be an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone.
  • the present invention may be used with different kinds of headphones.
  • a method for manufacturing a filtering element for a headphone comprising the following method steps which, specifically, may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is also possible. It is further possible to perform two or more of the method steps fully or partially simultaneously. Further, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as repeated once or several times. Further, the method may comprise additional method steps which are not listed.
  • the method comprises the following steps:
  • the filtering element is arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input so as to allow to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones independent on the spectral composition thereof.
  • the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • the filtering element may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  • the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones from different directions, particularly vertical directions, independent on the spectral composition thereof.
  • the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • the method may further comprise providing the filtering element with protrusions arranged at least partially around an opening for the microphone input, wherein the protrusions are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
  • the outer side of the filtering element is provided with shape structures modifying the impinging sound in its spectral composition such that frequency modulations depending on their spatial position result.
  • Such "artificial" head-related transfer functions allow an exact localization of tones within the vertical plane and a resolution of disambiguations resulting from the horizontal localization features.
  • any ambient auditory objects of the wearer may be exactly localized. Further, due to the resolution of the disambiguations it is possible to localize auditory objects on the facing away side of the wearer.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions continuously around the opening for the microphone input.
  • the method may further comprise arranging the protrusions discontinuously around the opening for the microphone input.
  • different arrangements of the protrusions may be used to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
  • the protrusions may have different heights to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
  • the protrusions may have different orientations to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different size.
  • the protrusions may have different sizes to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions such that a distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input.
  • the protrusions may be arranged with different distances from the opening for the microphone input to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise arranging the protrusions in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input.
  • protrusions may be arranged in a specific pattern to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • the method may further comprise arranging the protrusions in a logarithmic spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. While the shape of the filter element can vary, it is advantageous for the protrusions to be in a logarithmic spiral shape wherein with increasing clockwise angle the distance to the opening for the microphone input increases. Thus, the protrusions are arranged similar to a shape of a human ear.
  • the method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a rounded shape.
  • the method may alternatively further comprise forming the protrusions with an angular shape.
  • the shape of the protrusions may be defined depending on constructional requirements and/or design requirements.
  • the method may further comprise determining a position of the protrusions by means of measuring a predetermined quantity of human ears and calculating an average shape of the measured human ears.
  • the positions for the protrusions may be defined close to a helix and/or an antihelix of a human's ear.
  • the human ability for disambiguation of sound may be imitated.
  • the filtering element may be formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency.
  • the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • the filtering element may be formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave. Depending on the elevation of the sound source, the distance to the filter element changes and thus the reflected frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • the method may further comprise making the filtering element at least partially of plastics.
  • the filtering element may be made from rather costs efficient materials.
  • the method may further comprise making the filtering element by means of moulding, injection moulding or 3D printing.
  • the filtering element may be made by means of well established and cost efficient manufacturing methods.
  • the method may be computer-implemented. Thereby, the manpower required for manufacturing may be reduced.
  • a method for manufacturing a headphone may be a headphone according to anyone the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the method comprises the following method steps which, specifically, may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is also possible. It is further possible to perform two or more of the method steps fully or partially simultaneously. Further, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as repeated once or several times. Further, the method may comprise additional method steps which are not listed.
  • the method comprises the following steps:
  • The may further comprise releasably attaching the filtering element to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be manufactured separately from the earpiece and attached to the earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate.
  • the filtering element may be formed as a kind of design or decorative element and changed by a user as desired.
  • the method may further comprise connecting at least one microphone to the microphone input.
  • the ambient sound may reliably enter the wearer's ear.
  • the method may further comprise providing an alert device or forming the headphone so as to be connectable to an alert device, wherein the alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone.
  • the alert device may be external to or separate from the headphone.
  • the alert device may be part of a wearer's glasses or integrated into a smartphone. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed about potential dangerous situations.
  • the alert may be an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
  • a wearer of the headphone may be informed in different ways about potential dangerous situations.
  • the method may further comprise providing two earpieces each having a microphone input, and arranging the filtering element at an outer side of each earpiece.
  • the filtering element may be arranged at both sides of the human ear thereby increasing the filtering effect.
  • the method may further comprise providing two microphones, and connecting each microphone input to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.
  • the sound signals may be integrated into the headphone's electronics so as to localize the sound source's position.
  • the headphone may be an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone.
  • the present invention may be used with different kinds of headphones.
  • the method may be computer-implemented. Thereby, the manpower required for manufacturing may be reduced.
  • a computer program including computer-executable instructions for performing the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the instructions are executed on a computer or computer network.
  • the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • computer-readable data carrier and “computer-readable storage medium” specifically may refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions.
  • the computer-readable data carrier or storage medium specifically may be or may comprise a storage medium such as a random-access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM).
  • RAM random-access memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • one, more than one or even all of method steps a) to d) as indicated above may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.
  • program code means in order to perform the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network.
  • the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after loading into a computer or computer network, such as into a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network, may execute the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • a computer program product with program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, in order to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network.
  • a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product.
  • the product may generally exist in an arbitrary format, such as in a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.
  • modulated data signal which contains instructions readable by a computer system or computer network, for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • one or more of the method steps or even all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or computer network.
  • any of the method steps including provision and/or manipulation of data may be performed by using a computer or computer network.
  • these method steps may include any of the method steps, typically except for method steps requiring manual work, such as providing the samples and/or certain aspects of performing the actual measurements.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the headphone 100 comprises at least one earpiece 102.
  • the earpiece 102 has a microphone input 104.
  • the headphone 100 is an over ear headphone 100.
  • the headphone 100 comprises two earpieces 102 each of which has a microphone input 104.
  • the headphone 100 further comprises at least one microphone 106 connected to the microphone input 104.
  • the headphone 100 comprises two microphones 106 each of which is connected to one of the microphone inputs 104.
  • the earpieces are connected to one another by means of a band 108.
  • the headphone 100 further comprises a filtering element 110.
  • the filtering element 110 comprises an opening 112 configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input 104.
  • the filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of the earpiece 102 at least partially around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104.
  • the filtering element 110 is permanently attached to the earpiece 102. Alternatively, the filtering element 110 may be integrally formed with the earpiece 102.
  • the filtering element 110 is at least partially made of plastics.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. Particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  • the filtering element 110 comprises protrusions 116 at an outer surface 118 thereof.
  • the protrusions 116 are arranged at least partially around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104.
  • the protrusions 116 are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110.
  • the protrusions 116 are continuously arranged around the microphone input 104.
  • the protrusions 116 transition into one another such that they have a shape similar to a ridge.
  • the protrusions 116 may comprise a rounded shape.
  • a distance 120 of the protrusions 116 from the opening 112 for the microphone input 104 increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input 104.
  • the distance 120 may be determined by a distance between a center point of the opening 112 to a center point or apex of a protrusion 116.
  • the protrusions 116 are arranged in a spiral shape around the microphone input 104. More particularly, the protrusions 116 are arranged in a logarithmic spiral shape around the microphone input 104.
  • the protrusions 116 transition into one another such that they have a shape similar to a ridge. More particularly, the protrusions 116 are arranged similar to the helix of a human ear.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with at least one predetermined frequency.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. More particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave.
  • the headphone 100 may further comprise an alert device (not shown in detail) configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone 100.
  • the alert may be an acoustic signal.
  • the object may be detected by a sound wave originating therefrom.
  • the object may be a vehicle approaching a wearer of the headphone 100.
  • a wearer of the headphone 100 may be acoustically informed about potential dangerous situations.
  • the alert device may be separate from the headphone 100 but may be communicatively connected thereto.
  • the alert device may be integrated into glasses of a user of the headphone 100 and send an optical signal to the user.
  • the alert device may be integrated into a user's smartphone and send a haptic signal such as a vibration signal.
  • Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2A shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 removed from the earpiece 102
  • Figure 2B shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 attached to the earpiece 102.
  • the filtering element 110 is releasably attachable to the earpiece 102.
  • Figure 2A shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 released or separated from the earpiece 102.
  • Figure 2B shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 attached to the earpiece 102.
  • a user may change the filtering element 110 as desired.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the protrusions 116 are discontinuously arranged around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104.
  • the protrusions 116 have different heights 122 with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110.
  • the height 122 may be determined as a distance of a tip or an apex of a protrusion 116 from the outer surface 118.
  • the protrusions 116 have different sizes.
  • the size may be determined as a volume of a protrusion 116. More particularly, the protrusions 116 have at least two different sizes and two different heights 122. With other words, there are bigger protrusions 124 and there are smaller protrusions 126. The bigger protrusions 116 and the smaller protrusions 116 have a rounded shape. Particularly, the protrusions 116 are shaped similar to rounded hills or have a spherical shape.
  • the bigger protrusions 124 and the smaller protrusions 126 may be arranged in an alternating order wherein the smaller protrusions 126 may be arranged on an imaginary line outside from an imaginary line on which the bigger protrusions 124 are arranged if seen from above towards the microphone input 104.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the protrusions 116 comprise an angular shape.
  • the protrusions 116 have a different orientation with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110.
  • the protrusions 116 have different sizes.
  • some protrusions 116 have a pyramidal shape 128, some have a cuboid shape 130 and some have a wedge shape 132.
  • the method may be computer-implemented. Firstly, a material for the filtering element 110 is provided. Then, the filtering element 110 is formed.
  • the filtering element 110 is at least partially made of plastics.
  • the filtering element 110 may be made by means of moulding, injection moulding or 3D printing.
  • the filtering element 110 is made so as to be configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110.
  • the filtering element 110 is provided with protrusions 116 arranged at least partially around the microphone input 104. The protrusions 116 are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110.
  • the protrusions 116 are continuously arranged around the microphone input 104.
  • the protrusions 116 are discontinuously arranged around the microphone input 104 for the third and fourth embodiments.
  • the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different height 122 with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110.
  • the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different orientation with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110. The orientation may be determined by an angle between basis area of a protrusion 116 and a line connecting a center point of the basis area and a tip or apex of the protrusion 116.
  • the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different size.
  • the protrusions 116 are formed such that a distance 120 of the microphone input 104 from the protrusions 116 increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input 104. Further the protrusions 116 are arranged in a spiral shape, particularly a logarithmic spiral shape, around the microphone input 104. Further, the protrusions 116 may be formed with a rounded shape as shown in Figure 3 . Alternatively, the protrusions 116 may be formed with an angular shape as shown in Figure 4 . A position of the protrusions 116 is determined by means of measuring a predetermined quantity of human ears and calculating an average shape of the measured human ears.
  • a filtering element 110 as described herein.
  • the filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of the earpiece 102 at least partially around the microphone input 104.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110.
  • the filtering element 110 is attached to the earpiece 102.
  • the filtering element 110 may be releasably attached to the earpiece 102.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with at least one predetermined frequency.
  • the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave, particularly a vertical position of the source of the sound wave.
  • the at least one microphone is connected to the microphone input 104.
  • an alert device may be provided or the headphone 100 is formed so as to be connectable to an alert device.
  • the alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone 100.
  • the alert is an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
  • two earpieces 102 may be provided, each of which has a microphone input 104. Then, the filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of each earpiece 102. Further, two microphones may be provided and each microphone input 104 is connected to one of the microphones. Thereby, the headphone 100 is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

A filtering element (110) for a headphone (100) comprising at least one earpiece (102) having a microphone input (104) is disclosed. The filtering element (110) is configured to be arranged at an outer side (114) of the earpiece (102) at least partially around the microphone input (104). The filtering element (110) is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110). Further, a headphone (100), a method for manufacturing a filtering element (110) and a method for manufacturing a headphone (100) are disclosed.

Description

    Technical Field
  • The present invention relates to a filtering element for a headphone. The present invention further relates to a headphone comprising a filtering element. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a filtering element for a headphone. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a headphone comprising a filtering element.
    • Background art
  • Headphones are a pair of small loudspeaker drivers worn on or around the head over a user's ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound. Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earspeakers, earphones or, colloquially, cans. Circumaural ('around the ear') and supra-aural ('over the ear') headphones use a band over the top of the head to hold the speakers in place. Another type, known as earbuds or earpieces consist of individual units that plug into the user's ear canal. A third type are bone conduction headphones, which typically wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal open. In the context of telecommunication, a headset is a combination of headphone and microphone.
  • Headphones connect to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, mobile phone, video game console, or electronic musical instrument, either directly using a cord, or using wireless technology such as Bluetooth, DECT or FM radio. The first headphones were developed in the late 19th century for use by telephone operators, to keep their hands free. Initially the audio quality was mediocre and a step forward was the invention of high fidelity headphones.
  • Headphones exhibit a range of different audio reproduction quality capabilities. Headsets designed for telephone use typically cannot reproduce sound with the high fidelity of expensive units designed for music listening by audiophiles. Headphones that use cables typically have either a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) or 1/8 inch (3.5mm) phone jack for plugging the headphones into the audio source. Some stereo earbuds are wireless, using Bluetooth connectivity to transmit the audio signal by radio waves from source devices like cellphones and digital players. As a result of the Walkman effect beginning in the 1980s, headphones started to be used in public places such as sidewalks, grocery stores, and public transit. Headphones are also used by people in various professional contexts, such as audio engineers mixing sound for live concerts or sound recordings and DJs, who use headphones to cue up the next song without the audience hearing, aircraft pilots and call center employees. The latter two types of employees use headphones with an integrated microphone.
  • Despite the advantages provided by these headphones, there are still some drawbacks.
  • When wearing a headphone and playing a sound such as music, the auditory detection of the surroundings of the wearer is significantly limited. This has particular influence on the vertical localization of sound as headphones and particularly in ear headphones modify the impinging sound signals such that those frequency components usually used by the human brain for localization are unusable. Particularly, this may cause dangerous situations for traffic, for example if a vehicle approaching from behind of the wearer may not be detected.
  • Headphone, particularly in ear headphones such as Google buds or Apple Air pods may only have two outer microphones for constructional and space reasons. These microphones allow a localization of sound only in a horizontal plane by evaluating of time and intensity differences between the microphones, i.e. the so called horizontal localization features. However, these features involve ambiguities in the spatial detection of sound, i.e. the so called cone of confusion. This makes it difficult or even impossible to distinguish whether a sound source approaches from the front or behind, i.e. the so called front-back confusion.
    • Problem to be solved
  • It is therefore desirable to provide a headphone allowing an improved auditory spatial detection of sound, particularly a headphone allowing disambiguating of sound from different vertical directions.
    • Summary
  • This problem is addressed by a filtering element for a headphone, a headphone comprising a filtering element, a method for manufacturing a filtering element and a method for manufacturing a headphone comprising a filtering element with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.
  • As used in the following, the terms "have", "comprise" or "include" or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A comprises B" and "A includes B" may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.
  • Further, it shall be noted that the terms "at least one", "one or more" or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.
  • Further, as used in the following, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.
  • In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a filtering element for a headphone. The headphone comprises at least one earpiece having a microphone input. The filtering element is configured to be arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input. Further, the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
  • Similarly to the human auditory system, the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones independent on the spectral composition thereof. Particularly, the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • The term "headphone" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a small loudspeaker driver configured to be worn on or around the head over a user's ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound. Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earspeakers, earphones or, colloquially, cans. Circumaural ('around the ear') and supra-aural ('over the ear') headphones use a band over the top of the head to hold the speakers in place. Another type, known as earbuds or earpieces consist of individual units that plug into the user's ear canal. A third type are bone conduction headphones, which typically wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal open. In the context of telecommunication, a headset is a combination of headphone and microphone. Headphones connect to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, mobile phone, video game console, or electronic musical instrument, either directly using a cord, or using wireless technology such as Bluetooth, DECT or FM radio.
  • The term "earpiece" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a speaker configured to be placed inside or held near to the ear.
  • The term "microphone input" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an input to a microphone of the headphone. The microphone input is an orifice, opening or any other member through which sound may enter into the microphone.
  • The term "microphone" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, sound recording, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting. They are also used in computers for recording voice, speech recognition, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic sensors or knock sensors. Several types of microphone are used today, which employ different methods to convert the air pressure variations of a sound wave to an electrical signal. The most common are the dynamic microphone, which uses a coil of wire suspended in a magnetic field; the condenser microphone, which uses the vibrating diaphragm as a capacitor plate; and the contact microphone, which uses a crystal of piezoelectric material. Microphones typically need to be connected to a preamplifier before the signal can be recorded or reproduced. The sensitive transducer element of a microphone is called its element or capsule. Sound is first converted to mechanical motion by means of a diaphragm, the motion of which is then converted to an electrical signal. A complete microphone also includes a housing, some means of bringing the signal from the element to other equipment, and often an electronic circuit to adapt the output of the capsule to the equipment being driven. A wireless microphone contains a radio transmitter.
  • The term "filter element" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member configured to filter specific or predetermined frequencies of sound. The filtering may be realized by reflecting sound with a specific or predetermined frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • The term "modulate" and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of varying one or more properties of a periodic waveform, called the carrier signal, with a separate signal called the modulation signal that typically contains information to be transmitted. For example, the modulation signal might be an audio signal representing sound from a microphone, a video signal representing moving images from a video camera, or a digital signal representing a sequence of binary digits, a bitstream from a computer. The carrier is higher in frequency than the modulation signal. The purpose of modulation is to impress the information on the carrier wave, which is used to carry the information to another location. In radio communication the modulated carrier is transmitted through space as a radio wave to a radio receiver. Another purpose is to transmit multiple channels of information through a single communication medium, using frequency division multiplexing (FDM). For example in cable television which uses FDM, many carrier signals, each modulated with a different television channel, are transported through a single cable to customers. Since each carrier occupies a different frequency, the channels do not interfere with each other. At the destination end, the carrier signal is demodulated to extract the information bearing modulation signal.
  • The term "frequency modulate" and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of modulating a frequency. Particularly, this term may refer to a process of encoding of information in a carrier wave by varying the instantaneous frequency of the wave. The technology is used in telecommunications, radio broadcasting, signal processing, and computing. In analog frequency modulation, such as radio broadcasting, of an audio signal representing voice or music, the instantaneous frequency deviation, i.e. the difference between the frequency of the carrier and its center frequency, has a functional relation to the modulating signal amplitude. Digital data can be encoded and transmitted with a type of frequency modulation known as frequency-shift keying (FSK), in which the instantaneous frequency of the carrier is shifted among a set of frequencies. The frequencies may represent digits, such as '0' and '1'. FSK is widely used in computer modems, such as fax modems, telephone caller ID systems, garage door openers, and other low-frequency transmissions. Radioteletype also uses FSK. Frequency modulation is widely used for FM radio broadcasting. It is also used in telemetry, radar, seismic prospecting, and monitoring newborns for seizures via EEG, two-way radio systems, sound synthesis, magnetic tape-recording systems and some video-transmission systems. In radio transmission, an advantage of frequency modulation is that it has a larger signal-to-noise ratio and therefore rejects radio frequency interference better than an equal power amplitude modulation (AM) signal. For this reason, most music is broadcast over FM radio. Frequency modulation and phase modulation are the two complementary principal methods of angle modulation; phase modulation is often used as an intermediate step to achieve frequency modulation. These methods contrast with amplitude modulation, in which the amplitude of the carrier wave varies, while the frequency and phase remain constant.
  • The filtering element may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. Similarly to the human auditory system, the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones from different directions, particularly vertical directions, independent on the spectral composition thereof. Particularly, the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • The filtering element may comprise an opening configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input. The filtering element may further comprise protrusions arranged at least partially around the opening for the microphone input. The protrusions may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element. Thus, the outer surface of the filtering element is provided with shape structures modifying the impinging sound in its spectral composition such that frequency modulations depending on their spatial position result. Such "artificial" head-related transfer functions allow an exact localization of tones within the vertical plane and a resolution of disambiguations resulting from the horizontal localization features. Thus, any ambient auditory objects of the wearer may be exactly localized. Further, due to the resolution of the disambiguations it is possible to localize auditory objects on the facing away side of the wearer.
  • The term "outer surface" and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a surface of the filtering element facing away from the earpiece when arranged at or attached to the earpiece.
  • The protrusions may be continuously arranged around the opening for the microphone input. Alternatively, the protrusions may be discontinuously arranged around the opening for the microphone input. Thus, different arrangements of the protrusions may be used to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The protrusions may have a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element. Thus, the protrusions may have different heights to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The protrusions may have a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element. Thus, the protrusions may have different orientations to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The protrusions may have a different size. Thus, the protrusions may have different sizes to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • A distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input may increase with a clockwise angle around the microphone input. Thus, the protrusions may be arranged at different distances from the opening for the microphone input to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The protrusions may be arranged in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. Thus, protrusions may be arranged in a specific pattern to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The protrusions may be arranged in a logarithmic spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. While the shape of the filter element can vary, it is advantageous for the protrusions to be in a logarithmic spiral shape wherein with increasing clockwise angle the distance to the opening for the microphone input increases. Thus, the protrusions are arranged similar to a shape of a human ear.
  • The protrusions may comprise a rounded shape. Alternatively, the protrusions may comprise an angular shape. Thus, the shape of the protrusions may be defined depending on constructional requirements and/or design requirements.
  • The filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency. Particularly, the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • The filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave. Depending on the elevation of the sound source, the distance to the filter element changes and thus the reflected frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • The term "vertical" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation parallel to a direction of gravity. To the contrary, the term "horizontal" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an orientation perpendicular to a direction of gravity.
  • The filtering element may be configured to be attached to the earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be mounted to or connected to the earpiece. The attachment may be permanent.
  • The filtering element may be configured to be releasably attached to the earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be manufactured separately from the earpiece and attached to the earpiece. The filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate.
  • The filtering element may be at least partially made of plastics. Thus, the filtering element may be made from rather costs efficient materials.
  • In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a headphone. The headphone comprises at least one earpiece having a microphone input. the headphone further comprises a filtering element according to anyone of the embodiments described herein. The filtering element is arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input.
  • The filtering element may be permanently or releasably attached to the earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be mounted to or connected to the earpiece. The filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate.
  • The headphone may further comprise at least one microphone connected to the microphone input. Thus, the ambient sound may reliably enter the wearer's ear.
  • The headphone may further comprise an alert device configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone. Alternatively, the headphone may be connectable to an alert device configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone. The alert device may be external to or separate from the headphone. For example, the alert device may be part of a wearer's glasses or integrated into a smartphone. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed about potential dangerous situations.
  • The alert may be an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed in different ways about potential dangerous situations.
  • The headphone may further comprise two earpieces each having a microphone input. The filtering element may be arranged at an outer side of each earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be arranged at both sides of the human ear thereby increasing the filtering effect.
  • The headphone may further comprise two microphones, wherein each microphone input is connected to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone. Thus, the sound signals may be integrated into the headphone's electronics so as to localize the sound source's position.
  • The headphone may be an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone. Thus, the present invention may be used with different kinds of headphones.
  • In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a filtering element for a headphone. The headphone may be a headphone according to anyone the embodiments disclosed herein. The method comprises the following method steps which, specifically, may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is also possible. It is further possible to perform two or more of the method steps fully or partially simultaneously. Further, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as repeated once or several times. Further, the method may comprise additional method steps which are not listed.
  • The method comprises the following steps:
    • providing material for the filtering element, and
    • forming the filtering element such that the filtering element is configured to be arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input, and that the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
  • Similarly to the human auditory system, the filtering element is arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input so as to allow to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones independent on the spectral composition thereof. Particularly, the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • The filtering element may be configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. Similarly to the human auditory system, the filtering element arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input allows to process and integrate, respectively, of the impinging sound signals at the use's ear(s) and, thus, disambiguation of tones from different directions, particularly vertical directions, independent on the spectral composition thereof. Particularly, the filtering element modulates the frequency of the impinging sound and thus allows to process or integrate peculiarities induced by the shape of the ears, i.e. the so called head-related transfer function.
  • The method may further comprise providing the filtering element with protrusions arranged at least partially around an opening for the microphone input, wherein the protrusions are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element. Thus, the outer side of the filtering element is provided with shape structures modifying the impinging sound in its spectral composition such that frequency modulations depending on their spatial position result. Such "artificial" head-related transfer functions allow an exact localization of tones within the vertical plane and a resolution of disambiguations resulting from the horizontal localization features. Thus, any ambient auditory objects of the wearer may be exactly localized. Further, due to the resolution of the disambiguations it is possible to localize auditory objects on the facing away side of the wearer.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions continuously around the opening for the microphone input. Alternatively, the method may further comprise arranging the protrusions discontinuously around the opening for the microphone input. Thus, different arrangements of the protrusions may be used to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element. Thus, the protrusions may have different heights to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element. Thus, the protrusions may have different orientations to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a different size. Thus, the protrusions may have different sizes to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions such that a distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input. Thus, the protrusions may be arranged with different distances from the opening for the microphone input to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise arranging the protrusions in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. Thus, protrusions may be arranged in a specific pattern to frequency modulate the impinging sound.
  • The method may further comprise arranging the protrusions in a logarithmic spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input. While the shape of the filter element can vary, it is advantageous for the protrusions to be in a logarithmic spiral shape wherein with increasing clockwise angle the distance to the opening for the microphone input increases. Thus, the protrusions are arranged similar to a shape of a human ear.
  • The method may further comprise forming the protrusions with a rounded shape. The method may alternatively further comprise forming the protrusions with an angular shape. Thus, the shape of the protrusions may be defined depending on constructional requirements and/or design requirements.
  • The method may further comprise determining a position of the protrusions by means of measuring a predetermined quantity of human ears and calculating an average shape of the measured human ears. Thus, by measuring several human ears, the positions for the protrusions may be defined close to a helix and/or an antihelix of a human's ear. Thus, the human ability for disambiguation of sound may be imitated.
  • The filtering element may be formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency. Particularly, the filtering element may be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • The filtering element may be formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave. Depending on the elevation of the sound source, the distance to the filter element changes and thus the reflected frequency. This reflection cancels out with the incoming sound wave thus creating a typical notch within the whole sound spectrum for this specific frequency.
  • The method may further comprise making the filtering element at least partially of plastics. Thus, the filtering element may be made from rather costs efficient materials.
  • The method may further comprise making the filtering element by means of moulding, injection moulding or 3D printing. Thus, the filtering element may be made by means of well established and cost efficient manufacturing methods.
  • The method may be computer-implemented. Thereby, the manpower required for manufacturing may be reduced.
  • In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a headphone. The headphone may be a headphone according to anyone the embodiments disclosed herein. The method comprises the following method steps which, specifically, may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is also possible. It is further possible to perform two or more of the method steps fully or partially simultaneously. Further, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as repeated once or several times. Further, the method may comprise additional method steps which are not listed.
  • The method comprises the following steps:
    • providing a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input,
    • providing a filtering element according to anyone of the embodiments described herein or manufacturing a filtering element according to anyone of the embodiments described herein, and
    • attaching the filtering element to the earpiece.
  • The may further comprise releasably attaching the filtering element to the earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be manufactured separately from the earpiece and attached to the earpiece. The filtering element may be even exchanged or replaced as appropriate. For example, the filtering element may be formed as a kind of design or decorative element and changed by a user as desired.
  • The method may further comprise connecting at least one microphone to the microphone input. Thus, the ambient sound may reliably enter the wearer's ear.
  • The method may further comprise providing an alert device or forming the headphone so as to be connectable to an alert device, wherein the alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone. The alert device may be external to or separate from the headphone. For example, the alert device may be part of a wearer's glasses or integrated into a smartphone. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed about potential dangerous situations.
  • The alert may be an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal. Thus, a wearer of the headphone may be informed in different ways about potential dangerous situations.
  • The method may further comprise providing two earpieces each having a microphone input, and arranging the filtering element at an outer side of each earpiece. Thus, the filtering element may be arranged at both sides of the human ear thereby increasing the filtering effect.
  • The method may further comprise providing two microphones, and connecting each microphone input to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone. Thus, the sound signals may be integrated into the headphone's electronics so as to localize the sound source's position.
  • The headphone may be an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone. Thus, the present invention may be used with different kinds of headphones.
  • The method may be computer-implemented. Thereby, the manpower required for manufacturing may be reduced.
  • Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program including computer-executable instructions for performing the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the instructions are executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" specifically may refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium specifically may be or may comprise a storage medium such as a random-access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM).
  • Thus, specifically, one, more than one or even all of method steps a) to d) as indicated above may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.
  • Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means, in order to perform the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after loading into a computer or computer network, such as into a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network, may execute the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product with program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, in order to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product may generally exist in an arbitrary format, such as in a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.
  • Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal which contains instructions readable by a computer system or computer network, for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Referring to the computer-implemented aspects of the invention, one or more of the method steps or even all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Thus, generally, any of the method steps including provision and/or manipulation of data may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any of the method steps, typically except for method steps requiring manual work, such as providing the samples and/or certain aspects of performing the actual measurements.
  • Specifically, further disclosed herein are:
    • a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description,
    • a computer loadable data structure that is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the data structure is being executed on a computer,
    • a computer program, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the program is being executed on a computer,
    • a computer program comprising program means for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network,
    • a computer program comprising program means according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the program means are stored on a storage medium readable to a computer,
    • a storage medium, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description after having been loaded into a main and/or working storage of a computer or of a computer network, and
    • a computer program product having program code means, wherein the program code means can be stored or are stored on a storage medium, for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, if the program code means are executed on a computer or on a computer network.
  • Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:
    • Embodiment 1: A filtering element for a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input, wherein the filtering element is configured to be arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input, wherein the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 2: The filtering element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 3: The filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element comprises an opening configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input and protrusions arranged at least partially around the opening for the microphone input, wherein the protrusions are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 4: The filtering element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the protrusions are continuously or discontinuously arranged around the opening for the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 5: The filtering element according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the protrusions have a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 6: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 5, wherein the protrusions have a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 7: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the protrusions have a different size.
    • Embodiment 8: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 7, wherein a distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 9: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 8, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 10: The filtering element according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a logarithmic spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 11: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 10, wherein the protrusions comprise a rounded shape.
    • Embodiment 12: The filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 3 to 10, wherein the protrusions comprise an angular shape.
    • Embodiment 13: The filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency.
    • Embodiment 14: The filtering element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 15: The filtering element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 16: The filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element is configured to be attached to the earpiece.
    • Embodiment 17: The filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element is configured to be releasably attached to the earpiece.
    • Embodiment 18: The filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element is at least partially made of plastics.
    • Embodiment 19: A headphone, comprising
      • at least one earpiece having a microphone input, and
      • a filtering element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filtering element is arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 20: The headphone according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is permanently or releasably attached to the outer side of the earpiece.
    • Embodiment 21: The headphone according to embodiment 19 or 20, further comprising at least one microphone connected to the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 22: The headphone according to anyone of embodiments 19 to 21, further comprising an alert device or wherein the headphone is connectable to an alert device, wherein the alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone.
    • Embodiment 23: The headphone according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the alert is an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
    • Embodiment 24: The headphone according to anyone of embodiments 19 to 23, further comprising two earpieces each having a microphone input, wherein the filtering element is arranged at an outer side of each earpiece,
    • Embodiment 25: The headphone according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising two microphones, wherein each microphone input is connected to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.
    • Embodiment 26: The headphone according to anyone of embodiments 19 to 25, wherein the headphone is an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone.
    • Embodiment 27: A method for manufacturing a filtering element for a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input, comprising
      • providing a material for the filtering element, and
      • forming the filtering element such that the filtering element is configured to be arranged at an outer side of the earpiece at least partially around the microphone input, and that the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 28: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 29: The method according to anyone of embodiments 27 to 28, further comprising providing the filtering element with protrusions arranged at least partially around an opening for the microphone input, wherein the protrusions are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 30: The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising arranging the protrusions continuously or discontinuously around the opening for the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 31: The method according to embodiment 29 or 30, further comprising forming the protrusions with a different height with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 32: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 31, further comprising forming the protrusions with a different orientation with respect to an outer surface of the filtering element.
    • Embodiment 33: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 32, further comprising forming the protrusions with a different size.
    • Embodiment 34: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 33, further comprising forming the protrusions such that a distance of the protrusions from the opening for the microphone input increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 35: The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising arranging the protrusions in a spiral shape around the opening for the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 36: The method according to embodiment 34 or 35, further comprising arranging the protrusions in a logarithmic spiral shape around the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 37: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 36, further comprising forming the protrusions with a rounded shape.
    • Embodiment 38: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 36, further comprising forming the protrusions with an angular shape.
    • Embodiment 39: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 38, further comprising determining a position of the protrusions by means of measuring a predetermined quantity of human ears and calculating an average shape of the measured human ears.
    • Embodiment 40: The method according to anyone of embodiments 29 to 39, wherein the filtering element is formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with at least one predetermined frequency.
    • Embodiment 41: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 42: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filtering element is formed so as to be configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave.
    • Embodiment 43: The method according to anyone of embodiments 27 to 42, further comprising making the filtering element at least partially of plastics.
    • Embodiment 44: The method according to anyone of embodiments 27 to 43, further comprising making the filtering element by means of moulding, injection moulding or 3D printing.
    • Embodiment 45: The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 44, wherein the method is computer-implemented.
    • Embodiment 46: A method for manufacturing a headphone, comprising
      • providing a headphone comprising at least one earpiece having a microphone input,
      • providing a filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 1 to 18 or manufacturing a filtering element according to anyone of embodiments 27 to 45, and
      • attaching the filtering element to the earpiece.
    • Embodiment 47: The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising releasably attaching the filtering element to the earpiece.
    • Embodiment 48: The method according to anyone of embodiments 46 to 47, further comprising connecting at least one microphone to the microphone input.
    • Embodiment 49: The method according to anyone of embodiments 46 to 48, further comprising providing an alert device or forming the headphone so as to be connectable to an alert device, wherein the alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone.
    • Embodiment 50: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the alert is an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
    • Embodiment 51: The method according to anyone of embodiments 25 to 50, further comprising providing a headphone comprising two earpieces each having a microphone input, and arranging the filtering element at an outer side of each earpiece,
    • Embodiment 52: The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising providing two microphones, connecting each microphone input to one of the microphones, wherein the headphone is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.
    • Embodiment 53: The method according to anyone of embodiments 46 to 52, wherein the headphone is an on ear headphone or an over ear headphone.
    • Embodiment 54: The method according to any one of embodiments 46 to 53, wherein the method is computer-implemented.
    Short description of the Figures
  • Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.
    • In the Figures:
    • Figure 1
    shows a perspective view of a headphone according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
    Figures 2A and 2B
    show a perspective view of a headphone according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
    Figure 3
    shows a perspective view of a headphone according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
    Figure 4
    shows a perspective view of a headphone according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
    Detailed description of the embodiments
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The headphone 100 comprises at least one earpiece 102. The earpiece 102 has a microphone input 104. In the present embodiment, the headphone 100 is an over ear headphone 100. Thus, the headphone 100 comprises two earpieces 102 each of which has a microphone input 104. The headphone 100 further comprises at least one microphone 106 connected to the microphone input 104. In the present embodiment, the headphone 100 comprises two microphones 106 each of which is connected to one of the microphone inputs 104. The earpieces are connected to one another by means of a band 108.
  • The headphone 100 further comprises a filtering element 110. The filtering element 110 comprises an opening 112 configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input 104. The filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of the earpiece 102 at least partially around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104. The filtering element 110 is permanently attached to the earpiece 102. Alternatively, the filtering element 110 may be integrally formed with the earpiece 102. The filtering element 110 is at least partially made of plastics. The filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. Particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. For this purpose, the filtering element 110 comprises protrusions 116 at an outer surface 118 thereof. The protrusions 116 are arranged at least partially around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104. The protrusions 116 are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 116 are continuously arranged around the microphone input 104. Particularly, the protrusions 116 transition into one another such that they have a shape similar to a ridge. The protrusions 116 may comprise a rounded shape.
  • Further, a distance 120 of the protrusions 116 from the opening 112 for the microphone input 104 increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input 104. The distance 120 may be determined by a distance between a center point of the opening 112 to a center point or apex of a protrusion 116. Particularly, the protrusions 116 are arranged in a spiral shape around the microphone input 104. More particularly, the protrusions 116 are arranged in a logarithmic spiral shape around the microphone input 104. Particularly, the protrusions 116 transition into one another such that they have a shape similar to a ridge. More particularly, the protrusions 116 are arranged similar to the helix of a human ear.
  • With this design and arrangement, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with at least one predetermined frequency. Particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. More particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave.
  • Optionally, the headphone 100 may further comprise an alert device (not shown in detail) configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone 100. The alert may be an acoustic signal. The object may be detected by a sound wave originating therefrom. For example, the object may be a vehicle approaching a wearer of the headphone 100. Thus, a wearer of the headphone 100 may be acoustically informed about potential dangerous situations. Alternatively or in addition, the alert device may be separate from the headphone 100 but may be communicatively connected thereto. For example, the alert device may be integrated into glasses of a user of the headphone 100 and send an optical signal to the user. Alternatively or in addition, the alert device may be integrated into a user's smartphone and send a haptic signal such as a vibration signal.
  • Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, Figure 2A shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 removed from the earpiece 102 and Figure 2B shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 attached to the earpiece 102. Hereinafter, only the differences from the headphone 100 according to the first embodiment will be described and like constructional members are indicated by like reference numerals. With the headphone 100 of the second embodiment, the filtering element 110 is releasably attachable to the earpiece 102. Particularly, Figure 2A shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 released or separated from the earpiece 102. Figure 2B shows the headphone 100 with the filtering element 110 attached to the earpiece 102. Thus, a user may change the filtering element 110 as desired.
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, only the differences from the headphone 100 according to the first and second embodiments will be described and like constructional members are indicated by like reference numerals. With the headphone 100 of the third embodiment, the protrusions 116 are discontinuously arranged around the opening 112 for the microphone input 104. Particularly, the protrusions 116 have different heights 122 with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110. The height 122 may be determined as a distance of a tip or an apex of a protrusion 116 from the outer surface 118. Further, the protrusions 116 have different sizes. The size may be determined as a volume of a protrusion 116. More particularly, the protrusions 116 have at least two different sizes and two different heights 122. With other words, there are bigger protrusions 124 and there are smaller protrusions 126. The bigger protrusions 116 and the smaller protrusions 116 have a rounded shape. Particularly, the protrusions 116 are shaped similar to rounded hills or have a spherical shape. The bigger protrusions 124 and the smaller protrusions 126 may be arranged in an alternating order wherein the smaller protrusions 126 may be arranged on an imaginary line outside from an imaginary line on which the bigger protrusions 124 are arranged if seen from above towards the microphone input 104.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a headphone 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, only the differences from the headphone 100 according to the third embodiment will be described and like constructional members are indicated by like reference numerals. With the headphone 100 of the fourth embodiment, the protrusions 116 comprise an angular shape. Further, the protrusions 116 have a different orientation with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110. Still further, the protrusions 116 have different sizes. Particularly, some protrusions 116 have a pyramidal shape 128, some have a cuboid shape 130 and some have a wedge shape 132.
  • Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a filtering element 110 for a headphone 100 according to anyone of the above-described embodiments will be described. The method may be computer-implemented. Firstly, a material for the filtering element 110 is provided. Then, the filtering element 110 is formed. The filtering element 110 is at least partially made of plastics. The filtering element 110 may be made by means of moulding, injection moulding or 3D printing. The filtering element 110 is made so as to be configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. The filtering element 110 is provided with protrusions 116 arranged at least partially around the microphone input 104. The protrusions 116 are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. The protrusions 116 are continuously arranged around the microphone input 104. The protrusions 116 are discontinuously arranged around the microphone input 104 for the third and fourth embodiments. Further, the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different height 122 with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110. Further, the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different orientation with respect to the outer surface 118 of the filtering element 110. The orientation may be determined by an angle between basis area of a protrusion 116 and a line connecting a center point of the basis area and a tip or apex of the protrusion 116. Further, the protrusions 116 may be formed with a different size. In any case, the protrusions 116 are formed such that a distance 120 of the microphone input 104 from the protrusions 116 increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input 104. Further the protrusions 116 are arranged in a spiral shape, particularly a logarithmic spiral shape, around the microphone input 104. Further, the protrusions 116 may be formed with a rounded shape as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the protrusions 116 may be formed with an angular shape as shown in Figure 4. A position of the protrusions 116 is determined by means of measuring a predetermined quantity of human ears and calculating an average shape of the measured human ears.
  • Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a headphone 100 according to anyone of the above-described embodiments will be described. Firstly, a filtering element 110 as described herein. Subsequently, the filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of the earpiece 102 at least partially around the microphone input 104. Thereby, the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110. Particularly, the filtering element 110 is attached to the earpiece 102. Regarding the second embodiment, the filtering element 110 may be releasably attached to the earpiece 102.
  • With this arrangement, the filtering element 110 is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 depending on a position of a source of the sound wave. Particularly, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with at least one predetermined frequency. Further, the filtering element 110 is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element 110 with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave, particularly a vertical position of the source of the sound wave. Further, the at least one microphone is connected to the microphone input 104.
  • Optionally, an alert device may be provided or the headphone 100 is formed so as to be connectable to an alert device. The alert device is configured to alert if an object is within an imperceptible area of the headphone 100. The alert is an acoustic, optical and/or haptic signal.
  • With this method, analogously, two earpieces 102 may be provided, each of which has a microphone input 104. Then, the filtering element 110 is arranged at an outer side 114 of each earpiece 102. Further, two microphones may be provided and each microphone input 104 is connected to one of the microphones. Thereby, the headphone 100 is configured to determine a spatial position of the sound source by comparing the frequency spectra of the sound wave arriving at each microphone.
    • List of reference numbers
    • 100
    headphone
    102
    earpiece
    104
    microphone input
    106
    microphone
    108
    band
    110
    filtering element
    112
    opening
    114
    outer side of earpiece
    116
    protrusion
    118
    outer surface of filtering element
    120
    distance
    122
    height
    124
    bigger protrusion
    126
    smaller protrusion
    128
    pyramidal shape
    130
    cuboid shape
    132
    wedge shape

Claims (15)

  1. A filtering element (110) for a headphone (100) comprising at least one earpiece (102) having a microphone input (104), wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to be arranged at an outer side (114) of the earpiece (102) at least partially around the microphone input (104), wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110).
  2. The filtering element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110) depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  3. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the filtering element (110) comprises an opening (112) configured for at least partially overlapping with the microphone input (104) and protrusions (116) arranged at least partially around the opening (112) for the microphone input (104), wherein the protrusions (116) are configured to frequency modulate the sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110).
  4. The filtering element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusions (116) are continuously or discontinuously arranged around the opening (112) for the microphone input (104).
  5. The filtering element (110) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the protrusions (116) have a different height (122) with respect to an outer surface (118) of the filtering element (110) and/or
    wherein the protrusions (116) have a different orientation with respect to an outer surface (118) of the filtering element (110) and/or
    wherein the protrusions (116) have a different size and/or
    wherein a distance (120) of the protrusions (116) from the opening (112) for the microphone input (104) increases with a clockwise angle around the microphone input (104).
  6. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of claims 3 to 5, wherein the protrusions (116) are arranged in a spiral shape, particularly in a logarithmic spiral shape, around the opening (112) for the microphone input (104).
  7. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of claims 3 to 6, wherein the protrusions (116) comprise a rounded shape or wherein the protrusions (116) comprise an angular shape.
  8. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110) with at least one predetermined frequency.
  9. The filtering element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110) with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a position of a source of the sound wave.
  10. The filtering element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to reflect the sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110) with the at least one predetermined frequency depending on a vertical position of a source of the sound wave.
  11. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the filtering element (110) is configured to be attached, particularly releasably attached, to the earpiece (102).
  12. The filtering element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the filtering element (110) is at least partially made of plastics.
  13. A headphone (100), comprising
    at least one earpiece (102) having a microphone input (104), and
    a filtering element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the filtering element (110) is arranged at an outer side (114) of the earpiece (102) at least partially around the microphone input (104).
  14. A method for manufacturing a filtering element (110) for a headphone (100) comprising at least one earpiece (102) having a microphone input (104), comprising
    - providing a material for the filtering element (110), and
    - forming the filtering element (110) such that the filtering element (110) is configured to be arranged at an outer side (114) of the earpiece (102) at least partially around the microphone input (104), and that the filtering element (110) is configured to frequency modulate a sound wave impinging on the filtering element (110).
  15. A method for manufacturing a headphone (100), comprising
    - providing a headphone (100) comprising at least one earpiece (102) having a microphone input (104),
    - providing a filtering element (110) according to anyone of claims 1 to 12 or manufacturing a filtering element (110) according to claim 14, and
    - attaching the filtering element (110) to the earpiece (102).
EP22152866.4A 2022-01-24 2022-01-24 Filtering element for a headphone Withdrawn EP4216569A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22152866.4A EP4216569A1 (en) 2022-01-24 2022-01-24 Filtering element for a headphone

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22152866.4A EP4216569A1 (en) 2022-01-24 2022-01-24 Filtering element for a headphone

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4216569A1 true EP4216569A1 (en) 2023-07-26

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ID=80001602

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22152866.4A Withdrawn EP4216569A1 (en) 2022-01-24 2022-01-24 Filtering element for a headphone

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4216569A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5160230U (en) * 1974-11-06 1976-05-12
GB1544234A (en) * 1975-09-30 1979-04-19 Victor Company Of Japan Headphone unit incorporating microphones for binaural recording
WO2016023132A1 (en) * 2014-08-15 2016-02-18 Sheldrick-Male Alexander Melville Headphone with a connector for detaching a headband from a transducer
EP3628284A1 (en) * 2018-09-25 2020-04-01 GN Hearing A/S Hearing protection device with sound reflectors

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5160230U (en) * 1974-11-06 1976-05-12
GB1544234A (en) * 1975-09-30 1979-04-19 Victor Company Of Japan Headphone unit incorporating microphones for binaural recording
WO2016023132A1 (en) * 2014-08-15 2016-02-18 Sheldrick-Male Alexander Melville Headphone with a connector for detaching a headband from a transducer
EP3628284A1 (en) * 2018-09-25 2020-04-01 GN Hearing A/S Hearing protection device with sound reflectors

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