JP2008289033A - Apparatus for detecting use of earphone, portable acoustic equipment, portable acoustic equipment control program, recording medium, and portable acoustic equipment control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide apparatus for detecting use of earphone, etc. for surely determining whether the earphone is in use or not as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: The detector is provided with: a temperature measurement element 22 fixed to an earphone 14 connected to portable acoustic equipment 10 or accessories of the earphone 14; a monitoring means 60 for monitoring output of the temperature measurement element 22; and a power control means 64 for shifting from an ON mode for supplying power to a main circuit of the portable acoustic equipment 10 to an OFF mode for cutting off the power to be supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time elapses when detecting a transition pattern in which a temperature measurement value detected by the monitoring means 60 is changed from within a predetermined temperature area to the outside of the predetermined temperature area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an earphone attachment detection device, a portable audio device, a portable audio device control program, a recording medium, and a portable audio device control method used in a portable music player or the like.

A battery is used as a power source for portable audio equipment. For example, if the earphone is removed and the power is turned on, the battery is wasted. Portable audio devices with wireless communication functions such as Bluetooth are very exhausted, and we want to prevent waste. Moreover, the sound emitted from the removed earphone becomes noise to the surroundings. In order to solve this problem, earphone wearing detection technology has been introduced.
(Patent Literature 1) (Patent Literature 2) (Patent Literature 3).
JP 2001-189900 A JP 2002-57765 A JP 2004-297256 A

The known prior art has the following problems to be solved.
As described above, various methods are conceivable for detecting the wearing of the earphone. However, if this malfunctions, for example, the playback operation suddenly stops during music playback. It is also necessary to adjust the manual operation and remote control operation.
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an earphone wearing detection device, a portable audio device, a portable audio device control program, a recording medium, and a portable device that determine the presence / absence of wearing as reliably as possible and prevent malfunction. An audio equipment control method is provided.

The following configurations are means for solving the above-described problems.
<Configuration 1> A temperature measuring element fixed to an earphone connected to a portable audio device or an accessory of the earphone, a monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element, and the monitoring means include the temperature measuring element When a transition pattern in which the measured temperature value changes from within the predetermined temperature range to outside the predetermined temperature range is detected, the main mode is switched on after the predetermined standby time elapses from the on mode in which power is supplied to the main circuit of the portable audio device. An earphone wearing detection device comprising power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power supplied to the circuit.

When the earphone is removed from the ear, the transition pattern of the monitoring temperature is detected and the power supply power supplied to the main circuit is automatically cut off, so that the battery consumption of the portable audio device can be reduced.
Even when the earphone is removed from the ear, the power supply is cut off after a predetermined standby time has elapsed, so that sound reproduction does not stop unnecessarily as the earphone is loosened.

<Configuration 2> The earphone wearing detection device according to Configuration 1, further comprising an auxiliary temperature measuring element for measuring an outside air temperature, and a temperature measuring element fixed to the earphone or an accessory of the earphone and an output of the auxiliary temperature measuring element. When a transition pattern in which the difference between the temperature measurement values detected by the monitoring means and the temperature measurement element detected by the monitoring means and the auxiliary temperature measurement element is changed from a set value or more to a set value or less is detected, A power control unit is provided for shifting from an on mode for supplying power to the main circuit of the portable audio device to an off mode for cutting off the power to be supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Earphone wearing detection device.

In Configuration 1, absolute temperature measurement was performed. In configuration 2, the relative temperature is measured. The wearing of the earphone can be determined from the temperature difference between the temperature measuring element and the auxiliary temperature measuring element.

<Configuration 3> In the earphone wearing detection device according to Configuration 1 or 2, the temperature measuring element includes a thermistor, and a circuit that supplies an excitation current to a resonance circuit including the thermistor via an earphone cable depends on temperature. An earphone wearing detection device comprising a temperature detection interface for acquiring a digital signal indicating a temperature measurement value from the relationship between the electrical resistance of the thermistor that changes and the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit.

The temperature measuring element rises in temperature with the user's body temperature and outputs a predetermined temperature measurement value. The output of the temperature measuring element is monitored by a monitoring means built in the portable audio device via the earphone cable. Here, a thermistor is used as the temperature measuring element. The thermistor changes the electrical resistance corresponding to the measured temperature. When an excitation current is supplied to the resonance circuit including the thermistor via the earphone cable, a digital signal indicating a temperature measurement value can be acquired from the relationship between the electrical resistance of the thermistor and the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit. In addition, the temperature detection circuit operates stably with low power.

<Configuration 4> In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, the monitoring means is configured to perform time when the difference between the measured temperature value measured this time and the measured temperature value measured immediately before is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before exceeds the threshold value, it operates in the constant temperature confirmation phase that acquires the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element at the interval T1. An earphone wearing detection device that operates in a transition confirmation phase in which a temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element is acquired at a short time interval T2.

When the earphone is worn in the on mode and the temperature does not change, measure the temperature at long time intervals. Thereby, the power consumption required for the monitoring operation is suppressed. Further, when the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before exceeds a threshold value, the temperature measurement value is acquired at a short time interval, and the transition pattern is accurately identified.

<Configuration 5> In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, when the monitoring unit detects a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value falls below the predetermined temperature range within a predetermined time, The power supply control unit shifts to an off mode in which the power supply power can be cut off, acquires a temperature measurement value again after a predetermined standby time, and the temperature measurement value returns to the predetermined temperature range. When this occurs, the earphone wearing detection device shifts from the off mode to the on mode without interrupting the power supply.

Even when a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value falls is detected, when the temperature returns to the predetermined temperature range after a predetermined standby time, the power supply power is returned to the on mode without being cut off. When the earphone is temporarily removed from the ear, the power is not cut off unnecessarily, so it can be used comfortably.

<Configuration 6> In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, the power supply circuit and the main circuit are forcibly connected, and the monitoring means increases the temperature measurement value within a certain time. When the transition pattern reaching the predetermined temperature range is detected, the power source control means shifts from the off mode to the on mode.

Even in the off mode, the control of the manual operation switch is prioritized. When the power supply circuit and the main circuit are forcibly connected by the control of the manual operation switch, the wearing of the earphone is detected and the on mode is entered. That is, the transition pattern that reaches the predetermined temperature range with the temperature measurement value rising is monitored. When the transition pattern matches the corresponding transition pattern, the state shifts to a state in which the earphone desorption can be monitored.

<Configuration 7> In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, the earphone or an accessory of the earphone includes the temperature measuring element, a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits a temperature measurement value, and the power source A wireless transmission stop circuit for turning off the driving power of the wireless transmitter when the control means shifts to an off mode for cutting off the power supply supplied to the main circuit and no sound reproduction signal is received; An earphone wearing detection device comprising an activation switch that activates the wireless transmitter when operated.

The same control can be performed with a wireless earphone, but if the wireless transmitter of the earphone is not stopped in the off mode, useless power is consumed with the earphone. This control can be performed by turning off the driving power source of the wireless transmitter when the sound reproduction signal is not received after shifting to the off mode.
When starting up, it is only necessary to have a start switch that can be operated manually.

<Configuration 8> The earphone wearing detection device according to any one of configurations 3 to 7, wherein the portable acoustic device supplies the excitation current to configure the thermistor and a resonance circuit to obtain a temperature measurement value. And an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor functioning as the monitoring means and the voltage control means is integrally mounted, an interface, an acoustic reproduction circuit control means, an input / output interface for receiving a control signal of a manual operation switch, and Earphone wearing detection device.

Since the temperature detection interface that supplies the excitation current to configure the thermistor and the resonance circuit and obtains the temperature measurement value can be integrated, the entire apparatus can be miniaturized.

<Configuration 9> Sound reproduction circuit, power supply circuit for supplying power to the sound reproduction circuit, earphones driven by the sound reproduction circuit or earphone accessories fixed to the earphones, and the temperature measurement device A monitoring unit that monitors the output of the element, a storage device that stores the temperature specific value detected by the monitoring unit, and a transition pattern that has changed from the predetermined temperature range to the outside of the predetermined temperature range are set in advance. A comparison means for comparing with a predetermined waiting time from an on mode in which power supply power is supplied from the power supply circuit to at least a main circuit including the sound reproduction circuit when the comparison means detects the preset transition pattern. A portable audio device comprising: power supply control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power supply supplied to the main circuit after elapse of time.

<Configuration 10> A portable device including an acoustic reproduction circuit, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the acoustic reproduction circuit, and an earphone driven by the acoustic reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to an accessory of the earphone. The computer that controls the acoustic device is changed from a monitoring unit that monitors the output of the temperature measuring element, a storage unit that stores a temperature detected by the monitoring unit, and a temperature outside the predetermined temperature range. Comparing means for comparing the transition pattern with a preset transition pattern, and when the comparing means detects the preset transition pattern, supply power from the power supply circuit to at least the main circuit including the sound reproduction circuit Power control means for shifting from an on mode to an off mode that cuts off the power supply supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Portable audio device control program to function.

<Configuration 11> A portable device comprising a sound reproduction circuit, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the sound reproduction circuit, and an earphone driven by the sound reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to an accessory of the earphone. The computer that controls the acoustic device is changed from a monitoring unit that monitors the output of the temperature measuring element, a storage unit that stores a temperature detected by the monitoring unit, and a temperature outside the predetermined temperature range. Comparing means for comparing the transition pattern with a preset transition pattern, and when the comparing means detects the preset transition pattern, supply power from the power supply circuit to at least the main circuit including the sound reproduction circuit Power control means for shifting from an on mode to an off mode that cuts off the power supply supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Readable recording medium of a portable audio device control program to function in a recorded computer.

<Configuration 12> A portable device comprising a sound reproduction circuit, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the sound reproduction circuit, and an earphone driven by the sound reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to an accessory of the earphone. In the acoustic device, the monitoring means monitors the output of the temperature measuring element, the storage means stores the temperature detected by the monitoring means, and the comparison means is within the predetermined temperature range. Comparing the transition pattern changed outside the temperature region with a preset transition pattern; and when the power supply control means detects the preset transition pattern, at least the sound reproduction from the power supply circuit. An on mode that cuts off the power supply power supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the on mode in which the power supply is supplied to the main circuit including the circuit. Comprising the step of shifts to mode, portable audio device control method.

In the present invention, a temperature measuring element is attached to an earphone or the like connected to a portable audio device. When the temperature measuring element no longer detects a temperature in a predetermined range close to the user's body temperature, the power supply supplied to the main circuit of the device is cut off at a predetermined timing. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail for each example.

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of the portable audio device of the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable audio device.
First, the external configuration of the portable audio device will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, the portable audio device 10 includes a manual operation switch 18 and a display 19. An earphone 14 is connected to the portable audio device 10 via a cable 16. Portable audio equipment 1
The sound reproduction circuit 12 incorporated inside the zero drives the earphone 14 by a known technique.

In this embodiment, a temperature measuring element 22 is fixed to the earphone 14. As shown in the circle of the alternate long and short dash line in the figure, when integrally molded in the portion to be inserted into the ear canal, the temperature measuring element 22 substantially adheres to the ear canal. You can measure your body temperature. The temperature sensor 22 may be fixed anywhere as long as it is in close contact with the human body. If it is fixed to an earphone or an earphone accessory that has good heat conductivity, a temperature higher than room temperature can be measured. If the body temperature can be measured without contact with infrared rays, such a temperature measuring element can be used. In the case of an earphone, it is easiest to measure the body temperature by contacting the inner surface of the ear canal. A headphone 24 shown in FIG. 2B is a modification of the earphone. In this example, the temperature measuring element 22 may be fixed to a portion of the cushion-like appendage 26 that is in close contact with the periphery of the ear.

The circuit of FIG. 1 is a circuit for receiving the output of the temperature measuring element 22. The circuit shown is controlled by the integrated circuit 30. The integrated circuit 30 includes an earphone 14, a sound reproduction circuit 12,
A manual operation switch 18, a display 19, a power supply circuit 50, a switch circuit 52, and the like are connected. The integrated circuit 30 includes a CPU 32, a ROM (read only memory) 33, and a RAM (
A random access memory) 34 and an I / O port 36. These are the sound reproduction circuit 1
2 is a microprocessor that functions as monitoring means and voltage control means, which will be described later. The monitoring means 60, the comparison means 62, and the power supply control means 64 are computer programs.

The integrated circuit 30 includes the counter 39 and the RF converter 4 together with the microprocessor.
Equipped with a temperature detection interface including zero. Furthermore, an input / output interface 36 for receiving control signals such as the manual operation switch 18, a timer 46 and an LCD driver 48 are mounted. The CPU 32 is a central processing unit. The ROM 33 stores an operation program for the CPU 32 and the like. The RAM 34 stores, for example, music files and computer operating parameters. The temperature measurement values are also sequentially stored here and used for the arithmetic processing.

When the manual operation switch 18 is operated and there is a music reproduction request, the CPU 32 reads the RAM 3
4 is read out, and the performance is started by the sound reproduction circuit 12. At this time, the temperature detection interface including the temperature measuring element 22 monitors whether the earphone 14 is removed from the ear. When it is determined that the power is disconnected, the switch circuit 52 is controlled to cut off the power supply from the power supply circuit 50 to the sound reproduction circuit 12 and the like. The timer 46 is a clock circuit used for standby time management at the time of mode switching. The LCD driver 48 controls the screen displayed on the display 19.

The temperature measuring element 22 is a thermistor in this example. An RF converter (resistance-frequency converter) 40 supplies an excitation current to the thermistor (temperature measuring element 22) via the earphone cable 16. The temperature measuring element 22 is connected to a circuit included in the RF converter 40 to form a resonance circuit using an RC (resistance and capacitor) time constant. When the electric resistance of the thermistor 22 changes depending on the temperature, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit changes. The counter 39 counts the output pulse of the RF converter 40 within a certain time range, and acquires the resonance frequency. A digital signal indicating a temperature measurement value can be obtained from this resonance frequency by a simple proportional calculation process. An auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 is connected to the RF converter 42. The counter 39 can process the output of the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 in the same manner.

FIG. 3 is a specific connection diagram of the RF converter.
The oscillation control circuit 66 outputs a clock having a repetition frequency of about 50 kilohertz to 1 megahertz. The oscillation control circuit 66 includes transistors Tr1 and Tr2 for switching control.
And Tr3 are connected. A clock having a polarity opposite to that of the collectors of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 is supplied to the collector of the transistor Tr3. In this circuit, first, the transistor Tr3 is turned off and the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are turned on. At this time, the charging current of the capacitor C flows through the oscillation control circuit 66-Tr2-temperature measuring element 22-capacitor C, and simultaneously flows through the oscillation control circuit 66-Tr1-resistor R-capacitor C. When the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are turned off at the next timing and the transistor Tr3 is turned on, the capacitor C is discharged through the transistor Tr3.

As described above, the oscillation control circuit 66 charges and discharges the capacitor C by the excitation current as described above. That is, the oscillation control circuit 66 functions as a pseudo inductance that forms an RLC resonance circuit. The time constant of the series circuit of the temperature measuring element 22 and the capacitor C changes due to the temperature change of the temperature measuring element 22. Accordingly, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit changes depending on the change in the resistance value of the temperature measuring element 22. The terminal voltage of the capacitor C is supplied to the counter 39 via the gate G.
The counter 39 counts signals input within a certain time range. This count value corresponds to the resonance frequency. The CPU 32 receives the output signal of the counter 39 via the I / O interface, and acquires digital data corresponding to the temperature measurement value by arithmetic processing. The charging / discharging current to the capacitor C may be weak. Even if the lead wire connecting the Tr2-temperature measuring element 22 and the capacitor C is a long cable such as an earphone cord, it operates stably with low power.
In addition, since the temperature detection interface including the RF converter can be integrally mounted on the integrated circuit, the entire circuit can be reduced in size. Although the counter 39 is configured by hardware, it may be configured by a computer program.

First, in FIG. 1, an example of operation using only the temperature measuring element 22 and not using the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 will be described. The temperature measuring element 22 that is in close contact with the human body has a temperature in the vicinity of the body temperature and shows a corresponding resistance value. The resonance frequency is determined corresponding to the resistance value of the temperature measuring element 22. This is converted into a digital value and processed to obtain a temperature measurement value. The monitoring means 60 detects the temperature measurement value. The detected temperature measurement values are sequentially stored in the RAM 34. When detecting a transition pattern that changes from within a predetermined temperature range near the user's body temperature to outside the constant temperature range, the power supply control means 64 shifts from the on mode to the off mode. That is, it is determined that the earphone has come off the ear. In the on mode, power is supplied to the main circuit of the portable audio device 10. When the mode is shifted to the off mode, the power supplied to the main circuit is cut off after a predetermined standby time. The main circuit is a circuit including the sound reproduction circuit 12 that consumes relatively large standby power. This may be arbitrarily selected according to the function of the device.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram for detecting a transition pattern.
In the graph, the vertical axis represents a temperature measurement value, and the horizontal axis represents time. A solid line indicates a change in temperature when the earphone 14 is removed from the ear, and a broken line indicates a temperature change when the earphone 14 is attached again. Initially, the earphone 14 is attached to the ear. The monitoring means 60 shown in FIG. 1 operates in two phases, a constant temperature confirmation phase and a transition confirmation phase. In the constant temperature confirmation phase, the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element 22 is acquired at the time interval T1. In the transition confirmation phase, the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element 22 is acquired at a time interval T2 shorter than the time interval T1. When the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before is equal to or less than the threshold value, the constant temperature confirmation phase is activated. When the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before exceeds a threshold value, the transition confirmation phase is activated.

The threshold value is, for example, 1 degree. The threshold value is set in a range in which the temperature of the temperature measuring element 22 varies even when the earphone 14 is worn on the ear from the relationship between the body temperature and the outside air temperature. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, a predetermined temperature region TW near the body temperature of the human body is set. This range is, for example, not less than 32 degrees Celsius and not more than 38 degrees. In this embodiment, since only the temperature drop of the temperature measuring element 22 is a problem, only the lower limit temperature 32 degrees of the predetermined temperature region TW may be used for the arithmetic processing.

The time interval T1 is, for example, 1 minute. The time interval T2 is 5 seconds, for example. Since the earphone 14 is attached to the ear, the power control means 64 is in the on mode. In the on mode, the power supply circuit 50 supplies power to the sound reproduction circuit 12 through the switch circuit 52. When the earphone 14 is worn on the ear in the on mode and the temperature change is small, the temperature is measured at a long time interval T1. Thereby, the power consumption required for the monitoring operation is suppressed. For example, the A / D converter 38
Reducing the number of data sampling operations according to can reduce power consumption. If the operation of the RF converter 40 is stopped except during the data sampling operation, the power consumption of the RF converter 40 can be suppressed.

Between the time t1 and the time t2 in the graph of the figure, the temperature change is minute and the constant temperature confirmation phase continues. The temperature changed by 1 degree or more between time t2 and time t3, and the transition to the transition confirmation phase was made. After time t4, temperature measurement values are acquired at 5-second intervals. At time t5, a state was detected in which the temperature measurement value decreased beyond the predetermined temperature range TW. The monitoring means 60 determines that the transition pattern is when the earphone is removed from the ear. The conditions are that the temperature measurement value is decreasing in order between time t3 and time t5, and that the temperature measurement value at time t5 is 32 degrees or less.
Here, the power supply control unit 64 shifts to the off mode, for example, waits for a predetermined standby time TX, and acquires the temperature measurement value again. The predetermined waiting time TX is, for example, 5 minutes.

The data representing the transition pattern may be data indicating a set of temperature measurement values acquired with the passage of time and the relationship between them. For example, the temperature measurement value obtained previously in two measurements is C1.
And the measured temperature measured later is C2. C1 is within a predetermined temperature range TW,
The determination result that C2 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature region TW is data indicating the relationship between the two.
When this relationship holds, the switch circuit 52 is controlled to cut off the power supplied from the power supply circuit 50 to the sound reproduction circuit 12. On the other hand, the temperature measurement value may return to the predetermined temperature region TW at time t5 or time t6. This is the case when the earphone is remounted. At this time, it is preferable to shift from the off mode to the on mode without cutting off the power supply. Even when a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value falls is detected, when the temperature returns to the predetermined temperature range after a predetermined standby time, the power supply power is returned to the on mode without being cut off. When the earphone 14 is temporarily removed from the ear, the power is not cut off unnecessarily, so that there is an effect that it can be used comfortably.

In the above embodiment, the portable audio device 10 can listen to music and broadcasts using the earphone 14, and includes a portable music player, a portable radio, a portable phone, and the like. Since these devices are portable, they are driven by batteries. In order to operate the earphone 14, a corresponding amount of electric power is consumed. Therefore, the effect of automatically shifting to the off mode is high.

The earphone 14 includes one that is inserted into an ear canal, one that is put on an ear, and one that is in the headphone 24 format. In either case, the main body of the earphone 14 or the accessory 26 of the earphone 14 is in close contact with the human body during use. The temperature measuring element 22 may be fixed to the portion by embedding or the like. When the temperature measuring element 22 is in close contact with the human body, a temperature measurement value in a predetermined temperature region near the human body temperature is output. A slightly lower temperature is often measured depending on thermal resistance and other conditions. When the earphone 14 is removed from the ear, it shifts outside the predetermined temperature range. The temperature change within a predetermined time at this time is used as a transition pattern and used for wearing determination. The predetermined time is a sufficiently long time for preventing malfunction, including the waiting time.

When a predetermined transition pattern is detected, the power supply is shifted from the on mode to the off mode.
The transition pattern is set based on, for example, a change rate of the temperature measurement value acquired periodically, a threshold value of the change amount, and the like. The rate of change is the amount of temperature change per hour. The on mode is a state in which power is supplied to the main circuit of the portable audio device 10. The earphone 14 is being driven or can be driven immediately. The main circuit is a circuit for reproducing an acoustic signal. A circuit that operates a control microprocessor or maintains a clock display may not be included in the main circuit. The off mode includes a state in which the power supply to be supplied to the main circuit is shut off and a state in which a preparatory operation is performed before the shut-off operation. That is, even if the mode is shifted to the off mode, the power supply supplied to the main circuit is cut off for the first time after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Even if the earphone 14 is removed from the ear by the preparatory operation and immediately returned to the original state, it can be returned to the on mode.

In the above embodiment, only the temperature measuring element 22 for measuring the body temperature is used for monitoring the wearing of the earphone 14. In Example 2, the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 fixed to a portion of the portable audio device 10 that is not in close contact with the human body is used together. For example, the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 may be fixed to the case of the portable audio device 10 and used for measuring the outside air temperature. The monitoring means 60 monitors the outputs of the temperature measuring element 22 and the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44. The comparison means 62 compares the change in the temperature difference between the temperature measuring element 22 and the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 detected by the monitoring means 60 with a predetermined transition pattern.

The temperature measured value by the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 is acquired once every 3 minutes, for example. This corresponds to the outside temperature. For example, 18 degrees Celsius. Body temperature is acquired at about 35 degrees Celsius. When the transition pattern in which the temperature difference has changed below the set value is detected, it is determined that the earphone has come off the ear. Since the normal temperature difference is 17 degrees, about 14 degrees should be set as the set value.
When the temperature difference becomes equal to or less than the set value, the power supply control means 64 shifts from the on mode to the off mode. The subsequent operation is the same as in the first embodiment. In Example 1, absolute temperature measurement was performed.
In Example 2, the relative temperature is measured. Since wearing of the earphone 14 is determined from the temperature difference between the temperature measuring element 22 and the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44, malfunction can be prevented even in a situation where the body temperature of the human body cannot be measured accurately.

In the portable audio device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the power supply circuit 50 and the main circuit can be forcibly connected by the control of the manual operation switch 18. That is, the control of the manual operation switch 18 is prioritized over the control of the power control means 64. Accordingly, if there is a regeneration start request or the like by manual operation, regeneration is unconditionally started. At this time, the earphone 14 should be attached to the ear. The power supply control means 64 must shift from the conventional off mode to the on mode. Therefore, the monitoring means 60 monitors the temperature measurement value. When a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value rises within a certain time and reaches a predetermined temperature range is detected, the power supply control means 64 shifts from the off mode to the on mode. This returns to the state where the operation described in the first embodiment can be performed. In other words, a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value rises and reaches a predetermined temperature range is monitored, and when the transition pattern matches the corresponding transition pattern, it is possible to shift to a state in which the attachment / detachment of the earphone 14 can be monitored.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the cordless earphone.
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the earphone is connected to the portable audio device with a cable has been described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an earphone and a portable audio device are connected by radio such as Bluetooth. A temperature measuring element 72 is fixed to the earphone 70 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The earphone 70 incorporates a control circuit 71 shown in the figure. The control circuit 71 includes
An RF converter 74, a data processing circuit 75, a wireless transmitter 76, and an antenna 78 having the configuration already described are provided. The data processing circuit 75 includes the counter 39 and the wireless transmitter 76 described above.
Output signal generation circuit. The output of the RF converter 74 is the radio transmitter 76 and the antenna 7.
8 is wirelessly transmitted to the portable audio device. As a result, a signal corresponding to the temperature measurement value is acquired by the portable audio device.

The control circuit 71 is further provided with a radio receiver 80 and an amplifier 82. The acoustic signal transmitted from the portable acoustic device is received by the antenna 78 and the wireless receiver 80, and the earphone 70 is driven by the amplifier 82. Power is supplied to each part of the control circuit 71 through the power supply circuit 86 and the switch circuit 85. Further, a radio transmission stop circuit 84 is provided so as to monitor the output of the amplifier 82. Power control means 64 (FIG. 1) on the portable audio equipment side
), However, the sound reproduction signal is not received when the mode is shifted to the off mode in which the power supplied to the main circuit is cut off. That is, the output of the amplifier 82 is lost. At this time, the radio transmission stop circuit 8
4 controls the switch circuit 85 to cut off the power supply to each part of the control circuit 71. This prevents the battery of the earphone 70 from being consumed. The start switch 88 is for restarting the control circuit 71.

A block diagram on the portable audio equipment side is shown below the figure. An antenna 90, a wireless receiver 92, and a temperature detection interface 96 are provided on the portable audio device side. The temperature detection interface 96 is connected to power control means 64 (not shown) as already described with reference to FIG. A radio signal depending on the temperature measurement value is received by the antenna 90 and the radio receiver 92. This signal is converted into a digital signal at the temperature detection interface 96. The operations of the temperature detection interface 96 and the power supply control means 64 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The output of the sound reproduction circuit 98 is connected to the wireless transmitter 94. Therefore, the sound reproduction signal is transmitted to the earphone 70 through the antenna 90. In the off mode, power supplied to the sound reproduction circuit 98, the wireless receiver 92, and the wireless transmitter 94 is cut off. Thereby, the power supply of the control circuit 71 of the earphone 70 is also cut off as described above. Therefore, even the cordless earphone can be controlled in the same way as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation for shifting from the on mode to the off mode.
A computer program for realizing the above apparatus will be described below. First, the power supply control means 64 is in the on mode with the earphone 14 being worn on the ear. In step S11, it operates in the constant temperature confirmation phase. Therefore, for example, the monitoring means 60 acquires temperature measurement values at 1 minute intervals and stores them in the storage device. In step S12, the comparison means 62 compares the temperature measurement value stored immediately before with the temperature measurement value stored this time, and determines whether or not the temperature has decreased. If the result of this determination is yes, step S13
When the answer is no, the process returns to step S11.

In step S13, the mode is switched to the transition confirmation phase. That is, the temperature measurement value is acquired every 5 seconds thereafter. In step S14, temperature transition pattern detection processing is performed. For example, if the temperature measurement values for three consecutive times are gradually decreasing (monotonically decreasing), it is determined as “gradually decreasing pattern”. In step S15, the comparison means 62 determines whether or not a “gradual decrease pattern” has been detected. If the result of this determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S16, and if no, the process returns to step S14.

In step S16, the power supply control means 64 shifts from the previous on mode to the off mode. And it waits for 5 minutes by step S17. Then, the temperature measurement value is acquired again, and it is determined whether or not the temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. That is, in step S18, it is determined whether or not the temperature has returned to the predetermined temperature range. If the result of this determination is yes, the process returns to step S11 and operates again in the constant temperature confirmation phase. In this case, the earphone 14 is reattached to the ear. If no, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the power control means 6
4 turns off the switch circuit 52. Furthermore, temperature measurement is complete | finished in step S20.
After the power is automatically shut off, temperature measurement is unnecessary until the user wears the earphone again and forcibly turns on the power. Therefore, the control is performed as in step S20.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of transition pattern recognition processing.
This process shows a more specific procedure of step S14 in FIG. First, step S2
1, the monitoring means 60 sets the temperature measurement interval to 5 seconds. Monitoring means 60 in step S22
Get temperature readings. In step S23, the comparison unit 62 acquires a difference from the previous measurement value. In step S24, the difference is compared with a threshold value (for example, once). In step S25, the temperature measurement value is compared with the minimum value in the predetermined temperature region (body temperature region). In step S26, the comparison means 62 recognizes the pattern based on the comparison result. That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature measurement value of several times decreases while fluctuating by more than a threshold value, and the last temperature measurement value is a pattern that is less than or equal to the minimum value of the region.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart when two temperature measuring elements are used.
In step S31, the output of the main temperature measuring element 22 is acquired. Next, step S32
Thus, the output of the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 is acquired. In step S33, the difference between the output of the temperature measuring element 22 and the output of the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 is calculated. What is necessary is just to memorize | store this in a memory | storage device as a temperature measurement value as it is. In order to determine the gradual decrease pattern of the temperature from the difference between the previous temperature measurement value and the current temperature measurement value, it is not necessary to be aware of the absolute temperature. Further, it may be determined that the earphone 14 has been removed from the ear when the output of the temperature measuring element 22 approaches the output of the auxiliary temperature measuring element 44 by a threshold value or more.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart for restarting the portable audio device.
Initially, no temperature measurement is performed. In step S41, it is determined whether or not an operation of the regeneration request switch has been detected. If the result of this determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S42, and if no, the process waits. In step S42, the operation of the transition confirmation phase is started. In step S43, the temperature measurement interval is set to 10 seconds, for example. Step S
In 44, pattern recognition processing is performed. That is, in step S45, it is determined whether or not the temperature measurement value is “gradual increase pattern”. If the result of this determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S46, and if no, the process waits. Here, temperature measurement should be performed at least twice. When the temperature change is viewed as a step response, the temperature measurement value is acquired at a sufficiently small time interval with respect to the temperature change time constant. By measuring three times in succession, the temperature in the thermal equilibrium state can be estimated. If the estimated calculation result is close to the value when the earphone 14 is worn on the ear, it is preferable to shift to the on mode. That is, in step S46, the on mode is entered. In step S47, the operation is performed in the constant temperature confirmation phase as shown in step S11 of FIG.

Note that the above computer program may be modularized in units illustrated in functional blocks, or may be integrated by combining a plurality of functional blocks. Further, the above computer program may be used by being incorporated into an existing application program. A computer program for realizing the present invention can be recorded and installed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and used.

1 is a circuit block diagram of a portable audio device of Example 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a portable audio equipment. It is a specific connection diagram of an RF converter. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for detecting a transition pattern. It is an Example block diagram of a cordless earphone. It is an operation | movement flowchart which transfers to off mode from on mode. It is a recognition pattern operation | movement flowchart of a transition pattern. It is an operation | movement flowchart when using two temperature measuring elements. It is an operation | movement flowchart when restarting a portable audio equipment.

Explanation of symbols

10 portable audio equipment, 12 sound reproduction circuit, 14 earphone, 16 cable,
18 manual operation switch, 19 display, 20 earphone wearing detection device,
22 temperature measuring elements, 24 headphones, 26 accessories, 30 integrated circuits, 32 C
PU, 33 ROM, 34 RAM, 36 I / O port, 37 counter,
40 RF converter, 42 RF converter, 44 auxiliary temperature measuring element, 46 timer, 48 LCD driver, 50 power supply circuit, 52 switch circuit, 60 monitoring means, 62 comparison means, 64 power supply control means, 66 oscillation control circuit

Claims (12)

A temperature sensor fixed to an earphone or an earphone accessory connected to a portable audio device;
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element;
An on mode that supplies power to the main circuit of the portable audio device when the monitoring unit detects a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element changes from within the predetermined temperature region to outside the predetermined temperature region From the above, an earphone wearing detection device comprising power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. The earphone wearing detection device according to claim 1,
It has an auxiliary temperature measuring element that measures the outside temperature,
A monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element fixed to the earphone or the accessory of the earphone and the auxiliary temperature measuring element;
The difference between the temperature measurement value detected by the monitoring means and the temperature measurement value of the auxiliary temperature measurement element is:
When a transition pattern that has changed from a set value to a set value or less is detected, from the on mode that supplies power to the main circuit of the portable audio device, the main circuit is supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. An earphone wearing detection apparatus comprising power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off power. In the earphone wearing detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The temperature measuring element is composed of a thermistor, and a circuit that supplies an excitation current to a resonance circuit including the thermistor via an earphone cable, an electrical resistance of the thermistor that changes depending on temperature, and a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit. An earphone wearing detection device comprising a temperature detection interface for acquiring a digital signal indicating a temperature measurement value from the relationship. In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The monitoring means includes
When the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before is equal to or less than the threshold value, it operates in a constant temperature confirmation phase that acquires the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element at the time interval T1,
When the difference between the temperature measurement value measured this time and the temperature measurement value measured immediately before exceeds the threshold value, it operates in the transition confirmation phase in which the temperature measurement value of the temperature measuring element is acquired at a time interval T2 shorter than the time interval T1. An earphone wearing detection device characterized in that: The earphone wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the monitoring means detects a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value falls below the predetermined temperature range within a certain time, the power supply control means shifts to an off mode in which the power supply can be cut off. In addition, when the temperature measurement value is obtained again after a predetermined standby time and the temperature measurement value returns to the predetermined temperature range, the power supply power is not cut off, and the power supply power is cut off and the on mode is switched to the on mode. An earphone wearing detection device, characterized in that it shifts. In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the power supply circuit and the main circuit are forcibly connected, and the monitoring means detects a transition pattern in which the temperature measurement value rises within a predetermined time and reaches the predetermined temperature range, the power supply control means An earphone wearing detection device that shifts from the off mode to the on mode. In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The earphone or an accessory of the earphone shifts to an off mode in which the temperature measuring element, a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits the temperature measurement value, and the power source that the power control means supplies to the main circuit are cut off. And a wireless transmission stop circuit for turning off the driving power of the wireless transmitter when no sound reproduction signal is received, and an activation switch for starting the wireless transmitter by manual operation. Detection device. In the earphone wearing detection device according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
The portable acoustic device receives the excitation current, constitutes a resonance circuit with the thermistor and obtains a temperature measurement value, an acoustic reproduction circuit control means, and a control signal for a manual operation switch. An earphone wearing detection apparatus comprising: an output interface; and an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor functioning as the monitoring unit and the voltage control unit is integrally mounted. A sound reproduction circuit;
A power supply circuit for supplying power to the sound reproduction circuit;
Fixed to the earphone or earphone accessory driven by the sound reproduction circuit,
A temperature sensor,
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element;
A storage device for storing the temperature specific value detected by the monitoring means;
Comparison means for comparing a transition pattern that has changed from the predetermined temperature range to the outside of the predetermined temperature range with a preset transition pattern;
When the comparison means detects the preset transition pattern, the power supply circuit supplies power to the main circuit including at least the sound reproduction circuit from the on mode, and is supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power
And a portable audio device. Controls a portable audio device including an acoustic reproduction circuit, a power supply circuit that supplies power to the acoustic reproduction circuit, and an earphone driven by the acoustic reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to the earphone accessory Computer
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element;
Storage means for storing the temperature detected by the monitoring means;
Comparison means for comparing a transition pattern that has changed from the predetermined temperature range to the outside of the predetermined temperature range with a preset transition pattern;
When the comparison means detects the preset transition pattern, the power supply circuit supplies power to the main circuit including at least the sound reproduction circuit from the on mode, and is supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power
Portable audio equipment control program to function as. Controls a portable audio device including an acoustic reproduction circuit, a power supply circuit that supplies power to the acoustic reproduction circuit, and an earphone driven by the acoustic reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to the earphone accessory Computer
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element;
Storage means for storing the temperature detected by the monitoring means;
Comparison means for comparing a transition pattern that has changed from the predetermined temperature range to the outside of the predetermined temperature range with a preset transition pattern;
When the comparison means detects the preset transition pattern, the power supply circuit supplies power to the main circuit including at least the sound reproduction circuit from the on mode, and is supplied to the main circuit after a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Power control means for shifting to an off mode for cutting off the power
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the portable audio equipment control program made to function as. In a portable audio device comprising: an acoustic reproduction circuit; a power supply circuit that supplies power to the acoustic reproduction circuit; and an earphone driven by the acoustic reproduction circuit or a temperature measuring element fixed to an accessory of the earphone.
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the temperature measuring element;
Storage means for storing the temperature detected by the monitoring means;
A step of comparing a transition pattern changed from within the predetermined temperature region to outside the predetermined temperature region with a preset transition pattern;
When a predetermined standby time elapses from an on mode in which power supply control means supplies power from the power supply circuit to at least a main circuit including the sound reproduction circuit when the comparison means detects the preset transition pattern. A step of switching to an off mode for cutting off the power supply supplied to the main circuit;
A method for controlling a portable audio device.

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