JP2020057929A - Multi-power source wireless earphone and method for controlling wireless earphone - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a multi-power source wireless earphone and the like that can provide a light feeling of use according to an elapsed time.SOLUTION: When a control unit 130 detects that a cord 170 is not connected to a connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines a power supply self-contained wireless mode, and operates by the power supply from a built-in battery 140. When the control unit 130 detects that power is supplied to the cord 170 connected to the connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines an external power supply wireless mode, and operates by the power supply from the cord 170. When the control unit 130 detects that a sound signal is supplied to the cord 170 connected to the connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines a wired mode, and provides the sound signal to an earphone unit 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known wireless earphones that can be used as cord-connectable earphones.

  For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,097 discloses a modular headset having a first unit that operates in first and second modes of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation the first unit has stand-alone functionality, Acting as a wireless earphone for a mobile phone, in a second mode, the first unit is connected to a second unit, and the second unit has processing power to generate stereo audio when connected to an MP3 player. Have been proposed.

JP 2005-506782 A

  Conventional wireless earphones can be used lightly because there is no cable, but there was a problem that the built-in earphone battery could not be used for a long time. In addition, there is a problem that the wireless connection has to give up when the battery is exhausted.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies and the like, which can provide a light feeling of use according to the elapse of use time.

  The multiple power source compatible wireless earphone according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a built-in battery, a wireless receiving unit that receives an acoustic wireless signal by a predetermined communication method and outputs an acoustic signal, and an earphone unit that converts the acoustic signal into sound. A control unit that determines one of a power supply self-supply wireless mode, a power supply external supply wireless mode, and a wired mode; and a housing that houses a wireless reception unit, an earphone unit, and a control unit, and that has a connection terminal. When it detects that the cord is not connected to the connection terminal, it judges the power supply self-sufficient wireless mode, operates the wireless receiver by supplying power from the built-in battery, and supplies power to the cord connected to the connection terminal. If it is detected that power is supplied, it is determined that the external power supply wireless mode is set, the wireless receiver is operated by power supply from the cord, and the connection terminal is If the acoustic signal into connection code is detected that it is supplied, it is determined that the wired mode to provide an acoustic signal supplied from the code to the earphone unit.

  According to this aspect, the control unit determines one of the power supply self-supply wireless mode, the power supply external supply wireless mode, and the wired mode. If the control unit determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode, the control unit supplies power from the built-in battery. When the control unit determines that the external power supply wireless mode is selected, power is supplied from an external battery. If the control unit determines that the mode is the wired mode, a sound signal is provided from the cord to the earphone unit. Therefore, since the control unit determines the three modes without external operation, a light feeling of use according to the elapse of the use time can be obtained, and the three types of the complete wireless earphone, the wired wireless earphone, and the wired earphone can be obtained. It is possible to provide a multi-way earphone that can be used.

  In the wireless earphone for multiple power sources, the cord preferably further includes an external battery for supplying power to the earphone unit.

  Preferably, the external battery is detachably connected to the cord.

  It is preferable that the battery pack further include a charging box to which a housing and an external battery can be mounted, and the charging box is configured to be able to charge the built-in battery and the external battery simultaneously or individually.

  A method for controlling a wireless earphone compatible with multiple power sources according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: determining whether a cord is connected; determining whether external power is supplied; and determining whether an audio signal is present. In the step of determining the presence or absence of the connection of the cord, if the cord is not connected, it is determined that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode, the apparatus is operated by the power supply from the built-in battery, and the power supply from the outside is performed. In the step of determining the presence / absence, if there is an external power supply, the external power supply wireless mode is determined, the operation is performed by the power supply from the external battery, and in the step of determining the presence / absence of the audio signal, If the audio signal is supplied, it is determined to be in the wired mode, and the audio signal is provided.

  The control method of the multiple power source compatible wireless earphone further includes a step of determining whether or not a wireless signal is received.If there is an external power supply, and if no wireless signal is received, the external battery is connected to the internal battery. It is preferable to charge.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies and the like, which can provide a light feeling of use according to the elapse of use time.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an embodiment of a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the usage mode in the power supply self-sufficient wireless mode of the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the usage mode in the power supply external supply wireless mode of the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of both ends of an external battery in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the usage mode in the wired mode of the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the charging box in the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment. It is a flowchart at the time of accommodating the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment in a charging box, and turning off automatically. It is a flowchart at the time of taking out the wireless earphone corresponding to several power supplies of this embodiment from a charging box, and turning on automatically. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control method of the wireless earphone corresponding to multiple power supplies of this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for explaining the control method of the wireless earphone corresponding to multiple power supplies of the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing a wireless earphone compatible with multiple power supplies according to another embodiment.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[Configuration of multiple power supply compatible wireless earphones]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, one embodiment of a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an embodiment of a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless earphone compatible with multiple power sources (hereinafter simply referred to as “wireless earphone”) 100 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless receiving unit 110, an earphone unit 120, a control unit 130, a built-in battery 140, an input unit. 150, a connection terminal 160, and a housing 180.

  The wireless receiving unit 110 has a function of receiving an acoustic wireless signal by a predetermined communication method and outputting an acoustic signal. The wireless receiving unit 110 is a communication interface, and includes, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip and various wireless communication interfaces. Wireless receiving section 110 exchanges various data with communication terminal 200 and other wireless earphones 100.

  The earphone unit 120 has a function of converting an acoustic signal into sound. The earphone unit 120 is configured to include a driver unit, an acoustic circuit, a speaker, an LED indicator (all not shown), and the like. The acoustic circuit and the driver unit generate a musical tone based on the acoustic signal output from the wireless receiving unit 110, and output the musical tone to the outside via a speaker.

  The control unit 130 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and the like, and centrally controls each unit of the wireless earphone 100. The control unit 130 has a function of determining any one of the power self-supply wireless mode, the power supply external supply wireless mode, and the wired mode.

  When detecting that the cord 170 is not connected to the connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode, and operates the wireless reception unit 110 by supplying power from the built-in battery 140. When detecting that power is supplied to the cord 170 connected to the connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the external power supply wireless mode, and causes the wireless reception unit 110 to receive the power from the cord 170. Operate by power supply. Further, when detecting that an audio signal is being supplied to the cord 170 connected to the connection terminal 160, the control unit 130 determines that the wired mode is set, and is supplied from the cord 170 to the earphone unit 120. Provide an acoustic signal.

  The built-in battery 140 is a built-in power supply for driving the wireless receiving unit 110, the earphone unit 120, and the control unit 130. As described above, in the case of the self-supply wireless mode, the wireless receiving unit 110 is operated by power supply from the built-in battery 140. The control unit 130 controls charging of the built-in battery 140 by executing various programs.

  The input unit 150 includes operation buttons (not shown) and a microphone (not shown). The microphone is used for noise cancellation, voice call, voice recording, and the like.

  The connection terminal 160 is a female terminal for connecting a connection plug of a cord (power cord) 170. There are two types of cords 170, a power supply cord 170A for connecting the external battery 400 and an acoustic signal supply cord 170B for connecting the communication terminal 200 by wire. When the two types of codes are collectively described, they are simply described as 170. The connection terminal 160 also functions as a power supply port for charging. The charging of the built-in battery 140 of the wireless earphone 100 is enabled by connecting the power supply port for charging to an external power supply.

  The housing 180 houses the wireless reception unit 110, the earphone unit 120, the control unit 130, the built-in battery 140, the input unit 150, and the connection terminal 160. The input unit 150 and the connection terminal 160 are provided to be exposed at the lower end of the wireless earphone 100.

<Power supply self-contained wireless mode>
With reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of a power self-contained wireless mode of the wireless earphone compatible with multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage mode of the wireless earphone with multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment in the self-supply wireless mode. Note that FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, and the dimensions such as the size and length of each component are different from actual ones. In addition, the “wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies” in the present application is a broad concept including a left-right separated binaural wireless earphone and a one-ear wireless earphone.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless earphone 100 includes a pair of wireless earphones (a wireless earphone for the right ear and a wireless earphone for the left ear) 100R and 100L. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the left and right wireless earphones, they are simply referred to as the wireless earphone 100.

  Wireless earphone 100 is capable of wireless communication with communication terminal 200. That is, the wireless earphone 100 and the communication terminal 200 have, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function. Prior to use, by pairing wireless earphone 100 and communication terminal 200, wireless earphone 100 and communication terminal 200 are wirelessly connected. In the present embodiment, only the right earphone (first wireless earphone) 100R has a pairing function for performing pairing with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) compatible device (here, the communication terminal 200). I have.

  When pairing is performed between right ear wireless earphone 100R and communication terminal 200, right ear wireless earphone 100R functions as a master, and left ear wireless earphone (second wireless earphone) 100L becomes a slave. Function as That is, the right ear wireless earphone 100R functioning as a master earphone receives audio data from the communication terminal 200 via radio, and transmits the received audio data to the left ear wireless earphone functioning as a slave earphone. . Thereby, the user can listen to the stereo sound based on the acoustic signal via the wireless earphone 100 worn on both ears.

  Even if the charging of the right ear wireless earphone 100R is stopped, the left ear wireless earphone 100L is directly connected to a telephone or the like. When the charging of the left ear wireless earphone 100L is completed, the right ear wireless earphone 100R needs to be manually paired. When the right ear wireless earphone 100R is in a power-on state, the connection number for the wireless earphone 100 is displayed on the communication terminal 200 or the like, and the telephone is connected by connecting to the connection number.

  Note that, contrary to the present embodiment, the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear may function as a master, and the wireless earphone 100R for the right ear may function as a slave. Which wireless earphone 100 functions as a master may be appropriately selected by, for example, operating a button. Further, both the right ear wireless earphone 100R and the left ear 100L may function as a master.

  In the power self-supply wireless mode, the cord 170 is not connected to the connection terminal 160. Therefore, control unit 130 detects that cord 170 is not connected to connection terminal 160 and determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode. When the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode, the wireless reception unit 110 is operated by supplying power from the built-in battery 140.

  At the top of the wireless earphone 100, attachment portions 101A and 101B for attaching a strap (not shown) for preventing fall are provided. Note that the shape of the wireless earphone 100 can be arbitrarily designed, and whether or not to provide the strap mounting portions 101A and 101B is optional.

  The communication terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone or the like, and transmits an acoustic signal or the like to the wireless earphone 100 via radio according to an input operation instruction. The communication terminal 200 can be applied to any device having a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function, such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a game console, a sound system, a tablet terminal, and a wearable terminal, in addition to a smartphone.

<External power supply wireless mode>
With reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the power supply external supply wireless mode of the wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage mode of the wireless earphone with multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment in a power supply external supply wireless mode. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of both end surfaces of the external battery according to the present embodiment. Note that FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views, and the dimensions such as the size and length of each component are different from the actual ones.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in the external power supply wireless mode, the cord 170A is connected to the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphone 100 (see FIG. 1). An external battery 400 is detachably connected between the cords 170AR and 170AL. When the external battery 400 is charged and attached to the cord 170A and the connection plug 171 of the cord 170A is connected to the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphones 100R and 100L, the control unit 130 supplies power to the cord 170A. Is detected, and the power supply external supply wireless mode is determined. When the control unit 130 determines that the wireless mode is the power supply external supply wireless mode, the wireless reception unit 110 is operated by power supply from the code 170A.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a charging contact 401 of the external battery 400 is provided on one surface of the external battery 400 in the longitudinal direction. The charging contact 401 of the external battery 400 contacts the charging contact 341 of the charging unit 340 of the charging box 300 described later, thereby charging the external battery 400 (see FIG. 5). On the other surface in the longitudinal direction of the external battery 400, a mounting recess 402 for the external battery 400 is provided. The external battery 400 can be mounted on the charging unit 340 by engaging the mounting recesses 402 of the external battery 400 with mounting pins 342 of the charging unit 340 of the charging box 300 described later (see FIG. 5). The positions and number of the charging contacts 401 and mounting recesses 402 of the external battery 400 and the charging contacts 341 and mounting pins 342 of the charging box 300 can be arbitrarily set or changed.

  When the wireless receiving unit 110 is not operated, that is, when the wireless earphone 100 does not output sound, the built-in battery 140 can be charged from the external battery 400 via the cord 170A.

<Wired mode>
With reference to FIG. 4, the wired mode of the wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage mode of the wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment in a wired mode. In addition, FIG. 4 is a schematic representation, and the dimensions such as the size and length of each component are different from the actual ones.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the wired mode, the cord 170B connected to the communication terminal 200 is connected to the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphone 100 (see FIG. 1). When the connection plug 172 of the cord 170B is connected to the communication terminal 200 and the connection plug 171 of the cord 170B is connected to the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphone 100R, 100L, the control unit 130 supplies an acoustic signal to the cord 170B. Is detected, and the wired mode is determined. If the control unit 130 determines that the mode is the wired mode, the control unit 130 provides the earphone unit 120 with the audio signal supplied from the code 170B. This use mode is the same as the case where a normal wired earphone is connected and the audio signal provided from the communication terminal 200 is converted into sound by the earphone unit 120 and output.

  When the connection plug 171 of the cord 170B is connected to the connection terminal 160, the control IC of the MCU of the control unit 130 senses and turns off Bluetooth (registered trademark) of the wireless earphone 100 (off state). In order to switch to wireless again, the power of the wireless earphone 100 needs to be turned on (on state). In the wired mode, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is completely cut off to prevent noise and the like from entering.

<Charging box>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a charging box in the wireless earphone corresponding to a plurality of power supplies according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a charging box in the wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to the present embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram, and the dimensions such as the size and length of each component are different from the actual ones.

  As shown in FIG. 5, charging box 300 can accommodate a pair of wireless earphones 100 in cavity 330. The charging box 300 includes a power supply pin (not shown) for electrically connecting the connection terminal of the wireless earphone 100 and the charging box 300, a secondary battery (not shown), and a USB for charging the secondary battery. A charging unit 310 including a port (not shown) is built in.

  When the wireless earphone 100 is accommodated in the cavity 330, the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphone 100 and the power supply pin of the charging box 300 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected, so that the automatic charging of the wireless earphone 100 is started.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the lid 320 of the charging box 300 is open, and the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear is stored in the cavity 330 of the charging box 300. In the present embodiment, when the wireless earphone 100 is accommodated in the charging box 300, the power of the wireless earphone 100 is automatically turned off (off state), and automatic charging is started. Specifically, when the connection terminal 160 of the wireless earphone is connected to the power supply pin of the charging box, the IC chip of the MCU of the wireless earphone 100 detects the voltage (for example, 5 V) from the charging box 300. That is, the power of the wireless earphone 100 is turned off when the IC chip detects a voltage of 5 V, and the power is turned on when the voltage is not detected.

  Therefore, when the wireless earphone 100 is removed from the charging box 300, the wireless earphone 100 is automatically turned on (on state), and the right ear wireless earphone 100R and the left ear wireless earphone 100L are paired. Note that the wireless earphone 100 is in a state where the wireless earphone 100R for the right ear and the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear are paired at the time of shipment. 100R and 100L are connected. Since the two wireless earphones 100R and 100L are in a pairing state, one model number is displayed when searching with the communication terminal 200.

  In addition, a charging section 340 for the external battery 400 is provided on a front surface of the charging box 300. A charging contact 341 is provided at a lower portion of the charging section 340, and a retractable mounting pin 342 for mounting and fixing an external battery is provided at an upper portion. When the external battery 400 is attached to the charging section 340 of the charging box 300, automatic charging of the external battery 400 is started.

  Next, a case where the wireless phone 100 is housed in the charging box 300 and is automatically turned off and a case where the wireless phone 100 is taken out of the charging box 300 and automatically turned on will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart in the case where the wireless earphone for multiple power sources according to the present embodiment is accommodated in a charging box and automatically turned off. FIG. 7 is a flowchart in the case where the wireless earphone compatible with multiple power sources of the present embodiment is taken out of the charging box and automatically turned on. In the following, the wireless earphone 100 for the right ear will be described as an example.

<When turning off automatically>
When the control unit 130 confirms that it is in the ON state, that is, the active state (step SA1), the input voltage of the connection terminal (power port) 160 (the input voltage of the trigger terminal of the control unit 130) is set. It is determined whether the voltage exceeds a threshold voltage (for example, 5 V) (step SA2).

  When the control unit 130 determines that the input voltage of the connection terminal (power port) 160 does not exceed the threshold voltage (step SA2; NO), the process returns to step SA1, and repeats the processing of step SA1 and step SA2.

  When the control unit 130 detects that the input voltage of the connection terminal (power port) 160 has exceeded the threshold voltage while repeatedly performing the processing of step SA1 and step SA2 (step SA2; YES), The state is switched from the on state to the off state (that is, from the active state to the sleep state) (step SA3), and the process ends. When the control unit 130 switches to the sleep state, the wireless earphone 100 becomes unusable. Control unit 130 turns off the power of wireless earphone 100R for the right ear (master side) in this way (that is, switches from on to off), and turns off the power of wireless earphone 100L for the left ear (slave side). Turn off automatically. On the other hand, control unit 130 starts automatic charging of built-in battery 140 of wireless earphone 100.

<When turning on automatically>
When the control unit 130 confirms that it is in the off state, that is, the sleep state (step SB1), the input voltage of the connection terminal (power port) 160 (the input voltage of the trigger terminal of the control unit 130) is set. It is determined whether the voltage is lower than a threshold voltage (for example, 5 V) (step SB2).

  When the control unit 130 determines that the input voltage of the connection terminal (power supply port) 160 is not lower than the threshold voltage (step SB2; NO), the process returns to step SB1, and repeats the processing of step SB1 and step SB2.

  When the control unit 130 detects that the input voltage of the connection terminal (power port) 160 has fallen below the threshold voltage while repeatedly performing the processing of step SB1 and step SB2 (step SB2; YES), The state is switched from the off state to the on state (that is, from the sleep state to the active state) (step SB3), and the process ends. When the control unit 130 switches to the active state, the wireless earphone 100 becomes usable.

<How to operate the operation buttons>
When the wireless earphone 100 is independently connected to the communication terminal 200 or the like, it is necessary to perform a predetermined operation of the wireless earphone 100 with an operation button (not shown). As an example, for example, while the power is off, the operation button of the wireless earphone 100R for the right ear or the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear is pressed for 20 seconds. When the power of the wireless earphone 100R for the right ear or the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear is on, the connection number can be searched from the communication terminal 200.

The operations of the wireless earphone 100R for the right ear and the wireless earphone 100L for the left ear are performed, for example, as follows.
-Wireless earphone 100R for right ear:
Press once: Play / Pause music Receive / hang up call Press twice: Decrease volume Press and hold operation button (3 seconds): Press and hold the operation button connected to the last call 3 seconds or more: Power off -Wireless earphone 100L for left ear:
Pressing the operation button once: Playing / pausing the music Receiving / hanging up the call Operation button twice: Lowering the volume Pressing and holding the operation button (3 seconds): Connect to the voice response system Press and hold the button for 3 seconds or more: Power off

[Control method for multiple power supply compatible wireless earphones]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, 8 and 9, a control method of the wireless earphone 100 for multiple power sources will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for describing a control method of the wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies.

  The method for controlling a wireless earphone compatible with multiple power supplies includes a step of determining whether a cord is connected, a step of determining whether power is supplied from the outside, and a step of determining whether an acoustic signal is present. In the step of judging the presence or absence of the connection of the cord, if the cord is not connected, the mode is determined to be the self-supply wireless mode, and the operation is performed by supplying power from the built-in battery. In the step of determining the presence or absence of external power supply, if there is external power supply, it is determined that the external power supply wireless mode is set, and the apparatus is operated by power supply from an external battery. In the step of determining the presence or absence of an audio signal, if an audio signal is supplied, it is determined that the wired mode is set, and the audio signal is provided. Hereinafter, a control method of the wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power sources will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the cord 170 is connected to the connection terminal 160 (step S1). Whether or not the cord is connected to the connection terminal 160 is determined based on whether or not the connection terminal 160 is energized. When the cord 170 is not connected to the connection terminal 160 (step S1; NO), the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode (step S2). When the control unit 130 determines that the mode is the power self-sufficient wireless mode, the power is supplied from the built-in battery 140 to the wireless receiving unit 110 (step S3). The power of the built-in battery 140 is supplied not only to the wireless receiving unit 110 but also to the earphone unit 120 and the control unit 130.

    As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 8, and 9, when the cord 170 is connected to the connection terminal 160 (step S1; YES), the control unit 130 determines whether or not power is supplied from the outside. (Step S4). When it is determined that power is supplied from the outside (step S4; YES), the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the external power supply wireless mode (step S5). When determining that the mode is the external power supply wireless mode, the control unit 130 determines whether the wireless receiving unit 110 is receiving a wireless signal (step S6).

  When the wireless receiving unit 110 is receiving a wireless signal (Step S6; YES), power is supplied from the external battery 400 to the wireless receiving unit 110 (Step S7). The power of the external battery 400 is supplied not only to the wireless receiving unit 110 but also to the earphone unit 120 and the control unit 130. If the wireless receiving unit 110 has not received a wireless signal (step S6; NO), the control unit 130 charges the built-in battery 140 (step S7).

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 8, and 9, when it is determined in step S4 that power is not supplied from the outside (step S4; NO), the control unit 130 determines whether or not the audio signal is provided. Is determined (step S9). If an audio signal is provided (step S9; YES), control unit 130 determines that the mode is the wired mode (step S10). When it is determined that the communication mode is the wired mode, the communication terminal 200 provides an acoustic signal to the earphone unit 120. The earphone unit 120 converts a sound signal into sound. If no acoustic signal has been provided (step S9; NO), the process of step S9 is repeatedly executed.

  As described above, in the multiple-power-supply wireless earphone 100 and the control method thereof according to the present embodiment, the control unit 130 determines any one of the power self-supply wireless mode, the external power supply wireless mode, and the wired mode. When the control unit 130 determines that the power supply is in the self-supply wireless mode, the control unit 130 supplies power from the built-in battery 140. When the control unit 130 determines that the power supply mode is the external power supply wireless mode, power is supplied from the external battery 400. If the control unit 130 determines that the communication mode is the wired mode, an acoustic signal is provided from the communication terminal 200 to the earphone unit 120 via a cord. Therefore, according to the wireless earphone 100 with multiple power supplies and the control method thereof according to the present embodiment, the control unit 130 determines the three modes without external operation, so that light use according to the elapse of the use time. It is possible to provide a multi-way earphone that can give a feeling and can be used in three ways: a complete wireless earphone, a wired wireless earphone, and a wired earphone.

  In addition, according to the wireless earphone 100 for multiple power sources according to the present embodiment, since the cord 170A includes the external battery 400, power can be externally supplied to the earphone unit 120, the control unit 130, and the input unit 150. . Further, the internal battery 140 can be charged from the external battery 400 via the cord 170A.

  Further, since the external battery 400 is detachably connected to the cord 170A, it can be detached from the cord 170A and charged alone.

  In addition, the wireless earphone 100 for multiple power sources according to the present embodiment further includes a charging box 300 in which a housing 180 and an external battery 400 can be mounted. Therefore, according to the wireless earphone 100 for multiple power sources according to the present embodiment, the built-in battery 140 and the external battery 400 can be charged in the charging box 300 simultaneously or individually.

  Also, according to the wireless earphone 100 for multiple power sources according to the present embodiment, the power supply of the wireless earphone 100 is linked to the operation of accommodating the wireless earphone 100 in the charging box 300 or taking out the wireless earphone 100 from the charging box 300. Is automatically turned off (for accommodation) or on (for removal). Therefore, superior operability and functionality can be realized as compared to a wireless earphone that requires a predetermined operation (for example, a button press operation) to turn on and off the power of the wireless earphone.

  In addition, the wireless earphone 100 is selected according to the operation state of the wireless earphone 100 at that time, the connection state between the wireless earphone 100 and the communication terminal 200 or the voice-enabled system, and the like, together with the number of times and the pressing time of the operation button. The function is switched. For this reason, the operability can be remarkably improved as compared with a function in which the function assigned to the operation button is fixed (for example, when the button is pressed twice, the volume is always lowered).

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and can be implemented in other various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-described processing steps can be arbitrarily changed in order or a parallel execution within a range that does not cause inconsistency in the processing contents.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power sources according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless earphone 100 ′ for multiple power sources according to another embodiment has a common cord 170B for connecting the communication terminal 200 and the like, and a common cord 170B for connecting the external battery 400. I have. That is, the pair of connection plugs 171 of the cord 170B are connected to the pair of wireless earphones 100R and 100L, and the connection plug 172 is connected to the external battery 400.

  The wireless earphone 100 'for multiple power supplies according to another embodiment basically has the same operation and effect as the above embodiment. In particular, according to the wireless earphone 100 ′ for multiple power sources according to another embodiment, the advantageous effect that the external battery 400 can be connected using the cord 170B for connecting the communication terminal 200 and the like is also provided. Demonstrate.

  Further, in the present specification, “unit” does not simply mean a physical configuration, but also includes a case where processing executed by the “unit” or “unit” is realized by software. Further, even if the processing executed by one “unit” is realized by two or more physical configurations or devices, the processing executed by two or more “units” is realized by one physical means or device. Is also good.

100, 100 ', 100L, 100R: wireless earphone, 110: wireless receiving unit, 120: earphone unit, 130: control unit, 140: built-in battery, 160: connection terminal, 170, 170A, 170B: cord, 180: housing, 200: communication terminal, 300: charging box, 400: external battery.

Claims (6)

A built-in battery,
A wireless receiving unit that receives an acoustic wireless signal by a predetermined communication method and outputs an acoustic signal,
An earphone unit that converts the acoustic signal into sound,
A power supply self-supply wireless mode, a power supply external supply wireless mode, and a control unit that determines one of a wired mode,
A housing that houses the wireless receiving unit, the earphone unit and the control unit, and has a connection terminal;
The control unit includes:
When it is detected that the cord is not connected to the connection terminal, it is determined that the power supply self-sufficient wireless mode, the wireless receiver is operated by power supply from the built-in battery,
When it is detected that power is supplied to the cord connected to the connection terminal, it is determined that the power supply external supply wireless mode, the wireless receiving unit is operated by power supply from the cord,
When detecting that an audio signal is supplied to the cord connected to the connection terminal, providing the audio signal supplied from the cord to the earphone unit to determine the wired mode,
Wireless earphone for multiple power sources. The cord further includes an external battery that supplies power to the earphone unit,
The wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to claim 1. The external battery is detachably connected to the cord.
The wireless earphone according to claim 2, which supports multiple power sources. A charging box to which the housing and the external battery can be mounted, wherein the charging box is configured to charge the built-in battery and the external battery simultaneously or individually;
The wireless earphone for multiple power supplies according to claim 2. Determining whether the cord is connected;
Determining whether there is an external power supply;
Determining the presence or absence of an acoustic signal;
Has,
If the cord is not connected, it is determined to be in the power self-sufficient wireless mode, and it is operated by power supply from the built-in battery,
If there is an external power supply, it is determined that the power supply is in the external power supply wireless mode, and is operated by power supply from an external battery.
If an audio signal has been supplied, determine the wired mode, and provide the audio signal,
A control method for wireless earphones that support multiple power sources. Further comprising the step of determining whether a wireless signal has been received,
In the case where the power is supplied from the outside, when the wireless signal is not received, the internal battery is charged from the external battery,
A method for controlling a wireless earphone compatible with a plurality of power supplies according to claim 5.

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