JP7476672B2 - Listening device and listening method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a listening device and a listening method.

The electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls the volume of sound generated from a sound generating unit such as a speaker depending on the illuminance of the surrounding environment. Patent Document 2 discloses headphones that can pick up external sounds such as a telephone ringtone.

JP 2005-110044 A JP 2014-30254 A

As smartphones become more widespread, more and more people are walking outside wearing earphones or headphones (hereinafter collectively referred to as earphones, etc.). When wearing earphones, etc., it is difficult for users to notice changes in the surrounding situation. In particular, it is difficult to notice abnormalities in the surroundings when it is quiet and dark, such as late at night. In addition, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles make very quiet noises while driving, making it difficult for users to hear them.

This embodiment has been developed in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a listening device and listening method that can appropriately control the capture of external sound according to the surrounding conditions.

The hearing device according to this embodiment is equipped with left and right output units that are worn on the left and right ears of a user and output playback sounds, a light sensor provided in the output units to detect ambient light, a volume control unit that controls the volume of the playback sounds output from the output units in response to the detection results of the light sensor, an external sound capture microphone provided in the output unit, and an external sound capture control unit that outputs the external sound captured by the external sound capture microphone from the output unit in response to the detection results of the light sensor.

The listening method according to this embodiment includes the steps of outputting a reproduced sound from left and right output units attached to the left and right ears of a user, detecting ambient light using a light sensor provided in the output unit, controlling the volume of the reproduced sound output from the output unit in accordance with the detection result of the light sensor, capturing an external sound using an external sound capture microphone provided in the output unit, and outputting the external sound captured by the external sound capture microphone from the output unit in accordance with the detection result of the light sensor.

This embodiment provides a listening device and listening method that can appropriately control the capture of external sound according to the surrounding conditions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user wears earphones that are a listening device. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the hearing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a listening method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system of a hearing device according to a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a listening method according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system of a hearing device according to a third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a listening method according to the third embodiment;

Embodiment 1.
The hearing device 100 according to this embodiment is configured with earphones or headphones. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a user U wears earphones 10, which are the hearing device 100. Note that, although earphones 10 are used as the hearing device 100 in Fig. 1, headphones may also constitute the hearing device 100.

A user U is wearing earphones 10. The earphones 10 are connected to a playback terminal 30. The earphones 10 are equipped with left and right output units 10L and 10R. The output unit 10L is worn on the left ear 9L of the user U, and the output unit 10R is worn on the right ear 9R. The output unit 10L outputs the reproduced sound to the left ear 9L. The output unit 10R outputs the reproduced sound to the right ear 9R. The left and right output units 10L and 10R each have a driver or the like for outputting the reproduced sound.

The earphones 10 are connected to the playback terminal 30 by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The earphones 10 may be of a left-right separated type (fully wireless type) in which the left and right output units 10L, 10R are independent. The earphones 10 may be of a left-right integrated type such as a neckband type in which the left and right output units 10L, 10R are connected. The earphones 10 may be of an ear hook type or a canal type. Of course, the shape of the earphones 10 is not limited to the above example. The earphones 10 also have a built-in battery.

The earphones 10 may have a charging case 10B with a built-in battery. The charging case 10B with a built-in battery has a battery and a USB interface for charging the earphones 10.

The earphones 10 have an external sound capture function. Here, an external sound capture microphone 13 is provided in the left output unit 10L. The external sound capture microphone 13 detects external sounds generated around the user U. The external sound capture microphone 13 is positioned facing outward, that is, facing the opposite side to the head of the user U.

The right output unit 10R is also provided with a light sensor 12. The light sensor 12 detects ambient light from around the user U. The light sensor 12 is positioned facing outward, that is, facing away from the head of the user U.

The playback process in the listening device according to this embodiment is executed by a playback terminal 30 such as an mp3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) player, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The playback terminal 30 is an information processing device having a processing means such as a processor, a storage means such as a memory or SSD (Solid State Drive), a display means such as an LCD monitor, and an input means such as a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, or a mouse. The playback terminal 30 has a communication function for transmitting and receiving data. Specifically, the playback terminal 30 has a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that the connection between the playback terminal 30 and the earphones 10 is not limited to a wireless connection, and may be a wired connection.

The hearing device 100 plays music for a user U wearing the earphones 10. To this end, the playback terminal 30 outputs Lch and Rch stereo signals. The Lch stereo signal is played from the output unit 10L, and the Rch stereo signal is played from the output unit 10R.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the hearing device 100. The earphone 10 includes drivers 11L and 11R. The earphone 10 also includes a light sensor 12, an external sound capture microphone 13, a battery 14, a wireless communication unit 15, a volume control unit 21, and an external sound capture control unit 22.

Drivers 11L and 11R are provided in the left and right output units 10L and 10R, respectively. The drivers 11L and 11R convert electrical signals into vibrations. For example, the drivers 11L and 11R each have a voice coil, a diaphragm, etc. The left driver 11L is built into the left output unit 10L. The right driver 11R is built into the right output unit 10R. The drivers 11L and 11R output the playback signal transmitted from the playback terminal 30 to the user U. This allows the user U to listen to the played music.

The light sensor 12 detects ambient light from the outside. The light sensor 12 has a photodiode and the like. The light sensor 12 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected ambient light to the ambient sound capture control unit 22. The detection signal indicates a value corresponding to the amount of ambient light. Therefore, the light sensor 12 can detect the brightness of the surroundings.

The wireless communication unit 15 communicates with the playback terminal 30. For example, the wireless communication unit 15 has a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication function. The wireless communication unit 15 receives a playback signal from the paired playback terminal 30.

The volume control unit 21 controls the volume of the sound reproduced from the drivers 11L and 11R. For example, the volume control unit 21 may have a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), or an amplifier. The volume control unit 21 controls the volume in response to a detection signal from the optical sensor.

The external sound capture microphone 13 picks up external sounds generated outside. The external sound capture control unit 22 controls the capture of external sound by the external sound capture microphone 13. Specifically, the external sound capture control unit 22 controls the on/off of the external sound capture function in response to a detection signal from the light sensor 12. When the external sound capture is on, the external sound capture microphone 13 is operated. When the external sound capture is off, the operation of the external sound capture microphone 13 is stopped.

The battery 14 supplies power to each component. That is, the drivers 11L and 11R, the light sensor 12, and the external sound capture microphone 13 operate on the power supply voltage from the battery 14. The battery 14 also supplies power to the volume control unit 21 and the external sound capture control unit 22. The volume control unit 21 and the external sound capture control unit 22 operate on the power supply voltage from the battery 14. The battery 14 is charged, for example, via a USB interface.

The playback terminal 30 has a sound source 31, a terminal-side communication unit 32, and a terminal control unit 33. The sound source 31 has a memory and the like, and stores data of the music to be played. Alternatively, the sound source 31 may play music by streaming. When the user U operates the playback terminal 30 to start music playback, the sound source 31 generates a playback signal corresponding to the music being played. The terminal-side communication unit 32 transmits the playback signal to the earphones 10 by Bluetooth communication.

The terminal control unit 33 has a processor, memory, etc., and controls the entire playback terminal 30. In other words, the terminal control unit 33 controls the music playback function and other functions. Note that functions of the playback terminal 30 other than music playback are publicly known, so detailed explanations will be omitted. For example, if the playback terminal 30 is a smartphone, as described above, the playback terminal 30 has a display, microphone, touch panel, camera, etc. For example, various functions are realized by the processor executing a program.

A specific example of external sound capture will be described below. The external sound capture control unit 22 controls the on/off of the external sound capture function. When the external sound capture function is on, the external sound picked up by the external sound capture microphone 13 is superimposed on the playback signal. That is, the drivers 11L and 11R output a playback signal on which the external sound is superimposed. Note that when the external sound capture is on, at least one of the drivers 11L and 11R needs to output the external sound. On the other hand, when the external sound capture function is off, the external sound picked up by the external sound capture microphone 13 is not superimposed on the playback signal. That is, the drivers 11L and 11R output the playback signal as is.

In this embodiment, the external sound capture control unit 22 controls the external sound capture according to the detection result of the light sensor 12. For example, the external sound capture control unit 22 determines whether the surroundings are bright or dark based on the amount of light detected by the light sensor 12. If it is determined that the surroundings are dark, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns on the external sound capture. If it is determined that the surroundings are bright, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns off the external sound capture. In this way, crime prevention can be improved.

The threshold for determining whether the surroundings are bright or not may be set when the earphones 10 are first used. In other words, the threshold is set when a user U who has purchased the earphones 10 turns the earphones 10 on for the first time. This sets a threshold that corresponds to the user U who uses the earphones 10. The external sound capture control unit 22 then compares the value of the detection signal from the light sensor 12 with the threshold to determine whether the surroundings are bright or dark.

The volume control unit 21 controls the volume of the sound reproduced from the driver according to the detection result of the light sensor 12. For example, here, the volume control unit 21 controls the volume according to whether the surroundings are bright or not. If it is determined that the surroundings are dark, the volume control unit 21 adjusts the volume to lower the volume. If it is determined that the surroundings are bright, the volume control unit 21 adjusts the volume to raise the volume. In other words, when external sound capture is on, the volume control unit 21 lowers the volume.

The volume control by the volume control unit 21 is linked to the on/off state of the external sound capture. When the external sound capture is off, the volume control unit 21 increases the volume. In this way, the volume control unit 21 adjusts the volume of the playback sound depending on whether the external sound capture is on or off. Note that the external sound capture control unit 22 simply outputs the brightness determination result to the volume control unit 21.

In the hearing method for the hearing device according to this embodiment, reproduced sound is output from left and right output units 10L, 10R worn on the left and right ears of a user U. Ambient light is detected by an optical sensor 12 provided in the output units 10L, 10R. The volume of the reproduced sound output from the output units 10L, 10R is controlled according to the detection result of the optical sensor 12. External sound is captured by an external sound capture microphone provided in the output unit 10L. External sound captured by the external sound capture microphone 13 is output from the output units 10L, 10R according to the detection result of the optical sensor 12. In this way, external sound capture can be appropriately controlled.

In the above description, the light sensor 12 is mounted on the output unit 10R, and the external sound capture microphone 13 is mounted on the output unit 10L, but the light sensor 12 and the external sound capture microphone 13 may be mounted on either the output unit 10L or 10R. For example, the light sensor 12 may be mounted on the output unit 10R, and the external sound capture microphone 13 may be mounted on the output unit 10R. Furthermore, the external sound capture microphone 13 and the light sensor 12 may be mounted on the playback terminal 30, or on the battery-integrated charging case 10B.

An example of a listening method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the listening method according to this embodiment.

First, the user U turns on the earphones 10 (S101). The external sound capture control unit 22 determines whether or not this is the first time the earphones 10 have been turned on (S102). If this is the first time the earphones 10 have been turned on (YES in S102), the threshold of the light sensor 12 is set (S103). Here, the threshold is set based on the detection signal detected by the light sensor 12. For example, when the user U is wearing the earphones 10 indoors, the light sensor 12 detects ambient light. The threshold is then set according to the amount of ambient light, that is, the brightness of the room. In this way, an appropriate threshold can be set for each user U. This allows the on/off control of the external sound capture to be performed appropriately. If this is not the first time the earphones 10 have been turned on (NO in S102), the threshold has already been set, so S103 is omitted and the process proceeds to S104.

Next, the light sensor 12 detects ambient light from the surroundings (S104). That is, the light sensor 12 detects the brightness of the surrounding environment. The external sound capture control unit 22 compares the detection signal with a threshold value to determine whether or not the location is dark (S105). If the location is not dark (NO in S105), the process returns to S104. In other words, since the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the location is bright. In a bright location, the output units 10L and 10R output the playback signal at the volume set as normal.

If the location is dark (YES in S105), the volume control unit 21 adjusts the volume and the external sound capture control unit 22 starts capturing external sound (S106). In other words, since the surroundings are dark, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns on the external sound capture microphone 13 to capture external sound. Furthermore, the volume control unit 21 lowers the volume of the playback sound.

Then, the output units 10L and 10R output the reproduced sound with the external sound superimposed thereon. In other words, the external sound is superimposed on the reproduced sound that is being reproduced at a volume lowered from the initial setting volume. In this way, the user U can hear the external sound while listening to the reproduced sound. In other words, the user U can check the surrounding situation in a dark place. This can improve safety. Furthermore, the user U can recognize the approach of a vehicle even if the vehicle is quiet when it is traveling.

Next, similarly to S104, the light sensor 12 detects ambient light (S107). The external sound capture control unit 22 compares the detection signal with a threshold value to determine whether the surroundings are bright or not (S108). If the surroundings are not bright (NO in S108), the process returns to S107. In other words, since the surroundings are dark, the earphones 10 capture external sound with the volume of the playback sound lowered. In this way, the user U can hear external sound while listening to the playback sound.

If the location is bright (YES in S108), the volume control unit 21 adjusts the volume and the external sound capture control unit 22 ends external sound capture (S109). In other words, the volume control unit 21 increases the volume and returns it to the initial setting volume. Then, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns off the external sound capture microphone 13 and stops external sound capture. This allows the user U to listen to only the playback sound at the desired volume.

Next, the external sound capture control unit 22 determines whether the power has been turned off (S110). If the power has not been turned off (NO in S110), the process returns to S104 and repeats the above process. If the power has been turned off (YES in S110), the power is turned off (S111). Then, the process ends.

In this way, the external sound capture can be appropriately controlled. That is, in a dark environment, the volume control unit 21 lowers the volume, and the external sound capture control unit 22 captures external sound. In this way, the user U can hear external sounds occurring around him in a dark environment. Therefore, the user U can notice something unusual late at night when the surroundings are quiet. Crime prevention can be improved. In a bright environment, the user U can listen to the playback sound at the desired volume. That is, the output units 10L and 10R output the playback signal at the volume set as normal. The external sound capture can be appropriately controlled according to the surrounding conditions.

In addition, measurements are performed to set the threshold when the power is turned on for the first time. In other words, the threshold is set while the user U is wearing the earphones 10. This allows the optimum threshold to be set for each user U. For example, the amount of light detected by the light sensor 12 when the earphones are worn varies depending on the length of the user U's hair, etc. Therefore, by setting a threshold for each user U, the surrounding brightness can be detected more accurately. The user U can properly hear external sounds.

Of course, the timing for setting the threshold is not limited to when the power is first turned on. For example, the user U may operate the playback terminal 30 or the earphones 10 to perform ambient light measurement for setting the threshold. Specifically, ambient light measurement for setting the threshold is performed by operating a button on the earphones 10. Alternatively, the playback terminal 30 may be provided with an application program (app) for controlling the earphones 10. Then, a threshold setting button or the like may be provided on the display screen of the app. Alternatively, the threshold may be set by voice input using the external sound capture microphone 13 or the microphone of the playback terminal 30.

Since the light sensor 12 is provided in the output unit, the brightness can be detected with greater accuracy. For example, if the light sensor 12 is provided in the playback terminal 30 or the battery case, the playback terminal 30 or the battery case may be stored in a bag or the like. In such a case, the surrounding brightness cannot be detected accurately. In this embodiment, since the light sensor 12 is provided in the output unit 10R, the brightness can be detected accurately. Of course, the light sensor 12 may also be provided in the output unit 10L.

The hearing device 100 according to the present embodiment may be realized by the earphone 10 alone, or may be realized by the earphone 10 working in cooperation with the playback terminal 30. That is, the hearing device 100 may include the earphone 10 and the playback terminal 30. Alternatively, the hearing device 100 may be composed of only the earphone 10. The playback terminal 30 may perform part of the processing. For example, the playback terminal 30 may perform the brightness determination processing. Furthermore, at least one of the external sound capture control unit 22 and the volume control unit 21 may be provided in the playback terminal 30.

In addition, although the external sound capture control unit 22 turns on the external sound capture in a dark state and turns off the external sound capture in a bright state, the opposite is also possible. In other words, the external sound capture control unit 22 may turn off the external sound capture in a dark state and turn on the external sound capture in a bright state. Depending on the result of determining whether the surroundings are bright or dark, the external sound capture control unit 22 may control the external sound capture to be turned on or off.

Embodiment 2.
The hearing device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, a motion sensor 17 is added to the earphone 10. Note that the configuration and control other than the motion sensor 17 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

The motion sensor 17 is provided to determine whether the user U is moving. The motion sensor 17 is a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 17 detects the acceleration and angular velocity of the earphones 10. Thus, the motion sensor 17 detects the movement of the user U wearing the earphones 10. The motion sensor 17 detects whether the user U is moving. For example, if the user U is moving at a speed faster than the user's walking speed, the user is determined to be moving. In this embodiment, if the user U is moving, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns on the external sound capture. If the user U is not moving, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns off the external sound capture.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the listening method according to this embodiment. Note that in Figure 5, S204 and S205 have been added to the flowchart in Figure 3. In other words, S201 to S203 and S206 to S213 in Figure 5 are the same as S101 to S111 in Figure 3, respectively. Therefore, detailed explanations of S201 to S203 and S206 to S213 will be omitted.

The motion sensor 17 detects the movement of the user U (S204). Then, it is determined whether the motion sensor 17 has detected the movement of the user U. For example, if the angular velocity or acceleration detected by the motion sensor 17 becomes greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user U is moving.

If the user U is moving (YES in S205), the light sensor 12 detects the ambient light (S206). Note that the processing from S206 onwards is the same as that from S104 onwards in FIG. 3, and therefore the description will be omitted. If the user U is not moving (NO in S205), the process returns to S204 and continues to detect the movement of the user U.

The external sound capture control unit 22 turns external sound capture on and off in response to the movements of the user U. In this way, external sound capture can be turned on only when the user U is moving. Therefore, external sound capture can be controlled more appropriately.

For example, when user U is moving, it is assumed that user U is walking outdoors. When user U is walking outdoors, external sound capture is turned on. This allows external sound capture to be appropriately controlled, improving crime prevention. When no movement of user U is detected, it is assumed that user U is listening to playback sound in his or her own room or the like. In this case, there is no need to capture external sound, so external sound capture is turned off.

In addition, while the external sound capture is turned on when the user U is moving and turned off when the user U is not moving, the opposite may also be true. In other words, the external sound capture control unit 22 may turn the external sound capture off when the user U is moving, and turn the external sound capture on when the user U is not moving. Depending on the result of the determination as to whether the user U is moving or not, the external sound capture control unit 22 controls the external sound capture to be turned on or off.

The playback terminal 30 may perform some of the processing. The motion sensor 17 may be provided in the playback terminal 30. In this case, the playback terminal 30 transmits information about whether the user U is moving to the earphones 10. The external sound capture control unit 22 may control the on/off of the external sound capture according to this information.

Embodiment 3.
The hearing device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, a positioning sensor 34 is added to the configuration of Fig. 4. Other than the addition of the positioning sensor 34, the configuration is the same as in the first and second embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

The positioning sensor 34 is provided to determine whether the user U is moving. The positioning sensor 34 is mounted on the playback terminal 30 and detects the position of the playback terminal 30. The positioning sensor 34 is, for example, a satellite positioning sensor such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). The positioning sensor 34 detects the position of the playback terminal 30 based on a signal from a satellite. In response to a change in the position detected by the positioning sensor 34, the external sound capture control unit 22 determines whether the user is moving. For example, the user's moving speed is calculated in response to the change in the position detected by the positioning sensor 34, and if the user U's moving speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed such as walking speed, it is determined that the user U is moving.

The positioning sensor 34 determines whether the user U is moving or not, based on the detected change in position. If the user U is not moving, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns off the external sound capture. If the user U is moving and the surroundings are dark, the external sound capture control unit 22 turns on the external sound capture. By doing this, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the second embodiment.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the listening method according to this embodiment. Note that in Figure 7, S304 and S305 have been added to the flowchart in Figure 5. In other words, S301 to S303 and S306 to S315 in Figure 7 are the same as S201 to S203 and S304 to S313 in Figure 5, respectively. Therefore, detailed explanations of S301 to S303 and S306 to S313 will be omitted.

The positioning sensor 34 detects the position of the user U (S304). Then, the positioning sensor 34 or the external sound capture control unit 22 determines whether the user U is moving or not based on the user U's position (S305). If the position of the user U is changing at a predetermined speed or more, it is determined that the user U is moving (YES in S305). Therefore, the process proceeds to S306, and the same process as in the second embodiment is performed. If the position is not changing at a predetermined speed or more, it is determined that the user is not moving (NO in S305). If it is determined that the user is not moving, the process returns to S304, and the position detection continues by the positioning sensor 34.

In this embodiment, motion detection is performed using both the positioning sensor 34 and the motion sensor 17. In this way, the motion (movement) of the user U can be detected more accurately.

In the above description, both the positioning sensor 34 and the motion sensor 17 are used to detect movement, but only the positioning sensor 34 may be used. In this case, the motion sensor 17 can be omitted. The positioning sensor 34 may also be provided in the earphone 10.

Furthermore, the external sound capture may be controlled according to the position of the user U detected by the positioning sensor 34. For example, the position detected by the positioning sensor 34 may be compared with map information to determine whether the user U is outdoors. If the user is outdoors, the external sound capture may be turned on, and if the user is indoors, the external sound capture may be turned off. Alternatively, if the user is in an unsafe location, the external sound capture may be turned on, and if the user is in a safe location, the external sound capture may be turned off.

Furthermore, the external sound capture control unit 22 may control the external sound capture based on the current time. For example, the external sound capture control unit 22 may turn external sound capture off during the daytime and turn external sound capture on during the nighttime. Also, the external sound capture control unit 22 may switch external sound capture on and off based on the current time. For example, during the nighttime, in a bright place, the external sound capture control unit 22 may turn external sound capture on. Also, in a specific time period or in a specific location, the on/off of the external sound capture control in response to the brightness determination result may be reversed. For example, external sound capture may be turned on in a bright place and turned off in a dark place.

In the above description, the listening device is described as an earphone, but it may be a headphone. The listening device may also include a playback terminal 30 such as a smartphone in addition to the earphone. For example, the volume control unit 21 and the external sound capture control unit 22 may be provided in the playback terminal 30.

Some or all of the above processes may be executed by a computer program. The above-mentioned program can be stored and provided to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R/Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be provided to the computer by various types of transient computer-readable media. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transient computer-readable medium can provide the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, but it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

U User 9L Left ear 9R Right ear 10 Earphone 10L Output unit 10R Output unit 11L Driver 11R Driver 12 Light sensor 13 External sound capture microphone 14 Battery 15 Wireless communication unit 17 Motion sensor 21 Volume control unit 22 External sound capture control unit 30 Playback terminal 31 Sound source 32 Terminal side communication unit 33 Terminal control unit 34 Positioning sensor 100 Hearing device

Claims (5)

Left and right output units are worn on the left and right ears of a user and output playback sounds;
a light sensor provided in the output unit for detecting ambient light and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the ambient light ;
a volume control unit that controls the volume of the reproduced sound output from the output unit in response to a detection result of the optical sensor;
An external sound capture microphone provided in the output unit;
an external sound capture control unit that outputs the external sound captured by the external sound capture microphone from the output unit in response to a detection result of the optical sensor ,
The external sound capture control unit sets a threshold value based on the detection signal of the optical sensor when the user turns on the power of the hearing device for the first time, and if the detection signal of the optical sensor is less than the threshold value, the external sound capture control unit turns on external sound capture, and if the detection signal of the optical sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the external sound capture control unit turns off external sound capture . one or more sensors arranged to determine whether the user is moving;
The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the external sound capture control unit controls the output unit to output the external sound when the user is moving. The hearing device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a motion sensor provided in the output unit. The hearing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor is a positioning sensor provided in a playback terminal that generates a playback signal for the playback sound. A listening method using a listening device, comprising:
a step of setting a threshold value based on a detection signal corresponding to ambient light detected by light sensors provided in left and right output units that are worn on the left and right ears of the user and output playback sounds when the user turns on the power of the hearing device for the first time;
outputting a reproduced sound from the output unit;
detecting ambient light by the optical sensor and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the ambient light;
controlling the volume of the reproduced sound output from the output unit in response to the detection result of the optical sensor;
When the detection signal of the optical sensor is less than the threshold value, an external sound capture control unit turns on external sound capture, and when the detection signal of the optical sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the external sound capture control unit turns off external sound capture;
When the external sound capture control unit turns on the external sound capture, the external sound capture microphone provided in the output unit captures the external sound;
and outputting the external sound captured by the external sound capturing microphone from the output unit.

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