KR101661888B1 - Earphone with controller - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an earphone.
The earphone according to the present invention can be supplied with power through a microphone terminal, for example, a special function module performing a special function such as an active noise reduction function. When a special function module receives power through a microphone terminal, And a control section for providing a control command to the sound signal output device through the microphone terminal.
According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the production cost by simplifying the configuration of the acoustic signal output device while maintaining the audible state of the sound, and it is possible to reduce the production cost by controlling the microphone line It is possible to send the signal to the acoustic signal output device, thereby reducing the cost of adding a separate signal line.

Description

EARPHONE WITH CONTROLLER < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention relates to an earphone provided with a controller.

When users using a sound signal output device listen to sound contents, they use earphones (including a headphone) so as not to be disturbed from listening to the sound contents from surrounding noise.

Especially, in recent years, various types of portable sound signal output devices such as smart phones have evolved and earphones are often used for voice calls and listening to audio contents. These earphones are continuously evolving due to the development of technology. For example, an earphone capable of supporting a voice call function with a microphone has been developed, and an earphone having a controller capable of inputting control commands of a user as a sound signal output device, such as adjusting the volume by itself, has been developed. Hereinafter, an earphone having an active noise control function as disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2012-0042218 has been proposed. The active noise control function provides the speaker with the reverse phase signal of the noise generated in the surroundings, so that the user can hear only the noise-canceled sound.

Taken together, the earphone can include a pair of speaker modules, a microphone, a controller, a four-pole plug, and a more advanced earphone can have at least one more special feature such as active noise control.

Generally, the plug has a first audio terminal for receiving an audio signal from a first speaker module, a second audio terminal for receiving an audio signal from a second speaker module, a microphone terminal for sending a signal generated from the microphone, and a ground terminal. However, in order to mount a special function such as the active noise control function, power is required to drive the specific function. In order to supply such power, it is possible to consider a configuration in which a separate battery is built in the earphone or power is received from the sound signal output device.

If a separate battery is built in the earphone, there is an increase in the weight of the earphone and inconvenience of battery replacement or charging.

Also, by replacing the existing four-pole plug with a five-pole plug by providing a plug with a separate power terminal to receive power from the acoustic signal output, the five-pole plug is not compatible with the quadrupole jack of a conventional acoustic signaler .

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has found that, as in the case of the application No. 10-2013-0163826 (the name of the invention: active noise control audio input / output device), one of the first audio terminal and the second audio terminal and the microphone Terminal to receive power for driving the agricultural noise control function from the smartphone. Here, the control signal of the controller is input to the smartphone through the microphone terminal.

However, in the case of receiving power through the microphone terminal, the control signal of the controller may be inputted into the smartphone, but the smartphone may not be able to recognize it. Of course, when receiving power through a microphone terminal as in Korean Patent No. 10-1473173, a method of inputting a control signal of a controller to a smartphone through an audio terminal may be considered. However, if the control signal of the controller is inputted to the smartphone through the audio terminal, it may cause poor audibility due to the interference between the control signal and the audio signal, and the control signal may be selectively transmitted to the smartphone through the microphone terminal or the audio terminal A complex configuration is required for receiving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a control apparatus and a control method thereof, in which even when power required for driving a special function such as an active noise control function is received through a microphone terminal, And to provide a technique capable of satisfactorily inputting the information into an output device.

An earphone equipped with a controller according to the present invention, a plug inserted into a jack of a sound signal output device, At least one speaker module for outputting sound corresponding to an audio signal coming through the plug; A microphone for converting a voice of a user into an electrical signal and providing the voice signal to the acoustic signal output device through the plug; A controller for inputting a user's control command to the sound signal output unit through a microphone line through which an electric signal generated by the microphone moves; And a special function module capable of receiving a power from the sound signal output unit through the plug to perform a special function; The plug comprising: at least one audio terminal for receiving an audio signal from the audio signal output and providing the audio signal to the at least one speaker module; A microphone terminal for providing an electrical signal generated from the microphone to the acoustic signal output device; And a ground terminal for grounding; Wherein the controller comprises: a switch portion for inputting a command of a user; A control section for recognizing an operation state of the switch section and providing a control command to the acoustic signal output device through the microphone terminal; And the special function module can receive power through the microphone terminal.

The special function module generates an anti-phase signal for surrounding noise and performs an active noise canceling function for providing the signal to the at least one speaker module.

A switching module for selectively switching the power received by the special function module to be received through the microphone terminal or through the at least one audio terminal; Wherein the control section controls the switching module in accordance with the mode of use of the acoustic signal output device so that the special function module receives power through the microphone terminal or receives power through the at least one audio terminal.

When the special function module receives electric power through the audio terminal, a control signal generated in the switch portion is provided directly to the sound signal output device by operating the switch portion by the user.

Wherein the control unit comprises: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage across a microphone line connected to the microphone terminal; And signal generating means for generating a control signal for controlling the switching module by determining a use mode through the voltage detected by the monitoring means; .

Wherein the control portion includes: operation detecting means for detecting an operation state of the switch portion; And signal generating means for generating a control signal according to the information sensed by the operation sensing means and providing the generated control signal to the acoustic signal output through the microphone terminal; .

The signal generating means generates an alarm signal for releasing the sleep state of the signal receiver provided in the sound signal outputting device and provides the alarm signal to the sound signal outputting device through the microphone terminal together with the control signal.

The control signal may be a DC signal, and the alarm signal may be an AC signal.

The control signal generated by the signal generating means has a current intensity of a level that can recognize a change in current on a microphone line in a current sensor provided in the acoustic signal output device.

According to the present invention, even when the power required for driving the special function module is supplied through the microphone terminal, the control command of the user can be favorably provided to the acoustic signal output device through the microphone terminal. Therefore, It is possible to simplify the configuration of the signal output device and to reduce the production cost.

Also, according to the present invention, since the control command of the user can be sent to the sound signal output device through the microphone line even while the power is supplied to the special function module through the microphone line, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with addition of a separate signal line There is an effect.

1 is a configuration diagram of an earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an operational state view of the earphone of Fig. 1 according to the first use mode.
3A and 3B are operational states of the earphone of FIG. 1 according to the second mode of use.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the technical parts already known will be omitted or compressed for simplicity of explanation.

<Description of earphone>

1, an earphone 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plug 110, a first speaker module 121, a second speaker module 122, a microphone 130, a controller 140, A noise reduction module 150, and a switching module 160.

The plug 110 is inserted into the jack J of the smartphone SP.

The plug 110 is provided with four poles and includes a first audio terminal 111, a second audio terminal 112, a microphone terminal 113, and a ground terminal 114.

The first audio terminal 111 is provided to receive the first audio signal from the smartphone SP and provide the first audio signal to the first speaker module 121.

The second audio terminal 112 is provided for receiving a second audio signal from the smartphone SP and providing the second audio signal to the second speaker module 122.

The microphone terminal 113 is provided to provide an electric signal generated by the microphone 130 to the smartphone SP.

The ground terminal 114 is provided for grounding.

The jack J of the smartphone SP is connected to the first audio terminal 111, the second audio terminal 112, the microphone terminal 113 and the ground terminal 114, Terminals.

The first speaker module 121 generates sound according to the first audio signal through the first audio terminal 111.

The second speaker module 122 generates sound according to the second audio signal coming through the second audio terminal 112.

The microphone 130 converts the voice of the user into an electrical signal and provides it to the smartphone SP via the microphone terminal 113.

The controller 140 is provided for inputting a control command of the user to the smartphone SP through the microphone line ML on which the electric signal generated by the microphone 130 moves. The controller 140 includes a switch portion 141 and a control portion 142.

The switch portion 141 is provided for inputting a user's command and includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, and a fourth switch SW4.

The first switch SW1 may be, for example, a call on / off switch.

The second switch SW2 may be a volume up switch.

The third switch SW3 may be a volume down switch.

The fourth switch SW4 may be a switch for turning the operation of the noise canceling module 150 on / off.

The control portion 142 determines the operation state of the switch portion 141 and then provides a control command to the smartphone SP through the microphone terminal 113. [ This control portion 142 includes operation detection means 142a, monitoring means 142b and signal generation means 142c.

The operation detecting means 142a detects the operation state of the four switches SW1 to SW4 provided in the switch portion 141. [

The monitoring means 142b monitors the voltage across the microphone line ML connected to the microphone terminal 113. [

The signal generating means 142c generates a control signal according to the information sensed by the monitoring means 142b, a control signal according to the information sensed by the operation sensing means 142a, and an alarm signal. The information sensed by the monitoring means 142b is voltage information on the microphone line ML connected to the microphone 130. The information sensed by the operation sensing means 142a is transmitted to the switch portion 141 by the user, Is the detected switch operation information. The alarm signal is a signal for releasing the sleep state of the alarm receiver AR of the signal receiver SR provided in the smartphone SP. In this case, it is preferable that the control signal and the alarm signal are different types of electrical signals so that the smartphone SP can grasp the control signal well. For example, the control signal may be a DC signal, and the alarm signal may be an AC signal.

The noise elimination module 150 has a micro microphone (not shown) for sensing noise and generates a reverse phase signal with respect to the sensed noise so that the first speaker module 121 and the second speaker module 122 to provide. Since the noise cancellation module 150 is an example of a special function module, it can be replaced with an application module for performing a special function other than the noise cancellation module 122. [

The switching module 160 selectively connects one of the microphone line ML connected to the microphone terminal 113 and the second audio line AL2 connected to the second audio terminal 112 to the noise canceling module 150 . This switching module 160 is operated by being controlled by the control portion 142. Of course, depending on the implementation, the microphone line and the first audio line may be selectively connected to the noise canceling module. The switching module 160 may have a connection switch 161 for connecting the first audio line AL1 to the second speaker module 122 side.

<Description of Smartphone>

The smartphone SP is provided as an example of a sound signal output device. Therefore, it may be considered to be replaced with another audio device other than the smart phone (SP).

The smartphone SP has a quadrupole jack J and a signal receiver SR, a processor PC, a power unit PU and a switching box SB as shown in Fig.

The quadrupole jack J is connected to four terminals T1 and T2 corresponding one-to-one to the first audio terminal 111, the second audio terminal 112, the microphone terminal 113 and the ground terminal 114 of the plug 110 , T3, T4).

The signal receiver SR receives a control signal or an alarm signal from the earphone 100. To this end, the signal receiver SR comprises an alarm receiver (AR) for receiving the alarm signal and a signal sensor (SS) for sensing the control signal.

The alarm receiver AR detects an alarm signal from the control portion 142 via the microphone terminal 113. [ Then, the alarm receiver (AR) is released from the sleep state by detecting an alarm signal.

The signal detector SS senses a control signal which is turned on via the microphone terminal 113.

When an alarm signal is received via the alarm receiver AR, the processor PC controls the switching box SB to cut off power supply through the microphone terminal 113, And controls the switching box SB to supply power to the noise canceling module 150 through the microphone terminal 113 when necessary control is performed.

The power unit PU is provided for supplying electric power.

The switching box SB is provided for sending the power supplied by the power unit PU to the noise canceling module 150 through either one of the microphone terminal 113 and the second audio terminal 112 selectively.

Next, the operation of the earphone 100 having the above-described configuration will be described.

&Lt; Explanation of Operation for First Use Mode >

The first use mode is a mode when a user makes a call using the smartphone SP and maintains a state as shown in FIG.

2, the switching box SB is controlled such that electric power is supplied to the noise canceling module 150 through the second audio terminal 112 when in the first use mode.

The monitoring means 142b can be informed that power is being supplied through the second audio terminal 112 by sensing the voltage across the microphone line ML. The signal generating means 142c generates a control signal for controlling the switching module 160 and sends the control signal to the switching module 160. [ The switching module 160 blocks the second audio line AL2 from the second speaker module 122 and connects the second audio line AL2 to the noise canceling module 150 according to the corresponding control signal, And also connects the line AL1 to the second speaker module 122 side. Therefore, the noise canceling module 150 is operated by receiving power through the second audio terminal 112 and the second audio line AL2.

When the user operates the switch portion 141 in this first use mode, the control signal generated by the operation of the switch portion 141 is transmitted to the signal receiver SR via the microphone line ML and the microphone terminal 113 And can sufficiently recognize the control signal received at the signal receiver SR.

&Lt; Explanation of Operation for Second Use Mode >

The second mode of use is a mode in which a user watches a moving picture with a smartphone (SP) or listens to music, and maintains a state as shown in Fig. 3A.

3A, the switching box SB is controlled such that power is supplied to the noise canceling module 150 through the microphone terminal 113 in the second use mode.

The monitoring means 142b can sense that the power is supplied through the microphone terminal 113 by sensing the voltage across the microphone line ML. The signal generating means 142c generates a control signal for controlling the switching module 160 and sends the control signal to the switching module 160. [ The switching module 160 disconnects the microphone line ML from the microphone 130 according to the control signal and connects the microphone line ML to the noise canceling module 150. The connection switch 161 connects the first audio line AL1, 2 audio line AL2 is disconnected. Therefore, the noise canceling module 150 is operated by receiving power through the microphone terminal 113 and the microphone line ML.

When the user inputs a control command by operating the switch portion 141 in the state of Fig. 3A, the operation detecting means 142a detects the operating state of the switch portion 141. Fig. Accordingly, the signal generating means 142c generates a control signal and an alarm signal in accordance with the user's control command, and transmits the generated control signal and the alarm signal to the smartphone SP through the microphone line ML and the microphone terminal 113, . Then, the alarm receiver AR on the smartphone (SP) side releases the sleep state by the alarm signal, and notifies the processor PC that the user's command is being input. Accordingly, the processor PC controls the switching box SB to temporarily stop the supply of power to the noise canceling module 150 as shown in FIG. 3B. Meanwhile, the signal detector SS appropriately senses the control signal and sends a control command according to the sensed control signal to the processor PC. 3B, the processor PC controls the switching box SB to return to the state shown in FIG. 3A.

<Application example>

In this embodiment, an alarm receiver AR is configured in the smartphone SP. However, the current receiver monitors the current on the microphone line ML instead of the alarm receiver AR to detect a current change. . In this case, by generating the control signal from the signal generating means 142c by the operation of the switch portion 141 and sending the control signal generated to the smartphone (SP) side through the microphone line (ML), the microphone line (ML) And reports it to the processor (PC). And the processor PC allows the control signal to be sensed appropriately at the signal detector SS through momentary interruption of the power supply. Of course, according to this application example, the signal generating means 142c need not be implemented to generate a separate alarm signal. At this time, the control signal generated by the signal generating means 142c should have a current intensity enough to recognize the current change on the microphone line ML in the current sensor.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. And the scope of the present invention should be understood as the following claims and their equivalents.

100: earphone
110: Plug
111: first audio terminal 112: second audio terminal
113: microphone terminal 114: ground terminal
121: first speaker module
122: second speaker module
130: microphone
140: controller
141: switch portion
142: control portion
142a: operation detecting means 142b: monitoring means
142c: signal generating means
150: Noise canceling module
160: Switch module

Claims (9)

A plug inserted into a jack of a sound signal output device;
At least one speaker module for outputting sound corresponding to an audio signal coming through the plug;
A microphone for converting a voice of a user into an electrical signal and providing the voice signal to the acoustic signal output device through the plug;
A controller for inputting a user's control command to the sound signal output unit through a microphone line through which an electric signal generated by the microphone moves; And
A special function module capable of receiving a power from the sound signal output unit through the plug and performing a specific function; / RTI &gt;
The plug
At least one audio terminal for receiving an audio signal from the audio signal output device and providing the audio signal to the at least one speaker module;
A microphone terminal for providing an electrical signal generated from the microphone to the acoustic signal output device; And
A grounding terminal for grounding; / RTI &gt;
The controller includes:
A switch portion for inputting a user command;
A control section for recognizing an operation state of the switch section and providing a control command to the acoustic signal output device through the microphone terminal; / RTI &gt;
The special function module may receive power through the microphone terminal,
Wherein the control portion comprises:
Operation detecting means for detecting an operation state of the switch portion; And
Signal generating means for generating a control signal in accordance with the information sensed by the operation sensing means and providing the generated control signal to the acoustic signal output through the microphone terminal; / RTI &gt;
Wherein the signal generating means generates an alarm signal for releasing the sleep state of the alarm receiver provided in the sound signal output device and provides the alarm signal to the sound signal output device through the microphone terminal together with the control signal
Earphones with a controller. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the special function module performs an active noise canceling function of generating a signal having a reverse phase with respect to ambient noise and providing the signal to the at least one speaker module
Earphones with a controller. The method according to claim 1,
A switching module for selectively switching the power received by the special function module to be received through the microphone terminal or through the at least one audio terminal; Further comprising:
Wherein the control unit controls the switching module according to a mode of use of the sound signal outputter so that the special function module receives power through the microphone terminal or receives power through the at least one audio terminal
Earphones with a controller. The method of claim 3,
When the special function module receives power through the audio terminal, the control signal generated in the switch portion is provided directly to the acoustic signal outputting means by operating the switch portion by the user
Earphones with a controller. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the control portion comprises:
Monitoring means for monitoring a voltage across a microphone line connected to the microphone terminal; And
Signal generating means for generating a control signal for controlling the switching module by determining a use mode through a voltage detected by the monitoring means; &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt;
Earphones with a controller. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control signal is a DC signal and the alarm signal is an AC signal.
Earphones with a controller. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control signal generated by the signal generating means has a current intensity that is capable of recognizing a change in current on a microphone line in a current sensor provided in the acoustic signal output device
Earphones with a controller.

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