WO2017042436A1 - Bouchons d'oreille pour la réduction active du du bruit - Google Patents

Bouchons d'oreille pour la réduction active du du bruit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017042436A1
WO2017042436A1 PCT/FI2016/050623 FI2016050623W WO2017042436A1 WO 2017042436 A1 WO2017042436 A1 WO 2017042436A1 FI 2016050623 W FI2016050623 W FI 2016050623W WO 2017042436 A1 WO2017042436 A1 WO 2017042436A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
signal
earplug
noise
transducer
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2016/050623
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Janne KYLLÖNEN
Matti NISULA
Pekka SARLUND
Original Assignee
Qon Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qon Oy filed Critical Qon Oy
Publication of WO2017042436A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017042436A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1781—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase characterised by the analysis of input or output signals, e.g. frequency range, modes, transfer functions
    • G10K11/17821—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase characterised by the analysis of input or output signals, e.g. frequency range, modes, transfer functions characterised by the analysis of the input signals only
    • G10K11/17823—Reference signals, e.g. ambient acoustic environment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/14—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs
    • A61F11/145—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs electric, e.g. for active noise reduction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1781—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase characterised by the analysis of input or output signals, e.g. frequency range, modes, transfer functions
    • G10K11/17821—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase characterised by the analysis of input or output signals, e.g. frequency range, modes, transfer functions characterised by the analysis of the input signals only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1783—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase handling or detecting of non-standard events or conditions, e.g. changing operating modes under specific operating conditions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1785—Methods, e.g. algorithms; Devices
    • G10K11/17855—Methods, e.g. algorithms; Devices for improving speed or power requirements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1785—Methods, e.g. algorithms; Devices
    • G10K11/17857—Geometric disposition, e.g. placement of microphones
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1785—Methods, e.g. algorithms; Devices
    • G10K11/17861—Methods, e.g. algorithms; Devices using additional means for damping sound, e.g. using sound absorbing panels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/175—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
    • G10K11/178—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
    • G10K11/1787—General system configurations
    • G10K11/17875—General system configurations using an error signal without a reference signal, e.g. pure feedback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1083—Reduction of ambient noise
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K2210/00—Details of active noise control [ANC] covered by G10K11/178 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • G10K2210/10—Applications
    • G10K2210/108—Communication systems, e.g. where useful sound is kept and noise is cancelled
    • G10K2210/1081—Earphones, e.g. for telephones, ear protectors or headsets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K2210/00—Details of active noise control [ANC] covered by G10K11/178 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • G10K2210/30—Means
    • G10K2210/301—Computational
    • G10K2210/3016—Control strategies, e.g. energy minimization or intensity measurements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2410/00—Microphones
    • H04R2410/05—Noise reduction with a separate noise microphone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/01—Hearing devices using active noise cancellation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to earplugs; and more specifically, to earplugs for facilitating active noise control. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to methods for use in the aforementioned earplugs.
  • Earplugs are utilised commonly to fight stress in noisy environments.
  • Earplugs with passive noise control namely utilizing acoustic insulators, are cheap and quite common.
  • passive noise control is suitable only for high frequencies, and does not filter well low frequencies, which commonly disrupt or prevent sleeping.
  • earplugs with Active Noise Control work well for low frequencies.
  • Such earplugs utilize a microphone for detecting noise, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for processing the noise, and a speaker for cancelling out the noise.
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • earplugs with ANC For the sake of user's convenience, it is desirable for earplugs with ANC to not have switches or other components for controlling the earplugs. In other words, the earplugs should be easy to use and control .
  • earplugs with ANC are small in size so as to comfortably fit in ears of a user without preventing the user from sleeping. As a consequence, such an earplug cannot have a large battery.
  • a mechanism that enables the earplugs to be switched on/off automatically, thereby pushing down a power consumption of the earplugs there is a need for a mechanism that enables the earplugs to be switched on/off automatically, thereby pushing down a power consumption of the earplugs.
  • Such mechanisms employ mechanical or capacitive sensors and use microphone signal frequency content.
  • the present disclosure seeks to provide an improved earplug for facilitating Active Noise Control (ANC) .
  • ANC Active Noise Control
  • the present disclosure also seeks to provide an earplug that is easy to use.
  • a further aim of the present disclosure is to at least partially overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art, as discussed above.
  • an earplug comprising a first transducer; a second transducer; and a signal processor coupled to the first transducer and the second transducer; wherein the signal processor is configured to generate an input audio signal; use the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the input audio signal; use the second transducer to detect an ambient acoustic signal and to generate a corresponding ambient audio signal; and compare the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal to detect whether or not the earplug is worn by a user.
  • the signal processor when comparing the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal, is configured to employ a transfer function to check whether or not a transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a transform of the input audio signal.
  • the signal processor is configured to facilitate active noise control when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the signal processor when facilitating the active noise control, is configured to use the second transducer to detect an acoustic noise signal and to generate a corresponding audio noise signal; process the audio noise signal to generate a corresponding noise- cancelling signal; and use the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal, wherein the produced acoustic signal substantially cancels out the acoustic noise signal.
  • the first and second transducers are positioned in a manner that the first and second transducers are directed towards an ear canal of an ear of the user when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the signal processor is configured to provide a user interface to enable the user to control a functionality of the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the earplug comprises a wireless communication interface coupled to the signal processor, and wherein the signal processor is configured to communicate, via the wireless communication interface, with a signal processor of another earplug that is configured to be used together with the earplug.
  • a method for use in an earplug comprising generating an input audio signal; using a first transducer of the earplug to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the input audio signal; using a second transducer of the earplug to detect an ambient acoustic signal and to generate a corresponding ambient audio signal; and comparing the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal to detect whether or not the earplug is worn by a user.
  • the method when comparing the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal, comprises employing a transfer function to check whether or not a transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a transform of the input audio signal.
  • the method comprises facilitating active noise control when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the method when facilitating the active noise control, comprises using the second transducer to detect an acoustic noise signal and to generate a corresponding audio noise signal; processing the audio noise signal to generate a corresponding noise-cancelling signal; and using the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal, wherein the produced acoustic signal substantially cancels out the acoustic noise signal.
  • the method comprises generating the noise-cancelling signal in a manner that the noise-cancelling signal has a shifted or inverted phase with respect to the audio noise signal .
  • the method comprises using a power amplifier to amplify the noise-cancelling signal and to drive the first transducer to produce the acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal.
  • the method comprises providing a user interface to enable the user to control a functionality of the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the method comprises using a wireless communication interface of the earplug to communicate with another earplug that is configured to be used together with the earplug.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable users to control an earplug with ease.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of various electronic components of an earplug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an earplug in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of steps of a method for use in an earplug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent.
  • a non- underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing .
  • earplug generally refers to a device that is meant to be inserted in an ear canal of an ear of a user to filter out noise. Earplugs are typically used as a pair, namely for both ears of a user .
  • digital signal processor generally refers to a specialized microprocessor whose architecture is optimized for operational needs of digital signal processing.
  • acoustic noise signal generally refers to any unwanted sound in the acoustic domain that has been produced either deliberately or unintentionally .
  • ambient acoustic signal generally refers to an acoustic signal originating from immediate surroundings of a microphone of an earplug.
  • the immediate surroundings of the microphone correspond to an ear canal of an ear of the user in which the earplug is worn.
  • the immediate surroundings of the microphone correspond to surroundings of a location where the earplug is kept .
  • connection or coupling and related terms are used in an operational sense and are not necessarily limited to a direct connection or coupling.
  • two devices may be coupled directly, or via one or more intermediary media or devices.
  • devices may be coupled in such a way that information can be passed there between, while not sharing any physical connection with one another.
  • connection or coupling exists in accordance with the aforementioned definition.
  • first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
  • the phrases “in an embodiment”, “in accordance with an embodiment” and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure. Importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of various electronic components of an earplug 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the earplug 100 includes, but is not limited to, a speaker 102, a microphone 104, a DSP 106, a power amplifier 108, a wireless communication interface 110, and a power source 112.
  • FIG. 1 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the earplug 100 is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting the earplug 100 to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of the various electronic components of the earplug 100. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an earplug 200 in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the earplug 200 includes, but is not limited to, a speaker 202, a microphone 204, a DSP 206, a power amplifier 208, and an audio insulator 210.
  • the speaker 202 and the microphone 204 are directed towards an ear canal of an ear of a user when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • FIG. 2 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the earplug 200 is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting the earplug 200 to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of components of the earplug 200. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure provide an earplug comprising a first transducer; a second transducer; and a signal processor coupled to the first transducer and the second transducer; wherein the signal processor is configured to generate an input audio signal; use the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the input audio signal; use the second transducer to detect an ambient acoustic signal and to generate a corresponding ambient audio signal; and compare the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal to detect whether or not the earplug is worn by a user.
  • the first and second transducers are positioned in a manner that the first and second transducers are directed towards an ear canal of an ear of the user when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the first transducer is implemented by way of a speaker
  • the second transducer is implemented by way of a microphone.
  • the signal processor is implemented by way of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) .
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • the DSP is configured to digitize an audio signal received from the second transducer.
  • the signal processor when comparing the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal, is configured to employ a transfer function to check whether or not a transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a transform of the input audio signal. More optionally, the transfer function is employed to check whether or not a Fourier transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a Fourier transform of the input audio signal.
  • the signal processor is configured to facilitate Active Noise Control (ANC) when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • ANC Active Noise Control
  • the signal processor is configured to use the second transducer to detect an acoustic noise signal and to generate a corresponding audio noise signal; process the audio noise signal to generate a corresponding noise-cancelling signal; and use the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal, wherein the produced acoustic signal substantially cancels out the acoustic noise signal.
  • the signal processor is configured to generate the noise- cancelling signal in a manner that the noise- cancelling signal has a shifted or inverted phase with respect to the audio noise signal.
  • the earplug further comprises a power amplifier for amplifying the noise-cancelling signal and for driving the first transducer to produce the acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal.
  • the power amplifier is implemented as a part of the signal processor.
  • the power amplifier is implemented as a separate entity. In such a case, the power amplifier is coupled to the signal processor and the first transducer.
  • the power amplifier amplifies the noise-cancelling signal in a manner that amplitude of the correspondingly produced acoustic signal is substantially similar to amplitude of the acoustic noise signal.
  • the noise-cancelling signal has a shifted or inverted phase with respect to the audio noise signal, a phase of the produced acoustic signal is substantially inverted to a phase of the acoustic noise signal.
  • the produced acoustic signal substantially destructively interferes with the acoustic noise signal, thereby substantially cancelling out the acoustic noise signal .
  • the signal processor is configured to provide a user interface to enable the user to control a functionality of the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the signal processor is configured to use the second transducer to detect a predefined tapping signal made by the user.
  • the predefined tapping signal corresponds to one or more taps that the user makes on the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the user interface allows the user to switch from one mode of operation of the earplug to another mode of operation of the earplug.
  • the user interface may allow the user to switch on/off an ANC functionality of the earplug.
  • the signal processor is configured to use the first transducer to provide audio feedback and/or instructions to the user.
  • the audio feedback and/or instructions may, for example, be provided for prompting the user to control the functionality of the earplug and/or for guiding the user about a manner in which the functionality of the earplug is to be controlled.
  • the earplug comprises a wireless communication interface coupled to the signal processor.
  • the signal processor is configured to communicate, via the wireless communication interface, with a signal processor of another earplug that is configured to be used together with the earplug.
  • the earplug is useful only when used together with another earplug, namely as a pair of earplugs. Therefore, such communication between the earplugs enables their corresponding signal processors to exchange instructions pertaining to the control of the functionality. This enables the signal processors to operate in sync with each other automatically. In other words, the user does not have to control the functionalities of the earplugs separately. This makes the pair of earplugs easy to use.
  • the earplug includes, but is not limited to, a speaker, a microphone, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) , a power amplifier, a wireless communication interface, a power source, and an audio insulator .
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • the speaker, the microphone, the DSP, the power amplifier and the wireless communication interface are implemented in a manner that is similar to an implementation of the first transducer, the second transducer, the signal processor, the power amplifier and the wireless communication interface, respectively, as described with regard to the aforementioned first aspect.
  • the DSP is configured to perform operations as described with regard to the aforementioned first aspect.
  • the power amplifier is implemented as a part of the DSP. In another example implementation, the power amplifier is implemented as a separate entity.
  • the power source supplies electrical power to various electronic components of the earplug, namely the speaker, the microphone, the DSP, the power amplifier and the wireless communication interface.
  • the power source may, for example, include a rechargeable battery.
  • recharging of the power source is implemented in a wireless manner, for example, by employing resonant inductive charging.
  • the speaker and the microphone are positioned in a manner that they are directed towards an ear canal of an ear of a user when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the audio insulator When the earplug is worn by the user, the audio insulator provides substantial acoustic insulation from acoustic signals originating from sound sources present in an external environment.
  • the audio insulator is made of a silicone or a rubber so as to fit the ear canal of the ear when the earplug is worn by the user. It is to be noted here that the audio insulator can alternatively be made of any suitable soft material other than silicones and rubbers. Yet alternatively, optionally, the audio insulator is made of a hard material, for example, such as a plastic, that is moulded to suit a shape of the ear canal of the ear.
  • the audio insulator is removable and exchangeable. This allows the user to exchange one audio insulator with another audio insulator. As an example, the user may exchange an audio insulator of one size with an audio insulator of another size.
  • various components of the earplug namely the speaker, the microphone, the DSP, the power amplifier, the wireless communication interface and the power source, are enclosed within an enclosure.
  • the enclosure protects the various components of the earplug from mechanical damage and environmental factors, such as dust and moisture.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of steps of a method for use in an earplug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the method is depicted as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents a sequence of steps that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.
  • an input audio signal is generated .
  • a first transducer of the earplug is used to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the input audio signal.
  • a second transducer of the earplug is used to detect an ambient acoustic signal and to generate a corresponding ambient audio signal.
  • the ambient audio signal is compared with the input audio signal to detect whether or not the earplug is worn by a user.
  • the steps 302 to 308 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for use in an earplug, the method comprising generating an input audio signal; using a first transducer of the earplug to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the input audio signal; using a second transducer of the earplug to detect an ambient acoustic signal and to generate a corresponding ambient audio signal; and comparing the ambient audio signal with the input audio signal to detect whether or not the earplug is worn by a user.
  • the first and second transducers are positioned in a manner that the first and second transducers are directed towards an ear canal of an ear of the user when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the method is implemented by way of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) .
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • the first transducer and the second transducer are implemented by way of a speaker and a microphone, respectively .
  • the method comprises employing a transfer function to check whether or not a transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a transform of the input audio signal. More optionally, the transfer function is employed to check whether or not a Fourier transform of the ambient audio signal substantially maps onto a Fourier transform of the input audio signal.
  • comparing is based upon a fact that when the earplug is worn by the user, the acoustic signal produced by the first transducer behaves in a certain manner inside an ear canal of an ear of the user; on the other hand, when the earplug is not worn by the user, the ambient acoustic signal detected by the second transducer corresponds to a combination of the acoustic signal produced by the first transducer and other acoustic signals originating from other sound sources present in a surrounding environment.
  • the method comprises facilitating Active Noise Control (ANC) when the earplug is worn by the user .
  • ANC Active Noise Control
  • the method comprises using the second transducer to detect an acoustic noise signal and to generate a corresponding audio noise signal; processing the audio noise signal to generate a corresponding noise- cancelling signal; and using the first transducer to produce an acoustic signal corresponding to the noise-cancelling signal, wherein the produced acoustic signal substantially cancels out the acoustic noise signal.
  • the method comprises generating the noise-cancelling signal in a manner that the noise-cancelling signal has a shifted or inverted phase with respect to the audio noise signal .
  • the method comprises using a power amplifier to amplify the noise-cancelling signal and to drive the first transducer to produce the acoustic signal corresponding to the noise- cancelling signal.
  • the power amplifier is implemented as a part of the DSP.
  • the noise-cancelling signal is amplified in a manner that amplitude of the correspondingly produced acoustic signal is substantially similar to amplitude of the acoustic noise signal. Moreover, when the noise-cancelling signal has a shifted or inverted phase with respect to the audio noise signal, a phase of the produced acoustic signal is substantially inverted to a phase of the acoustic noise signal. As a consequence, the produced acoustic signal substantially destructively interferes with the acoustic noise signal, thereby substantially cancelling out the acoustic noise signal .
  • the method comprises providing a user interface to enable the user to control a functionality of the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the method comprises using the second transducer to detect a predefined tapping signal made by the user.
  • the predefined tapping signal corresponds to one or more taps that the user makes on the earplug when the earplug is worn by the user.
  • the user interface allows the user to switch from one mode of operation of the earplug to another mode of operation of the earplug.
  • the user interface may allow the user to switch on/off an ANC functionality of the earplug.
  • the method comprises using the first transducer to provide audio feedback and/or instructions to the user.
  • the audio feedback and/or instructions may, for example, be provided for prompting the user to control the functionality of the earplug and/or for guiding the user about a manner in which the functionality of the earplug is to be controlled.
  • the method comprises using a wireless communication interface of the earplug to communicate with another earplug that is configured to be used together with the earplug.
  • the earplug is useful only when used together with another earplug, namely as a pair of earplugs. Therefore, such communication between the earplugs enables exchange of instructions pertaining to the control of the functionality. This enables the earplugs to operate in sync with each other automatically. In other words, the user does not have to control the functionalities of the earplugs separately. This makes the pair of earplugs easy to use.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Psychology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un bouchon d'oreille (100, 200). Le bouchon d'oreille comprend un premier transducteur, un deuxième transducteur et un processeur de signal connecté au premier transducteur et au deuxième transducteur. Le processeur de signal (206) est conçu pour générer un signal audio d'entrée, utiliser le premier transducteur pour produire (304) un signal acoustique correspondant au signal audio d'entrée, utiliser le deuxième transducteur pour détecter un signal acoustique ambiant et pour générer (306) un signal audio ambiant correspondant, et comparer (308) le signal audio ambiant avec le signal audio d'entrée afin de détecter si le bouchon d'oreille est porté ou non par un utilisateur. L'invention concerne également un procédé destiné à être utilisé dans un bouchon d'oreille.
PCT/FI2016/050623 2015-09-09 2016-09-07 Bouchons d'oreille pour la réduction active du du bruit WO2017042436A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562215838P 2015-09-09 2015-09-09
US62/215,838 2015-09-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017042436A1 true WO2017042436A1 (fr) 2017-03-16

Family

ID=58240598

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2016/050623 WO2017042436A1 (fr) 2015-09-09 2016-09-07 Bouchons d'oreille pour la réduction active du du bruit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017042436A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1465454A2 (fr) * 2003-04-01 2004-10-06 Gennum Corporation Système et procédé pour détecter l'insertion ou le retrait d'une prothèse auditive du conduit auditif
US20090124286A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Portable hands-free device with sensor
US20100189268A1 (en) * 2009-01-23 2010-07-29 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Acoustic in-ear detection for earpiece
US20100296668A1 (en) * 2009-04-23 2010-11-25 Qualcomm Incorporated Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for automatic control of active noise cancellation
EP2487929A2 (fr) * 2011-02-14 2012-08-15 Sony Corporation Appareil de sortie de signal sonore, appareil de haut-parleur et procédé de sortie de signal sonore
WO2015028617A1 (fr) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-05 Sennheiser Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg Écouteur et casque

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1465454A2 (fr) * 2003-04-01 2004-10-06 Gennum Corporation Système et procédé pour détecter l'insertion ou le retrait d'une prothèse auditive du conduit auditif
US20090124286A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Portable hands-free device with sensor
US20100189268A1 (en) * 2009-01-23 2010-07-29 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Acoustic in-ear detection for earpiece
US20100296668A1 (en) * 2009-04-23 2010-11-25 Qualcomm Incorporated Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for automatic control of active noise cancellation
EP2487929A2 (fr) * 2011-02-14 2012-08-15 Sony Corporation Appareil de sortie de signal sonore, appareil de haut-parleur et procédé de sortie de signal sonore
WO2015028617A1 (fr) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-05 Sennheiser Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg Écouteur et casque

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11741935B2 (en) Communication apparatus with ambient noise reduction
US10080092B2 (en) On/off head detection of personal acoustic device using an earpiece microphone
US9486823B2 (en) Off-ear detector for personal listening device with active noise control
US9613615B2 (en) Noise cancellation system, headset and electronic device
EP3400720B1 (fr) Prothèse auditive binaurale
US20160267898A1 (en) Apparatus and method of active noise cancellation in a personal listening device
WO2018149075A1 (fr) Casque d'écoute antibruit et dispositif électronique
US20080192961A1 (en) Ear-mounted transducer and ear-device
WO2020137654A1 (fr) Dispositif d'entrée/sortie sonore, appareil auditif, procédé d'entrée/sortie sonore et programme d'entrée/sortie sonore
KR20170026786A (ko) 능동 소음 제어 기능을 가지는 스마트 보청기 시스템 및 그 보청기의 제어 장치
US10602274B2 (en) Audio input/output device
US20210392452A1 (en) Wear detection
GB2551799A (en) Wireless headphone system
US20170148466A1 (en) Method and system for reducing background sounds in a noisy environment
US10999671B2 (en) Headphones
US9635476B2 (en) Method of preventing feedback based on detection of posture and devices for performing the method
WO2017042436A1 (fr) Bouchons d'oreille pour la réduction active du du bruit
JP2023040244A (ja) イヤホン、音声処理方法および音声処理プログラム
TW202021375A (zh) 具濾音器的主動式降噪裝置及耳機
KR20030038069A (ko) 전화기 핸드셋의 소음제거시스템 및 그 제어방법
TW202046090A (zh) 信號處理設備及其方法
CN111615036A (zh) 一种数据处理方法、装置及电子设备

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16843729

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16843729

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1