WO2020003069A1

WO2020003069A1 - Wearable sound diffusion system, operation method of said wearable sound diffusion system and article of clothing comprising said wearable sound diffusion system

Info

Publication number: WO2020003069A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/055199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Moretti Polegato; Marco Bruno
Original assignee: Geox S.P. A.
Priority date: 2018-06-26
Filing date: 2019-06-20
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Also published as: EP3815389A1; IT201800006681A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a wearable sound diffusion system (1) which comprises: n sound emitters, a control unit (2) having a controller card (3) and a wireless module (4) functionally connected to one another, which is operatively connected to the n sound emitters, a detecting member (5) operatively connected to the control unit, a battery (6) to supply the sound diffusion system, a support (7) to which the n sound emitters, the control unit, the detecting member and the battery are combined with, wherein the sound diffusion system has a first operative mode wherein, among the n sound emitters, m sound emitters (8) are active, with n>m and m≥1, and a second operative mode wherein all the n sound emitters or a number of sound emitters (9) equal to n-m are active, the switching between the first operative mode and the second operative mode, and vice-versa, being carried out following a first signal detected by the detecting member.

Description

Wearable sound diffusion system, operation method of said wearable sound diffusion system and article of clothing comprising said wearable sound diffusion system DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

In its most general aspect, the present invention concerns the technical sector of the so-named wearable electronics and, in particular, the invention concerns a wearable sound diffusion system, and an operation method of the aforesaid wearable sound diffusion system and an article of clothing comprising the aforesaid wearable sound diffusion system.

State of the art

Nowadays, articles of clothing, which are able to integrate with electronic devices, are known, such as for example cell phones, smartphones, palmtops, tablets and the like.

The document US 6,792,124 B2 discloses an article of clothing comprising an outer casing with which a plurality of electronic devices are removably combined, wherein the electronic devices are connected to one another by means of electrical conductors and wherein the electrical conductors are provided, at least for part of their length, with coverings made of fabric and equipped with connectors for the removable connection with the article of clothing.

In an embodiment, the electrical conductors are placed near the collar of a jacket and end at respective ends with earphones and a microphone, means for restraining the earphones when unused are also provided.

Although advantageous, the solution described in the aforesaid document is not without drawbacks, among which the need to free the earphones from, and to combine the earphones with, the means for restraining the earphones themselves, so that to be able to use them for example for a phone call and, respectively, to not leave them hanging from the collar of the jacket when unused.

Moreover, it is necessary to remove the earphones from the ears when unused, both for safety reasons and to be able to return to hear the sounds and noises of the surrounding environment in an optimal way.

Letting the earphones hang from the collar of the jacket when unused would however imply subjecting them to swinging, twisting or possible shocks with foreign bodies, with the possible consequent breaking thereof.

Moreover, earphones hanging from the collar of the jacket could easily get entangled and thus tear and get damaged.

Furthermore, providing earphones and means for restraining the earphones near the collar of the jacket has negative impact on the aesthetics of the jacket, making it less attractive for the market.

Moreover, it should be reminded that a prolonged use of earphones, particularly at high volume, can cause damage to the user, with a decrease or loss of hearing.

The document KR 200356416 describes a wearable device for making phone conversations which can be reversibly coupled with a jacket, and which is provided with a speaker and a connector for connecting by cable to a cell phone on one side, and with a microphone, a speaker and a warning light, on the other.

The inner side of the jacket is equipped with two pockets for housing the cell phone and a battery, respectively, and an amplifier is connected to the battery and speakers.

Although advantageous, also the solution described in KR 200356416 is not without drawbacks, among which the lack of privacy during the conversations carried out by means of the aforesaid wearable device, since it is not possible to make a phone call and, in particular, to listen to an interlocutor during a phone call, in a private way, i.e. in a way that substantially precludes a person nearby other than user from listening, the user only being able to intervene on the volume of the speakers. Moreover, in the solutions described in the aforesaid documents, cable connections are disadvantageously required between the earphones or speakers and an electronic device such as for example a cell phone.

The limitations of the cable connections can cause incompatibility issues between the connection standards of different manufacturers or between the different evolutions of a connection standard itself, for example USB-C and USB-A.

Moreover, a cable connection requires male-female connectors which must be mechanically coupled and decoupled from time to time through the manual operation of the user.

Thus, the aforesaid connectors are also subject to wear, which can be increased by the water, dirt, dust and oxidation to which the aforesaid connectors can easily be exposed.

Summary of the Invention

The technical problem underlying the present invention has been to provide an article of clothing with wearable electronics, having structural and functional characteristics such as to overcome one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks with reference to the known art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by a wearable sound diffusion system which comprises:

n sound emitters,

a control unit having a controller card and a wireless module operatively connected to one another, wherein the aforesaid control unit is operatively connected to the aforesaid n sound emitters,

at least one detecting member operatively connected to the aforesaid control unit,

at least one battery to supply the aforesaid sound diffusion system, at least one support to which the aforesaid n sound emitters, the aforesaid control unit, the aforesaid at least one detecting member and the aforesaid at least one battery are combined with, wherein the aforesaid sound diffusion system has a first operative mode wherein, among the aforesaid n sound emitters, m sound emitters are active, with n>m and m>1 , and a second operative mode wherein all the aforesaid n sound emitters or a number of sound emitters equal to n-m are active, the switching between the aforesaid first operative mode and the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, being carried out following a detection of a first signal by the aforesaid at least one detecting member.

In practice, according to the invention, the aforesaid first operative mode and the aforesaid second operative mode respectively correspond to a so- called private mode, wherein the user of the present sound diffusion system can hear the sound emitters in a way that substantially precludes any person nearby from listening, and to a so-called public mode, wherein the user can hear the sound emitters without precluding any person nearby from listening, as will become clearer hereinafter.

Thus, according to the invention, when using the aforesaid wearable sound diffusion system, the user can switch from the private listening mode to the public listening mode, and vice-versa, also several times during the same use, depending on the necessity, at least one of the aforesaid n sound emitters being activatable and deactivatable independently of the remaining sound emitters.

Preferably, the aforesaid first signal is with no-contact, by the user, with the aforesaid at least one detecting member, and the aforesaid first signal is more preferably with no specific contact, by the user, with the aforesaid sound diffusion system or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, for example an outer electronic device transmitting the sounds reproduced by the aforesaid sound emitters or a remote control.

Preferably, the aforesaid first signal is a sign signal or a voice signal operated by the user, the possibility, according to the above, to provide a first signal with contact, for example a mechanical signal transmitted to, or exerted on, the aforesaid at least one detecting member or the aforesaid outer peripheral device, not however being excluded.

Thus, according to the above, the switching from the aforesaid private mode to the aforesaid public mode, and vice-versa, is preferably carried out by keeping the user's ears and hands completely disengaged, i.e. free.

According to the present invention through further no-contact signals with, and detected by, the aforesaid at least one detecting member, or by a further detecting member similar to the aforesaid at least one detecting member, it is also possible to control further functions of the present sound diffusion system, such as for example its turning on/off and the raising and lowering of the volume of the aforesaid sound emitters, for a completely hands- free management of the aforesaid sound diffusion system, as will become clearer hereinafter.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises at least one microphone (first microphone), the aforesaid sound diffusion system also preferably being apt for conversation, wherein the aforesaid at least one microphone is more preferably operatively connected to the aforesaid control unit, and wherein the aforesaid at least one microphone is still more preferably supplied by the aforesaid at least one battery, the possibility to provide a microphone of the wireless type, equipped with its independent battery, not however being excluded.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises a status warning light, which is more preferably operatively connected to the aforesaid control unit and which is still more preferably supplied by the aforesaid at least one battery.

Preferably, the aforesaid at least one microphone and the aforesaid status warning light are combined with the aforesaid support.

According to the present invention, the aforesaid n sound emitters can all be equal to one another, or sound emitters different from one another can be provided, for example n-m sound emitters of a first type, with n-m>1 and m sound emitters of a second type, with m>1. According to the invention, part of or all the aforesaid n sound emitters can be of the wireless type or the aforesaid sound diffusion system can comprise prearranged conductive means to electrically connect part of or all the n sound emitters to the aforesaid control unit and possibly to one another, wherein the aforesaid conductive means, for example comprising electric wires, conductive lines or flexible printed circuits are preferably combined with the aforesaid support.

In the case part of or all the aforesaid n sound emitters are of the wireless type, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises respective batteries to supply each of the sound emitters of the wireless type, otherwise, the aforesaid conductive means also connect the aforesaid n sound emitters to the aforesaid at least one battery.

According to the present invention and according to the above, at least the aforesaid n-m sound emitters have a sound power preferably equal to or less than 80 dB, more preferably equal to or less than 76dB, still more preferably equal to or less than 72dB.

According to the present invention and according to the above, the aforesaid m sound emitter(s) is/are preferably removably combined with the aforesaid conductive means.

According to the present invention and according to the above, the aforesaid m sound emitter(s) is/are preferably of the so-named directional type, i.e. the sound signal they transmit can only be clearly heard along a given direction. In other words, the aforesaid sound signal is mainly or substantially heard, if not exclusively, in a given limited direction.

Moreover, as far as the aforesaid n sound emitters are concerned, it should be mentioned that n is preferably an integer equal to or greater than 2, more preferably equal to or greater than 3, still more preferably equal to or greater than 4, still more preferably equal to or greater than five, still more preferably equal to or greater than six, whereas m is preferably an integer equal to 1 or 2. Preferably, at least one and possibly each of the aforesaid m sound emitters is between two of the aforesaid n-m sound emitters, at a predetermined distance or at relative predetermined distances therefrom, the possibility of providing at least one of the aforesaid m sound emitters in a position substantially corresponding to that of one of the aforesaid n-m sound emitters not however being excluded.

Preferably, at least one of the aforesaid n sound emitters, more preferably the aforesaid n-m sound emitters, and still more preferably all the aforesaid n sound emitters are mobile, i.e. displaceable in the aforesaid support, the aforesaid support preferably having at least one respective sliding guide, more preferably having n-m respective sliding guides, still more preferably having n sliding guides, and still more preferably having a number of sliding guides equal to 2n, i.e. two sliding guides for each of the aforesaid n sound emitters.

According to the above, the aforesaid at least one mobile sound emitter, as the possible other mobile sound emitters, is thus displaceable along the length of the aforesaid support, and/or along the height of the aforesaid support, and, therefore, according to the invention, mobile sound emitters which can be displaced with respect to the aforesaid support also in a different way with respect to one another, i.e. substantially horizontally and/or substantially vertically, can be provided.

Preferably, the aforesaid at least one detecting member is selected from the group comprising: movement sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, electromagnetic wave emitters-receivers operating in a predetermined frequency range, speakers and combinations thereof in case of more detecting members.

According to the invention and according to the above, a movement sensor, as well as a proximity sensor, can detect a sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the movement of a hand towards the aforesaid sound diffusion system and particularly towards the aforesaid movement sensor or towards the aforesaid proximity sensor, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

According to the invention and according to the above, a microphone can detect a sound signal operated by the user, such as for example a specific voice command, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, and/or a microphone can detect a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the sound emitter(s) as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the movement of a hand towards the aforesaid sound diffusion system and particularly towards the aforesaid microphone, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

As far as the aforesaid at least one detecting member in the form of a microphone is concerned, it can coincide with the aforesaid first microphone or it can be a different specific microphone (second microphone).

According to the invention and according to the above, an electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver operating in a predetermined frequency range, for example ultrasounds, as well as a speaker, can detect a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver or by the aforesaid speaker, as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the movement of a hand towards the aforesaid sound diffusion system and particularly towards the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver, or towards the aforesaid speaker, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

As far as the aforesaid at least one detecting member in the form of an electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver in a predetermined frequency range, or in the form of a speaker, is concerned, it can coincide with one of the aforesaid n sound emitters or it can be a different specific component with only a function of detecting member.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises a switch for turning it on/off.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises a self- turning-off device, which can comprise a timer and/or which can be operatively connected to the aforesaid at least one detecting member or to a further detecting member similar to the aforesaid at least one detecting member, for example a movement sensor, a proximity sensor, a microphone, an electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver in a predetermined frequency range (for example ultrasounds), a speaker.

According to the above and according to the invention, the aforesaid control unit is conveniently programmed or anyhow controlled, for example through a specific programming of the aforesaid controller card and/or with a computer product installed in the control unit, so that to manage the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, as well as the aforesaid possible further functions.

In alternative, always for the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, and possibly for the managing of the aforesaid possible further functions, a computer product installed in an outer peripheral device of the electronic device type such as for example a cell phone, a smartphone, a palmtop, a tablet and the like, connected to the sound diffusion system according to the present invention, can be provided.

According to and as a result of the above, also possible further components, which can equip the present sound diffusion system, are operatively connected to the aforesaid control unit and particularly to the aforesaid controller card and/or managed by the aforesaid computer product inside or outside of the control unit.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises a connection port for charging the aforesaid at least one battery and/or for updating the aforesaid computer product or programming the aforesaid controller card.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises a housing module to house a SIM card, in order to selectively manage a communication via a mobile telephony network if a SIM card is inserted inside the aforesaid housing module.

Preferably, the aforesaid sound diffusion system comprises combining means to removably couple the aforesaid support with an article of clothing, more preferably at a portion of the article of clothing intended for or next to the neck or head of the user, for example a hat, a scarf or a jacket at the collar thereof.

Preferably, the aforesaid combining means are shared with the aforesaid article of clothing, and are selected from the group comprising zips, buttons and buttonholes, press-studs, "hook and loop" strips (Velcro), hooks and loops, magnetic elements, and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the aforesaid support is a casing which protects the components combined with it, which are preferably housed in the aforesaid casing, inside it or facing it, casing which is more preferably constituted by a material selected from the group comprising: fabric, polymeric material obtained by molding, casting, additive printing techniques, leather and combinations thereof.

Therefore, the aforesaid support is preferably flexible and/or bendable.

The aforesaid components, according to the above, comprise, depending on the case, the aforesaid n sound emitters, the aforesaid control unit, the aforesaid at least one detecting member, the aforesaid at least one battery, the aforesaid at least one microphone, the aforesaid status warning light, the aforesaid conductive means, the aforesaid switch, the aforesaid self-turning-off device, the aforesaid housing module to house a SIM card, the aforesaid connection port.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by an article of clothing comprising the aforesaid wearable sound diffusion system, wherein the expression "article of clothing" comprises clothes and clothing accessories, such as for example, but not limited to, jackets, winter jackets, overcoats, coats, shirts, waistcoats, sweatshirts, sweaters, scarves, hats and the like.

Preferably, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises combining means to removably couple with the aforesaid sound diffusion system, wherein the aforesaid combining means are more preferably shared with the aforesaid support since they are selected from the group comprising zips, buttons and buttonholes, press-studs, "hook and loop" strips (Velcro), hooks and loops, magnetic elements, and combinations thereof, the possibility to provide, in alternative or in addition to the aforesaid shared combining means, combining means arranged in the aforesaid article of clothing and anyhow active on the aforesaid support, such as a pocket and/or belt loops engaged by the support itself, not however being excluded.

Preferably, the aforesaid pocket is made of a material that substantially leaves the sound waves emitted by the aforesaid sound emitters unaltered, for example a perforated fabric.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by an operation method of a wearable sound diffusion system of the aforesaid type, to which description reference is made, which thus comprises: the aforesaid n sound emitters,

the aforesaid control unit provided with the aforesaid controller card and the aforesaid wireless module operatively connected to one another, which is operatively connected to the aforesaid n sound emitters,

the aforesaid at least one detecting member operatively connected to the aforesaid control unit,

the aforesaid at least one battery to supply the aforesaid sound diffusion system,

the aforesaid at last one support to which the aforesaid n sound emitters, the aforesaid control unit, the aforesaid at least one detecting member and the at least one battery are combined with,

wherein the aforesaid method comprises the switching from a first operative mode wherein, among the aforesaid n sound emitters, m sound emitters are operative, wherein n>m and m>1 , to a second operative mode wherein all of the aforesaid n sound emitters or a number of sound emitters equal to n-m, are active, and vice-versa, the aforesaid switch being controlled by a first signal operated by a user of the aforesaid sound diffusion system, wherein the aforesaid first signal is detected by the aforesaid at least one detecting member.

Preferably, in the aforesaid method, thus in the aforesaid sound diffusion system, the execution of the command of the aforesaid first signal is practically immediate, with the practically instantaneous consequent switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

Preferably, the aforesaid first signal is with no-contact, by the user, with the aforesaid at least one detecting member, and the aforesaid first signal is more preferably with no specific contact, by the user, with the aforesaid sound diffusion system or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, the aforesaid first signal still more preferably being a sign signal or a voice, or anyhow sound, signal.

Preferably, during the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, the aforesaid first signal modifies the volume of at least part of the aforesaid sound emitters possibly active in both the aforesaid operative modes.

Preferably, in the present method following further signals with no- contact with, and detected by, the aforesaid at least one detecting member, or following further signals with no-contact with, and detected by, a further detecting member similar to the aforesaid at least one detecting member, the turning on/off of the aforesaid sound diffusion system and the lowering or raising of the volume of at least part of the aforesaid sound emitters can be controlled for an entirely sign and/or voice management with disengaged hands of the present sound diffusion system.

Preferably, in the aforesaid method, wherein the aforesaid at least one detecting member is selected from the group comprising: movement sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, electromagnetic wave emitters-receivers operating in a predetermined frequency range, speakers,

the aforesaid movement sensor or the aforesaid proximity sensor detects a sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa,

or

the aforesaid microphone detects a voice or sound signal operated by the user with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa, and/or the aforesaid microphone detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the sound emitter(s) as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa,

or

the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver operating in a predetermined frequency range (for example ultrasounds), or the aforesaid speaker, detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver or by the aforesaid speaker, as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better

- IB - highlighted by considering the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments illustrated by way of example only and without limitations, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 schematically shows a wearable sound diffusion system according to the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a schematic view of the wearable sound diffusion system of figure 1 , combined with an article of clothing according to the present invention;

- figure 3 shows a block diagram illustrating some components with relative relations of the sound diffusion system of figure 1 ;

- figure 4 shows a schematic view of the wearable sound diffusion system of figure 1 , combined with an article of clothing according to an embodiment variant of the present invention;

- figure 5 shows a schematic view of the wearable sound diffusion system of figure 1 , combined with an article of clothing according to a further embodiment variant of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to figures 1 -3, a wearable sound diffusion system according to the present invention is globally denoted by 1.

The sound diffusion system 1 comprises: n sound emitters, a control unit

2 having a controller card 3 and a wireless module 4 operatively connected to one another, which is operatively connected to the n sound emitters, a detecting member 5 operatively connected to the control unit 2 and particularly to the controller card 3, a battery 6 to supply the sound diffusion system 1 , and a support 7 to which the n sound emitters, the control unit 2, the detecting member 5 and the battery 6 are combined with.

According to the invention, the sound diffusion system 1 has a first operative mode wherein, among the n sound emitters, m sound emitters are active and denoted by 8, with n>m and m>1 , and a second operative mode wherein all the n sound emitters or a number of sound emitters equal to n-m, which are denoted by 9, are active.

According to the invention, the switching between the first operative mode and the second operative mode, and vice-versa, is carried out following a first signal by a user U of the present sound diffusion system, which is detected by the detecting member 5.

According to the invention, the first operative mode and the second operative mode correspond to a so-called private mode, wherein the user can hear the present sound diffusion system in a way that substantially precludes any person nearby from listening, and respectively in a so-called public mode, wherein the user can hear the present sound diffusion system without precluding any person nearby from listening or without anyhow being bothered by the presence of the latter.

When using the wearable sound diffusion system according to the invention, the user can switch from the private listening mode to the public listening mode, and vice-versa, also several times during the same use, depending on the necessity, at least one of the aforesaid n sound emitters being activatable and deactivatable independently of the remaining sound emitters.

According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the first signal is with no-contact, by the user, with the detecting member 5, and according to a more preferred characteristic, the first signal is with no specific contact, by the user, with the sound diffusion system 1 or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, for example an outer electronic device transmitting the sounds reproduced by the aforesaid sound emitters thanks to the transmission of the wireless module 4, which, by way of example and without limitations, can be of the bluetooth, wi-fi, WiMax, ZigBee type and the like.

Therefore, preferably, according to the present invention, the aforesaid first signal is a sign signal or a voice or sound signal operated by the user U, the possibility, according to the above, to provide a first signal with contact, for example a mechanical signal transmitted to, or exerted on, the detecting member, not however being excluded.

Thus, according to the above, the switching from the private listening mode to the public listening mode is carried out by the user, and vice-versa, preferably by maintaining both the ears and hands completely disengaged, i.e. free.

According to the invention, through further signals with no-contact with, and detected by, the detecting member 5, or by a further detecting member which can equip the present sound diffusion system and which can be similar to the detecting member 5 or different therefrom, it is also possible to control further functions of the present sound diffusion system, such as for example its turning on/off and the raising and lowering of the volume of the sound emitters, for a completely hands free use and management of the sound diffusion system 1

According to the example of the aforesaid figures, the sound diffusion system 1 also comprises a microphone 10 (first microphone), which, according to a preferred characteristic of the invention, makes the present sound diffusion system also apt for conversation.

With regard to this, it should be mentioned that the embodiment comprising a microphone is advantageous since it makes the present sound diffusion system apt to converse with a third party, the embodiment not provided with a microphone apt for conversation is advantageous in particular circumstances, for example when the present sound diffusion system is intended for children, or when it is intended for particular uses, such as for example at museums, shows, exhibitions, trade shows and the like, i.e. when there is only a need to listen.

In detail, the microphone 10 is operatively connected to the control unit 2 and particularly to the controller card 3 and is supplied by the battery 6.

Moreover according to the example of the aforesaid figures, the sound diffusion system 1 also comprises a status warning light 11 operatively connected to the control unit 2 and particularly to the controller card 3, which is supplied by the battery 6.

The status warning light 11, which comprises one or more light sources, provides information on the status of the sound diffusion system 1 , for example when it is turned on/off, in the private mode or in the public mode, through different light warnings, for example colored and/or blinking.

As shown in the examples of the aforesaid figures, the microphone 10 and the status warning light 11 are combined with the support 7 at one of its end portions.

According to the present invention, the aforesaid n sound emitters can be equal to one another, or sound emitters different from one another can be provided, as shown in the example of the aforesaid figures, wherein the sound emitters 9 are of a first type and the sound emitter 8 is of a second type.

Still according to the invention, part of or all the n sound emitters can be of the wireless type or the sound diffusion system 1 can comprise prearranged conductive means to electrically connect parts of or all the n sound emitters to the control unit 2 and possibly to one another.

If part of or all the n sound emitters are of the wireless type, the sound diffusion system according to the invention comprises respective batteries to supply each of the sound emitters of the wireless type, whereas if the aforesaid conductive means are provided, which are not shown in the example of the aforesaid figures, it should be mentioned that preferred conductive means comprise electrical wires, conductive lines or flexible printed circuits combined with the support 7.

According to the present invention and according to the above, it should be mentioned that at least the aforesaid sound emitters 9 have a sound power preferably equal to or less than 80 dB, more preferably equal to or less than 76dB, still more preferably equal to or less than 72dB, and dimensions between about 2x2 mm and about 7x20 mm as far as the width and height are concerned, and between about 1 mm and 3 mm as far as the thickness is concerned. Adequate sound emitters 9 can be constituted by, for example, speakers of the MEMS type (Micro ElectroMechanical System) produced by the company U Sound (Gutheil-Schoder-Gasse 8-12 1100 Vienna, Austria), without however excluding the possibility to use speakers that exploit the traditional electrodynamic technology.

Moreover, it should be mentioned that all the n sound emitters are preferably resistant against dust and water, and a layer to cover them made of a waterproof material of known type, for example a rubber, not shown in the examples of the figures, is provided for this purpose.

As far as the m sound emitters are concerned, in the example of the aforesaid figures, the sound diffusion system 1 is shown with only one sound emitter 8, which is preferably removably combined with the aforesaid conductive means.

Particularly, conductive means with two removable combining points with the sound emitter 8 are provided, so that the user can decide to position the sound emitter 8, in case only one is provided, at and facing the right or left ear, the possibility to provide two sound emitters 8, one in proximity of the right ear and one of the left ear not however being excluded.

With regard to this, it should moreover mentioned that the at least one or each of the sound emitters 8 is/are comprised between, and at a predetermined distance or at relative predetermined distances from, two sound emitters 9, the possibility to provide the at least one or each of the sound emitters 8 in a position substantially corresponding to that of one or respectively two sound emitters 9, in this case the sound emitters 8 and 9 being practically side by side to one another, not however being excluded.

In the example of the aforesaid figures, the sound emitter 8 is comprised between two sound emitters 9 at relative predetermined distances from the latter.

According to the present invention and according to the above, the at least one sound emitter 8 is of the type so-named directional, i.e. the sound signal transmitted from it can be heard mainly, if not exclusively, along a given direction, preferably the direction which substantially joins the at least one sound emitter 8 and the ear of the user closest to it, direction determined with reference to the user who looks straight in front of him.

In practice, the at least one sound emitter 8 sends the audio frequencies in a very narrow (directional) channel, allowing only those within this channel to hear the sound.

The so-named directional sound emitters are known in the art and are for example described in the Italian Patent 1398959.

In short, the directional sound emitters or speakers operate by exploiting the demodulation of a sound signal by the air, a process which is made possible thanks to a modulation circuitry that emits ultrasounds modulated according to the wave amplitude of the desired sound. Once modulated, the sound signal degrades thanks to the properties of the air, reaching audible frequencies. In practice, the technology used creates a narrow ultrasonic beam, which has frequencies far from the range of audible ones, but degrades in contact with air and reaches frequencies of the audible band. The directional sound is generated by emitting the ultrasound modulated according to the amplitude of the desired sound. The ultrasound, which can be easily directed, after having been modulated and amplified, comes successively into contact with air and degrades into the sound that cannot be heard if not inside the path along which it is directed, thanks to the properties of the propagating medium, i.e. the air. It is thus possible to define delimited areas inside which to enclose the sound waves.

It should be noted that the embodiment wherein the m sound emitters are directional and wherein only the n-m sound emitters are activated in the public mode is advantageous since only the emitters of the same type are active in the public mode and, thus, the sound is substantially diffused in the same way in each direction, thus making the perception of the user practically uniform.

Moreover as far as the sound emitters are concerned, it should be mentioned that preferably at least one part thereof and more preferably all the n sound emitters are mobile, i.e. displaceable in the support 7.

In detail, the aforesaid support is provided with at least one sliding guide and preferably comprises a plurality of sliding guides for the aforesaid n sound emitters.

In particular, with reference to the example of the aforesaid figures, the support 7 is shown with a sliding guide 12 for each of the sound emitters 8, 9, the possibility of providing a number of sliding guides equal to 2n, i.e. two sliding guides substantially orthogonal to one another for each of the n sound emitters, not however being excluded to allow them to move along two directions.

Thus, according to the invention, one or more mobile sound emitters also displaceable differently from one another in the aforesaid support, i.e. substantially horizontally and/or substantially vertically, can be provided in the present sound diffusion system.

As far as the detecting member 5 is concerned, it should be mentioned that according to the invention, it is selected from the group comprising: movement sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, electromagnetic wave emitters-receivers operating in a predetermined frequency range, speakers and combinations thereof in case several detecting members are provided.

With regard to this, it should be mentioned that according to the above, a movement sensor, as well as a proximity sensor, can detect a sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the movement of a hand towards the sound diffusion system 1 and particularly towards the movement sensor or towards the proximity sensor, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa.

Similarly, according to the above, a microphone can detect a sound signal operated by the user, such as for example a specific voice command, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa, and/or a microphone can detect a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the sound emitters as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the nearing of a hand towards the sound diffusion system 1 and particularly towards the microphone, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa.

With regard to this, the detecting member 5 in the form of microphone can coincide with the aforesaid first microphone or it can be a different specific microphone (second microphone).

Still similarly, according to the above, an electromagnetic wave emitter- receiver in a predetermined frequency range (for example ultrasounds), as well as a speaker, can detect a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver or by the aforesaid speaker, as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the aforesaid sign signal operated by the user, such as for example the movement of a hand towards the aforesaid sound diffusion system 1 and particularly towards the aforesaid electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver, or towards the aforesaid speaker, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa.

With regard to the detecting member 5 in the form of an electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver in a predetermined frequency range, or in the form of a speaker, it can coincide with one of the aforesaid n sound emitters or it can be a different specific component with only a function of detecting member.

In any case, for the purpose, the control unit 2 is conveniently programmed or controlled, for example through a specific programming of the controller card 3 and/or through a computer product installed in the control unit 2, so that to manage the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa, as well as the aforesaid further functions.

In alternative, always for the switching from one to the other of the aforesaid operative modes, and possibly for the managing of the aforesaid further functions, a computer product installed on an outer peripheral device of the electronic device type such as for example a cell phone, a smartphone, a palmtop, a tablet and the like, connected to the sound diffusion system according to the present invention, can be provided.

In the example of the aforesaid figures, figure 3 shows an embodiment of the sound diffusion system according to the present invention supplied by the battery 6, wherein the controller card 3 and the wireless module 4 are functionally connected to one another in the control unit 2, and wherein the sound emitters 8, 9, the microphone 10, the status warning light 11 and the detecting member 5 in the form of a movement sensor or proximity sensor are operatively connected to the control unit 2 and particularly to the controller card 3

This way, according to that which has been anticipated above, it is possible to manage the receiving and sending of signals and commands from/to a wireless network (for example a Wi-Fi network), or from/to an electronic device (for example a cell phone) connected to the controller card in wireless mode.

According to the invention, also further possible components, which can equip the present sound diffusion system, are operatively connected to the control unit 2 and particularly to the controller card 3 and/or managed by the aforesaid computer product inside or outside of the control unit 2.

With regard to this, it should be added that, like further components, the sound diffusion system 1 preferably comprises a switch for turning it on/off and/or a self-turning-off device which can comprise a timer and/or which can be operatively connected to the detecting member 5 or to a further different detecting member similar to the detecting element 5, for example a movement sensor, a proximity sensor, a microphone, an electromagnetic wave emitter- receiver in a predetermined frequency range (for example ultrasounds), a speaker. The switch and the self-turning-off device indicated above are not shown in the examples of the figures.

Moreover, the sound diffusion system 1 preferably comprises, as a further component, a connection port for charging the battery 6 and/or for updating the aforesaid computer product or programming the controller card 3.

Moreover, the sound diffusion system 1 preferably comprises, as a further component, a housing module to house a SIM card, in order to selectively manage a communication via a mobile telephony network if a SIM card is inserted inside the aforesaid housing module.

The connection port and housing module indicated above are not shown in the examples of the figures.

Moreover, according to the above, it should also be mentioned that the sound diffusion system according to the present invention can comprise combining means to removably couple the support 7 with an article of clothing, preferably at a portion of the article of clothing intended for or next to the neck or head of the user, for example a hat, a scarf or a jacket at the collar of the latter.

The aforesaid combining means can be shared with the article of clothing and can thus be selected from the group comprising zips, buttons and buttonholes, press-studs, "hook and loop" strips (Velcro), hooks and loops, magnetic elements, and combinations thereof, and/or combining means arranged in the aforesaid support and anyhow active on the article of clothing, or combining means arranged in the article of clothing and anyhow active on the support, can be provided.

The example of figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an article of clothing denoted by 13, particularly a jacket worn by a user U, only partly shown, comprises, at a neck portion 14, belt loops 15 engaged by the support 7, the possibility of providing, according to the invention, a different article of clothing or a clothing accessory, such as for example but not only, a winter jacket, a coat, an overcoat, a shirt, a waistcoat, a sweater, a scarf, a hat or the like, is not however excluded.

As far as the support 7 is concerned, in detail, it should be mentioned that it advantageously is a casing that protects the components combined with it, which preferably are housed in the casing, inside it or facing it, and which in any case are supported by the support 7.

In particular, the support 7 is preferably constituted by a material selected from the group comprising: fabric, polymeric material obtained by molding, casting, additive printing techniques, leather and combinations thereof.

The support 7 is thus preferably flexible and/or bendable and substantially makes the present sound diffusion system an electronic insert which can be easily combined with the article of clothing.

With reference to the example of figure 4, an embodiment variant of the present invention is shown, wherein parts structurally and functionally corresponding to those of the sound diffusion system 1 described above have the same reference number used in the example of the figures 1 -3.

In detail, the example of figure 4 shows a wearable sound diffusion system denoted by 101 entirely similar to the sound diffusion system 1 shown above, to which description reference is made, except in that the support 7 is not provided with sliding guides for the movement of the sound emitters, and in that the combining means for the removable coupling with an article of clothing

113 are of the shared type and comprise a zip 115 arranged at a neck portion

114 of the article of clothing 113.

The support 7, the sound emitters 8, 9, the microphone 10 and the status warning light 11 are shown in the example of figure 4.

With reference to the example of figure 5, an embodiment variant of the present invention is shown, wherein parts structurally and functionally corresponding to those of the sound diffusion system 1 described above have the same reference number used in the example of the figures 1 -3.

In detail, the example of figure 5 shows a wearable sound diffusion system denoted by 201 entirely similar to the sound diffusion system 1 shown above, to which description reference is made, except in that the microphone 10 and the status warning light 11 are arranged at opposite end portions of the support 7, and in that the combining means for the removable coupling with an article of clothing 213 comprise a pocket 215 arranged at a neck portion 214 of the article of clothing 213, which is engaged by the sound diffusion system 201.

The pocket 215, which substantially is of an elongated and horizontal shape, has two opposite open ends and is advantageously made of a material which substantially leaves the sound waves emitted by the sound emitters unaltered, for example a perforated fabric.

The embodiment of the article of clothing according to the present invention comprising the pocket is advantageous since it offers further protection to the sound diffusion system, thus to the electronic insert, making the visual impact less strong and allowing greater stylistic freedom of the article of clothing. Moreover, the adoption of a pocket to contain the electronic insert makes it possible to use particularly economic materials for the implementation of the relative support, further reducing the costs of the electronic insert.

According to the present invention and according to the above, an operation method of a wearable sound diffusion system of the aforesaid type is provided, to which description reference is made, which thus comprises:

the n sound emitters,

the control unit 2 having the controller card 3 and the wireless module 4 functionally connected to one another, which is operatively connected to the n sound emitters,

the at least one detecting member 5 operatively connected to the control unit 2,

the at least one battery 6 to supply the sound diffusion system 1 , the at least one support 7 to which the n sound emitters, the control unit 2, the at least one detecting member 5 and the at least one battery 6 are combined with,

wherein the method comprises the switching from a first operative mode wherein, among the n sound emitters, m sound emitters are active, with n>m and m>1 , to a second operative mode wherein all the n sound emitters or a number of sound emitters equal to n-m are active, and vice-versa, the switching being controlled by a first signal operated by a user U of the sound diffusion system, wherein the first signal is detected by the at least one detecting member 5.

Preferably, in the present method, thus in the sound diffusion system according to the invention, the execution of the command determined by the first signal is practically immediate, with the practically instantaneous consequent switching from the aforesaid first operative mode to the aforesaid second operative mode, and vice-versa.

Preferably, the aforesaid first signal is with no-contact, by the user, with the at least one detecting member 5, and more preferably the first signal is with no specific contact, by the user, with the wearable sound diffusion system according to the present invention or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, the aforesaid first signal still more preferably being a sign signal or a voice, or anyhow sound, signal operated by the user.

Moreover, according to the present method, it should be mentioned that preferably in the switching between the first operative mode and the second operative mode, and vice-versa, the first signal can also modify the volume of at least part of the sound emitters possibly active in both the private and public operative modes.

Moreover, in the present method, following further signals with no-contact with, and detected by, the at least one detecting member 5, or following further signals with no-contact with, and detected by, a further detecting member similar to the aforesaid at least one detecting member 5, the turning on/off of the sound diffusion system and the lowering or raising of the volume of at least part of the sound emitters can be controlled respectively, for an entirely sign and/or voice management with disengaged hands of the present sound diffusion system.

Always with reference to the present method, as far as the signal detected by the at least one detecting member 5 is concerned, that which is set forth above is valid with reference to the sound diffusion system according to the present invention, i.e.

the detecting member 5 in the form of a movement sensor or of a proximity sensor detects a sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa, or

the detecting member 5 in the form of a microphone detects a voice or sound signal operated by the user with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa, and/or the detecting member 5 in the form of microphone detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the sound emitter(s) as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa,

or

the detecting member 5, in the form of electromagnetic wave emitter- receiver in a predetermined frequency range or speaker, detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave emitter-receiver or by the speaker, as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by the sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from the first operative mode to the second operative mode, and vice-versa.

The advantages of the present invention, already clear in the description set forth above, can be summarized by pointing out that a wearable sound diffusion system which implements an electronic insert, and an article of clothing comprising the wearable sound diffusion system, thus the electronic insert removably combined thereto, with which it is possible to selectively manage a communication by switching from a public to a private mode, and vice-versa, are provided, wherein advantageously both the wearable sound diffusion system, thus the electronic insert, and the article of clothing are made in a simple and economic way according to manufacturing processes known in the art.

Moreover, the wearable sound diffusion system according to the present invention together with the relative article of clothing advantageously allow the connection to an outer peripheral device to the electronic insert without requiring, from time to time, a direct and manual intervention of the user to make the connection.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the switching from the public to the private mode, and vice-versa, is practically and advantageously immediate, in the sense that it follows the aforesaid first control signal operated by the user without delay.

In order to meet incidental and specific requirements, several variations and modifications could be made by a field technician to the illustrated and described embodiments of present invention, provided that all are included in the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims

Claims

1. Wearable sound diffusion system (1 ) comprising:

n sound emitters,

a control unit (2) having a controller card (3) and a wireless module (4) operatively connected to one another, wherein said control unit is operatively connected to said n sound emitters,

at least one detecting member (5) operatively connected to said control unit (2),

at least one battery (6) to supply said sound diffusion system (1 ), at least one support (7) said n sound emitters, said control unit (2), said at least one detecting member (5) and said at least one battery (6) are combined with,

wherein said sound diffusion system (1 ) has a first operative mode wherein, among said n sound emitters, m sound emitters (8) are active, being n>m and m>1 , and a second operative mode wherein all said n sound emitters are active or a number of sound emitters (9) equal to n-m are active, the switching between said first operative mode and said second operative mode, and vice versa, being carried out following a detection of a first signal by said at least one detecting member (5).

2. System according to claim 1 , wherein said first signal is with no- contact, by a user, with said at least one detecting member (5), wherein preferably said first signal is with no specific contact, by the user, with said sound diffusion system (1 ) or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, wherein more preferably said first signal is a sign signal or a voice signal operated by the user, the switching from said first operative mode to said second public mode, and vice versa, being carried out by keeping the user's hands and ears free.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a status warning light (11 ) operatively connected to said control unit (2) and/or comprising at least one microphone (10) operatively connected to said control unit (2), said sound diffusion system being possibly apt for conversation.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said m sound emitter/s (8) is/are of directional type, a sound signal transmitted by said m sound emitter/s (8) being heard mainly along a given direction.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising conductive means to electrically connect at least part of said n sound emitters to said control unit (2) and possibly to one another, wherein said conductive means are selected from the group comprising electric wires, conductive lines, flexible printed circuits and combinations thereof, wherein preferably at least said m sound emitter/s (8) is/are combined with said conductive means removably.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said n sound emitters is mobile with respect to said support (7), said support (7) comprising at least one sliding guide for the displacement of said at least one mobile sound emitter along the length and/or height directions of said support.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one detecting member is selected from the group comprising: movement sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, electromagnetic wave emitters- receivers operating in a predetermined frequency range, speakers.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a switch for turning-on/off said sound diffusion system and/or a self-turning-off device that might be operatively connected to said at least one detecting member and/or a housing module to house a SIM card in order to selectively manage a communication via a mobile telephony network and/or a program computer product installed in said control unit (2) and/or a connection port for charging said at least one battery and/or programming said controller card (3) and/or updating said program computer product.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising combining means to removably couple said support (7) to an article of clothing, wherein preferably said combining means are shared with the article of clothing, and wherein more preferably said combining means are selected from the group comprising: zips, buttons and buttonholes, press-studs,“hook and loop” strips (Velcro), hooks and loops, magnetic elements and combinations thereof.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support (7) is a casing, wherein preferably said casing is flexible and/or bendable, and wherein more preferably said casing is constituted by a material selected from the group comprising: fabric, polymeric material obtained by molding, casting, additive printing techniques, leather, and combinations thereof.

11. Article of clothing comprising a wearable sound diffusion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said article of clothing is selected from the group comprising clothes and clothing accessories selected among jackets, winter jackets, overcoats, coats, shirts, waistcoats, sweatshirts, sweaters, scarves, hats and the like, and wherein said article of clothing preferably comprises combining means for a removably coupling with said sound diffusion system, wherein said combining means are selected from the group comprising: zips, buttons and buttonholes, press-studs,“hook and loop” strips (Velcro), hooks and loops, magnetic elements, belt loop, pockets and combinations thereof.

12. Operation method of a wearable sound diffusion system according to any one of claims 1 -10, wherein said sound diffusion system comprises:

n sound emitters,

a control unit (2) provided with a controller card (3) and a wireless module (4) operatively connected to one another, the former being operatively connected to said n sound emitters,

at least one battery (6) to supply said sound diffusion system,

at least one support (7) said n sound emitters, said control unit (2), said at least one detecting member (5) and said at least one battery (6) are combined with,

wherein said method comprises switching from a first operative mode wherein, among said n sound emitters, m sound emitters are active, being n>m and m>1 , to a second operative mode wherein all said n sound emitters are active or a number of sound emitters equal to n-m are active, and vice versa, said switching being controlled by a first signal operated by a user of said sound diffusion system, wherein said first signal is detected by said at least one detecting member.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein in the switching between said first operative mode and said second operative mode, and vice versa, said first signal changes the volume of at least part of the sound emitters that might be active in both said operative modes.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said first signal is with no-contact, by the user, with said at least one detecting member, wherein preferably said first signal is with no specific contact, by the user, with said sound diffusion system (1 ) or with possible peripheral devices connected thereto, directly or remotely, wherein more preferably said first signal is a sign signal or a voice signal operated by the user, the switching from said first operative mode to said second operative mode, and vice versa, being carried out by keeping the user's hands and ears free.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein said at least one detecting member is selected from the group comprising: movement sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, electromagnetic wave emitters-receivers operating in a predetermined frequency range, speakers, wherein:

said movement sensor or said proximity sensor detects a sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from said first operative mode to said second operative mode, and vice versa,

or wherein

said microphone detects a voice or sound signal operated by the user, with the switching from said first operative mode to said second operative mode, and vice versa, and/or wherein said microphone detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by the sound emitter/s as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by said sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from said first operative mode to said second operative mode, and vice versa, or wherein

said emitter-receiver of electromagnetic waves in a given frequency range or said speaker detects a sign signal operated by the user through the detection of reflected waves generated by sound waves emitted by said emitter- receiver of electromagnetic waves or said speaker, as these sound waves meet an obstacle determined by said sign signal operated by the user, with the switching from said first operative mode to said second operative mode, and vice versa.

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