KR102634550B1 - Earphone device capable of wireless communication by frequency band - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a sound signal, which comprises: a transmitter connected to a sound output terminal of a device generating the sound signal through a wired communication interface to acquire the sound signal and transmit the sound signal to another device based on wireless communication through a specific channel; and at least one receiver for receiving the sound signal from the transmitter based on the wireless communication through the specific channel and outputting the sound signal to a user. The specific channel corresponds to a specific frequency of a UHF band. The receiver may include a mounting unit for hanging the receiver on the neck of the user and an earphone for outputting the sound signal.

Description

Earphone device capable of wireless communication by frequency band {EARPHONE DEVICE CAPABLE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BY FREQUENCY BAND}

The present invention relates to electronic devices, and more specifically, to an earphone/headphone device for receiving sound signals based on wireless communication in a specific frequency band and outputting the received sound signals to the user's ears.

Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Afreeca TV are widely used, and individuals who are not professional broadcasters often communicate in real time with fans and subscribers by not only uploading their own content to these platforms but also broadcasting live. I'm losing.

Monitoring earphones are used for broadcasters to check how their voices are actually heard by others through the broadcast and listen in real time. Professional broadcasters and singers often broadcast with monitoring earphones in their ears. However, since these monitoring earphones are wired, it is difficult to move while broadcasting while wearing wired monitoring earphones, and the distance between the transmitter and receiver of the sound signal is limited due to the length of the wire. In addition, these monitoring earphones are only distributed to professional broadcasters on a limited basis, and there are no earphones that can be used easily and inexpensively by individuals other than professional broadcasters.

Meanwhile, existing wireless earphones are based on the Bluetooth communication method, which requires a 1:1 pairing between the transmitter and receiver of the sound signal, and the possible distance for Bluetooth communication is about 10 meters. As with wired monitoring earphones, there are distance restrictions, so their use as monitoring earphones is limited. is clear.

An earphone or headphone device capable of receiving sound signals and outputting the received sound signals based on wireless communication in a frequency band is disclosed.

The technical challenge that this embodiment aims to achieve is not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges can be inferred from the following embodiments.

A system for monitoring sound signals is connected to the sound output terminal of the device that generates the sound signal through a wired communication interface, acquires the sound signal, and transmits the sound signal to another device based on wireless communication through a specific channel. a transmitter for receiving the sound signal based on the wireless communication through the specific channel from the transmitter and at least one receiver for outputting the sound signal to a user, wherein the specific channel is a specific channel in the UHF band. Corresponding to the frequency, the receiver may include a holder for hanging the receiver around the user's neck and an earphone for outputting the sound signal.

The transmitter includes a communication unit including an RF module for transmitting the acoustic signal to the at least one receiver through the specific channel, an acoustic signal acquisition unit for acquiring the acoustic signal from the device, and a device capable of changing the specific channel. A channel control unit, a mode control unit for setting one of a first mode in which the transmitter is connected to one receiver and a second mode in which the transmitter is connected to a plurality of the receivers, and a receiver currently in wireless communication with the transmitter It may include a status display unit including an LED indicating presence.

The receiver includes a communication unit including an RF module for receiving the acoustic signal through the specific channel, a channel control unit capable of changing the specific channel, a first mode in which the transmitter is connected to one receiver, and a plurality of transmitters. It may include a mode control unit for setting one of the second modes connected to the receivers, and an audio signal output unit for transmitting the audio signal received by the communication unit to the user.

When at least one of the transmitter and the at least one receiver is set to the first mode, even if the specific channel of the transmitter and the plurality of receivers are all set to the same channel, only one of the receivers transmits the sound signal from the transmitter. You can receive it.

An earphone device for monitoring an acoustic signal includes a first electronic device for outputting a first acoustic signal constituting the acoustic signal, and is connected to the first electronic device to transmit the first acoustic signal to one of both ears of the user. A first earphone for transmitting the sound signal, a second electronic device for outputting a second sound signal constituting the sound signal, and connected to the second electronic device to transmit the second sound signal to the other one of the user's ears. a second earphone for connecting the first electronic device and the second electronic device to each other, and a holder configured to be shaped like a necklace and hung around the user's neck, wherein the first electronic device is connected to the external device. Based on wireless communication in the UHF frequency band, the sound signal is received, the second sound signal is separated from the sound signal, and the second sound signal is transmitted to the second electronic device through an electronic circuit in the holder, and the first electronic device There may be a button for changing the specific frequency of the UHF frequency band for wireless communication.

An earphone or headphone device capable of receiving sound signals and outputting the received sound signals based on wireless communication in a frequency band is disclosed. The earphone or headphone device uses a specific frequency band, so it has clear sound quality and can reproduce sound signals received from the transmitter regardless of the distance between the transmitter and receiver, making it suitable for use as monitoring earphones or headphones.

In addition, the same sound source can be monitored with multiple earphones or headphone devices, and the necklace-shaped holder that can be worn around the neck does not easily leave the user who moves a lot.

Figure 1 shows a system for monitoring acoustic signals using an earphone device, according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows an acoustic signal monitoring system that receives one acoustic signal through a plurality of earphone devices, according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a transmitter and receiver, according to one embodiment.
Figure 4A shows a transmitter and receiver, according to one embodiment.
Figure 4b shows a receiver, according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 shows a detailed block diagram of a receiver, according to one embodiment.

Below, several embodiments will be described clearly and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art (hereinafter referred to as skilled in the art) can easily practice the present invention. will be.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

In the present disclosure, a “module” or “unit” performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of “units” may be integrated into at least one module and implemented with at least one processor, except for “modules” or “units” that need to be implemented with specific hardware.

Figure 1 shows a system for monitoring acoustic signals using an earphone device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, the system 1000 is a plurality of devices (SD1, SD2, SD3), and the sound signal of each of the plurality of devices (SD1, SD2, SD3) is transmitted to another device based on wireless communication through a specific channel. Transmitters (T1, T2, T3) for transmitting to the user's ears, at least one receiver ( R1, R2, R3) may be included.

A specific channel may correspond to a specific frequency in the UHF band. As an example, a specific channel may be matched to a specific frequency in the UHF band (UltraHigh-Frequency). Hereinafter, the specific channel or specific frequency may be any frequency in the UHF band, but is not limited thereto. The transmitter and receiver can communicate wirelessly using any frequency band other than the UHF band.

Each of the devices SD1, SD2, and SD3 is for generating or outputting an acoustic signal (sound source) and may include a TV, radio, PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet PC, speaker, audio mixer, etc. For example, the devices are electronic devices that output a broadcast conducted by a user, and the sound signal may include the user's voice. For example, a user speaking during a live broadcast may wear headphones (R1) and broadcast while monitoring his or her own voice that is actually output from the device (SD1) where the live broadcast is played.

The transmitter T1 may transmit the sound source generated or output from the device SD1 to the receiver R1 based on wireless communication in a frequency band. The transmitter T1 may be connected to the audio output terminal of the device SD1 through a wired communication interface to obtain an audio signal of the device SD1 and transmit the acquired audio signal to the receiver R1. The audio output terminal may include any type for connection to a wired communication interface, such as an AUX terminal, an optical digital (OPTICAL) terminal, a USB terminal, and an HDMI terminal. The receiver R1 can output the transmitted sound signal to the user's ears. The receiver R1 may include, but is not limited to, headphones, earphones, speakers, etc. The receiver R1 may include a holder for hanging the receiver R1 around the user's neck and earphones for outputting sound signals. Not only does the mount prevent the user from moving around easily, but it also distributes the weight of the receiver (R1) to the user's neck, making it more comfortable to wear.

Transmitters (T1, T2, T3) and receivers (R1, R2, R3) may communicate wirelessly based on frequency bands. Each of the transmitters (T1, T2, and T3) and the receivers (R1, R2, and R3) may be connected based on a specific frequency or channel. For example, a transmitter (T1) and a receiver (R1) are on channel C03, a transmitter (T2) and a receiver (R2) are on channel C12, and a transmitter (T3) and receiver (R3) are on channel C20. Based on this, wireless connection can be made. As an example, Channel A, Channel B, and Channel C may be 927.0MHz, 928.0MHz, and 929.MHz, respectively.

The transmitter (T1) and the receiver (R1) are connected using RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) communication based on the frequency band and can transmit acoustic signals. RFID communication is a technology that recognizes information from a distance using radio waves. Since it uses radio waves, it does not only work over short distances like Bluetooth communication, but also transmits acoustic signals through the object between the transmitter (T1) and receiver (R1) even at long distances. can be transmitted.

Wireless communication between the transmitter (T1) and the receiver (R1) may be performed using the UHF band of 900 MHz or higher (eg, 926.5 MHz to 935.2 MHz). The transmitter (T1) and receiver (R1) can transmit acoustic signals at a specific frequency in the UHF (UltraHigh-Frequency) band of 900 MHz or higher. A specific frequency used for transmission of an acoustic signal may be referred to as a specific channel, and if the channel of the transmitter (T1) and the channel of the receiver (R1) match, the receiver (R1) can receive an acoustic signal from the transmitter (T1). . Each of the plurality of channels may correspond to a specific frequency in the UHF band. For example, each of the 30 channels may be matched to a different specific frequency among the frequency bands between 926.5 MHz and 935.2 MHz. Wireless communication between the transmitter (T1) and the receiver (R1) can be performed by any frequency band.

The receiver's channel can be automatically set to the transmitter's channel by default. For example, the transmitter (T1) and the receiver (R1) are one set device (or pairing device) paired with each other, and when the transmitter (T1) is set to a specific channel (C03), the receiver (R1) uses the UHF band. It can be default set to the specific channel (C03) where the acoustic signal is detected by scanning. According to one embodiment, the receiver (R1) is the same as the specific channel (C03) set in the transmitter (T1), which is its pairing device, even if a plurality of sound signals transmitted from a plurality of transmitters (T1, T2, T3) are detected. It can be automatically set to channel (C03).

Figure 2 shows a system for receiving one sound signal through a plurality of earphone devices, according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 2, the system 2000 includes a device (SD), a transmitter (T) for transmitting an acoustic signal generated by the device (SD) to another device based on wireless communication in the frequency band, and a transmitter (T). It may include at least one receiver (R) for outputting the received sound signal to the user's ears. The system 2000 of FIG. 2 is the same as the system 1000 of FIG. 1, but is an embodiment in which one transmitter and a plurality of receivers communicate wirelessly. The detailed description of the system 1000 of FIG. 1 is the system of FIG. 2 ( 2000) can also be applied.

The device (SD) is a device for generating or outputting a sound source and may include a TV, radio, PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet PC, speaker, etc.

The transmitter T may transmit the sound source generated or output from the device SD to the receivers R according to the frequency band. According to one embodiment, the transmitter (T) is connected to the audio output terminal of the device (SD) through a wired communication interface to obtain an audio signal of the device (SD) and transmit the obtained audio signal to the receivers (R). .

The receivers (R) may include a receiver (H1), a receiver (H2), and a receiver (H3). A plurality of receivers (H1, H2, H3) are connected to the transmitter (T) and can simultaneously receive the same sound signal from the transmitter (T).

For example, if the transmission channel (C12) of the transmitter (T) is set and the plurality of receivers (R) are set to the same channel (C12) as the set transmission channel, each of the plurality of receivers (R) is connected to the transmitter (T) By receiving the sound signal transmitted through the channel C12, multiple people can simultaneously monitor the sound signal of the device (SD).

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a transmitter and receiver, according to one embodiment.

The transmitter (T) may include a communication unit (TC), an acoustic signal acquisition unit (TE), a channel control unit (TC), a mode control unit (TM), and a status display unit (TS).

The communication unit (TC) may include a Radio Frequency (RF) module or an RF chip for communicating at a specific frequency (or a specific channel). According to one embodiment, the specific frequency may be a UHF band frequency. The specific frequency for transmitting sound signals can be changed by the channel control unit (TC). The communication unit (TC) can transmit an acoustic signal by transmitting radio waves and modulating the radio waves. The acoustic signal may be transmitted to the receiver (R) through the communication unit (TC).

The sound signal acquisition unit (TE) is connected to the device (SD) through a wired communication interface to acquire the sound signal of the device (SD). The audio signal acquisition unit (TE) may include an AUX terminal/cable, an optical digital (OPTICAL) terminal/cable, a USB terminal/cable, and an HDMI terminal/cable for acquiring an audio signal from the device (SD). The acquired acoustic signal may be transmitted to the communication unit (TC).

The channel control unit (TC) can change the operating frequency of the communication unit (TC). The operating frequency is the specific frequency currently used for transmitting acoustic signals. For example, the channel control unit (TC) may set the operating frequency of the communication unit (TC) to a specific frequency among the frequency bands between 926.5 MHz and 935.2 MHz. According to one embodiment, a specific frequency may be displayed to the user as a specific channel. Each of the plurality of channels may be matched to a specific frequency. For example, each of the 30 channels may be matched to a different specific frequency among the frequency bands between 926.5 MHz and 935.2 MHz. The channel control unit (TC) can set the channel of the communication unit (TC) to one of a plurality of channels, and a button that allows the user to change the channel can be located on the transmitter (T).

The mode control unit (TM) can select one of the first mode when there is only one receiver (R) currently in wireless communication with the transmitter (T) or the second mode when there are multiple receivers (R) currently in wireless communication.

According to one embodiment, under the first mode in which the transmitter (T) and the receiver (R) are connected on a one-to-one basis, the transmitter (T) may wirelessly communicate with a specific receiver (R) on a one-to-one basis. Under the first mode, even if the transmitter and a plurality of receivers are all set to the same channel, only one of the receivers can receive an acoustic signal from the transmitter. That is, under the first mode, communication cannot be performed with any receiver other than the receiver currently in wireless communication.

When the transmitter (T) is set to the first mode, one-to-one wireless communication can be performed based on the device unique number of at least one of the transmitter (T) and the receiver (R). The transmitter (T) may be configured to transmit an acoustic signal only to a receiver with a specific device identification number, or the receiver (R) may be configured to receive an acoustic signal only from a transmitter with a specific device identification number. Alternatively, the transmitter (T) encrypts random information (e.g., device unique number of the transmitter (T) or receiver (R), key information) with a secret key and transmits it to the receiver (R), and the receiver (R) encrypts By decrypting the received information with a secret key, a one-to-one connection can be formed between the receiver (R) and the transmitter (T), which can be decrypted. For example, the transmitter (T) encrypts arbitrary information with a public key previously stored in the transmitter (T), and the receiver (R) decrypts the encrypted public key with a previously stored private key to prepare for a wireless connection. . Under the first mode, the transmitter (T) can establish a wireless communication connection only with a specific receiver (R), so even if receivers other than the specific receiver (R) match the channel with the transmitter (T), the acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter (T) cannot be received.

Under the second mode in which a transmitter (T) and a plurality of receivers (R) are connected, the transmitter (T) transmits an acoustic signal to a specific channel, and the receivers (R) set to the same channel as the specific channel are connected to the transmitter (T). Transmitted sound signals can be transmitted at the same time.

According to one embodiment, the transmitter T may include a first LED indicating the current connection mode. If the transmitter (T) and the receiver (R) are connected one-to-one (first mode), the first LED is displayed in a specific color (for example, blue), and if the transmitter (T) and a plurality of receivers (R) are connected ( Second mode) The first LED can be turned off.

The status display unit (TS) may indicate that there is a transmitter (T) and a receiver (R) currently in wireless communication. For example, the status display unit TS may include a second LED. If the transmitter (T) is transmitting an acoustic signal through a specific channel and the receiver (R) is set to the same channel as the transmitter (T) and is receiving the acoustic signal, the second LED is displayed in a specific color (for example, green) If there is no receiver currently communicating with the transmitter (T), the second LED may be turned off.

The receiver (R) may include a communication unit (RC), a channel control unit (RC), a mode control unit (RM), a status display unit (RS), and an audio signal output unit (RO).

The communication unit (RC) may include an RF module or RF chip for communicating at a specific frequency. According to one embodiment, the specific frequency may be a frequency in the UHF band. The specific frequency for receiving sound signals can be changed by the channel control unit (RC). The acoustic signal may be received through the communication unit (RC).

The channel control unit (RC) can change the operating frequency of the communication unit (RC). The operating frequency is a specific frequency for receiving the current acoustic signal. For example, the channel control unit (RC) may set the operating frequency of the communication unit (TC) to a specific frequency among the frequency bands between 926.5 MHz and 935.2 MHz. According to one embodiment, a specific frequency may be displayed to the user as a specific channel. Each of the plurality of channels may be matched to a specific frequency. For example, each of the 30 channels may be matched to a different specific frequency among the frequency bands between 926.5 MHz and 935.2 MHz. The channel control unit (RC) can set the operating frequency of the communication unit (RC) to one of a plurality of channels, and a button that allows the user to change the channel can be located on the receiver (R).

The mode control unit RM can select one of the first mode when there is only one receiver (R) currently in wireless communication with the transmitter (T) or the second mode when there are multiple receivers (R) currently in wireless communication. Since the first mode and the second mode are described in detail with reference to the mode control unit (TM) of the transmitter (T), detailed descriptions are omitted. According to one embodiment, under the first mode, the receiver (R) is set to the same channel as the channel of the transmitter (T) in order to be connected to the transmitter (T), and also decrypts the encrypted information received from the transmitter (T). This can take precedence. Under the first mode, the transmitter (T) can establish a wireless communication connection only with a specific receiver (R), so even if receivers other than the specific receiver (R) match the channel with the transmitter (T), the acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter (T) cannot be received. Under the second mode, the receiver (R) can be connected to the transmitter (T) as long as the receiver (R) is set to the same channel as the channel of the transmitter (T).

According to one embodiment, the receiver (R) may include a third LED to indicate the current connection mode. If the transmitter (T) and the receiver (R) are connected one-to-one (first mode), the 3rd LED is displayed in a specific color (for example, blue), and if the transmitter (T) and a plurality of receivers (R) are connected ( Mode 2) The third LED can be turned off.

The status display unit (RS) may indicate that there is a transmitter (T) currently communicating with the receiver (R). For example, the status display unit RS may include a fourth LED. If the transmitter (T) is transmitting an acoustic signal through a specific channel and the receiver (R) is set to the same channel as the transmitter (T) and is receiving the acoustic signal, the fourth LED is displayed in a specific color (for example, green) If there is no transmitter currently communicating with the receiver (R), the fourth LED may be turned off.

The sound signal output unit (RO) may include earphones or headphones to output the sound signal received from the communication unit (RC) to the user's ears. The sound signal output unit (RO) may have a built-in speaker to output the sound signal received from the communication unit (RC) to the user's ears.

The receiver R may further include a microphone (not shown). The user's voice signal input through the microphone may be transmitted to an external device. Through the microphone, users can broadcast live.

Figure 4a shows a transmitter (T) and a receiver (R) according to an embodiment, and Figure 4b shows a receiver according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 4b, the receiver (R) includes a necklace-shaped holder 32 that can be worn around the neck, a first electronic device 36, a second electronic device 38, a first earphone 34, and a second electronic device. It may include earphones (35). The receiver (R) has a built-in communication unit, channel change unit, battery, etc., so it may be somewhat heavy for the human ear. Accordingly, the receiver (R) may be configured to hang the holder 32 around the neck and insert the earphones 34 and 35 into the ears. The mounting portion 32 not only helps prevent the receiver (R) from falling off due to excessive movement of a person, but also serves to comfortably support the weight of various electronic devices.

Figure 5 shows a detailed block diagram of a receiver, according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figure 5, the receiver 500 includes a first electronic device (RR), a second electronic device (RL), a first earphone (RE) connected to the first electronic device (RR), and a second electronic device (RL). It connects the second earphone (LE) connected to the first electronic device (RR) and the second electronic device (RL), transmits electrical signals, and is shaped like a necklace so that the user can easily wear it around the neck. It may include a mounting portion (N) consisting of.

The first electronic device (RR) is for outputting the first sound signal (or first channel signal) constituting the sound signal, and the second electronic device (RL) is for outputting the second sound signal (or , second channel signal). The first electronic device (RR) receives an acoustic signal based on wireless communication in the UHF frequency band from an external device (e.g., a transmitter) and separates the second acoustic signal from the acoustic signal to form an electronic circuit in the holder (N). It can be transmitted to the second electronic device (RL) through .

The first electronic device (RR) and the second electronic device (RL) are separate hardware devices. The first electronic device (RR), the second electronic device (RL), the first earphone (RE), the second earphone (LE), and the holder (N) in FIG. 5 are the first electronic device 36 in FIG. 4b, It may correspond to the second electronic device 38, the first earphone 34, the second earphone 35, and the mounting unit 32, respectively.

As described above with reference to Figure 3, the receiver (R) has various processors and electronic circuits, such as a communication unit and a channel change unit, built in, so it is somewhat heavy and the receiver (R) is in the form of headphones and must be placed on the human ear. Considering this, major components can be divided and distributed into two hardware modules.

The first electronic device (RR) may include a communication unit (RC), a channel control unit (RC), a mode control unit (RM), a status display unit (RS), and a first sound signal output unit (ROR). The communication unit (RC), channel control unit (RC), mode control unit (RM), status display unit (RS), and first sound signal output unit (ROR) of FIG. 5 are the communication unit (RC) and channel control unit (RC) of FIG. 3, respectively. ), the mode control unit (RM), the status display unit (RS), and the audio signal output unit (RO), so detailed operation descriptions are omitted. A button for changing a specific frequency in the UHF frequency band for wireless communication may be located on the first electronic device (RR).

The second electronic device (RL) may include a battery (B) and a second sound signal output unit (ROL). Battery B can supply power necessary for the operation of the receiver 500. Battery B may include a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Power generated from the battery B may be supplied to the first electronic device RR through the electronic circuit of the holder N. The second sound signal output unit (ROL) may correspond to the sound signal output unit (RO) of FIG. 3.

According to one embodiment, the sound signal received from an external device through the communication unit (RC) is separated into a first channel signal and a second channel signal, and the first channel signal is output through the first sound signal output unit (ROR). The second channel signal may be output through the second sound signal output unit (ROL). The sound signal received through the communication unit (RC) may be a stereo sound signal, the first channel signal may be a right channel signal, and the second channel signal may be a left channel signal, but is not limited thereto. The separated second channel signal may be transmitted from the first electronic device (RR) to the second electronic device (RL) through the electronic circuit in the mounting unit (N) and output to the second sound signal output unit (ROL).

The first sound signal output unit (ROR) transmits the first channel signal to the first earphone (RE), and the user can listen to the first channel signal through the first earphone (RE). The second sound signal output unit (ROL) transmits the second channel signal to the second earphone (LE), and the user can listen to the second channel signal through the second earphone (LE).

The receiver 500 may further include a microphone (not shown). The user's voice signal input through the microphone may be transmitted to an external device. Through the microphone, users can broadcast live.

The descriptions are intended to provide example configurations and operations for implementing the invention. The technical idea of the present invention will include not only the embodiments described above, but also implementations that can be obtained by simply changing or modifying the above embodiments. In addition, the technical idea of the present invention will also include implementations that can be easily achieved by changing or modifying the embodiments described above.

Claims (5)

delete delete delete delete In the earphone device for monitoring acoustic signals,
a first electronic device for outputting a first sound signal constituting the sound signal;
a first earphone connected to the first electronic device to transmit the first sound signal to one of the user's ears;
a second electronic device for outputting a second sound signal constituting the sound signal;
a second earphone connected to the second electronic device to transmit the second sound signal to the other one of the user's ears; and
It connects the first electronic device and the second electronic device to each other and includes a holder configured in the shape of a necklace to be hung around the user's neck,
The first electronic device receives the sound signal based on wireless communication in the UHF frequency band from an external device, separates the second sound signal from the sound signal, and transmits the second electronic device to the second electronic device through an electronic circuit in the holder. Pass it to,
An earphone device in which a button for changing a specific frequency of the UHF frequency band for wireless communication is located in the first electronic device.