RU2848398C1 - Earphone with binaural beats function - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical technology.

SUBSTANCE: earpiece with a binaural beat function contains a speaker for the left ear, a speaker for the right ear, a wireless communication device and a frequency adjustment circuit. The frequency tuning circuit is connected to the speakers for the left and right ears, as well as to the wireless communication device, and is designed to receive an external audio signal from the wireless communication device. The frequency adjustment circuit is designed to adjust the external audio signal to the first audio signal and then transmit the first audio signal to the left ear speaker so that the left ear speaker emits the first sound wave. The frequency adjustment circuit is designed to adjust the external audio signal to the second audio signal and transmit the second audio signal to the right ear speaker so that the right ear speaker emits a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference.

EFFECT: user is able to perceive binaural beats in addition to the auditory perception of sound waves, which in turn improves concentration, promotes comfortable sleep, relieves stress and induces meditation.

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Description

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to an earphone and, in particular, to an earphone with a binaural beats function.

State of the art

[0002] With today's rapid technological advancements, long-distance travel has become a part of everyday life. To reduce fatigue while traveling long distances, people often use headphones to listen to music, audio content, or watch videos without disturbing others. However, improving the usability of headphones is an area in which the headphone industry is constantly improving.

DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an earphone with a binaural beat function that allows users to perceive binaural beats.

[0004] An earphone with a binaural beats function according to the present invention includes a speaker for the left ear, a speaker for the right ear, a wireless communication means and a frequency adjustment circuit. The speaker for the left ear is configured to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user. The speaker for the right ear is configured to provide a second sound wave to the right ear of the user. The frequency adjustment circuit is communicatively connected to the speaker for the left ear and the speaker for the right ear by means of a wire and is communicatively connected to the wireless communication means. The frequency adjustment circuit is configured to receive an external audio signal from the wireless communication means. The frequency adjustment circuit is configured to adjust the external audio signal to the first audio signal and then transmit the first audio signal to the speaker for the left ear so that the speaker for the left ear emits the first sound wave. The frequency adjustment circuit is configured to adjust the external audio signal to a second audio signal and then transmit the second audio signal to the right-ear speaker such that the right-ear speaker emits a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference.

[0005] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the earphone with a binaural beat function also includes an audio connection port and a switch. The frequency adjustment circuit is responsively coupled to the audio connection port or a wireless communication means via the switch and is configured to receive an external audio signal from the audio connection port or the wireless communication means.

[0006] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the earphone with a binaural beat function also includes an audio cable. The two ends of the audio cable are inserted into the audio connection port and the audio output jack of the analog audio output device.

[0007] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the earphone with a binaural beat function also includes a control unit. An audio connection port, a wireless communication means, a switch, and a frequency adjustment circuit are located in the control unit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the earphone with binaural beats function, the switch is a manual switch.

[0009] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the earphone with a binaural beat function also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive FM broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts and is communicatively connected to a left ear speaker and a right ear speaker via a wire.

[0010] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the wireless communication means is configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile telephone, wherein the mobile telephone is configured to transmit an external audio signal.

[0011] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the wireless communication means is configured to communicate via Bluetooth.

[0012] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the frequency adjustment circuit comprises an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a frequency adjustment circuit and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit, which are sequentially connected to transmit signals.

[0013] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the frequency difference includes a plurality of switchable first frequency differences. The first frequency differences are in two or more ranges that are in the intervals between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz.

[0014] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the frequency difference includes a plurality of switchable first frequency differences. The first frequency differences automatically change cyclically in two or more ranges that are in the intervals between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, 4 Hz and 8 Hz, 8 Hz and 12 Hz, 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and 25 Hz and 40 Hz.

[0015] In one embodiment of an earphone with a binaural beat function, the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker are moving coil speakers, moving core speakers, or bone conduction speakers.

[0016] Based on the above, in the earphone with a binaural beat function according to the present invention, the sound waves received by the two ears have a frequency difference, which allows the user to experience corresponding effects different from the auditory perception of the sound waves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the earphone with the binaural beat function of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the earphone with a binaural beat function of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an earphone 100 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment includes a speaker 110 for a left ear, a speaker 120 for a right ear, a wireless communication means 140 and a frequency adjustment circuit 160. The speaker 110 for the left ear is configured to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user. The speaker 120 for the right ear is configured to provide a second sound wave to the right ear of the user. The left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 may be bone conduction, behind-the-ear, over-the-ear, in-the-ear, or other types.

[0022] The earphone 100 with a binaural beat function is a combined earphone. That is, the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear are firmly connected to each other and cannot be separated. For example, the earphone 100 with a binaural beat function has a moderately deformable arc-shaped housing 112, and the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear are respectively installed at two opposite ends of the housing 112. In addition to accommodating the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear, the wireless communication means 140 and the frequency adjustment circuit 160 are also accommodated in the housing 112. At the same time, the housing 112 also performs the function of suspending the entire earphone 100 with a binaural beat function on the neck of the user. However, the left ear speaker 110, the right ear speaker 120, the wireless communication means 140 and the frequency adjustment circuit 160 may also be connected by a wire without forming the housing 112.

[0023] The frequency adjustment circuit 160 is communicatively connected to the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear via a wire. That is, the connection for transmitting signals between the frequency adjustment circuit 160 and the speaker 110 for the left ear is made by a wire, and the connection for transmitting signals between the frequency adjustment circuit 160 and the speaker 120 for the right ear is also made by a wire. The connection circuit can also be accommodated in the housing 112. Since the frequency adjustment circuit 160 is connected with the possibility of transmitting signals to the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear via a wire, the signals can be transmitted to the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear synchronously, and there is no need to ensure the synchronization of the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear, which is a problem when receiving signals during wireless transmission.

[0024] The frequency adjusting circuit 160 receives an external audio signal from the wireless communication device 140. The frequency adjusting circuit 160 adjusts the external audio signal to a first audio signal and then transmits the first audio signal to the speaker 110 for the left ear so that the speaker 110 for the left ear emits a first sound wave. The frequency adjusting circuit 160 adjusts the external audio signal to a second audio signal and then transmits the second audio signal to the speaker 120 for the right ear so that the speaker 120 for the right ear emits a second sound wave. The first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference.

[0025] Brainwaves refer to the electrical oscillations caused by the activity of nerve cells in the human brain, which can also be referred to as the rhythm of brain cell activity. The human brain produces brainwaves at any time. Classified by frequency, brainwaves include at least beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves, delta waves, and gamma waves. In general, when a person is in stage 3 non-rapid eye movement sleep, brainwaves are typically delta waves (with a frequency of 0.5 Hz to 4 Hz). When a person is in deep sleep, dreaming, deep meditation, or an intense subjective state, brainwaves are typically theta waves (with a frequency of 4 to 8 Hz). When a person experiences pre-sleep confusion, a gradually clouding consciousness, sudden inspiration, or relaxation of body and mind with focused concentration, their brainwaves are typically alpha waves. When a person is in a relaxed but focused state, sorting through previously acquired information, their brainwaves are typically beta waves. However, research has also shown that stimulating the human brain to produce different brainwaves affects the person's state. For example, stimulating the human brain to produce alpha waves will also lead to bursts of inspiration, a relaxed body and mind, but focused concentration.

[0026] By setting a frequency difference between the first sound wave and the second sound wave provided by the earphone 100 with the binaural beat function, the user's brain can be induced to generate beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves, delta waves, gamma waves or other brain waves so that the user can enter the corresponding state mentioned above.

[0027] For example, the wireless communication device 140 according to this embodiment can wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone 50, and the mobile phone 50 transmits music, visual audio, voice audio or other external audio. The wireless communication device 140 carries out communication, for example, of the Bluetooth type or other wireless communication. The frequency adjustment circuit 160 can adjust the external audio signal received from the mobile phone 50 to allow the left ear and the right ear of the user to hear sound waves with frequency differences, so that the user's brain can stimulate the production of specific brain waves to achieve such effects as improving concentration, comfortable sleep, stress relief and entering into meditation.

[0028] In this embodiment, the frequency difference includes a plurality of switchable first frequency differences. That is, the user can control the frequency adjustment circuit 160 according to the current requirements, so that the frequency difference is set to a different first frequency difference. These first frequency differences are in two or more of five ranges that are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz. For example, there may be two first frequency differences. One of the first frequency differences is in one of the five ranges that are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz. Another first frequency difference is in another of the five ranges, which are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz. Another example could be three first frequency differences. One of the first frequency differences is in one of the five ranges, which are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz. The other first frequency difference is in another range of the five ranges, which are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz. The remaining first frequency difference is in one of the remaining three ranges after excluding the first two ranges from the five ranges, which are between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz, between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, between 8 Hz and 12 Hz, between 12 Hz and 20 Hz, and between 25 Hz and 40 Hz.

[0029] In this embodiment, the frequency difference can automatically change cyclically over time. In other words, each first frequency difference can automatically change cyclically in one of its own ranges among the above-mentioned five ranges. That is, the frequency difference is not fixed. In addition, the frequency difference will automatically change in a predetermined manner without human intervention. In addition, the method for changing this frequency difference is predetermined and cannot be adjusted or selected by the user. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of options, and the user can choose which option to use. In addition, the physiological state of the user is not determined before determining how the frequency difference pattern changes, i.e., the changing pattern of the frequency difference does not change in accordance with the difference in the physiological state of the user.

[0030] For example, the frequency difference may be automatically and segmentally cyclically changed in the range from 8 Hz to 12 Hz. The frequency difference changes by 0.1 Hz each time, and the same frequency difference is maintained for 10 seconds after each change. Automatic and segmentally cyclic change of the frequency difference in the range between 8 Hz and 12 Hz means, for example, a gradual change from 8 Hz to 12 Hz, and then a gradual change from 12 Hz to 8 Hz, or a repeated gradual change from 8 Hz to 12 Hz, or a repeated gradual change from 12 Hz to 8 Hz.

[0031] In this embodiment, the frequency difference can automatically change cyclically between 0.5 Hz and 4 Hz to excite delta waves. The frequency difference can automatically change cyclically between 4 Hz and 8 Hz to excite theta waves. The frequency difference can automatically change cyclically between 8 Hz and 12 Hz to excite alpha waves. The frequency difference can automatically change cyclically between 12 Hz and 20 Hz to excite beta waves. The frequency difference can automatically change cyclically between 25 Hz and 40 Hz to excite gamma waves. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the time period is not long enough, the frequency difference can only become gradually larger or only gradually smaller.

[0032] The brain of each user can not only create better stimulation for one frequency difference, but can generally create better stimulation for stimulating multiple frequency differences. Since the neck earphone according to this embodiment stimulates the user with frequency differences that automatically change cyclically, it can produce better stimulation for multiple frequency differences. Although in this case, the best stimulation is achieved for a given input frequency difference, it cannot last for a long time. Since the neck earphone according to this embodiment stimulates the user with frequency differences that automatically change cyclically and that automatically change cyclically in a selected range, after the user's brain becomes tired, another frequency difference can be used as a replacement in order to again obtain the best stimulation. Finally, the neck earphone according to this embodiment can create better stimulation for exciting brain waves over a longer period of time.

[0033] In this embodiment, the earphone 100 with the binaural beat function may also include an audio connection port 130 and a switch 150. The frequency adjustment circuit 160 is communicatively connected to the audio connection port 130 or the wireless communication means 140 through the switch 150 and receives the above-mentioned external audio signal from the audio connection port 130 or the wireless communication means 140. That is, the frequency adjustment circuit 160 is not communicatively connected to the audio connection port 130 and the wireless communication means 140 at the same time. When the frequency adjustment circuit 160 is communicatively connected to the audio connection port 130, the frequency adjustment circuit 160 is not communicatively connected to the wireless communication means 140. When the frequency control circuit 160 is communicatively coupled with the wireless communication means 140, the frequency control circuit 160 is not communicatively coupled with the audio connection port 130. The switch 150 is configured to determine whether the frequency control circuit 160 is coupled with the audio connection port 130 or the wireless communication means 140. The switch 150 may be a manual switch, such as a mechanical switch, a touch switch, or other types of switches.

[0034] The housing 112 also houses an audio connection port 130 and a switch 150. However, the left ear speaker 110, the right ear speaker 120, the audio connection port 130, the wireless communication means 140, the switch 150 and the frequency adjustment circuit 160 can also be connected by wire without changing the configuration of the housing 112.

[0035] In this embodiment, the earphone 100 with the binaural beat function may also include an audio cable 170. The audio connection port 130 according to this embodiment is an audio jack. The two ends of the audio cable 170 are respectively inserted into the audio connection port 130 and the audio output jack of an analog audio output device, such as the audio output jack 60 of an aircraft. That is, when the user is on an airplane, although the user cannot use wireless methods such as Bluetooth communication to connect to a mobile phone, the user can still receive an external audio signal output from the airplane audio output jack 60 via a wired method through the audio cable 170. In addition, the frequency adjustment circuit 160 can adjust the external audio signal received from the airplane audio output jack 60 to allow the user's left ear and right ear to hear sound waves with frequency differences, so that the user's brain can stimulate the generation of specific brain waves to achieve effects such as improved concentration, comfortable sleep, stress relief, and entering into meditation. In addition, the audio cable 170 can also be connected to the audio output port of an analog audio output device, such as a television, radio, Walkman player, laptop, cruise ship seat, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the frequency adjustment circuit 160 includes, for example, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 162, a frequency adjustment circuit 164, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit 166, which are sequentially connected so as to transmit signals. Typically, the external audio signal received by the frequency adjustment circuit 160 is an analog signal. After the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 162 converts the external audio signal into a digital signal, the frequency adjustment circuit 164 can adjust it to the first audio signal and the second audio signal. Then, the digital-to-analog conversion circuit 166 converts the first audio signal and the second audio signal from digital signals into analog signals to drive the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear.

[0037] The earphone 100 with the binaural beat function according to this embodiment may also include a printed circuit board assembly 180 and a battery 190. The printed circuit board assembly 180 and the battery 190 are located, for example, in the housing 112, wherein the printed circuit board assembly 180 and the battery 190 are located, respectively, on the left and right sides of the housing 112. The audio connection port 130, the wireless communication means 140, the switch 150 and the frequency adjustment circuit 160 are located, for example, on the printed circuit board assembly 180. The battery 190 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly 180, the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear and provides them with power. The left ear speaker 110 and the right ear speaker 120 may be moving coil speakers, moving core speakers, bone conduction speakers, or other types of speakers.

[0038] The earphone 100 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment may also include a wireless receiver 185 configured to receive FM broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts and communicatively connected to the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear via a wire. The wireless receiver 185 may also be located on the printed circuit board assembly 180. The wireless receiver 185 and the wireless communication means 140 perform their respective functions independently. After receiving an FM broadcast or a Bluetooth broadcast, the wireless receiver 185 can transmit an audio signal to the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear. That is, the earphone 100 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment can listen to FM broadcasts, Bluetooth broadcasts, or other wireless broadcasts.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the earphone 200 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment is similar to the earphone 100 with a binaural beat function of FIG. 1, and only the differences between them will be described here. The audio connection port 270 of the earphone 200 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment is an audio plug, and both the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear are communicatively connected to the audio connection port 270 by a wire. Thus, the audio connection port 270 can be inserted into the audio output jack of an aircraft to receive an external audio signal output from the audio output jack of an aircraft by a wire.

[0040] For example, the printed circuit board assembly 180 of the earphone 200 with the binaural beat function according to this embodiment is, for example, housed in a housing together with the speaker 110 for the left ear, and the battery 190 is, for example, housed in a housing together with the speaker 120 for the right ear, or the positions of these two may be changed.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an earphone with a binaural beat function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the earphone 300 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment is similar to the earphone 100 with a binaural beat function of FIG. 1, and only the differences between them will be described here. The audio connection port 370 of the earphone 300 with a binaural beat function according to this embodiment is an audio plug, and both the speaker 110 for the left ear and the speaker 120 for the right ear are communicatively connected to the audio connection port 370 by a wire. In this way, the audio connection port 370 can be wired to the audio output jack of the aircraft to receive an external audio signal output from the audio output jack of the aircraft.

[0042] The earphone 300 with the binaural beat function according to this embodiment may also include a control unit 380. The printed circuit board assembly 180 and the battery 190 are located in the control unit 380. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the audio connection port 130, the wireless communication means 140, the switch 150 and the frequency adjustment circuit 160 are located, for example, on the printed circuit board assembly 180. A plurality of buttons 382 may also be located on the control unit 380 as an operating interface for controlling the switch 150, adjusting the volume, controlling playback and other functions.

[0043] As a result, the earphone with the binaural beat function according to the present invention can receive an external audio signal wired or wirelessly, and can also be used in an airplane where wireless communication is prohibited, and has a wide range of application scenarios. In addition, the frequency adjustment circuit 160 ensures that the sound waves received by the user's two ears have a frequency difference, which allows the user to experience corresponding effects in addition to the auditory perception of sound waves, such as improving concentration, comfortable sleep, stress relief, and entering into meditation.

Claims (15)

1. A headphone with binaural beats function, containing: a left ear speaker configured to provide a first sound wave to the left ear of the user; a right ear speaker configured to provide a second sound wave to the user's right ear; wireless communication device and a frequency control circuit responsively coupled to the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker via a wire and responsively coupled to the wireless communication device, wherein the frequency control circuit is configured to receive an external audio signal from a wireless communication device, wherein the frequency adjustment circuit is configured to adjust the external audio signal to the first audio signal, and then transmit the first audio signal to the left ear speaker such that the left ear speaker emits the first sound wave, wherein the frequency adjustment circuit is configured to adjust the external audio signal to the second audio signal and transmit the second audio signal to the speaker for the right ear in such a way that the speaker for the right ear emits a second sound wave, wherein the first frequency of the first sound wave and the second frequency of the second sound wave have a frequency difference, wherein the earphone also comprises an audio connection port and a manual switch, the frequency adjustment circuit is connected with the possibility of transmitting signals to the audio connection port or a wireless communication means through the switch and is configured to receive an external audio signal from the audio connection port or the wireless communication means, wherein the earphone also comprises an audio cable, the two ends of said audio cable being respectively inserted into an audio connection port and an audio output jack of an analog audio output device, and the earphone comprises a control unit in which the audio connection port, a wireless communication means, a switch and a frequency adjustment circuit are located. 2. An earphone with a binaural beat function according to claim 1, also comprising a wireless receiver configured to receive FM broadcasts or Bluetooth broadcasts and connected with the ability to transmit signals to a speaker for the left ear and a speaker for the right ear via a wire. 3. An earphone with a binaural beat function according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means is configured to enable wireless communication with a mobile telephone, wherein the mobile telephone is configured to transmit an external audio signal. 4. An earphone with a binaural beat function according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means is configured to communicate via Bluetooth. 5. An earphone with a binaural beat function according to claim 1, wherein the frequency adjustment circuit comprises an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a frequency adjustment circuit, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit, which are connected in series to transmit signals. 6. The earphone with a binaural beat function according to claim 1, wherein the left ear speaker and the right ear speaker are moving coil speakers, moving core speakers, or bone conduction speakers.