JP2009065456

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DESCRIPTION JP2009065456
An object of the present invention is to provide a headphone capable of binaural recording, and
in particular, to provide a technology for utilizing a microphone of a noise cancellation
headphone. An earphone (32) includes an pinna insertion portion (42), a housing (54), and a
microphone rotating body (52). The housing 54 includes a sound guiding tube 50 and a
cylindrical speaker support 56. At the left end of the sound guiding tube 50, an auricle insertion
portion 42 is provided. On the inner wall surface of the speaker support 56, the speaker 44 is
fixed to the inner wall surface on the opposite side (right side in the figure) to the pinna insertion
portion 42. The user rotates the upper portion of the microphone rotation body 52 to selectively
move the microphone 46 to a position at which it functions as a noise canceling microphone and
a position at which it functions as a sound collection microphone for external sound. [Selected
figure] Figure 5
Binaural recording and noise cancellation headphones
[0001]
The present invention relates to noise canceling headphones, and more particularly to binaural
recording and noise canceling headphones having the function of a recording microphone.
[0002]
In recent years, with the spread and price reduction of digital audio players called silicon players
using a flash memory as a recording medium, listening to music using headphones has become
widespread.
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[0003]
In such a situation, it is very difficult to hear music and the like in trains where the noise during
commuting and going to school is intense, etc., and it is necessary to increase the volume.
Naturally, people's hearing is badly harmed, and the people around us are also bothered.
As a means for reducing such noise and making music easier to hear, there is a noise canceling
headphone.
[0004]
FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross-sectional structure of the earphone unit 10 of the inner noise
cancellation headphone. The earphone unit 10 includes a speaker 14, a microphone 16, and an
pinna insertion unit 12. The pinna insertion part 12 is attached to the pinnae part of a person,
and while fixing the earphone part 10 and a person's ear, it reduces the sound leak to the
exterior. The sound output from the speaker 14 is transmitted through the sound guiding tube
20 from the opening 18 to the outside. In the case of reducing external noise, the microphone 16
provided between the speaker 14 and the opening 18 picks up the sound output from the
speaker 14 and the noise coming from the external environment. Subsequently, the signal of the
sound output from the speaker 14 is compared with the signal collected by the microphone 16 to
identify noise coming from the external environment. The specific result is reflected on the sound
signal output from the speaker 14. This type of noise canceling headphone is generally referred
to as feedback controlled noise canceling headphone.
[0005]
In addition, there is a method called binaural recording as a method of performing realistic
recording. In this method, recording is performed by a dummy head such as a mannequin or two
microphones attached to a human ear. By listening to the sound recorded by this method using
headphones, the user can hear a realistic sound as if he were at the recording site.
[0006]
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With regard to this binaural recording, a technology relating to a microphone and headphone
using a unit that combines a speaker and a microphone is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In
this technology, by sharing a unit that combines a speaker and a microphone, it is possible to
realize miniaturization at low cost.
[0007]
On the other hand, many silicon players having not only the reproduction function but also the
recording function are put on the market. Not many users are interested in this recording
function, but it is expected that more users will actively use this recording function in the future.
However, the microphone provided in the above-mentioned silicon player is generally of low
quality and can not always be recorded with satisfactory quality. Therefore, if you intend to
actively use the recording function, you will need to prepare a dedicated microphone separately.
However, as portability is generally emphasized, it is not realistic for the user to carry a
microphone separately at all times. Therefore, a headphone in which the microphone and the
speaker are integrated as described above is desired. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 59157380
[0008]
By the way, although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can realize microphones
and headphones combined with a microphone at low cost, the combination of the functions of
the speaker and the microphone in one speaker allows the user to have the desired quality for
recording. There are challenges that are said to be difficult to achieve. It is preferable to
configure the speaker and the microphone in separate units. In addition, even if the recording is
performed with binaural recording in a sense of reality, the characteristics can not be sufficiently
exhibited unless the sound quality at the time of recording is good.
[0009]
However, in general, assuming that it is often used mainly as a speaker, it may not be possible for
the user to find value in the cost increase due to incorporating the infrequently used microphone
by simply incorporating the microphone. . In fact, most commercially available headphones with
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binaural recording microphones are expensive.
[0010]
Under such background, the inventor has come to recognize that the above-mentioned problems
can be solved by utilizing the microphone used for the noise canceling headphone. In other
words, the noise cancellation headphone already has a built-in microphone. Therefore, by using
this technology, it is possible to avoid the problem that the number of microphones increases and
the cost increases. Also, the performance of the microphone incorporated in the noise canceling
headphone is generally of a satisfactory quality, and has sufficient performance to pick up
external sound.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and its object is to
provide a headphone capable of binaural recording, and in particular to provide a technology for
utilizing a microphone of a noise cancellation headphone.
[0012]
One aspect of the present invention relates to binaural recording and noise canceling
headphones.
This binaural recording and noise canceling headphone has two earphones in which a speaker
and a microphone are integrated, and the first array in which the microphone and the speaker
are arranged in order from the pinna insertion side of the earphone, or An array selection means
for selecting one of the second arrangement in which the speaker and the microphone are
arranged in order from the auricle insertion side; and the microphone has noise in the first
arrangement. The voice of the speaker and the external sound are picked up for cancellation, and
the external sound is picked up for recording in the second arrangement. In addition, the
arrangement selecting means may select any one of the first arrangement and the second
arrangement by moving the microphone. In addition, the arrangement selecting means may
move the position of the microphone by rotating the microphone substantially centering on the
speaker. The display device may further include input blocking means for blocking an input to
the speaker when the second arrangement is selected.
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[0013]
According to the present invention, a new form of headphones capable of binaural recording can
be provided. In particular, it is possible to provide noise-canceling headphones that realize
binaural recording by utilizing a microphone of noise-canceling headphones.
[0014]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the microphone provided in the noise canceling
headphone is used as a microphone function for binaural recording as well as sound collection
for noise cancellation. Here, a pinna inserted type, so-called inner (canal) type headphone is
assumed. As described above, the microphone of the noise cancellation headphone is provided
between the pinnacle insertion unit (also referred to as "ear chip") and the speaker. Naturally, if
the position of the microphone is provided between the speaker and the pinnae insertion unit,
the external sound can not be collected sufficiently. So, in the following embodiment, when using
as a noise cancellation headphone, it arrange ¦ positions in order of the pinnacle insertion part, a
microphone, and a speaker. When using as a microphone for binaural recording, arrange in the
order of the pinna insertion part, the speaker, and the microphone. By arranging in this way,
when used as a microphone function for binaural recording, the microphone is open to the
outside, and the external sound can be collected sufficiently.
[0015]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an
external view of a binaural recording and noise canceling headphone 30 according to the present
embodiment. The binaural recording and noise canceling headphone 30 includes a cable 36 and
first and second earphones 32a and 32b (hereinafter simply referred to as "earphone 32" when
the first and second earphones 32a and 32b are not distinguished from each other). A connection
terminal 38 is provided. The connection terminal 38 is connected to, for example, a silicon audio
player having an audio reproduction and recording function (not shown). Hereinafter, an
apparatus having an audio reproduction and recording function is conveniently referred to as a
"player".
[0016]
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FIG. 2 is an enlarged external view of the earphone 32, and shows the arrangement of the
speaker 44 and the microphone 46 when functioning as a noise canceling headphone. FIG. 3 is
an enlarged external view of the earphone 32, and shows the arrangement of the speaker 44 and
the microphone 46 when functioning as a binaural recording microphone. FIG. 4 is a crosssectional view of the earphone 32, showing the arrangement of the speaker 44 and the
microphone 46 when functioning as a noise canceling headphone. This figure corresponds to the
external view shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the earphone 32, showing the
arrangement of the speaker 44 and the microphone 46 when functioning as a binaural recording
microphone. This figure corresponds to the external view shown in FIG. 6 is a view showing the
appearance of the microphone rotating body 52. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing the
appearance of the housing 54. As shown in FIG.
[0017]
First, the structure of the earphone 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7. The
earphone 32 includes a pinna insertion portion 42, a housing 54, and a microphone rotating
body 52. Further, the cable 36 includes a microphone signal line 72 for transmitting a signal of
the sound collected by the microphone 46 and a speaker signal line 74 for transmitting an audio
signal to be output by the speaker 44.
[0018]
The housing 54 includes a sound guiding tube 50 and a cylindrical speaker support 56. At the
left end of the sound guiding tube 50, an auricle insertion portion 42 is provided. On the inner
wall surface of the speaker support 56, the speaker 44 is fixed to the inner wall surface on the
opposite side (right side in the figure) to the pinna insertion portion 42. On the inner wall surface
of the speaker support 56, a first sound passing hole 58 of a desired size is provided on the side
of the pinnae insertion portion 42 (the left side in the figure). The sound output from the speaker
44 passes through the first sound passing hole 58. Further, a switch 76 is provided immediately
below the location where the speaker 44 is fixed. The switch 76 switches the signal input to the
speaker 44 on or off. In the housing 54, a second sound passing hole 60 is provided on the side
opposite to the side on which the sound guiding tube 50 is provided. In addition, a third sound
passing hole 62 is provided on the opposite side surface.
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[0019]
Then, the microphone rotation body 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape without a bottom
surface, and is fitted so as to cover the speaker support 56. The microphone rotation body 52 is
rotatable around the speaker support 56. A microphone 46 is provided on the side surface of the
microphone rotating body 52. As shown in FIG. 2, a rectangular hole of a desired size is provided
on the side surface of the microphone rotating body 52, and the microphone 46 is supported and
installed from the four directions at the center of the hole. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the
upper portion of the outer side surface of the microphone rotating body 52, a guide groove 80 is
provided only half a circumference.
[0020]
At the upper part of the second sound transmission hole 60, a projecting piece 86 is provided
which protrudes to the inside of the housing 54. When the microphone rotation body 52 rotates,
the projecting piece 86 is in sliding engagement with the guide groove 80. Further, as described
above, the guide groove 80 is provided on the side surface of the microphone rotating body 52
for a half turn, so the microphone rotating body 52 can be rotated by 180 degrees.
[0021]
Further, at both ends of the guide groove 80, concave first fixing holes 82 and second fixing
holes 84 slightly larger than the width of the grooves are provided. The microphone rotating
body 52 is fixed to the housing 54 by the engagement of the first fixing hole 82 and the
projecting piece 86. At this time, the microphone 46 is positioned between the pinna insertion
portion 42 and the speaker 44 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the second fixing hole
84 and the projecting piece 86 are engaged and the microphone rotating body 52 and the
housing 54 are fixed, as shown in FIG. Will be located between When the projecting piece 86 is
engaged with the first fixing hole 82 or the second fixing hole 84, the microphone rotating body
52 does not rotate unless operated by the user.
[0022]
In the microphone rotation body 52, a fourth sound transmission hole 64 having a desired size is
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provided on the side opposite to the side on which the microphone 46 is provided. Further, on
the inner wall surface of the lower part of the microphone rotating body 52 of the microphone
46, a concave switching hole 78 is provided. As described later, when the microphone rotating
body 52 is rotated so that the microphone 46 is on the rear side of the speaker 44, the switching
hole 78 moves to the position of the switch 76, and the pressed state of the switching switch 76
is released. それにより、スイッチ７６は、スピーカ４４をオフにする。 Hereinafter, as
described above, an arrangement in which the sound guiding tube 50, the second sound passing
hole 60, the microphone 46, the first sound passing hole 58, and the speaker 44 are arranged in
order from the auricle insertion side is referred to as a first arrangement.
[0023]
At this time, the sound output from the speaker 44 passes through the first sound passing hole
58, the second sound passing hole 60, and the sound guiding tube 50, and is output from the
sound emitting hole 48 to the outside. Further, the microphone 46 picks up a sound (hereinafter,
also simply referred to as external noise ) that has entered from the outside of the earphone
32 together with the sound output from the first sound passing hole 58. Two sounds of the
picked up voice and the external noise are transmitted as one signal by the microphone signal
line 72 to a player (not shown).
[0024]
The player compares the signal collected by the microphone 46 with the signal of the sound
output from the speaker 44, and corrects the signal of the sound to be output so as to reduce
external noise by feedback control. . In order to reduce external noise by feedback control of an
audio signal, a known technique may be used.
[0025]
Subsequently, a case where the earphone 32 functions as a binaural recording microphone will
be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the microphone 46 disposed between the second sound
passing hole 60 and the first sound passing hole 58 is disposed on the back of the speaker 44.
That is, the sound guiding tube 50, the second sound passing hole 60, the fourth sound passing
hole 64, the first sound passing hole 58, the speaker 44, and the microphone 46 are arranged in
order from the auricle insertion side. An array arranged in this manner is called a second array.
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[0026]
The user rotates the upper part of the microphone rotation body 52 to selectively move the
microphone 46 to a position at which it functions as a noise canceling microphone and a position
at which it functions as a sound collection microphone for external sound. That is, the
microphone rotating body 52 functions as an array selecting unit for selecting one of the first
array and the second array.
[0027]
Here, in the housing 54, the third sound passing hole 62 is provided on the opposite side surface
of the pinna insertion portion 42, so the microphone 46 is open to the outside at this time.
Therefore, the microphone 46 can pick up the external sound well.
[0028]
The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. This embodiment is
an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can
be made to the combination of the respective constituent elements, and such modifications are
also within the scope of the present invention.
[0029]
The present invention can be widely used for headphones that integrally configure a binaural
recording function and a noise cancellation function.
[0030]
It is an outline view of binaural recording and noise cancellation headphones concerning an
embodiment of the invention.
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It is the external view which expanded the earphone part of the binaural recording and noise
cancellation headphone which concerns on embodiment, and is a figure at the time of
functioning as a noise cancellation headphone. It is the external view which expanded the
earphone part of the binaural recording and noise cancellation headphone which concerns on
embodiment, and is a figure at the time of functioning as a microphone for binaural recording. It
is sectional drawing of the earphone which concerns on embodiment, and is a figure at the time
of functioning as a noise cancellation headphone. It is sectional drawing of the earphone which
concerns on embodiment, and is a figure at the time of functioning as a microphone for binaural
recording. It is the figure which showed the microphone rotation body of the earphone which
concerns on embodiment. It is a figure showing the housing of the earphone concerning an
embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the earphone part of a common inner type noise
cancellation headphone.
Explanation of sign
[0031]
30 binaural recording and noise cancellation headphone 32, 32a, 32b earphone 38 connection
terminal 42 pinnacle insertion part 44 speaker 46 microphone 50 sound conduction tube 52
microphone rotating body (array selection means) 54 housing 56 speaker support 76 switch
(input blocking means )
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