(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`
` KIM et al. (43) Pub. Date: Sep. 21, 2017
`
`US 20170272561A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS HEADSET AND METHOD OF
`CONTROLLING THE SAME
`
`.
`.
`(71) Applicant. {EEOELECTRONICS INC., Seoul
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Jaeyoung KIM, Seoul (KR); Kunwoo
`LEE, Seoul (KR); Youngrong KIM,
`Seoul (KR); Jungmun CHUNG, Seoul
`(KR)
`
`(73) Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC., Seoul
`(KR)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`15/506,161
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Aug. 25, 2014
`
`(86) PCT No .
`"
`§ 371 (c)(1),
`(2) Date:
`
`PCT/KR2014/007871
`
`Feb. 23, 2017
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04M 1/60
`H04R 1/10
`H04M 1/05
`H04R 1/08
`(52) U-S- Cl-
`CPC ............ H04M 1/6066 (2013.01); H04R 1/08
`(2013.01); H04R 1/1033 (2013.01); H04R
`1/105 (2013.01); H04M1/05 (2013.01); H04M
`2250/02 (201301)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(200601)
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Disclosed is a wireless headset including: a main body;
`sub-bodies detachably attached to both lateral ends of the
`main body by a retractable cable; earpieces detachably
`attached to the sub-bodies and configured to output a sound
`when supportedly installed in the sub-bodies; and a control-
`ler configured to output the sound wirelessly through the
`earpieces when the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies.
`
`
`
`fl
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1015
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1015
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 1 of 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`
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`WL
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`K
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`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 2 0f 9
`
`US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`[Fig. 3]
`
`100 wireless headset
`
`10 Main body
`111
`180
`1
`IF ___________________________________________ ‘i
`123;
`user
`input
`first wireless
`1
`unit
`interface
`:
`1 _______________ 1
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`second
`
`third
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`interface unit
`I
`i
`1_ ____________ 4
`
`20 Sub body
`
`30 Eargiece
`
`[Fig 4]
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`interface unit
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`1
`interface unit
`i. ____________ J
`
`V164
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`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`
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`@
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`141 f“(( _' \ 131
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`receive audio signal
`from external audio source
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`3100
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`sound output mode depending on
`control
`whether earpiece is separated from sub—body
`
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`
`
`wireless mode
`
`wired mode
`
`$130
`
`
`
`3120
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 4 of 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`[Fig. 9]
`
`
`wireless headset main body(10)
`
`earpiece(30)
`
`receive sound from
`external audio source
`
`
`
`
`
`sub—body is
`NO
`
`separated from main body
`by retractable
`
`cable?
`
`
`earpiece is
`separated from
`
`sub—body?
`
`
`speaker
`mode
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`
`$120
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`YES
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`wired mode
`
`
`transmit a sensing signal
`
`
` 8130 wireless mode
`
`transmit a first control signal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`activate second
`wireless interface
`
`transmit an audio signal
`
`output sound in
`wireless mode
`
`[Fig. 10]
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 5 of 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
`
`
`
`recouple earpiece separated
`from sub—body to sub—body
`
`$200
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sub—body is
`YES
`attached to main
`
`body?
`
`
`switch sound output
`mode from wireless
`
`
`
` switch sound output
`
`
`
` $220
`mode from wireless
`mode to wired mode
`mode to speaker mode
`
`
`
`8230
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 6 0f 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`7
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 7 0f 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
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`[Fig. 15]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`output sound according to wired mode
`
`
`
`
`
`earpiece is separated
`from sub—body?
`
`
`
`switch to wireless mode
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S300
`
`S310
`
`S320
`
`output sound wirelessly by maintaining
`sound output conditions of wired mode
`
`S330
`
`8
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 8 of 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
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`
`[Fig. 17]
`
`output sound in speaker mode
`
`
`
`
`
`
`earpiece is separated
`from sub—body?
`
`
`
`switch to wireless mode
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S400
`
`S410
`
`S420
`
`change sound output conditions in speaker
`mode to fit wireless mode and output sound
`
`S430
`
`[Fig. 18]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[activate microphone]
`
`9
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 21, 2017 Sheet 9 0f 9
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`US 2017/0272561 A1
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`[Fig. 19]
`
`»
`
`30
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`20
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`
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`
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`
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`4 y\ [volume 5]
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`[volume 8]
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`10
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`10
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`

`

`US 2017/0272561A1
`
`Sep. 21,2017
`
`WIRELESS HEADSET AND METHOD OF
`CONTROLLING THE SAME
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless headset
`capable of providing various usage states for a user depend-
`ing on a way the user wears it, and a method of controlling
`the same.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`[0002] Recently, users may use electronic devices such as
`a cellular phone, an MP3, and the like, wirelessly by using
`headsets for wireless communication in addition.
`
`[0003] Usability of headsets for wireless communication
`is attributed to the advancement of near-field communica-
`
`tion (NFC) technology such as BluetoothTM, wireless local
`area network (WLAN), wireless personal area network
`(WPAN), radio frequency identification (RFID), or the like.
`[0004] Usage of headsets for wireless communication has
`expanded in line with the development of various new
`electronic devices and wireless communication technolo-
`
`gies, but most products have been focused merely on a
`wireless communication function, and thus, it is required to
`increase usage of wireless headsets by improving structural
`characteristics of wireless headsets to diversify wireless
`communication functions thereof.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`
`Technical Problem
`
`[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to
`solve the foregoing problems and any other problems.
`[0006] Also, another object of the present invention is to
`provide a wireless headset providing various usage states for
`a user depending on a way the user wears the wireless
`headset, and a method of controlling the same.
`[0007] Also, another object of the present invention is to
`provide a wireless headset capable of using an earpiece that
`can be connected to a body of the wireless headset wiredly
`or wirelessly by improving structural characteristics of an
`earpiece, thus increasing user convenience, and a control
`method thereof.
`
`Solution to Problem
`
`[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a wireless headset including: a main body;
`sub-bodies detachably attached to both lateral ends of the
`main body by a retractable cable; earpieces detachably
`attached to the sub-bodies and configured to output a sound
`when supportedly installed in the sub-bodies; and a control-
`ler configured to output the sound wirelessly through the
`earpieces when the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies.
`
`[0009] The wireless headset may further include a first
`wireless interface configured to perform wireless commu-
`nication with an external audio source, wherein the control-
`ler may receive an audio signal from the audio source
`through the first wireless interface and output the sound
`through the earpieces.
`[0010] The earpieces may each further include a second
`wireless interface configured to perform wireless commu-
`nication with the first wireless interface, wherein when the
`
`earpieces are separated from the sub-bodies, the controller
`may activate the second wireless interface.
`[0011] The first wireless interface and the second wireless
`interface may include at least one among a BluetoothTM
`interface, a Wi-Fi interface, and near-field communication
`(NFC) interface.
`[0012] The earpieces each may include a first sensing unit
`configured to sensing whether the earpieces are coupled to
`or separated from the sub-bodies.
`[0013] The controller may receive a sensing signal indi-
`cating separation of the earpieces from the first sensing unit
`and activate the second wireless interface.
`
`[0014] The earpieces each may be coupled to or separated
`from the sub-bodies by predetermined elasticity.
`[0015] The earpieces may each include a speaker module,
`and when the earpieces each are installed in the sub-bodies,
`the controller may control the earpieces to be operated in a
`speaker mode to output the sound outwardly through the
`speaker module.
`[0016] The controller may control a sound output mode of
`the earpieces, as a wired mode or a wireless mode depending
`on whether the earpieces are installed in the sub-bodies.
`[0017] The wireless headset may further include a second
`sensing unit configured to sense whether the retractable
`cable has been drawn out from or inserted into the main
`
`body based on the lateral ends of the main body.
`[0018] When the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies and the retractable cable is determined to have been
`
`drawn out from the main body based on a sensing signal
`from the second sensing unit, the controller may switch the
`sound output mode of the earpieces from the wired mode to
`the wireless mode.
`
`[0019] When the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies and the retractable cable is determined to have been
`
`inserted into the main body so the sub-bodies are attached to
`the main body based on a sensing signal from the second
`sensing unit, the controller may switch the sound output
`mode of the earpieces from the speaker mode to the wireless
`mode.
`
`In a state in which the retractable cable is drawn out
`[0020]
`from the main body, when the earpieces separated from the
`sub-bodies are recoupled to the sub-bodies, the controller
`may switch the sound output mode of the earpieces from the
`wireless mode to the wired mode.
`
`In a state in which the retractable cable is inserted
`[0021]
`into the main body so the sub-bodies are attached to the main
`body, when the earpieces separated from the sub-bodies are
`recoupled to the sub-bodies, the controller may switch the
`sound output mode of the earpieces from the wireless mode
`to the speaker mode.
`[0022] When the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies while the sound is being output in the wired mode,
`the controller may temporarily stop outputting the sound,
`and when the earpieces are worn on the user’s ears, the
`controller may resume outputting the stopped sound.
`[0023] When the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies so the sound output mode is switched to the wireless
`mode while the sound is being output in the wired mode, the
`controller may maintain sound output conditions of the
`wired mode.
`
`[0024] When the earpieces are separated from the sub-
`bodies so the sound output mode is switched to the wireless
`mode while the sound is being output in the speaker mode,
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 2017/0272561A1
`
`Sep. 21,2017
`
`the controller may change the sound output conditions in the
`wired mode to fit the wireless mode.
`
`[0025] The earpieces may each further include a micro-
`phone, and when the retractable cable is drawn out from the
`main body by a predetermined length in a state in which the
`earpieces are installed in the sub-bodies, the controller may
`activate the function of the microphones.
`[0026] The controller may control a sound output volume
`in the speaker mode depending on a length of the retractable
`cable drawn out from or inserted into the main body.
`[0027] The main body may be a neck band-type body.
`[0028] According to another aspect of the present inven-
`tion, there is provided a method of controlling a wireless
`headset, including: receiving an audio signal from an exter-
`nal audio source through a first wireless interface; and
`controlling a sound output mode to operate as a wired mode
`or a wireless mode depending on whether earpieces detach-
`ably attached to sub-bodies detachably attached to both
`lateral ends of a main body by a retractable cable are coupled
`to the sub-bodies, wherein when the earpieces are separated
`from the sub-bodies, a sound corresponding to the audio
`signal is wirelessly output through a wireless link estab-
`lished between a second wireless interface of the earpieces
`and the first wireless interface.
`
`Advantageous Effects of Invention
`
`[0029] The effects of the wireless headset and the control
`method thereof according to embodiments of the present
`invention are as follows.
`
`[0030] According to at least one of embodiments of the
`present invention, an earpiece separated from a body of a
`wireless headset may output a sound wirelessly based on the
`wireless headset. Thus, user convenience of the wireless
`headset can be enhanced.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a user who wears a
`[0031]
`wireless headset according to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating
`[0032]
`major components of the wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0033]
`FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a wireless
`headset according to an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an appearance of a
`[0034]
`wireless headset related to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of sepa-
`[0035]
`rating a sub-body with an earpiece attached thereto from a
`main body in the wireless headset illustrated in FIG. 4.
`[0036]
`FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of sepa-
`rating earpieces from the wireless headset illustrated in FIG.
`4.
`
`FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an appearance of the
`[0037]
`earpiece separated from the body of the wireless headset
`according to an embodiment of the present invention.
`[0038]
`FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of
`controlling a wireless headset according to an embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0039]
`FIG. 9 is a flow chart specifically illustrating a
`method of controlling a wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 10 is a conceptual view of outputting a sound
`[0040]
`in a wired mode from the wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0041]
`FIG. 11 is a conceptual view of outputting a sound
`in a wireless mode from the wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0042]
`FIG. 12 is a conceptual view of outputting a sound
`in a speaker mode from the wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0043]
`FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating another example
`of a method of controlling a wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0044]
`FIGS. 14 and 15 are views illustrating the embodi-
`ment illustrated in FIG. 13.
`
`FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating another example
`[0045]
`of a method of controlling a wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0046]
`FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating another example
`of a method of controlling a wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0047]
`FIGS. 18 and 19 are views illustrating examples of
`using a wireless headset according to an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`MODE FOR THE INVENTION
`
`[0048] Description will now be given in detail according
`to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference
`to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief descrip-
`tion with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent
`components may be provided with the same reference
`numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In
`general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used
`to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix
`herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the
`specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any
`special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that
`which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant
`art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The
`accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand
`various technical features and it should be understood that
`
`the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the
`accompanying drawings. As such,
`the present disclosure
`should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents
`and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set
`out in the accompanying drawings.
`[0049]
`It will be understood that although the terms first,
`second, etc. may be used herein to describe various ele-
`ments, these elements should not be limited by these terms.
`These terms are generally only used to distinguish one
`element from another.
`
`is
`It will be understood that when an element
`[0050]
`referred to as being “connected with” another element, the
`element can be connected with the other element or inter-
`
`vening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an
`element is referred to as being “directly connected with”
`another element, there are no intervening elements present.
`[0051] A singular representation may include a plural
`representation unless it represents a definitely different
`meaning from the context. Terms such as “include” or “has”
`are used herein and should be understood that they are
`intended to indicate an existence of several components,
`functions or steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is
`also understood that greater or fewer components, functions,
`or steps may likewise be utilized.
`
`12
`
`12
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`

`

`US 2017/0272561A1
`
`Sep. 21,2017
`
`FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a user who wears a
`[0052]
`wireless headset according to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a system of using a wireless
`headset according to an embodiment of the present invention
`may include a wireless headset 100 and an external audio
`source 200. The wireless headset 100 may perform wireless
`communication with the audio source 200 Via a wireless link
`WL
`
`[0054] The wireless communication may be performed as
`near-field communication (NFC). The wireless headset 100
`and the audio source 200 includes an NFC module (not
`shown), respectively. The NFC modules, which serve for
`short-range communication, supports short-range commu-
`nication using at least one of BluetoothTM, radio frequency
`identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra
`wideband (UWB), ZigBeeTM, NFC, wireless-fidelity (Wi-
`Fi), Wi-Fi direct, and wireless universal serial bus (USE).
`The NFC modules may support wireless communication
`between the wireless headset 100 and a wireless communi-
`
`cation system and between the wireless headset 100 and the
`external audio source 200 via a wireless area network. The
`
`WAN may be a wireless personal area network.
`[0055] The external audio source 200 may include a
`mobile terminal, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, a
`smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), etc.), an MP3
`player, or the like, which may be able to exchange data with
`the wireless headset 100. However, a type of the audio
`source 200 is not limited thereto as long as it can transmit
`audio data from the wireless headset 100 according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0056] The NFC module of the wireless headset 100 may
`sense (or recognize) a mobile terminal, a wearable device, or
`the like, that may be able to communicate with the wireless
`headset 100 around the wireless headset 100. Further, in a
`case in which the sensed terminal (mobile terminal, wear-
`able device, or the like) is a device authenticated to com-
`municate with the wireless headset 100 according to an
`embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of
`data processed in the wireless headset 100 may be trans-
`mitted to the wearable device or the mobile terminal through
`the NFC module.
`
`[0057] The wireless headset 100 according to an embodi-
`ment of the present invention may receive audio and any
`other information from the external audio source 200
`
`through the wireless link WL established through the NFC.
`[0058] The wireless headset 100 may be a neck band-type
`product, and wearing the wireless headset 100 around the
`neck, the user may wear, on the ear, an earpiece 30 that can
`be connected to the body of the wireless headset 100 wiredly
`or wirelessly.
`[0059] Audio signals transmitted through the wireless link
`WL between the wireless headset 100 and the audio source
`
`200 may be digitized audio sampled from an industrial
`standard rate of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 44.1 KHZ).
`[0060] The wireless headset 100 includes the earpiece 30,
`and the earpiece 30 may have a physical shape or size
`appropriate to be worn on the user’s ear. Meanwhile, the
`earpiece 30 is detachably attached to the body of the wireless
`headset 100, and thus, the earpiece 30 may be separated
`from the body of the wireless headset 100 to operate
`wirelessly. Also, the earpiece 30 is separable from the body
`of the wireless headset 100 by a retractable cable and may
`
`be connected to the body of the wireless headset 100 by a
`cable to operate in a wired manner.
`[0061] According to an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion, the wireless headset 100 may receive an audio signal
`from the audio source 200 through the wireless link WL, and
`the earpiece 30 installed in the wireless headset 100 may be
`separate from the body of the wireless headset 100 wiredly
`or wirelessly and a sound corresponding to the audio signal
`may be output through the earpiece 30. Meanwhile, accord-
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention, when the
`earpiece 30 is not separated from the body of the wireless
`headset 100, the sound corresponding to the audio signal
`may be output outwardly using the earpiece 30 as a speaker.
`[0062] Hereinafter, the wireless headset 100 for outputting
`a sound through the earpiece installed in the wireless headset
`100 according to an embodiment of the present invention
`will be described through a basic block diagram.
`[0063]
`FIG. 2 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating
`major components of the wireless headset according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless headset 100 may
`include a first earpiece 110, a second earpiece 120, and a first
`wireless interface 130. The wireless headset 100 may estab-
`lish a wireless link with the audio source 200 through the
`first wireless interface 130 and receive a predetermined
`audio signal from the audio source 200.
`[0065] Meanwhile, in a case in which the first earpiece 110
`and the second earpiece 120 are not separated from the body
`of the wireless headset 100, the wireless headset 100 may
`utilize the first earpiece 110 and the second earpiece 120 as
`speakers and output a sound 81 outwardly through the
`speakers.
`[0066] Meanwhile, when the first earpiece 110 and the
`second earpiece 120 are separated from the body of the
`wireless headset 100 wiredly or wirelessly,
`the wireless
`headset 100 may utilize the first earpiece 110 and the second
`earpiece 120 as earphone speakers to output sounds S21 and
`S22. In this case,
`the first earpiece 110 and the second
`earpiece 120 may be worn on the user’s ear.
`[0067] When the first earpiece 110 and the second earpiece
`120 are separately from the wireless headset wirelessly, the
`earpieces 110 and 120 may perform wireless communication
`with the body of the wireless headset 100 through a prede-
`termined wireless interface to output a sound.
`[0068]
`FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a wireless
`headset according to an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`[0069] The wireless headset 100 may include a main body
`10, a sub-body 20, and an earpiece 30. The components
`illustrated in FIG. 3 are not essential in implementing the
`wireless headset according to an embodiment of the present
`invention and the wireless headset described in the present
`disclosure may include greater or fewer components.
`[0070] The main body 10 may include a first wireless
`interface 111, a user input unit 123, a second sensing unit
`142, a display unit 151, a memory 170, and a power supply
`unit 190.
`
`In detail, among the components, the first wireless
`[0071]
`interface 111 may include one or more modules allowing for
`wireless communication with the external audio source 200.
`
`[0072] The user input unit 123 may include a push key (or
`a mechanical key) for receiving information from a user, or
`the like. Data collected from the user input unit 123 may be
`analyzed and processed as a control command of the user.
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`[0073] The second sensing unit 142 may sense whether the
`main body 10 and the sub-body 20 connected to the main
`body 10 by a retractable cable are coupled or separated. The
`second sensing unit 142 may be a sensing means positioned
`in a cross-section where the main body 10 and the sub-body
`20 are coupled and formed of a magnetic material capable of
`sensing whether the main body 10 and the sub-body 20 are
`coupled magnetically.
`[0074] The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered
`structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in
`order to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may
`provide an output interface between the wireless headset 100
`and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123
`which provides an input
`interface between the wireless
`headset 100 and the user.
`
`[0075] The first interface unit 161 serves as an interface
`with various types of external devices that can be coupled to
`the wireless headset 100. The first interface unit 151 is
`
`provided in the main body 10 and serves as an interface for
`connection with the sub-body 20. The first interface unit 151
`may be a retractable cable allowing the main body 10 and
`the sub-body 20 to be connected therethrough.
`[0076] The memory 170 may store data to support various
`functions of the wireless headset 100. The memory 170 may
`be configured to store application programs or applications
`executed in the wireless headset 100, and data or commands
`for operations of the wireless headset 100. At least some of
`the application programs may be downloaded from the
`external audio source 200 through wireless communication.
`[0077] The controller 180 typically functions to control
`overall operation of the wireless headset 100, in addition to
`the operations associated with the application programs.
`[0078]
`For example, the controller 180 may sense whether
`the sub-body is separated from the main body 10 by a
`sensing signal from the second sensing unit 142.
`[0079] Also, for example, depending on whether the ear-
`piece 30 is installed in the sub-body 20 or whether the
`sub-body 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the controller
`180 may provide control to output a sound in any one of a
`wired mode, a wireless mode, and a speaker mode, as a
`sound output mode, through the earpiece 30.
`[0080] Also, for example, when the earpiece 30 is sepa-
`rated from the sub-body 20, the controller 180 may receive
`a control signal indicating that the earpiece 30 has been
`separated from the sub-body 20 through a second wireless
`interface 112. As the earpiece 30 is separated from the
`sub-body 20,
`the controller 180 may provide control to
`output a sound through the earpiece 30 wirelessly.
`[0081] Details of controlling a sound output mode of the
`earpiece 30 will be described hereinbelow.
`[0082] The power supply unit 190 may be configured to
`receive external power or provide internal power in order to
`supply appropriate power required for operating elements
`and components included in the wireless headset 100 under
`the control of the controller 180. The power supply unit 190
`may include a battery, and the battery may be configured as
`an internal battery or a replaceable battery.
`[0083] The components of the main body 10 have been
`described so far.
`
`[0084] The sub-body 20 may include a second interface
`unit 162 connected to the first interface unit 161 of the main
`
`body 10. Also, the sub-body 20 may include a third interface
`unit 162 connected to the earpiece 30. The third interface
`unit 162 may have certain elasticity such that the earpiece 30
`
`is detachably attached, and may be configured to be elasti-
`cally coupled with the earpiece 30.
`[0085] The earpiece 30 may include the second wireless
`interface 112, a speaker module 131, a first sensing unit 141,
`a microphone 120, and a fourth interface unit 164.
`[0086]
`In a state in which the earpiece 30 is separated from
`the sub-body 20, the second wireless interface 112 estab-
`lishes a wireless link with the first wireless interface 111.
`
`The second wireless interface 112 may receive a certain
`audio signal from the main body 10 through the wireless
`link.
`
`interface 112 may
`the second wireless
`[0087] Also,
`receive a control signal from the controller 180 of the main
`body 10, and the control signal may control a sound output
`mode of the earpiece 30.
`[0088]
`In a state in which the earpiece 30 is attached to the
`sub-body 20 and the sub-body 20 is coupled to the main
`body 10,
`the speaker module 131 may output a sound
`corresponding to the audio signal outwardly. In this case, the
`wireless headset 100 according to an embodiment of the
`present invention may serve as a speaker to output an audio
`signal transmitted from the external audio source 200 out-
`wardly.
`[0089] The first sensing unit 141 may sense whether the
`earpiece 30 is separated from or coupled to the sub-body 20
`and transmit a sensing signal corresponding to a state in
`which the earpiece 30 is separated from or coupled to the
`sub-body 20, to the controller 180 of the main body 10.
`[0090] The microphone 120 may be provided on one side
`of the earpiece 30 to convert a sound input from the user into
`an electrical signal. The microphone 120 may be activated in
`a state in which the sub-body 20 is drawn from the main
`body 10 by a retractable cable and the earpiece 30 is not
`separated from the sub-body 20.
`[0091] The fourth interface unit 164 may serve as an
`interface for connection with the sub-body 20. As described
`above, the fourth interface unit 164 provided in the earpiece
`30, a member having certain elasticity, may be elastically
`coupled to the third interface unit 163 of the sub-body 20.
`[0092] Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control
`method that may be implemented by the wireless headset
`configured as described above will be described with refer-
`ence to the accompanying drawings. It may be obvious to a
`person skilled in the art that the present invention may be
`embodied to any other specific form without departing from
`the spirit and essential characteristics of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an appearance of a
`[0093]
`wireless headset related to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, the wireless headset according
`to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main
`body 10, sub-bodies 21 and 22 coupled to both sides of the
`main body 10, and earpieces 31 and 32 detachably attached
`to certain recesses provided in the sub-bodies 20.
`[0095] The main body 10 may be designed as a neck band
`type so as to be worn on the user’s neck.
`[0096]
`FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of sepa-
`rating a sub-body with an earpiece attached thereto from the
`main body in the wireless headset illustrated in FIG. 4.
`[0097] Referring to FIG. 5,
`the sub-body 20 may be
`connected to the main body 10 wiredly through a retractable
`cable 40. When the retractable cable 40 is completely
`inserted into the main body 10, the sub-body 20 may be
`
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`attached to the main body 10. When the retractable cable 40
`is drawn out from the main body 10, the sub-body 20 may
`not be physically attached to the main body 10 but be
`connected to the main body 10 wiredly by the retractable
`cable 40.
`
`[0098] The sub-body 20 may have a recess on which the
`earpiece 30 is coupled, and the retractable cable 40 is
`connected to one surface 21 of the sub-body 20. Meanwhile,
`as the retractable cable 40 is inserted into the main body 10,
`the one surface 21 of the sub-body 20 may be attached to one
`surface 11 of the main body 10.
`[0099]
`For example, the one surface 21 of the sub-body 20
`and the one surface 11 of the main body 10 may have
`magnetism and may be attached to each other through
`magnetic coupling.
`[0100]
`FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of sepa-
`rating earpieces from the wireless headset illustrated in FIG.
`4.
`
`[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, in the wireless headset 100
`according to an embodiment of the present invention, the
`earpiece 30 may be separated from the body. For example,
`the sub-body 20 includes a predetermined recess, and the
`earpiece 30, in a state of being inserted in the recess, may be
`coupled to the sub-body 20.
`[0102] The earpiece 30 may be maintained in a state of
`being elastically coupled to the sub-body 20, and as the
`elastic coupling is released by external pressure, the earpiece
`30 may be separated from the recess of the sub-body 20.
`Conversely, when the earpi