Earphone system
Earphones are configured to include an ear-tip to accommodate insertion into an ear canal and provide a leak free or low leakage acoustic connection between a speaker embedded in the earphone body and the ear. The earphone in this disclosure is further configured to attach to an earphone support member which provides either mechanical or user functionality to the earphone.
1 . An earphone comprising:
an earphone body;
an earphone tip removably connected to a first end of the earphone body and configured to be received in an entrance of an ear canal;
an earphone support member; and
detachable connection structure configured to detachably connect the earphone support member to a second end of the earphone body,
wherein the detachable connection structure comprises a magnetic attachment,
wherein the earphone support member includes at least a sensor embedded therein.
2 . The earphone of claim 1 , wherein the earphone support member further includes at least one of a battery; a light source; a sound source; any combination of these.
3 . The earphone of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an image sensor; an image sensor or 3 D sensor for gesture recognition; a time of flight sensor; an IR sensor; an acoustic sensor; a microphone; a vibration sensor; a gyro meter; an acceleration sensor; a temperature sensor; a pressure sensor; or combinations of these sensors.
4 . The earphone of claim 1 , wherein the earphone support member has one or more electric connections to the earphone body, wherein any of said connections provides at least power; communication; interlock; or combination of these.
5 . The earphone of claim 1 , wherein the earphone support member has a wireless connection to the earphone body providing either communication and/or power.
6 . The earphone of claim 1 , wherein the earphone body comprises a speaker.
7 . The earphone of claim 6 , wherein the speaker is an audio generating transducer in the form of a micro electo mechanical device (MEMS).
8 . An earphone comprising:
an earphone body;
an earphone tip removably connected to a first end of the earphone body and configured to be received in an entrance of an ear canal;
an earphone support member; and
detachable connection structure configured to detachably connect the earphone support member to a second end of the earphone body,
wherein the earphone tip comprises of a flexible material and is attached to the earphone body using mechanical friction,
wherein the detachable connection structure comprises a magnetic attachment, and
wherein the earphone support member includes at least a sensor embedded therein.