In Ear-Detection : Behind the Scene
The popularity of true wireless earphones (TWS) has exploded in recent years, as consumers have become more and more interested in the freedom and convenience that they offer. However, one issue that continues to dog these earphones is their tendency to lose connection with each other when users are not actively listening to music. This can be very frustrating for consumers, as it often results in one or both earpieces dropping out unexpectedly.
In order to address this issue, a number of companies have developed technology that can detect when users are wearing their TWS earphones. This technology works by monitoring the audio signal being output by the earpieces. When it detects that both earpieces are being worn, it will keep them connected; but if it detects that one or both earpieces are not present, it will automatically disconnect them. This ensures that listeners never have to worry about their music cutting out unexpectedly.
In-ear detection of TWS earphones is a technology that uses the microphones and proximity sensors in each earbud to detect when they are being worn. This allows the audio to be specifically routed to the correct earbud, providing a better listening experience for the user.
To achieve this, each earbud contains two microphones — one on the front and one on the back. These microphones are used to measure sound levels and determine whether or not both ears are covered by an earphone. The proximity sensor is also located on the back of each bud, and it is used to detect when they are close together (indicating that they are being worn).
When both ears are covered by an earphone, input from both microphones will be combined and sent to both speakers. However, if only one side is covered (or if neither side is covered), input from only one microphone will be sent to either speaker depending on which side is facing forward. This ensures that users always hear audio through just one headphone if they happen to remove one phone from their ears while listening.
While many people may view in-ear detection of TWS earphones as a gimmick, I believe that it is actually a very useful feature. It allows users to focus on their workouts or daily activities without having to worry about losing audio connection between their earpieces. It also helps prevent customers from becoming frustrated with dropped connections, which can often lead them to stop using TWS earphones altogether.
Technology behind the In-ear Detection Physical and Optical
The technology that is used in various in-ear detection technologies for physical and optical has come a long way. There are now a number of different types of technology that can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Physical In-Ear Detection
A capacitive sensor included into the pair of TWS allows for physical in-ear detection. To carry out this function, the sensor measures the body temperature. The temperature is lost from the sensor when the earbud is taken out of your ear, which causes the music to cease playing. The earpiece then senses the temperature once more when you re-insert it and resumes playing the music. This method is less reliable than optical in-ear detection, It is cheaper to use then Optical. Example:- Nothing Ear 1
So yeah, remove the Earbuds, and with your finger close the small dot on it, the music will start to play.
Optical In-Ear Detection
A light sensor built within the TWS is used for optical in-ear detection. This sensor operates in the region of light reflection. The audio on the earbud stops when you remove it from your ear because the light begins to travel past the sensor. Similar to that, when you put the earbud back in, the lights are blocked by your skin and the music resumes. While this method is more reliable than physical in-ear detection and typically faster and more accurate but it is expensive to use. Example:- Xiaomi Mi Wireless Earphones 2
Apple has introduced its patent Skin-Detector Sensor from Airpods 3rd Gen, where it technology accurately detects ear specifically for auto play/pause. To study more on this sensor refer here Patent Public Search Basic | USPTO and search 20220225006.
