Application control method and apparatus for mobile terminal, earphone device and application control system

An apparatus for application control in a mobile terminal, the apparatus comprising:

• an earphone interface configured to detect connection of earphones comprising a non-powered sensor for sensing earphone wearing;
• a reader module configured to send an interrogation signal comprising a preset reference wave to the earphones and to receive a response signal comprising a reflected wave emitted by the non-powered sensor;
• and
• a control unit configured to perform a process of sending, upon detection of earphone connection, the interrogation signal to the sensor of the earphones, receiving the response signal corresponding to the interrogation signal, analyzing the response signal, determining whether the earphones are worn by a user on a basis of comparing a reference value with a difference between the reference wave and the reflected wave, and controlling, when the earphones are not worn, to stop output of an audio signal to the earphones by an application being executed,
• wherein the reflected wave comprises a reflection of the interrogation signal modulated according to physical characteristics, corresponding to an external temperature or pressure, of the non-powered sensor.

An earphone device comprising:

• a head section configured to output an audio signal;
• a non-powered sensor comprising an antenna, arranged at the head section, connected between ground lines of the earphone device, and configured to receive an interrogation signal comprising a preset reference wave from an external device and to output a response signal comprising a reflected wave indicating wearing or non-wearing of the head section on the ear;
• and
• a case configured to enclose the non-powered sensor and head section,
• wherein the reflected wave comprises a reflection of the interrogation signal modulated according to physical characteristics, corresponding to an external temperature or pressure, of the non-powered sensor, and
• wherein the indicating of the wearing or non-wearing is according to a comparison of a reference level with a difference between the reference wave and the reflected wave.

An application control system comprising an earphone device and a mobile terminal, wherein the earphone device comprises:

• a head section configured to output an audio signal;
• a non-powered sensor comprising an antenna, arranged at the head section, connected between ground lines of the earphone device, configured to receive an interrogation signal comprising a preset reference wave from an external device, and to output a response signal comprising a reflected wave indicating wearing or non-wearing of the head section on the ear;
• and
• a case configured to enclose the non-powered sensor and head section,
• wherein the mobile terminal comprises:
• an earphone interface configured to detect connection of the earphone device;
• a reader module configured to send the interrogation signal to the earphone device and to receive the response signal emitted by the non-powered sensor of the earphone device;
• and
• a control unit configured to perform a process of sending, upon detection of earphone connection, the interrogation signal to the sensor of the earphone device, receiving the response signal corresponding to the interrogation signal, analyzing the response signal, and controlling, when the earphone device is not worn, to stop output of an audio signal to the earphone device by an application being executed,
• wherein the analyzing comprises determining the indication of wearing or non-wearing on a basis of comparing a reference value with a difference between the reference wave and the reflected wave, and
• wherein the reflected wave comprises a reflection of the interrogation signal modulated according to physical characteristics, corresponding to an external temperature or pressure, of the non-powered sensor.