Bracelet having wireless communication function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bracelet having a wireless communication function. This bracelet includes: a control circuit module on which a control integrated circuit device (IC chip) and a frequency adjustment circuit are mounted, the IC chip being capable of contactless short-range wireless communication with an external terminal; a body portion configured in the shape of a bracelet having two ends, formed of a metal or noble metal material having electrical conductivity, and the ends of which are electrically connected to a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit device, respectively; and a fastening module configured to fasten the ends of a first body and second body of the body portion to each other. The body portion is configured to operate as a loop antenna of the control integrated circuit device.

Description

Bracelet with wireless communication function

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracelet having a wireless communication function, and more specifically, to a bracelet having a wireless communication function characterized in that it is equipped with a control integrated circuit element capable of communicating with an external terminal and the body of the bracelet made of a metal material is configured to operate as a loop antenna for the control integrated circuit element, thereby enabling the bracelet to be used as a credit card or ID card requiring short-range wireless communication without having a separate loop antenna.

[0002] Not only has credit card use increased recently, but transportation cards and debit cards are also increasingly used for small-sum payments. Depending on the usage pattern of these cards, various methods are being proposed to minimize the risk of card loss while ensuring ease of use.

[0003] As an example of such a method, ring-shaped credit cards have been proposed. Korean Utility Model No. 20-0294180 relates to a "ring with an embedded IC chip." The ring is disclosed to have an IC chip embedded in an accessory such as a ring or watch to form an IC guard, thereby enabling the ring to perform various functions such as a credit card, transportation card, electronic money, parking lot card, or department store card. The ring with an embedded IC chip according to the above-described design has a structure in which a loop antenna connected to an IC chip that provides a contactless short-range wireless communication function is wrapped around the body of the ring several times. The loop antenna connected to the IC chip performs contactless short-range wireless communication with an external terminal, and through contactless short-range wireless communication, the loop antenna generates an induced current that is provided to the IC chip and also transmits and receives data with the external terminal.

[0004] However, if the loop antenna is wrapped around a metal material, the metal material attenuates the signal strength received from the external terminal. This prevents the loop antenna from generating an induced current and makes data transmission and reception with the external terminal difficult.

[0005] Therefore, to ensure the IC chip's contactless, short-range wireless communication capabilities, the ring body must be made of a non-conductive, electrically insulating material. Therefore, the ring according to the aforementioned design cannot be made of conductive metal or precious metal, and must be made of a non-conductive, insulating material, such as a synthetic resin like plastic or ceramic.

[0006] Meanwhile, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0445348 relates to a "transportation card," and discloses a transportation card having a transportation card chip, a loop antenna, and a capacitor, wherein two terminals of the loop antenna and two terminals of the capacitor are connected in parallel to two terminals of the transportation card chip, and the loop antenna is formed to be wound concentrically 3 to 5 times and is built into the inside of the loop portion, and the transportation card chip and capacitor are built into the inside of the body portion. However, in the aforementioned design as well, it is explicitly stated that the loop portion and the body portion must be molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin in order to prevent a state of communication failure between the transportation card and the card terminal due to electromagnetic shielding.

[0007] Accordingly, although the transportation card according to the above-mentioned design can be manufactured in the form of a ring or bracelet, it has a technical limitation in that the body of the ring or bracelet must be manufactured from a non-conductive material and cannot be manufactured from a conductive material such as a metal material or a precious metal material.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, Korean Patent No. 10-2070245 was proposed. The patent relates to "Metal jewelry having a non-contact short-range wireless communication function and a manufacturing method thereof," and is characterized by a metal body comprising a slit formed therein. Furthermore, the metal jewelry of the aforementioned patent is characterized by a loop antenna arranged to wrap around the body multiple times, thereby enabling a control integrated circuit element to communicate with an external terminal in a non-contact manner. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views and exploded perspective views of the ring disclosed in the aforementioned prior art patent.

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the case of a metal accessory (1) having a ring shape, such as a ring, as described above, when the body (120) is made of a metal material, a slit (Slit; S1) must be formed in a portion of the body to enable communication between the loop antenna (110) and the integrated circuit element (100). Since the middle region of the body is cut due to this slit, an insulating material (130) must be inserted into the middle region of the body to connect the cut portion. Therefore, the metal accessory having the structure described above is not only difficult to manufacture and has the problem of weakening the durability of the accessory, but also has limitations in terms of design.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned structure, the antenna coil must be arranged and fixed so as to be wound several times around the body to form a loop antenna. At this time, the loop antenna must be formed to a preset length to achieve the signal strength required for smooth data transmission and reception with an external terminal. However, the process of mounting an antenna coil having a predetermined length on the body is not easy. Therefore, due to the mounting process of the antenna coil and other components, the aforementioned ring-shaped metal accessory is not easy to manufacture.

[0011] Meanwhile, among metal accessories, bracelets and necklaces typically include a fastening module or length adjustment module for wearing. The fastening module is composed of a locking device and can be detached or fastened during use. In addition, the length adjustment module can be lengthened or shortened overall by the user's manipulation. Figure 3 is a series of photographs illustrating typical bracelets having various types of fastening modules or length adjustment modules. As illustrated in Figure 3, bracelets include (a) a bangle type with a hinge structure, (b) a type equipped with a locking device, and (c) a type with adjustable length.

[0012] To provide wireless communication capabilities to a bracelet of the general structure described above, a control integrated circuit element and a loop antenna must be mounted on the bracelet. However, not only is it difficult to secure the loop antenna to the bracelet during the manufacturing process, but if the loop antenna is wound multiple times around the body of the bracelet, it is impossible to mount a fastening module or length adjustment module. Therefore, metal accessories such as bracelets that require fastening modules or length adjustment modules are difficult to mount a loop antenna on. This makes it difficult for metal accessories such as bracelets to provide wireless communication capabilities that require a loop antenna.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a bracelet having a wireless communication function, which is configured to be used as a credit card, etc., without a separate loop antenna, by mounting a control integrated circuit element capable of wirelessly communicating with an external terminal and configuring a body made of a metal material to perform a loop antenna function.

[0014] According to the first feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described technical task, a bracelet having a wireless communication function comprises: a control circuit module having a control integrated circuit element (IC chip) mounted thereon capable of non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal; and a body part in the shape of a bracelet having both ends, the body part being made of an electrically conductive metal or precious metal material, the both ends being electrically connected to a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element, respectively; wherein the body part is configured to operate as an antenna of the control integrated circuit element.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described technical task, a bracelet having a wireless communication function comprises: a control circuit module having a control integrated circuit element (IC chip) mounted thereon capable of non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal; a body part having a bracelet shape and comprising a first body and a second body separated from each other, the body part being made of an electrically conductive metal or precious metal material, one end of the first body and the second body being electrically connected to a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element, respectively; and a fastening module configured to fasten ends of the first body and the second body of the body part, which are not connected to the control circuit module, to each other, and the fastening module being made of an electrically conductive metal or precious metal material, wherein the body part is configured to operate as an antenna of the control integrated circuit element.

[0016] In the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention having the first and second features described above, it is preferable that the control circuit module is connected between the control integrated circuit element and the body part so as to be configured to match the operating frequencies of the body part and the control integrated circuit element.

[0017] In the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention having the first and second features described above, it is preferable that the frequency adjustment circuit is configured to include one or more resistance elements; and one or more capacitors connected to the resistance elements.

[0018] In a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention having the first and second features described above, the frequency adjustment circuit may be configured to include a capacitor connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element; and a resistance element connected between the first antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element and one end of the body portion.

[0019] In the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention having the first and second features described above, it is preferable that the control integrated circuit element be a non-contact integrated circuit element configured to perform electronic payment by transmitting and receiving data by communicating with an external terminal through the body part that functions as the antenna.

[0020] The bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention having the structure described above is configured to have an integrated circuit element capable of wireless communication with an external terminal and a body made of a metal material to perform a loop antenna function, so that it can be used as a credit card, etc.

[0021] In addition, the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention is easy to manufacture and can be manufactured without a separate loop antenna by configuring the body part made of metal to perform the function of a loop antenna.

[0022] Furthermore, the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention does not require a slit to be formed in a portion of the body for wireless communication of the control integrated circuit element, even if the body is made of an electrically conductive metal material or a precious metal material. Therefore, the bracelet according to the present invention can improve structural durability.

[0023] Furthermore, the bracelet with wireless communication function according to the present invention can be equipped with various types of fastening modules or length adjustment modules by configuring the body portion made of metal to function as a one-turn loop antenna. Accordingly, the bracelet with wireless communication function according to the present invention can be designed in various forms.

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views showing a ring according to conventional technology.

[0025] Figure 3 is a series of photographs illustrating typical bracelets having various types of fastening modules or length adjustment modules.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a control circuit module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of locking devices that can be used as a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating another embodiment of locking devices that can be used as a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 4, a bracelet (3) having a wireless communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a control circuit module (30) and a body part (32). The body part is characterized in that it is configured to operate as a loop antenna of a control integrated circuit element of the control circuit module.

[0034] The above control circuit module (30) is equipped with a control integrated circuit element (IC chip) (300) capable of non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal. In addition, the control circuit module may further include a housing made of an electrically insulating material, such as PVC. In this case, the control integrated circuit element may be mounted inside the housing.

[0035] The above-described control integrated circuit element (300) is an integrated circuit element (IC chip) that can perform payment, etc., by performing contactless short-range wireless communication with an external terminal, such as a card reader. The control integrated circuit element receives power and transmits and receives data by performing short-range wireless communication with the external terminal through a body part (32) that performs an antenna function. Using the data transmitted and received with the external terminal, the control integrated circuit element can run a pre-stored program. The control integrated circuit element may be configured as an IC chip for a credit card, an IC chip for payment, an IC chip for a transportation card, or an IC chip for a door lock, which are operated in a contactless manner. When the control integrated circuit element is an IC chip for a credit card, an IC chip for a transportation card, or an IC chip for payment, the bracelet according to the present invention can perform the functions of a credit card or a transportation card, etc. In addition, when the control integrated circuit element is an IC chip for a door lock, the bracelet according to the present invention can function as a portable key for the door lock.

[0036] The above-described control integrated circuit element (300) has a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal for connection to both ends of a loop antenna. Here, the first and second antenna connection terminals may be a + connection terminal of the antenna and a - connection terminal of the antenna, respectively.

[0037] The body portion (32) is configured in the shape of a bracelet having two ends and is made of a metal or precious metal material having electrical conductivity. In addition, the two ends of the body portion are electrically connected to the first antenna connection terminal (ANT +) and the second antenna connection terminal (ANT -) of the control integrated circuit element, respectively. As a result, the body portion can be operated as a loop antenna of the control integrated circuit element.

[0038] The above body part (32) operates as a loop antenna, generating an induced current through non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal, such as a card reader, and providing it to a control integrated circuit element. Depending on the signal strength required for smooth data transmission and reception with an external terminal, the length and thickness of the body part of the bracelet can be determined.

[0039] Meanwhile, the control circuit module (30) may further include a frequency adjustment circuit (310). Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating a control circuit module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, the frequency adjustment circuit (310) is connected between the control integrated circuit element and the body part, and is configured to match the operating frequencies of the control integrated circuit element and the loop antenna.

[0040] The above frequency adjustment circuit (310) may be composed of a combination of one or more capacitors (C) and one or more resistor elements (R).

[0041] Typically, the above-described control integrated circuit element has an internal capacitor depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, the frequency adjustment circuit is configured to be adjustable by placing a capacitor externally. The capacitor is preferably connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element, and the resistance element is preferably configured to be connected between the first antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element and an end of the body.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6, the bracelet (7) having a wireless communication function according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a control circuit module (70), a body portion (72) configured separately from a first body (720) and a second body (722), and a fastening module (74) for fastening the first body and the second body. The configuration and operation of the control circuit module (70) are identical to those of the control circuit module of the first embodiment.

[0043] The ends of the first body (720) and the second body (722) of the body portion (72) are electrically connected to the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element of the control circuit module, respectively. As a result, the body portion is configured to operate as a loop antenna of the control integrated circuit element. Accordingly, the bracelet having a wireless communication function according to the present invention is characterized in that it does not include a separate antenna for the control integrated circuit element.

[0044] The above-mentioned fastening module (74) is configured to fasten the first body and the second body to each other, and is made of a metal or precious metal material having electrical conductivity. The fastening module illustrated in Fig. 6 may be formed with a hinged structure.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7, a bracelet (8) having a wireless communication function according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a control circuit module (80), a body portion (82) configured separately from a first body (820) and a second body (822), and a fastening module (84) that fastens the first body and the second body. The fastening module (84) is characterized by having a locking device coupling structure.

[0046] Meanwhile, Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating various embodiments of locking devices that can be used as a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, the fastening module may be formed of one of various types of locking devices. As the locking devices, (a) a Spring Ring locking device, (b) a Lobster Claw locking device, (c) a Bayonet locking device, (d) a Barrel locking device, (e) an Open Box locking device, (f) a Figure 8 Safety locking device, (g) a Toggle locking device, (h) an S-Hook locking device, (i) a Mystery locking device, (j) a Magnetic locking device, (k) a Pearl locking device, and (l) a Bracelet Catch locking device may be used.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view and a perspective view of a fastening state exemplifying another embodiment of locking devices that can be used as a fastening module in a bracelet having a wireless communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, a fastening module (900) includes a first connection unit (910) connected to one end of a first body of the bracelet, a second connection unit (920) connected to one end of a second body of the bracelet, and a fastening unit (930) that fastens the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

[0048] The bracelet according to the present invention having the structure described above is easy to manufacture and can be designed in various designs by using the body part made of metal as a 1-turn loop antenna.

[0049] While the present invention has been described above with reference to a preferred first embodiment, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Furthermore, any differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control circuit module equipped with a control integrated circuit element (IC chip) capable of non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal; and A body portion having a bracelet shape with two ends, made of a metal or precious metal material having electrical conductivity, and wherein the two ends are electrically connected to a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element, respectively; A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized in that the body part is configured to operate as an antenna of the control integrated circuit element.

2. In the first paragraph, the control circuit module, A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized in that it further comprises a frequency adjustment circuit connected between the control integrated circuit element and the body part and configured to match the operating frequencies of the body part and the control integrated circuit element.

3. In the second paragraph, the frequency adjustment circuit, one or more resistive elements; and One or more capacitors connected to the above resistance element; A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by including:

4. In the second paragraph, the frequency adjustment circuit, A capacitor connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the above control integrated circuit element; and A resistance element connected between the first antenna connection terminal of the above control integrated circuit element and one end of the body part; A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by including:

5. In the first paragraph, the control integrated circuit element, A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by being a contactless integrated circuit element configured to perform electronic payment by transmitting and receiving data by communicating with an external terminal through a body part that functions as an antenna.

6. A control circuit module equipped with a control integrated circuit element (IC chip) capable of non-contact short-range wireless communication with an external terminal; A bracelet-shaped body composed of a first body and a second body separated from each other, made of a metal or precious metal material having electrical conductivity, and one end of the first body and the second body being electrically connected to the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the control integrated circuit element, respectively; and A fastening module configured to fasten the ends of the first and second bodies of the body part, which are not connected to the control circuit module, to each other, and made of a metal or precious metal material having electrical conductivity; Equipped with, A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized in that the body part is configured to operate as an antenna of the control integrated circuit element.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the control circuit module, A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized in that it further comprises a frequency adjustment circuit connected between the control integrated circuit element and the body part and configured to match the operating frequencies of the body part and the control integrated circuit element.

8. In the 7th paragraph, the frequency adjustment circuit, one or more resistive elements; and One or more capacitors connected to the above resistance element; A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by including:

9. In paragraph 7, the frequency adjustment circuit, A capacitor connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal of the above control integrated circuit element; and A resistance element connected between the first antenna connection terminal of the above control integrated circuit element and one end of the body part; A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by including:

10. In the 6th paragraph, the control integrated circuit element, A bracelet having a wireless communication function, characterized by being a contactless integrated circuit element configured to perform electronic payment by transmitting and receiving data by communicating with an external terminal through a body part that functions as an antenna.

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