Wearable device

Abstract

A wearable device includes a main body with a U-shape. The main body includes a curved portion, a first side portion extending from one of the two ends of the curved portion, and a second side portion extending from the other end of the two ends. It is configured to be worn such that the curved portion hangs around the back of the user's neck, and the first and second side portions hang down from the user's shoulders. The main body has a first end as the end of the first side portion and a second end as the end of the second side portion, and is configured to allow the attachment of a terminal with shooting and communication functions to at least one of the first and second ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wearable devices that can be worn on the human body, etc. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, wearable devices that are attached to the head, neck, or other parts of the human body have been extensively developed. One example of such a wearable device is that it has a camera function, enabling it to take pictures of the area around the wearer. Furthermore, the aforementioned wearable device is configured to have a communication function, enabling it to send and receive data such as photographic data with external devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Application No. 3209658. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] On the other hand, with the development of communication infrastructure, the advancement of communication technology is accelerating and the diversity of shooting technology is constantly expanding. Therefore, wearable devices with communication and shooting functions have new requirements for flexibility to keep up with changes in communication and shooting technologies.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide wearable devices that can flexibly adapt to changes in technology.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] The wearable device that solves the above-mentioned technical problems has a main body with a U-shape. The main body has a curved portion, a first side portion extending from one of the two ends of the curved portion, and a second side portion extending from the other end of the two ends. It is configured to be worn in such a way that the curved portion hangs on the back of the user's neck and the first side portion and the second side portion hang down from the user's shoulder. The main body has a first end as the end of the first side portion and a second end as the end of the second side portion. It is configured to be able to mount a terminal with shooting and communication functions at least one of the first end and the second end.

[0011] Based on the above configuration, compared to wearable devices that have built-in shooting and transmission functions, the technology can be modified to improve functionality depending on the choice of the installation terminal, thus allowing for flexible responses to technological changes.

[0012] In the above configuration, a support portion connected to at least one of the first end and the second end may also be provided, the support portion supporting the terminal in a manner that allows for changes in at least one of the position and orientation of the terminal relative to the main body.

[0013] Based on the above configuration, by using the support part to adjust the position and orientation of the terminal, the shooting area of ​​the terminal can be adjusted, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0014] In the above configuration, a support portion for supporting the terminal may also be provided, which is configured to enable loading and unloading relative to the first end and the second end respectively.

[0015] Based on the above configuration, users of the wearable device can choose to install the terminal on either the right or left side of the front, thus improving convenience.

[0016] In the above configuration, the first side and the second side, which do not have an end for mounting the terminal, may also have a housing for accommodating a battery that supplies power to the terminal.

[0017] Based on the above configuration, with the terminal and battery installed in the wearable device, the center of gravity is prevented from shifting to either the left or right. Therefore, the position of the wearable device becomes easier to stabilize when worn.

[0018] In the above configuration, at least one of a sound output section and a sound input section may be included, wherein the sound output section outputs sound based on a signal from the terminal, and the sound input section converts the input sound into a signal and outputs it to the terminal.

[0019] Based on the above configuration, by using the terminal to transmit and receive voice information, the user of the wearable device can communicate with the outside world through voice.

[0020] In the above configuration, the weight per unit volume of the main body may be greatest at the central part in the extension direction of the main body.

[0021] Based on the above configuration, with the terminal and battery installed in the wearable device, the shift of the center of gravity towards the user's front is suppressed. Therefore, the position of the wearable device becomes more stable during wear, and the burden on the user's back neck is reduced.

[0022] In the above configuration, the weight per unit volume of the main body may decrease from the central portion toward the first end and the second end, respectively.

[0023] Based on the above configuration, when the terminal and battery are installed in the wearable device, the shift of the center of gravity towards the user's front is more accurately suppressed.

[0024] In the above configuration, the central portion and both ends of the main body may be heavier than the other parts of the main body.

[0025] Based on the above configuration, the main body can easily fit snugly against the user at three points: the central part and both ends, thus stabilizing the wearable device's position relative to the user. Furthermore, the heavier portions of the main body are positioned in front of and behind the user, preventing the wearable device's center of gravity from shifting towards either the front or back. Therefore, the wearable device's position is stable, and the load is not concentrated on the front or back of the user, thus reducing the burden on the user when wearing the device.

[0026] In the above configuration, the curved portion may also have a protrusion including the central portion of the curved portion, and the protrusion protrudes downward beyond the periphery of the protrusion.

[0027] Based on the above configuration, the area where the curved portion contacts the user is easily and sufficiently large near the lower part of the back of the user's neck. Therefore, the wearable device's position is easily stabilized.

[0028] In the above configuration, when the wearable device is placed on a horizontal plane and viewed from directly above it, with the extension directions of the first side and the second side as reference directions, the end of the main body portion located at one of the first and second ends in the reference direction as the front end, the end of the curved portion located as the rear end, and the center of gravity of the wearable device as the center of gravity position, the distance from the front end to the center of gravity position in the reference direction is greater than 0.5 times and less than 0.8 times the distance from the front end to the rear end in the reference direction.

[0029] Based on the above configuration, the center of gravity of the wearable device is prevented from shifting towards the front or back of the user, thus making the position of the wearable device easy to stabilize.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to this disclosure, wearable devices can flexibly respond to changes in technology. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the three-dimensional structure of a wearable device according to one embodiment of the wearable device.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the side structure near the support portion of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This diagram shows the structure near the support portion of a wearable device in one embodiment, with a camera terminal installed.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the front structure of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the density distribution of the main body of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a wearable device and a camera terminal according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a wearable device being worn by a user in one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the environment in which a wearable device is used according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the three-dimensional structure of a modified wearable device.

[0041] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the three-dimensional structure of the main body of the wearable device in a modified example.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the three-dimensional structure of a modified wearable device.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a modified wearable device. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 8 One embodiment of the wearable device will be described. Furthermore, the directions described below (up, down, left, right, front, back) refer to the directions when the wearable device is worn by the user.

[0045] [Overall Composition]

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the wearable device 10 includes a main body 20 that is worn around the user's neck and a support 30 configured to support a shooting terminal.

[0047] The main body 20 is a U-shaped structure, having a first end 20a and a second end 20b as its two ends in the direction of extension. The main body 20 has a structure in which the part that functions as a housing for electronic components, etc., extends in an arch shape from the first end 20a to the second end 20b.

[0048] The support portion 30 is connected to the first end 20a of the main body portion 20. The camera terminal is mounted on the first end 20a via the support portion 30 by supporting the camera terminal with the support portion 30. The camera terminal is a terminal with both shooting and communication functions, such as a smartphone.

[0049] [Support section]

[0050] The detailed structure of the support portion 30 will be explained. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the support portion 30 includes a holding portion 31 for holding the shooting terminal, and a connecting portion 32 extending from the holding portion 31 and connected to the main body portion 20, and having the function of adjusting the position and orientation of the holding portion 31.

[0051] The holding portion 31 is configured to hold the shooting terminal, for example, by clamping it. The connecting portion 32 is configured to adjust the position and orientation of the holding portion 31 relative to the first end 20a. Specifically, the connecting portion 32 is configured to include, for example, a sliding mechanism, and the length of the connecting portion 32 itself, i.e., the direction from the first end 20a toward the holding portion 31, can be changed. Furthermore, the structure for changing the length of the connecting portion 32 is not limited to a sliding mechanism; for example, the connecting portion 32 may also be configured to have a structure with multiple bends, and by extending its bends, the length of the connecting portion 32 in the direction from the first end 20a toward the holding portion 31 can be extended. By changing the length of the connecting portion 32, the distance from the first end 20a to the holding portion 31 is changed, thereby changing the position of the holding portion 31 relative to the first end 20a.

[0052] Furthermore, the connecting portion 32 is configured to include a rotating mechanism, allowing the retaining portion 31 to rotate relative to the first end 20a with the extending direction of the connecting portion 32 as the axial direction. Moreover, the angle of the retaining portion 31 relative to a plane orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction can also be changed. Based on these configurations, the orientation of the retaining portion 31 relative to the first end 20 is adjustable.

[0053] Figure 3 This indicates the state in which the shooting terminal 50 is mounted on the support 30. The shooting terminal 50 is mounted with the camera constituting the shooting unit facing the side opposite to the main body 20 relative to the support 30. By changing the position and orientation of the holding part 31 relative to the first end 20a, the position and orientation of the shooting terminal 50 relative to the first end 20a can be changed.

[0054] [Main Body Section]

[0055] The main body 20 and the details of each part contained within the main body 20 are explained.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 20 has a first side portion 21 including and extending from a first end 20a, a second side portion 22 including and extending from a second end 20b, and a curved portion 23 extending in an arc shape connecting the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22. That is, the curved portion 23 is the curved part in the U-shaped main body 20, the first side portion 21 extends in a generally straight line from one end of the curved portion 23, and the second side portion 22 extends in a generally straight line from the other end of the aforementioned two ends. When the main body 20 is viewed from a position opposite to the upper surface of the main body 20, the first side portion 21 on which the imaging terminal 50 is mounted can extend from either the right end or the left end of the curved portion 23.

[0057] The material of the main body 20 is not particularly limited; part or all of the main body 20 may be made of materials such as resin, metal, leather, wood, glass, or paper (e.g., cardboard). Furthermore, for decorative purposes and improved tactile feel, the surface of the main body 20 may be covered with cloth, rubber, or similar materials. The central region in the extending direction of the curved portion 23 is preferably configured such that the shape of the curved portion 23 unfolds in a manner that increases the radius of curvature. For example, this central region may be made of an elastic component or have a stretchable, serpentine structure. When the user wears the wearable device 10, after unfolding the curved portion 23, the main body 20 is positioned around the neck. Then, by narrowing the curved portion 23, it returns to its original shape, making wearing the device easy.

[0058] The wearable device 10 has a housing section 24 inside the second side portion 22 for housing a battery that supplies power to the shooting terminal 50. The housing section 24 divides the space for housing the battery and has a terminal connection section for connecting the battery to a USB or other terminal. A cable extending from the terminal connection section passes inside the bend portion 23 and exits from near the first end 20a to the outside of the main body portion 20, connecting to the shooting terminal 50. Alternatively, a terminal connection section for connecting the aforementioned cable is provided near the first end 20a, and this terminal connection section is connected to the shooting terminal 50 via any cable or other wiring, thereby electrically connecting the battery housed in the housing section 24 to the shooting terminal 50.

[0059] The housing 24 can also be configured to accommodate batteries of multiple sizes, and an accessory for adjusting the size of the space for accommodating batteries can be installed. Alternatively, the housing 24 can be configured to accommodate batteries on the surface of the second side 22 instead of inside the second side 22. For example, the housing 24 can have a recess on the surface of the second side 22, into which the battery is inserted, thereby accommodating the battery in the housing 24.

[0060] The wearable device 10 includes a sound output unit 25 and a sound input unit 26. The sound output unit 25 includes a speaker unit that outputs sound based on a signal from the camera terminal 50. The sound input unit 26 includes a microphone unit that converts externally input sound into a signal and outputs it to the camera terminal 50.

[0061] The sound output section 25 is preferably located in the main body 20, in a portion near the user's ear when the wearable device 10 is worn. For example, the sound output section 25 is housed in the main body 20 near at least one of the boundaries between the first side 21 and the curved portion 23 and the second side 22 and the curved portion 23.

[0062] The voice input unit 26 can be disposed in the main body 20 in the portion near the user's mouth when the wearable device 10 is worn, or it can be housed inside the main body 20 in such a way that it can be pulled out to the user's mouth during use. For example, the voice input unit 26 can be disposed near the second end 20b of the second side portion 22.

[0063] The wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between the sound output unit 25 and the sound input unit 26 and the shooting terminal 50 passes inside the main body 20, exits near the first end 20a to the outside of the main body 20, and connects to the headphone jack or the like on the shooting terminal 50. Alternatively, a terminal connection for connecting the aforementioned wiring is provided near the first end 20a, and this terminal connection is connected to the shooting terminal 50 via any cable or other wiring, thereby electrically connecting the sound output unit 25 and the sound input unit 26 to the shooting terminal 50. The wiring and terminal connection for connecting the sound output unit 25 to the shooting terminal 50 and the wiring and terminal connection for connecting the sound input unit 26 to the shooting terminal 50 can be shared or separate.

[0064] Additionally, the audio output unit 25 and audio input unit 26 can also transmit and receive signals with the camera terminal 50 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the wearable device 10 includes a wireless communication unit (wireless communication circuit) that connects and communicates with the camera terminal 50 via the aforementioned wireless communication, and controls it, as well as a power supply unit that supplies power to the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit and the power supply unit are housed in the main body 20. The power supply unit can be a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, or the like.

[0065] In addition to the components described above, the wearable device 10 may also include at least one of the following: a vibration generating unit that vibrates the main body 20, a wind generating unit that generates wind from the main body 20 toward the user, and a fragrance generating unit that generates fragrance. The vibration generating unit includes a vibrator that vibrates according to a signal from the camera terminal 50. The wind generating unit includes a fan that rotates according to a signal from the camera terminal 50, and the fragrance generating unit holds fragrance. For example, by placing the fragrance generating unit in the wind path from the wind generating unit, it is possible to generate a fragrant wind according to a signal from the camera terminal 50. In this way, by generating vibration, wind, and fragrance through the wearable device 10, the user can enhance their sense of presence and interest when sending and receiving information through the camera terminal 50.

[0066] Furthermore, the wearable device 10 may also include a power generation unit containing solar cells. For example, the solar cells are disposed on the upper surface of the main body 20. The power generated by the power generation unit is supplied to the shooting terminal 50 and the aforementioned power supply unit via wiring.

[0067] Inside the main body 20, the portion other than the space for housing the aforementioned components can be empty or filled with any material. Here, the main body 20 is preferably configured such that the weight per unit volume of the main body 20, excluding the various electronic components housed therein, i.e., its density, becomes greatest at the central portion along the extending direction of the main body 20. Furthermore, the main body 20 is preferably configured such that the density decreases from the central portion toward both the first end 20a and the second end 20b.

[0068] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the main body 20 has four types of regions with different densities: heavy region R1, medium region R2, low region R3, and light region R4. The heavy region R1 has the highest density, and the density decreases in the order of heavy region R1, medium region R2, low region R3, and light region R4.

[0069] The heavy region R1 is a region including the center of the bent portion 23 in the direction in which the main body portion 20 extends. The medium region R2, the low region R3, and the light region R4 are successively located from the heavy region R1 to the first end 20a, and the medium region R2, the low region R3, and the light region R4 are also successively located from the heavy region R1 to the second end 20b.

[0070] The difference in density among the regions R1 to R4 can be achieved as follows: For example, the interior of the main body portion 20 is formed in a honeycomb structure, and the cross-sectional area of the eyes of the honeycomb structure, that is, the unit regions constituting the honeycomb structure, is minimized in the heavy region R1 and increases in the order of the heavy region R1, the medium region R2, and the low region R3. In addition, it is preferable that the light region R4 is made hollow, and a housing portion 24 is arranged in the light region R4.

[0071] If the density of the main body portion 20 is uniform, when a photographing terminal 50 is installed at the first end 20a and a battery is housed in the housing portion 24, the center of gravity of the wearable device 10 easily lies near the ends of the main body portion 20 where the first end 20a and the second end 20 are located. As a result, when the wearable device is worn, the wearable device 10 easily sinks forward, and the load applied to the user's back neck easily increases, making it easy for the user to feel burdened. In contrast, if the density decreases from the central region of the bent portion 23 arranged at the rear of the neck toward the first end 20a and the second end 20b respectively, the center of gravity of the wearable device 10 approaching the ends during wearing is suppressed. Therefore, the position of the wearable device 10 is likely to be stable, and the burden on the user's back neck is also reduced.

[0072] The ratio and density difference of the regions R1 to R4 can be set according to the weight of the installed photographing terminal 50 and the battery, etc.

[0073] In addition, by housing the battery near the second end 20b, which is the end opposite to the first end 20a where the photographing terminal 50 is installed, the center of gravity of the wearable device 10 is suppressed from shifting to either side. As a result, the position of the wearable device 10 during wearing is likely to be stable. Also, when the difference in weight between the photographing terminal 50 and the battery is large and the left - right weight cannot be balanced only by housing the battery at the end opposite to the photographing terminal 50, a heavy object (Japanese: 重り) for forming a weight difference with the other side can be added inside one of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22. In addition, for the front - rear weight balance, instead of changing the density of the main body portion 20 as described above, or in addition to changing the density, the thickness of the bent portion 23 and the side portions 21, 22 can be changed, or a heavy object can be attached to the bent portion 23 to adjust the weight of the main body portion 20 so that the central region of the bent portion 23 becomes heavier.

[0074] [Electrical configuration]

[0075] The electrical configuration of the wearable device 10 and the shooting terminal 50 will be described.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the camera terminal 50 is connected to a network, for example, to send and receive data with an external device acting as a server 60. This network can be a general communication line such as the Internet, or a dedicated communication line for communication by the camera terminal 50.

[0077] The shooting terminal 50 includes a communication unit 51, a shooting unit 52, a display unit 53, a control unit 54, and a storage unit 55.

[0078] The communication unit 51 performs connection processing between the shooting terminal 50 and the server 60 via the network, and sends and receives data between the shooting terminal 50 and the server 60.

[0079] The imaging unit 52 includes a camera that captures images of the area around the imaging terminal 50, generating imaging data as still or moving images. The imaging data is sent to the server 60 via the communication unit 51.

[0080] Display unit 53 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays images. For example, display unit 53 displays at least one image, including an image being captured by imaging unit 52 and an image received by communication unit 51 from server 60.

[0081] The control unit 54 is configured to include volatile memory such as CPU and RAM, and controls the processing of the communication unit 51, the camera unit 52 and the display unit 53, as well as the output of signals to the wearable device 10, based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 55.

[0082] The storage unit 55 has a configuration that includes non-volatile memory, and stores the programs and data necessary for the processing performed by the control unit 54.

[0083] As described above, the camera terminal 50 and the audio output unit 25 and audio input unit 26 of the wearable device 10 are connected via wired or wireless means. When the signal transmission and reception between the camera terminal 50 and the audio output unit 25 and audio input unit 26 are performed wirelessly, the camera terminal 50 is equipped with a wireless communication unit that connects the camera terminal 50 and the wearable device 10 via wireless communication for signal transmission and reception.

[0084] The sound output unit 25 of the wearable device 10 outputs sound based on the signal from the control unit 54 of the shooting terminal 50, and the sound input unit 26 converts the externally input sound into a signal and outputs it to the control unit 54.

[0085] Server 60 performs prescribed processing on the captured data received from the shooting terminal 50. For example, server 60 sends the captured data to a display device such as a large monitor, and causes the display device to display an image based on the captured data. Alternatively, server 60 may send data such as images of the surrounding area of ​​the display device to the shooting terminal 50, and an image based on that data may be displayed on the display unit 53 of the shooting terminal 50.

[0086] In addition, the external device that sends shooting data to the shooting terminal 50 is not limited to the server 60, but can also be a display device, a personal computer, etc.

[0087] [Usage Method]

[0088] The method of using the wearable device 10 will be explained. Figure 7 This describes a user Ur wearing a wearable device 10 equipped with a smartphone as the camera terminal 50. The main body 20 rests on the user Ur's shoulder, surrounding the neck. A curved portion 23 hangs at the back of the neck, and first side portions 21 and second side portions 22 hang down from the shoulder towards the front of the chest. The lower surface of the main body 20 preferably has a curved shape that follows the shape of the shoulder. With this configuration, the main body 20 easily follows the shoulder, thus making the position of the wearable device 10 easy to stabilize when worn.

[0089] The shooting terminal 50 is mounted on the support portion 30 connected to the first end 20a. The camera of the shooting portion 52 constituting the shooting terminal 50 faces forward of the user Ur, and the display portion 53 faces the user Ur. That is, the display portion 53 is positioned at a location that the user Ur can visually recognize. The shooting terminal 50 may also be equipped with a lens for adjusting the field of view of the shooting portion 52.

[0090] The wearable device 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to install a camera terminal 50 with shooting and communication functions, and to use the functions of the camera terminal 50 to take pictures and transmit the captured data. That is, the wearable device 10 itself does not have shooting or data transmission functions. With this configuration, for example, by installing a camera terminal 50 corresponding to a new technology, shooting and communication functions can be improved. Therefore, it can flexibly respond to technological changes. As the camera terminal 50, a terminal with high popularity and easy accessibility to technological changes, such as a smartphone, is used, so the burden on the user is small compared to purchasing the wearable device 10 itself.

[0091] Reference Figure 8 An example of an environment in which the wearable device 10 is used will be described. The wearable device 10 is used, for example, for remote communication. Specific examples include work such as meetings, medical treatment, and tourism.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the image data generated by the camera terminal 50 taking pictures of the surroundings is sent via server 60 to display device 70 located in a second space S2, which is far from the first space S1 where the user Ur is located. Then, an image based on the received image data is displayed on display device 70. The viewer Pr of display device 70 can learn about the situation in the first space S1 by watching display device 70.

[0093] In particular, the shooting area of ​​the shooting terminal 50 is centered on the area near the front of the user Ur's chest, and moves with the user Ur's movement. Therefore, by watching the display device 70, the viewer Pr can grasp the situation of the first space S1 from a position close to the user Ur's viewpoint, and can have the same experience as if the viewer Pr were in the first space S1.

[0094] Furthermore, the voice emitted by user Ur is input to the voice input unit 26 of wearable device 10 and transmitted to viewer Pr via a speaker located in the second space S2 through server 60. On the other hand, the voice emitted by viewer Pr is input to a microphone located in the second space S2 and output from the voice output unit 25 of wearable device 10 through server 60 and transmitted to user Ur. Thus, user Ur and viewer Pr, located in different spaces, can communicate via voice. For example, viewer Pr can give instructions to user Ur based on the shooting area of ​​shooting terminal 50.

[0095] Furthermore, when the wearable device 10 is equipped with a vibration generating unit, the vibration of the vibrator can also be used to give instructions to the user Ur. For example, vibrators are respectively arranged inside the first side 21 and the second side 22. Then, if the viewer Pr wants to move the shooting area of ​​the shooting terminal 50 to the right, based on the viewer Pr's operation of the operator located in the second space S2, a signal is sent to the shooting terminal 50, causing the vibrator on the right side of the first side 21 and the second side 22 to vibrate, thus sending a signal from the shooting terminal 50 to the wearable device 10. The signal transmission and reception between the shooting terminal 50 and the wearable device 10 can be carried out via wired or wireless means. As a result, the right part of the main body 20 vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the user Ur. By moving the user Ur in the direction in which the vibration is felt, the shooting area of ​​the shooting terminal 50 moves according to the viewer Pr's intention. With this configuration, instructions to the user Ur can be easily and intuitively conveyed to the user Ur.

[0096] Furthermore, since the data captured by the camera in the second space S2 is sent to the camera terminal 5 via the server 60 and displayed on the display unit 53, the user Ur can know the status of the second space S2, thus enabling smoother communication with the viewer Pr. Moreover, since the user Ur can confirm the shooting status of the camera terminal 50 as long as the image being captured by the camera terminal 50 is displayed on the display unit 53, the camera terminal 50's shooting area is easily adjustable.

[0097] As explained above, the wearable device 10 according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0098] (1) The wearable device 10 is configured to be able to install a shooting terminal 50 at its end. Therefore, by changing the shooting terminal 50, the shooting function and the communication function can be changed, so it can flexibly respond to changes in technology.

[0099] (2) The support portion 30 supports the shooting terminal 50 in a manner that allows the position and orientation of the shooting terminal 50 relative to the main body portion 20 to be changed. With this configuration, the position and orientation of the shooting terminal 50 can be adjusted by using the support portion 30, thereby adjusting the shooting area of ​​the shooting terminal 50 and improving the convenience for the user.

[0100] (3) The main body 20 has a receiving portion 24 for housing the battery on its second side 22, which extends from the end opposite to the end on which the shooting terminal 50 is mounted. With this configuration, when the shooting terminal 50 and the battery are mounted on the wearable device 10, i.e., when the wearable device 10 is in use, the center of gravity is prevented from shifting to either the left or right. Therefore, the position of the wearable device 10 becomes easier to stabilize when worn.

[0101] (4) The wearable device 10 has a sound output unit 25 and a sound input unit 26, so it can communicate based on sound by using the sound information of the camera terminal 50.

[0102] (5) As long as the density of the main body 20 is greatest at the central portion in the extending direction of the main body 20, the shift of the center of gravity towards the user is suppressed when the shooting terminal 50 and the battery are installed in the wearable device 10, that is, when the wearable device 10 is in use. Therefore, the position of the wearable device 10 becomes easier to stabilize when worn, and the burden on the back of the user's neck can also be reduced. Moreover, as long as the density of the main body 20 decreases from the aforementioned central portion toward the first end 20a and the second end 20b respectively, the shift of the center of gravity towards the user is suppressed more precisely, thus further improving the aforementioned effect.

[0103] [Variation Example]

[0104] The above implementation method can be modified and implemented in the following ways.

[0105] (Variation Example 1)

[0106] like Figure 9 As shown, the support portion 30 may also include a handle portion 33. The handle portion 33 is gripped by the user during use of the wearable device. By gripping the handle portion 33, the positions of the support portion 30 and the shooting terminal 50 are stabilized, allowing the shooting terminal 50 to capture images smoothly. Furthermore, when changing the orientation or length of the support portion 30, this change is facilitated by performing the change operation simultaneously with the support handle portion 33. The handle portion 33 only needs to be located in a position where the user can grip it. For example, the handle portion 33 can extend downwards from the connecting portion 32.

[0107] Furthermore, the main body 20 may also have a structure in which an outer casing is mounted on the frame. For example, Figure 10 As shown, the main body 20 includes an upper outer packaging section 40, a frame section 41, and a lower outer packaging section 42. These components are mounted such that the frame section 41 is housed within the space enclosed by the upper outer packaging section 40 and the lower outer packaging section 42, thus constituting the main body 20. The upper outer packaging section 40 and the lower outer packaging section 42 are, for example, made of resin, and the frame section 41 is, for example, made of metal. The lower outer packaging section 42 has a recess for accommodating the frame section 41, and the upper outer packaging section 40 blocks this recess, thereby defining a space surrounding the frame section 41.

[0108] The frame portion 41 has a U-shape corresponding to the shape of the main body portion 20. The frame portion 41 has a counterweight portion 43 disposed at the center of the curved portion 23 in the main body portion 20. Because the counterweight portion 43 is disposed at the center of the curved portion 23, that is, at the center of the extending direction of the main body portion 20, the weight per unit volume of the main body portion 20 becomes greater than that of other parts at this center. Alternatively, the main body portion can also be configured such that, for example, the weight per unit volume of the main body portion 20 varies in the extending direction of the main body portion 20 by varying the thickness of the frame portion 41.

[0109] As described above, the main body 20 has a structure in which an outer package is mounted on a frame. The weight of the frame in the extending direction of the main body 20 is adjusted, thus making the main body 20 easier to form compared to the case where the main body 20 is formed by connecting multiple components along the extending direction of the main body 20. Furthermore, since the main body 20 is formed by manufacturing the frame and the outer package separately and then mounting them together, mass production of the wearable device is also easier.

[0110] Furthermore, the weight of the main body 20 can be heavier than other parts at three points in the extending direction of the main body 20: the center of the curved portion 23, near the first end 20a of the first side portion 21, and near the second end 20b of the second side portion 22. For example, in the main body 20, weights can also be added to the center of the curved portion 23, near the first end 20a of the first side portion 21, and near the second end 20b of the second side portion 22.

[0111] With this configuration, the portions of the wearable device that connect to the lower part of the user's back neck and the portion that connects to the user's chest are less likely to protrude from the user's body. In other words, the central portion and both ends of the main body 20 in its extending direction easily adhere to the user, thus stabilizing the wearable device's position relative to the user. Furthermore, the heavier portions of the main body 20 are positioned in front of and behind the user, thus preventing the wearable device's center of gravity from shifting towards either the front or back of the user. Therefore, the wearable device's position is stable, and the load is not concentrated at either the front or back of the user, reducing the burden on the user when wearing the device. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the weight of the shooting terminal 50 and the battery is relatively small compared to the weight of the wearable device, minimizing the impact of the weight of the shooting terminal 50 and the battery.

[0112] In the above configuration, the center of gravity of the main body 20 is located near the central portion of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction, that is, near the boundary between the curved portion 23 and the first side portion 21, and near the boundary between the curved portion 23 and the second side portion 22. In other words, the center of gravity of the main body 20 is located in the portion of the main body 20 that connects with the user's shoulder. On the other hand, the heavier portion of the main body 20 is located at the end of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction, different from the aforementioned center of gravity. Thus, by positioning the center of gravity at the central portion of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction and positioning the heavier portion of the main body 20 at the end of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction, the wearable device is stably positioned, as described above, and the burden on the user when wearing the wearable device is reduced.

[0113] Furthermore, the center of gravity of the wearable device is preferably located within the following range. This center of gravity is the center of gravity of the structure formed by the main body 20 and the support 30, and is the center of gravity when the shooting terminal 50 and the battery are not installed.

[0114] With the wearable device placed horizontally, when viewed from directly above, the extension directions of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22 are used as reference directions. The end containing the first end 20a and the second end 20b of the main body portion 20 in the reference direction is considered the front end, and the end containing the curved portion 23 is considered the rear end. When the center of gravity of the wearable device in this top-down view is taken as the center of gravity position, it is preferable that the distance from the front end to the center of gravity in the reference direction is greater than 0.5 times and less than 0.8 times the distance from the front end to the rear end in the reference direction; more preferably, it is greater than 0.6 times and less than 0.7 times. As long as the center of gravity is within this range, the position of the wearable device is easily stabilized when worn.

[0115] (Variation Example 2)

[0116] In the main body 20, when the wearable device is worn by the user, the part that comes into contact with the user can also be made of a soft material. For example, Figure 11 As shown, the main body 20 may also include a buffer portion 48. The buffer portion 48 is located on the lower surfaces of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22 and the front surface of the curved portion 23. The buffer portion 48 is formed of polyurethane and / or mesh material and is elastic.

[0117] Figure 11 In the example shown, the main body 20 includes an upper surface portion 46 constituting the upper surface of the main body 20, a core material portion 47 connected to the upper surface portion 46, and a cushioning portion 48. The core material portion 47 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first side portion 21, the second side portion 22, and the curved portion 23, and the cushioning portion 48 is mounted on the surface of the core material portion 47. The upper surface portion 46 and the core material portion 47 are, for example, made of resin or metal. In addition, the cushioning portion 48 is not limited to the part that comes into contact with the user, but may also cover the entire surface of the core material portion 47.

[0118] Based on the above configuration, the part of the main body 20 that contacts the user is flexible, allowing it to easily deform along the user's body. Therefore, the wearable device is easily stabilized relative to the user when worn. Furthermore, compared to a case where the part of the main body 20 that contacts the user is harder, it reduces discomfort felt by the user due to the wearable device colliding with their body.

[0119] Furthermore, the portion of the curved portion 23 including the central portion preferably protrudes downwards from its periphery. Specifically, the curved portion 23 preferably has a protrusion 45, which is a portion that protrudes downwards from the other portions and includes the central portion in the extending direction of the curved portion 23. For example, the length of the protrusion 45 in the vertical direction is preferably more than twice the average thickness from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22. With this configuration, it is easy to secure a larger area of ​​contact between the curved portion 23 and the user near the lower part of the user's back neck. Therefore, the position of the wearable device is easily stabilized. Furthermore, the increased volume of the central portion of the curved portion 23 makes it easier to add weight to the main body 20 in a manner that makes the central portion of the curved portion 23 heavier.

[0120] Moreover, such as Figure 12 As shown, the protrusion 45 preferably has a step 49 on its front surface. That is, the step 49 is formed on the surface that contacts the user. The thickness of the protrusion 45 in the front-rear direction becomes thinner below the step 49 than above the step 49. Therefore, a gap is easily formed between the lower part of the protrusion 45 and the user.

[0121] The shape of the lower part of the user's neck, in other words, the shape of the back near the user's neck, varies from user to user. If the front surface of the protrusion 45 that contacts the user is a simple curved surface or a flat surface, it is difficult to form the front surface into a shape that can easily fit multiple users. As a result, the position of the gap between the protrusion 45 and the user is different for each user. Furthermore, the portion of the protrusion 45 that contacts the user is different for each user, thus ensuring that the position of the main body 20 is stably defined relative to multiple users.

[0122] In contrast, by providing a step 49 on the protrusion 45, regardless of the differences in the body size of each user, the specific positions of the protrusion 45, such as the corners of the step 49, become easier to connect with the user. Furthermore, the specific positions of the protrusion 45, such as the lower part of the protrusion 45, become easier to form a gap with the user. That is, the uneven distribution of the portion of the protrusion 45 that connects with the user is suppressed for each user, and since the portion that connects with the user can be easily predetermined, the position of the main body 20 can be easily stabilized relative to multiple users.

[0123] Furthermore, the user's back neck and back are connected to the spine, so the protrusion 45 has a step 49, which is supported by the spine and the position of the main body 20 is easily stabilized.

[0124] Furthermore, the construction of such a protrusion 45 can be applied regardless of the material of the main body 20 or the assembly method, and can also be applied to the above-described embodiments and variations 1.

[0125] (Other variations)

[0126] Alternatively, the shooting terminal 50 can be mounted on either the first end 20a or the second end 20b, and the user can choose which end to mount the shooting terminal 50 on. For example, the support portion 30 can be mounted and detached from either the first end 20a or the second end 20b. Alternatively, the support portion 30 can be connected to both the first end 20a and the second end 20b. With this configuration, the user can choose which end of the wearable device, the right or left side, to mount the shooting terminal 50 on, depending on the situation, thus improving convenience.

[0127] When the shooting terminal 50 can be mounted on both the first end 20a and the second end 20b, the wearable device preferably accommodates the battery on either the first side portion 21 or the second side portion 22. That is, the wearable device preferably has a accommodating portion 24 on both the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22. Furthermore, the battery can be accommodated in any accommodating portion 24 located on either the first side portion 21 or the second side portion 22, at a position extending from the end opposite to the end on which the shooting terminal 50 is mounted. Thus, even if the end on which the shooting terminal 50 is mounted is arbitrarily selected, the shooting terminal 50 and the battery can be positioned near different ends, thereby suppressing the shift of the left and right center of gravity.

[0128] Alternatively, the shooting terminal 50 can be installed on both the first end 20a and the second end 20b simultaneously, and the battery can be housed on both the first side 21 and the second side 22 simultaneously.

[0129] Regardless of which end the camera terminal 50 can be mounted on, the support portion 30 can be detached from the main body 20. Furthermore, the support portion 30 connected to the main body 20 can be replaced with the support portion 30 of the retaining portion 31, which has a structure corresponding to a device or similar device having the camera terminal 50. Additionally, the support portion 30 may include detachable auxiliary components for adjusting the length of the connecting portion 32, and these auxiliary components can be attached or detached depending on the purpose of the wearable device and the usage environment. In short, the wearable device is configured such that the camera terminal 50 can be mounted on at least one of the first end 20a and the second end 20b via the support portion 30, which is configured to be fixed to or detachable from the main body 20.

[0130] In the support portion 30, the connecting portion 32 may be configured such that only the position and orientation of the holding portion 31 can be adjusted. Moreover, in the support portion 30, the position and orientation of the holding portion 31 may be fixed. That is, the support portion 30 only needs to have the function of supporting the shooting terminal 50 and relaying the connection between the shooting terminal 50 and the main body portion 20.

[0131] It is also possible to adjust at least one of the lengths of the first side portion 21, the second side portion 22, and the curved portion 23 according to the user's body shape. In addition, it is also possible to adjust the angles of the lower surfaces of the first side portion 21 and the second side portion 22 relative to the user, and the angles of the front surface of the curved portion 23 relative to the user.

[0132] Alternatively, the weights attached to the curved section 23, etc., in the main body 20 can be loaded and unloaded.

[0133] The location of the receiving portion 24 may also differ from the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the wearable device may have multiple receiving portions 24, capable of accommodating multiple batteries for a single shooting terminal 50. In such cases, at least one of the receiving portions 24 may be located at the curved portion 23. Alternatively, depending on the purpose of the wearable device, such as when the continuous use time of the wearable device is short, the wearable device may not have a receiving portion 24 if the battery is not required to supply power to the shooting terminal 50.

[0134] In wearable devices that include vibration generating units, wireless communication units, etc., the wearable device may also include a control unit that controls the electronic components of the wearable device. The control unit may include, for example, hardware elements used in computers such as CPUs, RAM, and ROM, as well as software. The control unit is not limited to performing all processing through software. For example, the control unit may also include dedicated hardware, i.e., an integrated circuit for special purposes (ASIC), that performs at least a portion of the various processing steps. The control unit may also include one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as ASICs, one or more processors, i.e., microcomputers, that operate according to computer programs, i.e., software, or a combination of these circuits.

[0135] Depending on the purpose and usage environment of the wearable device, if the transmission of sound-based information is not required and the user can use the sound input and output of the camera terminal 50 itself, the wearable device 10 may not have at least one of the sound output section 25 and the sound input section 26.

[0136] The camera terminal 50 only needs to have at least camera and communication functions; other functions are not particularly limited. For example, the camera terminal 50 may not have a display unit 53, and it may not display images to the display unit 53 while the camera terminal 50 is installed on the wearable device and in use.

[0137] Wearable devices are not limited to the human body; they can also be worn on humanoid robots.

[0138] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0139] 10…wearable device, 20…main body, 20a…first end, 20b…second end, 21…first side, 22…second side, 23…bending part, 24…receiving part, 25…sound output part, 26…sound input part, 30…support part, 31…holding part, 32…connecting part, 33…handle part, 40…upper outer packaging part, 41…frame part, 42…lower outer packaging part, 43…counterweight part, 45…protrusion, 46…upper surface part, 47…core material part, 48…buffer part, 49…step, 50…shooting terminal.

Claims

1. A wearable device, provided with a main body portion having a U shape, the main body portion being configured to have a curved portion, a first side portion extending from one of two end portions of the curved portion, and a second side portion extending from the other of the two end portions, and to be worn in a manner in which the curved portion hangs on a back of a neck of a user and the first side portion and the second side portion hang down from shoulders of the user, the main body portion being configured to have a first end that is an end of the first side portion, and a second end that is an end of the second side portion, and to be capable of mounting a terminal having a photographing function and a communication function at at least one of the first end and the second end, the wearable device being provided with a first vibration generating portion disposed inside the first side portion, and a second vibration generating portion disposed inside the second side portion, the first vibration generating portion and the second vibration generating portion generating vibrations based on a signal from the terminal and transmitting the vibrations to the user, the curved portion having a protruding portion including a central portion of the curved portion, the protruding portion protruding downward more than a surrounding of the protruding portion, a front surface of the protruding portion having a step, an upper portion of the protruding portion being thicker than a lower portion of the protruding portion.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, the signal from the terminal being an instruction on a moving direction from a viewer located in a distant space, which is acquired using the communication function of the terminal.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, provided with a support portion connected to at least one of the first end and the second end, the support portion being configured to support the terminal in a manner in which at least one of a position and an orientation of the terminal with respect to the main body portion is changeable.

4. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, provided with a support portion configured to support the terminal, the support portion being configured to be detachable with respect to each of the first end and the second end.

5. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, in a side portion of the first side portion and the second side portion that does not have an end portion for mounting the terminal, a housing portion for housing a battery that supplies electric power to the terminal is provided.

6. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, provided with at least one of a sound output portion that outputs sound based on a signal from the terminal, and a sound input portion that converts input sound into a signal and outputs the signal to the terminal.

7. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, a weight per unit volume of the main body portion is largest at a central portion in an extension direction of the main body portion.

8. The wearable device according to claim 7, the weight per unit volume of the main body portion decreases from the central portion toward the first end and the second end, respectively.

9. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, the central portion and both end portions in the extension direction of the main body portion are heavier than other portions of the main body portion.

10. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, when the wearable device is left at a horizontal surface and a plan view of the wearable device is observed from directly above the wearable device, when a direction in which the first side portion and the second side portion extend is a reference direction, an end portion of one of the two ends of the main body portion in the reference direction, at which the first end and the second end are located, is a front end, an end portion of one of the two ends of the main body portion in the reference direction, at which the curved portion is located, is a rear end, and a position of a center of gravity of the wearable device is a center of gravity position, a distance in the reference direction from the front end to the center of gravity position is greater than 0.5 times and less than 0.8 times a distance in the reference direction from the front end to the rear end.

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