Wearable device and communication method thereof

Abstract

A wearable device includes a carrier element, a wearable element, a system-in-package integrated circuit, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element. The wearable element is connected to the carrier element. The system-in-package integrated circuit includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element. The first antenna element is coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the first antenna element and the system-in-package integrated circuit are integrated with each other. The second antenna element is coupled to the second transceiver, wherein the second antenna element and the carrier element are integrated with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device, and in particular to a wearable device with a communication function. Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, mobile devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, such as laptops, mobile phones, multimedia players and other portable electronic devices with mixed functions. In order to meet people's needs, mobile devices usually have the function of wireless communication. Some cover long-distance wireless communication ranges, such as mobile phones using 2G, 3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems and the 700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz and 2500MHz frequency bands used for communication, while some cover short-distance wireless communication ranges, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth systems using 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands for communication.

[0003] According to the research direction of major brands, the next generation of emerging mobile devices is likely to be "wearable devices". For example, watches, glasses, and even clothes on the body may have wireless communication functions. However, the internal space of some wearable devices is very small, often not enough to accommodate antennas for wireless communication. In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new solution to overcome the problems faced by previous technologies. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a wearable device, comprising: a carrier element; a wearable element connected to the carrier element; a system-level packaged integrated circuit, comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the system-level packaged integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element; a first antenna element coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the first antenna element and the system-level packaged integrated circuit are integrated with each other; and a second antenna element coupled to the second transceiver, wherein the second antenna element and the carrier element are integrated with each other.

[0005] In some embodiments, the wearable device is a smart ring with communication function.

[0006] In some embodiments, the supporting element is a ring platform.

[0007] In some embodiments, the supporting element is made of a metal material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wearable element is a ring setting.

[0009] In some embodiments, the wearable element is made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system-in-package integrated circuit is implemented by a multi-layer circuit board.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first antenna element covers a first frequency band, and the first frequency band is between 60 GHz and 500 GHz.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first antenna element includes: an antenna array disposed on top of the system-in-package integrated circuit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second antenna element covers a second frequency band, and the second frequency band is between 300 GHz and 500 GHz.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second antenna element includes: a radar waveguide array formed inside the supporting element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the radar waveguide array includes a plurality of waveguide tubes parallel to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, a distance between any two adjacent waveguides of the plurality of waveguides is between 0.5 and 0.8 times the wavelength of the second frequency band.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system-in-package integrated circuit further includes a processor.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second antenna element is used to receive a sensing signal, the processor generates a notification signal according to the sensing signal, and the first antenna element is used to transmit the notification signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system-in-package integrated circuit further includes a third transceiver.

[0020] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises: a third antenna element coupled to the third transceiver, wherein the third antenna element and the wearable device are integrated with each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third antenna element covers a near field communication frequency band.

[0022] In some embodiments, the third antenna element includes: a radiation coil disposed inside the wearable element.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a communication method, comprising the following steps: providing a wearable device, wherein the wearable device comprises a carrier element, a wearable element, a system-level packaged integrated circuit, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element, the wearable element is connected to the carrier element, the system-level packaged integrated circuit comprises a first transceiver and a second transceiver, and the system-level packaged integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element; coupling the first antenna element to the first transceiver; integrating the first antenna element and the system-level packaged integrated circuit with each other; coupling the second antenna element to the second transceiver; and integrating the second antenna element with the carrier element with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of symbols:

[0030] 100,200,400: Wearable devices

[0031] 110,210: load-bearing components

[0032] 120,220,420: Wearable components

[0033] 130,230,430: System-in-Package Integrated Circuits

[0034] 131: First transceiver

[0035] 132: Second transceiver

[0036] 140, 240: first antenna element

[0037] 150,250: Second antenna element

[0038] 235:Multilayer circuit board

[0039] 245: Antenna Array

[0040] 245-1,245-2,245-N: Antenna unit

[0041] 255: Radar waveguide array

[0042] 255-1,255-2,255-M: Waveguide

[0043] 260,460: third antenna element

[0044] 265:Radiation coil

[0045] 275A: First radiation metal sheet

[0046] 275B: Second radiation metal sheet

[0047] 433: Third transceiver

[0048] 435: Processor

[0049] D1: Spacing

[0050] S1: Sensing signal

[0051] S2: Notification signal

[0052] S510, S520, S530, S540, S550: Steps DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In order to make the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, specific embodiments of the present invention are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Certain words are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art should understand that hardware manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not use differences in names as a way to distinguish components, but use differences in the functions of components as the criteria for distinction. The words "include" and "comprise" mentioned throughout the specification and claims are open-ended terms and should be interpreted as "include but not limited to". The word "substantially" means that within an acceptable error range, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and achieve the basic technical effect within a certain error range. In addition, the word "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if the text describes a first device coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device via other devices or connection means.

[0055] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the different features of the present invention. The following disclosure describes specific examples of various components and their arrangements to simplify the description. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if the present disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it means that it may include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, and may also include an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first feature and the second feature, so that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, different examples in the following disclosure may reuse the same reference symbols or (and) marks. These repetitions are for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and are not intended to limit the specific relationship between the different embodiments or (and) structures discussed.

[0056] In addition, spatially related terms such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms are used to facilitate description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or features in the figure. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, these spatially related terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be turned to different orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The type of the wearable device 100 is not particularly limited in the present invention. For example, the wearable device 100 may be a ring device or a bracelet device with a communication function. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device 100 includes: a carrier element 110, a wearable element 120, a system-in-package (SIP) integrated circuit (IC) 130, a first antenna element 140, and a second antenna element 150. It should be understood that although not shown in FIG. Figure 1 However, the wearable device 100 may further include other components, such as: a housing, a speaker, or (and) a power supply module.

[0058] The shapes of the supporting element 110 and the wearable element 120 are not particularly limited in the present invention. The supporting element 110 may be made of a metal material. The wearable element 120 may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. The wearable element 120 is connected to the supporting element 110 so that the supporting element 110 can be fixed to a body part of a user by using the wearable element 120.

[0059] The system-in-package integrated circuit 130 is disposed on the carrier element 110, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit 130 includes a first transceiver 131 and a second transceiver 132. In some embodiments, the first transceiver 131 can be regarded as a first signal source, and the second transceiver 132 can be regarded as a second signal source, but it is not limited thereto.

[0060] The first antenna element 140 is coupled to the first transceiver 131, wherein the first antenna element 140 and the system-in-package integrated circuit 130 are integrated with each other. The second antenna element 150 is coupled to the second transceiver 132, wherein the second antenna element 150 and the carrier element 110 are integrated with each other. The shape and type of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 are not particularly limited in the present invention. For example, any one of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 can be a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a loop antenna, a helical antenna, a patch antenna, a planar inverted F antenna, or a chip antenna.

[0061] Under this design, the wearable device 100 of the present invention can use the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 to perform wireless communication in the limited space inside the wearable device 100. Therefore, the wearable device 100 of the present invention can simultaneously take into account the dual advantages of miniaturization of the device size and improvement of communication quality.

[0062] The following embodiments will introduce various configurations and detailed structural features of the wearable device 100. It should be understood that these drawings and descriptions are only for example and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a wearable device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device 200 includes: a carrier element 210 , a wearable element 220 , a system-in-package integrated circuit 230 , a first antenna element 240 , and a second antenna element 250 . Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram (from another viewing angle) showing a wearable device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein for the sake of simplification of the drawings, Figure 3 Only the bearing element 210 and the wearable element 220 are shown, and the other elements are omitted. Figure 2 , 3 .

[0064] The wearable device 200 may be a smart ring with communication function. For example, the carrier element 210 may be a ring base, which may be made of metal material, and the wearable element 220 may be a ring holder, which may be made of non-metal material. The wearable element 220 is connected to the carrier element 210, so that the carrier element 210 can be fixed on a finger of the user by using the wearable element 220.

[0065] The system-in-package integrated circuit 230 can be implemented by a multilayer circuit board 235. For example, the multilayer circuit board 235 may include 10 circuit layers, wherein the thickness of each circuit layer may be approximately equal to 100 μm, but is not limited thereto (may vary depending on the type of SIP and packaging technology). In addition, the system-in-package integrated circuit 230 is disposed on the carrier element 210, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit 230 includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver (not shown).

[0066] The first antenna element 240 is coupled to the first transceiver of the system-in-package integrated circuit 230. The first antenna element 240 may cover a first frequency band. For example, the first frequency band may be between 60 GHz and 500 GHz, so that the first antenna element 240 may support broadband operation in the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first antenna element 240 includes an antenna array 245, wherein the antenna array 245 can be disposed on the top of the system-in-package integrated circuit 230, and the bottom of the system-in-package integrated circuit 230 can directly contact the carrier element 210. In detail, the antenna array 245 includes a plurality of antenna units 245-1, 245-2, ..., 245-N, wherein "N" is any positive integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the aforementioned antenna units 245-1, 245-2, ..., 245-N can be arranged in a square, wherein "N" can be a perfect square number, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The second antenna element 250 is coupled to the second transceiver of the SIP IC 230. The second antenna element 250 may cover a second frequency band. For example, the second frequency band may be between 300 GHz and 500 GHz, so that the second antenna element 250 may also support broadband operation in the millimeter wave band.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second antenna element 250 includes a radar waveguide array 255, wherein the radar waveguide array 255 may be formed inside the carrier element 210. Specifically, the radar waveguide array 255 includes a plurality of waveguide tubes 255-1, 255-2, ..., 255-M that are parallel to each other, wherein "M" is any positive integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the distance D1 between any two adjacent waveguide tubes 255-1, 255-2, ..., 255-M may be between 0.5 times and 0.8 times the wavelength (0.5λ~0.8λ) of the second frequency band of the second antenna element 250. According to actual measurement results, such a range of the distance D1 helps to reduce the mutual coupling between the waveguide tubes 255-1, 255-2, ..., 255-M, and at the same time, it can suppress the side lobes of the radiation pattern of the radar waveguide array 255.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second antenna element 250 can be used to transmit or receive a sensing signal S1, and the first antenna element 240 can also be used to transmit or receive a notification signal S2, wherein the notification signal S2 can be correlated with the sensing signal S1. For example, if the second antenna element 250 is arranged parallel to the user's finger, the second antenna element 250 can be used to detect a tactile event of the finger, and the first antenna element 240 can be used to transmit the relevant information of the tactile event. Therefore, an external device (not shown) can obtain the relevant details of the aforementioned tactile event by analyzing the notification signal S2.

[0071] In some embodiments, the wearable device 200 further includes a third antenna element 260. For example, the third antenna element 260 may cover a near field communication (NFC) frequency band and a wireless power transfer (WPT) frequency band. In detail, the third antenna element 260 may include a radiation coil 265, wherein the radiation coil 265 may be disposed inside the wearable element 220. For example, the radiation coil 265 may have the functions of near field communication and wireless charging at the same time, wherein the realization of the aforementioned dual functions may be mainly based on a shared coil design. In some embodiments, the radiation coil 265 may be used to receive a WPT signal and transmit or receive an NFC signal at the same time. Since the wearable device 200 uses more antenna elements or more antenna arrays, it may also provide beamforming or beam switching functions. It must be understood that the third antenna element 260 is only an optional element and may be removed in other embodiments.

[0072] In other embodiments, the third antenna element 260 may also include one or more contact electrodes (Electrode Pads) for human body communication (Human Body Communication, HBC). In a human body communication system, the contact electrode is usually designed as a metal surface in contact with the skin to effectively transmit and receive communication signals mediated by the human body, such as the aforementioned notification signal S2. The aforementioned contact electrode can be implemented by a material with good conductivity and biocompatibility, such as a metal (such as copper, silver), a carbon material, or a biocompatible coating, etc. The specific structure of the contact electrode may vary depending on various applications, including different shapes, different sizes, and different arrangements. In some embodiments, the third antenna element 260 may include a first radiation metal piece (Radiation Metal Piece) 275A and a second radiation metal piece 275B, wherein the first radiation metal piece 275A and the second radiation metal piece 275B can both be disposed inside the wearable element 220, and the system-level package integrated circuit 230 can be between the aforementioned first radiation metal piece 275A and the second radiation metal piece 275B. For example, the first radiation metal plate 275A may be regarded as a positive end of the contact electrode, and the second radiation metal plate 275B may be regarded as a negative end of the contact electrode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 2 The remaining features of the wearable device 200 are the same as Figure 1 The wearable device 100 is similar to the embodiment, so the two embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device 400 further includes a third antenna element 460, and a system-in-package integrated circuit 430 of the wearable device 400 further includes a third transceiver 433 and a processor 435. The third antenna element 460 is coupled to the third transceiver 433, wherein the third antenna element 460 can be integrated with a wearable element 420 of the wearable device 400. For example, the wearable element 420 can be implemented by a non-conductive ring portion, and the third antenna element 460 can be embedded in the wearable element 420. On the other hand, the second antenna element 150 can be used to receive a sensing signal S1, and the processor 435 can generate a notification signal S2 according to the sensing signal S1, and the first antenna element 140 can be used to transmit or receive the aforementioned notification signal S2. Figure 4 The remaining features of the wearable device 400 are the same as Figure 1 The wearable device 100 is similar to the embodiment, so the two embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0074] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S510, a wearable device is provided, wherein the wearable device includes a carrier element, a wearable element, a system-level package integrated circuit, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element. The wearable element is connected to the carrier element. The system-level package integrated circuit includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The system-level package integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element. In step S520, the first antenna element is coupled to the first transceiver. In step S530, the first antenna element and the system-level package integrated circuit are integrated with each other. In step S540, the second antenna element is coupled to the second transceiver. Finally, in step S550, the second antenna element and the carrier element are integrated with each other. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed in sequence, but Figure 1-4 Each feature of the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to Figure 5 of communication methods.

[0075] The present invention provides a novel wearable device and communication method. Compared with the traditional design, the present invention has at least the advantages of improving the overall communication quality and miniaturizing the overall device size, so it is very suitable for application in various devices.

[0076] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned component parameters are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these setting values ​​according to different needs. The wearable device and communication method of the present invention are not limited to Figure 1-5 The present invention may only include Figure 1-5 In other words, not all the features shown in the figures need to be implemented in the wearable device and communication method of the present invention at the same time.

[0077] The method of the present invention, or a specific form or part thereof, may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, an optical disk, a hard disk, or any other machine-readable (such as computer-readable) storage medium, or a computer program product that is not limited to an external form, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted through some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission mode, wherein when the program code is received, loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for participating in the present invention. When actually operated on a general-purpose processing unit, the program code combines with the processing unit to provide a unique device that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0078] In the present specification and claims, ordinal numbers, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., have no sequential relationship with each other, and are only used to distinguish two different components with the same name.

[0079] Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable device, comprising: a load-bearing element; a wearable element connected to the bearing element; A system-in-package integrated circuit, comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element; a first antenna element coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the first antenna element is integrated with the SIP IC; as well as A second antenna element is coupled to the second transceiver, wherein the second antenna element and the supporting element are integrated with each other.

2. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a smart ring with communication function.

3. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting element is a ring platform portion.

4. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting element is made of a metal material.

5. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable element is a ring holder.

6. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable element is made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material.

7. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit is implemented by a multi-layer circuit board. 8 . The wearable device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first antenna element covers a first frequency band, and the first frequency band is between 60 GHz and 500 GHz.

9. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the first antenna element comprises: An antenna array is arranged on the top of the system-level package integrated circuit. 10 . The wearable device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second antenna element covers a second frequency band, and the second frequency band is between 300 GHz and 500 GHz.

11. The wearable device of claim 10, wherein the second antenna element comprises: A radar waveguide array is formed inside the supporting element.

12. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the radar waveguide array comprises a plurality of waveguide tubes parallel to each other.

13. The wearable device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the distance between any two adjacent ones of the plurality of waveguide tubes is between 0.5 and 0.8 times the wavelength of the second frequency band.

14. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit further comprises a processor. 15 . The wearable device as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the second antenna element is used to receive a sensing signal, the processor generates a notification signal according to the sensing signal, and the first antenna element is used to transmit the notification signal.

16. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system-in-package integrated circuit further comprises a third transceiver.

17. The wearable device of claim 16, further comprising: A third antenna element is coupled to the third transceiver, wherein the third antenna element is integrated with the wearable element.

18. The wearable device of claim 17, wherein the third antenna element covers a near field communication frequency band.

19. The wearable device of claim 17, wherein the third antenna element comprises: A radiation coil is arranged inside the wearable element.

20. A communication method comprising the following steps: A wearable device is provided, wherein the wearable device comprises a carrier element, a wearable element, a system-in-package integrated circuit, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element, the wearable element is connected to the carrier element, the system-in-package integrated circuit comprises a first transceiver and a second transceiver, and the system-in-package integrated circuit is disposed on the carrier element; coupling the first antenna element to the first transceiver; integrating the first antenna element with the system-in-package integrated circuit; coupling the second antenna element to the second transceiver; as well as The second antenna element and the supporting element are integrated with each other.

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