Communication device and communication method

Abstract

A communication device comprises a pressure sensor, an electrode element, a human body communication module and a processor. The pressure sensor can detect a pressure signal from a user. The electrode element may be used to contact a user. The human body communication module is coupled to the electrode element. The processor is coupled to the pressure sensor and the human body communication module, wherein the processor can compare an intensity of the pressure signal with a first critical value and a second critical value. If the intensity of the pressure signal is higher than the first critical value, the processor can control the human body communication module to execute a normal human body communication program. If the intensity of the pressure signal drops to the second critical value, the processor can generate a notification signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly to a communication device and a communication method. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), related devices typically require wired or wireless connections with other devices. However, conventional connection methods are prone to poor communication quality. Therefore, a novel solution is needed to overcome the limitations of previous technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a communication device for interacting with a user, comprising: a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal from the user; an electrode element for contacting the user; a Human Body Communication (HBC) module coupled to the electrode element; and a processor coupled to the pressure sensor and the HBC module, wherein the processor compares an intensity of the pressure signal with a first threshold and a second threshold; wherein if the intensity of the pressure signal is higher than the first threshold, the processor controls the HBC module to execute a normal human communication procedure; wherein if the intensity of the pressure signal drops to the second threshold, the processor generates a notification signal.

[0004] In some embodiments, the second threshold value is lower than the first threshold value.

[0005] In some embodiments, the electrode element is integrated with the pressure sensor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes: a vibration module coupled to the processor, wherein the vibration module generates a cue vibration signal according to the notification signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, if the intensity of the pressure signal is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the processor will control the human body communication module to execute a low-speed human body communication program.

[0008] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes: a wireless communication module coupled to the processor, wherein if the intensity of the pressure signal is continuously lower than the second threshold, the processor will stop the low-speed human body communication program and control the wireless communication module to execute a wireless communication program.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processor controls the vibration module to generate a termination vibration signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes: a speaker coupled to the processor, wherein the processor controls the speaker to generate an end sound effect signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes: an electroencephalogram (EEG) module coupled to the processor, wherein the EEG module receives a setting signal from the user before the normal human communication program is executed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the setting signal includes a transmission format, an initial transmission rate, and information related to an amplifier supply potential.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processor controls the EEG module to generate an EEG termination signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a communication method comprising the following steps: detecting a pressure signal from a user via a pressure sensor; contacting the user via an electrode element, wherein a human body communication module is coupled to the electrode element; comparing an intensity of the pressure signal with a first threshold and a second threshold; if the intensity of the pressure signal is higher than the first threshold, controlling the human body communication module to execute a normal human body communication procedure; and if the intensity of the pressure signal drops to the second threshold, generating a notification signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes integrating the electrode element with the pressure sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: generating a cue vibration signal via a vibration module based on the notification signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes controlling the human body communication module to execute a low-speed human body communication program if the intensity of the pressure signal is between the first threshold and the second threshold.

[0018] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: if the intensity of the pressure signal remains below the second threshold, stopping the low-speed human body communication program and controlling a wireless communication module to execute a wireless communication program.

[0019] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes controlling the vibration module to generate a termination vibration signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes controlling a speaker to generate an end sound effect signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes receiving a set signal from the user via an electroencephalogram (EEG) module before the normal human communication procedure is executed.

[0022] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes controlling the EEG module to generate an EEG termination signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 This displays a waveform of the pressure signal detected by the communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 This displays a waveform of the pressure signal detected by the communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 A flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Symbol explanation:

[0031] 100, 200, 400, 600: Communication devices

[0032] 110: Pressure sensor

[0033] 120: Electrode element

[0034] 130: Human Body Communication Module

[0035] 140: Vibration Module

[0036] 150, 450, 650: Processors

[0037] 205: Non-conductive outer shell

[0038] 460: Wireless Communication Module

[0039] 470: Speaker

[0040] 650: EEG Module

[0041] HA: User's hand

[0042] HB: User

[0043] S710, S720, S730, S740, S750, S760, S770, S780: Steps

[0044] SC: Notification Signal

[0045] SD: End vibration signal

[0046] SE: End of EEG signal

[0047] SN: Vibration signal

[0048] SP: Pressure signal

[0049] SS: End sound effect signal

[0050] ST: Setting signal

[0051] SW: Wireless signal

[0052] TA: First Time Point

[0053] TB: Second Time Point

[0054] TC: Third Time Point

[0055] TD: Fourth Time Point

[0056] TH1: First critical value

[0057] TH2: Second critical value Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same element. This specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." The term "generally" means that within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and achieve the basic technical effect within a certain margin of error. Furthermore, the term "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as 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.

[0060] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the various features of this application. The following disclosure describes specific examples of the various components and their arrangements for simplification. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if this disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it indicates that it may include embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, or embodiments where an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, the same reference numerals and / or designations may be used repeatedly in the different examples disclosed below. These repetitions are for simplification and clarity and are not intended to limit any specific relationship between the different embodiments or / and structures discussed.

[0061] Furthermore, spatially related terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms, are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations shown in the drawings, these spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be rotated to different orientations (90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein can be interpreted in the same way.

[0062] Figure 1The diagram shows a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the communication device 100 can also be used in virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) related devices. Alternatively, the communication device 100 can be used in a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer. Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 100 includes at least: a pressure sensor 110, an electrode element 120, a Human Body Communication (HBC) module 130, and a processor 150. It must be understood that, although not shown in… Figure 1 However, the communication device 100 may also include other components, such as a battery, a touch control panel, a power supply module, or a housing.

[0063] Communication device 100 can interact with a user HB. Pressure sensor 110 can detect a pressure signal SP from the user HB. For example, electrode element 120 may include one or more metal strips, but is not limited to them. Electrode element 120 can be used to contact any part of the user HB's body. In some embodiments, electrode element 120 is integrated with pressure sensor 110. Human body communication module 130 is coupled to electrode element 120. Processor 150 is coupled to pressure sensor 110 and human body communication module 130, respectively, wherein processor 150 can compare a strength of pressure signal SP with a first threshold TH1 and a second threshold TH2. For example, the second threshold TH2 may be lower than the first threshold TH1, and both are pre-stored or adjustable. If the strength of pressure signal SP is higher than the first threshold TH1, processor 150 can control human body communication module 130 to execute a normal human body communication procedure. In some embodiments, the human body communication module 130 can rapidly collect various physiological information of the user's HB via the electrode element 120. If the intensity of the pressure signal SP drops to a second threshold TH2, the processor 150 can generate a notification signal SC. For example, the notification signal SC can be transmitted to another element via a wired or wireless mechanism, but is not limited to this.

[0064] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 further includes a vibration module 140 coupled to the processor 150, wherein the vibration module 140 can generate a cue vibration signal SN according to a notification signal SC. For example, the cue vibration signal SN can be used to remind the user HB to further increase the intensity of the pressure signal SP. It must be understood that the vibration module 140 is only an optional element and may be removed from the communication device 100 in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the vibration module 140 may also be disposed in an external device (not shown), wherein this external device is independent of the communication device 100.

[0065] Under the design of this invention, the proposed communication device 100 can communicate with the user HB or its related device (not shown) through a human body communication mechanism. When the strength of the pressure signal SP is insufficient, the proposed communication device 100 can also remind the user HB to make appropriate adjustments, thereby maintaining better overall communication quality.

[0066] The following embodiments will describe various configurations and detailed structural features of the communication device 100. It must be understood that these figures and descriptions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the communication device 200 is a smartphone and further includes a nonconductive housing 205. For example, when the user HB's hand HA firmly grips the communication device 200, the intensity of the corresponding pressure signal SP will increase, thereby improving the communication quality of the relevant human body communication mechanism; conversely, when the user HB's hand HA only lightly grips the communication device 200, the intensity of the corresponding pressure signal SP will decrease. For example, an electrode element of the communication device 200 may be disposed on the outside of the nonconductive housing 205, while a pressure sensor of the communication device 200 may be disposed on the inside of the nonconductive housing 205 (not shown). Alternatively, the pressure sensor and the electrode element of the communication device 200 may both be disposed on the same side of the nonconductive housing 205. Figure 2 The remaining features of the communication device 200 are all the same as Figure 1 The communication device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0068] Figure 3This diagram displays a waveform of the pressure signal SP detected by the communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the horizontal axis represents time (s) and the vertical axis represents the intensity (N / m) of the pressure signal SP. 2 Please refer to this as well. Figure 1 , 3 At a first time point TA, the intensity of the pressure signal SP has risen to a first threshold TH1, so the processor 150 controls the human body communication module 130 to execute a normal human body communication program. At a second time point TB, the intensity of the pressure signal SP has dropped back to the first threshold TH1. Then, at a third time point TC, the intensity of the pressure signal SP further drops to a second threshold TH2. In some embodiments, if the intensity of the pressure signal SP is between the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 (i.e., from the second time point TB to the third time point TC), the processor 150 can control the human body communication module 130 to execute a low-speed human body communication program instead of the aforementioned normal human body communication program. For example, the transmission rate of the low-speed human body communication program may be lower than the transmission rate of the normal human body communication program. It should be noted that at the third time point TC, the processor 150 can further control the vibration module 140 to output a prompt vibration signal SN and remind the user HB. In response to the prompt vibration signal SN, the user HB can increase the intensity of the pressure signal SP again. Finally, at a fourth time point TD, the intensity of the pressure signal SP has risen back to the first critical value TH1, and the processor 150 controls the human body communication module 130 to re-execute the aforementioned normal human body communication program, replacing the aforementioned low-speed human body communication program. In some embodiments, before the aforementioned normal human body communication program or the aforementioned low-speed human body communication program is to terminate, the processor 150 may also control the vibration module 140 to generate a termination vibration signal SD. It should be noted that the termination vibration signal SD may be different from the cue vibration signal SN. For example, the cue vibration signal SN may be a shorter vibration, while the termination vibration signal SD may be a longer vibration, but it is not limited to this. In response to the termination vibration signal SD, the user HB will understand that the aforementioned normal human body communication program or the aforementioned low-speed human body communication program is about to terminate and can prepare to release their hand HA.

[0069] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 4In this embodiment, the communication device 400 further includes a wireless communication module 460 and a speaker 470, wherein a processor 450 of the communication device 400 is further coupled to the wireless communication module 460 and the speaker 470. For example, the wireless communication module 460 may be a Wi-Fi module or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) module, but is not limited thereto. Before a normal human communication program or a low-speed human communication program of the communication device 400 is to terminate, the processor 450 may also control the speaker 470 to generate an end sound effect signal SS. In response to the end sound effect signal SS, the user HB will understand that the aforementioned normal human communication program or the aforementioned low-speed human communication program is about to terminate and can prepare to release their hand HA.

[0070] Figure 5 This diagram displays a waveform of the pressure signal SP detected by the communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the horizontal axis represents time (s) and the vertical axis represents the intensity (N / m) of the pressure signal SP. 2 Please refer to this as well. Figure 4 , 5 After the third time point TC, if the intensity of the pressure signal SP remains below the second critical value TH2, the processor 450 will stop the aforementioned low-speed human body communication program and control the wireless communication module 460 to execute a wireless communication program. The aforementioned wireless communication program may refer to receiving or transmitting a wireless signal SW. In some embodiments, the user HB may wear a wearable device (not shown) with wireless communication capabilities, such as virtual reality glasses (VR glasses). Then, the communication device 400 can communicate with the user HB's wearable device using a wireless communication mechanism, replacing the aforementioned human body communication mechanism. According to actual measurement results, the addition of a wireless communication mechanism helps to enhance the diversity design of the communication device 400. Figure 4 The remaining features of the communication device 400 are all the same as Figure 1 The communication device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0071] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a communication device 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 6In this embodiment, the communication device 600 further includes an electroencephalography (EEG) module 680, which is coupled to a processor 650 of the communication device 600. The user HB may wear another wearable device (not shown) with EEG functionality, such as a head-mounted display (HMD). Before a normal human communication procedure of the communication device 600 is executed, the EEG module 680 receives a setting signal ST from the user HB and their wearable device. Specifically, the setting signal ST may include a transmission format, an initial transmission rate, and information related to an amplifier supply potential. Based on the setting signal ST, both the normal human communication procedure and a low-speed human communication procedure of the communication device 600 can be optimized. Furthermore, before the normal human communication procedure or the low-speed human communication procedure of the communication device 600 is to terminate, the processor 650 also controls the EEG module 680 to generate a termination EEG signal SE. In response to the termination of the EEG signal SE, the user HB will understand that the aforementioned normal human communication procedure or the aforementioned low-speed human communication procedure is about to terminate, and can prepare to release their hand HA. Figure 6 The remaining features of the communication device 600 are all the same as Figure 1 The communication device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0072] Figure 7 A flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, in step S710, a pressure signal from a user is detected by a pressure sensor. In step S720, the user is contacted by an electrode element, wherein a human body communication module is coupled to the electrode element. In step S730, the intensity of the pressure signal is compared with a first threshold value. In step S740, it is determined whether the intensity of the pressure signal has exceeded the first threshold value. If not, the process returns to step S730. If yes, in step S750, the human body communication module is controlled to execute a normal human body communication procedure. During the normal human body communication procedure, the intensity of the pressure signal may fluctuate. In step S760, the intensity of the pressure signal is compared with a second threshold value. In step S770, it is determined whether the intensity of the pressure signal has decreased to the second threshold value. If not, the process returns to step S760. If yes, in step S780, a notification signal is generated. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be executed sequentially, but... Figure 1-6 Each feature of the embodiments can be applied to Figure 7 In the communication methods.

[0073] This invention proposes a novel communication device and method. Compared with conventional designs, this invention has the advantage of improving overall communication quality, making it well-suited for application in a wide variety of devices.

[0074] It is worth noting that the component parameters described above are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these settings according to different needs. The communication device and communication method of the present invention are not limited to... Figure 1-7 The state shown in the attached figures. The invention may include only... Figure 1-7 Any one or more features of any one or more embodiments. In other words, not all features in the figures need to be implemented simultaneously in the communication device and communication method of the present invention.

[0075] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of the present invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method, wherein when the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique apparatus that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0076] The ordinal numbers in this specification and claims, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are not sequential in any particular order; they are only used to distinguish between two different elements with the same name.

[0077] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication device for interacting with a user, comprising: A pressure sensor detects a pressure signal from the user; An electrode element for contacting the user; A human body communication module is coupled to the electrode element; as well as A processor, coupled to the pressure sensor and the human body communication module, wherein the processor compares an intensity of the pressure signal with a first threshold and a second threshold. If the intensity of the pressure signal is higher than the first threshold, the processor will control the human body communication module to execute a normal human body communication program. If the intensity of the pressure signal drops to the second threshold, the processor will generate a notification signal.

2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold.

3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the electrode element is integrated with the pressure sensor.

4. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A vibration module is coupled to the processor, wherein the vibration module generates a cue vibration signal based on the notification signal.

5. The communication device of claim 4, wherein if the intensity of the pressure signal is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the processor will control the human body communication module to execute a low-speed human body communication program.

6. The communication device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: A wireless communication module is coupled to the processor, wherein if the intensity of the pressure signal remains below the second threshold, the processor will stop the low-speed human body communication program and control the wireless communication module to execute a wireless communication program.

7. The communication device of claim 5, wherein the processor controls the vibration module to generate a termination vibration signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to be terminated.

8. The communication device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: A speaker is coupled to the processor, wherein the processor controls the speaker to generate an end sound signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate.

9. The communication device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: An electroencephalogram (EEG) module is coupled to the processor, wherein the EEG module receives a setting signal from the user before the normal human communication program is executed.

10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the setting signal includes a transmission format, an initial transmission rate, and information related to an amplifier supply potential.

11. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the processor controls the EEG module to generate an EEG termination signal before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to be terminated.

12. A communication method, comprising the following steps; A pressure sensor detects a pressure signal from a user; The user is contacted via an electrode element, and a human body communication module is coupled to the electrode element. The intensity of the pressure signal is compared with a first critical value and a second critical value; If the intensity of the pressure signal is higher than the first threshold, the human body communication module is controlled to execute a normal human body communication program; and If the intensity of the pressure signal drops to the second critical value, a notification signal is generated.

13. The communication method of claim 12, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold.

14. The communication method as described in claim 12, further comprising: The electrode element is integrated with the pressure sensor.

15. The communication method as described in claim 12, further comprising: Based on the notification signal, a vibration module generates a prompt vibration signal.

16. The communication method as described in claim 15, further comprising: If the intensity of the pressure signal is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the human body communication module is controlled to execute a low-speed human body communication program.

17. The communication method as described in claim 16, further comprising: If the intensity of the pressure signal remains below the second critical value, the low-speed human body communication program is stopped, and a wireless communication module is controlled to execute a wireless communication program.

18. The communication method as described in claim 16, further comprising: Before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate, the vibration module is controlled to generate a termination vibration signal.

19. The communication method as described in claim 16, further comprising: Before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate, a speaker is controlled to generate an end sound effect signal.

20. The communication method as described in claim 16, further comprising: Before the normal human communication program is executed, a set signal is received by the user through an electroencephalogram (EEG) module.

21. The communication method of claim 20, wherein the setting signal includes a transmission format, an initial transmission rate, and information related to an amplifier supply potential.

22. The communication method as described in claim 20, further comprising: Before the normal human communication program or the low-speed human communication program is to terminate, the EEG module is controlled to generate an EEG termination signal.

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