Wearable device and communication method

Abstract

A wearable device includes: a frame element, an extension element, a grounding element, a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a first decoupler. The extension element is connected to the frame element. The grounding element is attached to the extension element. The first antenna element is adjacent to the grounding element. The second antenna element is adjacent to the grounding element. The first decoupler is disposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element, wherein the first decoupler can be used to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, mobile devices have become increasingly common in recent years. Common examples include laptops, mobile phones, multimedia players, and other portable electronic devices with mixed functions. To meet people's needs, mobile devices usually have wireless communication capabilities. Some cover long-range wireless communication ranges, such as mobile phones using 2G, 3G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems and the frequency bands they use: 700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, and 2500MHz. Others cover short-range wireless communication ranges, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems using the frequency bands of 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz, and 5.8GHz.

[0003] Antennas are indispensable components in the field of wireless communication. However, if the isolation between multiple antennas is insufficient, it can easily lead to a degradation in the communication quality of related mobile devices. In view of this, it is necessary to propose a completely new solution to overcome the difficulties faced by previous technologies. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a wearable device comprising: a frame element; an extension element connected to the frame element; a grounding element attached to the extension element; a first antenna element adjacent to the grounding element; a second antenna element adjacent to the grounding element; and a first decoupler disposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; wherein the first decoupler is used to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the wearable device is a smart glasses device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0006] In some embodiments, the frame element is a mirror frame.

[0007] In some embodiments, the extension element is a mirror temple.

[0008] In some embodiments, both the first antenna element and the second antenna element cover a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band.

[0009] In some embodiments, the low-frequency band is between 700MHz and 2500MHz, while the high-frequency band is between 5150MHz and 7125MHz.

[0010] In some embodiments, the length of the grounding element is between 0.5 and 1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

[0011] In some embodiments, the distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first antenna element includes a first radiating portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the length of the first radiating portion is between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second antenna element includes a second radiating portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the length of the second radiating portion is between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first decoupler includes a metal strip, the vertical projection of which at least partially overlaps with both the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first decoupler includes a variable inductor coupled between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first decoupler includes a variable capacitor that is coupled between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first coupling gap is formed between the first radiating part and the grounding element, and a second coupling gap is formed between the second radiating part and the grounding element, wherein the width of each of the first coupling gap and the second coupling gap is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the low frequency band.

[0020] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes: a third antenna element adjacent to the grounding element; and a second decoupler disposed between the second antenna element and the third antenna element; wherein the second decoupler is used to enhance the isolation between the second antenna element and the third antenna element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third antenna element includes a third radiating portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the length of the third radiating part is between 0.25 times and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low frequency band.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a communication method comprising the following steps: providing a frame element, an extension element, a ground element, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element, wherein the extension element is connected to the frame element, the ground element is attached to the extension element, and the first antenna element and the second antenna element are both adjacent to the ground element; disposing a first decoupler between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; and using the first decoupler to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.

Implementation Method

[0025] In order 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 for detailed explanation.

[0026] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components by differences in name, but by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "including 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.

[0027] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the different features of this invention. 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 means that it may include embodiments where the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or it may include embodiments where 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, the same reference numerals or / and markings may be used repeatedly in different examples of the following disclosure. These repetitions are for simplification and clarity and are not intended to limit the specific relationship between the different embodiments or / and structures discussed.

[0028] Furthermore, spatially related terms, such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms, are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature in the illustration and another element(s) or feature(s). In addition to the orientation shown in the illustration, 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 (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein can be interpreted in the same way.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the wearable device 100 can be applied to the fields of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), but is not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 1, the wearable device 100 includes: a frame element 110, an extension element 120, a ground element 130, a first antenna element 140, a second antenna element 150, and a first decoupler 160, wherein the ground element 130, the first antenna element 140, and the second antenna element 150 can all be made of metal materials, such as copper, silver, aluminum, iron, or their alloys. It must be understood that, although not shown in Figure 1, the wearable device 100 may also include other components, such as a transmission line, an electrode, a battery, or a power supply module.

[0030] The shape and style of the frame element 110 and the extension element 120 are not particularly limited in this invention. The extension element 120 is connected to the frame element 110. The user can easily attach the wearable device 100 by using the frame element 110 and the extension element 120. In some embodiments, both the frame element 110 and the extension element 120 can be made of non-conductive materials, such as plastic.

[0031] The grounding element 130 is attached to the extension element 120. For example, the grounding element 130 may be generally a long straight strip, wherein the width of the grounding element 130 may be less than 10 mm. Additionally, the grounding element 130 may also be coupled to a system ground plane (not shown). In some embodiments, the grounding element 130 is disposed on any surface of the extension element 120. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the grounding element 130 is embedded within the extension element 120.

[0032] The first antenna element 140 is adjacent to the grounding element 130. The first antenna element 140 includes a first radiation element 145. For example, the first radiation element 145 may be generally a short straight strip, which may be generally parallel to the grounding element 130. In detail, the first radiation element 145 has a first end 141 and a second end 142, each of which may be an open end. In some embodiments, a first coupling gap GC1 may be formed between the first radiation element 145 and the grounding element 130. It should be noted that the terms "adjacent" or "adjacent" in this specification may refer to a distance between two corresponding elements that is less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 mm or less), but generally do not include the case where two corresponding elements are in direct contact with each other (i.e., the aforementioned distance is shortened to 0).

[0033] The second antenna element 150 is adjacent to the ground element 130. The second antenna element 150 includes a second radiating portion 155. For example, the second radiating portion 155 may generally present another shorter straight strip shape, and it may also be generally parallel to the ground element 130. In detail, the second radiating portion 155 has a first end 151 and a second end 152, each of which may be an open-circuit end. In some embodiments, a second coupling gap GC2 may be formed between the second radiating portion 155 and the ground element 130.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 may further include a first signal source and a second signal source (not shown), each of which may be a radio frequency (RF) module. Specifically, the aforementioned first signal source may be coupled to any location on the first radiating portion 145 to excite the first antenna element 140, and the aforementioned second signal source may also be coupled to any location on the second radiating portion 155 to excite the second antenna element 150. In other embodiments, either the first radiating portion 145 or the second radiating portion 155 may be modified to have a meandering shape, such as an L-shape, a C-shape, or a W-shape, but is not limited to these.

[0035] The first decoupler 160 is disposed between the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150. For example, the first decoupler 160 can be implemented by a metal element or a reactive element. Similarly, the first decoupler 160 and the aforementioned first radiating portion 145 and second radiating portion 155 can be disposed on any surface of the extension element 120, or embedded in the extension element 120, but are not limited thereto. It should be noted that the first decoupler 160 can be used to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150. In another embodiment, one outer surface of the first decoupler 160 can serve as an appearance element of the wearable device 100, which can simultaneously function as a capacitive sensing controller. Furthermore, when any finger of the user touches the aforementioned outer surface of the first decoupler 160, the first decoupler 160 can also execute a motion detection and switching procedure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100 may cover a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. For example, the aforementioned low-frequency band may be between 700MHz and 2500MHz, and the aforementioned high-frequency band may be between 5150MHz and 7125MHz. Therefore, the wearable device 100 will at least support broadband operation with WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the aforementioned low-frequency band and high-frequency band may also be adjusted so that the wearable device 100 can further support broadband operation with WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network).

[0037] Under the design of this invention, the grounding element 130, the first antenna element 140, the second antenna element 150, and the first decoupler 160 can all be well integrated with the frame element 110 and the extension element 120 of the wearable device 100. In addition, the first decoupler 160 can further reduce the distance D1 between the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150. Therefore, the wearable device 100 proposed in this invention can still cover the required wideband operation without increasing its overall size, while providing multi-input multi-output (MIMO) functionality.

[0038] In some embodiments, the component dimensions of the wearable device 100 may be as described below. The length L1 of the grounding element 130 may be between 0.5 and 1 wavelength (λ / 2 to 1λ) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The distance D1 between the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 may be less than or equal to 0.1 wavelength (λ / 10) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The length L2 of the first radiating portion 145 may be between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelength (λ / 4 to λ / 2) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The length L3 of the second radiating section 155 can be between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength (λ / 4 to λ / 2) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The width of the first coupling gap GC1 can be less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength (λ / 10) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The width of the second coupling gap GC2 can also be less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength (λ / 10) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140 and the second antenna element 150 of the wearable device 100. The above range of element dimensions is derived from multiple experimental results and helps to optimize the antenna isolation, operating bandwidth, and impedance matching of the wearable device 100.

[0039] The following embodiments will describe different configurations and detailed structural features of the wearable device 100. It must be understood that these figures and descriptions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the wearable device 200 is a smart glasses with wireless communication function. Specifically, the wearable device 200 includes at least: a frame element 210, an extension element 220, and a grounding element 230, wherein the grounding element 230 is embedded in the extension element 220. For example, the frame element 210 may be a glasses frame, and the extension element 220 may be a temple. The remaining features of the wearable device 200 in Figure 2 are similar to those of the wearable device 100 in Figure 1, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a first decoupler 360 of the wearable device 300 includes a metal strip 365, which may be disposed between a grounding element 130 and a first antenna element 140 or a second antenna element 150. For example, the metal strip 365 may be in a floating state; or, the metal strip 365 may also be coupled to the grounding element 130. If the normal direction of the grounding element 130 is referenced, the vertical projection of the metal strip 365 may at least partially overlap with the second end 142 of the first radiating portion 145 and the first end 151 of the second radiating portion 155. In other embodiments, the metal strip 365 may also be located above the first radiating portion 145 and the second radiating portion 155. The remaining features of the wearable device 300 in Figure 3 are similar to those of the wearable device 100 in Figure 1, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is similar to Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 4, a first decoupler 460 of the wearable device 400 includes a variable inductor 464 and a variable capacitor 465. The variable inductor 464 is coupled between a second terminal 142 of a first radiating portion 145 and a first terminal 151 of a second radiating portion 155. For example, the inductance of the variable inductor 464 may be between 0.1 nH and 10 nH. The variable capacitor 465 is coupled between a second terminal 142 of a first radiating portion 145 and a first terminal 151 of a second radiating portion 155. For example, the capacitance of the variable capacitor 465 may be between 0.1 pF and 10 pF. In other embodiments, the first decoupler 460 may also include either a variable inductor 464 or a variable capacitor 465. The remaining features of the wearable device 400 in Figure 4 are similar to those of the wearable device 100 in Figure 1, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is similar to Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the wearable device 500 further includes a third antenna element 570 and a second decoupler 580, and the length of a grounding element 530 of the wearable device 500 may also be increased accordingly. The third antenna element 570 is adjacent to the grounding element 530. The third antenna element 570 includes a third radiating portion 575. For example, the third radiating portion 575 may generally present a shorter straight strip shape, which may be generally parallel to the grounding element 530. In detail, the third radiating portion 575 has a first end 571 and a second end 572, each of which may be an open-circuit end. A third coupling gap GC3 may be formed between the third radiating portion 575 and the grounding element 530. A second decoupler 580 is disposed between the second antenna element 150 and the third antenna element 570, wherein the second decoupler 580 can be used to enhance the isolation between the second antenna element 150 and the third antenna element 570. In terms of element size, the length L4 of the third radiating portion 575 can be between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength (λ / 4 to λ / 2) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140, the second antenna element 150, and the third antenna element 570 of the wearable device 500. The distance D2 between the second antenna element 150 and the third antenna element 570 can be less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength (λ / 10) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140, the second antenna element 150, and the third antenna element 570 of the wearable device 500. Furthermore, the width of the third coupling gap GC3 may be less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength (λ / 10) of the low-frequency band of the first antenna element 140, the second antenna element 150, and the third antenna element 570 of the wearable device 500. In other embodiments, the wearable device 500 may also include more antenna elements and more decouplers. The remaining features of the wearable device 500 in Figure 5 are similar to those of the wearable device 100 in Figure 1, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S610, a frame element, an extension element, a ground element, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element are provided, wherein the extension element is connected to the frame element, the ground element is attached to the extension element, and both the first antenna element and the second antenna element are adjacent to the ground element. In step S620, a first decoupler is disposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element. Finally, in step S630, the first decoupler is used to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed sequentially, and each feature of the embodiments of Figures 1-5 can be applied to the communication method of Figure 6.

[0045] This invention proposes a novel wearable device. According to actual measurement results, the antenna isolation and overall communication quality of the wearable device designed above can be significantly improved, so it is very suitable for application in various types of devices.

[0046] It is worth noting that the component dimensions, shapes, and parameters described above are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Antenna designers can adjust these settings according to different needs. The wearable device and communication method of the present invention are not limited to the states illustrated in Figures 1-6. The present invention may include only any one or more features of any one or more embodiments of Figures 1-6. In other words, not all illustrated features need to be implemented simultaneously in the wearable device and communication method of the present invention.

[0047] 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 physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, 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 through 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.

[0048] The ordinal numbers in this specification and the claims, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., have no sequential relationship with each other and are only used to distinguish two different elements with the same name.

[0049] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements 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 appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable device, comprising: A frame component; An extension element is connected to the frame element; A grounding element is attached to the extension element; A first antenna element is located near the grounding element; a second antenna element is located near the grounding element; A first decoupler is disposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; wherein the first decoupler is used to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element both cover a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band; wherein the length of the grounding element is between 0.5 times and 1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

2. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a type of smart glasses with wireless communication capabilities.

3. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame element is a mirror frame.

4. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extension element is a temple.

5. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the low-frequency band is between 700MHz and 2500MHz, and the high-frequency band is between 5150MHz and 7125MHz.

6. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

7. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first antenna element includes a first radiating portion.

8. The wearable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the length of the first radiating element is between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

9. The wearable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second antenna element includes a second radiating portion.

10. The wearable device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the length of the second radiating element is between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

11. The wearable device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first decoupler includes a metal strip, and the vertical projection of the metal strip at least partially overlaps with both the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

12. The wearable device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first decoupler includes a variable inductor coupled between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

13. The wearable device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first decoupler includes a variable capacitor coupled between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion.

14. The wearable device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a first coupling gap is formed between the first radiating portion and the grounding element, and a second coupling gap is formed between the second radiating portion and the grounding element, wherein the width of each of the first coupling gap and the second coupling gap is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

15. The wearable device as described in claim 1, further comprising: A third antenna element is located adjacent to the grounding element; And a second decoupler, disposed between the second antenna element and the third antenna element; The second decoupler is used to enhance the isolation between the second antenna element and the third antenna element.

16. The wearable device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the third antenna element includes a third radiating portion.

17. The wearable device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the length of the third radiating element is between 0.25 and 0.5 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

18. A communication method comprising the steps of: providing a frame element, an extension element, a ground element, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element, wherein the extension element is connected to the frame element, the ground element is attached to the extension element, and the first antenna element and the second antenna element are both adjacent to the ground element; disposing a first decoupler between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; and using the first decoupler to enhance the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element both cover a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band; wherein the length of the ground element is between 0.5 times and 1 times the wavelength of the low-frequency band.

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