U.S. patent application number 11/759870 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for wrist-worn communications apparatus with perpendicularly oriented microphone and loudspeaker.
This patent application is currently assigned to Casio Computer Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yoshiyuki Murata, Kaoru YOSHIDA.
Application Number | 20070232373 11/759870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32828906 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIDA; Kaoru ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
WRIST-WORN COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS WITH PERPENDICULARLY ORIENTED
MICROPHONE AND LOUDSPEAKER
Abstract
A watch of the communications apparatus is worn on a user's
wrist by bands. A support member pivoted on the band is then turned
so as to extend in the transverse direction of the bands. A speaker
unit is provided on the support member so as to face in a
transverse direction of the band while a microphone unit is
disposed on the support member so as to face in a direction
perpendicular to a surface of the band. When a user communicates
with the other party, the speaker unit provided on the support
member is directed toward the user's ear. This causes the
microphone unit provided on the support member to be directed
easily toward the user's mouth. Alternatively a hinged lid is
provided the lid carrying a key-in unit or a display and a speaker
unit.
Inventors: |
YOSHIDA; Kaoru; (Ome-shi,
JP) ; Murata; Yoshiyuki; (Ome-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN & CHICK, PC
220 Fifth Avenue
16TH Floor
NEW YORK
NY
10001-7708
US
|
Assignee: |
Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
32828906 |
Appl. No.: |
11/759870 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10531368 |
Apr 13, 2005 |
7251197 |
|
|
PCT/JP04/00959 |
Jan 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
11759870 |
Jun 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G04G 21/04 20130101;
H04B 1/385 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.6 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 30, 2003 |
JP |
2003-021320 |
Feb 10, 2003 |
JP |
2003-032486 |
Claims
1. A wrist-worn communications apparatus comprising: a device; a
band that is coupled to the device and that is adapted to be worn
on a user's wrist; a key input unit provided at a predetermined
portion of the band; a microphone provided at one side of the key
input unit; a lid connected to the key input unit by a hinge
provided at another side of the key input unit so that the lid is
configured to be opened and closed in a direction perpendicular to
a longitudinal direction of the band, wherein when the lid is
opened the lid is configured to be directed to a palm of a user's
hand, and wherein the hinge is provided at one side of the lid; a
display unit provided on the lid; and a speaker provided at another
side of the lid.
2. The wrist-worn communications apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the key input unit comprises a plurality of input keys.
3. The wrist-worn communications apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the lid comprises an antenna which is extendable in the
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
band.
4. The wrist-worn communications apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the device comprises a time piece function.
5. The wrist-worn communications apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the display unit is provided on an inner surface of the lid
which faces the key input unit when the lid is closed.
6. The wrist-worn communications apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the plurality of input keys are arranged such that a
direction of key labels is aligned with a direction of characters
displayed on the display unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a Continuation Application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/531,368 filed Apr. 13, 2005,
incorporated herein by reference and which is a U.S. National Phase
Application under 35 USC 371 of International Application
PCT/JP2004/000959 filed Jan. 30, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to wrist-worn communications
apparatus worn on a user's wrist for communicating purposes.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In the past, wristwatch type telephones are known that
comprise a watch that has a communication function, a speaker unit,
and a microphone unit provided on a wristband which is worn on a
user's wrist (for example, International Publication
WO98/05148).
[0004] In these wristwatch type telephones, the speaker and
microphone units are provided at opposite ends of a case different
from that of the watch and extending across the wristband. The
speaker and microphone units face outward in opposite directions to
thereby prevent the occurrence of so-called howling that the
microphone picks up sound let off from the speaker unit.
[0005] In such telephones, the speaker unit and the microphone unit
are disposed so as to face outward in the opposite directions
across the wristband as just mentioned above. Thus, when it is used
on the user's mouth if the front of the speaker through which sound
is let off is directed toward the user's ear on the side of his or
her wrist mentioned with the whereas conversely, if the front of
the microphone unit is directed toward the user's mouth the front
of the speaker unit cannot be directed toward the user's ear
mentioned. Thus, the directivities of both the microphone and
speaker units cannot be sufficiently obtained.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a wrist-worn communications apparatus in which when worn on
a user's wrist, the speaker and the microphone can be
satisfactorily directed toward the user's ear on the side of his or
her wrist mentioned and mouth, respectively, to thereby ensure
efficient use of the directivity of both the speaker and the
microphone.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
wrist-worn communications apparatus by which a user is able to
communicate with the other party in a natural posture without
unnaturally bending his or her arm whose wrist wears a device of
the apparatus.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0008] In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention
provides a wrist-worn communications apparatus comprising a device,
a band for wearing the device on a user's wrist, a speaker unit
disposed at a predetermined position on the band so as to face in
the transverse direction of the band, and a microphone unit
disposed close to the speaker unit on the band so as to face in the
direction perpendicular to a surface of the band.
[0009] Thus, according to this invention, even though the speaker
and microphone units are provided close to each other at the
predetermined position on the band, howling is prevented from
occurring. In addition, especially when it is worn on the user's
wrist in use, the fronts of the microphone and speaker units in
which sound is collected and let off can sufficiently be directed
toward the user's mouth and ear on the side of his or her wrist
mentioned, respectively, to thereby ensure the directivities of
both the speaker and the microphone.
[0010] The present invention also provides a wrist-worn
communications apparatus comprising a device, a band for wearing
the device on a user's wrist, a support member attached at a
predetermined position on the band where the support member can
extend in the transverse direction of the band and in the extending
direction of the band in which the support member is superposed on
the band, a speaker unit provided on one end of the support member
so as to face outward in the extending direction of the support
member, and a microphone unit disposed on the other end of the
support member so as to face in the direction substantially
perpendicular to a surface of the support member.
[0011] According to this invention, the support member is attached
pivotally at the predetermined position on the band such that the
support member can extend in the transverse and extending
directions of the band. Thus, when the device is worn on the user's
wrist and the support member is directed so as to extend in the
transverse direction of the band for communication use, the fronts
of the microphone and speaker units are easily and surely directed
by the support member toward the user's mouth and ear present on
the user's wrist side, respectively, to thereby ensure the
directivities of both the speaker and the microphone units.
[0012] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention
will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the present invention.
[0013] The objects and advantages of the present invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with
the general description given above and the detailed description of
the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the
principles of the present invention in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
wrist-worn communications apparatus according to the present
invention as viewed from substantially its front;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as
viewed from substantially its back;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communications apparatus
of FIG. 2 with its speaker-microphone assembly dismantled
separately;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates use of the communications apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the communications apparatus
of FIG. 5 as viewed from substantially the side of the back
thereof;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of the apparatus of the second
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates use of the communications apparatus of
FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modification of the second
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention with
the lid for its communications unit open;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the communications unit
of the communications apparatus of FIG. 10 with its lid open;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention with
the lid for its communications unit being open;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of the communications unit
of the communications apparatus of FIG. 12 with its lid open;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the communications
apparatus of FIG. 14 with its lid open;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention worn on
a user's wrist;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the communications
apparatus of FIG. 16 worn on the user's wrist with its lid
open;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention worn on
the user's wrist with its lid open;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the communications
apparatus of FIG. 18 with an open lid within which a
speaker-mounting member is received; and
[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the
communications apparatus according to the present invention with
its lid and speaker-mounting plate open in use.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a wrist-worn
communications apparatus according to the present invention will be
described.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of this communications
apparatus as viewed from substantially its front.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as
viewed from substantially its back. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of
the communications apparatus of FIG. 2 with its speaker-microphone
assembly in a dismantled state. FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the
communications apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0038] This communications apparatus comprises a watch 101, a pair
of bands 103 of resilient plastic, for example of urethane, that
are attached at one end to the watch 101 at 12 o'clock position and
6 o'clock position, a buckle 104 for connecting the bands
disconnetably at the other end, and a speaker-microphone assembly
"A."
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the watch 101 has a case 106 which
contains a display unit 107 that comprises a liquid crystal display
element or an electroluminesce element that displays various
information such as time/communication data electro-optically, and
various other electronic parts (not shown) such as compose, for
example, a timepiece/transceiver circuit necessary for fulfilling
timepiece and communication functions. The watch case 106 has on
its side at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock a plurality of push button
switches 108 for time-correcting/mode-changing purposes. The watch
case 106 also has a plurality of input switches 109 for
communication use on its upper surface at 6 o'clock.
[0040] When the watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by the pair
of bands 103, the buckle 104 is disposed on the opposite side of
the user's wrist from the watch 101.
[0041] The speaker microphone assembly "A" may be attached by
screws to, or engages with, the buckle 104 removably. As shown in
FIG. 2, in the speaker-microphone assembly "A" the speaker unit 111
is provided on a mount 119 so as to face in the transverse
direction of the band 103 while the microphone unit 112 is provided
on the mount 119 so as to face in the direction perpendicular to
the surface of the band 103. The mount 119 has an inner cavity that
houses a circuit board 112, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the speaker unit 111 comprises a hollow
sound let-off cylinder 111a and a speaker element 111c. The
cylinder 111a extends upward from the mount 119 across the band 103
and has a closed upper end with a small sound hole 111b open
thereon. The speaker element 111c is housed within the cylinder
111a at its bottom so as to let off sound upward toward the hole
111b through the hollow of the cylinder 111a.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the microphone unit 112 comprises a
sound-collecting cylinder 112a and a microphone element 112c. The
sound-collecting cylinder 112a extends from the mount 119 in the
direction perpendicular to the surface of the band 103 with its
closed outward end with a sound collecting hole 112b open thereon.
The microphone element 112c is housed within the cylinder 112a so
as to face the hole 112b to thereby pick up external sound.
[0044] The circuit board 102 is attached, for example by screws
(not shown), to bosses 117 provided on an inner surface of the
mount 119 with the speaker unit 111c and the microphone unit 112c
connected electrically by leads (not shown) to the circuit board
102.
[0045] The circuit board 102 is connected electrically to an
electronic circuit (not shown) housed within the watch 101 by leads
(not shown) embedded within the bands 103. Thus, the speaker unit
111 produces a sound based on an electric signal from the watch
101, and the microphone unit 112 converts external sound to an
electrical signal, which is then outputted to the watch 101.
[0046] A method of using the wrist-worn communications apparatus
according to this invention will be described next. In this case,
like a general wristwatch, the apparatus 101 is worn on the user's
wrist W by coupling the bands 103 around the user's wrist through
the buckle 104 such that the watch 101 faces in the same direction
as the back Ta of the user's hand does and that the
speaker-microphone assembly "A" faces in the same direction as the
user's palm Tb does. Thus, this apparatus can be used as a general
wristwatch as well as a cellular phone.
[0047] The user can know information such as time displayed on the
display unit 107 of the watch 101 as in the general wristwatch.
Then, when the user dials the phone number of the other party by
operating the input switches 109 while viewing the display unit
107, communication information is displayed on the display unit 107
in accordance with manipulation of the input switches 109 to
thereby call the other party. As shown in FIG. 4, when the user
lays the palm Tb of his or her hand, whose wrist wears the watch
101 thereon, on his or her ear E present on the side of the user's
wrist mentioned, the fronts of the speaker unit 111 and the
microphone unit 112 in which sound is let off and collected are
directed toward his or her ear E and mouth M, respectively. Thus,
the user can communicate with the other party in a natural posture
without the necessity of bending in an unnatural manner his or her
arm concerned with his or her wrist mentioned.
[0048] As described above, according to this wrist-worn
communications apparatus, the speaker unit 111 is attached to the
mount 119 that in turn is attached to the buckle 104 to which the
bands 103 are connected at one end such that the speaker unit 111
faces in the transverse direction of the bands while the microphone
unit 112 is attached to the mount 119 so as to face in the
direction perpendicular to the surface of the bands 103. Thus,
although the speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit 112 are
provided close to each other in the predetermined place on the band
103, that is, on the mount 119 attached to the buckle 104, the
occurrence of howling is prevented and the directivities of both
the speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit 112 is ensured.
[0049] Two different speaker-microphone assemblies opposite in
speaker unit's direction may be prepared such that if the user
wants to wear the watch 101 on a desired one of his or her right
and left wrists for communicating with the other party, he or she
can select and engage a corresponding one of the two assemblies
with the buckle 104 on the band 103 to thereby sufficiently ensure
the directivities of both the speaker unit 111 and the microphone
unit 112. Thus, the apparatus is easier to use.
[0050] When the watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by the
bands 103, the speaker-microphone assembly "A" is disposed on the
opposite side of the user's wrist W from the watch 101. Therefore,
if the assembly "A" is attached to the band 103 so as to face in
the same direction as the palm Tb of the user's hand concerned
does, the user can direct the microphone unit 112 and speaker unit
111 toward his or her mouth M and ear E present on the side of the
user's wrist mentioned, respectively, only by laying the palm Tb of
his or her hand on that ear E of his or her. Thus, the user can
communicate with the other party in a natural posture without
bending in an unnatural manner the user's arm concerned with his or
her wrist mentioned.
[0051] The watch 101 comprises the input switches 109 and the
display unit 107 provided thereon necessary for communicating
purposes and also incorporates the timepiece function therein.
Thus, as described above, information such as time can be displayed
on the display unit 107, so that the watch 101 can be worn on the
user's wrist W for use, like the general wristwatch. In addition,
information including communication information can be displayed on
the display unit 1070f the watch 101 without removing the watch 101
from the user's wrist W. In addition, the user can operate the
input switches 109 on the watch 101 while viewing the display unit
107 as in the general wristwatch to thereby ensure satisfactory
communication. Thus, the apparatus is improved in handiness.
[0052] In addition, in this apparatus the speaker-microphone
assembly "A" is attached removably to the band buckle 104. Thus,
when the apparatus is not used as communications equipment, it can
be removed from the buckle 104 and used as the general wristwatch.
If only a mount 119 on which no speaker and microphone units 111
and 112 are provided is attached to the band buckle 104, it can be
used as a kind of ornamental accessories interesting in design.
Therefore, this apparatus is easy to use.
[0053] While in the embodiment the speaker unit 111 and the
microphone unit 112 are illustrated as attached to the mount 119 so
as to face in the transverse direction of the band 103 and in the
direction perpendicular to the surface of the band 103,
respectively, the present invention is not limited to this
particular case. For example, the speaker and microphone units 111
and 112 may be attached directly to the bands 103 so as to have
such directions as just mentioned above.
[0054] While in the embodiment the wrist-worn communications
apparatus in which the watch 101 that comprises a timepiece
function, a communication function and a display function is worn
on the user's wrist by the bands 103 has been illustrated, the
present invention is not limited to this particular case. For
example, the present invention may be applicable to wrist-worn
communications apparatus in which a device comprising a transceiver
function, a display unit and an input unit is worn on the user's
wrist with bands. Also, in this case the speaker-microphone
assembly "A" comprising the mount 119 that houses the circuit board
therein, and the speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit 112
attached to the mount may be attached removably to the band buckle
104.
[0055] As described above, the wrist-worn communications apparatus
of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 comprises a device (watch 101); a
band 103 for wearing the device on a user's wrist; a speaker unit
111 disposed at a predetermined position on the band 103 so as to
face in the transverse direction of the band 103; and a microphone
unit 112 disposed close to the speaker unit 111 on the band 103 so
as to face in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the band
103.
[0056] Thus, according to this embodiment even though the speaker
and microphone units are provided close to each other at the
predetermined position on the band 103, howling is prevented from
occurring. In addition, especially when it is worn on the user's
wrist n use the microphone and speaker units can be directed toward
the user's mouth and ear on the side of his or her wrist mentioned,
respectively, to thereby ensure the directivities of both the
speaker and the microphone.
[0057] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4 comprises a speaker-microphone assembly "A" provided
removably at the predetermined position on the band 103, the
speaker-microphone assembly "A" comprising the speaker unit 111,
the microphone unit 112 and a mount 119 on which the speaker unit
111 and the microphone unit 112 are mounted close to each
other.
[0058] Thus, two different speaker-microphone assemblies "A"
opposite in speaker unit's direction may be provided such that if
the user wants to wear the watch 101 on a desired one of his or her
right and left wrists for communicating with the other party, he or
she can select and engage a corresponding one of the two assemblies
with the band 103 to thereby sufficiently ensure the directivities
of both the speaker unit 110 and the microphone unit 111. Thus, the
apparatus is easy to use.
[0059] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-4, when the device (watch 101) is worn on the user's
wrist by the band 103, the speaker-microphone assembly "A" is on
the opposite side of the user's wrist from the device 101.
[0060] According to this wrist-worn communications apparatus, when
the speaker-microphone assembly is worn by the band on the user's
wrist so as to face in the same direction as the palm of the user's
hand concerned with his or her wrist mentioned and that palm of the
user's hand is laid on his or her ear present on the side of that
palm of the user's hand, the user can direct the fronts of the
microphone and speaker units toward the user's mouth and ear
present on that palm of the user, respectively. Thus, the user can
communicate with the other party in a natural posture without the
necessity of bending his or her arm in an unnaturally manner.
[0061] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-4, the device (watch 101) comprises at least an input
unit 109, a display unit 107 necessary for communicating purposes,
and a timepiece unit.
[0062] According to this communications apparatus, since the device
comprises the timepiece function it can display information such as
time on the display unit. Therefore, it can be worn as a watch on
the user's wrist like the general wristwatch. In addition, the user
can cause the display unit to display information on communication,
etc. The user can operate the input unit of the apparatus while
viewing the display unit to thereby communicate with the other
party without removing the apparatus from the user's wrist. Thus,
the apparatus is easy to use.
[0063] Other embodiments of the communications apparatus according
to the present invention will be described. The same portions as
those of the first embodiment will be indicated in the same
reference numerals and their detailed description will be
omitted.
Second Embodiment
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, a second embodiment of the
wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of this wrist-worn
communications apparatus. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the
apparatus as viewed from substantially the side of the back
thereof. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the communications apparatus.
FIG. 8 illustrates use of the communications apparatus.
[0066] This communications apparatus comprises the watch 101, a
pair of bands 103 that are attached at one end to the watch 101 at
12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, buckle 104 for connecting the bands
disconnetably at the other end, and support member 105 attached
turnable to the buckle 104.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, the watch 101 has the case 106 which
contains the flat-type display unit 107 that comprises a liquid
crystal display element or an electroluminescence element that
displays various information such as time/communication data
electro-optically, and various other electronic parts (not shown)
such as, for example, a timepiece/transceiver circuit necessary for
fulfilling timepiece and communication functions. The watch case
106 has on its side at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock a plurality of push
button switches 108 for time-correcting/mode-changing purposes. The
watch case 106 also has a plurality of input switches 109 for
communication use on its upper surface at 6 o'clock. These input
switches 109 are arranged such that data such as phone numbers and
e-mail messages are inputted appropriately by rotating/depressing
the switches.
[0068] When the watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by a pair
of bands 103, the buckle 104 is disposed on the opposite side of
the user's wrist from the watch 101. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
support member 105 is supported turnable at a pivot 110.
[0069] The support member 105 is made of the same material as the
bands 103; that is, resilient plastic, for example, of urethane.
The support member 105 has the form of a strip that can be
superposed on the band 103 so as to extend in the same direction as
the bands 103 do and also turned around the pivot 110 so as to
extend across the band 103. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the speaker
unit 111 is provided on one end of the support member 105 so as to
face outward in the extending direction of the support member 105.
As shown in FIG. 6, the microphone unit 112 is provided on the
other end of the support member 105 so as to face in the direction
perpendicular substantially to a surface of the support member
105.
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the speaker unit 111 comprises a
speaker element (not shown) provided within the hollow cylinder
111a, which is provided on the one end of the support member 105 so
as to face outward. The cylinder 111 has a closed outward end with
the hole 111b toward which the speaker is directed. As shown by a
two-dot-dashed line in FIG. 6, the microphone unit 112 comprises a
microphone (not shown) housed within the hollow cylinder 112a
provided so as to face in the direction perpendicular to the
surface of the support member 105 with a closed upward end of the
cylinder 112a having the hole 112b toward which the microphone is
directed.
[0071] The speaker of the speaker unit 111 and the microphone of
the microphone unit 112 are connected electrically by leads (not
shown) extending through the support member 105, pivot 110 and
bands 103 to an electronic circuit (not shown) provided within the
watch 101. Thus, the speaker produces sound such as voice sound
based on an electric signal from the watch 101 and lets it off
outward through the hole 111b in the closed end of the cylinder
111a. The microphone unit 112 collects external sound such as voice
sound through the hole 112b in the closed end of the cylinder 111a,
converts the sound to an electric signal by the microphone and then
outputs the signal to the watch 101.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, lock buttons 113 are provided on
opposite ends of the support member 105 so as to engage with
receivers (not shown) provided on the bands 103 to thereby fix the
support member 105 closely to the bands 3. When these lock buttons
113 are simultaneously depressed with the thumb F1 and first
fingers F2 of the user's hand on which no watch 101 is worn, as
shown in FIG. 7, these lock buttons 113 are disengaged from the
receivers on the bands 103 to thereby unlock the support member 105
from the bands 103.
[0073] A method of using the wrist-worn communications apparatus
according to this embodiment will be described next. In this case,
like a general wristwatch, the watch 101 is worn on the user's
wrist W by coupling the bands 103 around the user's wrist through
the buckle 104 such that the watch 101 faces in the same direction
as the back of the user's hand does and that the buckle 104 faces
in the same direction as the user's palm does. Thus, this apparatus
can be used as the general wristwatch as well as a cellular phone.
In this state, information such as time displayed on the display
unit 107 of the watch 101 can be recognized as in the general
wristwatch.
[0074] When the user uses the apparatus as the cellular phone, the
user dials the phone number of the other party by manipulating the
input switches 109 while viewing the display unit 107. Thus,
communication information such as the phone number is displayed on
the display unit 107 and the other party is called. Then, as shown
in FIG. 7, the user depresses the lock buttons 113 provided on the
opposite ends of the support member 105 of the communications
apparatus worn on one wrist of the user with his or her thumb and
first fingers F1 and F2 of the user's other hand on whose wrist no
watch 101 is worn. Thereupon, the respective lock buttons 113 are
disengaged from the receivers on the bands 103 to thereby unlock
the support member 105 from the bands 103. This allows the support
member 105 to turn around the pivot 110.
[0075] Then, as shown by a two-dot-dashed line in FIG. 6, the
support member 105 is turned around the pivot 110 so as to extend
in the transverse direction of the bands 103. At this time, the
speaker unit 111 is disposed in the vicinity of the palm of the
user's hand concerned with his or her wrist mentioned while the
microphone unit 112 is disposed at a position remote from that palm
of the user's hand. As shown in FIG. 8, when the user lays that
palm of the user's hand, whose wrist wears the watch 101 thereon,
on his or her ear E present on the side of that palm of the user's
hand, the fronts of the microphone unit 112 and speaker unit 111
are directed toward the user's mouth M and ear E present on the
side of that palm of the user's hand, respectively. Thus, the user
can communicate with the other party in a natural posture without
the necessity of bending his or her arm in an unnatural manner.
After the communication has ended, the user can turn the support
member 105 around the pivot 110 so as to be superposed on the bands
103 in the same direction as the bands extends and then depress the
lock buttons 113 so as to be engaged with the respective receivers
on the bands 103. Therefore, the support member 105 is fixed on the
bands 103 in a superposed state without becoming a hindrance and
becomes portable.
[0076] As described above, according to this wrist-worn
communications apparatus, the support member 105 is attached
turnably around the pivot 110 to the band buckle 104. The speaker
unit 111 and the microphone unit 112 are attached to the respective
opposite ends of the support member 105. Thus, even when the watch
101 is worn on the user's wrist W by the bands 103, the speaker
unit 111 and the microphone unit 112 are easily directed toward the
user's ear E and mouth M, respectively, by turning the support
member 105 around the pivot 110 so as to extend in the transverse
direction of the bands 103.
[0077] Especially, the speaker unit 111 is provided on one end of
the support member 105 so as to face outward in the extending
direction of the support member 105 while the microphone unit 112
is provided on the other end of the support member 105 so as to
face in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the support
member 105. Thus, even when the user brings his or her mouth M
close to the microphone unit 112, it is ensured that the front of
the speaker unit 111 is directed toward the user's ear E. Thus,
whether or not the support member 105 is long, the directivities of
both the speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit 112 are
sufficiently ensured. If the support member 105 is long, the
speaker unit is spaced sufficiently from the microphone unit 112.
Thus, the occurrence of so-called howling is prevented in which the
microphone unit 112 will pick up sound produced by the speaker
111.
[0078] When the watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by the
bands 103 and the support member 110 is then turned around the
pivot 110 so as to extend in the transverse direction of the bands
103, the support member 105 is disposed on the opposite side of the
user's wrist from the watch 101. Thus, if the support member 105 is
attached to the bands so as to face in the same direction as the
palm of the user's hand concerned with his or her wrist mentioned
does, the user can direct the fronts of the microphone unit 112 and
speaker unit 111 toward his or her mouth M and ear E present on the
side of that palm of the user, respectively, only by laying that
palm of his or her hand on that ear E of the user. Thus, the user
can communicate with the other party in a natural posture without
the necessity of bending in an unnatural manner his arm concerned
with his or her wrist mentioned.
[0079] The support member 105 is attached turnably around the pivot
110 to the buckle 104. Thus, the support member 105 can be turned
around the pivot 110 so as to extend in either of the transverse
and extending directions of the band 103 does. In addition,
especially when the watch 101 worn on one of the user's right and
left wrists is reworn and used on the other of the user's right and
left wrists, the support member 105 should be turned through 180
degrees to thereby reverse the positions of the speaker unit 111
and the microphone unit 112 relative to the band 103. Even in the
use of the apparatus on either of the user's right and left wrists,
the directivities of both the speaker unit 111 and the microphone
unit 112 are sufficiently ensured to thereby make the apparatus
easy to use.
[0080] Since the support member 105 has the form of a strip
superposable on the bands 103 in the extending direction of the
bands, the support member 105 can be well portable without being a
hindrance by turning the support member 105 around the pivot 110 so
as to be superposed on the bands. Especially, the lock buttons 113
provided on the opposite ends of the support member 105 can lock
the support member 105 unlockably on the bands 103 in a state in
which the support member 105 is superposed on the bands. Thus,
although the support member 105 is long, it can be fixed securely
to the bands 103 closely. Thus, it cannot be a hindrance and the
communications apparatus becomes further well portable.
[0081] While in the second embodiment the support member 105
attached at substantially its midpoint by the pivot 110 to the band
buckle 104 with the lock buttons 113 provided on the opposite ends
of the support member 105 has been illustrated, the present
invention is not limited to this particular case. For example, as
shown in FIG. 9, the support member 118 may be pivoted at the pivot
110 to the band buckle 104 in the vicinity of the microphone unit
112. In this case, no lock buttons 113 need be provided on the
support member 118 in the vicinity of its opposite ends. Only one
lock button 113 may be provided on the support member 118 in the
vicinity of the speaker unit 111. In this structure when the
support member 118 is superposed on the bands 103 so as to extend
in the extending direction of the bands 103, the end of the support
member 118 on the microphone unit 112 side is placed in close
contact with the band buckle 104 by the pivot 110. Thus, the
support member 118 may be fixed by the lock button 113 to the band
103 in the vicinity of the speaker unit 111.
[0082] As shown by a dot-dashed line of FIG. 9, one of key-in units
109A and 109B may be provided on the corresponding one of the band
103 and the support member 118 in place of the input switches 109
that input communication information such as telephone numbers and
e-mail messages. Thus, in order to perform telephonic or e-mail
communication with the other party, the user can easily manipulate
the key-in unit 109A or 109B well while viewing the display unit
107 after removing the support member 105 from the bands 3 or
superposing the support member 105 on the bands 103 in their
extending direction. Thus, the apparatus is easy to handle.
Third Embodiment
[0083] Next, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third embodiment of
the wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference numeral is used to denote the same element in the third
and second embodiments of FIGS. 10, 11 and FIGS. 5-9.
[0084] This communications apparatus has the substantially same
structure as the second embodiment except that in the apparatus of
the third embodiment a communications unit 120 is provided on an
outer surface of the buckle 104 for the bands 103 that wears the
watch 101 on the user's wrist W with a lid 121 connected by a hinge
122 to an upper edge of the communications unit 120 so that the lid
121 of the communications unit 120 can be opened and closed in the
opposite transverse directions of the bands 103.
[0085] The communications unit 120 comprises a key-in unit 123 and
a microphone unit 124. The key-in unit 123 comprises a power source
key, a talk key, character keys, and function keys necessary for
fulfilling communication functions. These keys are arranged such
that characters marked on the respective keys are arranged in a
normal posture in rows in the transverse direction of the bands
103. The microphone unit 124 is provided on the face of the
communications unit on the opposite side of the key-in unit 123
from the hinge 122.
[0086] A display unit 125 and a speaker unit 126 are provided on
the inner surface of the lid 121 as shown in FIG. 11. The display
unit 125 comprises a liquid crystal display element or an
electroluminescence element like the display unit 107 of the watch
101 that also disposes and displays characters composing
communication information such as phone numbers and messages in a
normal posture in the transverse direction of the bands 103, as in
the key-in unit 123. The speaker unit 126 is provided on the inner
surface of the lid 121 on the opposite side of the display unit 125
from the hinge 122 such that when the lid 121 is closed, the
speaker unit 126 is placed in the vicinity of the microphone unit
124 whereas when the lid 121 is opened, the speaker unit 126 is
placed at the remotest position from the microphone unit 124 with
the hinge 122 therebetween. An antenna 127 is housed within the lid
121 so as to be extensible outward in the transverse direction of
the bands 103.
[0087] A method of using this wrist-worn communications apparatus
will be described next. In this case, like the second embodiment
when the watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by connecting the
bands 103 such that the watch 101 faces in the same direction as
the back of the user's hand concerned with his or her wrist does,
and that the buckle 104, the communications unit 120 and the lid
121 face in the same direction as the user's palm does. Thus, this
apparatus can be used as a general wristwatch. In this state,
information such as time displayed on the display unit 107 of the
watch 101 can be recognized as in the general wristwatch.
[0088] When this apparatus is used as a cellular phone, the lid 121
of the communications unit 120 is opened through the hinge 122 in
the transverse direction of the bands 103, as shown in FIG. 11.
Thus, the key-in unit 123 and the microphone unit 124 of the
communications unit 120 and the display unit 125 and the speaker
unit 126 of the inner surface of the lid 121 are exposed. When in
this state the user horizontally holds before him or her his or her
arm on whose wrist the watch 101 is worn such that the palm of the
user's hand concerned with his or her wrist mentioned faces upward,
the key-in unit 123 and the display unit 125 are placed such that
the characters marked on the respective keys of the key-in unit 123
and characters, for example, of a phone number and/or an e-mail
message displayed on the display unit 125 are arranged in a normal
posture. Therefore, the user can easily view the key-in unit 123
and the display unit 125. When the user pulls the antenna 127 out
from the lid 121 and dials the other party number at the key-in
unit 123 while viewing the display unit 125, communication
information such as the phone number is displayed on the display
unit 125 and also the other party is called.
[0089] When the user brings the palm of his or her hand, whose
wrist wears the communications unit 120 thereon, close to his or
her ear present on the side of that palm of his hand, the fronts of
the microphone unit 124 of the communications unit 120 and the
speaker unit 126 of the lid 121 are directed toward the user's
mouth and ear present on the side of that palm of his hand,
respectively. Thus, the user can communicate with the other party
in a natural posture without the necessity of bending in an
unnatural manner his or her arm concerned with his or her wrist
mentioned. When the communication ends, the user retracts the
antenna 127 into the lid 121 and closes the face of the
communications unit 120 with the lid 121 through the hinge 122. In
this case, the display unit 125 is completely superposed on the
key-in unit 123 so as to face the key-in unit 123. Thus, the lid
121 does not become a hindrance and protects the key-in unit 123
and the display unit 107 from being damaged. The apparatus becomes
portable well.
[0090] As described above, according to this communications
apparatus, the communications unit 120 comprising the key-in unit
123 is provided on the buckle 104 of the bands 103 that wear the
watch 101 on the user's wrist W. The communications unit 120 has
the lid 121 that in turn has the display unit 125 thereon with the
lid openable through the hinge 122. The microphone unit 124 is
provided on the face of the communications unit 120 on the opposite
side of the key-in unit 123 from the hinge 122. The speaker unit
126 is provided on the lid 121 on the opposite side of the display
unit 125 from the hinge 122. Thus, when the communications unit 120
is used with the lid 121 open, the microphone unit 124 is spaced
sufficiently from the speaker 126 to thereby prevent the occurrence
of howling by the microphone 124. The speaker unit 126 and the
microphone unit 124 can be directed toward the user's ear selected
and the mouth, respectively, to thereby ensure the directivities of
both the speaker unit 126 and the microphone 124.
[0091] According to this communications apparatus, the hinge 122 is
provided at the edge of the communications unit 120 which coincides
with the edge of the band 103 substantially such that the lid 121
is opened and closed through the hinge 122 in the opposite
transverse directions of the bands 103. Thus, if the watch 101 is
worn on the user's wrist W so as to face in the same direction as
the palm of the user's hand concerned as in the second embodiment,
the communications unit 120 is disposed on the user's palm side.
When in this state the user opens the lid 121 and then brings that
palm of his or her hand toward his or her ear present on the side
of that palm of the user's hand, the fronts of the microphone unit
124 and the speaker unit 126 are directed toward the user's mouth
and ear present on the side of that palm of the user's hand,
respectively. Thus, the user can communicate with the other party
in a natural posture without the necessity of bending his or her
arm in an unnatural manner. Thus, the apparatus is easy to
handle.
Fourth Embodiment
[0092] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a fourth embodiment of
the wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference is used to denote the same element of the fourth and the
second embodiments of FIGS. 12, 13 and 5, 6.
[0093] This apparatus has substantially the same structure as that
of the second embodiment except that a lid 131 is connected at one
side edge by a hinge 132 to a side (upper edge in FIG. 13) of a
communications unit 130 perpendicular to the extending direction of
the bands and provided on the band buckle 104 such that the lid 131
can be turned around the hinge 132 in the extending direction of
the bands 103 to open or close the communications unit 130.
[0094] As in the second embodiment, the key-in unit 123 and the
microphone unit 124 are provided on the face of the communications
unit 130, as shown in FIG. 13. The key-in unit 123 comprises a
power source key, a talk key, character keys, and function keys
necessary for fulfilling the communication functions. Those keys
are arranged in rows such that the characters marked on them can be
arranged in a normal posture in the transverse direction of the
bands 103. The microphone unit 124 is provided on the face of the
communications unit 130 on the opposite side of the key-in unit 123
from the hinge 132 (below the key-in unit 123 in FIG. 13). When the
lid 131 is closed, it is superposed on the communications unit 130
whereas when the lid 131 is opened to expose the face of the
communications unit 130, it is superposed on the bands 103 in their
extending direction.
[0095] The display unit 125 and the speaker unit 126 are provided
on the inner surface of the lid 131. As in the third embodiment,
the display unit 125 comprises a liquid crystal display element or
an electroluminescence element that arranges and displays
characters representing phone numbers, call messages, etc., in a
normal posture in the transverse direction of the bands 103 as in
the key-in unit 123. The speaker unit 126 is provided on the inner
surface of the lid 131 on the opposite side of the display unit 125
from the hinge 132. When the lid 131 is closed, the speaker unit
126 faces the microphone unit 124 whereas when the communications
unit 130 face is opened, the speaker unit 126 is placed at a
position remotest from the microphone 124. An antenna 127 is housed
within the lid 131 so as to extensible outward in the extending
direction of the band 103.
[0096] The fourth embodiment of the wrist-worn communications
apparatus produces beneficial effects similar to those produced by
the third embodiment. Especially, the lid 131 connected through the
hinge 132 to the communications unit 130 provided on the band
buckle 104 is adapted to be opened or closed in one or the other of
the opposite extending directions of the bands 103. Thus, when the
lid 131 is opened to use the communications unit 130 worn on the
user's wrist W, the lid 131 is superposed on the bands 103. When
the user's wrist W on which the communications unit 130 is worn is
supported horizontally before the user, the key-in unit 123 and the
display unit 125 are disposed in the vertical direction such that
the characters marked on the respective keys of the key-in unit 123
and representing the information displayed on the display unit 125
are arranged in an normal position as in the second embodiment.
Thus, the key-in unit 123 and the display unit 125 are easily
recognized and manipulated.
[0097] While in the third and fourth embodiments the key-in unit
123 of the communications unit 120 or 130 and the display unit 125
of its lid 121 or 131 are illustrated as disposed such that
characters marked on the respective keys of the key-in unit 123 and
representing the information displayed on the display unit 125 of
its lid 121 or 131 are arranged in a normal posture in the
transverse direction of the bands 103, the present invention is not
limited to these cases. For example, the key-in unit 123 of the
communications unit 120 or 130 and the display unit 125 of its lid
121 or 131 may be arranged on the bands 103 in their extending
directions such that characters marked on the respective keys of
the key-in unit 123 and representing the information displayed on
the display unit 125 are arranged in a normal posture in the
extending direction of the bands 103. In this case, the user's
wrist W on which the communications unit 120 or 130 is worn by the
bands 103 is held vertically before the user such that the
communications unit 120 or 130 and its lid 121 or 131 face in the
same direction as the user's palm. Thus, the characters marked on
the respective keys of the key-in unit 123 and representing the
information displayed on the display unit 125 are arranged in a
normal posture and the key-in unit 123 and the display unit 125 can
be easily recognized and manipulated by the user as in the third
and fourth embodiment.
Fifth Embodiment
[0098] Then, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a fifth embodiment of
the wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference numeral is used to denote the same element of the fifth
embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 and the third embodiment of FIGS.
5-9.
[0099] This apparatus comprises the watch 101 that has the
timepiece and communication functions. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
the watch 101 has a substantially circular lid 140 connected
through a hinge 141 in the vicinity of its upper edge to the case
106 so as to be turnable in the transverse direction of the bands.
The lid 140 has a first display unit 142 for a timepiece and a
second display unit 143 for communicating purpose provided on the
front and back, respectively, of the lid 140. The display unit 142
is covered with a crystal 147. The case 106 contains therein a
timepiece circuit and a communication circuit (not shown). A key-in
unit 144 is provided on the watch case 106 coverable with the lid
140.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the second display unit
143 a speaker unit 145 and a microphone unit 146 are provided on
the back or inner surface of the lid 140.
[0101] The first and second display units 142 and 143 each comprise
a flat-panel type display element, for example, of a liquid crystal
display or electroluminescence element. The first display unit 142
displays characters indicating information such as time arranged in
a normal posture in the transverse direction of the bands 103 as in
the general wristwatch. The second display unit 143 displays
characters indicating information such as a phone number and a call
message arranged in a normal posture in the extending direction of
the band 103, or in the perpendicular to the character indicating
direction of the first display unit 142. The speaker unit 145 is
provided on the opposite side of the second display unit 143 from
the microphone unit 146 (above the second display unit 143 in FIG.
15). The microphone unit 146 is provided on the lid 140 in the
vicinity of the hinge 141 (in the vicinity of the lower lid edge in
FIG. 15).
[0102] As in the second embodiment, a key-in unit 144 in the case
106 comprises a power source key, a talk key, character keys and
function keys necessary for fulfilling the communication functions.
The keys are arranged in rows such that characters marked on those
keys are arranged in rows in a normal posture in the extending
direction of the band 103, or in the same direction as the
characters representing the information displayed on the second
display unit 143 of the lid 140 are arranged. The key-in unit 144
is connected electronically with an electronic circuit board (not
shown) of a timepiece circuit and a communication circuit
incorporated into the case 106. The circuit board is electrically
connected by leads (not shown) to the first and second display
units 142 and 143, the speaker unit 145, and the microphone unit
146 through the hinge 141.
[0103] When this apparatus is used, its watch 101 is worn on the
user's wrist W by the bands 103 and their buckle 104 as in the
second embodiment. Thus, this apparatus can be used as a general
wristwatch as well as a cellular phone. As shown in FIG. 14, when
the key-in unit 144 on the watch case 106 is covered by the lid
140, the first display unit 142 appears on the front of the lid
140. Thus, the user can view and know information such as time
displayed on the first display unit 142 as in the general
wristwatch.
[0104] When this apparatus is used as a cellular phone, the user
wears the watch 101 on his or her wrist such that the watch 101
faces in the same direction as the palm of the user's hand
concerned with his or her wrist mentioned does and supports
vertically before him or her his or her arm concerned with his or
her wrist mentioned. Then, when the user opens the lid 140 in the
transverse direction of the bands 103, as shown in FIG. 15 the
speaker 145, the second display unit 143 and the microphone 146 on
the inner surface of the lid 140 are exposed in this order above
the key-in unit 144 of the case 106. The characters marked on the
respective keys of the key-in unit 144 and representing the
information displayed on the second display unit 143 are arranged
in a normal posture, as viewed from the user. Thus, the key-in unit
144 and the second display unit 143 are easy for the user to view
and manipulate. Thus, when the user manipulates the key-in unit 144
to dial the other party number while viewing the second display
unit 143, communication information such as a phone number is
displayed on the second display unit 143 and the other party is
then called.
[0105] When the user brings the palm of his or her hand, whose
wrist W wears the watch 101 (FIG. 16), close to his or her ear
present on the side of that palm of the user's hand, the fronts of
the microphone unit 146 and speaker unit 145 are directed toward
the user's mouth and ear present on the side of the palm of his or
her hand, respectively. Thus, the user can talk with the other
party in a natural posture without the necessity of bending in an
unnatural manner his or her arm concerned with his or her wrist
mentioned. When the user terminates the communication and closes
the lid 140, the lid 140 is superposed on the watch case 106 with
the second display unit 143 facing the key-in unit 144. Thus, the
lid 140 does not become a hindrance and the communications
apparatus becomes portable with the key-in unit 144 and the second
display unit 143 protected from damage.
[0106] As described above, when the user communicates with the
other party using the communications apparatus whose watch 101 is
worn on his or her wrist W by the bands 103, he or she opens the
lid 140 through the hinge 141 from the watch case 106. Thus, the
key-in unit 144 housed within the case 106 and the second display
unit 143 on the internal surface of the lid 140 are exposed.
Therefore, the user can manipulate the key-in unit 144 while
viewing the second display unit 143. The lid 140 is opened in the
transverse direction of the bands 103. Thus, when the user wears
the watch 101 on his or her wrist so as to face in the same
direction as the palm of the user's hand concerned, the user can
direct the fronts of the microphone unit 146 and speaker unit 145
toward the user's mouth and ear present on that palm of the user,
respectively, by laying that palm of the user's hand on that ear of
the user in a natural posture without the necessity of bending in
an unnatural manner his or her arm concerned with his or her wrist
mentioned. Thus, the directivities of both the speaker unit 145 and
the microphone unit 146 are ensured to thereby achieve satisfactory
communication.
Sixth Embodiment
[0107] Then, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a sixth embodiment of
the wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference numeral is used to denote the same element of the sixth
embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 and the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 12
and 13.
[0108] The communications apparatus of this embodiment has
substantially the same structure as the fourth embodiment except
that in the communications apparatus of the sixth embodiment the
substantially rectangular lid 140 is connected openable through the
hinge 141 to the case 106 of the watch 101 with an antenna 147
housed within a cavity in the lid 140 so as to be extensible
outward in the transverse direction of the band 103. A microphone
unit 146 is provided on the watch case 106.
[0109] More particularly, the microphone unit 146 is provided on
the case 106 on the opposite side of the key-in unit 144 from the
hinge 141 (below the key-in unit 144 in FIG. 17). The speaker 145
is provided on the lid 140 on the opposite side of the second
display unit 143 from the hinge 141. When the lid 140 closes the
key-in unit 144, the microphone unit 146 faces the speaker unit 145
whereas when the lid 140 is opened, the microphone unit 146 is
placed at a position remotest from the speaker unit 145 with the
hinge 141 between them. The microphone unit 146 is electrically
connected to the circuit board (not shown) housed within the case
106. The antenna 147 is also connected electrically by leads (not
shown) along with the first and second display units 142 and 143
and the speaker unit 145 to the circuit board.
[0110] This communications apparatus also produces beneficial
effects similar to those produced by the fourth embodiment.
Especially, the speaker unit 145 is disposed on the lid 140 on the
opposite side of the second display unit 143 from the hinge 141
(above the second display unit 143 in FIG. 17) whereas the
microphone unit 146 is provided on the watch case 106 on the
opposite side of the key-in unit 144 from the hinge 141 (below the
key-in unit 144 in FIG. 17). Thus, when the lid 140 is opened the
speaker unit 145 is sufficiently spaced from the microphone unit
146 to thereby ensure prevention of howling by the microphone unit
146 and hence provide satisfactory telephonic communication.
Seventh Embodiment
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a seventh embodiment of the
wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference numeral is used to denote the same element of the seventh
embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19 and the sixth embodiment of FIGS. 16
and 17.
[0112] This communications apparatus of the seventh embodiment has
substantially the same structure as the sixth embodiment excluding
that a speaker-mounting board 151 on which the speaker unit 145 is
mounted is received within a cavity in the substantially
rectangular lid 150 attached openable through the hinge 141 to the
watch 101 such that the speaker-mounting board 151 can appear
outside from the lid 150.
[0113] As in the sixth embodiment, the hinge 141 is provided on an
upper edge of the case 106 parallel to an edge of the bands 103
(FIG. 18). As shown in FIG. 18, the rectangular lid 150 has a
slit-like cavity 152 extending therein parallel to the face of the
second display unit 143, and open on the left and upper sides
thereof. The cavity 152 receives therein the speaker-mounting board
151, which takes a substantially rectangular plate turnable around
a pivot 153, such that the board 151 can appear outside from the
cavity. The lid 150 has the first display unit 142 for a timepiece
(not shown) on the front thereof (as 142 in FIG. 16) and the second
display unit 143 for communicating purpose on the inner surface
thereof.
[0114] A hook 154 is provided on a lower left-side end of the
speaker-mounting board 151 to pull this board out from the cavity
152 in the lid 150, as shown in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 18, the
speaker unit 145 is provided on an end of the speaker-mounting
board 151 remote from the pivot 153. The speaker unit 145 is
connected electrically along with the first and second display
units 142 and 143 to the circuit board (not shown) within the case
106 by leads (not shown) extending through the speaker-mounting
board 151, the pivot 153 and the lid 150.
[0115] This communications apparatus produces beneficial effects
similar to those produced by the fifth embodiment. Especially, the
lid 150 has the cavity 152 in which the speaker-mounting board 151
with the speaker unit 145 thereon is supported turnable at the
pivot 153. Thus, when the user communicates with the other party by
opening the lid 150 from the case 106, the user pulls out the hook
154 with his or her fingers to thereby turn the speaker-mounting
board 151 around the pivot 153 through 180 degrees and hence cause
the speaker-mounting board 151 to appear outside from the lid 150
on the opposite side of the pivot 153 from the hinge 141.
[0116] Therefore, in this embodiment the speaker unit 145 can be
placed at a position remoter by the length of the speaker mounting
board 151 from the microphone unit 146 than in the sixth
embodiment. This further ensures prevention of howling by the
microphone unit 146 compared to the sixth embodiment. It also
ensures that when the microphone unit 146 is brought close to the
user's mouth, the speaker unit 145 can be brought closer to the
user's ear selected to thereby improve both the directivities of
the speaker unit 145 and the microphone unit 146.
Eighth Embodiment
[0117] Next, with reference to FIG. 20, an eighth embodiment of the
wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described. The same
reference numeral is used to denote the same element of the eighth
embodiment of FIG. 20 and the sixth embodiment of FIGS. 16 and
17.
[0118] The eighth embodiment of the apparatus has substantially the
same structure as the sixth embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 except
that a speaker-mounting board 155 on which the speaker unit 145 is
mounted is connected at one (lower) edge through a second hinge 156
to an edge of the lid 140 with its other edge connected by the
first-mentioned hinge 141 to the case 106 of the watch 101. Also,
in this case the first-mentioned hinge 141 is disposed at an
(upper) edge of the case 106 in the extending direction of the
bands 103.
[0119] The speaker-mounting board 155 is sized enough to cover the
inner surface of the lid 140 on which the second display unit 143
is provided. Thus, when the speaker-mounting board 155 is turned
through the second hinge 156 to thereby be closed, it is superposed
on the inner surface of the lid 140 whereas when the
speaker-mounting board 155 is opened, it is placed so as to extend
outward from the second hinge 156 on its opposite side from the
second display unit 143.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 20, the speaker unit 145 is provided on an
end of the speaker-mounting board 155 remote from the second hinge
156. The speaker unit 145 is connected electrically to the circuit
board (not shown) housed in the case 106 by leads (not shown)
extending through the speaker-mounting board 155, the second hinge
156 and the lid 140. The first and second display units 142 and 143
are also electrically connected by leads (not shown) to the circuit
board.
[0121] This communications apparatus also produces beneficial
effects similar to those produced by the sixth embodiment. In
addition, especially, the speaker-mounting board 155 is connected
turnable by the second hinge 156 to the lid 140 and the speaker
unit 145 is provided on the speaker-mounting board 155. Thus, when
the user communicates with the other party, he or she opens the
key-in unit 144 by opening the lid 140 from the case 140, and then
further exposes the speaker unit 145 on the speaker-mounting board
155 by turning this board 155 through the second hinge 156 from the
lid 140, the speaker-mounting board 155 is placed on the opposite
side of the second hinge 156 from the second display unit 143. That
is, as in the sixth embodiment, the speaker unit 145 is placed at a
position remote sufficiently, or by the length of the
speaker-mounting board 155, from the microphone unit 146 to thereby
prevent the occurrence of howling by the microphone unit 146
surely. When the microphone unit 146 is brought close to the user's
mouth, the speaker unit 145 can be brought sufficiently close to
the user's ear selected as in the sixth embodiment. Thus, both the
directivities of the speaker unit 145 and the microphone unit 146
are improved.
[0122] While in the eighth embodiment the speaker-mounting board
155 is illustrated as connected through the second hinge 156 to the
lid 140, the present invention is not limited to this particular
case. For example, the speaker-mounting board 155 may be received
within a slit-like cavity in the lid 140 open only on the opposite
side of the lid 140 from the hinge 141 such that the board 155 can
appear outside from the cavity. Also in this case, as in the sixth
embodiment the first display unit 142 and the second display unit
143 may be provided on the outer and inner surfaces, respectively,
of the lid 140. In this case, beneficial effects similar to those
produced by the seventh embodiment are produced.
[0123] While in the first to eighth embodiments and their
modifications the wrist-worn communications apparatus in which the
watch 101 is worn on the user's wrist W by the bands 103 have been
illustrated, the present invention is not limited to these cases.
For example, the present invention is widely applicable to
wrist-worn communications apparatus in which a communication device
that comprise a transceiver unit, a display unit and an input unit
and that is worn on the user's wrist by the bands as well as to
arm-worn communications apparatus in which the watch is worn on
another part of the user's arm such as the user's upper arm.
[0124] While in the first to eighth embodiments and their
modifications the method of using the wrist-worn communications
apparatus has been illustrated which comprises laying the palm of
his or her hand whose wrist (for example, left wrist as shown in
FIG. 8) wears the watch 101 thereon on his or her ear present on
the side of that palm of his or her hand (for example, left ear
shown in FIG. 8), the present invention is not limited to this
particular case. For example, the present invention may be carried
out in such a manner that the user can lay the palm (for example,
left) of his or her hand, whose wrist (for example, left wrist as
shown in FIG. 8) wears the watch 101 thereon, on his or her (right)
ear on the side of his or her other hand to communicate with the
other party.
[0125] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 5-9 comprises a communication device (101); a band 103 for
wearing the device on a user's wrist; a support member (105, 118)
attached at a predetermined position (104) on the band where the
support member can extend in the transverse direction of the band
and in the extending direction of the band in which the support
member is superposed on the band; a speaker unit 111 provided on
one end of the support member so as to face outward in the
extending direction of the support member; and a microphone unit
112 disposed on the other end of the support member so as to face
in the direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the
support member.
[0126] According to the wrist-worn communications apparatus of this
embodiment, the support member is attached on the band that wears
the device on the user's wrist such that the support member can
turn so as to extend in the transverse direction of the bands and
in the extending direction of the band in which the support member
is superposed on the band. Thus, even when the device is worn on
the user's wrist by the band and the support member is turned to
the transverse direction of the band for communicating purposes,
the fronts of the microphone and speaker units can easily and
surely be directed toward the user's mouth (M) and ear (E) present
on that wrist, respectively, of the user to thereby ensure the
directivities of both the speaker and microphone units.
[0127] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 5-9 the support member (105, 118) takes the form of a
strip and is supported by a pivot (110) at the predetermined
position on the band.
[0128] Thus, according to this apparatus, the support member can be
easily turned around the pivot such that the support member extends
in the transverse direction of the bands and in the extending
direction of the band in which the support member is superposed on
the band. Thus, the apparatus becomes easy to use. Especially, the
support member has the form of a strip that can be superposed on
the band in the extending direction. Thus, by superposing the
support member on the band so as to extend in the extending
direction of the band, the apparatus becomes portable without
becoming a hindrance.
[0129] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 5-9 comprises a device (101); a band 103 for wearing the
device on a user's wrist (W); a support member (105, 118) attached
pivotally by a pivot (110) in a predetermined area (104) on the
band, the support member having the form of a strip superposable on
the band in the extending direction of the band; a speaker unit
(111) provided on one end of the support member; a microphone unit
112 provided on the other end of the support member; and a lock
member (113) for locking at least one end of the support member
unlockably to the band.
[0130] According to this apparatus, the support member is provided
turnable on the band at the pivot. Therefore, the support member
can be easily turned so as to extend in the transverse direction of
the bands and in the extending direction of the band in which the
support member is superposed on the band. Thus, the fronts of the
microphone and speaker units can be directed toward the user's
mouth and ear selected, respectively, to thereby ensure the
directivity of both the speaker and microphone units. Especially,
when the support member is superposed on the band so as to extend
in the extending direction of the band, at least one end of the
support member is locked to the band by the lock member. Thus, the
apparatus becomes easier to carry without being a hindrance. If
lock members are provided on the opposite ends of the support
member, the support member can be fixed closely to the band even
when the support member is formed long such that the speaker and
microphone units can easily be brought close to the user's ear
selected and mouth, respectively. Thus, the apparatus becomes more
portable.
[0131] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 5-9, the speaker unit 111 provided on the one end of the
support member (105, 118) faces outward in the extending direction
of the support member whereas the microphone unit 112 provided on
the other end of the support member faces in the direction
perpendicular to an outer surface of the support member.
[0132] According to this apparatus, when the support member is
turned so as to extend in the transverse direction of the band in a
state in which the device is worn on the user's wrist by the band
and when the front of the microphone unit is brought close to the
user's mouth, the front of the speaker unit can surely be brought
close to the user's ear selected. Thus, the directivities of both
the speaker and microphone units are ensured.
[0133] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 10-13 comprises a device (101) having at least a timepiece
function; a band 103 for wearing the device on a user's wrist (W);
a communications unit (120, 130) having a key-in unit (123)
provided at a predetermined position (104) on the band on the
opposite side of the user's wrist, on which the device is worn,
from the device; a lid (121, 131) attached openable by a hinge
(122, 132) to the communications unit, the lid comprising a display
unit (125) provided thereon; a microphone unit (124) provided on
the communications unit on the opposite side of the key-in unit
(123) from the hinge; and a speaker unit (126) provided on the lid
on the opposite side of the display unit from the hinge.
[0134] According to this apparatus, the device has the timepiece
function. Thus, like the general wristwatch, it can be worn on the
user's wrist for use as a wristwatch. In addition, when especially
it is used on the user's wrist for communicating purposes, the lid
is opened through the hinge to thereby expose the key-in unit of
the communications unit and the display unit on the internal
surface of the lid. Thus, the user can manipulate the key-in unit
while viewing the display unit. The microphone unit is provided on
the communications unit on the opposite side of the key-in unit
from the hinge and the speaker unit is provided on the inner
surface of the lid on the opposite side of the display unit from
the hinge. Thus, the microphone unit is spaced sufficiently from
the speaker unit when the lid is opened to thereby prevent the
occurrence of howling by the microphone unit. When the device is
worn on the user's wrist so as to face in the same direction as the
back of the hand concerned does, the communications unit is
disposed on the side of the user's hand. Thus, by laying the palm
of the user's hand, whose wrist wears the device, on his or her ear
present on the side of the palm of the user's hand in a natural
posture without bending in an unnatural manner his or her arm
concerned with his or her wrist mentioned, the fronts of the
microphone and speaker units are directed toward the user's mouth
and ear present on the side of the palm of the user's hand,
respectively, to thereby ensure the directivities of both the
speaker and microphone units.
[0135] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 10 and 11, the lid (121) is liftable in the transverse
direction of the band 103 through the hinge (122).
[0136] According to this apparatus, when the device is worn on the
user's wrist so as to face in the same direction as the back of the
user's hand concerned, the communications unit is disposed on the
side of the palm of the user's hand mentioned and the lid is opened
in the transverse direction of the bands. Thus, when the user lays
that palm of his or her hand on his or her ear present on the side
of that palm of the user's hand, the fronts of the microphone and
speaker units can be directed toward the user's mouth and ear
present on the side of that palm of the user's hand, respectively.
Therefore, the user can communicate with the other party in a
natural posture without the necessity of bending in an unnatural
manner his or her arm concerned with his or her wrist mentioned.
Thus, the apparatus becomes easier to use.
[0137] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 10-13, the key-in unit (123) and the display unit (125)
are disposed such that characters marked on the respective keys of
the key-in unit and representing the information displayed on the
display unit are arranged in a normal posture in the transverse
direction of the band.
[0138] According to this apparatus, when the device is worn on the
user's wrist such that the device faces in the same direction as
the back of the user's hand does and the communications unit faces
in the same direction as the palm of the user's hand does and when
the lid is opened, the characters marked on the key-in unit and
representing the information displayed on the display unit are
arranged in a normal posture in the transverse direction of the
band. Thus, by substantially horizontally holding the user's arm,
whose wrist wears the device in a bent state before the user and
directing that palm of the user's hand upward, the user can easily
manipulate the key-in unit while viewing the display unit. Thus,
the apparatus is easy to manipulate.
[0139] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 14-20 comprises a device (101) comprising at least a
communication function and a key-in unit (144); a band 103 for
wearing the device on a user's wrist; a lid (140, 150) attached
openable by a hinge (141) to the device in the transverse direction
of the band, the lid comprising a display unit (143) provided on an
inner surface thereof that faces the device when the lid is closed;
a speaker unit (145) provided on the lid on the opposite side of
the display unit from the hinge; and a microphone unit (146)
provided on one of the device and the lid at a position remote from
the speaker unit.
[0140] According to this apparatus, when the lid is opened for
communicating purposes through the hinge from the device worn on
the user's wrist by the band, the key-in unit of the device and the
display unit of the lid are exposed to thereby allow the user to
manipulate the key-in unit while viewing the display unit. When the
device is worn on the user's wrist so as to face in the same
direction as the palm of the user's hand concerned with his or her
wrist mentioned does and the lid is opened in the transverse
direction of the band, the user can direct the fronts of the
microphone and speaker units toward his or her mouth and ear
present on that palm of the user's hand, respectively, by laying
that palm of his or her hand on his or her ear present on that palm
of the user's hand in a natural posture without the necessity of
bending in an unnatural manner his or her arm concerned with his or
her wrist mentioned. At this time, the speaker unit is disposed on
the lid on the opposite side of the second display unit from the
hinge and the microphone unit is disposed on the device on the
opposite side of the key-in unit from the hinge. Thus, the
microphone unit is sufficiently remote from the speaker unit to
thereby prevent the occurrence of howling by the microphone unit
and ensure the directivities of both the speaker and microphone
units.
[0141] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 16 and 17, the microphone unit (146) is provided on the
device (watch 101) on the opposite side of the key-in unit (144)
from the hinge (141).
[0142] Therefore, according to this apparatus, the microphone unit
is placed at a position remote from the speaker unit to thereby
ensure that the occurrence of howling by the microphone unit is
prevented and good telephone call is achieved.
[0143] The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment of
FIGS. 18-20 comprises a speaker-mounting member (151, 155) on which
the speaker unit (145) is mounted, the mounting member being housed
within the lid (140, 150) so as to be extensible outward in the
opposite direction from the hinge (141).
[0144] Therefore, according to this apparatus, the speaker unit is
disposed at a position remoter from the microphone unit to thereby
ensure that the occurrence of howling by the microphone unit is
prevented and that especially, the speaker unit and the microphone
unit can be easily brought close to the user's ear and mouth,
respectively, to thereby improve the directivities of both the
speaker and microphone units.
[0145] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodiment
of FIGS. 14-20, the key-in unit (123) and the display unit (125)
are disposed such that characters marked on the respective keys of
the key-in unit and representing the information displayed on the
display unit are arranged in a normal posture in the transverse
direction.
[0146] According to this apparatus, when the lid is opened from the
device in the transverse direction of the band in a state in which
the device is worn on the user's wrist so as to face in the same
direction as the palm of the user's hand concerned with his or her
wrist mentioned does, characters marked on the key-in unit and
representing the information displayed on the display unit are
arranged in a normal posture in the transverse direction of the
band. Thus, when the user substantially horizontally supports his
or her arm, whose wrist wears the device thereon, in a bent state
before him or her such that the palm of his or her hand mentioned
faces upward, the user can easily manipulate the key-in unit well
while viewing the display unit. Thus, the apparatus is easy to
use.
[0147] In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of FIGS. 5-9, the
key-in unit (109A, 109B) is provided on either of the band and the
support member.
[0148] Therefore, according to this apparatus, when the user
communicates with the other party by telephone call or e-mail, he
or she can easily manipulate the key-in unit well while viewing the
display unit after the support member is removed from the bands or
superposed on the bands so as to extend in the same direction as
the band does. Thus, the apparatus is easy to use.
[0149] Various modifications and changes may be made thereunto
without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this
invention. The above-described embodiments are intended to
illustrate the present invention, not to limit the scope of the
present invention. The scope of the present invention is shown by
the attached claims rather than the embodiments. Various
modifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of the
claims of the invention and within the claims are to be regarded to
be in the scope of the present invention.
[0150] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application
Nos. 2003-21320 and 2003-32486 filed on Jan. 30, 2003 and Feb. 10,
2003, respectively, and each including specification, claims,
drawings and summary. The disclosure of the above Japanese patent
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
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