U.S. patent application number 12/048347 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for wearable device.
This patent application is currently assigned to EUROTECH SPA. Invention is credited to Stefano Adami, Giorgio Pezzulli, Giampietro Tecchiolli.
Application Number | 20080223890 12/048347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38462375 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080223890 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tecchiolli; Giampietro ; et
al. |
September 18, 2008 |
WEARABLE DEVICE
Abstract
A wearable device comprising a rigid structure with an at least
partial function as a bracelet, to be associated with a first part
of a user's body and provided with a base, and at least a user
interface, in order to insert or receive information and/or to
display data, associated with the rigid structure. The rigid
structure comprises a first stop element and a second stop element
connected releasably to the base so as to assume a first condition
configured for ergonomic coupling with the first part of the user's
body and a second condition configured for ergonomic coupling with
a second part of the user's body, different from the first part and
substantially symmetrical to the first part, maintaining the user
interface in a position of ergonomic use for the user and with
access conditions for the user substantially corresponding to the
first condition.
Inventors: |
Tecchiolli; Giampietro;
(Trento, IT) ; Pezzulli; Giorgio; (Udine, IT)
; Adami; Stefano; (Volanao (TN), IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Vern Maine & Associates
100 MAIN STREET, P O BOX 3445
NASHUA
NH
03061-3445
US
|
Assignee: |
EUROTECH SPA
Amaro (UD)
IT
|
Family ID: |
38462375 |
Appl. No.: |
12/048347 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/267 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 15, 2007 |
IT |
UD 2007 A 000055 |
Claims
1. A wearable device comprising a rigid structure with an at least
partial function as a bracelet and provided with a base, said rigid
structure being able to be associated with a first part of a user's
body and at least a user interface, in order to insert or receive
information and/or to display data, associated with said rigid
structure, wherein said rigid structure comprises a first stop
element and a second stop element which extend substantially
vertically releasably connectable to said base so as to assume a
first condition configured for ergonomic coupling with said first
part of the user's body and a second condition configured for
ergonomic coupling with a second part of the user's body, different
from said first part and substantially symmetrical to said first
part, maintaining said user interface in a position of ergonomic
use for the user and with access conditions for the user
substantially corresponding to said first condition, and wherein
said first stop element and said second stop element extend
substantially perpendicular with respect to said base and are
releasably connected to respective mating attachment seatings made
on the lower surface of said base.
2. The wearable device as in claim 1, wherein said first part of
the user's body is the right wrist and/or forearm, and said second
part of the user's body is the left wrist and/or forearm.
3. The wearable device as in claim 1, wherein in said first
condition, said first stop element and said second stop element are
connected to said base by means of releasable attachment means, in
correspondence, respectively, with a first side and with a second
side of said base, and wherein said releasable attachment means are
configured to also allow the univocal positioning in said second
condition in which said first stop element is positioned along said
second side and said second stop element is positioned along said
first side.
4. The wearable device as in claim 3, wherein in said first
condition, said first stop element is fixed substantially
perpendicular along said first side of said base and has a first
ergonomically-shaped surface able to rest laterally on an internal
surface of the first part of the user's body, and said second stop
element is fixed substantially perpendicular along a second side,
opposite said first side, of said base and has a second
ergonomically-shaped surface able to rest laterally on an external
surface of the first part of the user's body.
5. The wearable device as in claim 3, wherein said stop elements
comprise respective attachment portion able to cooperate in a
releasable way with the respective seatings.
6. The wearable device as in claim 5, wherein said attachment
portions are of the rapid attachment type, mechanical and/or
electric and/or electromagnetic.
7. The wearable device as in claim 5, wherein said attachment
seatings are provided with attachment means, of the mechanical
type, snap-in, hook, bayonet, attachment teeth, pressure,
releasable joint or electromagnetic type, such as an electromagnet,
or magnetic, such as a magnet.
8. The wearable device as in claim 1, wherein in said second
condition, said first attachment seating and said second attachment
portion are able to be connected univocally and releasably to each
other, so that said first surface is able to rest laterally on the
internal surface of said second part of the user's body, and said
second attachment seating and said first attachment portion are
able to be connected univocally and releasably to each other, so
that said second surface is able to rest laterally on the external
surface of said second part of the user's body.
9. The wearable device as claim 1, wherein said user interface
comprises at least an electronic processing and data display
device.
10. The wearable device as in claim 1, wherein said user interface
is of the type chosen from a group comprising: user interfaces
having a functional symmetry with respect to an axis (X) defined by
the user's arm; user interfaces having a functional symmetry with
respect to an axis (Z) perpendicular to said axis (X) defined by
the user's arm; user interfaces having a functional asymmetry with
respect to said axis (Z).
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority to Italian Patent
Application No. UD 2007 A 000055, filed 15 Mar. 2007, and is herein
incorporated in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention concerns a wearable device,
particularly but not restrictively, an electronic calculation
device or personal computer. The device according to the present
invention is mechanically and selectively configurable by the user
so as to be worn without distinction on parts of the user's body in
symmetrical positions with respect to the body, in particular on
the right or left wrist, maintaining the same wearability,
functionality and operating conditions, with an easy and quick
reconfiguration mode.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wearable electronic devices, or "wearables" in English, are
known, with the function of Personal Assistant (PA) or Personal
Enhancement (PE). Some examples are smart viewers for night vision,
scanning and/or acquisition devices for bar codes worn on the hand,
calculation units for specific applications integrated on the
uniform of an operator or others with graphic interface or display
(GUI, Graphic User Interface) integrated, which assist the user in
performing a number of operations, or which provide the user with
an increase in his perceptive or active capacities.
[0004] In particular, electronic devices are known, wearable on the
arm or wrist of the operator.
[0005] Among the main properties required of a wearable device,
there is optimum ergonomics and maximum integration in the user's
clothing, at the same time guaranteeing efficient access, in
particular to the user interface (MMI, Man Machine Interface),
which can be for example a keyboard with function keys, a joypad, a
display interface, possibly with a touch screen, a limited
alphanumerical keyboard, loud speakers or other.
[0006] In particular, in devices worn on the wrist, the MMI
comprises, normally on the same plane, which is the plane of the
open hand, and in a close-up position, both a display unit, for
example an integrated display, and a data introduction unit, for
example consisting of a keyboard, a touch screen or other
equipment.
[0007] Moreover, in electronic apparatuses worn on the wrist, it is
also necessary to take into account ergonomics, wearability,
comfort and usability, since prolonged use could cause tiredness to
the limb and malaise for the operator.
[0008] The display unit and the data introduction unit are normally
mounted on a rigid structure of an ergonomic and/or encircling
type, provided with a bracelet for attachment to the wrist.
[0009] As far as the display unit is concerned, according to the
information to be shown and/or the type of interaction required
from the operator, it can vary considerably in size, shape,
technology and appearance of the information displayed, or other
parameters.
[0010] Furthermore, these devices are also often provided with
functional mechanical units, such as for example a bar code reader,
connectors for communication interfaces, slots for memory cards or
other, which limits their position for practical use.
[0011] In the light of this, known devices are specifically made to
optimize wearability on the wrist and functionality when worn.
[0012] This constitutes a limit which must be respected in making
known devices, and imposes mechanical and ergonomical choices which
limit use to a single wrist or arm. A further limit to the use of
such known devices is that they cannot be moved as desired from one
arm or wrist to the other, according to the requirements of the
operating conditions and/or the clothing worn by the operator. This
requires that such known devices be made as two different models,
one for the right wrist and one for the left wrist.
[0013] To obviate this disadvantage, devices wearable on the wrist
are known which, when rotated by 180.degree. with respect to an
axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the wrist, maintain an
equivalent, if not equally optimum, usability and wearability, even
if the user interface can change position, and can therefore be
worn on the right wrist or the left. However, as we said, usability
and wearability are not equally optimized in the two uses, on the
left or right wrist. For example, it may be that the user interface
is less accessible and that some apertures, such as slots for
PCMCIA cards, and/or the on-off switch, are in a position that is
difficult to access and/or use.
[0014] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present
invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and
to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the
independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other
characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive
idea.
[0016] One purpose of one embodiment of the present invention is to
achieve a device wearable without distinction on different parts of
a user's body, for example, but not only, on both wrists, right and
left, maintaining the same wearability and the same type of access
and management of the user interface.
[0017] Another purpose of one embodiment of the present invention
is to achieve a wearable device that is configurable mechanically
in a quick and easy way, to change the position from one part of
the user's body to another, for example the right wrist and left
wrist and vice versa, also when the device is in use.
[0018] In accordance with the above purpose, a wearable device
according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a
rigid structure with an at least partial function as a bracelet,
able to be associated with a first part of a user's body, and at
least a user interface, to insert or receive information and/or to
display data, mounted on the rigid structure and having a base
resting on the corresponding part of the user's body.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
rigid structure comprises at least a first stop element and a
second stop element able to be positioned releasably with respect
to the base so as to assume a first condition configured for
ergonomic coupling with the first part of the user's body and a
second condition configured for ergonomic coupling with a second
part of the user's body, different from said first part and
substantially symmetrical to said first part, maintaining the user
interface in a position of ergonomic use for the user and with
access conditions by the user substantially corresponding to the
first condition.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first stop
element and the second stop element extend substantially
perpendicular with respect to the base and are releasably connected
to respective mating attachment seatings made on the lower surface
of said base.
[0021] Due to this configuration, the device is more compact since
the stop elements are included in the lateral bulk of the base and
do not extend laterally with respect to said base.
[0022] Advantageously, in one embodiment of the invention, the
wearable device according to the present invention can be worn
without distinction on both wrists, right or left, of the user,
maintaining the same wearability and the same type of access and
management of the user interface.
[0023] The wearable device is configurable mechanically in a quick
and easy way, to change position between the two parts of the
user's body, even when it is in use.
[0024] The device according to one embodiment of the present
invention is applicable when the user interface or user interfaces
mounted on the rigid structure have functional symmetry with
respect to the axis of the user's arm, and also when they have
functional symmetry or asymmetry with respect to the perpendicular
to the axis of the user's arm, since their position with respect to
the arm is preserved when passing from one to the other of said two
configurations.
[0025] Here and in the rest of the description, by functional
symmetry of an element with respect to an axis, we mean that a
functional element of the device, or the parts that make it up, is
positioned symmetrically, or is symmetrical, with respect to said
axis.
[0026] When some user interfaces, for example a speaker, are
mounted on the stop elements, it is necessary according to one
embodiment of the present invention that said user interfaces have
a functional symmetry with respect to the perpendicular to the axis
of the arm.
[0027] In the case of functional apertures of the user interface,
such as slots for memory cards, PCMCIA, sockets, connectors and
suchlike, made on the rigid structure, one embodiment of the
present invention provides that said functional apertures have a
functional symmetry with respect to the axis of the arm, or have a
functional symmetry or asymmetry with respect to the perpendicular
to the axis of the arm. For example, it is advantageous to position
a USB type connector on a vertical side of the rigid structure,
shifted, during use, towards the user's hand.
[0028] If the functional apertures are made on said stop elements,
the application of one embodiment of the present invention provides
that they have a functional symmetry with respect to the
perpendicular to the axis of the arm.
[0029] The features and advantages described herein are not
all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and
advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it
should be noted that the language used in the specification has
been principally selected for readability and instructional
purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] These and other characteristics of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description of a form of
embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to
the attached drawings wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a view of separate parts of a wearable device
according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the sequence of assembly and
dis-assembly of a wearable device according to one embodiment of
the present invention, passing from a condition where it is worn on
the right wrist to a condition where it is worn on the left
wrist.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] With reference to FIG. 1, a device 10 according to one
embodiment of the present invention can be worn on the left or
right wrist of a user's forearm and comprises a rigid structure 12
substantially of a box-like type with a lower base surface 16 and
an upper surface 19, parallel to each other. The structure 12 is
able to contain at least partly inside it a user interface 14, such
as for example a display and other devices or instruments of an
electronic or mechanical type which function as a unit for the
introduction and/or display of data and/or information.
[0034] The user interface 14 is represented for convenience only by
a line of dashes and schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention the
user interface 14 is of the type chosen from a group
comprising:
[0036] user interfaces 14 having a functional symmetry with respect
to an axis X (FIG. 2) defined by the user's arm;
[0037] user interfaces 14 having a functional symmetry with respect
to an axis Z perpendicular to the axis X (FIG. 2);
[0038] user interfaces 14 having functional asymmetry with respect
to axis Z.
[0039] The lower base surface 16, in the case shown here as a
non-restrictive example, of a substantially plane type, is able to
be disposed resting on the plane of the wrist.
[0040] The base surface 16 is provided with two attachment seatings
20, 22, of identical type and symmetrical with respect to an ideal
median axis of the device 10 parallel to the axis X of the user's
forearm, by means of which it is possible to attach two relative
mating stop elements 24 and 28. The attachment seatings 20 and 22
are provided with suitable attachment means, for example of the
mechanical type, snap-in, hook, bayonet, attachment teeth,
pressure, releasable joint or electromagnetic type, such as an
electromagnet, or magnetic, such as a magnet. In particular, the
attachment seatings 20 and 22 are disposed, a first 20 on the right
side 17 of the surface 16 in FIG. 1, and a second 22 on the left
side 18 of the surface 16 in FIG. 1.
[0041] The stop elements 24 and 28 can be of a different shape from
each other, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, both to adapt
ergonomically to the two different parts of the wrist, internal and
external, on which they rest, and also, if required by the user, so
as to house different electronic devices. In particular, the stop
elements 24 and 28 have corresponding internal surfaces 26 and 30,
which are shaped ergonomically to the relative surface of the wrist
and/or forearm which they will contact, for the user's maximum
comfort. The stop elements 24 and 28 are attached substantially
perpendicular to the base 16 and, to complete the attachment to the
wrist, a band 36 is provided, in a single body or consisting of two
portions connected for example by means of Velcro which, by means
of suitable through fissures made at the ends of the stop elements
24 and 28, not shown in the drawings, is connected selectively to
the two stop elements 24 and 28, thus achieving substantially a
bracelet structure.
[0042] In particular, the stop elements 24 and 28 are provided, in
a position opposite the connection ends of the band 36, with
relative connectors 32 and 34, of the releasable rapid attachment
type, and/or mechanical and/or electric and/or electromagnetic,
shaped so as to mate with the attachment seatings 20 and 22.
[0043] By means of the selective cooperation between the connectors
32 and 34 and the attachment seatings 20 and 22, a selectively
releasable attachment is achieved between the structure 12 and the
stop elements 24 and 28.
[0044] This attachment is preferably made on the base surface 16,
in order to save space and reduce bulk, but according to necessity,
it could also be made on the vertical side walls of the rigid
structure 12.
[0045] The attachment seatings 20 and 22 are configured to allow
the connection of the connectors 32 and 34 of each stop element 24
and 28 only univocally. In other words, the stop elements 24 and 28
have a first configuration of use which couples geometrically with
the respective attachment seating 20 and 22 whereas, by rotating
them by 180.degree. with respect to an axis of rotation Y
perpendicular to the surfaces 16 and 19, and, when the device 10 is
worn on the wrist, perpendicular to the plane of the wrist, the
geometric coupling respectively with the attachment seating 20 and
22 can no longer be achieved (FIGS. 1 and 2). To give a
non-restrictive example of the present invention, in this first
configuration of use the device 10 is able, by construction, to be
worn on the user's right wrist and/or forearm, with optimum
wearability and accessibility to the various functions of the user
interface 14.
[0046] In this first configuration of use, the stop element 24
mounted along the side 17 has its surface 26 disposed externally
with respect to the right wrist and/or forearm, that is, adjacent
to the external side of the right wrist and/or forearm, while the
stop element 28 mounted along the side 18 has its surface 30
disposed internally with respect to the right wrist and/or forearm,
that is, adjacent to the internal side of the right wrist and/or
forearm.
[0047] Apart from in said first configuration, the device according
to one embodiment of the present invention can also be used by the
user in a second configuration, on the left wrist, while
maintaining optimum wearability and functionality. In particular,
in the second configuration, the interface 14 is in a position of
ergonomic use for the user and with accessibility and interaction
for the user substantially corresponding to the first condition.
This means that all the elements of the interface 14 are in the
same position with respect to the user, whether the device 10 is
worn on the right wrist or on the left wrist.
[0048] The second configuration is determined by the user by
dis-assembling the stop elements 24 and 28 from the surface 16,
possibly after having prepared the user interface 14 for
reconfiguration, rotating them by 180.degree. with respect to said
axis of rotation Y (FIG. 2), with respect to their first
configuration of use, and again assembling them on the surface 16,
as can be seen in FIG. 2. In other words, the stop elements 24 and
28 are rotated and their position exchanged by assembling the
element 24 along the side 18 and coupled with the attachment
seating 22, and by assembling the element 28 along the side 17 and
coupled with the attachment seating 20, as is clear from the
sequence in FIG. 2.
[0049] One embodiment of the present invention provides that, once
dis-assembled from the surface 16 and rotated by 180.degree. with
respect to said axis Y, as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 2, the
stop elements 24 and 28 are able to achieve a geometric coupling
respectively with the attachment seatings 22 and 20, in order to
determine said second configuration of use (FIG. 2). It is
equivalent if, instead of the stop elements 24 and 28, the user
rotates the rigid structure 12 by 180.degree..
[0050] FIG. 2 shows the passage from the first to the second
configuration, in the direction indicated by the arrow G, and the
reciprocal position between the stop elements 24 and 28 and the
rigid structure 12 can be seen, and in particular the inversion of
position with respect to the sides 38 and 40 of the rigid structure
12 can be noted.
[0051] It can clearly be seen from FIG. 2 how the second
configuration is not obtained by means of a simple rotation of the
whole device 10, but by dis-assembling, rotating by 180.degree. and
re-assembling in an inverted position the stop elements 24 and 28,
or equivalently, by rotating the rigid structure 12 by
180.degree..
[0052] In this second configuration of use, the device 10 is able
to be worn on the user's left wrist and/or forearm, with the same
properties of wearability and optimum accessibility to the
functions of the user interface 14 which it has when it is worn on
the right wrist and/or forearm.
[0053] In this second configuration, the stop element 24 is coupled
with the attachment seating 22 and the stop element 28 is coupled
with the attachment seating 20. Therefore, in the second
configuration, the stop element 28 is assembled along the side 17
and has its surface 30 disposed internally with respect to the left
wrist and/or forearm, that is, adjacent to the internal side of the
left wrist and/or forearm, whereas the stop element 24 is assembled
along the side 18 and has its surface 26 disposed externally with
respect to the left wrist and/or forearm, that is, adjacent to the
external side of the left wrist and/or forearm.
[0054] According to an advantageous form of embodiment of the
present invention, the stop elements 24 and 28 can contain inside
them some electronic devices, not shown in the drawings, able to
cooperate with the user interface 14, for example an electric feed
unit, an alphanumerical keyboard, a secondary display or other. In
this case, the connectors 32 and 34 and the relative attachment
seatings 20 and 22 are also suitable for the electric connection
between the various electronic devices mounted in the rigid
structure 12 and those installed in the stop elements 24 and
28.
[0055] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may
be made to the wearable device as described heretofore, without
departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
[0056] It is also clear that, although the present invention has
been described with reference to some examples, a person of skill
in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent
forms of wearable device, having the characteristics as set forth
in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection
defined thereby.
* * * * *