JP2018529154A - Communication apparatus and method for communicating with friends - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable communication device (1) for communicating with a mate by an optical signal includes a housing, a holding part (12) provided in the housing for a user to carry the communication device (1), It has a display means (2) for displaying an optical signal on it and a microprocessor (5) for controlling the communication device (1), and the display means (2) is mechanically free by the user. It is configurable. A method of communicating between peers by using such a communication device includes a step of mechanically configuring the display means (2) and a step of programming the communication device (1) using parameters unique to the mechanical configuration. And have.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device for communicating with a mate by an optical signal and / or a haptic signal and / or an acoustic signal, and a method for communicating between the mate by the communication device.

  Today, the percentage of single citizens is increasing and the number of single-parent families is also increasing. The person is often engaged in professional activities and is very restricted in time. To find a possible partner, a person goes to a single person event, for example. But it is often expensive. The disadvantage is that relatives, acquaintances and friends often do not always accompany such single events.

  There are various partner platforms for the Internet and smartphones. However, serious partner platforms are often quite expensive, and the time spent alone before a PC accumulates or does not have that time. Moreover, there are many unskilled people on such platforms, or they are “removed” from the beginning because they do not meet the criteria, for example, the height you are reporting. When interest in these platforms grows, you will be tempted to make “false declarations” over and over again.

  The networking of singles, for example via smartphones, has already become a headline for many negative news, for example, personal data is circulated and it is not desirable for anyone to be “inviting partners” This is because they may know unexpectedly. Moreover, it can also be a victim of stalking through the location of a smartphone that displays where a user with such a single person application is located.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to propose a communication apparatus and a method corresponding to the communication apparatus that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  This object and other advantages are achieved by a communication device as set out in the corresponding independent claim.

  This object and other advantages are also achieved by a method for communicating with a companion in the corresponding independent claim.

  This object and other advantages include, in particular, a housing, a holder provided in the housing for a user to carry the communication device, a display means for displaying an optical signal on the housing, and a communication device. It is achieved by a portable communication device for communicating with peers by means of optical signals having a microprocessor for controlling, the display means being freely configurable by the user.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the display means is configured to notify event specific and / or user specific messages.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the display means includes a display member that is mechanically interchangeable and / or can be selectively combined with each other.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the display means includes light emitting means.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the display means includes a screen.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable communication device includes a position specifying means for specifying the position of the communication device.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable communication device has a receiver for receiving messages wirelessly.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable communication device has a transmitter for transmitting messages wirelessly.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable communication device has a sensor for detecting a chemical substance.

  This object and other advantages are also achieved in particular by a method of communicating between peers with such a communication device, the method comprising the steps of mechanically configuring the display means and the mechanical configuration. Programming the communication device with the unique parameters.

  A haptic signal, as used herein, is a signal that acts on one or more human sensations, such as tactile perception, tactile muscle movement, auditory, perceptual, thermal, visual and / or olfactory , Meaning chemical cognition.

  The invention will be better understood from the following description and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an outer peripheral display member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an inner peripheral display member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing basic elements of the communication apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the back surface of the communication apparatus of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the communication device 1 of the present invention is preferably portable. The communication device 1 is configured in the form of a pin badge, for example. However, other types of communication devices are possible within the scope of the present invention. The communication device may be configured in the form of, for example, an armband, a necklace pendant, a belt, or a decoration.

  In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 has a front surface 10 on which the display means 2 is visible. The display means 2 has a function for displaying an optical signal, and when the user carries the communication device 1 in clothes, for example, the front surface 10 can be visually recognized.

  In another embodiment, the communication device 1 includes haptic communication means for communicating a haptic signal to a user. The haptic communication means is incorporated in, for example, the communication device 1 and includes a vibration unit and / or a rhythm unit (not shown).

  In addition to this, the communication device 1 can further include an acoustic communication means, for example, a speaker (not shown). An acoustic signal, for example, an audio signal can be transmitted to the user of the communication device 1 and the people near the user by the acoustic communication means.

  The communication device 1 preferably also includes an energy source for supplying energy, particularly electrical energy, to all members of the communication device 1. The energy source includes, for example, a battery, a storage battery, and / or a solar unit in or on the housing of the communication device 1. It is preferable that the energy source is not visible from the outside of the communication device 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery and / or storage battery is rechargeable. The battery and / or the storage battery is charged by inserting the communication device 1 into an external current source, for example, a wall plug. Alternatively, electrical energy generated by the solar collector 3 can be used. The solar collector 3 may be disposed on the front surface 10 of the communication device 1, for example. Further, the housing itself can provide a solar absorbing surface by the coating, and solar energy may be utilized as an energy source.

  The housing of the communication device 1 is preferably open so that, for example, the display means 2 can be configured. In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, the front face 10 is at least partially removable. The front surface 10 is attached to the housing of the communication device 1 by a hinge on one side, for example, and can be opened by operating a button (not shown) on that side of the communication device 1, for example. As an alternative, at least one part of the front face 10 can be removed from the communication device 1 and reinserted.

  2, 3 and 4 are schematic views of each member of the display means 2 of the communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the display means 2 includes, for example, two display members 20 and 21 (for example, an outer peripheral display member 20 and an inner peripheral display member 21), and these are given to the communication device 1 of the present invention so as to be removable. Is preferred. The display members 20 and 21 can be placed on the base member 22 of the communication device 1 when the communication device 1 is open, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the display members 20 and 21 are annular, and are configured to be placed on the base member 22 of the communication device 1 so as to be concentric with each other.

  Each set of display members 20, 21 preferably has one or more display areas 201, 211 that are regularly arranged opposite the corresponding set of display members 20, 21. The display areas 201 and 211 are areas for displaying, for example, specific colors and / or specific words. For example, in this example, one display area 201, 211 displays a color and / or word that is different from the colors and / or words of the other display areas 201, 211 of the same display set 20, 21. Thus, for example, a different message can be notified for each display area 201, 211 of the set of display means 20, 21. The display areas 201, 211 are light transmissive, for example, and are selectively rear-projected individually to make the corresponding message visible.

  Referring to FIG. 4, according to the illustrated embodiment, the base member 22 of the communication device 1 of the present invention has light emitting means 221 and 222 (for example, light emitting diodes) when the display members 20 and 21 are on the base member 22. The light emitting means 221 and 222 are included on the upper side surfaces thereof so that the positions of) coincide with the display areas 201 and 211 of the display members 20 and 21. In this way, when the display members 20 and 21 are on the base member 22, the display areas 201 and 211 can be projected rearward by turning on the respective light emitting units 221 and 222.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the display means 2 of the communication device 1 according to the illustrated embodiment has openings on the front face 10 of the communication device 1, and each of these openings when the communication device 1 is closed. The positions of the light emitting means on the base member 22 coincide with each other and the display areas 201 and 211 of the display members 20 and 21 inside the communication apparatus 1 coincide with each other. The display areas 201, 211 of the 20, 21 are visible through the corresponding openings.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the communication device 1 has a disk shape. However, other geometric shapes are possible within the scope of the present invention. The communication device 1 may be, for example, a rectangle, a hexagon, a diamond, or any regular or irregular shape. The shapes of the display members 20 and 21 and their relative positional relationship inside the communication device 1 are particularly adapted according to the shape and size of the communication device 1.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the communication device 1 includes two display members 20 and 21. However, other numbers of display members 20, 21 are possible within the scope of the present invention. The communication device 1 can include, for example, three, four, or more display members 20 and 21 that can be used simultaneously in the communication device 1.

  Each of the display members 20 and 21 can include a message having a different property, for example. The outer display member 20 can include, for example, an event specific message, while the inner display member 21 can include a personal message, or vice versa.

  For example, a plurality of outer peripheral display members 20 and / or a plurality of inner peripheral display members 21 can be used by one user, and the user can display a specific message selected by the user. Therefore, one of the outer peripheral display members 20 and one of the inner peripheral display members 21 can be freely selected and combined each time by the communication device 1 of the present invention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the user can create the display members 20 and 21 by himself / herself, for example, by printing a specific color and / or word on the blank display members 20 and 21. Done. For example, the organizer of some event can provide some event, for example an event-specific message. The event-specific message may be downloaded from the organizer's website, for example. As an alternative, the display members 20, 21 may be orderable, for example via the Internet, and / or may be directly available for each event.

  The light emitting units 221 and 222 are supplied with electric power by, for example, the energy source of the communication device 1. The light emitting means 221, 222 can be freely turned on / off individually and selectively. The light emitting means 221, 222 are turned on and / or off individually, for example, by a switch (not shown) of the communication device 1 and / or by remote control, for example.

  In this way, in order to be able to represent different visual messages, the display members 20, 21 can be exchanged for another display member with different illumination, for example. In the illustrated example, the communication device 1 and the display members 20 and 21 are circular. However, other shapes of the communication device 1 and other suitable shapes of the display members 20, 21 are possible within the scope of the present invention. As an alternative, any light emitting means 221, 222 can be turned on and / or off by a schema pre-programmed in the communication device 1.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the light emitting means 221 and 222 (for example, the outer peripheral light emitting means 221) may include a pressure sensor. And the light emission means 221 and 222 provided with a pressure sensor fulfill | perform the role as an input key of the communication apparatus 1 operated, for example, when a user pushes the corresponding display means 2. As described above, the user of the communication device 1 can input a command by pressing the pressure-sensitive light emitting units 221 and 222, for example.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 includes haptic and / or acoustic communication means, for example, one or more vibration units, one or more rhythm units, one or more Includes speakers.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the communication device 1 further includes a microprocessor 5 for controlling all members of the communication device 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor 5 is equipped with or includes a GPS and / or GLONASS receiver and / or other position location means in order to be able to locate the position of the communication device 1. Are combined.

  For example, the communication device 1 can be used when an emergency situation occurs. Through the existing communication means of the communication device 1, the emergency situation can be displayed in an acoustic method, an optical method, and / or a haptic method. In addition to this, the communication device 1 can display an exit that is closest to the user or a person in the immediate vicinity of the user, and can control the user to be guided accordingly.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 may further include a removable data carrier 6 such as a SIM card or an SD card. The data carrier 6 is inserted into the communication device 1 through, for example, the slit 4. As an alternative, a part of the housing of the communication device 1 can be opened, for example a part of the rear surface 11, in order to allow the insertion of the data carrier into the communication device. The data carrier 6 may be personal and / or event specific to the user. The data carrier 6 stores a program for controlling the communication device 1, for example, and is executed by the microprocessor 5.

  Furthermore, the communication device 1 may be set up so that a payment function is possible. In addition, the communication device 1 can be used in a manner of entrance management or participation management.

  In an embodiment, the communication device 1 may include one or more auxiliary microprocessors having specific functions, such as chemical sensors, pulse rhythm, heart rate variability (HRV), and / or heart rhythm. A pulse sensor for measuring may further be included.

  The back surface of the communication device 1 particularly includes a holding unit for carrying the communication device 1 by a user. The holding unit includes a pin 12 for carrying the communication device 1 as a pin badge on clothes, for example. Alternatively, other holding parts are possible within the scope of the present invention, for example a safety pin or some other adapted holding part.

  The communication device 1 includes in particular an interface 7 for data exchange and / or energy exchange with one or more external devices. External devices include, for example, electrical energy sources, personal computers, sensors, data receivers, and the like. For example, the communication device 1 can be used to display detailed messages and / or calls to the user in an appropriate manner, and at this time it can be particularly connected to a mobile phone or smartphone.

  In the illustrated example, the display means 2 of the communication device 1 can be mechanically configured so that the display members 20, 21 can be freely selected, selectively combined and / or exchanged. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one part of the display means 2 is configured electronically so that the message on the display means 2 can be changed electronically. The electronically configurable display means 2 includes, for example, each one screen, for example a small LCD screen, on which various colors and / or words can be selectively displayed. A combination of mechanically and electronically configurable display means 2 is also possible within the scope of the present invention.

  The communication device 1 according to the present invention transmits to a user a presentation as a part of recruitment of the other party, which informs the user of information specific to the event that the user visits, that is, the start of a seminar or the like.

  According to the present invention, the communication device 1 gives a user, for example, a single person, the possibility of acting with the majority of other single persons and visitors in open events and / or ordinary shopping. That is, the user usually goes to an event with a non-single person or a friend, but in particular, the user can wait for the person or single person carrying the communication device 1 of the present invention to appear. In some cases, a user may have previously contacted one or more such persons, for example, via the Internet.

  The personal setting of the communication device 1 can be performed by a website, for example. At this time, the setting parameters can be directly downloaded to the communication device 1, for example, or stored in a memory card and then transmitted to the communication device 1. The parameters are then read by the microprocessor in order to operate the communication device 1 according to the user settings.

  Further, the user can search for a suitable member that the user wants to contact personally through, for example, a website.

  User registration on the website avoids confusing registration and thus protects the safety and reliability of the website, for example, telephone subscriptions, postal identification numbers, local address verification, etc. This is preferably done through identification.

  For example, when two persons are looking for each other through a website, for example, the information can be loaded into the communication device 1. The function of the communication device 1 is programmed so that, for example, the two users can find the other party even at an event. In order to increase the reliability, for example, the staying places of both users can be grasped at the time of the event, and can be visualized for the two corresponding users on the website during or after the event. In that case, the communication device 1 operates only during the time of visiting the event. It is preferable that the user's anonymity is ensured by identifying the user with a pseudonym on a website, for example. The communication device 1 preferably functions automatically, and does not communicate with other devices, for example, a PC or a smartphone, but this is not the case when it is desired. That is, the user does not need to have a telephone at hand in order to use the communication apparatus 1, or does not have to have regular Internet access.

  The communication device 1 is preferably capable of being deactivated from a distance, for example through a website, in order to avoid misuse if the communication device 1 is lost, for example.

  According to the present invention, the communication device 1 can be carried by various visitors during an event. It is preferable that the event visitor, that is, the user, can also set the communication device 1 using the operation member of the communication device 1. Users preferably have different options, for example for selections that can also be combined with each other. In the embodiment of the present invention, these options include, for example, settings performed in the communication device 1 and / or application of specific display members 20 and 21 to the communication device 1. For example, the display member 20 displays information unique to the event, while the second display member 21 displays personal information. The event-specific display member 20 is provided for a limited time, for example, by the event organizer. The communication device 1 then or before, with respect to the applied display member 20, 21, some display means 2 is turned on or off, for example at some moment and / or somewhere during the event, and a corresponding message is sent. It is programmed to notify other visitors of the event at a specific moment or at a specific location, and thus find someone to talk about, for example, a selected theme of music, location, or event.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the user can also transmit a haptic signal, for example, according to a corresponding setting of the communication device 1.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 further includes an acoustic communication means, for example, a speaker, for transmitting an acoustic signal such as an audio signal to a user and / or surrounding people.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 can determine a specific position of the communication device 1 and / or can determine the distance and / or direction of another communication device 1 of the present invention. In order to do so, it further comprises position location means, for example GPS and / or GLONASS receivers, ultrasound means and / or triangulation means, RFID position detectors, and / or any suitable position location means. Relevant information from the localization means is communicated to the user and / or the surrounding people, for example, optical signals, haptic signals, and / or acoustic signals. In this way, the user can use the communication device 1, for example, vibration and / or audio signals and / or optical signals to indicate that a specific person having another communication device 1 according to the present invention is nearby, for example 0- Information indicating that the distance is 1 m, 1 to 500 m, 500 to 1500 m, or 1500 m to 10 km can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 further includes a direction indicator that displays, for example, a sensor that displays in which direction the user having the communication device 1 is moving. That is, when two persons who are looking for approach or separate from each other, the fact is displayed to the persons through haptic signals, light, vibration, voice, and the like. When the communication device 1 is under a jacket, for example, the sound becomes loud. The direction indicator also displays, for example, whether or not the user is traveling in the correct direction together with the communication device 1. For this purpose, for example, mechanical movement is measured and evaluated. If possible, the sensor is also present in the hand, so that when the user indicates one direction, the communication device 1 gives feedback whether that direction matches the person being searched.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 further includes a transmission / reception unit for wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving messages to and / or from other communication devices 1 of the present invention. Thus, the communication devices 1 can communicate with each other wirelessly via, for example, a short-range communication channel and / or a network such as the Internet. As described above, the communication device 1 of the present invention can exchange information such as position specification, setting, and user identity. The received information can be displayed, for example, by the optical system, haptic system, and / or acoustic system display means and / or communication means 2 of the communication device 1 of the present invention. In a modification of the present invention, the communication device 1 of the present invention further includes a screen for displaying information, for example, received information as text.

  Furthermore, the communication device 1 of the present invention preferably includes a removable data carrier 6 in which, for example, event-specific parameters for programming the communication device 1 are stored. A data carrier 6 containing pre-stored data is obtained, for example, at the event, and / or the user downloads event-specific parameters, for example through a website, and stores it on the data carrier 6 before the event. To do. When the data carrier 6 loaded with event-specific parameters is detachably added or plugged into the communication device 1, for example, the location of the communication device 1, optical signals, haptic signals and / or acoustic signals In order to adapt functions such as these to the event, parameters unique to the event can be read by the microprocessor 5 of the communication device 1. In particular, the event-specific parameters include, for example, the configuration of the event-specific display member 20, so that the microprocessor 5 can display the correct indication when a particular message is notified or no longer needs to be notified. The means 2 is turned on and off.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the data carrier 6 includes another display means 2 for generating an optical signal. The other display means 2 includes additional light emitting means and a display for displaying a text message in a dark place, for example.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the communication device 1 is made of a material that changes color when there is a temperature difference. If the user rubs the housing or otherwise warms it, the color of the communication device 1 changes and this gives another signal.

  For example, the location function of the communication device 1 can be used to locate various existing objects such as the nearest exit, exhibition booth, and / or the location of a person. In this way, the communication device 1 can be used, for example, as an advertising means and / or for a fox hunting game, an office display member, or the like.

  In another embodiment, the communication device 1 is configured to be able to bind to an object and trigger a reaction of the object. For example, when a specific communication device 1 approaches the printer, the printer prints a new route guide or map. This function can be used for social group play, for example.

  For example, when busy, it is possible to operate a pause key or a pause key. The other party also receives the signal when arriving at or leaving the “partner you are looking for” event.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 1 includes another sensor for detecting and / or measuring the physical quantity of a user and / or a person encountered at an event. For example, the communication device 1 can measure heart rhythm / pulse, heart rate variability, and / or skin potential, and the measurable skin potential responds very well to the counterpart pheromone and physiological response. The communication device 1 also includes a chemical sensor for pheromone, for example.

  By analyzing such data, for example, the communication device 1 of the present invention determines how the user is received by the other party. For example, by exchanging such measurement data with each other after an event, the communication devices 1 of both users can determine whether it was the same for the other party.

  By evaluating such data analysis, the communication device 1 of the present invention can display how each person reacts to each other, such as pheromone and heartbeat (skin potential). It can be communicated directly by haptic signals or subsequently on an internet platform.

  The communication device 1 of the present invention is preferably a unique system closed by itself. All data is encrypted. All data is stored and selectively transmitted (website), and these data are selectively encrypted, transmitted and stored not only on the communication device 1 but also on the website during transmission, and transferred to a third party It will not be done. The communication device 1 is preferably an independent device that functions without a smartphone or the like. In this way, the user can be assured that data cannot be called from the mobile phone to the communication device 1, for example.

  In addition to this, the communication device 1 can also be connected to clothes, and the illumination of the optical signal means (typically a light emitting diode) of the communication device 1 is sewn (woven) with an electronic conductive thread. Can be transmitted to designer clothes.

Claims (14)

A portable communication device (1) for communicating with friends by optical signals,
A housing;
A holding part (12) provided in the housing for a user to carry the communication device (1);
Display means (2) for displaying optical signals on the housing;
A microprocessor (5) for controlling the communication device (1),
A portable communication device characterized in that the display means (2) can be freely mechanically configured by a user.   The portable communication device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising acoustic communication means.   The portable communication device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising haptic communication means.   Portable communication device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the display means (2) are arranged to notify and / or exchange event-specific and / or user-specific messages. .   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display means (2) comprises exchangeable and selectively combinable display members (20, 21). 1).   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display means (2) comprises light emitting means (221, 222).   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the display means (2) comprises a screen.   The portable communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a position specifying means for specifying the position of the communication device (1).   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a receiver for receiving messages wirelessly.   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting messages wirelessly.   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a sensor for detecting a chemical substance.   The portable communication device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor for measuring a user's heart rhythm, pulse and / or heart rate variability.   The portable communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the communication device (1) is connectable to the garment so as to transmit illumination of the optical signal to the garment. (1). A method for communicating between peers by means of the communication device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Mechanically configuring the display means (2);
Programming the communication device (1) with parameters specific to the mechanical configuration.

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