Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.
Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.
It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.
The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In this application, terms such as " comprise, "" comprising" or "having ", and the like, specify that the presence of stated features, integers, Steps, operations, components, components, or combinations thereof, whether or not explicitly described in connection with the specification, figures, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof. Also for the same reason, this application is not to be construed as causing any adverse effect, either from a combination of the related features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, , Numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, and the like are also included.
The smart device described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC A tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD). have.
However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to other general smart devices, except where applicable to wearable smart devices only.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable smart device according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a general configuration of the wearable smart device will be described.
The wearable smart device 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, an input unit 12, a sensing unit 14, an output unit 15, an interface unit 16, a memory 17, a control unit 18, 19), and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential for implementing a wearable smart device, so that the wearable smart device described in this specification can have more or fewer components than those listed above. In addition, not all of the above-mentioned components are shown, and only some of the important components are shown in the figures following Fig. However, it is understandable to those skilled in the art that, although not all shown, the described components may be included in a wearable smart device to implement a function as a smart device.
More specifically, the wireless communication unit 11 among the above-described components can communicate with the wearable smart device 10 and the wireless communication system, between the wearable smart device 10 and another smart device 10, or between the wearable smart device 10 and the wearable smart device 10, And one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the external server and the external server. In addition, the wireless communication unit 11 may include one or more modules that connect the wearable smart device 10 to one or more networks.
The wireless communication unit 11 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 11a, a mobile communication module 11b, a wireless Internet module 11c, a short distance communication module 11d, and a location information module 11e .
The input unit 12 includes a camera 12a or a video input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 12b for inputting an audio signal, or an audio input unit, a user input unit 12c for receiving information from a user A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 12 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.
The sensing unit 14 may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one of information in the wearable smart device, surrounding information about the wearable smart device, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 14 may include a proximity sensor 14a, an illumination sensor 14b, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, A microphone 12b, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a temperature sensor, A thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the wearable smart device disclosed in the present specification can combine and use information sensed by at least two of the sensors.
The output unit 15 includes at least one of a display unit 15a, an acoustic output unit 15b, a haptic module 15c, and a light output unit 15d to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 15a may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize a touch screen. Such a touch screen may function as a user input 12c that provides an input interface between the wearable smart device 10 and a user and may provide an output interface between the wearable smart device 10 and a user.
The interface unit 16 serves as a path to various kinds of external devices connected to the wearable smart device 10. [ The interface unit 16 may be configured to connect a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the wearable smart device 10, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 16, it is possible to perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.
In addition, the memory 17 stores data supporting various functions of the wearable smart device 10. The memory 17 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) running on the wearable smart device 10, data for operation of the wearable smart device 10, and instructions. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of these applications may also be present on the wearable smart device 10 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the wearable smart device 10 (e.g., phone call incoming, outgoing, message receiving, have. On the other hand, the application program is stored in the memory 17, installed on the wearable smart device 10, and can be driven by the control unit 18 to perform the operation (or function) of the wearable smart device.
In addition to the operations associated with the application program, the control unit 18 typically controls the overall operation of the wearable smart device 10. [ The control unit 18 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 17 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.
In addition, the controller 18 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 to drive an application program stored in the memory 17. In addition, the controller 18 may operate at least two of the components included in the wearable smart device 10 in combination with each other for driving the application program.
Under the control of the control unit 18, the power supply unit 19 receives external power and internal power, and supplies power to the components included in the wearable smart device 10. The power supply 19 includes a battery 19a (see FIG. 4), and the battery 19a may be an embedded battery or a replaceable battery.
At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement the method of operation, control, or control of the wearable smart device 10 in accordance with various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the wearable smart device 10 may be implemented on the wearable smart device 10 by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 17.
In the remaining figures that follow, the wearable smart device 10 is shown to have the form of a wearable type, i.e., a ring, on the wearer's body, and in particular the wearer's finger. In addition, the device 10 may have a type that can be worn on the wrist of a user, i.e., a watch or a bracelet. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are movably coupled. That is, the configuration and description for a particular type of wearable smart device 10 may be applied generally to other types of wearable smart devices 10 as well as to a particular type of wearable smart device 10. [
Following the general construction of the wearable smart device 10 described above, the overall structure of the wearable smart device 10 will be outlined with reference to the associated drawings. In this regard, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the front portion of the wearable smart device, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the rear portion of the wearable smart device, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the extended wearable smart device. 5 is a perspective view showing a wearable smart device worn on a finger, and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a wearable smart device. Since Fig. 6 shows all of the detailed structure of the wearable smart device, all explanations always refer to Fig. 6 basically, except when particularly referenced figures are mentioned.
The wearable smart device 10 may include a first ring 100 and a second ring 200 disposed on the first ring 100, as shown in FIGS. 2-6. The first ring 100 can be worn on the user's body with the second ring 200 and has a size and shape suitable for such wear. The first and second rings 100 and 200 are configured as rings to be worn on the fingers F of the user's hands H as shown in Fig. 5, but they can be worn on the wrist W of the user simply by increasing the size It can be a bracelet.
Actually, the first ring 100 is fitted directly on the user's finger, and the second ring 200 can be placed on the outer periphery of the first ring 100. [ That is, the second ring 200 may have a larger diameter than the first ring 100. The second ring 200 may be configured to surround the entire outer periphery of the first ring 100 and the first ring 100 may be configured to surround the inner periphery of the second ring 200, Can be inserted into the ring (200). The second ring 200 can be coupled to the first ring 100 to form a single assembly. The second ring 200 can also slide on the first ring 100 along the direction of the central axis of the device 10 or the first and second rings 100 and 200. Thus, the second ring 200 is movably coupled to the first ring 100, and thus is able to move relative to the first ring 100.
More specifically, while the inner circumferential surface of the second ring 200 is supported by the outer circumferential surface of the first ring 100, the second ring 200 is moveable away from the first ring 100 from. Also, the second ring 200 moved away from the first ring 200 can move toward the first ring 200 again. The first ring 100 is fitted and fixed to the fingers, and the movement of the second ring 200 described above becomes a movement relative to the fixed first ring 100. As a result of this relative motion, the second ring 200 can be selectively expanded or contracted relative to the first ring 100, and the wearable smart device 10 can optionally be lengthened or shortened lengthen). Likewise, it can be explained that the wearable smart device 10 itself is expanded or contracted. Thus, the second ring 200 can be telescopically coupled to the first ring 100 in a telescopic manner. Also, considering the structural relationship described above, the first ring 100 can be described as an inner ring, and the second ring 200 can be described as an outer ring. Further, in view of the telescopic relationship, the first ring 100 may be represented as a main ring, and the second ring 200 may also be represented as a stage. Thus, in the description that follows, the first and second rings 100, 200 can all be changed to the above terms. On the other hand, since the inner circumferential surface of the second ring 200 is slidably supported by the outer circumferential surface of the first ring 100, in consideration of the structural relationship between the first and second rings 100 and 200 described above, 2 ring 200 may be rotated or revolve circumferentially about the same central axis as the first ring 100 relative to the first ring 100. This rotation of the second ring 200 can be performed both counterclockwise or clockwise as viewed from the front of the device 10. [ That is, the second ring 200 can rotate in a first direction (counterclockwise) or in a second direction (clockwise) opposite to the first direction.
In terms of functionality, the first ring 100 may be configured to support various electronic components that are basically required for operation of the wearable smart device 10. Further, the first ring 100 may be configured to form a space for accommodating the electronic components. 6 shows the components of the wearable smart device 10 well, and these components are described below with reference to Fig. Additionally, the components are well illustrated in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 7, 8, and 10 and are therefore also referred to in the following description.
The wearable smart device 10 may include a display unit 15a as an output unit 15. The display unit 15a may be exposed from the device 10 so that the wearable smart device 10 is visible to the user in a worn state. The display portion 15a may be disposed on the outer circumference of the first ring 100 to be exposed to the user. Therefore, the display portion 51a can be exposed to the outside also from the first ring 100, and can form the outer shape of the first ring 100. [ The display unit 15a can provide various information to the user. More specifically, the display unit 15a can display information to be processed in the wearable smart device 10. For example, the display unit 15a basically outputs various image and text information, and displays execution screen information of an application program driven by the wearable smart device 10, UI (User Interface), GUI (Graphic User Interface) can be displayed.
The display unit 15a may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display. In addition, the display unit 15a may be provided in the wearable smart device 10 more than once, if necessary. For example, at the bottom of the first ring 100 facing the display 15a in the upper part in Fig. 6, an additional display part is provided at a position opposite to the display part 15a shown in the figure, .
The display portion 15a may include a display module 15f and a window 15e covering the display module 15f, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10. The display module 15f may be a display element such as an LCD or an OLED as described above, and is a component that actually displays image information. The window 15e may be disposed at a portion exposed to the user of the display module 15f and may protect the display module 15f from the outside. In addition to this protection function, the window 15e should allow the information displayed on the display module 15f to be seen by the user. Accordingly, the window 15e can be made of a material having appropriate strength and transparency. In addition, if the window 15e is made of a totally transparent material, other parts or internal parts of the wearable smart device 10 as well as the display module 15f can be exposed to the user, The appearance can be inhibited. Therefore, preferably, a part of the window 15e excluding the predetermined area for exposing the image information of the display module 15f may be opaque. More specifically, the outer circumferential portion surrounding the display module 15f on the rear surface of the window 15e may be coated or attached with an opaque layer. This opaque layer can be called a bezel. On the rear surface of the window 15e, the display module 15f can be directly attached as shown. The display module 15f can be directly attached to the window 15e in various ways, and the adhesive can be most conveniently used for direct attachment.
The display unit 15a may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 15a so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 15a, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 18 generates a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like. The touch sensor may be formed of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 15e and the display module 15f or may be a metal wire directly patterned on the back surface of the window 15e. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display module 15f. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on the substrate of the display module 15f, or may be provided inside the display module 15e. As described above, the display unit 15a forms a touch screen together with the touch sensor And in this case the touch screen can function as a user input 12c (see FIG. 1). If desired, a physical key (e.g., a push key) adjacent to the display portion 15a, which is a touch screen, may additionally be provided as a user input 12c for convenient input of the user. In accordance with such a complicated configuration of the display module 15f, the display module 15f is represented by a module or an assembly of a plurality of layers, that is, components, in the accompanying drawings.
The wearable smart device 10 may include a light output section 15d as an output section 15. [ The light output unit 15d may output light to notify the occurrence of an event. The light output portion 15d may include a light source 15h provided in the first ring 100 and a light guiding portion 15g. In addition, the wearable smart device 10 may include a terminal 16a as the interface unit 16. [ The terminal 16a is also provided in the first ring 100. These light output portions 15d and the interface portion 16 are described later in more detail together with related components and drawings. Furthermore, the wearable smart device 10 may have the wireless communication unit 11. 1, the wireless communication unit 11 includes a broadcast receiving module 11a, a mobile communication module 11b, a wireless Internet module 11c, a short distance communication module 11d, and a location information module 11e. As shown in FIG. In addition, the wireless communication unit 11 may further incorporate an antenna. Thus, the wireless communication unit 11 can communicate with other devices and networks in all possible ways. The wireless communication unit 11 can be installed in the first ring 100 like other components. However, in consideration of the internal space of the limited first ring 100, the wireless communication unit 11 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second ring 200, as shown in the figure.
The substrate 13 is a component in which various electronic components, especially various processors constituting the control unit 18, are mounted together with other circuits and elements assisting them, and can be installed in the first ring 100 as well. Thus, the substrate 13 is capable of overall control of the operation of all its components 11-19 in more detail than the wearable smart device 10. Furthermore, the wearable smart device 10 may include a battery 19a (see FIG. 1) as a power supply 19 for supplying power. The battery 19a may be built-in to the device 10, that is, installed in the first ring 100 or detachably installed in the device 10. [ The battery 19a may be charged through a power cable connected to the terminal 16a. In addition, the battery 19a may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).
The remaining components except for the small components such as the light output portion 15d and the terminal 16a all have a considerably large size. Thus, the wearable smart device, in particular, must have an outer shape suitable for the device 10 to be housed in or installed in the first ring 100 or the second ring 200. For this reason, the wireless communication unit 11, the substrate 13, the display unit 15a, the battery 19a, and the like can be manufactured to have a predetermined curvature. In particular, the display portion 15a, that is, the module 15e and the window 15f may be formed of a flexible display made of a material such as plastic, which is entirely deformable.
The second ring (200) is configured to form the contour of the wearable smart device (10). The second ring 200 can protect the first ring 100 as well as the components attached to or received by the first ring 100 by wrapping the first ring 100. Also, as described above, since the second ring 200 is movably, i.e., telescopically coupled to the first ring 100, the first ring 100 can be selectively concealed or exposed. That is, the outer circumference of the first ring 100 can be selectively covered or exposed according to the relative motion of the second ring 200. 4 and 5 (b), when the second ring 200 is expanded, the outer peripheral portion of the first ring 100 and the display portion 15a provided therein can be exposed . 2, 3 and 5 (a), when the second ring 200 is contracted, the outer periphery of the first ring 100 and the display portion 15a provided thereon are covered or hidden . Accordingly, the second ring 200 may be configured to selectively expose or cover the display portion 15a while moving relative to the first ring 100. [ 2) for covering the display portion 15a or a second position P2 (see Fig. 4) for exposing the display portion 15a (see Fig. 4), the second ring 200 is selectively Lt; / RTI > When the second ring 200 is expanded, the second ring 200 is disposed in the second position P2, and when the second ring 200 contracts, the second ring 200 is moved to the first position P1, As shown in FIG. Accordingly, the display portion 15a is exposed only when necessary, and can be covered by the second ring 200 when not in use. That is, the wearable smart device 10 may have an improved appearance by the second ring 200 covering the display unit 15a when the display unit 15a is not used. For this reason, the wearable smart device 10 can be a ring as a practical accessory by a mechanism for selectively exposing the display portion 15a.
Referring again to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the structure of the first and second rings 100, 200 will be described in more detail below.
6, the first ring 100 may include an inner frame 110 and an outer frame 120 coupled with the inner frame 110. The inner frame 110 generally has a tube or ring-shaped body 111 and can be fitted to the user's finger F. [ Accordingly, the inner frame 110 is a portion in which the device 10 directly contacts the finger F, and serves to fix the first ring 100 to the finger F by tight fitting. The outer frame 120 also generally comprises a tube or ring shaped body 121 and may be radially outwardly spaced relative to the inner frame 110, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10. More specifically, the body 111 of the inner frame 110 may be inserted into the body 121 of the outer frame 120 while maintaining a predetermined gap therebetween. The first ring 100 has an inner space of a predetermined size and the most parts of the inner space, for example, the display portion 15a, the substrate 13, A battery 19a, and the like can be accommodated. The outer frame 210 has an opening 123 and the display portion 15a can be inserted through the opening 213 so as to be exposed from the first ring 100. [ The display unit 15a may be additionally supported by the first ring 100, more specifically, the outer frame 120 thereof. That is, the seating portion 123a may be provided around the opening 123, and the window 15e may be supported by the seating portion 123a.
The first ring 100 and in particular the inner frame 110 has a first flange 112 provided at the first end thereof adjacent to the knuckle K of the user's hand . Referring to FIG. 5, the user's finger F actually includes first to third knuckles K1-K3. However, since the first knuckle K1 of the knuckles is a portion directly connecting the user's hand H and the finger F (more precisely, the base of the finger F), it is generally called a knuckle. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, the first knuckle K1 is described as a knuckle K in the following description. The first flange 112 may extend radially outwardly from the first end. The second ring 200 which is moving in the direction of the knuckle K and thus contracts is no longer able to move by the first flange 112 so that the first flange 112 is moved to the second ring 200 In the direction of the knuckle K, that is, contraction can be limited. The first ring 100 and more particularly the outer frame 120 may include a second flange 122 provided at a second end adjacent the fingertip T . A second flange 122 may extend radially outwardly from the second end. It may also extend radially inwardly from the second end to close the interior space of the first ring 100. The second ring 200 which moves in the direction of the fingertip T is extended to the second flange 122 so that the second flange 122 is located at the fingertip of the second ring 200, (T) direction, that is, expansion.
Similarly, the second ring 200 may also include a first flange 210 provided at a first end adjacent to the knuckle K. The first flange 210 may extend radially inward of the second ring 200. When the second ring 200 is moved in the direction of the fingertip T or when it is extended, the first flange 210 is connected to the first ring 100, and more particularly to the second flange 112 So that the first flange 210 can restrict movement of the second ring 200 in the fingertip T direction. When the second ring 200 is extended or moved to the second position P2 by the engagement of the first flange 210 and the second flange 122, It can be prevented from being separated from the first ring 100. Furthermore, when the second ring 200 is fully extended, the first flange 210 is supported by the second flange 122, so that the second ring 200 can rotate stably. On the other hand, the second ring 200 may have a second flange 220 provided at a second end adjacent to the fingertip T. [ The second flange 220 may extend radially inward of the second ring 200 as well as the first flange 210. The second flange 220 is caught by the first ring 100 and more particularly to the second flange 122 when the second ring 200 moves in the direction of the knuckle K, The second flange 220 can limit the movement of the second ring 200 in the direction of the knuckle K. [ At the same time, the first flange 210 can be stably caught by the first flange 112 to more stably restrict the movement of the second ring 200 in the knuckle K direction. Thus, by the engagement of these flanges, when the second ring 200 contracts, i.e., moves to the first position Pl, the second ring 200 can be accurately positioned at the intended position, It is possible to cover the display portion 15a while simultaneously providing an aligned appearance.
On the other hand, as described above, since the outer peripheral portion of the first ring 100 provides a sufficient bearing surface for sliding the second ring 200, the second ring 200 can be manually moved to the first position P1 or 2 position (P2). That is, the second ring 200 can be manually expanded and contracted. However, for the convenience of the user, the wearable smart device 10 can be configured such that at least the movement or return of the second ring 200 to the first position Pl can be made automatically. 6-8, the wearable smart device 10 may include an elastic member 130 disposed between the first ring and the second ring 100,200. The elastic member 130 may be configured to have elasticity to store enough energy to move the second ring 200 as it is deformed. Various structures may be applied as the elastic member 130, but a coil spring capable of easily deforming and storing sufficient energy can be used as the elastic member 130. Further, the elastic member 130 as the coil spring may have a size occupying only a part of the space of the first ring and the second ring 100, 200, but as shown, it may be wound around the entire circumference of the first ring 100 Lt; / RTI > The elastic member 130 wound as a whole as described above is preferable because it can store sufficient energy without occupying a large space.
7 and 8, one end of the elastic member 130 can be engaged with the first ring 100, particularly, with the second flange 122. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the other end of the elastic member 130 can be engaged with the second ring 100, specifically, the first flange 210. Accordingly, the elastic member 130 can be deformed when the second ring 200 moves relative to the first ring 100. [ More specifically, the elastic member 130 is installed in a non-deformed state when the second ring 200 is in the first position Pl. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the elastic member 130 can be compressed when the second ring 200 moves to expose the first display portion 15a. That is, the elastic member 130 can be compressed when the second ring 200 moves to the second position P2, i.e., expands. Therefore, when the external force given to the second ring 200 is removed, the elastic member 130 is restored to its original state. The second ring 200 engaged with the elastic member 130 may move to the first position P1 so as to cover the first display portion 15a. Accordingly, the second ring can be configured to automatically return to cover the first display portion 15a after exposing the first display portion 15a by the automatic return mechanism. That is, the second ring 200 can be configured to automatically return to the first position Pl from the second position P2, and can provide substantial convenience to the user. Since the second ring 200 is moved by the restoring force of the elastic member 130, it can collide with the first ring 100, more precisely the first flange 112 when returning to the first position Pl have. Such a collision is undesirable because it may cause vibration and noise in the first ring 100. Thus, as shown in Figs. 6-8, the first ring 100 or the second ring 200 may be provided with a buffer member 230. [0053] Fig. In the related drawings buffering members 230 are provided to the second ring 200 but may be provided to the first ring 100 to perform the same function. The buffer member 230 may be installed in a portion of the second ring 200 contacting the first ring 100 when the second ring 200 covers the first position Pl, have. More specifically, the cushioning member 230 may be installed at a first end adjacent to the knuckle K of the second ring 200. As described above, since the first flange 210 of the second ring 200 is formed at the first end, the first flange 210 is formed as a part of the cushioning member 230 as shown in FIG. . The buffer member 230 may be made of an elastic material so that when the second ring 200 is returned to the first position Pl to be covered with the display portion 15a, So that the impact generated can be absorbed. For this reason, when the second ring 200 returns to the first position P1 by the shock absorbing member 230, no noise or vibration is generated, and the user can comfortably use the wearable smart device 10. [
On the other hand, applying an operating mechanism contrary to that described above, the second ring 200 can automatically move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. That is, when the elastic member 130 is installed in a non-deformed state when the second ring 200 is in the second position P2, the second ring 200 moves to the first position P1 When contracting, the elastic member 130 is pulled. Therefore, when the external force given to the second ring 200 is removed, the second ring 200 can be automatically moved or expanded to the second position P2 while the elastic member 130 is restored to its original state. Such an automatic expansion mechanism allows the user to use the wearable smart device 10 more conveniently. Furthermore, the wearable smart device 10 may include both the automatic return and confirmation mechanisms described above for the convenience of the user.
The second ring 200 expanded by the frictional force between the outer circumferential surface of the first ring 100 and the inner circumferential surface of the second ring 200 may not be contracted unless there is an additional external force. However, if an unexpected external force acts on the second ring 200, unintended contraction of the second ring 200 may occur. If the second ring 200, which is not intended by the user while using the display unit 15a, shrinks, a great inconvenience may be caused. Particularly, when the above-described automatic return mechanism is applied to the wearable smart device 10, in order for the user to continuously use the display portion 15a, 2 ring (200). For this reason, the wearable smart device 10 may additionally include a mechanism capable of continuously holding the extended second ring 200. [ That is, the holding mechanism moves the second ring 200 extending in the second position P2 again in the direction of the knuckle K, that is, when the second ring 200 contracts or returns to the first position P1 It can be a mechanism to limit the
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 6, the first ring 100 may include a recess or groove 124 of a predetermined size. The grooves 124 may extend in the circumferential direction of the device 10 or the first ring 100, as shown. The groove 124 may be formed on any portion of the first ring 100 adjacent to the second ring 200. [ The groove 124 may be formed in the second flange 122 since the second flange 122 is in direct contact with the second ring 200 while being adjacent to the second ring 200. [ Also, the first ring 100 may have a stopper 125 of a predetermined size. The stopper 125 is also formed in the second flange 122 since it is for interlocking with the second ring 200 like the groove 124. Furthermore, the stopper 125 can be provided in the groove 124 since it is configured to limit the movement of the second ring 200 together with the groove 124 as described below. The stopper 125 extends in the circumferential direction within the groove 124, but may not extend over the entire groove 124. That is, the stopper 125 may partly close the groove 124 and thereby form a relatively channel in the groove 124. The second ring 200 may include a rib 222 formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof, as shown in FIG. The rib 222 extends in the direction transverse to the circumferential direction, that is, in the direction of the central axis of the device 10 or the second ring 200 perpendicular to the circumferential direction.
As shown in Fig. 9 (a), the rib 222 can be inserted into the groove 124, specifically, in the channel formed by the stopper 125 in the groove 124. Fig. The ribs 222 can slide while being guided by the first ring 100, particularly the groove 124 or channels therein, as the second ring 200 moves. Thus, the limiting or holding mechanism may steer the motion of the second ring 200 in addition to the originally intended function. When the second ring 200 is fully extended, that is, is located at the second position P2, the second ring 200 rotates in the first direction at a predetermined angle, as shown in Fig. 9 (b) . In the drawing, the first direction may be a counterclockwise direction. When the second ring 200 rotates, the rib 222, particularly its one end, is caught by the stopper 122, so that the extended second ring 200 is held in the second position P2 , The movement or contraction of the second ring 200 to the first position Pl can be restricted. If the user wishes to cover the display portion 15a again, the second ring 200 can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second direction may be clockwise in the drawing. When the second ring 200 rotates in the second direction, the rib 222 is released from the stopper 125 and can move along the groove 125 again. That is, the second ring 200 with the rib 222 can also move or contract to the first position P1. If the above-described automatic return mechanism is applied to the wearable smart device 10, when the second ring 200 rotates in the second direction, the second ring 200 is automatically moved to the first position Pl Or contracted. The ribs 222 may be formed in the first ring 100 instead of the second ring 200 and the grooves 124 and the stoppers 125 may be formed in place of the first ring 100 2 ring 200 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when either the first ring 100 or the second ring 200 is in a position where the second ring 200 exposes the display portion 15a, that is, moves to the second position P2 The ribs 222 may be configured to engage the other of the first ring 100 or the second ring 200 when the first ring 100 or the second ring 200 is rotated. By such a limiting or holding mechanism, the second ring 200 can be configured to continuously maintain the position at which the display portion 15a is exposed, that is, the second position P2. Thus, the user can conveniently extend the second ring 200 or use the display portion 15a for a desired time.
On the other hand, if the second ring 200 is not extended, the display unit 15a is not exposed, so that the wearable smart device 10 may be difficult to immediately inform the user of its operating state. Thus, the wearable smart device 10 may include an indicator 15d for the indication of such an operating condition, as also shown in Fig. The indicator 15d corresponds to the light output section 15d described in FIG. 1, and may include a light source 15h that emits light, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. Various elements may be used as the light source 15h, but a light emitting diode (LED) that emits bright light with a small size can be applied to the wearable smart device 10. [ The light source 15h may be mounted on the substrate 13 so as to be controllable by the control unit 18 and may thus be installed on the first ring 100 together with the substrate 13. [ Also, the light source 15h may be a single light source emitting a single color light, but may be a single light source emitting a plurality of colors or a plurality of light sources emitting a plurality of colors, respectively.
The indicator 15d may also include a light guiding portion 15g configured to guide light of the light source 15h to the outside of the first ring 100, specifically, to the outside of the wearable smart device 10. [ The light guiding portion 15g may have a body adjacent to or in contact with the light source 15h. Further, the light guiding portion 15g can be exposed to the outside of the first ring 100 starting from the light source 15h, as shown in FIG. The first ring 100 includes a recess or opening 126 for exposing the light guiding portion 15g and a light guiding portion 15g is inserted into the opening 126. [ The opening 126 is formed in the front portion of the first ring 100, specifically the second flange 122 or an extension thereof, so that the exposed light guide portion 15g, that is, the indicator 15d, . Furthermore, even if the light guiding portion 15g, that is, the indicator 15d is exposed from the first ring 100, it may be hidden by the second ring 200 and may not be visible to the user. Accordingly, the second ring 200 may include a seat portion 221 configured to receive the light guide portion 15g. The exposed light guiding portion 15g may be further extended to protrude from the first ring 100 and the protruded light guiding portion 15g may be received in the seat portion 221. [ Therefore, the light guide portion 15g, that is, the indicator 15d protruding from the first ring 100 is in a state in which the second ring 200 is contracted or is in the first position (as shown in Figs. 2 and 5 P1, that is, when the display portion 15a is covered by the second ring 200, the second ring 200 can be exposed to the outside through the second ring 200 to the user. When the light is emitted from the light source 15h, the emitted light is sequentially guided along the light guide 15g to the outside of the second ring 200 or the wearable smart device 10, as indicated by arrows in Fig. . Therefore, even when the display unit 15a is covered, the user can easily know the state of the wearable smart device 10 by the light from the indicator 15d. As described above, the light source 15h can emit lights of various colors and can emit light in various ways such as flashing or continuous on, thereby informing the user of various operating states. For example, the indicator 15d can inform the user of message reception, telephone signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, reception of information through an application, and the like. On the other hand, when the second ring 200 is extended or moved to the second position P2, the indicator 15d can be covered by the second ring 200, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 (b) have. However, since the display unit 15a is exposed, the wearable smart device 10 can inform the user of the operating state in detail using the display unit 15a.
The wearable smart device 10 is wirelessly communicated or wirelessly powered. However, when the wireless environment is not provided, the device 10 must be able to be wired to the outside for proper operation. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the device 10 may include a terminal 16a, which is an interface unit 16. The terminal 16a serves as a path to all the external devices connected to the wearable smart device 10. [ The terminal 16a receives data from an external device or receives power from the external device to transfer the data to each component in the device 10 or allows data in the device 10 to be transferred to an external device. The board 13 and the battery 19a are installed in the first ring 100 so that the terminal 16a is installed in the first ring 100 and more particularly the body 121 thereof as shown in Figure 10 And may be electrically connected to the adjacent substrate 13 and the battery 19a. Accordingly, the terminal 16a can be exposed to the outside together when the second ring 200 is moved to the extended or second position P2, that is, when the display portion 15a is exposed. For this reason, the second ring 200 may be extended to expose the terminal 16a in order for the device 10 to be connected to a power source or an external device through the terminal 16a.
A cradle 150 may also be provided as an accessory of the wearable smart device 10, as shown in FIG. The cradle 150 may include a base 151 placed on the floor and a supporter 152 provided on the base 151. The supporter 152 may be configured to support the wearable smart device 10. More specifically, the device 10 is supported by the cradle 150 with the second ring 200 extended so as to expose the terminal 16a. Thus, the supporter 152 can have a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface of the first ring 100 including the terminal 16a, that is, a curved surface corresponding thereto, and thus, the device 10 can be stably supported. The supporter 152 may include a terminal connected to the terminal 16a and the supporter 152 or the base 151 may include an external power source or a terminal connected to the device. The terminal 16a may be a path through which power is supplied to the device 10 through the cradle 150 when the device 10 is connected to the cradle 150, May be a channel through which various command signals input to the device 10 are transmitted. For these reasons, the cradle 150 allows a user to use the wearable smart device 10 more conveniently.
As described above, the second ring 200 may not have a display portion so that it can be used as a practical ring, and instead may be provided with a display portion 15a of the first ring 100, May be selectively exposed according to the relative motion of the second ring 200. However, depending on the user's preference, functionality as a smart device may be considered more important than accessory. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, the wearable smart device 10 may include an additional display portion 240 disposed in the second ring 200. Here, if the display portion 15a of the first ring 100 is referred to as a first display portion, the additional display portion 240 of the second ring 200 may be a second display portion. For convenience of illustration, the number of the first display unit 15a may be "140 " so as to be associated with the drawing number of the second display unit 240. [ Thus, unless otherwise specifically stated, the number of the first display portion can be both "15a " and" 140 ".
The second display portion 240 is disposed on the outer periphery of the second ring 200, as shown in Fig. Similar to the opening 123 of the first ring 100, an opening similar to the second ring 200 can be formed, and the second display 240 can be installed in such an opening. The second display unit 240 also includes a window 241 and a display module 15f in the same manner as the window 15e and the module 15f of the first display unit. Since the installation and the structure of the second display unit 240 are the same as those of the first display unit 15a, the drawings and the description related to the first display unit 15a are the same, Section 240 and the drawings. The second display unit 240 may be controlled by the control unit 18 together with the first display unit 15a. Accordingly, the second display portion 240 can be connected to the substrate 13 disposed in the first ring 100 by various methods. For example, although not shown, the second display portion 240 can be directly connected to the substrate 13 by a wire installed so as not to interfere with the motion of the second ring 200
During the operation of the wearable smart device 10, the second display unit 240 displays the screen of the first display unit 15a (i.e., the first display unit 15a) when the first display unit 15a is exposed, (I.e., contents shown in FIG. That is, when the second ring 200 is expanded, the second display unit 240 can form a single screen together with the first display unit 15a and can display a single content to the user. For example, a single application, a photograph, a moving picture, and the like can be displayed over the screens of the first and second display units 15a and 240 connected to each other. Thus, substantially the wearable smart device 10 has an extended display portion, and can provide more contents to the user conveniently. The second display unit 240 is configured to provide an independent screen to the screen of the first display unit 15a when the first display unit 15a is covered, that is, when the second ring 200 is contracted . That is, since the first display unit 15a is not shown to the user, the second display unit 240 can display the independent contents according to the instruction of the controller 18. [ Thus, the user can confirm various states of the device 10 without extending the second ring 200 and may direct additional operations immediately. In addition, a separate application may be operated and its screen may be displayed only on the second display unit 240. [ Meanwhile, when the first display unit 15a is exposed, that is, when the second ring 200 is expanded, the second display unit 240 provides a screen and contents connected to the screen of the first display unit 15a can do. The second display unit 240 may selectively provide a screen and contents connected to the screen of the first display unit 15a depending on whether the first display unit 15a is exposed or not . Alternately, the second display unit 240 can display the first display unit 15a independent of the first display unit 15a even if the second ring 200 is extended, that is, Screen, and content. That is, the first display unit 15a may display a screen of an application, while the second display unit 15b may display a picture. Accordingly, the second display unit 240 may selectively provide a screen and contents independent of or independent of the first display unit 15a, such as the screen and contents of the first display unit 15a, Accordingly, the wearable smart device 10 has scalability to perform various functions together.
13 and 14, since the second ring 200 covers the second display portion 240 to stably support the second display portion 240, the second and third display portions 15a, A part of the ring 200 may be interposed. Therefore, although the second display portion 240 can provide a screen to be connected to the first display portion 15a in terms of contents, due to the interposed part of the second ring 200, (15a, 240) can be separated. The second display portion 240 is extended to the first end adjacent to the knuckle K of the second ring 200 in Fig. 14 without the intervening part of the second ring 200 to implement a visually connected screen . However, this extension may cause a portion of the second display portion 240 to be exposed without being protected by the second ring 200. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, the second display unit 240 includes an extension unit 243 configured to connect the screen of the second display unit 240 to the first display unit 15a visually .
The extension portion 243 may be disposed substantially adjacent to the first display portion 15a to provide a screen to be connected as shown in FIG. More specifically, the extension portion 243 can be disposed on a portion of the second ring 200 interposed between the adjacent ends of the first and second display portions 15a and 240, that is, between them . The extension part 243 may be connected to an end of the second display part 240 adjacent to the first display part 15a. However, the extension 243 is not connected to the entire end of such a second display portion 240, but instead can only be actually connected to the window 241 only for visual connection. Thus, the second display portion 240, while having the extension portion 243, can still be wrapped by the second ring 200, as shown. That is, the module 242, which is a sensitive component except for the window 241 which is basically exposed, can still be protected by the second ring 200. The extension portion 243 is structurally extended from the second display portion 240 toward the adjacent end portion of the first display portion 15a and extends to the first end adjacent to the knuckle K of the second ring 200 Can be extended. As shown, since the first end of the second ring 200 is aligned with the end of the first display portion 15a, the extension portion 243 extending to the first end, The first display unit 240 may be extended to the first display unit 15a. That is, when the second ring 200 is extended, since the extension portion 243 fills the gap between the first and second display portions 15a and 240, the first and second display portions 15a , 240) can be seen as being structurally connected.
The extension portion 243 has a prism structure and is thus configured to disperse incident light. Accordingly, the screen output from the module 242 enters the expansion unit 243 through the window 241 and can be distributed again in the expansion unit 243. By this dispersion, the screen of the second display 240 can be seen to be displayed also on the extension portion 243. That is, the expansion unit 243 may substantially extend the screen of the second display 240. [ Along with the expansion of the screen, as described above, the extension portion 243 is structurally extended to the first display portion 15a although it is disposed on a different plane from the first display portion 15a. Therefore, the screen of the second display unit 240 can be visually connected to the screen of the first display unit 15a by the extension unit 243, and the user can use the wearable smart device 10 more conveniently have.
Further, in order to provide a more advanced function as a smart device, it is necessary for the wearable smart device 10 to be structurally more extended, considering the limited structure of the first and second rings 100, 200, . Thus, with this additional expansion structure, the wearable smart device 10 may include additional rings 300, 400, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. [ Although the figures show two additional rings 300 and 400, the wearable smart device 10 may include a greater number of additional rings if desired. The additional rings 300 and 400 are provided to the second ring 200 and are telescopically coupled to the second ring 200. Further, the additional rings 300 and 400 may be telescopically coupled to each other. The second ring 200 is also telescopically coupled to the first ring 100 so that the additional rings 300 and 400 are telescopically coupled to the first ring 100 together with the second ring 200, It can be explained that the first and second rings and the additional rings 100-400 are totally telescopically coupled to each other. Considering such a mutual coupling relationship, the additional rings 300 and 400 may be referred to sequentially as the third ring 300 and the fourth ring 400 following the first and second rings 100 and 200, The designation continues to apply in the following description. In addition, considering the structural arrangement, the first ring 100 can be described as an inner ring, and the second-fourth rings 200-400 with respect to the first ring 100 can be described as outer rings have. Furthermore, considering the telescopic relationship, the first ring 100 may be represented as the main ring, and the second-fourth rings 200-400 may also be represented as the stage. Thus, in the description that follows, the first to fourth rings 100-400 may all be changed to the above terms.
More specifically, the fourth to fourth rings 100-400 may be configured to have progressively larger diameters for relative motion, i.e., telescopic movement, with respect to adjacent rings, Can be slidably fitted in another adjacent ring. the second to third rings 200-400 may be gradually further away from the first ring 100 when the wearable smart device 10 is extended. The relative motion of adjacent rings in accordance with the telescopic coupling has been described in detail with respect to the first and second rings 100 and 200 in advance and thus this description is applicable to the third and fourth rings 100 and 200 for the first and second rings 100 and 200, The same applies to the motion of the rings 300 and 400, and further explanation is omitted from the following. Similarly, the detailed coupling structure of the first and second rings 100 and 200 can be applied to the third and fourth rings 300 and 400 as well. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 showing the third ring 300 in detail, a second ring 200 for guiding a relative movement to an adjacent ring (first ring) The ribs 222 of the first and second rings 300 and 400 may be provided as the ribs 322 and 422 in the third and fourth rings 300 and 400 as well. Accordingly, the description and drawings relating to the coupling structure of the first and second rings 100 and 200 are included in the description and drawings of the third and fourth rings 300 and 400. (Concluding by reference) In conclusion, the wearable smart device 10 May have a more elongated structure for the additional third and fourth rings 300 and 400 and may still have a small size that is not inconvenient to wear once they are contracted by telescopic engagement between these rings 100-400 .
For the same reason as the second display 240 described above, in order to provide a more extended function, the wearable smart device 10 includes third and fourth display parts 300 and 400 disposed respectively in the third and fourth rings 300 and 400, (340, 440), respectively. Since the second to fourth display portions 240 to 440 have a considerably large size, the second to fourth rings 200 to 400 may likewise have a considerably large opening to accommodate them. Unlike the first ring 100 having a dual structure body, the body of the second 2-4 rings 200-400 is a single piece, so that structural strength can be reduced by the openings have. Thus, in order to enhance the structural strength, as shown in Fig. 18, the second-fourth rings 200-400 are arranged to support the second-fourth display portions 240-440 while extending across the opening Ribs 223, 323, 423, respectively. Other structures, such as the structure and the extension 243 of the display portions themselves, can all be applied to the third and fourth rings 300, 400 and their display portions 340, 440 in the same way, do. Further, all the other structures and features described for the first and second rings 100 and 200, except for the aforementioned relative motion, coupling structure, and display-related structures, are all applied to the third and fourth rings 300 and 400 It is possible. Accordingly, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the description and drawings of the first and second rings 100, 200 should all be regarded as being equally included in the description and drawings of the third and fourth rings 300, 400.
By further including the third and fourth rings 300 and 400 described above, when the wearable smart device 10 is fully extended, that is, when the second 2-4 rings 200-400 are all expanded, 10) have a considerably long length. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the device 10 may extend beyond the second knuckle K2 toward the end T of the user's finger F. As shown in FIG. In addition, the second-fourth rings 200-400 have progressively larger diameters, and a radial clearance may be provided between these rings. Thus, each of the rings 200-400 can move with the user's bending finger F relative to the adjacent ring. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when a section of the user's finger F is bent with respect to the adjacent second knuckle K2, the third ring 300 has the bent finger, It can move relative to the second ring 200 with its bent node. That is, any one of the second to third rings turns with the finger F bent against the adjacent ring. The number of such moving or breaking rings may vary depending on the amount of finger (F) bending. Once the finger F is bent, at least one ring may move or twist together and two or more rings may move or twist simultaneously depending on the degree to which the finger F is deflected.
More specifically, since the folding ring has a changed orientation with respect to the other non-folding rings, when the finger F is folded, the orientation of at least one of the second-fourth rings can be changed relative to the other ring have. That is, the orientation of any one of the second to fourth rings may have an orientation different from that of the other ring. In addition, considering the geometric relationship of the wearable smart device 10, at least one of the second-fourth rings has an axis perpendicular to the central axis C of the device 10 or rings when the finger F is folded, (See Fig. 16).
Such bending corresponds to the characteristic (or unique) motion of the wearable smart device 10 and is made possible by the distinctive structure of the device 10 described above. Accordingly, by using the motion, the wearable smart device 10 can provide improved manipulability that can provide more functions to the user. Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 17-19, in order to give a predetermined instruction to the wearable smart device 10 directly in accordance with the bending motion, the device 10 is configured such that one of the 2-4 rings is folded The switch 350 may be configured to be depressed. One of the second to fourth rings 200-400 may include a switch 350 configured to be pushed by an adjacent ring, i.e., a ring located relatively inward, when folded by the bending of the finger F . For example, the switch 350 is provided in the inner circumferential surface of the third ring 300, and when the third ring 300 is expanded, the end of the second ring 200, which is an adjacent ring, To be precise at the second end). 19, when the third ring 300 is folded in accordance with the bending of the finger F, the switch 350 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow mark by the adjacent second ring 200 or its end Can be pressed together. The switch 250 may be composed of various types of switches, but may be typically a dome switch. In the above description, the switch 350 has been described in relation to the third ring 300, but it can also be provided to the second and fourth rings 200 and 400, and likewise has the same structure. By applying this switch 350, the wearable smart device 10 can control its own operation more quickly and directly by the turn motion.
As can be seen from all the preceding figures and description, the wearable smart device 10 of the present application has an improved appearance by a mechanism that enables selective exposure of the display portion 15a, while at the same time providing sufficient function as a smart device . In addition, if necessary, additional features can be included to provide greater functionality to the user as a smart device.
The foregoing detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.
