WO2016013696A1

WO2016013696A1 - Implant for wireless communication

Info

Publication number: WO2016013696A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/006686
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김병건
Original assignee: 김병건
Priority date: 2014-07-23
Filing date: 2014-07-23
Publication date: 2016-01-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to an implant for wireless communication. An implant for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an audio signal obtaining unit, detached from or attached to a housing which is fixed between a bone in the forehead region and the periosteum, for obtaining an audio signal from a user; a communication unit for transmitting the audio signal to an external communication device and receiving a response signal corresponding to the audio signal from the external communication device; a control unit for configuring data communication with the external communication device, allowing the communication unit to transmit the audio signal, and converting the audio signal to a vibration signal; and a vibration signal output unit for outputting the vibration signal, through the bone in the forehead region, using a bone conduction method. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a data communication with an external communication device by using a communication device implanted in the forehead region, without using separate microphones or speakers.

Description

Implants for Wireless Communication

The present invention relates to a wireless communication implant and a communication system using the same, and more particularly, a technology related to a communication implant formed in the forehead portion connected to an external communication device is disclosed.

As the next generation computing technology, various researches similar to the ubiquitous concept are implemented in each field and strategically integrated to research the future ubiquitous society. Recently, technology has been developed to make a computer part of the human body by allowing a wearable computer to be worn as clothes or glasses. In the future, the development of implant computer technology is anticipated.

Meanwhile, the Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2008-0002026 (published on June 23, 2008) of the related art related to implants relates to a "bone-conducting hearing aid mounted on a tooth". Disclosed is a technique for wearing a hearing aid on a tooth by using a bone conduction speaker technology that can recognize and recognize a voice signal through vibration.

However, since the conventional technology simply converts a voice signal into a vibration signal and transfers it to a bone conduction method, a need for a technology capable of data communication with an external communication device is emerging.

Technical problem to be solved of the present invention, implanted in the forehead portion is capable of wireless communication with an external communication device, can transmit the received signal through bone bone conduction method, can be used semi-permanently using solar energy In order to provide a wireless communication implant and a communication system using the same.

The wireless communication implant according to the embodiment of the present invention is detachably attached to a housing fixed between a bone and a bone membrane of a forehead portion, a voice signal acquisition unit for obtaining a voice signal from a user, and transmits the voice signal to an external communication device. And establishing a data communication with the communication unit for receiving a response signal corresponding to the voice signal from the external communication device, and transmitting the voice signal through the communication unit, and converting the response signal into a vibration signal. A control unit for converting, and a vibration signal output unit for outputting the vibration signal through the bone of the forehead portion in a bone conduction method.

In addition, a magnetic body is formed on one surface in a plate shape and coupled to the housing by a magnetic force, and a solar panel may be formed on the other surface.

The apparatus may further include a video signal acquisition unit for acquiring an external video signal, and the controller may transmit the video signal to the external communication device through the communication unit.

The communication unit may include a substrate, a first transmission / reception pad formed on an upper surface of the substrate to receive first AC power wirelessly from an external charging device, and rectifying the first AC power to first DC power. A first rectifier, a first converter for transforming the first DC power into a second DC power of a preset voltage level, a second converter for transforming the second DC power into a second AC power of a preset voltage level; A first wireless chip including a first control unit configured to control a switch of the second converter to transmit the second AC power through the first transmission / reception pad, and a first communication unit to perform data communication; A second transmission / reception pad formed on a bottom surface of the first wireless chip to receive the second AC power from the first wireless chip, a second rectifying unit rectifying the second AC power to a third DC power, and A third converter for converting the third DC power into the fourth DC power of the preset voltage level, a fourth converter for transforming the fourth DC power into the fourth AC power of the preset voltage level, and the fourth converter And a second wireless chip including a second control unit for transmitting the fourth AC power through the second transmission / reception pad by controlling a switch of the second communication unit, and a second communication unit for data communication with the first communication unit.

The apparatus may further include a detector configured to detect at least one of ambient illumination, sound waves, and infrared rays, and the controller acquires the voice signal by a command pattern configured of at least one of ambient illumination, sound waves, and infrared rays detected by the detection unit. Control the operation of the video signal acquisition unit.

Accordingly, by using a communication device implanted in the forehead portion, data communication with an external communication device can be performed without using a separate microphone or a speaker. In addition, by transmitting the sound in a bone conduction method it is possible to receive the external sound without obstacles. In addition, it can be used semi-permanently using solar energy.

1 is a block diagram of an implant for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a wireless communication implant according to FIG.

3 is an exemplary view for explaining the transmission of a voice signal to an external communication device in the wireless communication implant according to FIG.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram for describing receiving a response signal corresponding to a voice signal from an external communication device and outputting it as a vibration signal in the wireless communication implant according to FIG. 1;

5 is an exemplary view for explaining the coupling of the implant and the housing for wireless communication according to FIG.

6 is a configuration diagram of a communication unit of the implant communication apparatus according to FIG. 1;

7 is a side view of the communication unit of the implant communication device according to FIG. 6;

8 is a detailed configuration diagram of the communication unit of the implant communication device according to FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used are terms selected in consideration of functions in the embodiments, and the meaning of the terms may vary depending on the intention or precedent of the user or operator. Therefore, the meaning of the terms used in the embodiments to be described later, according to the definition if specifically defined herein, and if there is no specific definition should be interpreted to mean generally recognized by those skilled in the art.

1 is a block diagram of an implant for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an implant 100 for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention may communicate with an external communication device 30.

The external communication device 30 is a terminal capable of network communication with the implant 100 for wireless communication. For example, it may be a fixed terminal such as a fixed point of sales terminal, a kiosk, a desktop, or a mobile terminal such as a mobile point of sales terminal, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PDA, a notebook computer, and the like. In this case, the external communication device 30 may perform short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth and the wireless communication implant 100, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the external communication device 30 may receive a voice signal from the wireless communication implant 100 to recognize it. For example, a voice may be recognized by converting a voice included in a voice signal received from the implant 100 into a text using a STT module. In this case, the external communication device 30 may extract the query word from the recognized voice signal.

In addition, the external communication device 30 may be connected to an Internet server (not shown). For example, when the external communication device 30 extracts a query word of a voice signal received from the implant 100 for wireless communication, the external communication device 30 may generate a response signal by searching through the Internet. The response signal refers to an answer to a query included in a voice signal. When the query included in the voice signal of the user relates to current location information, news, contact information, etc., a response signal may be generated by using a preset database or a search engine of an Internet server.

Wireless communication implant 100 is formed on the bone (1) of the forehead portion of the face bone. For example, the wireless communication implant 100 is detachably attached to the housing 10 located inside the bone 1 and the bone membrane 2 of the forehead region. The housing 10 is fixed with at least one insertion screw 11 to be placed in the bone (1) of the forehead portion. In this case, the implantation screw 11 is implanted in the bone (1) of the forehead portion, the receiving groove 12 having a rectangular cross section is formed therein. The implant 100 for wireless communication may be detached from the receiving groove 12. The housing 10 is inserted into the skin 3 of the forehead region and the bone membrane 2 therein to separate the bone 1 and form a space. In addition, the housing 10 and the implantation screw 11 is formed of a metal material and serves as a diaphragm for transmitting the vibration signal of the implant 100 for wireless communication through bone conduction.

More specifically, the process of inserting the wireless communication implant 100, first to form a groove having a predetermined depth in the bone (1) of the forehead portion. This is for inserting the insertion screw 11 after this. Next, the housing 10 in which the position corresponding to the groove formed in the bone 1 is drilled is positioned between the bone 1 and the bone membrane 2. Next, the insertion screw 11 is inserted into the groove formed in the bone 1 through the perforated area of the housing 10. Next, the protruding connecting portion 101 of the wireless communication implant 100 is inserted into the inner receiving groove 12 of the implantation screw 11 and fixed.

In addition, the wireless communication implant 100 obtains a voice signal from the user and transmits it to the external communication device (30). In addition, the wireless communication implant 100 receives a response signal corresponding to a voice signal from the external communication device 30. In addition, the wireless communication implant 100 converts the response signal into a vibration signal and outputs it to the bone conduction method through the housing 10. In addition, the wireless communication implant 100 may obtain an image signal and transmit it to the external communication device 30. Hereinafter, the implant for wireless communication 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a wireless communication implant according to FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication implant 100 includes a voice signal acquisition unit 110, a communication unit 120, a vibration signal output unit 130, and a controller 140.

The voice signal acquisition unit 110 obtains a voice signal from the user by using a small recording means. In this case, the voice signal obtaining unit 110 may set the voice frequency differently according to the user's setting. Since the implant 100 for wireless communication is located on the forehead, it may receive sound waves of a user. The voice signal acquisition unit 110 may store the voice signal in an internal memory (not shown), and the stored voice signal may be automatically deleted after a preset time.

The communication unit 120 transmits a voice signal to the external communication device 30, and receives a response signal corresponding to the voice signal from the external communication device. The communicator 120 may communicate with the external communication device 30 through short-range communication such as Bluetooth. In case of using Bluetooth, an attempt is made to pair with an adjacent external communication device, and the external communication device can be paired with the implant 100 for wireless communication only by inputting a preset password for security.

The vibration signal output unit 130 outputs the vibration signal obtained by converting the response signal into the vibration frequency through a housing fixed to the bone in a bone conduction method. The vibration signal output unit 130 outputs the vibration signal to the housing by a bone conduction method using a small vibration device. Since the housing is fixed to the bone by screwing or the like, a vibration signal is transmitted to the inner ear through the skull. In this case, the strength of the vibration signal can be understood by the user's setting.

The controller 140 establishes data communication with an external communication device using the communication unit 120. The controller 140 transmits the unique identification ID to the external communication device, and allows data communication with the connected external communication device. The controller 140 transmits the voice signal to the external communication device through the communication unit 120. In addition, the control unit 140 converts the response signal into a vibration signal when receiving the response signal from the external communication device through the communication unit 120. The response signal may be configured in the form of voice or text, and the vibration signal refers to a signal in which the response signal is expressed by vibration frequency.

Meanwhile, the wireless communication implant 100 may include an internal power source 150. The internal power supply 150 supplies power to the voice signal acquisition unit 110, the communication unit 120, the vibration signal output unit 130, and the control unit 140. The internal power supply 150 is a rechargeable battery such as nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), alkaline battery, nickel hydrogen (Ni-Mh), sealed lead acid (SLA), lithium ion (Li-ion), or lithium polymer (Li-polymer). It may be used, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In addition, the internal power supply 150 may charge electrical energy generated from an external solar panel (not shown).

Meanwhile, the implant 100 for wireless communication according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an image signal acquisition unit 111. The image signal acquisition unit 111 may acquire an image using a camera module. In this case, the controller 140 may transmit the obtained video signal to the external communication device through the communication unit 120 together with the audio signal. For example, when the implant 100 for wireless communication is located on both foreheads, it is possible to obtain an image such as a stereo camera. In addition, the image signal acquisition unit 111 may acquire an image signal at night using an infrared camera.

For example, when the user is visually impaired, the external communication apparatus analyzes the 3D image signal and transmits dangerous information such as obstacles around the wireless communication implant 100 to the implantable communication unit 100, and the controller 140 uses the vibration signal as a vibration signal. By converting the vibration signal output unit 130 to output the bone conduction method. Accordingly, the user can grasp dangerous information such as obstacles around by sound and can walk more safely.

Meanwhile, the implant 100 for wireless communication according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a detector 112. The detector 112 may detect at least one of ambient light, sound waves, and infrared rays. In this case, the control unit 140 operates the voice signal acquisition unit 110 or the image signal acquisition unit 111 by a command pattern composed of at least one of ambient light, sound waves, and infrared rays detected by the detection unit 112. Can be controlled. For example, when the user generates a command pattern by changing the illuminance of the sensing unit 112 by using a hand, the voice signal or a video signal may be transmitted to an external communication device.

In addition, the detector 112 may detect infrared rays to detect movement. In this case, when detecting the movement of the surroundings, the controller 140 may control to acquire an audio signal or an image signal and transmit the same to an external communication device. For example, when motion around the user is detected while the user is stopped, the user may acquire and transmit an audio signal or a video signal, and may acquire and transmit the audio signal or the video signal when the user stops and moves.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating transmission of a voice signal to an external communication device in the wireless communication implant according to FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a response signal corresponding to a voice signal from an external communication device in the wireless communication implant according to FIG. 1. Is an exemplary view for explaining receiving and outputting the vibration signal.

Referring to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the wireless communication implant 300 and the external communication device 30 are connected to a network. Wireless communication implant 300 is formed on the forehead. The implant 300 for wireless communication acquires the user's voice signal 301 "How about the weather today" and transmits it to the external communication device 30. The external communication device 30 receives the voice signal 301 and generates a response signal 302 for today's weather. In this case, the response signal 302 may be configured in various forms by the user's setting, such as "temperature 18 ° C, humidity 20%" or "sunny morning, afternoon cloudy". The external communication device 30 transmits the generated response signal 302 to the implant 300 for wireless communication.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the wireless communication implant 300 receives the response signal 302 from the external communication device 30, the wireless communication implant 300 converts the response signal 302 into a vibration signal 303 and outputs the vibration signal 303. In this case, the vibration signal 303 is output in a bone conduction manner through the housing fixed to the bone. The vibration signal 303 is transmitted to the inner ear through the skull.

Referring to FIG. 5, as described above, the housing 10 is positioned in a space between the bone of the forehead and the bone membrane to serve as a diaphragm. More specifically, the housing 10 is formed in a plate shape is fixed to the bone with at least one mounting screw (11). The receiving groove 12 of the mounting screw 11 is coupled to the connection portion 504 of the implant 500 for wireless communication. The connection part 504 is preferably formed of a material harmless to the human body, such as titanium fixed to the human body. The connecting portion 504 is inserted into the receiving groove 12 of the insertion screw 11 to fix the implant 500 for wireless communication, and serves to transmit a vibration signal.

In addition, in the wireless communication implant 500, a solar panel 501 is formed on an outer surface thereof, and thus it is possible to produce its own power through the solar panel 501. In addition, a camera 502 and a microphone 503 may be formed at one side of the wireless communication implant 500. That is, the video signal may be obtained using the camera 502, and the voice signal of the user may be obtained using the microphone 503.

6 is a configuration diagram of a communication unit of the implant communication apparatus according to FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the communication unit of the implant communication apparatus according to FIG. 6.

6 and 7, the communication unit 600 of the implant communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 610, a first wireless chip 620, and a second wireless chip 630.

The substrate 610 is a printed circuit board (PCB), and signal lines in the form of a plurality of metal lines are printed and serve to support a plurality of wireless chips. In addition, a circuit configuration corresponding to the voice signal acquisition unit 110, the vibration signal output unit 130, and the controller 140 of FIG. 1 may be formed on the substrate 610.

The first wireless chip 620 is a wireless chip stacked on top of the wireless chips stacked on the substrate 610 and wirelessly powered from the external charging device 50. For example, the first wireless chip 620 may receive AC power input through the first transmission / reception pad 621, smooth it, and boost the voltage to a predetermined voltage level to supply the internal power. In addition, the first wireless chip 620 generates AC power having a predetermined voltage level and supplies power to each other using magnetic coupling or electrical coupling with the second wireless chip 630 through the first transmission / reception pad 621. Can send and receive In addition, the first wireless chip 620 may perform data communication with an external communication device or the second wireless chip 630.

The second wireless chip 630 is at least one wireless chip stacked between the upper portion of the substrate 610 and the first wireless chip 620 and wirelessly supplied with power from the first wireless chip 620. For example, the second wireless chip 630 may receive AC power input through the second transmission / reception pad 631, smooth it, and boost the voltage to a predetermined voltage level to supply the internal power. In addition, the second wireless chip 630 generates AC power having a predetermined voltage level and supplies power to each other using magnetic coupling or electrical coupling with the first wireless chip 620 through the second transmission / reception pad 631. Can send and receive In addition, the second wireless chip 630 may perform data communication with an external communication device or the first wireless chip 620.

In addition, the first wireless chip 620 and the second wireless chip 630 is not electrically connected between the spacer 640 may be maintained therebetween. For example, the spacer 640 may be a magnetic material such as ferrite or a dielectric having a predetermined dielectric constant. This is to improve wireless communication performance between the first wireless chip 620 and the second wireless chip 630.

The first transmission / reception pad 621 of the first wireless chip 620 and the second transmission / reception pad 631 of the second wireless chip 630 may be inductor antennas for inducing magnetic coupling or capacitor antennas for inducing electrical coupling. Can be formed. This may be implemented using a conventional inductor or capacitor element, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be used as an inductor or a capacitor by patterning a signal line having a metal line shape. The first transmission / reception pad 621 and the second transmission / reception pad 631 are preferably formed side by side on the same axis. As a result, the area of the integrated circuit used in the communication unit 600 can be reduced, thereby miniaturizing.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first wireless chip 620 of the communication unit 600 may include a first transmission / reception pad 621, a first rectifying unit 622, a first converter 623, a second converter 624, and a first The control unit 625 and the first communication unit 626.

The first transmission / reception pad 621 wirelessly receives the first AC power from the external charging device 50. In this case, the first transmission / reception pad 621 may be formed as an inductor antenna for inducing magnetic coupling or a capacitor antenna for inducing electrical coupling. In addition, the first transmission / reception pad 621 may perform data communication with an external communication device.

The first rectifier 622 rectifies the first AC power received from the first transmission / reception pad 621 to the first DC power. The first rectifier 622 outputs the first DC power to the first converter 623 described later.

The first converter 623 is a DC-DC converter that boosts the first DC power input from the first rectifier 622 to a second DC power having a predetermined voltage level. The first converter 623 may vary the voltage depending on the voltage level of the power supplied to the internal power or the power to be supplied to the second wireless chip 630.

The second converter 624 transforms the second DC power into second AC power. This is for wirelessly supplying power to the second wireless chip 630. The second converter 624 is a DC-AC converter. The first wireless chip 620 and the second wireless chip 630 may exchange power with each other through electrical or magnetic coupling.

The first controller 625 controls the switch of the second converter 624 to transmit the second AC power to the second wireless chip 630 through the first transmission / reception pad 621. In addition, the first control unit 625 may control on or off the first converter 623 or the second converter 624 according to the communication mode. For example, when the first wireless chip 620 is in the transmission mode, the first converter 623 is turned off and the second converter 624 is turned on. When the first wireless chip is in the reception mode, the first converter 623 is turned on. May be turned on and the second converter 624 may be turned off.

The first communication unit 626 may perform data communication with an external communication device. In addition, the first communication unit 626 may also perform data communication with the second wireless chip 630.

Meanwhile, the second wireless chip 630 of the communication unit 600 may include a second transmission / reception pad 631, a second rectifying unit 632, a third converter 633, a fourth converter 634, and a second control unit 635. And a second communication unit 636. In this case, the second transmission / reception pad 631, the second rectifying unit 632, the third converter 633, the fourth converter 634, the second control unit 635, and the second communication unit 636 may each use a first radio. Corresponding to the first transmission / reception pad 621, the first rectifying unit 622, the first converter 623, the second converter 624, the first control unit 625, and the first communication unit 626 of the chip 620. Configuration.

The second transmission / reception pad 631 receives the second AC power from the first wireless chip 620, and may be electrically or magnetically coupled to the first transmission / reception pad 621. The second rectifier 632 rectifies the second AC power to the third DC power. The third converter 633 is a DC-DC converter that transforms the third DC power into fourth DC power at a predetermined voltage level. The fourth converter 634 is a DC-AC converter that transforms the fourth DC power into fourth AC power having a predetermined voltage level. The second controller 635 controls the switch of the fourth converter 634 to transmit the fourth AC power through the second transmission / reception pad 631. In this case, the second controller 635 may selectively turn on / off the third converter 633 and the fourth converter 634 according to the communication mode. For example, when the second wireless chip 630 is in the transmission mode, the third converter 633 is turned off and the fourth converter 634 is turned on. When the second wireless chip is in the reception mode, the third converter 633 is used. May be turned on and the fourth converter 634 may be turned off. The second communication unit 636 performs data communication with the first communication unit 626 or an external communication device.

As such, the wireless communication implant according to the embodiment of the present invention may use the communication device implanted in the forehead portion to perform data communication with an external communication device without using a separate microphone or a speaker. In addition, by transmitting the sound in a bone conduction method it is possible to receive the external sound without obstacles. In addition, it can be used semi-permanently using solar energy.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments described with reference to the drawings, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the invention should be construed by the description of the claims, which are intended to cover obvious variations that can be derived from the described embodiments.

Claims

Detachable to the housing fixed between the bone of the forehead and the bone membrane,

A voice signal obtaining unit obtaining a voice signal from a user;

A communication unit which transmits the voice signal to an external communication device and receives a response signal corresponding to the voice signal from the external communication device;

A controller configured to establish data communication with the external communication device, transmit the voice signal through the communication unit, and convert the response signal into a vibration signal; And

Implant for wireless communication comprising a vibration signal output unit for outputting the vibration signal in a bone conduction method through the bone of the forehead.
The method of claim 1,

Magnetic plate formed on one side of the plate shape is coupled to the housing and the magnetic force, the other side is a wireless communication implant is formed a solar panel.
The method of claim 1,

Further comprising a video signal acquisition unit for acquiring an external video signal,

The control unit is a wireless communication implant for transmitting the video signal to the external communication device through the communication unit.
The method of claim 1,

The communication unit,

Board;

A first transmission / reception pad formed on an upper surface of the substrate and receiving a first AC power wirelessly from an external charging device, a first rectifying unit rectifying the first AC power to a first DC power, and the first DC A first converter for converting power into a second DC power at a preset voltage level, a second converter for converting the second DC power to a second AC power at a preset voltage level, and a switch of the second converter A first wireless chip including a first control unit for transmitting the second AC power through the first transmission / reception pad and a first communication unit for data communication; And

A second transmission / reception pad formed on an upper surface of the substrate and a lower surface of the first wireless chip to rectify the second AC power from the first wireless chip; A second rectifier, a third converter converting the third DC power into a fourth DC power at a preset voltage level, a fourth converter converting the fourth DC power into a fourth AC power at a preset voltage level, And a second wireless chip including a second control unit for controlling the switch of the fourth converter to transmit the fourth AC power through the second transmission / reception pad, and a second communication unit for data communication with the first communication unit. Implants for wireless communication.
The method of claim 3,

Further comprising a detector for detecting at least one of ambient light, sound waves and infrared light,

The control unit is a wireless communication implant for controlling the operation of the audio signal acquisition unit or the image signal acquisition unit by a command pattern consisting of at least one of the ambient illumination, sound waves and infrared rays detected by the detection unit.