`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 7,251,197 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`Jul. 31, 2007
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Yoshida et al.
`
`
`(54) WRIST-WORN COMMUNICATIONS
`APPARATUS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Kaoru Yoshida, Ome (JP); Yoshiyuki
`Murata, Ome(JP)
`:
`.
`:
`(73) Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
`x
`.
`:
`:
`:
`:
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 100 days.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,239,521 A
`8/1993 Blonder
`5,260,915 A :
`11/1993 Houlihan ........ eee 368/10
`
`5,381,387 A
`.... 368/10
`1/1995 Blonder et al.
`....
`5,467,324 A *
`11/1995 Houlihan oe. 368/10
`5,564,082 A
`10/1996 Blonderetal.
`6.078.803 A
`6/2000 Femandez Martinez
`6,215,985 Bl
`4/2001 Tolvanen
`6.311.071 BL
`10/2001 Voroba et al.
`2003/0019894 Al
`1/2003 Caldana
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP 0 572 252 Al=12/1993
`
`(21) Appl. No.:—10/531,368
`EP
`0 684 704 A2
`11/1995
`EP
`0 782 308 Al
`TN997
`EP
`0 907 279 A2
`4/1999
`WO
`WO 98/05148 Al
`2/1998
`WO
`WO 01/61970 A2
`8/2001
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/JP2004/000959
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Jan. 30, 2004
`
`§ 371 (€)(),
`(2), (4) Date: Apr. 13, 2005
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2004/068732
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2004
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2005/0265125 Al
`
`Dec. 1, 2005
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jan. 30, 20038
`Feb. 10, 2003
`
`(IP)
`(IP)
`
`ee eeteeeeecteeeteesees 2003-021320
`aes eeeeeecteeeteeeees 2003-032486
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G04B 47/00
`(2006.01)
`G04C 11/02
`(2006.01)
`HO4B 138
`(52) U.S. Ch cc eeeeeeees 368/10; 368/13; 368/47;
`368/282; 455/90.3; 455/344
`(58) Field of Classification Search .......0..0.00.... 368/4,
`368/10, 13, 47, 88, 281, 292; 455/90.3, 344
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Vit W. Miska
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman &
`Chick, P.C.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A watch of the communications apparatus is worn on a
`user’s wrist by bands. A support member pivoted on the
`bandis then turned so as to extendin the transverse direction
`
`of the bands. A speaker unit is provided on the support
`memberso as to face in a transverse direction of the band
`
`while a microphone unit is disposed on the support member
`so as to face in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the
`band. When a user communicates with the other party, the
`speaker unit provided on the support memberis directed
`toward the user’s ear. This causes the microphone unit
`provided on the support memberto be directed easily toward
`the user’s mouth. Alternatively a hinged lid is provided the
`lid carrying a key-in unit or a display and a speaker unit.
`
`8 Claims, 20 Drawing Sheets
`
`APPLE 1020
`
`APPLE 1020
`
`1
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 20
`
`
`
`FIG.1
`
`2
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`FIG.2
`
`3
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`106
`
`101
`
`108
`
`103
`
`FIG.3
`
`4
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`FIG.5
`
`6
`
`
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 20
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`\
`112a 112b
`
`FIG.6
`
`7
`
`
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 7 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`101
`
`105
`
`104
`
`8
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 8 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`FIG.8
`
`9
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 9 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`\
`yo
`112a 112b
`
`FIG.9
`
`10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 10 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`11
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 11 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
` Ee)=
`
`124 AGS
`
`123
`
`Gos) Gas) Gus)
`&) @ ¢)
`
`FIG.11
`
`12
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 12 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`13
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`131
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 13 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`130
`
`14
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`
`
`FIG.14
`
`15
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 15 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
` 101
`
`[eee
`(Groner
`AGG
`
`106
`
`FIG.15
`
`16
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 16 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`17
`
`
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 17 of 20
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`144
`
`146
`
`FIG.17
`
`18
`
`18
`
`
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 18 of 20
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`146
`
`FIG.18
`
`19
`
`19
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 19 of 20
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`153
`
`101
`
`146
`
`FIG.19
`
`20
`
`20
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 31, 2007
`
`Sheet 20 of 20
`
`101
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`145
`
`146
`
`FIG.20
`
`21
`
`21
`
`
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`1
`WRIST-WORN COMMUNICATIONS
`APPARATUS
`
`This application is a U.S. National Phase Application
`under 35 USC 371 of International Application PCT/
`JP2004/000959 filed Jan. 30, 2004.
`1. Technical Field
`
`The present invention relates to wrist-worn communica-
`tions apparatus worn on a user’s wrist for communicating
`purposes.
`2. Background Art
`In the past, wristwatch type telephones are known that
`comprise a watch that has a communication function, a
`speaker unit, and a microphone unit provided on a wristband
`which is worn on a user’s wrist (for example, International
`Publication WO98/05148).
`the speaker and
`In these wristwatch type telephones,
`microphone units are provided at opposite ends of a case
`different from that of the watch and extending across the
`wristband. The speaker and microphone units face outward
`in opposite directions to thereby prevent the occurrence of
`so-called howling that the microphonepicks up soundlet off
`from the speaker unit.
`In such telephones, the speaker unit and the microphone
`unit are disposed so as to face outward in the opposite
`directions across the wristband as just mentioned above.
`Thus, when it is used on the user’s wrist, the front of the
`microphone unit through which soundis collected cannot be
`directed toward the user’s mouth if the front of the speaker
`through which soundis let off is directed toward the user’s
`ear on the side of his or her wrist mentioned with the
`
`whereas conversely, if the front of the microphone unit is
`directed toward the user’s mouththe front of the speaker unit
`cannot be directed toward the user’s ear mentioned. Thus,
`the directivities of both the microphone and speaker units
`cannot be sufficiently obtained.
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
`a wrist-worn communications apparatus in which when
`worn on a user’s wrist, the speaker and the microphone can
`be satisfactorily directed toward the user’s ear on the side of
`his or her wrist mentioned and mouth, respectively,
`to
`thereby ensure efficient use of the directivity of both the
`speaker and the microphone.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`wrist-worn communications apparatus by which a useris
`able to communicate with the other party in a natural posture
`without unnaturally bending his or her arm whose wrist
`wears a device of the apparatus.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`
`In order to achieve the above objects, the present inven-
`tion provides a wrist-worn communications apparatus com-
`prising a device, a band for wearing the device on a user’s
`wrist, a speaker unit disposed at a predeterminedposition on
`the bandso asto face in the transverse direction of the band,
`and a microphone unit disposed close to the speaker unit on
`the band so as to face in the direction perpendicular to a
`surface of the band.
`
`Thus, accordingto this invention, even though the speaker
`and microphoneunits are provided close to each other at the
`predetermined position on the band, howling is prevented
`from occurring. In addition, especially when it is worn on
`the user’s wrist in use, the fronts of the microphone and
`speaker units in which sound is collected and let off can
`sufficiently be directed toward the user’s mouth and ear on
`
`10
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`2
`to
`the side of his or her wrist mentioned, respectively,
`thereby ensure the directivities of both the speaker and the
`microphone.
`The present invention also provides a wrist-worn com-
`munications apparatus comprising a device, a band for
`wearing the device on a user’s wrist, a support member
`attached at a predetermined position on the band where the
`support membercan extendin the transverse direction of the
`bandandin the extending direction of the band in which the
`support member is superposed on the band, a speaker unit
`provided on one end of the support memberso as to face
`outward in the extending direction of the support member,
`and a microphone unit disposed on the other end of the
`support memberso as to face in the direction substantially
`perpendicular to a surface of the support member.
`According to this invention,
`the support member is
`attached pivotally at the predetermined position on the band
`such that the support member can extend in the transverse
`and extending directions of the band. Thus, when the device
`is worn on the user’s wrist and the support memberis
`directed so as to extend in the transverse direction of the
`band for communication use, the fronts of the microphone
`and speaker units are easily and surely directed by the
`support membertowardthe user’s mouth and ear present on
`the user’s wrist side, respectively,
`to thereby ensure the
`directivities of both the speaker and the microphoneunits.
`Additional objects and advantages of the present inven-
`tion will be set forth in the description which follows, and
`in part will be obvious from the description, or may be
`learned by practice of the present invention.
`The objects and advantages of the present invention may
`be realized and obtained by meansof the instrumentalities
`and combinationsparticularly pointed out hereinafter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
`preferred embodiments of the present
`invention and,
`together with the general description given above and the
`detailed description of the preferred embodiments given
`below, serve to explain the principles of the present inven-
`tion in which:
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodimentof a
`wrist-wom communications apparatus according to the
`present invention as viewed from substantially its front;
`FIG.2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as
`viewed from substantially its back;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communications
`apparatus of FIG. 2 with its speaker-microphone assembly
`dismantled separately;
`FIG.4 illustrates use of the communications apparatus of
`FIG. 1,
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodimentof
`the communications apparatus according to the present
`invention;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the communications
`apparatus of FIG. 5 as viewed from substantially the side of
`the back thereof;
`FIG. 7 is a side view of the apparatus of the second
`embodiment;
`FIG.8 illustrates use of the communications apparatus of
`FIG.5;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modification of the
`second embodiment;
`
`22
`
`22
`
`
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodimentofthe
`communications apparatus according to the present inven-
`tion with the lid for its communications unit open;
`FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the communications
`unit of the communications apparatus of FIG. 10 with its lid
`open;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
`the communications apparatus according to the present
`invention with the lid for its communications unit being
`open;
`FIG.13 is an enlarged front view of the communications
`unit of the communications apparatus of FIG. 12 withits lid
`open;
`FIG.14is a perspective view of a fifth embodimentof the
`communications apparatus according to the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the communications
`apparatus of FIG. 14 with its lid open;
`FIG.16 is a perspective view of a sixth embodimentofthe
`communications apparatus according to the present inven-
`tion worn on a user’s wrist;
`FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the communications
`apparatus of FIG. 16 worn on the user’s wrist with its lid
`open;
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of
`the communications apparatus according to the present
`invention worn on the user’s wrist with its lid open;
`FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the communications
`apparatus of FIG. 18 with an open lid within which a
`speaker-mounting memberis received; and
`FIG.20 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of
`the communications apparatus according to the present
`invention with its lid and speaker-mounting plate open in
`use.
`
`BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`First Embodiment
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a wrist-
`wom communications apparatus according to the present
`invention will be described.
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of this communications
`apparatus as viewed from substantially its front. FIG. 2 is a
`perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from
`substantially its back. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the
`communications apparatus of FIG. 2 with its speaker-mi-
`crophone assembly in a dismantled state. FIG. 4 illustrates
`the use of the communications apparatus of FIG. 1.
`This communications apparatus comprises a watch 101, a
`pair of bands 103 ofresilient plastic, for example of ure-
`thane, that are attached at one end to the watch 101 at 12
`o’clock position and 6 o’clock position, a buckle 104 for
`connecting the bands disconnetably at the other end, and a
`speaker-microphone assembly “A.”
`As shown in FIG.1, the watch 101 has a case 106 which
`contains a display unit 107 that comprises a liquid crystal
`display elementor an electroluminesce elementthat displays
`various information such as time/communication data elec-
`
`tro-optically, and various other electronic parts (not shown)
`such as compose, for example, a timepiece/transceiver cir-
`cuit necessary for fulfilling timepiece and communication
`functions. The watch case 106 has on its side at 3 o’clock
`and 9 o’clock a plurality of push button switches 108 for
`time-correcting/mode-changing purposes. The watch case
`
`4
`106 also has a plurality of input switches 109 for commu-
`nication use on its upper surface at 6 o’clock.
`When the watch 101 is worn on the user’s wrist W by the
`pair of bands 103, the buckle 104 is disposed on the opposite
`side of the user’s wrist from the watch 101.
`
`The speaker microphone assembly “A” may be attached
`by screwsto, or engages with, the buckle 104 removably. As
`shownin FIG.2, in the speaker-microphone assembly “A”
`the speaker unit 111 is provided on a mount 119 so as to face
`in the transverse direction of the band 103 while the micro-
`
`10
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`phone unit 112 is provided on the mount 119 so as to face
`in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the band 103.
`The mount 119 has an inner cavity that houses a circuit
`board 112, as shownin FIG.3.
`As shown in FIG. 3, the speaker unit 111 comprises a
`hollow sound let-off cylinder 111a and a speaker element
`111c. The cylinder 1114 extends upward from the mount 119
`across the band 103 and has a closed upper end with a small
`sound hole 1114 open thereon. The speaker element 111c is
`housed within the cylinder 111a at its bottom soastolet off
`sound upward toward the hole 1114 through the hollow of
`the cylinder 111a.
`As shown in FIG. 3, the microphone unit 112 comprises
`a sound-collecting cylinder 112a and a microphone element
`112c. The sound-collecting cylinder 112a extends from the
`mount119 in the direction perpendicular to the surface ofthe
`band 103 with its closed outward end with a soundcollecting
`hole 1124 open thereon. The microphone element 112c is
`housed within the cylinder 112a so as to face the hole 1125
`to thereby pick up external sound.
`The circuit board 102 is attached, for example by screws
`(not shown), to bosses 117 provided on an inner surface of
`the mount 119 with the speaker unit 111c and the micro-
`phoneunit 112c connected electrically by leads (not shown)
`to the circuit board 102. The circuit board 102 is connected
`electrically to an electronic circuit (not shown) housed
`within the watch 101 by leads (not shown) embedded within
`the bands 103. Thus, the speaker unit 111 produces a sound
`based on an electric signal from the watch 101, and the
`microphone unit 112 converts external soundto an electrical
`signal, which is then outputted to the watch 101.
`A method of using the wrist-worn communications appa-
`ratus according to this invention will be described next. In
`this case, like a general wristwatch, the apparatus 101 is
`worm on the user’s wrist W by coupling the bands 103
`around the user’s wrist through the buckle 104 such that the
`watch 101 faces in the samedirection as the back Ta of the
`
`user’s hand does andthat the speaker-microphone assembly
`“A” faces in the same direction as the user’s palm Tb does.
`Thus, this apparatus can be used as a general wristwatch as
`well as a cellular phone.
`The user can know information such as time displayed on
`the display unit 107 of the watch 101 as in the general
`wristwatch. Then, when the user dials the phone numberof
`the other party by operating the input switches 109 while
`viewing the display unit 107, communication information is
`displayed on the display unit 107 in accordance with
`manipulation of the input switches 109 to thereby call the
`other party. As shown in FIG.4, when the user lays the palm
`Tb of his or her hand, whose wrist wears the watch 101
`thereon, on his or her ear E present on the side of the user’s
`wrist mentioned, the fronts of the speaker unit 111 and the
`microphone unit 112 in which soundis let off and collected
`are directed toward his or her ear E and mouth M,respec-
`tively. Thus, the user can communicate with the other party
`
`23
`
`23
`
`
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`5
`in a natural posture without the necessity of bending in an
`unnatural manner his or her arm concerned with his or her
`wrist mentioned.
`
`6
`units 111 and 112 may beattached directly to the bands 103
`so as to have such directions as just mentioned above.
`While in the embodimentthe wrist-worn communications
`
`As described above, according to this wrist-worn com-
`munications apparatus, the speaker unit 111 is attached to the
`mount 119 that in turn is attached to the buckle 104 to which
`the bands 103 are connected at one end suchthat the speaker
`unit 111 faces in the transverse direction of the bands while
`the microphone unit 112 is attached to the mount 119 so as
`to face in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the
`bands 103. Thus, although the speaker unit 111 and the
`microphone unit 112 are provided close to each other in the
`predetermined place on the band 103, that is, on the mount
`119 attached to the buckle 104, the occurrence of howling is
`prevented and the directivities of both the speaker unit 111
`and the microphone unit 112 is ensured.
`Two different speaker-microphone assemblies opposite in
`speaker unit’s direction may be prepared suchthatif the user
`wants to wear the watch 101 on a desired one ofhis or her
`
`right and left wrists for communicating with the otherparty,
`he or she can select and engage a corresponding one of the
`two assemblies with the buckle 104 on the band 103 to
`thereby sufficiently ensure the directivities of both the
`speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit 112. Thus, the
`apparatus is easier to use.
`Whenthe watch 101 is worn on the user’s wrist W by the
`bands 103, the speaker-microphone assembly “A”is dis-
`posed on the opposite side of the user’s wrist W from the
`watch 101. Therefore, if the assembly “A”is attached to the
`band 103 so as to face in the samedirection as the palm Tb
`of the user’s hand concerned does, the user can direct the
`microphone unit 112 and speaker unit 111 toward his or her
`mouth M and ear E present on the side of the user’s wrist
`mentioned, respectively, only by laying the palm Tb ofhis
`or her hand on that ear E of his or her. Thus, the user can
`communicate with the other party in a natural posture
`without bending in an unnatural manner the user’s arm
`concerned with his or her wrist mentioned.
`
`The watch 101 comprises the input switches 109 and the
`display unit 107 provided thereon necessary for communi-
`cating purposes andalso incorporates the timepiece function
`therein. Thus, as described above, information such as time
`can be displayed on the display unit 107, so that the watch
`101 can be worn on the user’s wrist W for use, like the
`general wristwatch. In addition, information including com-
`munication information can be displayed on the display unit
`107 of the watch 101 without removing the watch 101 from
`the user’s wrist W. In addition, the user can operate the input
`switches 109 on the watch 101 while viewing the display
`unit 107 as in the general wristwatch to thereby ensure
`satisfactory
`communication. Thus,
`the
`apparatus
`is
`improved in handiness.
`In addition,
`in this apparatus the speaker-microphone
`assembly “A”is attached removably to the band buckle 104.
`Thus, when the apparatus is not used as communications
`equipment, it can be removed from the buckle 104 and used
`as the general wristwatch. If only a mount 119 on which no
`speaker and microphone units 111 and 112 are provided is
`attached to the band buckle 104, it can be used as a kind of
`ormamental accessories interesting in design. Therefore, this
`apparatus is easy to use.
`While in the embodiment the speaker unit 111 and the
`microphone unit 112 are illustrated as attached to the mount
`119 so as to face in the transverse direction of the band 103
`
`and in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the band
`103, respectively, the present invention is not limited to this
`particular case. For example, the speaker and microphone
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`apparatus in which the watch 101 that comprises a timepiece
`function, a communication function and a display function
`is wor on the user’s wrist by the bands 103 has been
`illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this par-
`ticular case. For example, the present invention may be
`applicable to wrist-worn communications apparatus
`in
`which a device comprising a transceiver function, a display
`unit and an input unit is worn on the user’s wrist with bands.
`Also, in this case the speaker-microphone assembly “A”
`comprising the mount 119 that houses the circuit board
`therein, and the speaker unit 111 and the microphone unit
`112 attached to the mount may be attached removably to the
`band buckle 104.
`
`the wrist-worn communications
`As described above,
`apparatus of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 comprises a
`device (watch 101); a band 103 for wearing the device ona
`user’s wrist; a speaker unit 111 disposed at a predetermined
`position on the band 103 so as to face in the transverse
`direction of the band 103; and a microphone unit 112
`disposed close to the speaker unit 111 on the band 103 so as
`to face in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the band
`103.
`
`Thus, according to this embodiment even though the
`speaker and microphone units are provided close to each
`otherat the predeterminedposition on the band 103, howling
`is prevented from occurring. In addition, especially when it
`is worn on the user’s wrist
`in use the microphone and
`speaker units can be directed toward the user’s mouth and
`ear on theside of his or her wrist mentioned, respectively, to
`thereby ensure the directivities of both the speaker and the
`microphone.
`The wrist-worn communications apparatus of the embodi-
`ment of FIGS. 1-4 comprises a speaker-microphone assem-
`bly “A” provided removably at the predetermined position
`on the band 103,
`the speaker-microphone assembly “A”
`comprising the speaker unit 111, the microphone unit 112
`and a mount 119 on which the speaker unit 111 and the
`microphone unit 112 are mounted close to each other.
`Thus, two different speaker-microphone assemblies “A”
`opposite in speaker unit’s direction may be provided such
`that if the user wants to wear the watch 101 on a desired one
`of his or herright and left wrists for communicating with the
`other party, he or she can select and engage a corresponding
`one of the two assemblies with the band 103 to thereby
`sufficiently ensure the directivities of both the speaker unit
`110 and the microphone unit 111. Thus, the apparatus is easy
`to use.
`
`In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the
`embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, when the device (watch 101) is
`wom on the user’s wrist by the band 103, the speaker-
`microphone assembly “A” is on the opposite side of the
`user’s wrist from the device 101.
`
`According to this wrist-worn communications apparatus,
`when the speaker-microphone assembly is worn by the band
`on the user’s wrist so as to face in the same direction as the
`
`palm of the user’s hand concerned with his or her wrist
`mentioned and that palm of the user’s handis laid on his or
`her ear present on the side of that palm of the user’s hand,
`the user can direct the fronts of the microphone and speaker
`units toward the user’s mouth and ear present on that palm
`of the user, respectively. Thus, the user can communicate
`with the other party in a natural posture without the necessity
`of bending his or her arm in an unnaturally manner.
`
`24
`
`24
`
`
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`7
`In the wrist-worn communications apparatus of the
`embodimentof FIGS. 1-4, the device (watch 101) comprises
`at least an input unit 109, a display unit 107 necessary for
`communicating purposes, and a timepiece unit.
`According to this communications apparatus, since the
`device comprises the timepiece function it can display
`information such as time on the display unit. Therefore, it
`can be worn as a watch on the user’s wrist like the general
`wristwatch. In addition, the user can cause the display unit
`to display information on communication, etc. The user can
`operate the input unit of the apparatus while viewing the
`display unit to thereby communicate with the other party
`without removing the apparatus from the user’s wrist. Thus,
`the apparatus is easy to use.
`Other embodiments of the communications apparatus
`according to the present invention will be described. The
`same portions as those of the first embodiment will be
`indicated in the same reference numerals and their detailed
`description will be omitted.
`
`Second Embodiment
`
`Referring to FIGS. 5-8, a second embodiment of the
`wrist-worn communications apparatus will be described.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of this wrist-worn commu-
`nications apparatus. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the
`apparatus as viewed from substantially the side of the back
`thereof. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the communications
`apparatus. FIG. 8 illustrates use of the communications
`apparatus.
`This communications apparatus comprises the watch 101,
`a pair of bands 103 that are attached at one end to the watch
`101 at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, buckle 104 for connecting
`the bands disconnetably at
`the other end, and support
`member 105 attached tunable to the buckle 104.
`
`As shownin FIG.5, the watch 101 has the case 106 which
`containsthe flat-type display unit 107 that comprises a liquid
`crystal display element or an electroluminescence element
`that displays various information such as time/communica-
`tion data electro-optically, and various other electronic parts
`(not shown) such as, for example, a timepiece/transceiver
`circuit necessary for fulfilling timepiece and communication
`functions. The watch case 106 has on its side at 3 o’clock
`
`and 9 o’clock a plurality of push button switches 108 for
`time-correcting/mode-changing purposes. The watch case
`106 also has a plurality of input switches 109 for commu-
`nication use on its upper surface at 6 o’clock. These input
`switches 109 are arranged such that data such as phone
`numbers and e-mail messages are inputted appropriately by
`rotating/depressing the switches.
`When the watch 101 is worn on the user’s wrist W by a
`pair of bands 103, the buckle 104 is disposed on the opposite
`side of the user’s wrist from the watch 101. As shown in
`FIGS. 6 and 7, the support member 105 is supported turnable
`at a pivot 110.
`The support member 105 is made of the same material as
`the bands 103;
`that is, resilient plastic, for example, of
`urethane. The support member 105 has the form ofa strip
`that can be superposed on the band 103 so as to extend in the
`same direction as the bands 103 do and also turned around
`the pivot 110 so as to extend across the band 103. As shown
`in FIGS. 5 and 6, the speaker unit 111 is provided on one end
`of the support member 105 so as to face outward in the
`extending direction of the support member 105. As shown in
`FIG.6, the microphone unit 112 is provided on the other end
`
`8
`of the support member 105 so as to face in the direction
`perpendicular substantially to a surface of the support mem-
`ber 105.
`
`As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the speaker unit 111 com-
`prises a speaker element (not shown) provided within the
`hollow cylinder 111¢, which is provided on the one end of
`the support member 105 so as to face outward. The cylinder
`111 has a closed outward end with the hole 111b toward
`whichthe speakeris directed. As shown by a two-dot-dashed
`line in FIG.6, the microphone unit 112 comprises a micro-
`phone (not shown) housed within the hollow cylinder 112a
`provided so as to face in the direction perpendicular to the
`surface of the support member 105 with a closed upward end
`of the cylinder 112a@ having the hole 1126 toward which the
`microphoneis directed.
`The speaker of the speaker unit 111 and the microphone
`of the microphone unit 112 are connected electrically by
`leads (not shown) extending through the support member
`105, pivot 110 and bands 103 to an electronic circuit (not
`shown) provided within the watch 101. Thus, the speaker
`produces sound such as voice sound based on an electric
`signal from the watch 101 andlets it off outward through the
`hole 1114 in the closed end of the cylinder 111a. The
`microphone unit 112 collects external sound such as voice
`sound through the hole 1124 in the closed endofthe cylinder
`112a, converts the soundto an electric signal by the micro-
`phone and then outputs the signal to the watch 101.
`As shownin FIGS. 6 and 7, lock buttons 113 are provided
`on opposite ends of the support member 105 so as to engage
`with receivers (not shown) provided on the bands 103 to
`thereby fix the support member 105 closely to the bands3.
`When these lock buttons 113 are simultaneously depressed
`with the thumb F1 andfirst fingers F2 of the user’s hand on
`which no watch 101 is worn, as shown in FIG.7, these lock
`buttons 113 are disengaged from the receivers on the bands
`103 to thereby unlock the support member 105 from the
`bands 103.
`A method of using the wrist-worn communications appa-
`ratus according to this embodiment will be described next.
`In this case, like a general wristwatch, the watch 101 is worn
`on the user’s wrist W by coupling the bands 103 around the
`user’s wrist through the buckle 104 such that the watch 101
`faces in the same direction as the back of the user’s hand
`does and that the buckle 104 faces in the same direction as
`the user’s palm does. Thus, this apparatus can be used as the
`general wristwatch as well as a cellular phone. In this state,
`information such as time displayed on the display unit 107
`of the watch 101 can be recognized as in the general
`wristwatch.
`
`When the user uses the apparatus as the cellular phone,
`the user dials the phone number of the other party by
`manipulating the input switches 109 while viewing the
`display unit 107. Thus, communication information such as
`the phone numberis displayed on the display unit 107 and
`the other party is called. Then, as shown in FIG.7, the user
`depresses the lock buttons 113 provided on the opposite ends
`of the support member 105 of the communications apparatus
`worn on one wrist of the user with his or her thumb andfirst
`fingers F1 and F2 of the user’s other hand on whose wrist no
`watch 101 is worn. Thereupon, the respective lock buttons
`113 are disengaged from the receivers on the bands 103 to
`thereby unlock the support member 105 from the bands 103.
`This allows the support member 105 to turn aroundthe pivot
`110.
`
`Then, as shown by a two-dot-dashed line in FIG. 6, the
`support member105 is turned around the pivot 110 so as to
`extend in the transverse direction of the bands 103. At this
`
`25
`
`25
`
`
`
`US 7,251,197 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`10
`9
`one ofthe user’s right and left wrists is reworn and used on
`time, the speaker unit 111 is disposed in the vicinity of the
`the other of the user’s right and left wrists, the support
`palm of the user’s hand concerned with his or her wrist
`member 105 should be turned through 180 degrees to
`mentioned while the microphone unit 112 is disposed at a
`thereby reverse the positions of the speaker unit 111 and the
`position remote from that palm of the user’s hand. As shown
`microphone unit 112 relative to the band 103. Even in the
`in FIG. 8, when the user lays that palm of the user’s hand,
`whose wrist wears the watch 101 thereon, on his or her ear
`use of the apparatus on either of the user’s right and left
`wrists, the directivities of both the speaker unit 111 and the
`E present on the side of that palm o