JP2011097166A - Communication device for human body communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device for human body communication, capable of optimizing a position relation between two electrodes and a human body easily, as compared with the conventional one. <P>SOLUTION: The communication device 1 is a device that can communicate with other devices through the body of a user when the user wears the device on his/her body. Within the communication device 1, a reference electrode 5 and a signal electrode 7 are provided. The reference electrode 5 supplies a potential as reference. The signal electrode 7 has a shape where an opening is formed at least both ends in single axial direction and a part between the both ends encloses the surroundings of the reference electrode 5. The reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 are made as a double cylindrical structure. According to the arrangement, a state with the signal electrode 7 arranged between the reference electrode 5 and a body 15 can be secured even if a user does not mind the direction of the communication device 1 when the communication device 1 is put into a pocket 13 of clothing 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device for human body communication that performs communication using a human body as a signal transmission path.

  Conventionally, as a communication device for human body communication, a device described in Patent Document 1 below is known. The communication device described in Patent Document 1 has a pair of reference electrodes and a signal electrode, and generates a potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode, thereby transmitting a signal to another communication device, It is a mechanism for detecting a potential difference generated in the signal electrode and receiving a signal from another communication device.

JP 2006-324775 A

By the way, Patent Document 1 describes that the signal electrode is arranged so that electrostatic coupling is stronger with respect to the human body than the reference electrode.
However, when using this type of communication device for human body communication, the user does not always consciously optimize the positions of the reference electrode and the signal electrode. For example, some users may randomly put the communication device in their clothes pocket, and in this case, the orientation of the communication device is undefined.

  Therefore, in such a situation, the signal electrode may not be arranged at a position where electrostatic coupling is stronger with respect to the human body than the reference electrode, and in this case, the communication performance is lower than the standard level. There was a case. Further, since the communication performance changes when the orientation of the communication device changes, there is a problem that the communication performance becomes unstable, such as when the communication performance of the communication device is good or sometimes bad.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a communication device for human body communication that can optimize the positional relationship between two electrodes and a human body more easily than a conventional product. There is.

Hereinafter, the configuration employed in the present invention will be described.
The communication device for human body communication according to the present invention changes the potential of the signal electrode relative to the potential of the reference electrode, so that a signal corresponding to the potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode is transmitted to other devices. Transmitting and receiving a signal corresponding to the detected potential difference from the other device by detecting the potential difference generated between the reference electrode and the signal electrode when the signal is transmitted from the other device. At least one of them can be executed.

  In this communication device, the signal electrode has an opening formed at least at both ends in one axial direction, and a portion between the both ends surrounds the reference electrode. Therefore, when the user wears the communication device, the signal electrode is disposed between the reference electrode and the user's body without being aware of the wearing direction at all.

  Therefore, for example, even if the user randomly puts the communication device in the pocket, the signal electrode is arranged at a position where the electrostatic coupling to the human body is stronger than the reference electrode. Therefore, unlike this type of reference electrode and signal electrode having a pair of flat electrodes, there is no problem that the positional relationship between the reference electrode and the signal electrode is reversed if the mounting direction is wrong. The communication performance of the apparatus can always be maintained in a good state.

  In the communication apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the reference electrode and the signal electrode have a shape in which the dimension in the uniaxial direction is longer than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the uniaxial direction. If the surface area is the same, the dimension of the uniaxial direction is longer than the dimension of the direction perpendicular to the uniaxial direction, and the communication device is slim and portable without sacrificing communication performance. It is because it can make it easy to do.

  Further, in the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may have a structure in which there is no cleavage portion that continuously reaches from the opening at one end to the opening at the other end, or from the opening at one end. You may have the structure which has the cleavage location which reaches the opening of the other end continuously.

  When the structure is such that the cleavage sites do not exist all around the circumference, the reference electrode or the signal electrode exists evenly all around the circumference, unlike those where such cleavage sites exist. Even if the orientation is changed, the communication characteristics hardly change, and stable and uniform communication performance can be ensured.

  On the other hand, if the structure has a cleavage site as described above, the desired electrode can be obtained by processing a thin plate material into a cylindrical shape. In comparison, it can be easily manufactured, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Accordingly, both the structure where the cleavage site does not exist and the structure where the cleavage site exists have advantages respectively, and any structure may be selected depending on which advantage is important.

  In the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may have a structure in which a through hole penetrating in a direction intersecting the uniaxial direction does not exist over the entire circumference, or penetrating in a direction intersecting the uniaxial direction. It may have a structure having a plurality of through holes.

  When the above-described through-holes are not present over the entire circumference, the area functioning as an electrode can be increased and communication performance can be improved as compared with the case where the through-holes are present. .

  On the other hand, when the structure has a through hole as described above, even when an electrode having the same size is formed, the amount of material used is reduced as compared with a structure without a through hole, thereby reducing costs. In addition, the weight of the electrode can be reduced. An electrode having a structure having such a through hole can be obtained, for example, by processing a net-like material or a material such as expanded metal or punching metal into a cylindrical shape.

  In the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may be formed in a cylindrical shape. If it becomes such a form, since it will become a rotationally symmetrical shape over the perimeter, even if it changes the direction of a communication apparatus, a communication characteristic will hardly change, and stable and uniform communication performance can be ensured.

  Alternatively, in the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may be formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape in which a polygonal cross section appears in a cross section perpendicular to the uniaxial direction. If it becomes such a form, it can make it harder to roll than a cylindrical thing, and can add value from a viewpoint different from a cylindrical thing. In addition, as the polygonal cylinder, an N-square cylinder larger than a triangular cylinder can be used arbitrarily. However, the larger the number of corners, the closer to the cylindrical shape. Therefore, in order to obtain performance close to a cylindrical shape, the larger the number of corners. preferable.

  In the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may have the same shape and area of the openings at both ends. If it is a thing of such a form, since the external shape of an electrode becomes columnar, it will become an electrode convenient to incorporate in the part which has a columnar form.

  Alternatively, in the communication device of the present invention, the reference electrode or the signal electrode may have different shapes or areas of openings at both ends. With such a configuration, the outer shape of the electrode becomes a frustum shape or other irregular shape, so that the electrode is convenient to be incorporated in a portion having such a special configuration.

  In the communication apparatus of the present invention, the reference electrode and the signal electrode may be located at the same position in both ends with respect to the uniaxial direction, and the positions of both ends of the signal electrode may be between both ends of the reference electrode in the uniaxial direction. It may be in the position.

  With such a structure, it is possible to further improve the communication performance as compared with the case where the positions of both ends of the reference electrode are located between the both ends of the signal electrode in the uniaxial direction.

It is a figure which shows the communication apparatus for human body communication illustrated as 1st Embodiment, (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a pen-shaped communication apparatus, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line of a reference electrode and a signal electrode. , (C) is a BB line sectional view of a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (d) is an explanatory view showing a use state of a pen-type communication device. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode which were illustrated as 2nd Embodiment, (b) is a reference electrode and signal electrode which were illustrated as 3rd Embodiment. (C) is a longitudinal sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the fourth embodiment, (d) is a longitudinal sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the fifth embodiment, and (e) is a longitudinal sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the fifth embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode which were illustrated as 6th Embodiment, (f) is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode which were illustrated as 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a transverse cross section of a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as an 8th embodiment, (b) is a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as a 9th embodiment. (C) is a cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the tenth embodiment, (d) is a cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the eleventh embodiment, and (e) is a cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and signal electrode exemplified as the eleventh embodiment. The cross-sectional view of a reference electrode and a signal electrode exemplified as the twelfth embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a front view of the reference electrode and signal electrode illustrated as 13th Embodiment, (b) is a front view of the reference electrode and signal electrode illustrated as 14th Embodiment. FIG. 10C is a front view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode exemplified as the fifteenth embodiment, and FIG. 10D is a front view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode exemplified as the sixteenth embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a front view of a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as a 17th embodiment, (b) is a longitudinal section of a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as a 17th embodiment. FIG. 20C is a longitudinal sectional view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode exemplified as the eighteenth embodiment, and FIG. 10D is a longitudinal sectional view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode exemplified as the nineteenth embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a front view of the reference electrode and signal electrode (however, a part of signal electrode is fractured) illustrated as 20th Embodiment, (b) is 21st. The front view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode (however, a part of the signal electrode is broken) exemplified as the embodiment, (c) is the reference electrode and the signal electrode (however, a part of the signal electrode) exemplified as the twenty-second embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates a reference electrode and a signal electrode, (a) is a transverse cross section of a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as a 23rd embodiment, (b) is a reference electrode and a signal electrode illustrated as a 24th embodiment. The cross-sectional view, (c) is a cross-sectional view of the reference electrode and the signal electrode exemplified as the 25th embodiment.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with some specific examples.
[First Embodiment]
The communication device 1 for human body communication according to the first embodiment is capable of communicating with other devices via a human body and also has a function as a ballpoint pen. FIG. 1 (a) to FIG. 1 (c). As shown in FIG. 2, a pen-shaped exterior 3, a cylindrical reference electrode 5 having openings at both ends in a uniaxial direction, and a cylindrical member having openings at both ends in a uniaxial direction, between the both ends. The portion includes a signal electrode 7 that surrounds the reference electrode 5 and a control unit 9 that controls transmission / reception of signals using a potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 (referred to in the present invention). Equivalent to an example of a communication control means).

  Among these, the reference electrode 5 is an electrode for applying a reference potential to the control unit 9 when the control unit 9 transmits and receives signals. The signal electrode 7 is an electrode to which a voltage corresponding to the signal is applied by the control unit 9 when transmitting a signal, and the potential of the signal electrode 7 relative to the reference electrode 5 is relatively set by applying such a voltage. By changing the signal to, a signal can be transmitted to another device via the human body. In addition, the signal electrode 7 is an electrode that is also used when receiving a signal. When a signal is transmitted from another device via a human body, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 is transmitted. Since it fluctuates according to the signal that has been transmitted, the control unit 9 detects the fluctuation of the potential difference and receives a signal according to the fluctuation of the potential difference.

  The control unit 9 includes a signal generation circuit, a signal detection circuit, and the like. The control unit 9 applies a voltage to the signal electrode 7 to transmit a signal to another device, and detects a potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7. Thus, control for receiving a signal from another device can be executed.

  The communication device 1 configured as described above is put in the pocket 13 of the clothing 11 worn by the user as shown in FIG. It will be put on.

  At this time, since the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 have a double cylindrical shape, a part of the signal electrode 7 is always disposed closer to the body 15 than the reference electrode 5, and as a result, the signal electrode 7 is arranged at a position where electrostatic coupling is stronger with respect to the body 15 than the reference electrode 5.

  Therefore, if the communication device 1 as described above is used, for example, even if the user randomly puts the communication device 1 in the pocket 13, the reference electrode 5 is different from the device including a pair of flat electrodes. There is no problem that the positional relationship between the signal electrode 7 and the signal electrode 7 is reversed, and the communication performance of the communication device 1 can always be maintained in a good state.

  In the communication device 1, the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 have dimensions in the direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1C) in which the dimension in the uniaxial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1C) is orthogonal to the uniaxial direction. It has a longer shape. Therefore, the surface area of each electrode can be sufficiently ensured without excessively increasing the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the uniaxial direction, thereby reducing the shape of the communication device 1 without sacrificing communication performance. It can be easy to carry.

  Moreover, when manufacturing the cylindrical electrode as described above, if the metal plate is simply rolled into a cylindrical shape, a cleavage point that reaches from the opening at one end of the cylinder to the opening at the other end can be formed. In the case of the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 described above, such a cleavage portion does not exist over the entire circumference. In addition, the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 are formed in a cylindrical shape and have a rotationally symmetric shape over the entire circumference. Therefore, unlike an electrode having a cleavage point or a non-cylindrical electrode, even if the direction of the communication device 1 is changed by rotating around the axis, the communication characteristics hardly change, and stable and uniform communication performance can be obtained. Can be secured.

  In the communication device 1, the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 have a structure in which there are no through holes penetrating in the direction intersecting the uniaxial direction over the entire circumference. The area functioning as an electrode can be increased, and communication performance can be improved.

  Further, in the communication device 1, the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 have the same shape and area of the openings at both ends thereof, so that the outer shape of the electrode becomes a columnar shape, and the pen-shaped exterior portion 3. It becomes an electrode convenient to be incorporated in such a columnar portion.

  Further, in the communication device 1, since the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 7 are located at the same position at both ends in the uniaxial direction, sufficient communication performance can be obtained without making the axial dimension of the reference electrode 5 excessive. It can be secured.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. However, the following embodiments are characterized in the form of the electrodes, and the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, the feature parts will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, in the second embodiment, the reference electrode 21 and the signal electrode 22 have different opening areas at both ends, and therefore, the outer shape of each electrode has a truncated cone shape. Even with the reference electrode 21 and the signal electrode 22 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

Further, when incorporating into a portion where one end is thinner than the other end, the reference electrode 21 and the signal electrode 22 are more convenient than those exemplified as the first embodiment.
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the third embodiment, the reference electrode 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the signal electrode 24 has different opening areas at both ends. Even with the reference electrode 23 and the signal electrode 24 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2C, in the fourth embodiment, the reference electrode 25 has an axial dimension shorter than that of the signal electrode 26, and both ends thereof exist between both ends of the signal electrode 26. Even with the reference electrode 25 and the signal electrode 26 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2D, in the fifth embodiment, the reference electrode 27 has a longer axial dimension than the signal electrode 28, and both ends of the reference electrode 27 protrude outside the signal electrode 28. Even with the reference electrode 27 and the signal electrode 28 having such a configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. However, the longer the reference electrode 27, the more likely the communication performance tends to be stable. With such a structure, communication performance can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 (e), in the sixth embodiment, the reference electrode 31 has a shorter axial dimension than the signal electrode 32, and this is the same as the fourth embodiment, but one end of the reference electrode 31. Exists between both ends of the signal electrode 32, and the other end of the reference electrode 31 is in the same position as the end of the signal electrode 32 in the axial direction. Even with the reference electrode 31 and the signal electrode 32 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 (f), in the seventh embodiment, the reference electrode 33 is longer in the axial direction than the signal electrode 34, and this is the same as the fifth embodiment, but one end of the reference electrode 33. Protrudes to the outside of the signal electrode 34, and the other end of the reference electrode 33 is in the same position as the end of the signal electrode 34 in the axial direction. Even with the reference electrode 33 and the signal electrode 34 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), in the eighth embodiment, the reference electrode 35 and the signal electrode 36 are cylindrical and have a cleavage portion that reaches from the opening at one end of the cylinder to the opening at the other end. It has become.

  Even with the reference electrode 35 and the signal electrode 36 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. Moreover, in the case of the reference electrode 35 and the signal electrode 36 having such a configuration, each electrode can be formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape, so that it can be easily manufactured as compared with a cylindrical electrode having no cleavage portion. The cost can be reduced accordingly.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the ninth embodiment, the reference electrode 37 is a cylindrical body without a cleavage site, and the signal electrode 38 is a cylindrical body with a cleavage site.

Even with the reference electrode 37 and the signal electrode 38 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.
[Tenth embodiment]
Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3C, in the tenth embodiment, the reference electrode 41 is a cylindrical body having a cleavage site, and the signal electrode 42 is a cylindrical body having no cleavage site.

Even with the reference electrode 41 and the signal electrode 42 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.
[Eleventh embodiment]
Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3D, in the eleventh embodiment, the reference electrode 43 and the signal electrode 44 are cylindrical and have a form with a cleavage portion. However, unlike the eighth embodiment, in the reference electrode 43 and the signal electrode 44, the positions of the cleavage positions are shifted in the circumferential direction.

Even with the reference electrode 43 and the signal electrode 44 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.
[Twelfth embodiment]
Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3E, in the twelfth embodiment, the reference electrode 45 and the signal electrode 46 are cylindrical and have a shape with a cleavage site. However, unlike the eighth embodiment, the signal electrode 44 has a structure in which no gap is formed at the cleavage site by overlapping both sides of the cleavage site.

  Even with the reference electrode 45 and the signal electrode 46 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, since there is a cleavage point, the signal electrode 46 can be formed by rolling the metal plate into a cylindrical shape, and since there is no gap at the cleavage point, the same performance as that of the cylindrical body without the cleavage point can be ensured.

In the twelfth embodiment, the signal electrode 46 has a structure in which both sides of the cleavage site are overlapped, but a similar structure may be used for the reference electrode.
[Thirteenth embodiment]
Next, a thirteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the thirteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 47 and the signal electrode 48 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. A notch 48A is formed at the top.

  Even with the reference electrode 47 and the signal electrode 48 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. Further, wiring can be performed via the notch 48A, or any protrusion in the communication apparatus can be released into the notch 48A.

[Fourteenth embodiment]
Next, a fourteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the fourteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 51 and the signal electrode 52 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. An opening 52A is formed at an intermediate position.

  Even with the reference electrode 51 and the signal electrode 52 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, wiring can be performed through the opening 52A, or any protrusion in the communication device can be released into the opening 52A.

[Fifteenth embodiment]
Next, a fifteenth embodiment is described. As shown in FIG. 4C, in the fifteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 53 and the signal electrode 54 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. A notch 53A is formed in the top.

  Even with the reference electrode 53 and the signal electrode 54 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, wiring can be performed via the notch 53A, or any protrusion on the inside or outside of the reference electrode 53 can be released into the notch 53A.

  In the thirteenth embodiment, an example is shown in which a notch 48A is formed at one end of the signal electrode 48. In the fifteenth embodiment, a notch 53A is formed at one end of the reference electrode 53. Although an example is shown, notches may be formed in both the reference electrode and the signal electrode. Moreover, the position and shape of the notch formed in these reference electrodes or signal electrodes are arbitrary.

[Sixteenth Embodiment]
Next, a sixteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4D, in the sixteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 55 and the signal electrode 56 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. An opening 55A is formed at an intermediate position.

  Even with the reference electrode 55 and the signal electrode 56 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, wiring can be performed through the opening 55A, or any protrusion on the inside or outside of the reference electrode 55 can be released into the opening 55A.

  In the fourteenth embodiment, an example in which the opening 52A is formed in the signal electrode 52 is shown. In the sixteenth embodiment, an example in which the opening 55A is formed in the reference electrode 55 is shown. Openings may be formed in both the reference electrode and the signal electrode. Further, the position and shape of the opening formed in the reference electrode or the signal electrode are arbitrary. Furthermore, the notch and the opening exemplified in the thirteenth to sixteenth embodiments may be combined with the notch and the opening.

[Seventeenth embodiment]
Next, a seventeenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the seventeenth embodiment, the reference electrode 57 and the signal electrode 58 have a stepped shape with irregularities on the outer periphery. Specifically, in the seventeenth embodiment, the shape of the concavo-convex portion is such that the cross-sectional shape of each convex portion is a quadrangle in the longitudinal cross-sectional view, and the cross-sectional shape of the concave portion between the convex portions is also a quadrangle.

  Even with the reference electrode 57 and the signal electrode 58 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, by forming such irregularities, the user's sweat and the like can escape to the concave portions.

[Eighteenth embodiment]
Next, an eighteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5C, in the eighteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 61 and the signal electrode 62 have a shape with irregularities on the outer periphery, as in the seventeenth embodiment. However, in the eighteenth embodiment, the shape of the concavo-convex portion is different from that in the seventeenth embodiment, and the cross-sectional shape of each convex portion is a semicircular shape in the longitudinal sectional view.

  Even with the reference electrode 57 and the signal electrode 58 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, by forming such irregularities, the user's sweat and the like can escape to the concave portions.

[Nineteenth Embodiment]
Next, a nineteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 (d), in the nineteenth embodiment, the reference electrode 61 and the signal electrode 62 have a shape with irregularities on the outer periphery, as in the seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments. However, in the nineteenth embodiment, the shape of the concavo-convex portion is different from those in the seventeenth embodiment and the eighteenth embodiment, and in the longitudinal sectional view, the sectional shape of each convex portion is a mountain shape (triangle, triangular tooth shape). ing.

  Even with the reference electrode 57 and the signal electrode 58 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, by forming such irregularities, the user's sweat and the like can escape to the concave portions.

  In the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments, some specific irregularities are illustrated, but irregularities may be formed in other shapes. Further, unevenness may be provided on only one of the reference electrode and the signal electrode.

[20th embodiment]
Next, a twentieth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the twentieth embodiment, the reference electrode 65 and the signal electrode 66 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that the reference electrode 65 and the signal electrode 66 are formed in a cylindrical shape. It is made of material.

  Even with the reference electrode 65 and the signal electrode 66 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. Further, since the signal electrode 66 is formed of a net-like material, even when an electrode having the same size is formed, the amount of the material used is reduced by the amount of the plurality of through holes penetrating in the direction intersecting the uniaxial direction. Therefore, the cost can be reduced and the weight of the electrode can be reduced. In addition to such a net-like material, the same effect can be expected when a material such as expanded metal or punching metal is processed into a cylindrical shape.

[Twenty-first embodiment]
Next, a twenty-first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6B, in the twenty-first embodiment, the reference electrode 67 and the signal electrode 68 are the same as in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. It is made of a net-like material.

  Even with the reference electrode 67 and the signal electrode 68 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In addition, since the reference electrode 67 is formed of a net-like material, as in the case of the twentieth embodiment, the cost can be reduced by reducing the amount of material used, and the electrode can be reduced in weight. You can also.

[Twenty-second embodiment]
Next, a twenty-second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6C, in the twenty-second embodiment, the reference electrode 71 and the signal electrode 72 are the same as those in the first embodiment in that they are formed in a cylindrical shape. Both of the signal electrodes 72 are formed of a net-like material.

  Even with the reference electrode 71 and the signal electrode 72 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. Further, since the reference electrode 71 and the signal electrode 72 are formed of a net-like material, the amount of material used can be reduced more than in the twentieth and twenty-first embodiments, and the cost can be reduced accordingly. Moreover, the weight of the electrode can be reduced.

[Twenty-third embodiment]
Next, a twenty-third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the twenty-third embodiment, the reference electrode 73 and the signal electrode 74 are formed in a hexagonal cylinder shape in which a hexagon appears in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Even with the reference electrode 73 and the signal electrode 74 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

[Twenty-fourth embodiment]
Next, a twenty-fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7B, in the twenty-fourth embodiment, the reference electrode 75 and the signal electrode 76 are formed in an octagonal cylinder shape in which an octagon appears in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Even with the reference electrode 75 and the signal electrode 76 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance.

  That is, as illustrated in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth embodiments, the reference electrode and the signal electrode are not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a rectangular tube shape. In addition, when employ | adopting such a square cylinder shape, it is not limited to the said hexagonal cylinder and an octagonal cylinder, The polygonal cylinder shape from which a cross-sectional shape turns into a polygonal shape can be employ | adopted arbitrarily.

[25th Embodiment]
Next, a twenty-fifth embodiment is described. As shown in FIG. 7C, in the twenty-fifth embodiment, the reference electrode 77 is not a cylindrical one, but a solid columnar one is adopted. The signal electrode 78 is a cylindrical one.
Even with the reference electrode 77 and the signal electrode 78 having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of communication performance. In other words, the reference electrode may be either a hollow structure with a lumen formed therein or a solid structure with no lumen formed therein.

[Modifications, etc.]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific one Embodiment, In addition, it can implement with a various form.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, some specific examples of the combination of the reference electrode and the signal electrode are illustrated, but in addition to this, the reference electrode illustrated in one embodiment and the signal illustrated in the other embodiment The electrodes may be combined, and the specific combination method is arbitrary.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated that the communication apparatus 1 had a transmission / reception function, you may be comprised as a transmission only machine and a reception only machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication apparatus, 3 ... Exterior part, 5, 21, 23, 25, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 43, 45, 47, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61, 65, 67, 71, 73, 75, 77... Reference electrode, 7, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34, 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 52, 54, 56, 58 , 62, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78... Signal electrode, 9... Control unit, 11. -Notch part, 52A, 55A ... opening part.

Claims (12)

A communication device for human body communication that can communicate with other devices via the user's body when worn by the user,
A reference electrode for providing a reference potential;
An opening is formed at both ends in at least one axial direction, and a signal electrode having a form surrounding the reference electrode at a portion between both ends,
"Control for transmitting a signal corresponding to a potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode to the other device by changing the potential of the signal electrode relative to the potential of the reference electrode" and “Control for receiving a signal corresponding to the detected potential difference from the other device by detecting a potential difference generated between the reference electrode and the signal electrode when a signal is transmitted from the other device” A communication device for human body communication, comprising: a communication control means capable of executing at least one of the controls. The communication device for human body communication according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode and the signal electrode have a shape in which the dimension in the uniaxial direction is longer than the dimension in a direction orthogonal to the uniaxial direction. 3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has a structure in which a cleavage point that reaches from the opening at one end to the opening at the other end does not exist over the entire circumference. Communication device for human body communication. The human body communication according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has a structure having a cleavage portion that continuously reaches from the opening at one end to the opening at the other end. Communication device. 5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has a structure in which a through hole penetrating in a direction intersecting the uniaxial direction does not exist over the entire circumference. The communication device for human body communication described. 5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has a structure having a plurality of through holes penetrating in a direction intersecting the uniaxial direction. Communication device for human body communication. The communication device for human body communication according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode is formed in a cylindrical shape. The said reference electrode or the said signal electrode is formed in the polygonal cylinder shape in which a polygonal cross section appears in the cross section perpendicular | vertical to the said uniaxial direction. The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Communication device for human body communication. The communication device for human body communication according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has the same shape and area of openings at both ends. The communication device for human body communication according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reference electrode or the signal electrode has different shapes or areas of openings at both ends. The communication device for human body communication according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reference electrode and the signal electrode have both ends in the same position in the uniaxial direction. The reference electrode and the signal electrode are located at positions where both ends of the signal electrode are between both ends of the reference electrode in the uniaxial direction. The communication device for human body communication according to the item.