Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0084115 filed on Sep. 7, 2009, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in a wearable computing system, and more specifically, to textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in wearable computing system that perform communication using a magnetic field. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    With the development of computing technology, a study for providing various types of personal computing environments has been actively conducted. In particular, the wearable computing studying textile and wearable computers is considered as the core field of the next-generation in computing technology. 
         [0006]    In the wearable computing field, there is a need for units capable of communicating with various devices, which are dispersed inside and outside a system such as clothes. As a result, a research field of the wearable computing field has developed, that is, a personal area network (PAN) and a fabric area network (FAN), including new methods thereof. 
         [0007]    The existing methods can be largely classified into a typical scheme that configures connecting parts on clothes, such as in a removable socket form connecting external devices, and a wireless scheme using a radio. The removable socket scheme, which is the most common scheme, has problems in that the attachment and detachment of the socket is inconvenient since a user needs to directly connect a socket built in the clothes with the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal should be separated from the socket every time the clothes need to be cleaned. In addition, there is a disadvantage in that the user is required to use waterproof treatment on a socket connector part of the clothes. 
         [0008]    On the other hand, the wireless scheme using a radio would use the existing low-power short range communication scheme such as radio frequency (RF), Zigbee, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB). 
         [0009]    In this case, in order to perform the short range wireless communication as described above, a predetermined communication module should be installed on the clothes and in order to supply power to the communication module, a separate power supply unit such as a battery is needed. Further, the wireless scheme using a radio is relatively weak in respect to security, such that it is difficult to secure reliable communication. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention proposes to solve the above problems. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal performing magnetic field communication with the clothes, which can be conveniently attached and detached to the mobile terminal while being water resistant, can be easily fabricated by a weave, and can provide excellent security through magnetic field communication. 
         [0012]    Magnetic field interface clothes according to the present invention relates to magnetic field interface clothes performing contactless magnetic field communication with a mobile terminal, the magnetic field interface clothes includes: a receiving part in which a mobile terminal is received and a coil part performing contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the mobile terminal at a position facing a coil part of the mobile terminal is formed, wherein the coil part formed in the receiving part, includes a first audio signal receiving coil that receives an L channel audio signal through a magnetic induction scheme from the coil part of the mobile terminal; and a second audio signal receiving coil that receives an R channel audio signal from the coil part of the mobile terminal by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0013]    The first audio signal receiving coil and the second audio signal receiving coil are formed in the receiving part to have different winding directions. 
         [0014]    The winding direction of the first audio signal receiving coil and the winding direction of the second audio signal receiving coil are orthogonal to each other. 
         [0015]    The coil part formed in the receiving part further includes a control signal transmitting coil formed in the receiving part. The control signal transmitting coil has a different winding direction from the ones of the first audio signal receiving coil and the second audio signal receiving coil. The control signal transmitting coil may transmit the control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal to a magnetic field sensor of the mobile terminal by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0016]    The magnetic field interface clothes further includes: a signal generator that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal according to control instructions from a user and transmits the generated control signals to the control signal transmitting coil; an AC/DC converter that is input with alternating current power through the control signal transmitting coil and converts and stores the input alternating power into direct current power; and a time synchronizer that controls the operations of the signal generator and the AC/DC converter so that the signal generator and the AC/DC converter are operated in a time division scheme. 
         [0017]    The coil part received in the receiving part further includes a mike signal transmitting coil formed in the receiving part. The mike signal transmitting coil has a different winding direction from the ones of the first audio signal receiving coil and the second audio signal receiving coil. The mike signal transmitting coil may transmit mike signals input through the mike to the magnetic field sensor of the mobile terminal by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0018]    Magnetic field interface clothes according to another embodiment relates to magnetic field interface clothes performing contactless magnetic field communication with a mobile terminal, the magnetic field interface clothes includes: a receiving part in which a mobile terminal is received and a coil part performing contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the mobile terminal at a position facing a coil part of the mobile terminal is formed, wherein the coil part formed in the receiving part includes a control signal transmitting coil that transmits control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal to a magnetic field sensor of the mobile terminal. 
         [0019]    The coil part formed in the receiving part further includes a power transmit signal receiving coil that is formed in the receiving part so as to have a different winding direction from the control signal transmitting coil, wherein the power transfer signal receiving coil receives power transfer signals from the coil part of the mobile terminal. 
         [0020]    The winding direction of the control signal transmitting coil and the winding direction of the power transfer signal receiving coil are orthogonal to each other. 
         [0021]    Magnetic field interface clothes according to another embodiment relates to the magnetic field interface clothes performing contactless magnetic field communication with a mobile terminal, the magnetic field interface clothes includes: a receiving part in which a mobile terminal is received and a coil part performing contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the mobile terminal at a position facing a coil part of the mobile terminal is formed, wherein the coil part formed in the receiving part includes a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil are received in the receiving part to have different winding directions. 
         [0022]    The winding direction of the first coil and the winding direction of the second coil are orthogonal to each other. 
         [0023]    A mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobile terminal received in magnetic field interface clothes and performing contactless magnetic field communication with the magnetic field interface clothes, the mobile terminal includes: a coil part performing the contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes at a position facing a coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes is formed, wherein the coil part performing the contactless magnetic field communication with the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes includes a first audio signal transmitting coil that transmits an L channel audio signal to the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes through a magnetic induction scheme; and a second audio signal transmitting coil that transmits an R channel audio signal to the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0024]    The first audio signal transmitting coil and the second audio signal transmitting coil are formed to have different winding directions. 
         [0025]    The winding direction of the first audio signal transmitting coil and the winding direction of the second audio signal transmitting coil are orthogonal to each other. 
         [0026]    The mobile terminal further includes a magnetic field sensor that receives control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, which are transmitted from the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0027]    The coil part performing the contactless magnetic field communication with the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes further includes a power transfer signal transmitting coil that transmits power transfer signals to the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0028]    The mobile terminal further includes a magnetic field sensor that receives mike signals transmitted from the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0029]    The first audio signal transmitting coil and the second audio signal transmitting coil are formed in the external apparatus that is connected to the external connector of the mobile terminal. 
         [0030]    A mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobile terminal received in magnetic field interface clothes and performing contactless magnetic field communication with the magnetic field interface clothes, the mobile terminal including: a power transfer signal transmitting coil that transmits power transfer signals to a coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes using a magnetic induction scheme at a position facing a coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes is formed; and a magnetic field sensor that receives control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, which are transmitted from the coil part of the magnetic field interface clothes using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0031]    The following effects can be obtained by the present invention. 
         [0032]    In the wearable computing system according to the present invention, the interface, which can communicate clothes with the mobile terminal, can be made without directly connecting the clothes with the mobile terminal (for example, a form receiving the mobile terminal in the pocket). 
         [0033]    In addition, since the mobile terminal is received when close to the clothes in order to perform the magnetic field communication, the mobile terminal can efficiently increase signal transmission efficiency including a low power structure while minimizing the signal attenuation phenomenon due to noise by accurately maintaining an axis arrangement at the time of performing the magnetic field communication between the coils having different axis arrangement. 
         [0034]    Moreover, since the clothes have a part made of conductive yarn according to the system, the durability is excellent and since natural clothes configured of only textile can be made, the clothes can be freely designed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  is a diagram for explaining frequency characteristics of an audio signal transmitted through contactless magnetic field communication; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing one example of a magnetic field interface apparatus applicable to the wearable computing system of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, the detailed description of a related known function or configuration that may make the purpose of the present invention unnecessarily ambiguous in describing the present invention will be omitted. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided so that those skilled in the art may more completely understand the present invention. Accordingly, the shape, the size, etc., of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for explicit comprehension. 
         [0050]    Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0051]    Coils formed on a mobile terminal and clothes are represented by a solid line in the following drawings. This is to help understand the present invention by describing in more detail the shapes of the coils but does not mean that the coils are formed on the outer surface of the mobile terminal and the clothes. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0052]      FIG. 1  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0053]    The wearable computing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  100  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  200 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the clothes  100  are provided with a receiving part (for example, a pocket) and the mobile terminal  200  of the user is received in the receiving part  110 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  110  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  200  or the mobile terminal  200  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  200  performs contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  100 . In the case of the magnetic field communication, the longer the distance, the more signal attenuation increases. As a result, it is preferable that a transmitting end and a receiving end are formed to be close to each other. In the present invention, since the mobile terminal  200  can be closely received in the clothes  100  in order to perform magnetic field communication, signal transmission efficiency becomes high, such that the low-power structure can be formed and the axis arrangement can be accurately maintained when the magnetic field communication is performed between the coils having different axis arrangements, and minimize the signal attenuation phenomenon due to noise. 
         [0055]    The receiving part  110  is formed with a secondary coil part that performs contactless magnetic field communication with a primary coil part  210  of the mobile terminal  200 . The contactless magnetic field communication is a wireless communication method using a basic principle that generates magnetic field around a conducting wire into which current flows and induces current to adjacent conducting wires due to the change in the magnetic field. The present invention uses the magnetic field communication method to communicate with the clothes  100  that has the mobile terminal  200 . 
         [0056]    The secondary coil part  112  is configured of a first coil  112   a  and a second coil  112   b,  which are made of conductive yarn (conducting wires in the textile form). In this case, the first coil  112   a  and the second coil  112   b  are formed on the receiving part  110  to have different axis arrangements. For example, the first coil  112   a  is formed to be wound in an X-axis direction along an internal surface or an external surface of the receiving part  110  and the second coil  112   b  is formed to be wound in a Y-axis direction along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part. 
         [0057]    The secondary coil part  112  receives an audio signal transmitted through a magnetic induction scheme from the primary coil part of the mobile terminal  200 . 
         [0058]    The secondary coil part  112  is electrically connected to an external audio output apparatus  130  (for example, ‘earphone’) through the conductive yarn  120  formed on the clothes  100 . For example, the first coil  112   a  of the secondary coil part  112  may be electrically connected to an L channel  130   b  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the first conductive yarn  120   a  and the second coil  112   b  of the secondary coil part  112  may be electrically connected to an R channel  130   a  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the second conductive yarn  120   b.    
         [0059]    Herein, the first coil  112   a  and the second coil  112   b  correspond to a first audio signal receiving coil and a second audio signal receiving coil, which are described in the claims. 
         [0060]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  200  includes a signal converter  202 , a low frequency signal amplifier  204 , and the primary coil part  210 . 
         [0061]    The signal converter  202  receives the audio signals and converts them into a form capable of transmitting the audio signals in the primary coil part  210  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0062]    The signals converted in the signal converter  202  is transmitted to the low frequency signal amplifier  204  and the low frequency signal amplifier  204  receives the converted signals, amplifies signals corresponding to a low frequency band, and transmits them to the primary coil part  210 . The signal converter  202  often means an equalizer. 
         [0063]    The signals transmitted to the primary coil part  210  are transmitted to the secondary coil part  112  on the clothes  100  by using the magnetic induction scheme and the transmitted signals are output through the audio output apparatus  130  without needing to configure specific circuits on the clothes  100 . In other words, the signals transmitted to the first coil  210   a  of the primary coil part  210  is transmitted to the first coil  112   a  of the secondary coil part  112  by using the magnetic induction scheme and the signals transmitted to the second coil  210   b  of the primary coil part  210  are transmitted to the second coil  112   b  of the secondary coil part  112  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0064]    Herein, the first coil  210   a  and the second coil  210   b  correspond to a first audio signal transmitting coil and a second audio signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in the claims. 
         [0065]    With the above configuration, since the clothes  100  have a part made of conductive yarn, the durability is excellent and the clothes can be naturally made of only textile, which allows the clothes to be freely designed. In particular, since the clothes are not limited to specific washing methods as well as not requiring a separate battery for supplying power to the audio output apparatus, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the attachment and detachment of a battery necessary for a specific washing method. 
         [0066]    Meanwhile, the signals induced to the secondary coil part  112  on the clothes  100  are attenuated in a low frequency band due to material characteristics of the first coil  112   a  and the second coil and frequency characteristics due to electromagnetic induction (see  FIG. 13 ). For this reason, in order to transmit high quality audio signals, it is required to amplify the signals of the low frequency band. Therefore, the low frequency signal amplifier  204  of the present invention amplifies the signals of the low frequency band in the audio signals to be transmitted and transmits them to the primary coil part  210 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0067]      FIG. 3  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0068]    The wearable computing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  300  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  350 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the clothes  300  are provided with a receiving part  310  and the mobile terminal  350  of the user is received in the receiving part  310 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  310  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  350  or the mobile terminal  350  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  350  performs contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  300 . 
         [0070]    The receiving part  310  is formed with a first coil  312  that transmits control signals to a magnetic field sensor  352  by using the magnetic induction scheme. The first coil  312  is operated as the primary coil part and is wound along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part  310 . 
         [0071]    Herein, the first coil  312  corresponds to the control signal transmitting coil, which is described in the claims. 
         [0072]    The clothes  300  include a control signal generator  340  that generates the control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal  350  according to the control instructions from the user and the control signal generator  340  is electrically connected to the first coil  312  formed in the receiving part  310  through the conductive yarn  330 . 
         [0073]    More specifically, the control signal generator  340  includes a control button unit  342 , a signal generator  344 , and a power supply unit  346 . 
         [0074]    It is preferable that the control button unit  342  is a user interface unit to receive the control instructions from the user and is made of a textile in consideration of the clothes washing method, etc. 
         [0075]    The signal generator  344  generates the control signals corresponding to the user instructions input through the control button unit  342  and transmits them to the first coil  312 . In this case, the signal generator  344  may use a modulation method, such as AM, FM, digital, etc. 
         [0076]    The power supply unit  346  performs a role of supplying power necessary to generate the control signals in the signal generator  344 . Generally, the power supply unit such as a battery may be applied. 
         [0077]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  350  includes a magnetic field sensor  352 , a signal recovering unit  354 , and a terminal controller  356 . 
         [0078]    The magnetic field sensor  352  senses control signals transmitted from the first coil  312  on the clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme and transmits the sensed control signals to the signal recovering unit  354 . As the magnetic field sensor  352 , a uniaxial magnetic field sensor for sensing the control signals transmitted from the first coil  312  or a magnetic inducible coil can be used. 
         [0079]    The signal recovering unit  354  detects the control signals sensed in the magnetic field sensor  352  using a band-pass filter, etc. 
         [0080]    The terminal controller  356  controls the operation of the mobile terminal  350  (for example, music reproduction, etc.) based on the control signals detected through the signal recovering unit  354 . 
         [0081]    Through the above configuration, the mobile terminals, such as a mobile phone, an MP3 player, a PMP, etc., can be controlled using the magnetic field communication without using connecting units such as a connector. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0082]      FIG. 5  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0083]    The wearable computing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  400  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  450 . 
         [0084]    Comparing the third embodiment with the second embodiment, a control signal generator  440  in the third embodiment does not include a separate power supply unit (for example, the power supply unit of  FIG. 4 ), unlike the control signal generator  340  in the second embodiment. In other words, the control signal generator  440  of  FIG. 6  is operated by being supplied with power from the portable terminal  400  by using the magnetic induction scheme, which will be described below in more detail. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the clothes  400  are provided with a receiving part (for example, pocket) and the mobile terminal  450  of the user is received in the receiving part  410 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  410  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  450  or the mobile terminal  450  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  450  perform contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  400 . In the present invention, since the mobile terminal  450  is received closed to the clothes  400  in order to perform the magnetic field communication, the mobile terminal can increase signal transfer efficiency having a low power structure and can minimize the signal attenuation phenomenon due to noise by accurately maintaining an axis arrangement at the time of performing the magnetic field communication between the coils having different axis arrangement. 
         [0086]    The receiving unit  410  is formed with a secondary coil part (first coil  412 ) performing contactless magnetic field communication with a primary coil part (first coil  456 ) of the mobile terminal  450 , and a primary coil part (second coil  414 ) transmitting control signals from the control signal generator  440  to a magnetic field sensor  452  of the mobile terminal  450  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0087]    The first coil  412  operated as the second coil part and the second coil  414  operated as the primary coil part are made of conductive yarn (conductive wires in the form of textile) and the first coil  412  and the second coil  414  are formed on the receiving part  410  to have different axial arrangements. For example, the first coil  412  is formed to be wound in an X-axis direction along an internal surface or an external surface of the receiving unit  410  and the second coil  414  is formed to be wound in a Y-axis direction along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part  410 . 
         [0088]    The clothes  400  include a control signal generator  440  that generates the control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal  450  according to the control instructions from the user and the control signal generator  440  is electrically connected to the first coil  412  and the second coil  414  formed in the receiving part  410  through the conductive yarn  430 . 
         [0089]    Herein, the first coil  412  and the second coil  414  correspond to the power transfer signal receiving coil and the control signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in the claims. 
         [0090]    Describing in more detail with reference to  FIG. 6 , the control signal generator  440  includes an AC/DC converter  416 , a signal generator  446 , and a control button unit  442 . 
         [0091]    The AC/DC converter  416  is electrically connected to the first coil  412  of the receiving part  410  through the first conductive yarn  430   a,  receives alternating current power from the first coil  412  and converts it into direct current power, and supplies it to the signal generator  446 . 
         [0092]    The control button unit  442  is a user interface unit for receiving the control instructions from the user and is configured in the form of textile. 
         [0093]    The signal generator  446  generates the control signals corresponding to the user instructions input through the control button unit  442  and transmits them to the second coil  414  of the receiving part  410 . In this case, the signal generator  446  may use a modulation method, such as AM, FM, digital, etc. 
         [0094]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  450  includes a power supply unit  460 , a power transfer signal generator  462 , the first coil  456 , a terminal controller  472 , a signal recovering unit  470 , and the magnetic field sensor  452 . 
         [0095]    The power transfer signal generator  462  receives power from the power supply unit  460  and generates power transfer signals for supplying power to the control signal generator  440  on the clothes  400 . 
         [0096]    The power transfer signals generated in the power transfer signal generator  462  are transmitted to the first coil  456  and the first coil  456  transmits the power transfer signals to the first coil  412  on the clothes  400  by using the magnetic induction scheme. Herein, the first coil  456  of the mobile terminal  450  corresponds to the power transfer signal transmitting coil, which is described in the claims. 
         [0097]    The magnetic field sensor  452  senses the control signals transmitted from the second coil  414  on the clothes  400  by using the magnetic induction scheme and transmits the sensed control signals to the signal recovering unit  470 . As the magnetic field sensor  452 , the uniaxial magnetic field sensor for sensing the control signals transmitted from the second coil  414  or the magnetic inducible coil can be used. 
         [0098]    The signal recovering unit  470  detects the control signals sensed in the magnetic field sensor  452  using the band-pass filter, etc. 
         [0099]    The terminal controller  472  controls the operation of the mobile terminal  450  (for example, music reproduction, etc.) based on the control signals detected through the signal recovering unit  470 . Through the above configuration, the mobile terminals, such as a mobile phone, an MP3 player, a PMP, etc., can be controlled using the magnetic field communication without using connection units such as a connector. 
         [0100]    With the above configuration, since a separate battery for supplying power to the control signal generator  440  is not needed, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the attachment and detachment of a battery necessary for performing a specific washing method. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0101]      FIG. 7  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0102]    The wearable computing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  500  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  550 . 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the clothes  500  are provided with a receiving part  510  and the mobile terminal  550  of the user is received in the receiving part  510 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  510  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  550  or the mobile terminal  550  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  550  performs contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  500 . In the present invention, since the mobile terminal  550  is received close to the clothes  500  to perform the magnetic field communication, the mobile terminal can increase the signal transfer efficiency by having a low power structure and minimize the signal attenuation phenomenon due to noise by accurately maintaining an axis arrangement at the time of performing the magnetic field communication between the coils having different axis arrangement. 
         [0104]    The receiving unit  510  is formed with a secondary coil part  512  performing contactless magnetic field communication with a primary coil part  556  of the mobile terminal  550  and a primary coil part  514  (third coil) transmitting control signals to a magnetic field sensor  552  of the mobile terminal  550  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0105]    The secondary coil part  512  of the receiving part  510  is configured of a first coil  512   a  and a second coil  512   b,  which are made of conductive yarn (a conducting wire in the form of textile). In this case, the first coil  512   a  and the second coil  112   b  are formed on the receiving part  510  to have different axis arrangements. For example, the first coil  512   a  is formed to be wound in an X-axis direction along an internal surface or an external surface of the receiving unit  510  and the second coil  512   b  is formed to be wound in a Y-axis direction along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part  510 . 
         [0106]    The secondary coil part  512  is electrically connected to an external audio output apparatus  130  (for example, ‘earphone’) through the conductive yarn  520  formed on the clothes  500 . For example, the first coil  512   a  of the secondary coil part  512  may be electrically connected to the L channel  130   b  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the first conductive yarn  520   a  and the second coil  512   b  of the secondary coil part  512  may be electrically connected to an R channel  130   a  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the second conductive yarn  520   b.    
         [0107]    In addition, the receiving part  510  is formed with the primary coil part  514  (third coil) made of conductive yarn and the third coil  514  is formed in the receiving part  510  to have an axis arrangement different from the first coil  512   a  and the second coil  512   b  of the secondary coil part  512 . For example, the third coil  514  is formed in a twister shape to have a Z-axis arrangement on the internal surface or the outer surface of the receiving part  510  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0108]    Herein, the first coil  512   a,  the second coil  512   b,  and the third coil  514  correspond to a first audio signal receiving coil, a second audio signal receiving coil, and a control signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in claims. 
         [0109]    The clothes  500  include a control signal generator  540  that generates the control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal  550  according to the control instructions from the user and the control signal generator  540  is electrically connected to the third coil  514  formed in the receiving part  510  through the conductive yarn  530 . 
         [0110]    The control signal generator  540  includes a control button unit  542 , a signal generator  544 , and a power supply unit  546 . 
         [0111]    The control button unit  542  is a user interface unit for receiving the control instructions from the user and is configured in the form of textile. 
         [0112]    The signal generator  544  generates the control signals corresponding to the user instructions input through the control button unit  542  and transmits them to the third coil  514 . In this case, the signal generator  544  may use a modulation method, such as AM, FM, digital, etc. 
         [0113]    The power supply unit  546  performs a role of supplying power necessary to generate the control signals in the signal generator  544 . Generally, the power supply unit such as a battery may be applied. 
         [0114]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  550  includes a signal converter  562 , a low frequency signal amplifier  564 , the primary coil part  556 , the magnetic field sensor  552  includes a signal recovering unit  570 , and a terminal controller  572 . 
         [0115]    The signal converter  562  receives the audio signals and converts them into a form capable of transmitting the audio signals in the primary coil part  556  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0116]    The signals converted in the signal converter  562  is transmitted to the low frequency signal amplifier  564  and the low frequency signal amplifier  564  receives the converted signals, amplifies signals corresponding to a low frequency band, and transmits them to the primary coil part  556 . 
         [0117]    The signals transmitted to the primary coil part  556  are transmitted to the secondary coil part  512  on the clothes by using the magnetic induction scheme and the transmitted signals are output through the audio output apparatus  130  without needing to configure specific circuits on the clothes  500 . In other words, the signals transmitted to the first coil  556   a  of the primary coil part  556  is transmitted to the first coil  512   a  of the secondary coil part  512  by using the magnetic induction scheme and the signals transmitted to the second coil  556   b  of the primary coil part  556  are transmitted to the second coil  512   b  of the secondary coil part  512  by using the magnetic induction scheme. Herein, the first coil  556   a  and the second coil  556   b  of the primary coil part  556  correspond to a first audio signal transmitting coil and a second audio signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in claims. 
         [0118]    The magnetic field sensor  552  senses control signals transmitted from the third coil  514  of the receiving part  510  by using the magnetic induction scheme and transmits the sensed control signal to the signal recovering unit  570 . As the magnetic field sensor  552 , the uniaxial magnetic field sensor for sensing the control signals transmitted from the third coil  514  or the magnetic inducible coil can be used. 
         [0119]    The signal recovering unit  570  detects the control signals sensed in the magnetic field sensor  552  using a band-pass filter, etc. 
         [0120]    The terminal controller  572  controls the operation of the mobile terminal  550  (for example, music reproduction, etc.) based on the control signals detected through the signal recovering unit  570 . 
         [0121]    Through the above configuration, the mobile terminals, such as a mobile phone, an MP3 player, a PMP, etc., can be controlled using the magnetic field communication without using connection units such as a connector. In addition, since the wearable computing system of the present invention performs multi-axial magnetic field communication, the bidirectional information transmission between the clothes  500  and the mobile terminal  550  can be made. In other words, it is possible to control the operation of the mobile terminal  550  while the audio signal of the mobile terminal  550  is transmitted to the external audio output apparatus and at the same time, the control signals generated in the control signal generator  540  are transmitted to the mobile terminal  550 . 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0122]      FIG. 9  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0123]    The wearable computing system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  600  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  650 . 
         [0124]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the clothes  600  are provided with a receiving part  610  and the mobile terminal  650  of the user is received in the receiving part  610 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  610  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  650  or the mobile terminal  650  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  650  performs contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  600 . In the present invention, since the mobile terminal  650  is received close to the clothes  600  in order to perform the magnetic field communication, the mobile terminal can increase signal transfer efficiency having a low power structure while minimizing the signal attenuation phenomenon due to noise by accurately maintaining an axis arrangement at the time of performing the magnetic field communication between the coils having different axis arrangement. 
         [0125]    The receiving unit  610  is formed with a secondary coil part  614  performing contactless magnetic field communication with a primary coil part  656  of the mobile terminal  650  and a primary coil part  616  transmitting control signals to a magnetic field sensor  652  of the mobile terminal  650  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0126]    The secondary coil part  614  of the receiving part  610  is configured of a first coil  612   b,  a second coil  612   a,  and a third coil  612   c,  which are made of conductive yarn (a conducting wire in the form of textile). 
         [0127]    In this case, each of the first coil  612   b,  the second coil  612   a,  and the third coil  612   c  is formed on the receiving part  610  to have different axis arrangements. For example, the first coil  612   b  is formed to be wound in an X-axis direction along an internal surface or an external surface of the receiving unit  610  and the second coil  612   a  is formed to be wound in a Y-axis direction along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part  610 . The third coil  612   c  is formed to have a twister shape on a Z-axis arrangement on the internal surface or the outer surface of the receiving part  610  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0128]    The first coil  612   b  and the second coil  612   a  of the secondary coil part  614  are electrically connected to the external audio output apparatus  130  (for example, ‘earphone’) through the conductive yarn  620  formed on the clothes  600 . For example, the first coil  612   b  of the secondary coil part  614  may be electrically connected to the R channel  130   a  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the first conductive yarn  620   b  and the second coil  612   a  of the secondary coil part  614  may be electrically connected to the L channel  130   b  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the second conductive yarn  612   a.    
         [0129]    Herein, the first coil  612   b,  the second coil  612   a,  and the third coil  612   c  correspond to a first audio signal receiving coil, a second audio signal receiving coil, and a control signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in the claims. 
         [0130]    The clothes  600  include a control signal generator  640  that generates the control signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal  650  according to the control instructions from the user and the control signal generator  640  is electrically connected to the primary coil part  612   c  (third coil) formed in the receiving part  610  through the conductive yarn  630 . Herein, the third coil  612   c  is operated as the secondary coil part  614  that receives the power transfer signals from the primary coil part  656  of the mobile terminal  650  by using the magnetic induction scheme or is operated as the primary coil part  616  that transmits the control signals from the control signal generator  640  to the magnetic field sensor  652  of the mobile terminal  650  by using the magnetic induction scheme. This will be described below in more detail. 
         [0131]    The control signal generator  640  includes a control button unit  642 , a power supply unit  644 , an AC/DC converter  645 , a signal generator  646 , and a time synchronizer  648 . 
         [0132]    The control button unit  642  is a user interface unit for receiving the control instructions from the user and is configured in the form of textile. 
         [0133]    The signal generator  646  generates the control signals corresponding to the user instructions input through the control button unit  642  and transmits them to the third coil  612   c.  In this case, the signal generator  544  may use a modulation method, such as AM, FM, digital, etc. 
         [0134]    The power supply unit  646  performs a role of supplying power necessary to generate the control signals in the signal generator  544  and receives power from the AC/DC converter  645  and stores it. 
         [0135]    The AC/DC converter  645  is electrically connected to the third coil  612   c  of the receiving part  610  through the conductive yarn  630 , receives alternating current power from the third coil  612   c  and converts it into direct current power, and supplies it to the power supply unit  644 . 
         [0136]    The time synchronizer  648  is controlled so that each of the signal generator  646  and the AC/DC converter  645  is operated in a time division scheme. More specifically, the time synchronizer  648  is controlled so that when the power transfer signals from the mobile terminal  650  are transmitted to the third coil  612   c,  it converts power in the AC/DC converter  645  and then, stores the converted power in the power supply unit  644 . On the other hand, when the power transfer signals from the mobile terminal  650  are not transmitted to the third coil  612   c,  the time synchronizer  648  waits for the user input through the control button unit  642 . In other words, the fifth embodiment uses one induction coil  612   c  (third coil) to receive power from the mobile terminal  650  or transmits the control signals generated in the control signal generator  640  to the mobile terminal  650 . 
         [0137]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  650  includes a signal converter  662 , a low frequency signal amplifier  664 , and the primary coil part  656  includes a magnetic field sensor  652 , a power supply unit  672 , a power transfer signal generator  674 , a time synchronizer  676 , a signal recovering unit  678 , and a terminal controller  680 . 
         [0138]    The signal converter  662  receives the audio signals and converts them into a form capable of transmitting the audio signals in the primary coil part  656  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0139]    The signals converted in the signal converter  662  is transmitted to the low frequency signal amplifier  664  and the low frequency signal amplifier  664  receives the converted signals, amplifies signals corresponding to a low frequency band, and transmits them to a first coil  656   a  and a second coil  656   b  of the primary coil part  656 . 
         [0140]    The audio signals transmitted to the primary coil part  656  are transmitted to the secondary coil part  614  on the clothes  100  by using the magnetic induction scheme and the transmitted signals are output through the audio output apparatus  130  without needing to configure specific circuits on the clothes  600 . In other words, the audio signals transmitted to the first coil  656   a  of the primary coil part  656  is transmitted to the first coil  612   b  of the secondary coil part  614  by using the magnetic induction scheme and the audio signals transmitted to the second coil  656   b  of the primary coil part  656  are transmitted to the second coil  612   a  of the secondary coil part  614  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0141]    The power transfer signal generator  674  receives power from the power supply unit  672  and generates power transfer signals for supplying power to the control signal generator  640  on the clothes  600 . 
         [0142]    The power transfer signals generated in the power transfer signal generator  462  are transmitted to the third coil  656   c  of the primary coil part  656  and the third coil  656   c  transmits the power transfer signals to the third coil  612   c  on the clothes  600  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0143]    Herein, the first coil  656   a,  the second coil  656   b,  and the third coil  656   c  of the primary coil part  656  correspond to the first audio signal transmitting coil, the second audio signal transmitting coil, and the power transfer signal transmitting coil, respectively, which are described in the claims. 
         [0144]    The magnetic field sensor  652  senses the control signals transmitted from the third coil  612   c  on the clothes  600  by using the magnetic induction scheme and transmits the sensed control signals to the signal recovering unit  678 . As the magnetic field sensor  652 , the uniaxial magnetic field sensor for sensing the control signals transmitted from the third coil  612   c  or the magnetic inducible coil can be used. 
         [0145]    The signal recovering unit  678  detects the control signals sensed in the magnetic field sensor  452  using the band-pass filter, etc. 
         [0146]    The terminal controller  680  controls the operation of the mobile terminal  650  based on the control signals detected through the signal recovering unit  678 . 
         [0147]    The time synchronizer  676  operates each of the power transfer signal generator  674  and the signal recovering unit  678  in a time division structure. More specifically, the time synchronizer  676  supplies power to the clothes  600  through the third coil  656   c  for a predetermined time and then, confirms whether the control signals from the clothes  600  are sensed through the magnetic field sensor  652  for a predetermined time. The time synchronizer  676  repeats the process and operates the power transfer signal generator  674  and the signal recovering unit  678  in a time division structure. 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0148]      FIG. 11  is an exemplified diagram for explaining a wearable computing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a block diagram for explaining in detail a configuration of textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and a mobile terminal in the wearable computing system of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0149]    The wearable computing system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes textile-based magnetic field interface clothes  700  (hereinafter, referred to as ‘clothes’) and a mobile terminal  750 . 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the clothes  600  are provided with a receiving part  710  and the mobile terminal  750  of the user is received in the receiving part  710 . In this case, it is preferable that a size of the receiving part  710  is the same as that of the mobile terminal  750  or the mobile terminal  750  is formed to have only a slight gap. This is to more stably perform magnetic field communication by increasing a flux density when the mobile terminal  750  performs contactless magnetic field communication with the clothes  700 . 
         [0151]    The receiving unit  710  is formed with a secondary coil part  714  performing contactless magnetic field communication with a primary coil part  756  of the mobile terminal  750  and a primary coil part  712   c  (third coil) transmitting mike signals to a magnetic field sensor  752  of the mobile terminal  750  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0152]    The secondary coil part  714  of the receiving part  710  is configured of a first coil  712   b  and a second coil  712   a,  which are made of the conductive yarn (a conducting wire in the form of textile). 
         [0153]    In this case, each of the first coil  712   b  and the second coil  712   a  is formed on the receiving part  710  to have different axis arrangements. For example, the first coil  712   b  is formed to be wound in an X-axis direction along an internal surface or an external surface of the receiving unit  710  and the second coil  712   a  is formed to be wound in a Y-axis direction along the internal surface or the external surface of the receiving part  710  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0154]    The first coil  712   b  and the second coil  712   a  of the secondary coil part  714  are electrically connected to the external audio output apparatus  130  (for example, ‘earphone’) through the conductive yarn  720  formed on the clothes  700 . For example, the first coil  712   b  of the secondary coil part  714  may be electrically connected to the R channel  130   a  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the first conductive yarn  720   b  and the second coil  712   a  of the secondary coil part  714  may be electrically connected to the L channel  130   b  of the audio output apparatus  130  through the second conductive yarn  712   a.    
         [0155]    Herein, the first coil  712   b  and the second coil  712   a  correspond to the first audio signal receiving coil and the second audio signal receiving coil, which are described in the claims. The following third coil  712   c  corresponds to a mike signal transmitting coil, which is described in the claims. 
         [0156]    In addition, the receiving part  710  is formed with the primary coil part  712   c  (third coil) made of conductive yarn and the third coil  712   c  is formed in the receiving part  710  to have an axis arrangement different from the first coil  712   b  and the second coil  712   a  of the secondary coil part  714 . For example, the third coil  712   c  is formed to have a twister shape in a Z-axis arrangement on the internal surface or the outer surface of the receiving part  710  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0157]    The clothes  700  include a signal amplifier  748 , a signal generator  746 , and a power supply unit  744 . 
         [0158]    The signal generator  746  is electrically connected to a voice input apparatus  740  (for example, ‘mike’) through the conductive yarn  730  and receives the user&#39;s voice through the voice input apparatus  740  to generate the mike signal. The power supply unit  744  supplies power necessary to generate the mike signals in the signal generator  746  and the signal amplifier  748  amplifies the mike signals generated in the signal generator  746  and transmits them to the third coil  712   c.  Then, the third coil  712   c  receives the mike signals amplified from the signal amplifier  748  and transmits them to the magnetic field sensor  752  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0159]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  750  includes a signal converter  762 , a low frequency signal amplifier  764 , and the primary coil part  756 , a magnetic field sensor  752 , a power supply unit  672 , and a signal recovering unit  678 . 
         [0160]    The signal converter  762  receives the audio signals and converts them into a form capable of transmitting the audio signals in the primary coil part  756  by using the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0161]    The signals converted in the signal converter  762  are transmitted to the low frequency signal amplifier  764  and the low frequency signal amplifier  764  receives the converted signals, amplifies signals corresponding to a low frequency band, and transmits them to a first coil  756   a  and a second coil  756   b  of the primary coil part  756 . 
         [0162]    The audio signals transmitted to the primary coil part  756  are transmitted to the secondary coil part  714  on the clothes  700  through the magnetic induction scheme and the transmitted signals are output through the audio output apparatus  130  without needing to configure specific circuits on the clothes  700 . In other words, the audio signals transmitted to the first coil  756   a  of the primary coil part  756  is transmitted to the first coil  712   b  of the secondary coil part  714  through the magnetic induction scheme and the audio signals transmitted to the second coil  756   b  of the primary coil part  756  are transmitted to the second coil  712   a  of the secondary coil part  714  through the magnetic induction scheme. 
         [0163]    Herein, the first coil  756   a  and the second coil  756   b  correspond to the first audio signal transmitting coil and the second audio signal transmitting coil, which are described in the claims. 
         [0164]    The magnetic field sensor  752  senses the mike signals transmitted from the third coil  712   c  on the clothes  700  by the magnetic induction scheme and transmits the sensed mike signals to the signal recovering unit  778 . As the magnetic field sensor  752 , the uniaxial magnetic field sensor for sensing the control signals transmitted from the third coil  712   c  or the magnetic inducible coil can be used. 
         [0165]    The signal recovering unit  778  detects and recovers the mike signals sensed in the magnetic field sensor  752  using the band-pass filter, etc. 
         [0166]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing one example of a magnetic field interface apparatus applicable to the wearable computing system of the present invention. 
         [0167]    Meanwhile, the foregoing descriptions and drawings describe the case where the primary coil part and the secondary coil part are built in the mobile terminal, as shown at the left of  FIG. 14 . However, in order to perform the magnetic field communication with the textile-based magnetic field interface clothes of the present invention, the magnetic field interface apparatus can be implemented as a dongle type of a magnetic field interface apparatus connected to the connector (for example, a USB connector, a TTA 24 pin connector, etc.) of the mobile terminal, as shown at the right of  FIG. 14 . In this case, the coil shape and function implemented on the magnetic field interface can be easily derived from those skilled in the art through the foregoing descriptions and drawings. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. 
         [0168]    Since the magnetic field interface clothes in the wearable computing system according to the present invention performs the communication with the mobile terminal by using the magnetic field, it can be implemented without using the wireless communication module (including a power supply at both ends thereof) by directly connecting the connector or using the RF. In addition, since the wearable computing system according to the present invention can be applied to any portions of clothes and the clothes and the mobile terminal perform near-magnetic field communication, the security of communication is excellent. 
         [0169]    Some steps of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable code in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording media include all types of recording apparatuses where data can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, HDD, an optical disk, an optical magnetic storage device, etc., and in addition, include a recording medium implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet). Further, the computer-readable recording media are distributed on computer systems connected through the network, and thus the computer-readable recording media may be stored and executed as the computer-readable code by a distribution scheme. 
         [0170]    As described above, the exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated in the drawings and the description. Herein, specific terms have been used, but are just used for the purpose of describing the present invention and are not used for qualifying the meaning or limiting the scope of the present invention, which is disclosed in the appended claims. Therefore, it will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that various modifications are made and other equivalent embodiments are available. Accordingly, the actual protection of the technical scope of the present invention must be determined by the spirit of the appended claims.

Technology Category: a