Multifunctional smart ring system with integrated health measurement, biometric user authentication, NFC payment function, digital access system, security loop and piezoelectric alarm function.

Abstract

Multifunctional smart ring system comprising an electronic ring and an associated software application, the ring comprising the following components: a) an NFC module and a Secure Element for storing and executing tokenized payment data and digital access keys, b) a biometric verification system that creates a reference profile of the user based on physiological signals and compares current measurement data with this profile in order to enable or block payment and access functions, c) Security loops as an alternative security procedure in case of unavailability or failure of biometric verification, with optional manual re-release d) Sensors for recording physiological parameters including heart rate, heart rate variability, optionally oxygen saturation, temperature trends, activity and sleep data, e) an accelerometer and optionally a gyroscope for motion detection, f) a piezoelectric haptic element for generating a virtually silent wake-up pulse, g) a Bluetooth Low Energy communication unit configured to establish a wireless data connection to the software application and optionally to an electronic display device. h) a power supply with micro battery and inductive charging unit, wherein the software application serves to analyze the measurement data, to manage the tokens and digital keys, and optionally to control the security logic.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to a ring-shaped electronic device (smart ring) used for measuring physiological parameters, user authentication, contactless payment processing, the use of digital access keys, and the generation of a silent wake-up pulse. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated software system for managing and controlling these functions. State of the art:

[0002] Familiar wearables such as smartwatches or fitness trackers are capable of performing individual functions like health monitoring or contactless payment. Electronic access systems often operate with separate NFC cards or key fobs. A system that combines several of these functions in a compact ring and additionally includes biometric authorization, an adaptive security loop in case of biometric failure, and a piezoelectric alarm element is not disclosed in the prior art. Description of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an electronic ring system that integrates several technical functional areas into a compact, water-resistant ring housing. The system preferably comprises the following features: 1. NFC module with Secure Element

[0004] An NFC module with an integrated Secure Element, designed for storing and executing tokenized payment data and managing digital access keys for electronic locks and access systems. 2. Biometric verification system

[0005] A biometric system that captures and evaluates physiological signals of the user, including heart rate variability, oxygen saturation patterns and temperature trends, in order to release sensitive functions such as payment transactions or digital access releases only when they match a previously stored user profile. 3. Safety loop in case of biometric failure

[0006] A time-based proximity control system uses regular monitoring of Bluetooth Low Energy signal strength or other distance indicators between the ring and the authorized device to verify the ring's continued authorization when biometric verification is temporarily unavailable. If proximity confirmation is not received within a defined timeframe, payment and access are automatically deactivated. Manual reactivation via the device using a password, security code, or two-factor authentication is optional. 4. Health sensors

[0007] Sensors for recording physical parameters such as heart rate, heart rate variability, temperature trends, activity level, sleep stages, and calorie consumption. Optionally, the system includes the analysis of cycle-related patterns. 5. Motion sensors and gesture recognition

[0008] An accelerometer and optionally a gyroscope for detecting movement patterns or gestures that can be used to control functions such as media playback. 6. Piezoelectric element

[0009] A piezoelectric element for generating a silent haptic wake-up impulse that does not require any acoustically perceptible vibration. 7. Bluetooth low energy communication

[0010] A BLE communication unit for data transmission with an associated software application that includes analysis functions, configurations, security controls and device management. 8. Power supply unit

[0011] A micro battery with energy-optimized power management and an inductive charging unit that enables regular, short-term charging of the ring. 9. Find my Ring feature

[0012] A localization function in which the ring periodically or on demand sends identifiable BLE signals to the connected device to determine its relative proximity. Optionally, the ring can trigger piezoelectric haptic feedback or another alternative signal, whereby the localization function itself is not necessarily dependent on this feedback signal. Functionally equivalent methods are also included. 10. Optional Trusted Zones

[0013] The end device can signal to the ring that the user is in a previously defined trusted environment, for example using WLAN fingerprints, without the ring itself needing to have a WLAN function. Detailed description of the NFC module and Secure Element:

[0014] The ring includes an NFC module that enables contactless transactions. A secure element stores tokenized payment data provided via an external token system. The software application manages token provisioning and deactivation without displaying or storing the tokenized data itself. Biometric verification:

[0015] The ring features sensors for measuring physiological parameters, from which a biometric reference profile is created during an initial phase. Before executing sensitive functions, the system compares current measurement data with the reference profile. If deviations exceed defined thresholds, the relevant functions are disabled. Security loop in case of unavailability of biometric verification and / or loss or theft:

[0016] If biometric verification is temporarily unavailable or fails, an alternative security loop is activated. This loop is based on a time-based proximity check between the ring and a paired device.

[0017] The software application allows you to define a time period within which at least one successful proximity detection must occur. Detection can be based on BLE signal strength, location proximity, or other indicators. If no detection occurs within the defined time period, payment and access functions are automatically deactivated.

[0018] The user can manually restore access via the software application if needed, for example by entering a password, a security code, or using two-factor authentication. The security loop can include additional parameters, such as the quality of the wireless connection or the frequency of device communication. Health sensors:

[0019] The ring incorporates sensors for measuring physiological parameters such as heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, temperature trends, activity patterns, and sleep characteristics. The collected data is analyzed in the software application and can be used to identify long-term patterns, including cycle-related analyses. Motion sensors:

[0020] An accelerometer and, optionally, a gyroscope detect the user's movements and gestures. The software application can then assign movement patterns to specific control commands. Piezoelectric alarm element:

[0021] A piezoelectric actuator or bending beam generates short, virtually silent wake-up pulses. This function enables discreet and targeted waking without any acoustic noise. Bluetooth low energy communication:

[0022] BLE is used for data transmission between the ring and the software application. This connection enables the synchronization of health data, the updating of digital keys, authorization-related checks, and the activation or reactivation of security-related functions. Digital access keys:

[0023] The ring can store digital access keys and transmit them to electronic locking systems via NFC or BLE. The keys can be time-limited or permanent. The software application allows users to add, remove, or block such keys, as well as remotely lock the device in case of loss. Energy supply:

[0024] A micro battery integrated into the ring powers all components. Charging is inductive via a corresponding charging unit. A fast charging function is available as an option. Advantages of the invention:

[0025] The invention enables the compact integration of multiple functions into a single portable device. The combination of biometric verification and a time-based proximity security loop enhances the protection of sensitive functions. The piezoelectric alarm element ensures silent waking. The system's modular structure allows for expansion with additional compatible devices and services.

Claims

[1] Multifunctional smart ring system comprising an electronic ring and an associated software application, wherein the ring includes the following components: a) an NFC module and a Secure Element for storing and executing tokenized payment data and digital access keys, b) a biometric verification system that creates a reference profile of the user based on physiological signals and compares current measurement data with this profile in order to enable or block payment and access functions, c) Security loops as an alternative security procedure in case of unavailability or failure of biometric verification, with optional manual re-release d) Sensors for recording physiological parameters including heart rate, heart rate variability, optionally oxygen saturation, temperature trends, activity and sleep data, e) an accelerometer and optionally a gyroscope for motion detection, f) a piezoelectric haptic element for generating a virtually silent wake-up pulse, g) a Bluetooth Low Energy communication unit configured to establish a wireless data connection to the software application and optionally to an electronic display device. h) a power supply with micro battery and inductive charging unit, wherein the software application serves to analyze the measurement data, to manage the tokens and digital keys, and optionally to control the security logic. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the biometric verification compares current measurement data or patterns, in particular heart rate variability, oxygen saturation and temperature trends, with the user data stored during an initial phase and release only takes place within predefined tolerance ranges. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the security loop comprises a time-based proximity check in which at least one successful detection of the proximity between ring and terminal device must occur within a time interval definable by the user, wherein the detection is carried out via BLE signal strength, location proximity or comparable indicators. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein if such proximity detection fails to occur within the defined time interval, payment functions and access functions are automatically deactivated, while health tracking remains usable. [5] System according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the user can manually restore the release of the payment or access functions via the software application, in particular by entering a password, a security code or by two-factor authentication. [6] System according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the safety loop additionally takes into account parameters such as the quality of the radio link, the frequency of communication between ring and terminal device or movement patterns. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the physiological parameters detected by the sensors are analyzed by the software application using algorithms to identify long-term patterns and trends, including cycle-related patterns based on temperature profiles and activity data. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor detects gestures or movement patterns which can be assigned to specific control commands by the software application. [9] System according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric haptic element generates short, almost silent pulses which serve as a discrete wake-up function and can differ in intensity or pattern. [10] System according to claim 1, wherein the NFC module and the BLE unit are used to transmit digital access keys to electronic locking systems, in particular to hotel locks, locker locks, bicycle locks, smart home systems or other compatible access systems. [11] System according to claim 10, wherein the digital keys can be temporary or permanent and can be added, renewed, revoked or deleted via the software application. [12] System according to claim 1, wherein the Secure Element can be deactivated or optionally completely deleted by remote control via the software application in case of loss or theft of the ring. [13] System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a “Find-my-Ring” function wherein the ring can be localized by BLE or a functionally equivalent method and optionally triggers piezoelectric haptic feedback, wherein this haptic feedback serves only as an alternative or supplementary signal and the localization function itself is not dependent on it.