Finger-ring type device

Abstract

To provide a finger-ring type device with a high stability when wearing and with a high operability regardless of finger size difference.SOLUTION: A finger-ring type device of the present invention comprises a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface different from the inner surface, an arm part connected to the end of the main body, facing the inner surface, and rotatably attached to the main body with a variable opposing distance with inner surface, an energizing part to energize the arm so as to rotate the arm in the direction of narrowing the distance, and an adjusting part to adjust the amount of force energized by the energizing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger ring device used for operating an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A ring-shaped operation device that is worn on the finger has appeared as a device for operating an information processing device (Patent Document 1), and has been attracting attention in recent years as an operation input means to replace conventional mice, keyboards, touchpads, etc.

[0003] From the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the finger, it is preferable that such a ring-shaped device is as light as possible. In addition, the fit when worn on the finger is also important. That is, whether or not the user can maintain a stable posture when wearing the ring-shaped device on the finger, or whether or not the user is forced into an unnatural posture or feels uncomfortable when wearing the ring-shaped device, etc. Furthermore, whether or not various operations can be easily performed when wearing the ring-shaped device on the finger, that is, operability, is also important. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 286316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Finger sizes can vary greatly from person to person, and even from part of the finger to part of the finger. If a device is configured to accommodate different finger sizes by, for example, replacing a different part for each finger size to fill the gap between the device and the finger, the wearing process becomes complicated and the number of parts increases. In addition, in a configuration in which a movable part is provided in the wearing part to follow the finger size (finger diameter), the fit (wearing stability and comfort) may differ depending on the finger size or even on the same finger depending on the wearing position.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a ring-type device that is stable when worn and highly operable, regardless of differences in finger size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the ring-type device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a main body having an inner surface and an outer surface which is different from the inner surface, an arm portion connected to an end of the main body, facing the inner surface, and rotatably attached to the main body so that the distance between the arm portion and the inner surface can be changed, a biasing portion that biases the arm portion so as to rotate the arm portion in a direction narrowing the distance between the arm portion and the inner surface, and an adjustment portion that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the biasing portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a ring-type device that is highly stable, easy to operate, and comfortable to wear can be provided, regardless of differences in finger size. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a finger ring type device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the control configuration of the information processing system 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the ring-type device 1 is worn. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating changes in posture of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the ring-shaped device 1 [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 [Figure 9] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a ring-type device 1. [Figure 10]Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 [Figure 11] Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 [Figure 12] Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing a deformation configuration of the ring-type device 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following examples, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example. However, the configurations disclosed in the following examples, such as the functions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the parts, are examples of forms related to the scope of the claims, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the configurations disclosed in these examples. In addition, the problems solved by the configurations disclosed in the following examples or the actions or effects obtained from the disclosed configurations are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) A finger ring type device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1(A) to 13.

[0012] <Outline of the ring-type device> Figures 1(A), 1(B), and 1(C) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a finger ring type device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(A) is a diagram of the finger ring type device 1 as viewed in the direction of finger insertion, and is a front view of the finger ring type device 1. Figure 1(B) is a view seen from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1(A), and is a top view showing the configuration of the operation surface of the finger ring type device 1. Figure 1(C) is a view seen from the direction of arrow B in Figure 1(A), and is a side view of the finger ring type device 1.

[0013] 1(A), the ring-type device 1 of this embodiment has a generally annular outer shape and is configured so that a user can insert a finger F into a central hole. More specifically, the ring-type device 1 includes a main body 2, a first arm 3, and a second arm 4, which are connected in an annular shape to form a wearing space FS into which the user's finger F can be inserted.

[0014] Here, in this specification, the term "annular" does not only refer to an annular configuration that completely closes the outer periphery of the mounting space FS, but also refers to a shape configuration that is discontinuous in some parts, such as an approximately C-shape, but has an approximately annular shape overall.

[0015] The main body 2 has an exterior 20 having a generally arc-shaped exterior. The exterior 20 has an inner surface 21 having a concave arc-like shape that forms the mounting space FS, and an outer surface 22 opposite to the inner surface 21.

[0016] The first arm 3 is connected to a first end 23 which is one end of the main body 2 in a direction surrounding the mounting space FS, and extends in a substantially arc shape in one direction (first direction) in the surrounding direction from the first end 23 of the main body 2. The first arm 3 has a concave arc-shaped inner surface 31 which forms the mounting space FS, and the inner surface 31 faces the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 across the mounting space FS. The first arm 3 is rotatably attached to the first end 23 of the main body 2 so that the opposing distance between the inner surface 31 and the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 can be changed.

[0017] The second arm 4 is connected to a second end 24 which is the other end of the main body 2 in the direction surrounding the mounting space FS, and extends in a substantially arc shape from the second end 24 of the main body 2 in the other direction (second direction) in the surrounding direction. The second arm 4 has a concave arc-shaped inner surface 41 which forms the mounting space FS, and the inner surface 41 faces the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 across the mounting space FS. The second arm 4 is rotatably attached to the second end 24 of the main body 2 so that the opposing distance between the inner surface 41 and the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 can be changed.

[0018] The first arm 3 is biased by a torsion coil spring 32s as a first biasing member, and the second arm 4 is biased by a torsion coil spring 42s as a second biasing member, in a direction to close the mounting space FS, i.e., in a direction to narrow the opposing distance with the inner surface 21 of the main body 2. Therefore, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 can each rotate with respect to the main body 2 in accordance with the thickness (diameter) of the finger F inserted into the mounting space FS. That is, the opposing distance between the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 and the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 changes depending on the thickness (diameter) of the finger F inserted into the mounting space FS, and the size of the mounting space FS can be changed.

[0019] Here, the rotation axis 32x of the rotation shaft 32 relative to the main body 2 of the first arm 3 and the rotation axis 42x of the rotation shaft 42 relative to the main body 2 of the second arm 4 are each oriented along the insertion direction ID of the finger F relative to the mounting space FS. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 32x, the rotation axis 42x, and the insertion direction ID are configured to be parallel to each other, but are not limited to such a configuration. As long as the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained, that is, the size of the mounting space FS can be changed without affecting the mounting property and operability, the rotation axis 32x, the rotation axis 42x, and the insertion direction ID may be configured to be inclined relative to each other within a predetermined range instead of being parallel to each other.

[0020] <Main body configuration> The main body 2 has a touch sensor 5 and a button switch 6 built into the outer surface 22 of the exterior 20. The touch sensor 5 and the button switch 6 are arranged in a line in a direction surrounding the wearing space FS. As shown in FIG. 1B, the button switch 6 is arranged in a line in a shape symmetrical with respect to the insertion direction ID of the finger F. A first finger rest 223 and a second finger rest 224 are provided on both sides of the operation section in the surrounding direction, in which the touch sensor 5, the button switch 6, etc. are arranged on the outer surface 22. The first finger rest 223 and the second finger rest 224 are formed in a concave shape so that, for example, a finger adjacent to the finger inserted into the wearing space FS can be placed thereon. In addition, an inertial sensor 71, a geomagnetic sensor 72, a vibration element 8, a communication unit 9, a control unit 10, a power source 11, etc. are provided inside the main body 2 (inside the exterior 20).

[0021] The touch sensor 5 and the button switch 6 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The inertial sensor 71 is composed of an acceleration sensor for detecting the position and speed of the ring-type device 1 equipped with the inertial sensor 71, a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) for detecting the attitude and orientation of the ring-type device 1, etc. Detection data of the earth's magnetic force by the geomagnetic sensor 72 is used to correct the detection data of the inertial sensor 71.

[0023] The vibration element 8 is used to generate vibrations in the ring-type device 1 and provide the vibrations as tactile information to the user's finger F. The communication unit 9 is composed of, for example, a wireless module, a wireless antenna, etc., and can communicate with an external device via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The control unit 10 includes, for example, a CPU as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM as a storage unit for storing programs, arithmetic parameters, and a RAM, and controls the overall operation of the ring type device 1. The power source 11 supplies power to each part of the ring type device 1.

[0025] <Outline of information processing system> An overview of an information processing system 100 in which the finger ring device 1 according to this embodiment is used will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(A), 2(B) and 3. FIG.

[0026] The information processing system 100 shown in Fig. 2(A), Fig. 2(B), and Fig. 3 is a system that provides a so-called MR (mixed reality) space to a user by using an HMD (head mounted display) 101. The HMD 101 is provided with a camera 113 for capturing an image of a space in front of which a user wearing the HMD 101 faces, and a display 114 for displaying an image as seen by the user wearing the HMD 101. The control unit 110 is provided with, for example, a CPU as a calculation processing unit, a ROM as a storage unit for storing programs, calculation parameters, and the like, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the HMD 101. The display 114 displays an image in which an image of a virtual object or the like that is not in substance and is generated by signal processing in the HMD 101 is superimposed on the real space captured by the camera 113.

[0027] The ring type device 1 and the HMD 101 are communicatively connected via a communication unit 9 and a communication unit 109 in a wired or wireless manner, and can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0028] The user can use the ring-shaped device 1 to perform various input operations on virtual objects and the like displayed on the display 114. For example, various input operations are possible by changing the orientation of the ring-shaped device 1, operating the touch sensor 5 or the button switch 6 provided on the operation unit of the ring-shaped device 1, or by combining these operations in various ways.

[0029] 2(A), three virtual objects O1 to O3 are arranged side by side in front of the eyes of a user wearing an HMD 101. A virtual ray L is projected on the display 114 from a ring-shaped device 1 worn on the user's finger so as to extend forward in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the ring-shaped device 1. The virtual ray L is a so-called laser pointer type user interface.

[0030] FIG. 2(B) shows a state where a user operates the ring-shaped device 1 to select a virtual object O2 from among the three virtual objects O1 to O3. The user can perform an operation to select the virtual object O2 by changing the position or orientation of the ring-shaped device 1 so that the virtual light L hits the virtual object O2, and for example, tapping the touch sensor 5 of the operation unit. By performing the selection operation of the virtual object O2, various information displays related to the virtual object O2 and menu displays for performing various input operations for the virtual object O2 are displayed as virtual objects M beside the virtual object O2. Various input operations can also be performed for the virtual object M using the ring-shaped device 1.

[0031] In a system capable of recognizing a real three-dimensional structure from an image captured by the camera 113, a virtual input operation can be performed on the recognized three-dimensional structure using the ring-shaped device 1.

[0032] Moreover, the speaker 115 outputs sounds corresponding to the operation state of the ring-type device 1 and the state in the MR space displayed on the display 114, and audio information is provided to the user along with visual information. Furthermore, the vibration element 8 generates vibrations corresponding to the operation state of the ring-type device 1 and the state in the MR space displayed on the display 114, and transmits the vibrations to the finger or hand on which the ring-type device 1 is worn. That is, tactile information corresponding to the visual information and audio information is provided to the user.

[0033] Here, the above-mentioned information processing system 100 is a system using a so-called video see-through method, but the ring-type device 1 according to this embodiment can also be used in a system using an optical see-through method. That is, it is a system configured to project the real space directly to the user's eyes through a lens provided in the HMD 101, rather than an image displayed by the display 114, and display virtual objects, etc. on the lens. Alternatively, the ring-type device 1 according to this embodiment can also be used in a system in which an image is projected onto the user's retina to allow the user to visually recognize virtual objects.

[0034] Furthermore, the above-described information processing system 100 can also be used to display a VR (virtual reality) space generated only by signal processing in the HMD 101 on the display 114, without using the image captured by the camera 113. In other words, it may be used as a system that provides a VR (virtual reality) space to a user, and various input operations are possible in such a VR space using the ring-type device 1 of this embodiment.

[0035] <Details of the ring-shaped device (configuration of the operation section)> The configuration of the operation unit of the finger ring type device will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] The touch sensor 5 detects the contact of the finger F and sends an input signal to the control unit 10. The touch sensor 5 is configured to be able to send various types of input signals to the control unit 10 by changing the way the finger F is contacted. Specifically, examples include a tap operation in which the finger F is momentarily brought into contact with the touch sensor 5 as if tapping and then released, and a swap operation in which the finger F is brought into contact with the touch sensor 5 as if sliding, and the contact position of the finger F on the touch sensor 5 is changed. By such various input operations, a selection operation of a virtual object, a scroll operation, and the like can be performed. In addition, an operation in which a predetermined state is maintained only while the finger F is touching the touch sensor 5 is also possible. For example, an operation in which the state in which the virtual light beam L is irradiated is maintained only while the finger F is touching the touch sensor 5, and the virtual light beam L is no longer irradiated when the finger F is released from the touch sensor 5 is possible. Alternatively, an operation in which the selection state of the virtual object is maintained only while the finger F is touching the touch sensor 5, and the selection state of the virtual object is released when the finger F is released from the touch sensor 5 is possible.

[0037] The pair of button switches 6L and 6R may be used, for example, when performing an alternative selection operation or an opposing selection operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the button switch 6L is pressed in a state where the virtual object O2 is selected, the selected object may be changed to the virtual object O1 on the left. Also, when the button switch 6R is pressed, the selected object may be changed to the virtual object O3 on the right.

[0038] <Details about the ring-type device (how to wear it)> Fig. 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing a first wearing mode, which is an example of a wearing mode when the ring-type device 1 is in use. Fig. 4(B) is a schematic diagram showing a second wearing mode, which is another example of a wearing mode when the ring-type device 1 is in use. Fig. 4(C) is a schematic diagram showing a third wearing mode, which is an example of a wearing mode when the ring-type device 1 is not in use. Note that the wearing modes shown here are merely examples, and the wearing modes of the ring-type device 1 of this embodiment are not limited to the following ones.

[0039] 4(A) is a wearing mode in which the ring-type device 1 is worn on the index finger. That is, the index finger is inserted into the wearing space FS, and various operations are performed with the thumb. In this wearing mode, the thumb can be placed on the first finger rest portion 223.

[0040] 4(B) is a wearing mode in which the ring-type device 1 is worn on the middle finger. That is, the middle finger is inserted into the wearing space FS, and various operations are mainly performed with the thumb. In this wearing mode, the thumb can be placed on the first finger rest portion 223, and the index finger can be placed on the second finger rest portion 224.

[0041] The third wearing mode shown in FIG. 4(C) is a wearing mode in which, for example, the ring-type device 1 is not used at the moment but is to be held. As shown in FIG. 4(C), the orientation of the ring-type device 1 is changed from the wearing modes shown in FIG. 4(A) and FIG. 4(B), and the ring-type device 1 is held in a gripping manner. The ring-type device 1 is configured such that the volume of the main body 2 is relatively large compared to the first arm portion 3 and the second arm portion 4. In the third wearing mode, the first arm portion 3 and the second arm portion 4 are gripped in the palm of the hand. On the other hand, in the first and second wearing modes, a part of the main body 2 is gripped in the palm of the hand. That is, in the third wearing mode, the volume of the ring-type device 1 on the palm side is reduced compared to the first and second wearing modes, so that it is easier to grip and hold the ring-type device 1, and the ring-type device 1 is prevented from interfering with other work, etc.

[0042] <Details of the ring-shaped device (Arm configuration)> The configuration of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 of the ring-type device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5(A), 5(B), 5(C), and 6. Figs. 5(A), 5(B), and 5(C) are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of the change in posture of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 due to the difference in thickness of the finger F. Here, the case where the ring-type device 1 is worn on each of a finger F1 of a first thickness (Fig. 5(B)), a finger F2 of a second thickness thicker than the first thickness (Fig. 5(A)), and a finger F3 of a third thickness thicker than the second thickness (Fig. 5(C)) will be described. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the ring-type device 1 as viewed in the opposite direction to the arrow A in Fig. 1.

[0043] 6, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 are arranged so that their positions in the insertion direction ID of the finger F relative to the mounting space FS overlap each other. The lengths of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 in the direction surrounding the mounting space FS from the main body 2 are such that their tip regions may interfere with each other depending on the thickness of the finger F to be worn. That is, the tip of one of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 when closest to the inner surface 21 of the main body 2 is closer to the rotation axis of the other arm than the tip of the other arm when closest to the inner surface 21.

[0044] In the ring-type device 1 of this embodiment, at least the tip sides of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 may be shifted from each other in the insertion direction ID. That is, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 are both worn in a state of contact with the finger F. As shown in Figs. 5(A), 5(B), and 5(C), the contact area between one arm and the other arm becomes gradually wider in the order of areas OR3, OR2, and OR1 from finger F3 to finger F1 when viewed in the direction along the insertion direction ID or the rotation axes 32x and 42x.

[0045] In this way, by arranging the first arm portion 3 and the second arm portion 4 in a staggered arrangement in the insertion direction ID, the size of the external shape of the ring-shaped device 1 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction ID is compressed, thereby improving the ease of gripping when worn on the finger F.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 may be configured to have a shape that is approximately symmetrical in the insertion direction ID. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 are configured so that the width in the insertion direction ID gradually narrows toward the tip. With this configuration, for example, in the third wearing mode shown in Fig. 4(C), the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 are prevented from interfering with the gripping of the fingers.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the distance Wt from the outer end of the tip surface of the first arm 3 to the outer end of the tip surface of the second arm 4 in the insertion direction ID is set to a distance that fits between the first and second joints of the finger F, which is more suitable for gripping.

[0048] In this way, the width of the wearing space FS can be changed to correspond to the fingers F1 to F4 of various sizes (diameters), and the holding force acting on the finger F can be changed according to the thickness of the finger F. This allows the main body 2, the first arm 3, and the second arm 4 to be stably wrapped around the outer circumference of the finger F even if the size of the finger F to be inserted varies. In other words, regardless of the size of the finger F to be inserted into the wearing space FS, the ring-type device 1 is worn and held on the user's finger F in a stable position.

[0049] The biasing force (spring constant of the torsion coil spring) for biasing the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 is preferably set to a magnitude that does not cause a misalignment between the finger F and the ring-type device 1 for a user with a thin finger F. For example, the spring constant of the torsion coil spring may be set by adjusting the number of turns so that a biasing force of 10 N*mm or more is generated. Conversely, for a user with a thick finger F, if the biasing force is too strong, pain may occur during wearing, so it is preferable to set the spring constant so that the load on the finger F is not large. For example, the spring constant of the torsion coil spring may be set by adjusting the number of turns so that the biasing force is suppressed to 45 N*mm or less. Although it depends on the device configuration, it is preferably set to 15 N*mm or more and 30 N*mm or less. The range of the lower limit and upper limit of such biasing force may be found, for example, through experiments, and the spring constants of the torsion coil springs 32s and 42s may be set appropriately.

[0050] The biasing force biasing the first arm portion 3 (spring constant of the torsion coil spring 32s) and the biasing force biasing the second arm portion 4 (spring constant of the torsion coil spring 42s) may be set to be approximately equal. The biasing force biasing the first arm portion 3 and the biasing force biasing the second arm portion 4 may be set to different strengths.

[0051] In addition, the position where the torsion coil spring 32s shown by dotted lines in FIG. 7(A) and the torsion coil spring 42s (not shown) are attached to the main body 2 may be variable. As shown in FIG. 7(B) and FIG. 7(C), for example, a knob member 28 operable by the user is provided near the first end 23 of the main body 2 as an adjustment unit for adjusting the biasing force for biasing the first arm 3. The portion shown in FIG. 7(C) is a diagram of the inside of the main body 2 (inside the exterior 20) of the main body 2 of the ring-shaped device 1 shown in FIG. 7(B), and the knob portion 28a protrudes from the exterior of the main body and can be rotated. The knob member 28 is formed by the knob portion 28a operated by the user and the mounting surface 28b of the torsion coil spring 32s. An end portion of the torsion coil spring 32s is attached to the mounting surface 28b, and the end portion of the torsion coil spring 32s moves in response to the movement of the mounting surface 28b. For example, when knob portion 28a is rotated in the direction of arrow R, i.e., counterclockwise, mounting surface 28b and the end portion of torsion coil spring 32s rotate, and the mounting angle of torsion coil spring 32s can be changed. With this configuration, the mounting angle of torsion coil spring 32s can be changed by rotating the knob member. This makes it possible to change the biasing force of first arm portion 3, and allows the user to arbitrarily set the biasing force of first arm portion 3.

[0052] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7(D), Fig. 7(E), and Fig. 7(F), the mounting surface 29d of the torsion coil spring 32s is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 29e, and is biased in a direction in contact with the eccentric cam 29c. That is, a force is applied to the eccentric cam 29c such that it is pressed by the mounting surface 29d. When the knob member 29a is rotated, the eccentric cam 29c can be rotated via the rotation shaft 29b. In the eccentric cam 29c, the pillar 29b is located at a position shifted from the center of the eccentric cam 29c, and the distance from the pillar 29b to the circumferential portion of the eccentric cam 29c is different. When the knob member 29a is rotated in the direction of the R' arrow, i.e., in the clockwise direction, the eccentric cam 29c also rotates clockwise. Then, the distance between the pillar 29b and the mounting surface 29d becomes longer than before the rotation. 7(F), the mounting surface 29d is inclined to the left, changing the mounting angle of the torsion coil spring 32s. This allows the mounting angle of the torsion coil spring 32s to be changed by operating the knob member 29a, and therefore the biasing force of the first arm portion 3 can be changed and set by the user as desired.

[0053] With these configurations, for example, when wearing the device for a long time, the load on the fingers can be reduced by reducing the biasing force. Also, when performing vigorous arm exercise, the biasing force can be increased to further reduce the occurrence of slippage. In this way, by adjusting the biasing force to a more appropriate level depending on the wearing situation, it is possible to provide appropriate wearing stability and comfort according to the situation.

[0054] Furthermore, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 may be formed of an elastic body such as rubber instead of a rigid body. As shown in F2A in FIG. 8(A), the user's finger may be oval depending on the person and the part of the body. In that case, depending on the angle at which the finger is worn, the contact surface may become smaller as shown in F2B in FIG. 8(B), decreasing the sense of stability. In such a case, by forming the arm from an elastic body, the ability to follow the finger shape is improved, and the contact area is increased, allowing for stable wearing.

[0055] In addition, in a configuration having a plurality of arms, such a mechanism for adjusting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring may be provided for each arm, or may be provided for some of the plurality of arms.

[0056] In this embodiment, the configuration has two arms, but the configuration may have only one arm and a mechanism for adjusting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring may be provided.

[0057] The type of mechanism for adjusting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring is not important as long as the mechanism allows the user to adjust the biasing force of the torsion coil spring.

[0058] In addition, when there are two arms and a mechanism for adjusting the force of the torsion coil spring is provided for each arm, the mechanisms do not have to be the same type, and two different types of mechanisms for adjusting the force of the torsion coil spring may be used.

[0059] In this embodiment, the mounting space FS is configured to have a size that can accommodate a virtual circle with a diameter dimension in a predetermined range (i.e., a finger with a thickness corresponding to the virtual circle) when viewed in the insertion direction ID. Specifically, the size is a size that can accommodate a virtual circle with a diameter of 12.8 mm (a finger F1 with a thickness corresponding to the virtual circle) to a virtual circle with a diameter of 25.4 mm (a finger F4 with a thickness corresponding to the virtual circle), that is, a size of 12.8 mm or more and 25.4 mm or less. As shown in FIG. 1(A), the basis for the change in the size of the virtual circle is the deepest part of the concave arc-shaped (concave curved) inner surface 21 of the main body 2. That is, virtual circles of each size are arranged so as to pass through the point of the deepest part, and the spatial area corresponding to the size of the virtual circle is used as the basis for measuring the size of the mounting space FS.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, the length of each of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 from the main body 2 is preferably set so that the ring-type device 1 does not slip off the finger F when the thickest finger F4 that is allowed to be worn is inserted. For example, the gap Ws1 between the tip surface 33 and the tip surface 44 of each of the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 when they are opened to insert the thickest finger F4 may be set to less than half the distance Ws2 corresponding to the maximum diameter of the thickest finger F4. This makes it possible to prevent the ring-type device 1 from slipping off the finger when used by a user with a thick finger F.

[0061] (Embodiment 2) 10 is a schematic diagram of one form of the first arm 3. Here, only the first arm 3 will be described, but the second arm 4 is configured in the same way, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] An extension arm 35 is stored inside the first arm 3. The extension arm 35 is configured so that the user can move it in and out as desired. This allows the user to change the length of the first arm 3 as desired.

[0063] 11, for example, when the user wears gloves, it is assumed that a finger F5 having a larger diameter than the thickest finger F4 is inserted. In such a case, the gap Ws3 can be narrowed by changing the length of the arms using the extension arm 35 of the first arm 3 and the extension arm 45 of the second arm 4. This makes it possible to prevent the ring-type device 1 from slipping off the finger when the finger F is used with a larger finger thickness.

[0064] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing detachable attachments 36, 46 installed inside the first arm 3 and the second arm 4. The attachments 36, 46 may be made of a material different from that of the arm. For example, if the attachments 36, 46 are made of an elastic material such as rubber, the ability to follow the finger shape can be improved. In addition, when vibrations as tactile information generated by the vibration element 8 are provided to the user's finger F, the elastic material can change the vibration state to a softer sensation. Conversely, by making the attachments 36, 46 out of a material harder than the arm, the sensation can be changed to a harder sensation. By installing the attachments 36, 46 in this way, the range of vibration expression of tactile information by the vibration element 8 can be expanded.

[0065] Also, as shown in Fig. 13(A), an attachment 27 may be installed on the main body side as well. In this case, the attachments 27, 36, 46 may be inclined in the direction along the insertion direction ID of the finger F as shown in Fig. 13(B). Depending on the part of the finger F, the shape may become thinner toward the tip, and if the cross-sectional shape is uniform in the insertion direction, there is a possibility that only the thickest part will come into contact. In contrast, by forming an inclination with the attachment, it becomes possible for the attachment to wrap around the outer circumference of the entire insertion range of the finger F, allowing for more stable attachment.

[0066] The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other in any manner possible.

[0067] [Configuration 1] A body having an inner surface and an outer surface that is different from the inner surface; an arm portion connected to an end of the main body, facing the inner surface, and rotatably attached to the main body so that a facing distance between the arm portion and the inner surface can be changed; a biasing portion that biases the arm portion so as to rotate the arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the biasing unit. A ring-shaped device.

[0068] [Configuration 2] A ring-type device that is worn on a user's finger, A main body having an inner surface that defines a mounting space and an outer surface that is different from the inner surface; an arm portion connected to an end of the main body in a direction surrounding the mounting space, facing the inner surface across the mounting space, and rotatably attached to the main body such that a facing distance between the arm portion and the inner surface can be changed; a biasing portion that biases the arm portion so as to rotate the arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the biasing unit. 2. The ring-type device according to claim 1,

[0069] [Configuration 3] The biasing portion is a torsion coil spring, The adjustment unit adjusts the number of turns of the torsion coil spring. 3. A finger ring type device according to configuration 1 or 2.

[0070] [Configuration 4] The adjustment portion is attached to the body, and the adjustment portion is configured to be adjusted by a user on an outer surface. 4. The finger ring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0071] [Configuration 5] a first arm portion connected to a first end portion of the main body in a direction surrounding the mounting space and facing the inner surface; a second arm portion connected to a second end portion opposite the first end portion of the main body in the direction and facing the inner surface; a first biasing portion that biases the first arm portion so as to rotate the first arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; a second biasing portion that biases the second arm portion so as to rotate the second arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force exerted by the first biasing unit. 5. A finger ring type device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0072] [Configuration 6] Further comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting the magnitude of the force applied by the second biasing unit. 6. The ring-type device according to configuration 5,

Claims

1. A body having an inner surface and an outer surface that is different from the inner surface; an arm portion connected to an end of the main body, facing the inner surface, and rotatably attached to the main body so that a facing distance between the arm portion and the inner surface can be changed; a biasing portion that biases the arm portion so as to rotate the arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the biasing unit. A ring-shaped device.

2. A ring-type device that is worn on a user's finger, A main body having an inner surface that defines a mounting space and an outer surface that is different from the inner surface; an arm portion connected to an end of the main body in a direction surrounding the mounting space, facing the inner surface across the mounting space, and rotatably attached to the main body such that a facing distance between the arm portion and the inner surface can be changed; a biasing portion that biases the arm portion so as to rotate the arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the biasing unit. The finger ring device according to claim 1 .

3. The biasing portion is a torsion coil spring, The adjustment unit adjusts the number of turns of the torsion coil spring.

3. The finger ring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The adjustment portion is attached to the body, and the adjustment portion is configured to be adjusted by a user on an outer surface.

3. The finger ring device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a first arm portion connected to a first end portion of the main body in a direction surrounding the mounting space and facing the inner surface; a second arm portion connected to a second end portion opposite the first end portion of the main body in the direction and facing the inner surface; a first biasing portion that biases the first arm portion so as to rotate the first arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; a second biasing portion that biases the second arm portion so as to rotate the second arm portion in a direction in which the opposing gap narrows; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the first biasing unit.

3. The finger ring device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting the magnitude of the force applied by the second biasing unit. The finger ring device according to claim 5 .

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