Wheel key-based posture sensing input device and method for controlling electronic device using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel key-based posture detection input device and a method for controlling an electronic device using the same. An input device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a wearable input device configured to communicate with at least one electronic device, and may include a ring-shaped body portion into which a finger is inserted, a ring-shaped wheel key rotatably configured on the outer circumference of the body portion, a rotation detection portion for detecting rotational movement of the wheel key, a posture detection portion including a 6-axis sensor for detecting a change in posture of the body portion, and a control portion for generating a control signal for controlling the electronic device according to the signals of the rotation detection portion and the posture detection portion. The control portion is configured to switch control modes according to the posture of the body portion, and the rotational movement of the wheel key may generate different signals for each control mode.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel key-based posture sensing input device and a method for controlling electronic devices using the same, and more specifically, to a wearable input device that can intuitively and effectively control various electronic devices by combining a rotatable wheel key and a 6-axis inertial sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Wearable devices are becoming increasingly widely used in modern society for health management, increased convenience in daily life, and improved access to information. In particular, smart rings are wearable devices miniaturized enough to be worn on a finger, characterized by their ability to be naturally integrated into a user's daily life. Thanks to this miniaturization and convenience, smart rings are being effectively utilized to monitor various biosignals and track a user's health status in real time.

[0003] Most smart rings currently on the market focus on measuring vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature. These functions play a crucial role in enabling real-time monitoring of a user's health status or providing remote medical support. In particular, as health-related data can contribute to the provision of personalized medical services and preventive health care, the utility value of smart rings is receiving increasing attention.

[0004] However, existing smart rings have limitations in controlling electronic devices because their input interfaces are limited to simple button methods using touch panels or physical switches. These limitations narrow the scope of smart ring applications and act as a factor that hinders user convenience. Therefore, new input methods are required to expand the functionality of smart rings and improve the user experience, and this is emerging as an important challenge in the development direction of wearable devices. The problem to be solved

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a wheel key-based posture sensing input device and a method for controlling an electronic device using the same, which enables intuitive and diverse control while overcoming spatial limitations of wearable devices. means of solving the problem

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a wearable input device configured to communicate with at least one electronic device may be provided. The wearable input device may include a ring-shaped body portion into which a finger is inserted, a ring-shaped wheel key rotatably configured on the outer surface of the body portion, a rotation detection unit that detects rotational movement of the wheel key, a posture detection unit including a 6-axis sensor that detects a change in posture of the body portion, and a control unit that generates a control signal for controlling the electronic device according to the signals of the rotation detection unit and the posture detection unit. The control unit is configured to switch control modes according to the posture of the body portion, and the rotational movement of the wheel key may generate different signals for each control mode.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the posture of the body part may include the inclination of the body part relative to the ground.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the side of the body part is perpendicular to the ground, it operates in a first control mode, and when the side of the body part is horizontal to the ground, it can operate in a second control mode.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume control function may be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the first control mode, and the channel change function may be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the second control mode.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the screen up-and-down scrolling function may be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the first control mode, and the screen left-and-right scrolling function may be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the second control mode.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the side of the body part is not perpendicular or horizontal to the ground, it may operate in a third control mode.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third control mode may be configured to move a cursor or pointer on the screen in a tilted direction through a rotational operation of the wheel key.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit receives information identifying the type of application running on the electronic device and can automatically switch a set of control modes to a set optimized for the corresponding application based on the received information.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable input device may be configured so that the user can set the type of control mode according to the posture of the body part, the type of signal generated in each control mode, and the control mode switching condition through a dedicated application installed on the electronic device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable input device further includes a memory for storing a plurality of user profiles, and the control unit may be configured to apply a control mode setting according to a selected user profile.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable input device further includes a haptic module embedded in the body portion that generates vibration, and the control unit may be configured to generate vibration through the haptic module when the control mode is switched to indicate the mode switch.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable input device further includes a wear detection unit provided on the inner circumference of the body part to detect whether the user's finger is in contact, and the control unit can prevent malfunction by deactivating input from the wheel key when finger contact is not detected by the wear detection unit.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation detection unit detects the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key, and the control unit can generate different control signals according to the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the posture of the body part detected by the posture detection unit is maintained for a certain period of time or longer in a state that matches any one of a plurality of preset reference postures, it may be configured to switch to a control mode set for the corresponding reference posture. Effects of the invention

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by detecting a change in the posture of the body part through a posture detection unit including a 6-axis sensor and switching the control mode, various control signals can be generated with only one wheel key, allowing for intuitive and effective control of surrounding electronic devices. In particular, by generating signals according to the rotational movement of the wheel key differently for each control mode, various functions of the electronic device can be controlled simply by turning the wheel key, thereby significantly improving user convenience and usability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a user wearing an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first control mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how an electronic device is controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first control mode. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second control mode. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing how an electronic device is controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second control mode. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how an electronic device is controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third control mode. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how an electronic device is controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third control mode. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device in a third control mode. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] The present invention may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0024] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0025] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention; singular expressions should be interpreted to include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In particular, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not intended to exclude in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, but descriptions of known configurations unrelated to the gist of the invention will be omitted. Meanwhile, it should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same reference numeral is assigned to identical components whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a user wearing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to communicate with at least one electronic device (200). The input device (100) is a wearable device worn on a user's finger and may be collectively referred to as a "smart ring." The input device (100) may include a rotation detection unit (110), a posture detection unit (120), a wear detection unit (130), a memory (140), a control unit (150), a haptic module (160), an input unit (170), a communication unit (180), and a display unit (190).

[0031] The input device (100) may include a body part (101) and a wheel key (102). The body part (101) may have a ring-shaped structure into which a user's finger is inserted. The body part (101) may serve to house internal components of the input device (100). The wheel key (102) may be a ring-shaped member rotatably configured on the outer surface of the body part (101). The user can generate an input signal by rotating the wheel key (102).

[0032] The rotation detection unit (110) can detect the rotational movement of the wheel key (102). The rotation detection unit (110) can detect rotational information including the rotational direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key (102). The rotation detection unit (110) can transmit the detected rotational information to the control unit (150) so that it can be used to generate a control signal.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation detection unit (110) may be configured to generate a control signal when a force exceeding a threshold is applied to the wheel key (130) to prevent unintended operation by the user. To this end, a physical latch may be provided in hardware, or deadband control may be applied in software.

[0034] For example, the rotation detection unit (110) may include an optical encoder, a magnetic encoder, a contact encoder, a Hall effect sensor, a mechanical rotary switch, a potentiometer, or a capacitive sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] The posture detection unit (120) can detect changes in the posture of the body part (101). The posture detection unit (120) can precisely measure the tilt and movement of the body part (101) by including a 6-axis sensor. The posture detection unit (120) can generate posture information including tilt information of the body part (101) relative to the ground and transmit it to the control unit (150). For example, the posture detection unit (120) may include a 6-axis sensor such as a combination of a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope, a 9-axis sensor including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a magnetic sensor, or a gesture recognition sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] The posture information of the body part (101) detected by the posture detection unit (120) can be used as a criterion for switching the control mode. The control unit (150) can determine the operation mode of the input device (100) according to the posture information received from the posture detection unit (120). In one embodiment of the present invention, when the side of the body part (101) is perpendicular to the ground, it can be switched to a first control mode, and when the side of the body part (101) is horizontal to the ground, it can be switched to a second control mode. Additionally, when the side of the body part (101) is not perpendicular or horizontal to the ground, it can be operated in a third control mode.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the posture of the body part (101) detected by the posture detection unit (120) is maintained for a certain period of time or longer in a state that matches one of a plurality of preset reference postures, the control unit (150) may switch to a control mode set for the corresponding reference posture. This time delay setting can prevent frequent mode switching caused by unintended movements of the user, thereby providing a stable operating environment.

[0038] A wear detection unit (130) may be provided on the inner circumference of the body part (101). The wear detection unit (130) may detect whether the user's finger is in contact. If finger contact is not detected by the wear detection unit (130), the control unit (150) may disable input from the wheel key (102) to prevent malfunction. For example, the wear detection unit (130) may include a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a skin conductivity sensor, or a heart rate sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] The memory (140) can store data and programs necessary for the operation of the input device (100). The memory (140) can store setting information for each control mode, user profiles, and information necessary for communication with the electronic device (200). In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory (140) can store control mode information and switching conditions set by the user through a dedicated application. The control unit (150) can control the overall operation of the input device (100) based on the information stored in the memory (140).

[0040] For example, the memory (140) may be a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] The control unit (150) can generate a control signal for controlling the electronic device (200) according to the signals of the rotation detection unit (110) and the posture detection unit (120). The control unit (150) can be configured to switch the control mode according to the posture of the body unit (101). The rotational movement of the wheel key (102) can generate different signals for each control mode. In addition, the control unit (150) can generate different control signals according to the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key (102).

[0042] The control unit (150) can determine a control mode by analyzing posture information received from the posture detection unit (120). The control unit (150) can interpret rotation information received from the rotation detection unit (110) according to the determined control mode. For example, in the first control mode, the rotation of the wheel key (102) can be converted into a volume control signal. Also, in the second control mode, the same rotation can be converted into a channel change signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be configured in the opposite way. That is, it is possible to configure the system so that a channel change function is performed through the rotation of the wheel key (102) in the first control mode, and a volume control function is performed through the rotation of the wheel key in the second control mode.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a first control mode, a screen up-and-down scrolling function can be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102). Additionally, in a second control mode, a screen left-and-right scrolling function can be performed through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102). According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a third control mode, the control unit (150) can generate a control signal that moves a cursor or pointer on the screen in the direction in which the body unit (101) is tilted through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102).

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (150) may receive information identifying the type of application running on the electronic device (200). Based on the received information, the control unit (150) may automatically switch a set of control modes to a set optimized for the corresponding application. Additionally, the control unit (150) may apply a control mode setting according to a selected profile among a plurality of user profiles stored in the memory (140).

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user can change the settings of an input device (100) through a dedicated application installed on an electronic device (200). For example, the user can set the type of control mode according to the posture of the body part (101) using a dedicated application. In addition, the user can set the type of signal generated in each control mode and the control mode switching conditions.

[0046] For example, the control unit (150) may include a controller, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] The haptic module (160) is embedded in the body part (101) and can generate vibration. The control part (150) can generate vibration through the haptic module (160) when the control mode is switched. The vibration generated by the haptic module (160) can provide tactile feedback to the user to indicate the mode switch.

[0048] The input unit (170) may be configured to receive control commands from a user. The input unit (170) may include a user interface such as a physical button or touch pad in addition to the wheel key (102). The input unit (170) may be used for power control of the input device (100), pairing setup with an electronic device (200), or direct execution of a specific function.

[0049] The communication unit (180) can perform wireless communication between the input device (100) and the electronic device (200). The communication unit (180) can transmit a control signal generated by the control unit (150) to the electronic device (200). In addition, the communication unit (180) can receive status information or data, etc. from the electronic device (200).

[0050] For example, the communication unit (180) may include a Bluetooth module, a low-power Bluetooth (BLE) module, a Wi-Fi module, a ZigBee module, a near-field communication (NFC) module, a radio frequency (RF) module, or an infrared communication (IrDA) module. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] The display unit (190) can visually display the operating status or information of the input device (100). The display unit (190) can provide information to the user, such as the battery status, the connection status with the electronic device (200), or the currently active control mode. For example, the display unit (190) can display various information in colors or flashing patterns using one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0052] The electronic device (200) may be a device that operates by receiving a control signal from an input device (100). The electronic device (200) may be wirelessly connected to the input device (100) through a communication unit (180). Through this, the electronic device (200) can perform various operations such as volume control, channel change, and screen scrolling according to the received control signal.

[0053] For example, the electronic device (200) may be a smartphone, television (TV), personal computer (PC), tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic whiteboard, head-mounted display (HMD), projector, audio, speaker, headphones, or earphones. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first control mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device being controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first control mode.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body part (101), a wheel key (102), a rotation detection part (110), a posture detection part (120), and a control part (150). The input device (100) may be worn on a user's finger. Details regarding the input device (100) that overlap with those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0057] The rotation detection unit (110) can detect rotational movement of the wheel key (102). The posture detection unit (120) may include a 6-axis sensor that detects changes in the posture of the body unit (101). The control unit (150) can generate a control signal for controlling the electronic device (201) according to the signals of the rotation detection unit (110) and the posture detection unit (120).

[0058] The body portion (101) can form the basic structure of the input device (100). The body portion (101) can be configured in a ring shape into which a user's finger is inserted. The posture of the body portion (101) may include a tilt relative to the ground (G). The posture detection unit (120) can detect a change in the tilt of the body portion (101) and transmit it to the control unit (150). The control unit (150) can switch the control mode of the input device (100) according to the detected tilt.

[0059] FIG. 3 may show a state where the side (S) of the body part (101) is perpendicular to the ground (G). When the side (S) of the body part (101) is perpendicular to the ground (G), the control unit (150) may operate the input device (100) in a first control mode. The first control mode may be connected to a specific set of functions. For example, the first control mode may be assigned to a media control function. As described below, when the side of the body part (101) is horizontal to the ground (G), the control unit (150) may operate the input device (100) in a second control mode. The second control mode may be connected to a different set of functions than the first control mode.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (150) can switch the control mode when the posture of the body unit (101) is maintained for a certain period of time or longer in a state that matches a preset reference posture. This time delay setting can prevent frequent mode switching caused by unintended movements of the user. As a result, the user can be provided with a stable operating environment. The control unit (150) can provide vibration feedback to the user through the haptic module (160) when the control mode is switched.

[0061] The wheel key (102) may be configured in a ring shape. The wheel key (102) may be rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the body part (101). The user can generate an input signal by rotating the wheel key (102). The rotational movement of the wheel key (102) may generate different signals depending on the control mode currently set by the control unit (150). For example, in the first control mode, the rotation of the wheel key (102) may generate a control signal corresponding to the first function group.

[0062] In the first control mode, the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) can perform the volume control function of the electronic device (201). For example, rotating the wheel key (102) clockwise can increase the volume, and rotating the wheel key (102) counterclockwise can decrease the volume. Additionally, in the first control mode, the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) can perform the up-and-down scrolling function of the electronic device (201) screen.

[0063] The electronic device (201) may be a device that operates by receiving a control signal from the input device (100). The electronic device (201) may communicate wirelessly with the input device (100) through the communication unit (180). FIG. 4 shows the input device (100) controlling the electronic device (201) by operating the wheel key (102) in the first control mode. The electronic device (201) may adjust the volume, change the channel, or scroll the content displayed on the screen according to the control signal received from the input device (100).

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second control mode. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device being controlled by an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second control mode.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may operate by switching control modes. The input device (100) may be a wearable device configured to communicate with at least one electronic device (201). The input device (100) may include a body part (101), a wheel key (102), a rotation detection part (110), a posture detection part (120), and a control part (150). Details regarding the input device (100) that overlap with those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0067] The body portion (101) may be in the shape of a ring into which a finger is inserted. The wheel key (102) may be in the shape of a ring that is rotatably configured on the outer surface of the body portion (101). The rotation detection unit (110) may detect the rotational movement of the wheel key (102). The posture detection unit (120) may include a 6-axis sensor. The posture detection unit (120) may detect changes in the posture of the body portion (101). The control unit (150) may generate a control signal for controlling the electronic device (201) according to the signals from the rotation detection unit (110) and the posture detection unit (120). The control unit (150) may be configured to switch the control mode according to the posture of the body portion (101). The rotational movement of the wheel key (102) may generate different signals depending on the control mode.

[0068] The posture of the body part (101) may include the tilt of the body part (101) relative to the ground (G). The posture detection unit (120) can continuously detect the tilt of the body part (101). As described above, the control unit (150) can operate in a first control mode when the side (S) of the body part (101) is perpendicular to the ground (G). When the user changes the posture of the hand so that the side (S) of the body part (101) becomes horizontal to the ground (G), the posture detection unit (120) can detect this change in posture. The posture detection unit (120) can transmit the detected signal to the control unit (150). Based on the received signal, the control unit (150) can switch the operation mode of the input device (100) to a second control mode.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the input device (100) may be configured to perform a channel change function through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) in a second control mode. For example, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) clockwise, a signal to move to the next channel may be generated, and if the user rotates the wheel key (102) counterclockwise, a signal to move to the previous channel may be generated.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the input device (100) may be configured to perform a screen left-right scrolling function through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) in a second control mode. When a user uses an application that requires navigating content left and right, such as a web browser, e-book, or image gallery, the screen can be scrolled horizontally through the rotational movement of the wheel key (102). At this time, the rotational direction of the wheel key (102) may be set to match the scrolling direction of the screen. This function can support the user in conveniently navigating content on a wide screen with one hand.

[0071] The control unit (150) can control the overall operation of the input device (100). The control unit (150) can generate a control signal corresponding to the rotational operation of the wheel key (102). Additionally, the control unit (150) can transmit the generated control signal to the electronic device (201) through the communication unit (180).

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (150) can generate different control signals depending on the amount of rotation of the wheel key (102). For example, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) slowly, the channels may be changed sequentially one by one. Conversely, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) quickly, a control signal may be generated to skip multiple channels at once or accelerate the scroll speed.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (150) may provide vibration feedback to the user through the haptic module (160) when the control mode is switched. This vibration feedback may allow the user to intuitively recognize the current control mode. Additionally, a short vibration may be generated whenever the wheel key (102) is operated to change channels or scroll, thereby providing clear feedback on the operation.

[0074] The electronic device (201) may be a device that receives a control signal from an input device (100) and performs a corresponding operation. The electronic device (201) may be equipped with a communication module to communicate wirelessly with the input device (100). FIG. 6 shows the input device (100) controlling the electronic device (201) by operating the wheel key (102) in a second control mode. The electronic device (201) may adjust the volume, change the channel, or scroll the content displayed on the screen according to the received control signal.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the control of an electronic device using an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third control mode. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the control of an electronic device using an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third control mode. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device in a third control mode.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, an input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control an electronic device (201) in a third control mode. The third control mode can be activated when the side of the body part (101) of the input device (100) has a specific inclination that is not perpendicular or horizontal to the ground. To this end, the control unit (150) can analyze a signal received from the attitude detection unit (120). The control unit (150) can switch to the third control mode if the attitude of the body part (101) does not correspond to the conditions of a preset first control mode or second control mode.

[0078] In the third control mode, the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) can generate a signal that moves a cursor or pointer displayed on the screen of the electronic device (201). The direction of movement of the cursor can be determined according to the direction in which the body part (101) is tilted. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) while the body part (101) is tilted in a specific direction, the cursor displayed on the screen of the electronic device (201) can move in the corresponding tilted direction.

[0079] FIG. 8 shows a state in which the user has tilted the body part (101) in a direction different from FIG. 7. In this case, the rotational movement of the wheel key (102) can generate a control signal that moves the cursor in the newly tilted direction. As shown in FIG. 9, it may be possible to control the movement of the cursor in all 360 degrees according to the tilt direction of the body part (101). Through this, the user can intuitively operate the pointing device.

[0080] Regarding the input device (100), details that overlap with those described in FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 will be omitted. The rotation detection unit (110) can detect rotational movement of the wheel key (102). The posture detection unit (120) may include a 6-axis sensor that detects changes in the posture of the body part (101). The posture detection unit (120) can detect the tilt angle and direction of the body part (101) in real time. The control unit (150) can determine the cursor movement direction in the third control mode based on the detected tilt information. The control unit (150) can generate a control signal to move the cursor in the corresponding direction when a rotation signal is input from the rotation detection unit (110). The control unit (150) can transmit the generated control signal to the electronic device (201) through the communication unit (180).

[0081] The body portion (101) may be a ring shape into which a finger is inserted. The wheel key (102) may be a ring shape rotatably configured on the outer surface of the body portion (101). In the third control mode, the tilt of the body portion (101) may serve to specify the direction of movement of the cursor. The rotation of the wheel key (102) may serve as a trigger to actually move the cursor in the specified direction.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (150) may be configured to adjust the movement speed of the cursor according to the amount of rotation of the wheel key (102). For example, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) quickly, the cursor may move quickly on the screen. Conversely, if the user rotates the wheel key (102) slowly, the cursor may move at a slow speed for precise operation.

[0083] In another embodiment of the present invention, the input device (100) may enable a zoom function according to the rotation direction of the wheel key (102). For example, clockwise rotation of the wheel key (102) may be set to perform a function of zooming in on the screen, and counterclockwise rotation of the wheel key (102) may be set to perform a function of zooming out on the screen.

[0084] The electronic device (201) may be a device that communicates wirelessly with the input device (100) to receive control signals and performs specific functions according to the received signals. The electronic device (201) may display a graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen. For example, the electronic device (201) may perform tasks such as selecting a menu, executing an icon, and dragging and dropping an object using a cursor or pointer.

[0085] Slides can be remotely controlled in a presentation environment through a control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, this control method can be usefully applied to select and manipulate objects in a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) environment, thereby innovatively improving the user experience (UX).

[0087] According to the present invention described above, by detecting a change in the posture of the body part through a posture detection unit including a 6-axis sensor and switching the control mode, various control signals can be generated with only one wheel key, allowing for intuitive and effective control of surrounding electronic devices. In particular, by generating signals according to the rotational movement of the wheel key differently for each control mode, various functions of the electronic device can be controlled simply by turning the wheel key, thereby significantly improving user convenience and usability.

[0088] As used herein, the term “part” refers to a software or hardware component, and the “part” performs certain roles. However, the “part” is not limited to software or hardware. The “part” may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to operate one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the “part” may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, task components, etc., as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, tables, arrays, variables, etc.

[0089] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 100: Input device 101: Body part 102: Wheel key 110: Rotation detection unit 120: Attitude sensor 130: Wear detection unit 140: Memory 150: Control unit 160: Haptic Module 170: Input section 180: Communications Department 190: Display unit 200: Electronic devices 201: Electronic devices G: Surface S: Side

Claims

Claim 1 A wearable input device configured to communicate with at least one electronic device, comprising: a ring-shaped body portion into which a finger is inserted; a ring-shaped wheel key rotatably configured on the outer circumference of the body portion; a rotation detection portion for detecting rotational movement of the wheel key; a posture detection portion including a 6-axis sensor for detecting a change in posture of the body portion; and a control portion for generating a control signal for controlling the electronic device according to signals from the rotation detection portion and the posture detection portion, wherein the rotation detection portion is configured to generate a control signal only when a force exceeding a threshold is applied to the wheel key, provided that a latch is provided to prevent unintended operation by the user, and the control portion is configured to switch a control mode according to the posture of the body portion, wherein the same rotational movement of the wheel key generates different signals according to the control mode currently set by the control portion, and wherein when the posture of the body portion detected by the posture detection portion is maintained for a certain period of time or longer in a state matching one of a plurality of preset reference postures, the device is configured to switch to a control mode set for the corresponding reference posture. Claim 2 A device according to claim 1, wherein the posture of the body part includes the inclination of the body part relative to the ground. Claim 3 A device according to paragraph 2, which operates in a first control mode when the side of the body part is perpendicular to the ground and operates in a second control mode when the side of the body part is horizontal to the ground. Claim 4 A device configured to perform a volume control function through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the first control mode and to perform a channel change function through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the second control mode. Claim 5 A device configured to perform a vertical screen scrolling function through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the first control mode and to perform a horizontal screen scrolling function through the rotational movement of the wheel key in the second control mode. Claim 6 A device according to paragraph 2, which operates in a third control mode when the side of the body part is not perpendicular or horizontal to the ground. Claim 7 A device according to claim 6, configured to move a cursor or pointer on the screen in a tilted direction through a rotational movement of the wheel key in the third control mode. Claim 8 A device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives information identifying the type of application running on the electronic device and automatically switches a set of control modes to a set optimized for the corresponding application based on the received information. Claim 9 A device according to claim 1, configured such that a user can set the type of control mode according to the posture of the body part, the type of signal generated in each control mode, and the control mode switching condition through a dedicated application installed on the electronic device. Claim 10 A device according to claim 9, further comprising a memory for storing a plurality of user profiles, wherein the control unit is configured to apply a control mode setting according to a selected user profile. Claim 11 A device according to claim 1, further comprising a haptic module embedded in the body portion that generates vibration, wherein the control portion is configured to generate vibration through the haptic module when the control mode is switched to indicate the mode switch. Claim 12 A device according to claim 1, further comprising a wear detection unit provided on the inner circumference of the body portion to detect whether a user's finger is in contact, and wherein the control unit prevents malfunction by deactivating input from the wheel key when finger contact is not detected by the wear detection unit. Claim 13 A device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation sensing unit detects the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key, and the control unit generates different control signals according to the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel key. Claim 14 delete

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