Ring-type controller and wireless communication system

Abstract

A ring-type controller according to an embodiment comprises: a first ring device having a first ring part and a first proximity sensor provided to the first ring part; and a second ring device having a second ring part and a second proximity sensor provided to the second ring part and held by the first ring device so as to be movable with respect to the first ring device. The first proximity sensor is located at a position where the distance between a predetermined first finger to which the first ring part and the second ring part are attached and a second other finger can be detected. The second proximity sensor is located at a position where the distance between the first finger to which the first ring part and the second ring part are attached and a third other finger can be detected.

Description

Ring Controller and Wireless Communication System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ring-type controller and a wireless communication system.

[0002] Conventionally, controllers for operating electronic devices have been portable or worn on the body. In particular, controllers worn on the body must be small, which can limit the operations that can be performed.

[0003] The smart ring described in Patent Document 1 measures finger flexion or finger extension using a flexion sensor (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Special Publication No. 2017-527922

[0005] However, with the conventional technology described above, for example, when a person operates an electronic device by pointing a finger in a space such as AR (Augmented Reality) glasses, the person has to bend and straighten their finger, which can make the operation complicated.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a ring-type controller and a wireless communication system that can be easily operated by the user.

[0007] One aspect is a ring-type controller comprising a first ring device having a first ring portion and a first proximity sensor provided on the first ring portion, and a second ring device having a second ring portion and a second proximity sensor provided on the second ring portion and held on the first ring device so as to be movable relative to the first ring device, wherein the first proximity sensor is positioned at a position where it can detect the distance between a specified first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn and another second finger, and the second proximity sensor is positioned at a position where it can detect the distance between the first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn and another third finger.

[0008] One aspect is a wireless communication system including a ring controller and a host computer capable of communicating via a wireless module.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to simplify the operation of a ring-type controller and a wireless communication system for the user.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a moving part of a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a moving part of a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment and an example configuration of functional blocks of a control circuit of a ring controller. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic method of wearing a ring controller on the left hand according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic method of wearing a ring controller on the left hand according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic method of wearing a ring controller on the right hand according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example posture of a left hand wearing a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example posture of a left hand wearing a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example posture of a left hand wearing a ring controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example posture of a left hand wearing a ring controller according to an embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) [Ring-type controller] <Appearance of ring-type controller> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the general configuration of a ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 1 shows XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes, which are three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate axes. The ring-type controller 1 includes two ring units 11, 12, two proximity sensors 21, 22, and four positioning units 31, 32, 51, 52.

[0013] In this embodiment, one proximity sensor 21 and two positioning units 31, 51 are provided in the ring unit 11, and these constitute a first ring device P1. In addition, in this embodiment, one proximity sensor 22 and two positioning units 32, 52 are provided in the ring unit 12, and these constitute a second ring device P2. The first ring device P1 and the second ring device P2 are combined to constitute the ring-type controller 1.

[0014] In this embodiment, the ring controller 1 has a double ring structure. The ring controller 1 may be called, for example, a ring device. The ring unit may be called, for example, simply a ring. The names of the other components in this embodiment are also examples for the purpose of explanation, and the components may be called by any other names.

[0015] The ring portion 11 has a ring-like shape. Here, the ring-like shape of the ring portion 11 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circular shape or an elliptical shape. In this embodiment, the ring portion 11 has a circular shape when projected onto the XY plane. The ring portion 11 has a hole that penetrates parallel to the Z axis in the center of such a circular shape. In this embodiment, the ring portion 11 is, for example, a single-stage portion.

[0016] The ring portion 12 has a ring-like shape. Here, the ring-like shape of the ring portion 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circular shape or an elliptical shape. In this embodiment, the ring portion 12 has a circular shape when projected onto the XY plane. The ring portion 12 has a hole that penetrates parallel to the Z axis in the center of such a circular shape. In this embodiment, the ring portion 12 is, for example, a single-stage portion.

[0017] In this embodiment, this circular shape (for example, the inner circumference of the circle) is the same for the two ring units 11, 12. The two ring units 11, 12 are combined so that these circular shapes fit together. In other words, in the ring-type controller 1, the ring unit 11 and the ring unit 12 share this circular shape, and to the user it appears as if there is one circular shape (double rings).

[0018] One proximity sensor 21 is disposed on the side surface of the outer periphery of ring portion 11. The other proximity sensor 22 is disposed on the side surface of the outer periphery of ring portion 12. These two proximity sensors 21, 22 are disposed at a predetermined distance from each other on the side surfaces of these ring portions 11, 12. This predetermined distance may be expressed, for example, by a rotation angle around the central axis of the circular shape of these ring portions 11, 12, or may be expressed by a distance on the side surfaces of the outer peripheries of these ring portions 11, 12.

[0019] The positioning portion 31 and the positioning portion 51 are each disposed on the side surface of the outer periphery of the ring portion 11. The positioning portion 31 and the positioning portion 51 are each disposed on the side surface with a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor 21.

[0020] The positioning portion 32 and the positioning portion 52 are each disposed on the side surface of the outer periphery of the ring portion 12. The positioning portion 32 and the positioning portion 52 are each disposed on the side surface at a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor 22.

[0021] The shape of each of the positioning portions 31, 32, 51, and 52 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a protruding shape such as a cube or sphere, or may have any decorative shape. The decoration may be, for example, letters, numbers, symbols, or any pattern. Furthermore, the shape of each of the positioning portions 31, 32, 51, and 52 may be, for example, a shape that protrudes from the outer circumferential side surface of the ring portions 11 and 12, or a shape that is engraved on the outer circumferential side surface of the ring portions 11 and 12.

[0022] In this embodiment, the positioning units 31, 32, 51, and 52 indicate to the user (human) the position on the finger (in this embodiment, the index finger) on which the ring controller 1 is worn. In other words, in this embodiment, the user wears the ring controller 1 on a predetermined finger of a predetermined hand of the user so that the positioning units 31, 32, 51, and 52 are located in predetermined positions when the ring controller 1 is worn on a predetermined finger of a predetermined hand of the user. Note that the user may wear the ring controller 1 by referring to only some of the four positioning units 31, 32, 51, and 52.

[0023] 1 shows a case where the ring-type controller 1 is worn on the index finger of the user's left hand. In FIG. 1, a direction D1 in which the index finger of the left hand is inserted into the ring portions 11 and 12 is shown.

[0024] 1 , when the ring controller 1 is inserted onto the index finger of the user's left hand, the ring controller 1 is inserted onto the index finger so that the positioning units 31 and 32 are positioned above the index finger. In this case, the proximity sensor 21 detects whether or not the ring controller 1 is in proximity to the middle finger of the user's left hand. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 22 detects whether or not the ring controller 1 is in proximity to the thumb of the user's left hand.

[0025] Here, the positions determined by the positioning units 31 and 32 are not particularly limited, and do not necessarily have to be above the finger on which the ring-type controller 1 is worn, but may be, for example, below or to the side of the finger on which the ring-type controller 1 is worn.

[0026] <Moving section of ring-type controller> Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the moving section B1 of the ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the moving section B1 of the ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. Figs. 2A and 2B each show X, Y, and Z orthogonal coordinate axes similar to those in Fig. 1.

[0027] Fig. 2A shows the external appearance of a portion of the ring-type controller 1. In the example of Fig. 2, an example of the configuration in the vicinity of the circular surface where the ring portion 11 and the ring portion 12 are combined is shown as seen from the side of the outer periphery of the ring-type controller 1 (part of that side in the example of Fig. 2).

[0028] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of region A1 shown in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, one ring portion 11 has a protrusion 71 around its entire circumference on the side facing the circumference of the other ring portion 12. The protrusion 71 has an engagement portion 91 that is wider on the side of the other ring portion 12 than on the side of the one ring portion 11. The other ring portion 12 has a hole 72 around its entire circumference into which the engagement portion 91 fits. The engagement portion 91 of one ring portion 11 fits into the hole 72 of the other ring portion 12, allowing these two ring portions 11 and 12 to rotate relative to each other around the central axis of their circular shapes. In this embodiment, the protrusion 71 and the hole 72 form a moving portion B1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the inner circumference of the first ring device P1 (the inner circumference of the ring portion 11) and the inner circumference of the second ring device P2 (the inner circumference of the ring portion 12) have the same shape. The first ring device P1 and the second ring device P2 are held so that the two inner circumferences overlap in the direction in which a predetermined finger is inserted.

[0030] In this embodiment, the two ring portions 11, 12 rotate relative to each other, thereby changing the relative positional relationship between the arrangement of the proximity sensor 21, positioning portion 31, and positioning portion 51 provided on one ring portion 11 and the arrangement of the proximity sensor 22, positioning portion 32, and positioning portion 52 provided on the other ring portion 12. The user can change the relative positional relationship between the two ring portions 11, 12. Any mechanism may be used as the mechanism that can change the relative positional relationship between the two ring portions 11, 12 (in this embodiment, the relative rotation angle between the two ring portions 11, 12).

[0031] In this embodiment, when no force is applied to the ring units 11 and 12 by the user or the like, there is a frictional force between the two ring units 11 and 12 to the extent that the relative positions of the ring units 11 and 12 do not change. As another configuration example, the ring-type controller 1 may be provided with a fastener (for example, a clasp) for fixing the relative positions of the two ring units 11 and 12. In this case, the user releases the fastener to change the relative positions of the two ring units 11 and 12 to the desired positional relationship, and then fixes the two ring units 11 and 12 with the fastener.

[0032] <Control Circuit> Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system Q1 according to an embodiment and an example of the configuration of functional blocks of the control circuit 211 of the ring controller 1. The wireless communication system Q1 includes the ring controller 1, a host computer 212, and a charger 213. In this embodiment, the host computer 212 and the charger 213 are devices external to the ring controller 1. The control circuit 211 is provided in the ring controller 1. Note that, for example, the charger 213 may be considered not to be included in the wireless communication system Q1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the ring controller 1 transmits, for example, various instructions and various information to the host computer 212 by wirelessly communicating with the host computer 212. The host computer 212 acquires various instructions or information based on the information received from the ring controller 1. The charger 213 supplies power to the ring controller 1.

[0034] Here, the host computer 212 may be any device, such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, AR glasses, or VR (Virtual Reality) glasses. Also, various types of chargers may be used as the charger 213.

[0035] The control circuit 211 includes a proximity sensor unit 231, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor 232, a wireless module 233, a battery 234, a charging connector 235, a battery control IC (Integrated Circuit) 236, and a microcontroller (also referred to as a microcomputer in this embodiment for convenience of explanation) 237. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor unit 231 includes a proximity sensor 21 and a proximity sensor 22.

[0036] Each of the proximity sensors 21 and 22 of the proximity sensor unit 231 functions as a distance measurement sensor. The proximity sensor 21 detects information regarding the degree of proximity to a predetermined finger. The degree may be, for example, information indicating the distance from the finger. The proximity sensor 22 detects information regarding the degree of proximity to a predetermined finger. The degree may be, for example, information indicating the distance from the finger.

[0037] The proximity sensor unit 231 transmits information (detection information) relating to the detection results of the proximity sensors 21 and 22 to the microcomputer 237. The proximity sensor unit 231 is controlled by the microcomputer 237.

[0038] Note that detection may be called, for example, measurement or measurement. Furthermore, detection information may be called, for example, measurement information or measurement information, and may also be called, for example, detected values, measured values, or measured values. Furthermore, various types of information may be called, for example, data.

[0039] The IMU sensor 232 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The IMU sensor 232 detects information according to the movement of the hand wearing the ring controller 1. The IMU sensor 232 transmits information related to the detection results (detection information) to the microcomputer 237. The IMU sensor 232 is controlled by the microcomputer 237. Note that the IMU sensor 232 may include, for example, either an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0040] The wireless module 233 performs wireless communication with the host computer 212. There are no particular limitations on the wireless communication method, and methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used, for example. Transmission and reception of the wireless module 233 are controlled by a microcomputer 237.

[0041] The battery 234 is, for example, a secondary battery that charges and supplies power. Here, the battery 234 may be configured to be detachable from the main body of the ring controller 1 (in the example of FIG. 3 , the parts of the ring controller 1 other than the battery 234), or may be integrated and not detachable. Note that a replaceable primary battery may be used as the battery 234, in which case the charger 213 and charging connector 235 may not be provided. In this case, for example, the battery 234 may be considered to be an external component of the ring controller 1.

[0042] The charging connector 235 receives power from the charger 213 and supplies that power to the battery control IC 236. Note that the charging connector 235 and the charger 213 may be configured to supply power contactlessly, or may be configured to supply power via a wire. When the charging connector 235 and the charger 213 supply power via a wire, for example, power may be supplied when the ring controller 1 is not being worn by the user.

[0043] The battery control IC 236 controls charging of the battery 234 and power supply from the battery 234. In this embodiment, the battery control IC 236 supplies power to each of the proximity sensor unit 231, the IMU sensor 232, the wireless module 233, and the microcomputer 237 using power charged in the battery 234. The battery control IC 236 also charges the battery 234 using power supplied from the charging connector 235.

[0044] The microcomputer 237 performs various processes and controls. The microcomputer 237 communicates information with the host computer 212 via the wireless module 233. The microcomputer 237 receives information about the detection results (detection information) from the proximity sensor unit 231. The microcomputer 237 receives information about the detection results (detection information) from the IMU sensor 232. The microcomputer 237 transmits instructions to the host computer 212 according to the user's operation, for example, based on one or both of the information from the proximity sensor unit 231 and the information from the IMU sensor 232.

[0045] Here, the microcomputer 237 may, for example, identify an instruction corresponding to the user's operation content based on both the information from the proximity sensor unit 231 and the information from the IMU sensor 232, or may identify an instruction corresponding to the user's operation content based on any one of the information from the proximity sensor unit 231 and the information from the IMU sensor 232. As another example, the microcomputer 237 may transmit one or both of the information from the proximity sensor unit 231 and the information from the IMU sensor 232 to the host computer 212 without identifying an instruction corresponding to the user's operation content. In this case, the host computer 212 identifies an instruction corresponding to the user's operation content based on the information received from the microcomputer 237.

[0046] Note that when a series of processes are performed by the microcomputer 237 and the host computer 212, the division of the processes performed by the microcomputer 237 and the processes performed by the host computer 212 may be arbitrary. As one example, the microcomputer 237 may transmit to the host computer 212 information about the detection results themselves (e.g., distance) by the proximity sensors 21, 22, or information about the presence or absence of proximity obtained from the detection results. As another example, the microcomputer 237 may transmit to the host computer 212 information about the detection results themselves (e.g., one or both of acceleration and angular velocity) by the IMU sensor 232, or information about movement obtained from the detection results (e.g., information such as the distance moved by the ring controller 1).

[0047] As another example, the microcomputer 237 may generate predetermined information based on the detection results of the proximity sensor unit 231 and the detection results of the IMU sensor 232, and transmit the information to the host computer 212. For example, the predetermined information may be information for display, and in this case, the host computer 212 displays the information received from the microcomputer 237 via the wireless module 233 on a screen.

[0048] The microcomputer 237 or the host computer 212 may determine whether a predetermined finger is in proximity to the proximity sensor 21 based on, for example, detection information from the proximity sensor 21. In this case, for example, the detection information may be information on the distance (separation distance) from the finger, and it may be determined that the finger is in proximity when the distance from the finger is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (or less than the predetermined threshold), and it may be determined that the finger is not in proximity in other cases. Similarly, the microcomputer 237 or the host computer 212 may determine whether a predetermined finger is in proximity to the proximity sensor 22 based on, for example, detection information from the proximity sensor 22. In this case, for example, the detection information may be information on the distance (separation distance) from the finger, and it may be determined that the finger is in proximity when the distance from the finger is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (or less than the predetermined threshold), and it may be determined that the finger is not in proximity in other cases. Note that the thresholds for the proximity sensors 21 and 22 may be the same value or different values, for example.

[0049] In this embodiment, the proximity sensors 21 and 22 are used by being arranged, for example, at different, separated locations (positions) on the ring units 11 and 12. The components of the ring-type controller 1 shown in FIG. 3 other than the proximity sensors 21 and 22 may be arranged together in one location on the ring unit 11 or 12, for example, or may be arranged separately at multiple, separated locations on the ring unit 11 and 12. When these components are arranged together in one location on the ring unit 11 or 12, this location may be, for example, the same location as any one of the two proximity sensors 21 and 22, or may be a different location from the two proximity sensors 21 and 22.

[0050] <Control of Control Circuit from Host Computer> A configuration may be used in which a predetermined instruction (control data) is transmitted from the host computer 212 to the microcomputer 237 of the control circuit 211. The instruction may be a sleep instruction. For example, the host computer 212 may issue a sleep instruction to the microcomputer 237 via the wireless module 233 at a desired timing. In this case, the microcomputer 237 puts all or part of the control circuit 211 into a sleep state in response to receiving the instruction. Note that in the sleep state, for example, power consumption is reduced. In this case, the sleep state may be referred to as a power-saving state or the like.

[0051] [User Operation Contents] <Method of Wearing on Left Hand> Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams schematically showing a method of wearing the ring controller 1 according to an embodiment on the left hand. The example of Figure 4A and the example of Figure 4B are shown from different perspectives. For ease of explanation, Figures 4A and 4B each show the same XYZ Cartesian coordinate axes as Figure 1. Figure 4A shows the ring controller 1 from a perspective looking at the holes in the ring portions 11 and 12 of the ring controller 1. Figure 4B shows the ring controller 1 from a perspective looking at the outer periphery of the ring portion 11 of the ring controller 1.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 4B , for ease of explanation, an "L" is indicated at the location of the positioning portion 31 of the ring portion 11 and the location of the positioning portion 32 of the ring portion 12. Also, in the example of FIG. 4B , for ease of explanation, an "R" is indicated at the location of the positioning portion 52 of the ring portion 12. Note that in the example of FIG. 4B , the "R" at the location of the positioning portion 51 of the ring portion 11 is not visible and is therefore not shown. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the two ring portions 11 and 12 is adjusted so that the locations of the positioning portion 31 of the ring portion 11 and the positioning portion 32 of the ring portion 12 indicated by the "L" are located at the same position on the circumference of the two ring portions 11 and 12 (the same rotation angle around the central axis of the circular shape). The device is worn on the user's left hand and used in this state. FIG. 4B also shows the direction D1 in which the fingers of the user's left hand are inserted.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 4A , the index finger of the user's left hand is inserted in a direction from the front to the back of the page of Fig. 4A , thereby wearing the ring controller 1 on the index finger. In this case, the proximity sensor 21 is positioned so as to be able to detect whether the middle finger of the user's left hand is close to the index finger. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 22 is positioned so as to be able to detect whether the thumb of the user's left hand is close to the index finger. Therefore, the microcomputer 237 or the host computer 212 can identify an instruction corresponding to the user's operation based on the detection results of the two proximity sensors 21, 22.

[0054] <Method of Wearing on the Right Hand> Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing a method of wearing the ring controller 1 according to an embodiment on the right hand. The example of Figure 5A and the example of Figure 5B are shown from different perspectives. For ease of explanation, Figures 5A and 5B each show the same XYZ Cartesian coordinate axes as Figure 1. Figure 5A shows the ring controller 1 from a perspective looking at the holes in the ring portions 11 and 12 of the ring controller 1. Figure 5B shows the ring controller 1 from a perspective looking at the outer periphery of the ring portion 11 of the ring controller 1.

[0055] Here, in the example of FIG. 5B , for ease of explanation, an "L" is indicated at the location of the positioning portion 32 of the ring portion 12. Note that in the example of FIG. 5B , the "L" at the location of the positioning portion 31 of the ring portion 11 is not visible and is therefore not shown. Also, in the example of FIG. 5B , for ease of explanation, an "R" is indicated at the location of the positioning portion 51 of the ring portion 11 and the location of the positioning portion 52 of the ring portion 12. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the two ring portions 11 and 12 is adjusted so that the locations of the positioning portion 51 of the ring portion 11 and the positioning portion 52 of the ring portion 12 indicated by the "R" are located at the same position on the circumference of the two ring portions 11 and 12 (the same rotation angle around the central axis of the circular shape), and the device is worn on the user's right hand and used. FIG. 5B also shows the direction D2 in which the fingers of the user's right hand are inserted.

[0056] In the example of Fig. 5A , the index finger of the user's right hand is inserted in a direction from the front to the back of the page of Fig. 5A , thereby wearing the ring controller 1 on the index finger. In this case, the proximity sensor 21 is positioned so as to be able to detect whether the middle finger of the user's right hand is close to the index finger. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 22 is positioned so as to be able to detect whether the thumb of the user's right hand is close to the index finger. Therefore, the microcomputer 237 or the host computer 212 can identify an instruction corresponding to the user's operation based on the detection results of the two proximity sensors 21, 22.

[0057] In this embodiment, the position of the positioning unit 31 and the position of the positioning unit 51 are offset by 180 degrees (or approximately 180 degrees) in terms of the rotation angle when the central axis of the circular shape of the ring unit 11 is the center. Also, in this embodiment, the position of the positioning unit 32 and the positioning unit 52 are offset by an angle ranging from 45 degrees to 90 degrees (for example, 45 degrees or 90 degrees) in terms of the rotation angle when the central axis of the circular shape of the ring unit 12 is the center. In this embodiment, in the example of FIG. 4B , when viewed from the negative side to the positive side of the Z axis, the proximity sensor 21 is located in the middle (or near the middle) of the circumference on the left side (the left side in FIG. 4B ) connecting the positioning unit 31 and the positioning unit 51 of the ring unit 11. That is, in this embodiment, the position of the positioning unit 31 and the position of the proximity sensor 21 are offset by 90 degrees (or approximately 90 degrees) in terms of the rotation angle around the central axis of the circular shape of the ring unit 11, and similarly, the position of the proximity sensor 21 and the position of the positioning unit 51 are offset by 90 degrees (or approximately 90 degrees). Also, in this embodiment, in the example of FIG. 4B , when viewed from the negative side to the positive side of the Z axis, the proximity sensor 22 is disposed at a position approximately 90 to 180 degrees (e.g., 157.5 degrees or 135 degrees) on the right side of the circumference connecting the positioning unit 32 and the positioning unit 52 in the ring unit 12 (the right side in FIG. 4B ). That is, in this embodiment, the position of the positioning unit 32 and the position of the proximity sensor 22 are offset by approximately 90 to 180 degrees in terms of the rotation angle around the central axis of the circular shape of the ring unit 12. Thus, in this embodiment, the positions of proximity sensors 21 and 22 are offset by an angle ranging from 90 degrees to 180 degrees (for example, 112.5 degrees or 135 degrees) in terms of the rotation angle when centered on the central axis of the circular shape of ring portions 11 and 12. Note that the arrangement of each component (for example, the position of the rotation angle) shown in this embodiment is an example for explanatory purposes and is not necessarily an exact value, and any practically effective arrangement of each component may be used.

[0058] <Examples of User Operation Contents> Examples of user operation contents are shown with reference to Figures 6A to 6D. In the examples of Figures 6A to 6D, the ring controller 1 is worn on the index finger F2 of the user's left hand H1.

[0059] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the posture of a left hand H1 wearing a ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the same posture of the left hand H1 as viewed from different perspectives. In the example of FIG. 6A , the user is assuming a pointing posture with only the index finger F2 of the left hand H1 extended. In this case, based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 21, it is determined that the middle finger F3 of the user's left hand H1 is not in proximity to the index finger F2, and based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 22, it is determined that the thumb F1 of the user's left hand H1 is not in proximity to the index finger F2.

[0060] 6C is a diagram showing an example of the posture of a left hand H1 wearing a ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6C, the user is assuming a posture in which the index finger F2 and middle finger F3 of the left hand H1 are extended to point with two fingers. In this case, based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 21, it is determined that the middle finger F3 of the user's left hand H1 is in proximity to the index finger F2, and based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 22, it is determined that the thumb F1 of the user's left hand H1 is not in proximity to the index finger F2.

[0061] 6D is a diagram showing an example of the posture of a left hand H1 wearing a ring-type controller 1 according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6D , the user is assuming a posture for performing a grasp operation, with the index finger F2 and middle finger F3 of the left hand H1 touching and the index finger F2 and thumb F1 extended so as to touch. In this case, based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 21, it is determined that the middle finger F3 of the user's left hand H1 is in proximity to the index finger F2, and based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 22, it is determined that the thumb F1 of the user's left hand H1 is in proximity to the index finger F2.

[0062] 6A to 6D are merely examples, and any posture of the left hand H1 may be used to determine the user's operation. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 6A to 6D, the user's operation is identified based on the detection results of the proximity sensors 21 and 22 corresponding to the posture of the user's left hand H1. However, as another example, the user's operation may be identified based on both the detection results of the proximity sensors 21 and 22 and the detection result of the IMU sensor 232.

[0063] <Example of Use of Ring Controller> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of use of the ring controller 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a screen 331 being projected onto a wall 311 using the projector function. The image on the screen 331 includes an image of an operation target 351. In the example of Fig. 7, the screen 331 is a projected screen that is processed by the host computer 212. In addition, in the example of Fig. 7, the operation target 351 is a cursor that can be moved on the screen 331.

[0064] 7 also shows the ring controller 1 and the user's left hand H1 wearing the ring controller 1. The ring controller 1 is worn on the index finger F2 of the left hand H1.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 7 , when the user positions his or her left hand H1 in a specific position, an instruction corresponding to that position can be notified to the host computer 212 via the ring controller 1. In the example of FIG. 7 , that position is a position in which the tip of the index finger F2 is pointed in a specific direction D11. The host computer 212 executes various processes based on the content of the instruction (user operation content) received from the ring controller 1. The process is not particularly limited and may be, for example, processing related to an object pointed at by the cursor or cursor movement processing. The host computer 212 identifies a process corresponding to the user operation content based on the relationship (e.g., relative position) between the screen generated by the host computer 212 (in this example, the screen 331 displayed on the wall 311) and the user operation content, and executes the process.

[0066] While this embodiment illustrates a case in which the content of a user's operation is notified from the ring controller 1 to the host computer 212, as another example, the content of the user's operation may be identified by the microcomputer 237 of the ring controller 1, and the microcomputer 237 may execute processing according to the content of the operation. Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case in which a predetermined screen (screen 331 in the example of FIG. 7 ) is projected onto the wall 311, as another example, a configuration in which such a screen is projected onto one or both sides of glasses worn by the user may be used.

[0067] As described above, the ring controller 1 according to this embodiment simplifies operation for the user (human). For example, the user can perform intuitive operations by pointing at the space projected on the wall 311 or AR glasses, etc. For example, the user can operate or control an electronic device (the host computer 212 in this embodiment) by wearing the ring controller 1 on the fingers of the hand and positioning the hand in a specific position.

[0068] The user can easily operate the user interface by, for example, bringing the finger wearing the ring controller 1 close to another finger. The user can also easily operate the user interface by, for example, bringing the finger wearing the ring controller 1 close to two or more other fingers. By referring to the positioning units 31, 32, 51, and 52, the user can easily visually recognize how the ring controller 1 should be worn.

[0069] The ring controller 1 according to this embodiment can transmit information about the detection results of the proximity sensors 21, 22 to the host computer 212, which allows the host computer 212 to accurately grasp, for example, the position of a specific finger (for example, whether or not that finger is in proximity) relative to the finger of the user wearing the ring controller 1. For example, in a configuration in which the detection results of each sensor (in this embodiment, the proximity sensors 21, 22 and the IMU sensor 232) are transmitted from the ring controller 1 to the host computer 212, accurate information about the position of the ring controller 1 and the like can be presented to the host computer 212.

[0070] 6A to 6D and 7, the ring controller 1 is worn on the fingers of the user's left hand, but the same applies to an example in which the ring controller 1 is worn on the fingers of the user's right hand. For example, when the ring controller 1 is worn on the fingers of the user's right hand, it may have a configuration that is symmetrical to when the ring controller 1 is worn on the fingers of the user's left hand, or it may have a different configuration.

[0071] In this embodiment, the ring controller 1 worn on the index finger is illustrated, but as another example, a ring controller worn on a finger other than the index finger may be implemented. As a specific example, a configuration may be used in which the ring controller 1 is worn on the middle finger of a specific hand of the user, and a proximity sensor detects the degree of proximity between the middle finger and other fingers. In this case, the other fingers may be, for example, one or more of the index finger, ring finger, and thumb.

[0072] The locations where the two proximity sensors 21, 22 and the positioning units 31, 32, 51, 52 are provided on the ring units 11, 12 of the ring-type controller 1 are shown in the arrangement shown in this embodiment as an example, and the locations where each of them is provided may be designed arbitrarily.

[0073] In this embodiment, the ring controller 1 is shown having two proximity sensors 21, 22 on the ring units 11, 12, but as another configuration example, a ring controller having three or more proximity sensors on the ring unit may be implemented. In other words, the ring controller may have at least two proximity sensors on different locations on the ring unit.

[0074] Second Embodiment [Ring Controller] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ring controller 501 according to a second embodiment. The ring controller 501 includes two ring units 511, 512 and two proximity sensors 521, 522.

[0075] In this embodiment, one proximity sensor 521 is provided in the ring section 511, and these constitute the first ring device P11. In this embodiment, one proximity sensor 522 is provided in the ring section 512, and these constitute the second ring device P12. The first ring device P11 and the second ring device P12 are combined to constitute the ring-type controller 501. As in the first embodiment, the relative rotation angle of the two ring sections 511 and 512 can be changed, thereby changing the relative positional relationship between them.

[0076] Here, proximity sensor 521 is disposed at a predetermined location on the outer circumferential side surface of ring portion 511. Proximity sensor 522 is disposed at a predetermined location on the outer circumferential side surface of ring portion 512. As an example, these two proximity sensors 521, 522 may be disposed in the same locations as the two proximity sensors 21, 22 according to the first embodiment. Each of proximity sensors 521, 522 has the same function as, for example, proximity sensors 21, 22 shown in FIG. 1.

[0077] The ring controller 501 includes, for example, a control circuit having a configuration similar to that of the control circuit 211 shown in Fig. 3. The control circuit or the host computer (a device equivalent to the host computer 212 shown in Fig. 3) identifies the user's operation based on the detection results of the two proximity sensors 521, 522, or based on the detection results of the two proximity sensors 521, 522 and the detection results of the IMU sensor (a sensor equivalent to the IMU sensor 232 shown in Fig. 3).

[0078] Here, the ring controller 501 according to this embodiment differs from the ring controller 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a positioning unit. In this embodiment, the ring unit 511 and the ring unit 512 do not have a positioning unit, and the user wears the ring controller 501 on a specific finger by referring to, for example, the positions of the proximity sensors 521, 522 provided on the ring unit 511 and the ring unit 512.

[0079] As described above, the ring controller 501 according to this embodiment simplifies operation for the user (human). The user can achieve simple operations by, for example, bringing the finger wearing the ring controller 501 close to another finger. The user can also achieve simple operations by, for example, bringing the finger wearing the ring controller 501 close to two or more other fingers.

[0080] [Regarding the Above Embodiments] A program for implementing the functions of any of the components of any of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and then loaded and executed by a computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system or peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact disc (CD)-read-only memories (ROMs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Such volatile memory may be, for example, random access memory (RAM). The recording medium may also be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium.

[0081] The above program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above program may also be intended to realize part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. A differential file may also be called a differential program.

[0082] Furthermore, the functions of any of the components in any of the above-described devices may be implemented by a processor. For example, each process in the embodiments may be implemented by a processor operating based on information such as a program and a computer-readable recording medium storing information such as the program. Here, the functions of each unit of the processor may be implemented by, for example, individual hardware, or may be implemented by integrated hardware. For example, the processor may include hardware, and the hardware may include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the processor may be configured using one or more circuit devices mounted on a circuit board, or one or both of one or more circuit elements. An integrated circuit (IC) or the like may be used as the circuit device, and a resistor or a capacitor may be used as the circuit element.

[0083] Here, the processor may be, for example, a CPU. However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various types of processors, such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), may be used. The processor may also be, for example, a hardware circuit using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor may also be, for example, composed of multiple CPUs, or may also be composed of a hardware circuit using multiple ASICs. The processor may also be, for example, composed of a combination of multiple CPUs and a hardware circuit using multiple ASICs. The processor may also include, for example, one or more of an amplifier circuit or a filter circuit that processes analog signals.

[0084] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope that do not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0085] [Additional Notes] [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 8] are shown.

[0086] [Configuration Example 1] A ring-type controller comprising: a first ring device having a first ring portion and a first proximity sensor provided on the first ring portion; and a second ring device having a second ring portion and a second proximity sensor provided on the second ring portion, the second ring device being held on the first ring device so as to be movable relative to the first ring device, wherein the first proximity sensor is arranged at a position where it can detect the distance between a specified first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn and another second finger, and the second proximity sensor is arranged at a position where it can detect the distance between the first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn and another third finger.

[0087] Therefore, with the ring controller, the user can easily perform operations by combining simple actions such as bringing the first finger and the second finger closer together, and bringing the first finger and the third finger closer together. Various instructions can be given by the user's finger actions, such as bringing the finger wearing the ring controller closer to another finger (e.g., the thumb) or pointing at a specific object with two fingers. Furthermore, for example, the ring controller can be used on both the left and right hands. Here, the first finger, the second finger, and the third finger may each be any finger. Furthermore, the ring controller may be applicable to either or both of the right and left hands. In this embodiment, the ring-type controller 1, 501 is an example of a ring-type controller, the first ring devices P1, P11 are examples of first ring devices, the second ring devices P2, P12 are examples of second ring devices, the ring portions 11, 511 are examples of first ring portions, the ring portions 12, 512 are examples of second ring portions, the proximity sensors 21, 521 are examples of first proximity sensors, the proximity sensors 22, 522 are examples of second proximity sensors, the index finger F2 of the left hand H1 or the index finger of the right hand is an example of the first finger, the middle finger F3 of the left hand H1 or the middle finger of the right hand is an example of the second finger, and the thumb F1 of the left hand H1 or the thumb of the right hand is an example of the third finger.

[0088] [Configuration Example 2] The ring controller according to [Configuration Example 1], wherein the first ring device and the second ring device each include a moving unit having a mechanism that enables the first ring device and the second ring device to move along their respective outer peripheries.

[0089] Therefore, in the ring controller, it is possible to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first ring device and the second ring device.

[0090] [Configuration Example 3] A ring-shaped controller described in [Configuration Example 1] or [Configuration Example 2], wherein a first inner circumference of the first ring device and a second inner circumference of the second ring device have the same shape, and the first inner circumference and the second inner circumference are held so as to overlap in the direction in which the first finger is inserted into the first ring device and the second ring device.

[0091] Therefore, with the ring controller, for example, when a user puts the ring controller on the user's finger, the ring controller can be smoothly inserted into the finger.

[0092] [Configuration Example 4] The ring-shaped controller according to any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 3], wherein the second finger and the third finger are each adjacent to the first finger.

[0093] Therefore, with the ring-type controller, the user can easily perform operations with simple actions such as bringing adjacent first and second fingers closer together, and simple actions such as bringing adjacent first and third fingers closer together.

[0094] [Configuration Example 5] The ring-shaped controller according to [Configuration Example 4], wherein the first finger is an index finger, the second finger is a thumb, and the third finger is a middle finger.

[0095] Therefore, with the ring controller, the user can easily perform operations with a simple action such as bringing the index finger and the adjacent finger (thumb or middle finger) close together.

[0096] [Configuration Example 6] The ring-shaped controller described in any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 5], wherein the first ring device comprises a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion that indicate the wearing position for the first finger, the second ring device comprises a third positioning portion and a fourth positioning portion that indicate the wearing position for the first finger, when the position of the first positioning portion and the position of the third positioning portion are aligned, a first insertion direction for insertion into one of the left or right fingers is indicated, and when the position of the second positioning portion and the position of the fourth positioning portion are aligned, a second insertion direction for insertion into the other of the left or right fingers is indicated.

[0097] Therefore, the ring controller can be worn on both the fingers of the left and right hands, making it more convenient to wear depending on, for example, the user's dominant hand. Furthermore, with the ring controller, the user can easily recognize how to wear the ring controller by referring to the positioning portions. Note that in this embodiment, the positioning portions 31 and 51 of the ring portion 11 are examples of the first and second positioning portions, the positioning portions 32 and 52 of the ring portion 12 are examples of the third and fourth positioning portions, the direction D1 is an example of the first insertion direction, and the direction D2 is an example of the second insertion direction.

[0098] [Configuration Example 7] The ring controller according to any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 6], comprising: a microcontroller that receives first distance information detected by the first proximity sensor and second distance information detected by the second proximity sensor, and also receives information on detection values ​​detected by one or both of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor; and a battery that supplies power to one or more of the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, the acceleration sensor, the gyro sensor, and the microcontroller.

[0099] Therefore, in the ring controller, processing or control based on the detection results of various sensors can be executed by a microcontroller (MCU), and, for example, information regarding the detection results of one or more sensors can be transmitted to an external device (for example, the host computer 212). Note that in this embodiment, the IMU sensor 232 includes the functions of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, the MCU 237 is an example of a microcomputer (MCU), and the battery 234 is an example of a battery.

[0100] [Configuration Example 8] The ring controller according to [Configuration Example 7], further comprising: a charging connector for charging the battery; and a wireless module for transmitting and receiving data to and from the microcontroller.

[0101] Therefore, the ring controller is capable of charging the battery and is also capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from, for example, an external device (for example, the host computer 212). In this embodiment, the charging connector 235 is an example of a charging connector, and the wireless module 233 is an example of a wireless module.

[0102] [Configuration Example 9] A wireless communication system including: the ring controller according to [Configuration Example 8]; and a host computer capable of communicating via the wireless module.

[0103] Therefore, in the wireless communication system, through wireless communication between the host computer and the ring controller, operation content according to the hand movements of the user wearing the ring controller can be applied to various operations or controls. Note that in this embodiment, the wireless communication system Q1 is an example of a wireless communication system.

[0104] 1, 501...Ring-type controller 11, 12, 511, 512...Ring portion 21, 22, 521, 522...Proximity sensor 31, 32, 51, 52...Positioning portion 71...Protrusion portion 72...Hole portion 91...Engagement portion 211...Control circuit 212...Host computer 213...Charger 231...Proximity sensor portion 232...IMU sensor 233...Wireless module 234...Battery 235...Charging connector 236...Battery control IC 237...Microcontroller (microcomputer) 311...Wall 331...Screen 351...Operation object A1...Area B1...Moving portion D1, D11, D21...Direction F1...Thumb F2...Index finger F3...Middle finger H1...Left hand P1, P11...First ring device P2, P12...Second ring device Q1...Wireless communication system

Claims

1. A ring-type controller comprising: a first ring device having a first ring portion and a first proximity sensor provided on the first ring portion; and a second ring device having a second ring portion and a second proximity sensor provided on the second ring portion, the second ring device being held on the first ring device so as to be movable relative to the first ring device, wherein the first proximity sensor is positioned at a position where it can detect the distance between a specific first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn, and another second finger, and the second proximity sensor is positioned at a position where it can detect the distance between the first finger on which the first ring portion and the second ring portion are worn, and another third finger.

2. The ring-type controller according to claim 1, wherein the first ring device and the second ring device are provided with a moving part having a mechanism that enables them to move along their respective outer circumferences.

3. A ring-type controller as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a first inner circumference of the first ring device and a second inner circumference of the second ring device have the same shape, and the first inner circumference and the second inner circumference are held so as to overlap in the direction in which the first finger is inserted into the first ring device and the second ring device.

4. A ring-type controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second finger and the third finger are each adjacent to the first finger.

5. The ring-type controller according to claim 4, wherein the first finger is an index finger, the second finger is a thumb, and the third finger is a middle finger.

6. A ring-type controller as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first ring device is provided with a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion which indicate a wearing position for the first finger, the second ring device is provided with a third positioning portion and a fourth positioning portion which indicate a wearing position for the first finger, when the position of the first positioning portion and the position of the third positioning portion are aligned, a first insertion direction for insertion into one of the left or right fingers is indicated, and when the position of the second positioning portion and the position of the fourth positioning portion are aligned, a second insertion direction for insertion into the other of the left or right fingers is indicated.

7. A ring controller as described in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: a microcontroller that receives first distance information detected by the first proximity sensor and second distance information detected by the second proximity sensor, and receives information of detection values ​​detected by one or both of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor; and a battery that supplies power to one or more of the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, the acceleration sensor, the gyro sensor, and the microcontroller.

8. The ring controller according to claim 7, further comprising: a charging connector for charging the battery; and a wireless module for transmitting and receiving data to and from the microcontroller.

9. A wireless communication system comprising: the ring controller according to claim 8; and a host computer capable of communicating via the wireless module.

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