Smart Ring E-Ink Display for Low-Distraction Driving Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle console displays are large and require drivers to gaze at the console, which can be hazardous, especially in conditions like congested traffic or inclement weather. Additionally, using cellular devices while driving is illegal in some regions and can be distracting.
Innovation Solution
A smart ring device with an e-ink display that can be worn by the driver, allowing for the presentation of various driving conditions and biometric data without requiring the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel or look away from the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional vehicle console displays are used to provide driving information, then information completeness is improved, but driver safety deteriorates due to required gaze diversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the display interface from the traditional horizontal console plane to the vertical finger surface of a wearable ring device. This dimensional change allows information to be presented in the driver's peripheral vision field without requiring gaze diversion from the road, thus maintaining information completeness while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart ring acts as an intermediary device between the driver and the vehicle's information systems. It receives data from vehicle sensors and communicates essential driving information through a compact display and haptic feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for direct interaction with the main console display.
2Ease of operation
If cellular devices are used to access driving information, then information accessibility is improved, but legal compliance deteriorates due to distracted driving regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, thin-film wearable ring design that can be worn on the driver's finger without interfering with steering wheel operation. This form factor allows the device to remain unobtrusive and non-distracting while providing continuous access to driving information, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring legal compliance.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional display technologies are used in smart ring, then information visibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The e-ink display technology updates information periodically rather than continuously refreshing, significantly reducing power consumption. The display maintains visual output without active power input between updates, allowing the smart ring to operate for extended periods on battery power while still providing visible driving information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for displaying information indicative of driving conditions, to a driver, using a smart ring are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a smart ring with a ring band having a plurality of surfaces including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The system further includes a processor, configured to obtain data from a communication module within the ring band, or from one or more sensors disposed within the ring band. The obtained data are representative of information indicative of one or more driving conditions to be displayed to the driver. The smart ring also includes an electronic ink (e-ink) display disposed on at least one of the plurality of surfaces, and configured to present information indicative of the one or more driving conditions.