Finger-Ring PCB Coil for NFC Tag Reading and Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic and functional issues in electronic devices serving as controllers, which may not operate effectively as standalone equipment and fail to provide efficient user interaction with visual content.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic ring device with a coil formed from metal traces on a printed circuit, equipped with near-field communications and wireless communications circuitry, allowing for user input gathering and control of companion devices through gestures and proximity interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller device is designed to interact with visual content on a display, then user interaction capability is improved, but ergonomic design and standalone operational capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controller interfaces (buttons, joysticks, keyboards) with body movement detection technology. The controller device uses sensors to detect body movements and translates them into digital signals for interacting with visual content, eliminating the need for physical interaction components and improving ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can interact with visual content on displays, operate as standalone equipment with its own display and processing capabilities, and detect various types of body movements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device versatile enough to be both an interaction tool and a standalone device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring device is designed with a coil for near-field communications, then communication functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil structure with the ring device housing, integrating the near-field communication functionality into the overall device structure. The coil is positioned within the ring structure, merging the communication component with the wearable form factor, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient user input and control of companion devices via gestures and proximity interactions, enhancing ergonomic design and functionality of electronic devices as standalone controllers.
Implementation Method 1
The ring device may have near-field communications circuitry. The near-field communications circuitry may use the coil to transmit and/or receive any suitable near-field communications signals.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device such as a wearable electronic device may have a coil. The device may have a finger-ring housing that surrounds a finger-shaped opening to allow the device to be worn on a finger of a user. The coil may be formed from metal traces on a printed circuit that wrap around the finger-shaped opening. Near-field communications circuitry in the device may be used to gather near-field communications tag information. The tag information may be gathered in response to user input. Wireless communications circuitry that uses a non-near-field communications antenna may wirelessly transmit the tag information and/or other information such as user input to a companion device.