Haptic Ring With Curved Touchpad for AR Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input mechanisms for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems are cumbersome and inconvenient for users, particularly in public settings, as they require additional devices or noticeable gestures, which can be awkward and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A wearable haptic ring that integrates a touchpad and haptic feedback unit, designed to curve around a user's finger, providing seamless input capabilities without the need for additional devices or noticeable gestures, allowing for intuitive interaction with computing systems through subtle finger and wrist movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices (mouse, keyboard) are used with AR/VR systems, then input functionality is achieved, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate due to requiring additional devices and noticeable gestures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input device functionality directly into the wearable ring that the user already wears, merging the input device with an accessory already present on the user's body. This eliminates the need for separate input devices while maintaining full input functionality through touchpad and haptic feedback integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fashion accessory and a full-featured input device with touchpad capabilities and haptic feedback. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide both aesthetic value and computational interaction capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional input devices are used in public settings, then input functionality is achieved, but user comfort and social acceptability worsen due to awkward and noticeable gestures
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the input device into a wearable ring, the system allows users to interact with AR/VR interfaces using subtle finger movements on the ring's touchpad surface, eliminating the need for large, noticeable gestures in public settings while maintaining full input functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touchpad is integrated into a ring, then input capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to curving the touchpad to follow the ring's shape
Solution Approach 1:
The touchpad is curved to follow the cylindrical shape of the ring, creating a seamless integration that conforms to the finger's anatomy. This curvature allows the flat touchpad surface to wrap around the ring, enabling natural finger contact while maintaining touch sensitivity and input accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchpad utilizes flexible thin-film technology that can be curved and conform to the ring's shape without compromising functionality. This flexible film approach allows the touchpad to be integrated into the ring structure while maintaining touch sensitivity and electrical connectivity.
4Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is added to the ring, then user interaction quality improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback unit operates periodically or on-demand based on user interactions rather than continuously, providing tactile feedback only when needed for input confirmation or guidance. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective haptic feedback functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus may include a wearable haptic ring that features input capabilities relative to a computing system. In various examples, the wearable haptic ring may be designed to curve around a human finger of a wearer with a touchpad that is seamlessly integrated with the ring. For example, the seamlessly integrated touchpad may be operable by another finger of the wearer. Moreover, the haptic ring may include a haptic feedback unit designed to provide haptic feedback in response to input from the wearer. As such, the haptic ring may enable a wide range of user inputs while appearing like a typical ring rather than a computer input/output device. Various other implementations are also disclosed.