Ring Wearable Keyboard for Hands-Free Text Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards are cumbersome and impractical in situations requiring mobility or hands-free operation, such as standing or using augmented/virtual reality devices, and they pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wearable keyboard designed as a ring with a removably attached keyboard, featuring adjustable size, magnetic, snap-fit, or screwing slots, and integrated battery holder, capable of wireless communication, and equipped with special purpose keys, gesture sensors, and projection capabilities for hands-free text input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional keyboard is used, then text input functionality is provided, but portability and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into modular key units that can be independently arranged and configured. Each key is a separate component that can be attached to a base structure, allowing the keyboard to be segmented into smaller, more portable portions while maintaining full text input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard transitions from a traditional two-dimensional flat layout to a three-dimensional configurable structure. Keys can be arranged in various spatial configurations and heights, enabling compact folding or rolling designs that reduce the overall footprint while preserving the complete set of text input capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional keyboard is used, then text input is achieved, but hands-free operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard incorporates multiple input modalities within a single device, including voice recognition capabilities, gesture sensing surfaces, and traditional physical keys. This multi-functional design allows the same device to accommodate hands-free operation, one-handed typing, and conventional two-handed typing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard includes dynamic components such as flexible touch-sensitive surfaces that can detect gestures, movable keys that can be repositioned based on usage patterns, and adjustable configurations that adapt to different user needs including hands-free operation modes.
3Weight of moving object
If a wearable keyboard is designed, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard employs a nested structure where smaller key components are integrated within a compact base unit. The keys can be folded, rolled, or nested within each other, allowing the entire keyboard to be condensed into a small, wearable form factor while maintaining all necessary key functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard utilizes flexible materials and thin-film construction for the key surfaces and structural components. This allows the keyboard to be bent, folded, or rolled without damage, achieving portability through material flexibility rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 convenient, portable, and hands-free text entry and control in various scenarios, including augmented/virtual reality applications, and accommodates users with disabilities, enhancing mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more slots in the ring may correspond to at least one or more magnetic slots
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable input device can be worn by a user on one or more fingers. The wearable input device includes a ring and a keyboard. The ring includes a frame defining a space to receive a finger of the user. The keyboard is attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the keyboard is removably attached to the frame. The user wears the wearable input device on the one or more fingers and uses the keyboard to communicate with one or more application devices communicatively coupled with the keyboard.