Ring Wearable Tap Pattern Sensing for Low-Power Function Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable devices lack the ability to efficiently identify and respond to user-specific tapping patterns for functional activation, limiting their interactive capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with a ring-shaped housing and integrated sensors and processors that can identify tapping patterns and transmit corresponding signals to external devices, enabling user interaction and functionality activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wearable devices include basic sensors for data collection, then user-associated information can be provided, but the devices lack the capability to identify specific tapping patterns for functional activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional activation capabilityVSAvoidpattern identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical pattern recognition systems with sensor-based detection. Sensors detect tapping patterns through mechanical signals (vibrations, accelerations) and convert them into electrical signals for processing, simplifying the overall system while maintaining pattern identification capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (acceleration, vibration frequency, time intervals) detected by sensors to identify different tapping patterns. By monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, the system can distinguish between different user intentions without requiring complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the wearable device monitors tapping patterns continuously, then user interactions can be detected, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than continuous monitoring. The processor checks for tapping patterns at specific time intervals, allowing the device to remain energy-efficient while still detecting user interactions when they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and responds to tapping patterns without requiring continuous user input or manual activation. Once a tapping pattern is detected, the device autonomously triggers the associated function, reducing the need for continuous operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 identification and activation of user-defined functions through tapping patterns, enhancing user experience and device interaction.

Implementation Method 1

one or more sensors disposed between the first surface and the second surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

identify, using the one or more sensors, data related to tapping of the wearable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4693247A1Wearable device and method for identifying tapping pattern
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4693247A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4693247A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693247A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a method for a wearable device comprises an operation of identifying, during a designated time duration, data regarding tapping by using one or more sensors of the wearable device. The method comprises an operation of identifying a first tapping pattern of the wearable device on the basis of the data. The method comprises an operation of, on the basis of identifying a function corresponding to the first tapping pattern, transmitting a first signal regarding the function to an external electronic device connected to the wearable device.