Smart Ring Flexion Sensor Finger Pose Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user input technologies, such as keyboards and mice, are not suitable for form factors like wearable devices like smart glasses, wrist bands, and watches, which have limited input options due to their small size and positioning, making interaction difficult.

Innovation Solution

A smart ring that includes flexion sensors to detect finger pose and movement, allowing wireless control of companion devices by interpreting finger poses and movements to provide input options similar to a traditional mouse or touch interface without requiring instrumentation on the fingertip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional user input technologies (keyboard, mouse) are used, then input precision and control are improved, but device portability and form factor flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput precisionVSAvoidform factor flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (keyboard, mouse) with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects finger movements and poses through optical fields, eliminating the need for physical mechanical interfaces while maintaining input precision. This substitution enables the system to work across various form factors including wearable devices, tablets, and smartphones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If device size is reduced for wearable applications, then portability and comfort are improved, but input capability and interaction options deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinput capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional touch surface interaction to three-dimensional finger pose and movement detection. By capturing finger position, orientation, and movement in 3D space using optical sensors, the system provides rich input capabilities without requiring a physical touch surface. This dimensional expansion enables sophisticated input control on small wearable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If touch surface area is minimized on wearable devices, then device compactness is improved, but user interaction and control options deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch surface areaVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch surface with an optical detection field. Instead of requiring physical contact with a touchscreen, the optical sensor detects finger movements, poses, and gestures through optical reflections and movements in the field of view. This substitution eliminates the need for a physical touch surface while maintaining or enhancing user interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If finger tip instrumentation is added for precise detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and social acceptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger pose detection precisionVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the detection approach: instead of placing sensors on the finger tip to detect movements, the system places an optical sensor in the environment that detects finger movements and poses optically. This inversion eliminates the need for complex finger instrumentation while achieving precise finger pose detection through environmental sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 intuitive and socially acceptable finger control inputs for various devices, including those in non-traditional form factors, by sensing finger pose and subtle movements, allowing users to interact with devices like tablets, smartphones, and smart watches without the need for a touch surface.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flexion sensor secured to the smart ring in a manner that can detect a distance between the at least one flexion sensor and a second segment of the finger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexion sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9880620B2Smart ring

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The description relates to a smart ring. In one example, the smart ring can be configured to be worn on a first segment of a finger of a user. The example smart ring can include at least one flexion sensor secured to the smart ring in a manner that can detect a distance between the at least one flexion sensor and a second segment of the finger. The example smart ring can also include an input component configured to analyze signals from the at least one flexion sensor to detect a pose of the finger.