Smart Ring Haptic Feedback via Finger Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine-human interfaces often distract users by occupying one of the five senses, are unsuitable for individuals with disabilities, and cannot effectively detect hand movements or provide haptic communication due to anatomical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A smart ring with capacitive touch sensors, processors, and communications interfaces that convert touch inputs, position data, and biometric data into transmission signals, and includes haptic stimulators for tactile communication, enabling users to interact with devices without visual or auditory focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing machine-human interfaces (visual/auditory) are used, then information communication is achieved, but user distraction increases and accessibility for individuals with disabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual and auditory mechanical sensing systems with a haptic feedback system that uses tactile sensations transmitted through the finger bone structure. The haptic device generates vibrations and mechanical sensations that travel through the finger to communicate information, substituting traditional sensory channels with a tactile-based communication mechanism that is accessible to users with visual or auditory impairments while reducing distraction from electronic displays
Solution Approach 2:
The finger bone structure serves as an intermediary transmission medium between the haptic device and the user's nervous system. The haptic sensations generated by the device travel through the finger bone to reach the user, providing a direct tactile communication path that bypasses visual or auditory processing and enhances accessibility while maintaining communication effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If wrist-worn devices are used for hand movement detection, then device functionality is achieved, but detection accuracy for finger movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wearable device from the wrist to the finger level, placing the haptic device directly on the finger where it can accurately detect and respond to finger movements. This segmentation allows the device to perform both movement detection and haptic feedback functions with high precision, overcoming the limitation of wrist-worn devices that cannot accurately detect finger-specific motions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the haptic device at the specific location of the finger where tactile feedback is needed, rather than distributing functionality across the wrist. This localized placement enables precise detection of finger movements and accurate delivery of haptic sensations to the specific area where the user interacts with the device
3Ease of operation
If wrist area is used for haptic stimulation, then device placement is achieved, but nerve accessibility for communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the haptic device on the wrist and relying on nerve transmission through the arm, the patent inverts the approach by placing the device directly on the finger where nerves are densely concentrated. This inversion ensures that haptic sensations are delivered directly to the nerve endings in the finger, maximizing communication effectiveness while the device remains easily placeable on the finger
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 users to communicate and control devices through tactile sensations, facilitating interaction in high-distraction environments and for individuals with disabilities, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The smart ring includes a capacitive touch sensor coupled to the ring body. The capacitive touch sensor is configured to receive a touch input from the user and convert the touch input into an input signal.
Implementation Method 2
The smart ring further includes a haptic stimulator coupled to the ring body... the haptic stimulator is configured to communicate the data to the user via a haptic stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A smart ring is provided. The smart ring includes a ring body configured to be worn on a finger of a user. The smart ring includes a capacitive touch sensor coupled to the ring body. The capacitive touch sensor is configured to receive a touch input from the user and convert the touch input into an input signal. The smart ring includes a processor coupled to the capacitive touch sensor. The processor is configured to receive the input signal from the capacitive touch sensor and generate a transmission signal using the input signal. The smart ring further includes a communications interface coupled to the processor. The communications interface is configured to transmit the transmission signal to another device.