Touch-Sensitive Ring Input for Precise Wireless Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack unobtrusive and convenient input mechanisms that allow for wireless communication and precise control from a distance, particularly for small, routinely worn items like finger rings.
Innovation Solution
A ring input device with a touch-sensitive mechanism that detects touch inputs on its band to generate wireless inputs, utilizing variable resistance generators and rotational position detection to enhance user interaction and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ring input device is made small and wearable, then it becomes unobtrusive and convenient for routine wear, but it becomes difficult to provide sufficient input mechanisms and control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input mechanisms (rotational input, touch-sensitive input, press-sensitive input) into a single ring device structure. The band serves both as a wearable element and as an integrated input interface, merging functionality into a compact form that can be worn on the finger while providing diverse input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect rotational input, touch input, and press input, and can wirelessly communicate with companion devices. The band mechanism serves both aesthetic/wearable purposes and input detection purposes, making the device universal in its functionality.
2Measurement precision
If touch-sensitive input mechanisms are added to the ring device, then input precision and control capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical input mechanisms with touch-sensitive and press-sensitive detection systems integrated into the band. Instead of using separate mechanical buttons or switches, the band itself is configured to detect touch and press inputs through changes in its physical state, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive input mechanism detects changes in physical parameters (such as capacitance, resistance, or mechanical deformation) when touched or pressed. By monitoring parameter changes in the band material rather than using separate sensors, the device achieves precise input detection while simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication capability is integrated into the ring device, then input range and usability from distance are improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is designed to activate only when needed for input transmission, rather than continuously operating. The ring device uses wireless communication selectively to transmit input data to companion devices, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full input range capability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring input device, and more particularly to touch-sensitive input mechanisms within the ring input device that detect touch to initiate an operation, is disclosed. Because finger rings are often small and routinely worn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can detect touch inputs on its band to generate inputs that can then be wirelessly communicated to companion devices.