Patent Application
20230359291
This relates to a ring input device, and more particularly to variable rotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device that modulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve the user experience.
Many types of electronic devices are presently available that are capable of receiving input to initiate operations. Examples of such devices include desktop, laptop and tablet computing devices, smartphones, media players, wearables such as watches and health monitoring devices, smart home control and entertainment devices, headphones and ear buds, and devices for computer-generated environments such as augmented reality, mixed reality, or virtual reality environments. Many of these devices can receive input through the physical touching of buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch panels, touch screens and the like. Some devices can also detect and receive input from objects such as a finger or stylus in close proximity to, but not physically touching, the device. To provide the convenience of being able to receive input at greater distances without having to be in close proximity to an object, many of these devices can also communicate wirelessly with other electronic devices, for example via Bluetooth or Wifi.
This relates to a ring input device, and more particularly to variable rotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device that modulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve the user experience. 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 modulate the rotational friction of its rotating outer band in accordance with an item (e.g., user interface or parameter) being manipulated by the band. Although ring input devices may be primarily described and illustrated herein as electronic finger rings for convenience of explanation, it should be understood that the examples of the disclosure are not so limited, but also include ring input devices that are worn as part of a necklace, hoop earrings, electronic bracelet bands that are worn around the wrist, electronic toe rings, and the like.
In the following description of examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific examples that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples.
Examples of the disclosure relate to a ring input device. Because finger rings are routinely worn and are often small, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive, everyday communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Although ring input devices may be primarily described and illustrated herein as electronic finger rings for convenience of explanation, it should be understood that the examples of the disclosure are not so limited, but also include ring input devices that are worn as part of a necklace, hoop earrings, electronic bracelet bands that are worn around the wrist, electronic toe rings, and the like. Some examples of the disclosure are directed to pressure-sensitive input mechanisms (e.g., buttons) within the ring input device that detect pressure to initiate an operation. Other examples of the disclosure are directed to a conductive outer band on the ring input device that can detect a touch to initiate an operation. Still other examples of the disclosure are directed to modulating the rotational friction of a rotating outer band on the ring input device to improve the user experience. Still other examples of the disclosure are directed to detecting the rotational position of the rotating outer band or detecting the position/orientation of the ring input device to provide additional input capabilities.
Ring input device 100 of
Electronic jewel system or “jewel” 210 can include controller 218 coupled to memory and/or storage 220. Controller 218 can include one or more processors capable of executing programs stored in memory 220 to perform various functions. In examples of the disclosure, controller 218 can be connected to wireless transmitter or transceiver 224 and one or more of inertial measurement unit (IMU) 226, magnetometer 228, and haptics generator 230. Memory 220 can include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like. Controller 218 can include, but is not limited to, touch sensing circuitry for driving and/or sensing one or more touch electrodes, including the generation of one or more stimulation signals at various frequencies and/or phases that can be selectively applied to the touch electrodes. Controller 218 can also be communicatively coupled to magnetometer 228 to process signals from the magnetometer to determine the amount of rotation of rotating outer band 206, and to IMU 226 to process signals from the IMU to determine parameters such as the angular rate, orientation, position, and velocity of ring input device 200. In some examples, controller 218 can be communicatively coupled to haptics generator 230 to initiate haptic feedback. Controller 218 can also be communicatively coupled to wireless transmitter or transceiver 224 to send inputs wirelessly, and in some examples to send and receive data and other information. In some examples, wireless transmitter or transceiver 224 can communicate wirelessly with desktop, laptop and tablet computing devices, smartphones, media players, wearables such as watches and health monitoring devices, smart home control and entertainment devices, headphones and ear buds, and devices for computer-generated environments such as augmented reality, mixed reality, or virtual reality environments, and the like.
It should be apparent that the architecture shown in
Note that one or more of the functions described herein can be performed by firmware stored in memory 220 and executed by a processor in controller 218. The firmware can also be stored and/or transported within any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” can be any medium (excluding signals) that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In some examples, memory 220 can be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Memory 220 can have stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor in controller 218, can cause ring input device 200 to perform one or more functions and methods of one or more examples of this disclosure. The computer-readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like.
The firmware can also be propagated within any transport medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any medium that can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The transport medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired or wireless propagation medium.
Modulating the rotational resistance of rotating outer band 306 can provide a number of advantages. In general, a user interface being manipulated by the ring input device can affect the rotational resistance of outer band 306 to improve the user experience. For example, rotation of outer band 306 can become more difficult and eventually stop at the end of an input (e.g., when the rotation causes the end of a virtually displayed slider to be reached). In some examples, the frictional or magnetic influence can depend on the item (e.g., the parameter or user interface (UI)) being manipulated. In other examples, rotational resistance can be reduced when a list to be scrolled is long and fast scrolling is desired, or the rotational resistance can be increased when the list is short or when more precise scrolling is desired. In still other examples, rotational resistance can be increased or decreased depending on whether the item being manipulated should be changed slowly (e.g., the volume of a companion device) or quickly (e.g., scrolling through a lengthy document).
The feeling of detents, caused by pulses of increased rotational resistance, can be advantageous when moving through a document in page view, moving in discrete increments, jumping from one icon to another, etc. However, because detents can be time sensitive, delays in receiving detents can render the feedback useless, or worse, lead to errors. Delays can be the result of the round-trip communication path of receiving an input at outer band 306, wirelessly transmitting a signal to a companion device, receiving a reply from the companion device, and then generating the detent. Thus, in some examples, detent processing and generation can be handled locally, such as within the jewel.
In other examples, strong rotational resistance, to the point of making rotating outer band 306 immobile, can be employed to ensure that no rotational inputs are inadvertently generated. In addition, strong rotational resistance can be applied only at the beginning of a rotation, and can be reduced as the user applies enough rotational force to overcome this strong initial rotational resistance. This strong initial rotational resistance can feel like the initial resistance of a switch being flipped on or a knob being clicked on, and can ensure that no events are accidentally triggered. Similarly, strong rotational resistance can be applied only at the end of a rotation, and can be increased to require that the user apply enough rotational force to overcome this strong terminal rotational resistance. This strong terminal rotational resistance can feel like the final end resistance of a switch being flipped off or a knob being clicked off, requiring a strong affirmative action to end the activity. It should be understood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that modulating the rotational resistance of rotating outer band 306 is contemplated for other purposes as well.
In other examples, individual coils 542 can be magnetized via directional current flow in various timing sequences to create rotational movement in rotating outer band 506 without requiring a user's touch. In other examples, manual rotation of rotating outer band 506, such as by a finger, can induce a current in coils 542. This energy can then be harvested and stored for later use, such as by charging a battery within the jewel.
In addition to modulating the rotational resistance of rotating outer band 606 as described above, examples of the disclosure can also determine positional information such as the rotational position (e.g., the absolute angle of the rotation position) of the outer band. Determining the rotational position can provide a number of advantages. For example, rotation of outer band 606 from one determined rotational position to another can be used to compute a direction of rotation, an amount or angle of rotation, and the absolute position (e.g., a clockwise relative rotation of 15 degrees to an absolute 45 degree position). The direction, amount, and absolute position of rotation of outer band 606 can determine the direction and amount of scrolling through a list, the direction and amount of panning of an image, the direction and amount of cursor movement, and the direction and amount of change of a parameter being manipulated (e.g., the amount of volume change), to name just a few examples. In some examples, a series of rotations (e.g., a series of angles of rotation) can be recorded to recognize gestures and initiate certain actions. For example, a series of back-and-forth rotations between two locations (e.g., between the 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions) can be recognized as a gesture to initiate a particular operation (e.g., an erase operation). In other examples, the rotational position, captured over time, can be used to determine a velocity or acceleration of rotating outer band 606. It should be understood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that determining the rotational position of outer band 606 is contemplated for other purposes as well. However, determining the rotational position can be difficult because rotating outer band 606 can freely move in either direction in an unlimited fashion (in the absence of applied rotational resistance), without any starting or ending points or other clear frame of reference.
Magnetometer 748 can be calibrated prior to computing the rotational position of rotating outer band 706. Calibration can be performed prior to delivery of the final product, or by a user, by rotating the outer band one or more times. During these rotations, magnetometer 748 can measure the magnetic field strength along the Y and Z axes, and the influence of the earth's magnetic field can be ignored, because it can be on the order of 1% of the magnetic field produced by the magnetized outer band. In some examples, these magnetic field strength values can then be normalized to values between −1.0 and +1.0, for example. However, if magnetometer 748 is to be calibrated to compensate for the earth's magnetic field, then the magnetometer may be required to measure the magnetic field strength along all three axes (X, Y and Z axes).
In some examples of the disclosure, Hall effect sensors can be utilized instead of a magnetometer. Multiple Hall effect sensors (e.g., three Hall effect sensors) can be affixed to the inner band and used to determine an absolute rotational position of rotating outer band 706 when the outer band is magnetized to form a single dipole. In some instances, Hall effect sensors can be advantageously utilized on the inner band to detect outer band rotations when space issues prevent a magnetometer from being located inside the jewel.
Although the magnetometer can be used to determine the rotational position of the rotating outer band, in some situations it can be difficult for a user to actually rotate the band, or determine that rotation of the band is actually occurring, particularly when visual confirmation of rotation is inconvenient or impossible.
In some examples, ring input device 900 may include linear resonant actuator (LRA) 962 or other haptic feedback device. LRA 962 can include a mass that moves linearly to generate haptic feedback. In the example of
In some examples, LRA 962 (or other haptic feedback generator) can generate different types of haptic feedback based on the amount of rotation, a computed angular velocity and/or acceleration of rotating outer band 906, and/or the UI being manipulated, in either a uniform or non-uniform manner. For example, if the detected angular velocity of rotating outer band 906 is low, haptic feedback can be generated to simulate the feeling of a band being rotated with higher friction, and a coarse texture. In another example, if the detected angular velocity of rotating outer band 906 is high, haptic feedback can be generated to simulate the feeling of a band being rotated with lower friction, and a smoother texture. In another example, different textures of haptic feedback can be generated when an inertial measurement unit (described below) in ring input device 900 is used to move a 3D object in a computer-generated environment.
In other examples, LRA 962 can be used in conjunction with grooves 960, such that a vibration is generated each time the rotation of outer band 906 causes a groove to pass a certain location, where it can be detected using an optical sensor or the like. LRA 962 can also be used to generate haptic feedback independent of any rotation of outer band 906. For example, LRA 962 can generate haptic feedback to provide an alert to a user based on movement detected by an inertial measurement unit (discussed below), sound inputs (e.g., audio commands), sensor inputs, and/or signals (e.g., notifications) received wirelessly at ring input device 900, even when outer ring 906 is stationary.
In addition to rotating outer band 906 to initiate or perform operations as described above, examples of the disclosure can also determine positional information such as the orientation and movement of ring input device 900 itself in free space. Determining the orientation and movement of ring input device 900 in free space can provide a number of advantages. For example, a wearer of ring input device 900 can move the ring around in free space to generate rotational or orientation signals, or perform gestures such as hand swipes or waving that can trigger the wireless transmission of commands to a companion device. In one particular example, the orientation and movement of ring input device 900 from one position to another can be used to move a cursor on a user interface or a 3D object being displayed. In some examples, the gestures can be recognized in ring input device 900, and in other examples, data can be wirelessly transmitted for gesture processing by another device. It should be understood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that determining the orientation and movement of ring input device 900 is contemplated for other purposes as well.
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) 964 can be used to determine the orientation and movement of ring input device 900. In the example of
When IMU 964 in ring input device 900 is used to control an object such as a 3D object being displayed, in some examples the virtual object can be rotated along all three axes (X, Y and Z). However, in other examples, one or two of the axes can be locked to limit the rotation of the object. For example, the Y axis can be locked such that movement of ring input device 900 can only cause rotations of the object about the X and/or Z axis. In some examples, moving a cursor over an axis, followed by a press input on outer band 906, can cause that axis to be locked. Locking an axis can eliminate unintended motion and enable more precise movements to be detected by ring input device 900.
In addition to detecting the position of ring input device 900 or detecting the rotational position of outer ring 906 with or without modulated resistance a described above, detecting presses on rotating outer band 906 can provide additional advantages. For example, after outer band 906 is rotated to a desired position, one or more detected presses on the band can initiate further action, such as selection of an item. Even in the absence of rotation, a press on rotating outer band 906 can initiate operations, such as triggering a left mouse click input (single click) or a right mouse click input (double click), moving in discrete steps through a list, moving through a document using page view, jumping to different items or icons, incrementing or decrementing a parameter, or terminating an operation. A press and hold input, or a press and rotate input, can also be detected to perform or initiate other operations. It should be understood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that detecting presses on rotating outer band 906 is contemplated for other purposes as well.
Referring again to
As mentioned above, the activation area of the dome switches can vary. Variations in the activation area of a dome switch (and therefore the activation area of a button within the band mechanism of a ring input device) can provide a number of advantages. For example, a wide activation area can allow a user to activate a button without having to precisely know the location of that button within the rotating outer band. This can be especially useful when the user wants to press a button but is not looking at the ring. On the other hand, a narrow activation area can enable multiple buttons to be placed within the band mechanism, with each button capable of being activated independently. Narrow activation areas can also reduce inadvertent button presses.
In contrast,
In addition to detecting presses on outer band 1106 as described above, detecting touches on the outer band can provide additional advantages. For example, touch sensing can help distinguish a valid press input (e.g., caused by a user's finger) from an inadvertent press input (e.g., accidentally pressing outer band 1106 against a desk or other ungrounded object). In another example, after outer band 1106 is rotated to a desired position, one or more detected touches or taps on the band (without detected presses) can initiate further actions. Even in the absence of rotation, one or more detected touches or taps on outer band 1106 can initiate operations, such as bringing up a user interface, or “peeking” to temporarily view content. A touch-and-hold input, or a touch-and-rotate input (as opposed to a swipe-to-rotate input), can also be detected to perform or initiate other operations. It should be understood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that detecting touches on rotating outer band 1106 is contemplated for other purposes as well.
Dome switch button bearing 1376 can include a nonconductive (e.g., rubber) dome, and button trace 1386 can be connected to a switch or bipolar mechanism in the dome switch (represented symbolically as a single pole, single throw switch in
At 1394, a determination that outer band 1306 is being held at a fixed potential does not necessarily mean that a valid press input has been received, because an accidental press input can also activate (close) dome switch button bearing 1376 and force outer band 1306 to the fixed reference potential (e.g., ground). However, as mentioned above, touch sensing can help distinguish a valid press input (e.g., caused by a user's finger) from an inadvertent press input (e.g., caused by accidentally pressing outer band 1306 against an ungrounded object such as a desk). Because a valid touch input should always precede a valid press input, to disambiguate a valid press input from an inadvertent press input, when outer band 1306 is determined to be held at a fixed potential at 1394, then at 1395 a further determination can be made as to whether the self-capacitance of outer band 1306 was greater than the predetermined threshold (indicative of a valid touch input) just prior to the determination that the outer band was driven to a fixed potential. In some examples, this can be accomplished by saving the determined state of outer band at periodic intervals (e.g., 100 millisecond intervals). A valid press input (e.g., caused by a user's finger) will produce a sequence of valid touch input readings (i.e., self-capacitance levels above the predetermined threshold) prior to a fixed potential reading. An invalid press input (e.g., caused by an ungrounded or poorly grounded object) will produce a sequence of invalid touch input readings (i.e., self-capacitance levels below the predetermined threshold) prior to a fixed potential reading. When the valid press input sequence is captured, then at 1391 it can be concluded that a valid press input has been received, and the method can thereafter be re-initiated at 1394. On the other hand, when the invalid press input sequence is captured, then at 1393 it can be concluded that a valid press input has not been received (e.g., only a press input from a nonconductive object was received), and the method can thereafter be re-initiated at 1394.
In some examples, inputs from scroll ball 1489 and/or touch sensor 1487 can be utilized in combination with inputs from one or more other devices such as rotating outer band 1406 (and press inputs detectable thereon), IMU 1464 and/or magnetometer 1428 to generate different types of gesture inputs to perform or initiate different operations. To provide just one example (of many possible examples) for purposes of illustration only, two-dimensional movement on scroll ball 1489 can be detected along with up-and-down movement of ring input device 1400 (from IMU 1426) to move an object in three dimensions in a computer-generated environment.
As described above, the ring input device according to the examples of the disclosure can include a band mechanism having a stationary inner band and a rotating outer band. In some examples of the disclosure, the rotating outer band can be made out of a conductive material such as steel. The other parts of the band mechanism can be made of metal, ceramic, leather, fabric and the like to provide fashion choices. The band mechanism can be wide or narrow.
As described above, the rotating outer band can produce variable rotational resistance, sense the rotational position of the outer band, detect the orientation and movement of the ring itself, provide haptic feedback whether the outer band is rotating or stationary, and can provide press and touch input sensing. The ring input device can be used to provide inputs to companion wearable devices such as smart watches, health monitoring devices, headphones and ear buds, provide inputs to handheld devices such as smartphones, tablet and laptop computing devices, media players, styluses, wands or gloves for computer-generated environments, and provide inputs to stationary devices such as desktop computers, smart home control and entertainment devices. In some examples, the ring input device can receive input from a companion device and provide information to the wearer of the ring (e.g., alerts).
Because of its touch and press input capabilities, the outer band can be susceptible to inadvertent touch or press inputs from a wearer's other fingers. For example, if the ring input device is worn on the ring or middle finger, fingers on either side of the ring can accidentally generate touch or press inputs on either side of the ring, whereas if the ring is worn on the index finger, only the middle finger can accidentally generate touch or press inputs on one side of the ring. Accordingly, in some examples the ring portion can be protected by one or more guards to prevent adjacent fingers or other objects from generating accidental touches. In some examples, the ring input device can have a permanent guard and also locations for attachable (e.g., snap-fit) guards. These guards can be configurable to protect different areas of the outer band, depending on which finger the ring is being worn on.
As described above, the ring input device according to examples of the disclosure can include a jewel that can contain most of the electronics of the ring. In some examples, the jewel can be removably connectable to the band mechanism using pogo pins or other electrical or magnetic connections. The jewel can be made or configured with different shapes, styles and/or colors to provide a fashion choice. The ability to attach different jewels to different band mechanisms can advantageously enable a single jewel design to work with different sizes of band mechanisms (for different finger sizes), to enable the replacement of one jewel with another, and to provide opportunities for mix-and-match fashion choices. In addition, the ability to attach different jewels can enable jewels with different capabilities to be connected to the band mechanism. For example, different jewel designs can include different components for different sensing capabilities, larger or smaller batteries, different features, and different price points to enable a user to utilize a jewel most suited to the user's needs.
In some examples, the removable jewel can advantageously allow the jewel to be removed and charged in a separate dock, charging pad, or by using a connector, while the band mechanism remains on the wearer's finger. In other example, the ring input device can be removed from the wearer and charged as a single until. The closed loop configuration of the band mechanism of the ring input device can allow coils to be placed inside the band mechanism, and the ring can be slipped over a cylindrical post on a charging device for inductive charging.
Although various examples and features of the ring input device may have been described above in different paragraphs and shown in different figures for convenience of explanation, it should be understood that different permutations and combinations of these features are contemplated in different examples of the disclosure.
Therefore, according to the above, some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device capable of detecting a press input, the ring input device comprising a band mechanism having an outer band and an inner band, a first pressure-sensitive input mechanism formed on the inner band and disposed between the inner band and the outer band, and an electronic jewel system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism, wherein the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured for providing a first signal to the electronic jewel system for generating a first press input when the first pressure-sensitive input mechanisms is activated. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured to act as a bearing for the outer band in addition to generating the first press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured to be activated when pressure within a first activation area on the outer band is received. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples a material of the inner band, at least around the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism, is selected with a particular rigidity to provide the first activation area on the outer band of about 60 degrees on either side of the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism is a button bearing. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the button bearing is a dome switch. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples a material of the inner band, at least around the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism, is selected with a particular rigidity such that pressure on the outer band at a location offset from the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism causes the inner band to deform and contact the outer band prior to activation of the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples a material of the inner band, at least around the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism, is selected with a particular rigidity to produce a particular activation area. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a plurality of stoppers formed on the inner band on either side of the first pressure-sensing mechanism, the plurality of stoppers configured such that pressure on the outer band at a location offset from the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism causes the outer band to contact one of the stoppers prior to activation of the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises one or more contact points formed on the inner band and disposed between the inner band and the outer band, the one or more contact points located at areas of the band mechanism insensitive to pressure on the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a second pressure-sensitive input mechanism formed on the inner band and disposed between the inner band and the outer band, wherein the second pressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured for providing a second signal to the electronic jewel system for generating a second press input when the second pressure-sensitive input mechanisms is activated. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the outer band is configured to rotate with respect to the inner band, the electronic jewel system is configured for computing a rotational position of the outer band, and the electronic jewel system is configured for initiating an operation based on the first press input and the rotational position of the outer band.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for detecting a press input on a ring input device, comprising providing a first bearing between an outer band and an inner band of the ring input device for enabling rotation of the outer band with respect to the inner band, and generating a first press input when a first pressure applied on the outer band at the first bearing causes a first pressure threshold at the first bearing to be exceeded. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises providing a first activation area on the outer band, wherein the application of the first pressure within the first activation area causes the first pressure threshold at the first bearing to be exceeded, and wherein the application of the first pressure outside the first activation area prevents the first pressure threshold at the first bearing from being exceeded. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises selecting a material of the inner band, at least around the first bearing, to have a particular rigidity to provide the first activation area on the outer band of about 60 degrees on either side of the first bearing. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises selecting a material of the inner band, at least around the first bearing, to have a particular flexibility such that pressure on the outer band at a location offset from the first bearing causes the inner band to deform and contact the outer band prior to the first pressure threshold at the first bearing being exceeded. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises selecting a material of the inner band, at least around the first bearing, with a particular rigidity to produce a particular activation area. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises physically stopping the outer band from activating the first bearing when pressure on the outer band is applied at a location offset from the first bearing.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device capable of detecting a press input, comprising bearing means disposed between an outer band and an inner band of the ring input device for enabling rotation of the outer band with respect to the inner band, means for detecting an application of a first pressure on the outer band at the first bearing, and means for generating a first press input when the first pressure exceeds a first pressure threshold at the first bearing. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprising means for physically stopping the outer band from activating the first bearing when pressure on the outer band is applied at a location offset from the first bearing.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device capable of detecting a touch input, the ring input device comprising a band mechanism having a conductive outer band and an inner band, the conductive outer band configured for rotating with respect to the inner band, a first sliding contact formed on the inner band and configured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band, and an electronic jewel system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism, wherein the first sliding contact is configured for providing a first touch signal to the electronic jewel system for detecting a first touch input when the conductive outer band is touched. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is configured for receiving the first touch signal and determining a self-capacitance of the conductive outer band to detect the first touch input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first sliding contact is a first leaf spring. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first sliding contact is a first button bearing having a first conductive surface configured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first sliding contact is a first dome switch having a first conductive surface configured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first dome switch comprises a first dome upon which the first conductive surface is formed, the first conductive surface connected to a first touch trace, and a first switch mechanism configured for being activated when sufficient pressure is applied to the first dome, the first switch mechanism connected to a first button trace. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is configured for receiving the first touch trace to detect a first touch input, and receiving the first button trace to detect a first press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first touch trace and the first button trace are connected together to form a first dual-function trace, and wherein the electronic jewel system is configured for using the first dual-function trace to detect a first touch input and a first press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is further configured for determining from the first dual-function trace whether the conductive outer band is being held at a fixed potential, in accordance with a determination that the conductive outer band is not being held at the fixed potential, determining from the dual-function trace a self-capacitance of the conductive outer band, in accordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outer band is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that a valid touch input and no valid press input have been received, and in accordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outer band is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, determining that no valid touch input and no valid press input have been received. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is further configured for, in accordance with a determination that the conductive outer band is being held at the fixed potential, determining whether a valid press input sequence has been received, in accordance with a determination that a valid press input sequence has been received, determining that a valid press input has been received, and in accordance with a determination that a valid press input sequence has not been received, determining that no valid press input has been received. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a second sliding contact formed on the inner band and configured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band, wherein the second sliding contact is configured for providing a second touch signal to the electronic jewel system for detecting the first touch input when the conductive outer band is touched. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the second sliding contact is a second dome switch having a second conductive surface configured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the second dome switch comprises a second dome upon which the second conductive surface is formed, the second conductive surface connected to a second touch trace, and a second switch mechanism configured for being activated when sufficient pressure is applied to the second dome, the second switch mechanism connected to a second button trace. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is configured for receiving the second touch trace to detect the first touch input, and receiving the second button trace to detect a second press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the second touch trace and the second button trace are connected together to form a second dual-function trace, and the electronic jewel system is configured for using the second dual-function trace to detect the first touch input or a second press input.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for detecting a touch input on a ring input device, comprising providing a first contact between an inner band and a conductive outer band of the ring input device that maintains sliding electrical contact with the conductive outer band as the outer band rotates with respect to the inner band, and generating a first touch signal on the first contact for detecting a first touch input when the conductive outer band is touched. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises using the first contact as a first bearing between the outer band and the inner band in addition to generating the first touch signal. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises receiving a first touch trace from the first bearing to provide the first touch signal for detecting the first touch input, and receiving a first button trace from the first bearing for detecting a first press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises connecting the first touch trace and the first button trace together to form a first dual-function trace, and using the first dual-function trace to detect a first touch input and a first press input. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprises determining from the first dual-function trace whether the conductive outer band is being held at a fixed potential, in accordance with a determination that the conductive outer band is not being held at the fixed potential, determining from the dual-function trace a self-capacitance of the conductive outer band, in accordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outer band is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that a valid touch input and no valid press input have been received, and in accordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outer band is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, determining that no valid touch input and no valid press input have been received.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device capable of providing and controlling rotational input, the ring input device comprising a band mechanism having an outer band and an inner band, the outer band capable of rotating with respect to the inner band, a first variable resistance generator formed on one or both of the inner band and the outer band, and an electronic jewel system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism, wherein the electronic jewel system is configured for controlling the first variable resistance generator to modulate a rotational resistance of the outer band with respect to the inner band in accordance with an item being manipulated. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is further configured to modulate the rotational resistance to produce a feeling of detents in the rotating outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is further configured for controlling the first variable resistance generator to prevent rotation of the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system is further configured for controlling the first variable resistance generator to increase the rotational resistance of the outer band at a beginning or an end of a rotational input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first variable resistance generator is one of an electroactive polymer, a shape memory alloy, an air bladder, and magnetorheological fluid. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the item is a parameter. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the item is a user interface (UI). As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first variable resistance generator is affixed to the outer band and applies the modulated rotational resistance against the inner band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the inner band and outer band are arranged as concentric bands, and the ring input device further comprises a second variable resistance generator disposed between the inner band and the outer band and located on an opposite side of the ring input device in relation to the first variable resistance generator, wherein the electronic jewel system is further configured for controlling the first variable resistance generator and the second variable resistance generator to apply complementary opposing forces within the ring input device. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the inner band and outer band are arranged as eccentric bands. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first variable resistance generator is an electromagnetic rotational resistance generator having an array of coils formed on the inner band and an array of magnetic poles formed on the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electromagnetic rotational resistance generator is affixed to a brake that applies frictional resistance to the outer band when magnetically influenced by the electromagnetic rotational resistance generator. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the inner band having a side rail for retaining the outer band and the outer band having a side wall adjacent to the side rail, wherein the first variable resistance generator is formed on the side rail of the inner band, and wherein the electronic jewel system is configured for controlling the first variable resistance generator to modulate the rotational resistance of the side rail of the inner band with respect to the side wall of the outer band.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method of controlling rotational input on a ring input device, comprising providing a first variable resistance between an inner band and a rotating outer band of the ring input device, and controlling the first variable resistance to modulate a rotational resistance of the outer band with respect to the inner band in accordance with an item being manipulated. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises modulating the rotational resistance to produce a feeling of detents in the rotating outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises modulating the rotational resistance to prevent rotation of the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises modulating the rotational resistance to increase the rotational resistance of the outer band at a beginning or an end of a rotational input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the item is a parameter. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the item is a user interface (UI). As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first variable resistance is an electromagnetic rotational resistance.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device for generating ring positional information, the ring input device comprising a band mechanism having an outer band and an inner band, the outer band configured for rotating with respect to the inner band, the outer band magnetized to form a single dipole, a magnetometer located proximate to the outer band, the magnetometer configured for measuring a magnetic field strength of the outer band along multiple axes, and an electronic system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism and the magnetometer, wherein the electronic system is configured for computing an absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band from the measured magnetic field strength along the multiple axes. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the magnetometer is further configured for capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strength of the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and the electronic system further configured for computing an amount and direction of rotation of the outer based from the multiple captured magnetic field strength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the magnetometer is further configured for capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strength of the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and the electronic system further configured for computing a velocity of rotation of the outer based from the multiple magnetic field strength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic system further configured for calibrating the computed absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band by applying a predetermined offset value to the computed absolute angle of rotational position. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a lookup table containing the predetermined offset value for a plurality of computed absolute angles of rotational position. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the magnetometer further configured for measuring the magnetic field strength along a Y axis (Y) and measuring the magnetic field strength along a Z axis (Z), the electronic system further configured for computing the absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band as θ=arctan 2 (Y,Z). As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the outer band includes a plurality of evenly spaced physical indicators configured to be sensed by a user to provide a tactile confirmation of the amount and direction of rotation of the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a haptic feedback device communicatively coupled to the electronic system and configured for generating haptic feedback each time the physical indicator is sensed during rotation. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a haptic feedback device communicatively coupled to the electronic system and configured for generating haptic feedback each time a particular amount of rotation of the outer band is detected. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a inertial measurement unit (IMU) communicatively coupled to the electronic system and configured for generating positional information used to determine an orientation of the ring input device. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic system is further configured for generating and wirelessly transmitting a cursor signal for manipulating a cursor based on the determined orientation of the ring input device.
Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for determining positional information on a ring input device, comprising magnetizing an outer band of the ring input device to form a single dipole, measuring a magnetic field strength of the outer band rotating with respect to an inner band of the ring input device along multiple axes, and computing an absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band from the measured magnetic field strength along the multiple axes. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strength of the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and computing an amount and direction of rotation of the outer based from the multiple captured magnetic field strength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strength of the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and computing a velocity of rotation of the outer based from the multiple magnetic field strength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises calibrating the computed absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band by applying a predetermined offset value to the computed absolute angle of rotational position. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises measuring the magnetic field strength along a Y axis (Y) and measuring the magnetic field strength along a Z axis (Z), and computing the absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band as θ=arctan 2 (Y,Z). As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises providing a tactile confirmation of the amount and direction of rotation of the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises generating haptic feedback each time a particular amount of rotation of the outer band is detected. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises generating positional information used to determine an orientation of the ring input device. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprises generating and wirelessly transmitting a cursor signal for manipulating a cursor based on the determined orientation of the ring input device.
Although the disclosed examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed examples as defined by the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/471,024, filed Sep. 9, 2021, and published on Mar. 24, 2022 as U.S. Publication No. 2022-0091683, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/083,082, filed Sep. 24, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/083,084, filed Sep. 24, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/083,092, filed Sep. 24, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/083,088, filed Sep. 24, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63083082 | Sep 2020 | US | |
| 63083084 | Sep 2020 | US | |
| 63083092 | Sep 2020 | US | |
| 63083088 | Sep 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17471024 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Child | 18353044 | US |
