Apple wins a patent for a Smart Ring input device for future MacBooks, TVs, AirPods, smartglasses, iPhone and more

Apple has designed Vision Pro to use simple hand gestures to control elements of visionOS. This is accomplished by using a series of sophisticated cameras tracking a user's eyes and hands. Yet for future smartglasses, televisions, Macs and wearables, such cameras are not available to control a device. For these devices, Apple is continuing to work on a smart ring system.

Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially granted Apple a patent that relates to a ring input device. The inputs can be provided as rotating, tilting, and/or sliding at least a portion of the ring input device with another finger of the user. The ring input device can provide feedback to the user as confirmation that the inputs are being received. A feedback system can also be operated to limit or otherwise provide a force on the finger and/or another portion of the hand to simulate sensations perceived by the user.

Ring Input Devices

Apple's granted patent covers a variety of devices that can be operated by a user with one or more of a variety of input devices that receive user inputs. The user inputs can be communicated to another device for execution of an action that corresponds to the user input. For example, visors, smartglasses, head-up display, etc., can perform a range of functions that are managed by the components (e.g., sensors, circuitry, and other hardware) included with the wearable device and/or a separate input device.

A ring input device of the present disclosure can provide a compact form factor that is also able to seamlessly allow the user to perform complex interactions without compromising the overall comfort.

A ring input device can further act as a security key to unlock and control one or more other devices. The ring input device can include biometric or other security features that allow it to operate as an identifier of the user wearing the device. The ring input device can then communicate with other devices to allow the user to efficiently and securely interact with each of the devices.

Apple's patent FIG. 16 below illustrates that Apple envisions their smart ring to possibly work with future MacBooks, iPhone/iPad, Wearables (including AirPods and Apple Watch), HMDs including smartglasses and televisions (+ Apple TV box); FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a ring input device and a front view of an external device; FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a ring input device; FIG. 10 illustrates a side sectional view of the ring input device with inner and outer ring portions; and FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a ring input device and a front view of an external device. A ring input device is shown receiving a force that results in tilting or sliding of components thereof.

Apple's patent FIGS. 17-20 below illustrate a feedback system that can be operated to provide tactile feedback to a hand of a user, such as when operating in a VR, AR, and/or MR system. The feedback system can include components that are stowable and portable when not in use, so that the system is readily and efficiently deployed when desired.

Random Points

In Apple's patent FIG. 25, the ring input device portion #100 can include a scroll sensor #30 for detecting relative rotation of components thereof. As further shown in FIG. 25, the ring input device can include a lateral sensor #32 for detecting relative lateral movement of components thereof. The ring input device can include a battery #42, which can charge and/or power components of the ring input device.

The ring input device can be provided with a feedback device that includes mechanisms that facilitate haptic feedback. A feedback device can be implemented as any suitable device configured to provide force feedback, vibratory feedback, tactile sensations, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the feedback device may be implemented as a linear actuator configured to provide a punctuated haptic feedback, such as a tap or a knock, and/or a repeating pattern of feedback.

A ring input device can detect rotation and provide feedback to the user based on the rotation. A sensor in the ring can include a magnetometer, a hall effect sensor, a magnetic encoder, a reed switch, and/or another sensor configured to detect magnetic fields and/or changes thereof.

The Apple Watch & Ring Tensioning System

A Future Apple may include a tensioning element #330, illustrated in Patent FIGS. 17-20, that extends from the watch body and/or the watch band. Processing circuitry such as the main processor or other circuitry of the watch may be communicatively coupled, via an interface, to the tensioning element. The feedback system can further include a pair of ring devices. You could dive deeper into the tensioning system from patent points #107 through to #115.

For more details, review Apple's granted patent 11714494.

For interest sake, Samsung is also working on a smart ring for future headsets and health monitoring.

Posted by Jack Purcher on August 01, 2023 at 06:36 AM in 2. Granted Patents, HMDs, Apple Vision Pro, Smartglasses + | Permalink | Comments (0)