Wrapping Tech Around The Finger With Apple’s iRing

Starting with iPhones, and while moving to iPads and iWatches, Apple is now coming up with a new patent, the iRing. Well, they haven’t called it iRing, but Apple has designed the smart ring before anyone else because they are topping up technology every time. It’s often said that Apple has multiple technologies in the pipeline and patents, but they wait for years to make the launch integrated with cutting-edge technology.

Over time, they have patented a plethora of designs and concepts for the smart ring for offering a new wearable for the Apple users. This ring has been in the pipeline for over three years now, but it’s needless to say that only Apple could design something this innovative. Even more, they have inculcated charging solutions, specifically for the rings. As per the reports, the patent is defined as the user interfaces, devices, and methods for the electronic ring computing device.

With this patent, the wearer would be able to control other devices through the ring. The devices might include Mac, Apple TV, and iPads. The ring ought to offer control through the touchscreen. The touchscreen is integrated with a wireless transceiver, a computer processor, and a power source that can be charged. The smart ring will be designed with a biometric sensor and a wireless system. The wireless system will have device switch-on features and share information about the wearer.

There might be a feature for making phone calls. With a similar smart notion, Amazon is rolling out Amazon’s smart speakers and advanced home security. As for Apple’s smart, there is no information about the release date or launch. As for the competence, the smart ring isn’t going to work as the standalone device because it shall be connected with third-party devices and will have the ability to interpret hand gestures and voice commands.

For instance, if you move your hand, you will be able to switch on the ring, and users will be able to use the legendary Siri. In addition, the biometric authentication will empower users to control the TV boxes, TVs, and computers. According to Apple’s prospects, the ring might have the features to control the vehicle’s features and smart home lighting.

The Smart Gadget Market

According to the data revealed for the North American wearable website, by the end of 2019, the market had surpassed the line of $2 billion, and in 2020, it might experience a 38% increase in the revenue. The major part of this revenue was generated through Samsung and Apple as they experienced 121% and 32% growth, respectively.

Design

Apple has designed the smart ring, but they are working on the expandable design because they want it to be more than a tube to wrap around the finger. The ring will extend to the length of the ring, which shall offer space for integrating sensors, helping in prospecting the functions. The ring is designed to consume lesser space but higher functions as of Apple Watch. There are sensors embedded offering controls to the users.

According to the filed patent, the ring device shall not be static for sure, but overall, it shall work on the longer tube that only covers the fingers but some knuckles along with it. In addition, Apple has made it as the controller devices as they intend on replacing the haptic feedback system and eliminate the force-feedback gloves. These technologies are being taken away because they chew up the smartphone’s battery.

Sensors

There are multiple sensors embedding in the smart ring designed by Apple. Currently, they are working on the touch sensors, force sensors, inertial measurement units, ultrasonic sensors, and optical sensors. These sensors shall collect information from the wearer. However, according to the experts, it is better to integrate haptic feedback, which enhances vibration development. The vibration shall be made in the control circuit area as it will handle the transmission of data from and to the device.

Exterior

There are high chances that the main body will have an annular design with expanded size, which covers the entire finger and goes up to the tip of the finger. In addition, there might be a nested housing segment for adjusting the expansion of the ring. Also, there is a rotatable housing member along with a flap and hinge. In other words, there might be multiple integrations aiming for the movement of the main body or offer an extension of the portion.

The expansion of the ring will focus on adding telescoping legs, cover, and an internal adjustable frame, which shall promise the sturdy infrastructure. In addition, it will ensure the secure and more optimized detection of information prompted by force and touch inputs. Experts think that sensors should be added to the expansion area. This way, the sensors can be used when needed. While if some sensors are fundamental, they can be added to a contracted and expanded state.

The ring can be extended over the knuckles, and there are some strain sensors as well. The sensors shall allow calculating how the finger is bending over time. This function can be utilized for offering granular control by interpreting the physical movements and actions. There is a high possibility of rotatable buttons in the main section.

Inventors

According to the patent, Dinesh C. Mathew and Paul X. Wang has been the mastermind behind the ring. Both of them have been the masters of their trade as Mathew has been working on the glass Mac and a MacBook with solar-power integration. In contrast, Wang has worked on a haptic feedback system and a single glass sheet iMac.

Patents

Regarding the smart ring, Apple has filed multiple patents over time. The patent and proposed features included the following;

• October 2019 — the touchscreen with an ability to share commands
• November 2019 — the ring with a capability to detect the wearer’s motion through virtual reality and augmented reality

The Final Verdict

Before Apple, Amazon has already launched the Echo Loop ring though which wearers can control Alexa as its integrated haptic feedback and microphones. In contrast, Apple is still working hard on the smart ring, and we are sure to see some amazing innovations because, well, it’s Apple, and they have a coined name for innovation!

Originally published at https://audiovisualaoce.com on May 1, 2020.