Ring-inputted commands
Inventors
KOSKIMÄKI, Heli • Still, Johanna • Karsikas, Mari • Singleton, Alec • Lajunen, Petteri • Huttunen, Henri • Halme, Veli-Pekka • Ziade, Marcus • Kukka, Janne
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12216829-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-04
Expiration Date
2042-04-26
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and devices for device-inputted commands are described. A system may receive physiological data, including motion data, associated with a user from a wearable device worn by the user and may detect multiple motion pulses based on the motion data, where each motion pulse includes motion data that exceeds a motion threshold. The system may additionally identify an input command pattern comprising at least one motion pulse preceded and followed by a static period in a time domain. Additionally, the system may identify one or more user inputs based on the input command pattern matching a reference command pattern and generate one or more instructions based on identifying the one or more user inputs.
Core Innovation
The invention supports techniques that enable users to input commands directly via a wearable device, such as a wearable ring device, by detecting motion patterns interpreted as input command patterns. These patterns comprise motion pulses—instances where motion data exceeds a threshold—preceded and followed by static periods, allowing the system to distinguish intentional input from normal movement. The system matches detected input command patterns with stored reference command patterns to identify one or more user inputs and generates instructions accordingly.
The problem being solved addresses the limitations of current wearable devices that lack efficient input mechanisms. Specifically, wearable ring devices often do not include traditional input features such as buttons or screens, making it inconvenient or impossible for users to input commands directly. Conventional methods requiring interaction with associated mobile devices may be inaccessible or inconvenient, leading to decreased user interaction and control over the wearable device. Furthermore, traditional input means may detract from the aesthetic appeal of wearable devices. The invention overcomes these deficiencies by enabling gesture-based input methods that are easily and efficiently detected and interpreted as commands without requiring additional hardware interfaces.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim describing features of a method for detecting device-inputted commands via a wearable ring device. The inventive features focus on identifying motion pulses, distinguishing subsets of these pulses based on preceding and following static periods, and matching input command patterns to stored references to generate instructions.
Detection of motion pulses with threshold filtering
The method includes acquiring physiological motion data from a wearable ring device and identifying multiple motion pulses based on motion data exceeding a motion threshold.
Classification of motion pulses into subsets based on static periods
The method identifies a first subset of motion pulses each preceded and followed by static periods and excludes a second subset not preceded or followed by static periods, as well as a third subset characterized by separation times between pulses that do not satisfy threshold criteria, forming a valid set of motion pulses.
Identification and matching of input command patterns
Input command patterns are identified from the valid set of motion pulses and compared against a plurality of reference command patterns to identify a device-inputted command when a match is detected.
Generating instructions based on identified commands
Upon matching an input command pattern to a reference command pattern, the method generates one or more instructions corresponding to the identified device-inputted command.
The claims collectively cover methods for detecting and validating user command inputs via motion patterns in wearable ring devices through threshold-based motion pulse identification, classification using static periods, pattern matching to reference commands, and generating corresponding device instructions.
Stated Advantages
Enables easy and efficient input of commands directly via wearable ring devices without requiring buttons or screens.
Improves user interaction frequency by allowing command input independent of associated mobile devices.
Differentiates intentional user inputs from normal day-to-day movements, reducing false detections.
Supports customizable user input patterns and corresponding actions for personalized control.
Enhances control over wearable devices and external devices through intuitive motion-based command inputs.
Documented Applications
Starting and stopping workouts via wearable ring input.
Authorizing and authenticating transactions using motion-based PIN inputs.
Tagging events such as alcohol or caffeine consumption and stress through motion input.
Controlling external smart devices like speakers, thermostats, lights, cameras, and appliances via ring-inputted commands.
Activating sensors on the wearable ring device, e.g., for electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood oxygen measurements.
Providing feedback and prompting users through GUIs on associated devices based on detected inputs.
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