Patent application title:

GESTURE-CONTROLLED WEARABLE DEVICE FOR OPERATING FIXTURES

Publication number:

US20260020645A1

Publication date:
Application number:

18/776,016

Filed date:

2024-07-17

Smart Summary: A new wearable device allows people to control things like doors and windows using hand gestures. It looks like a ring and has special sensors inside that can detect movements accurately. When you make a gesture, the device processes this information and sends a wireless signal to operate the fixture. Users can perform actions like swiping or rotating their hand to control the device easily. Its comfortable design makes it suitable for everyday use in homes and workplaces. 🚀 TL;DR

Abstract:

The present invention introduces a novel wearable device for gesture-based control of fixtures, particularly suited for applications such as operating sliding doors, windows, shades, etc. The device, designed in the form of a ring, integrates advanced motion sensors including accelerometers and gyroscopes within its compact body. These sensors enable precise detection and interpretation of user gestures, facilitating intuitive control actions. A control circuitry, comprising a processor and memory, processes motion data to generate and transmit wireless control signals via a built-in radio wave transmitter. This allows users to interact with fixtures seamlessly by performing specific gestures, such as swipes or rotations. The device's ergonomic design ensures comfort during prolonged use, making it a versatile solution for both consumer and industrial environments seeking enhanced convenience and efficiency in fixture control.

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Classification:

A44C9/0053 »  CPC main

Finger-rings having special functions

A44C9/00 IPC

Finger-rings

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to wearable devices for controlling fixtures, and more specifically, to a wearable device equipped with gesture-based control mechanisms for operating fixtures such as sliding doors.

BACKGROUND

In contemporary environments, the control of fixtures often relies on traditional methods such as physical switches, remote controls, or touch panels. While effective, these methods may pose limitations in terms of convenience and flexibility, particularly in scenarios requiring hands-free operation or remote control from a distance.

Recent advancements in wearable technology have introduced new possibilities for interaction and control. Wearable devices equipped with sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, enable gesture recognition capabilities that allow users to interact with their surroundings in a more natural and intuitive manner. These devices have seen applications ranging from health monitoring to augmented reality, demonstrating their versatility and potential.

Despite these advancements, existing wearable devices may still face challenges related to accuracy, user interface design, and adaptability to different environments. There remains a need for wearable devices that can reliably interpret a wide range of gestures while maintaining user comfort and operational efficiency.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses the aforementioned challenges by providing a wearable device specifically designed for controlling fixtures. The device integrates advanced motion sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, within a ring-shaped body that is worn comfortably on a user's finger. These sensors enable the device to accurately capture and interpret a wide range of gestures made by the user.

In addition to motion sensors, the wearable device incorporates a control circuit comprising a processor and memory. The processor analyzes motion data received from the sensors and translates specific gestures into control signals. These signals are transmitted via a radio wave transmitter positioned on the device's outer side to effectively control fixtures such as sliding doors.

By combining robust sensor technology with efficient signal processing capabilities, the wearable device offers a seamless and intuitive user experience for controlling fixtures in various environments. Its compact and ergonomic design ensures user comfort and usability, making it suitable for both consumer and industrial applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the next detailed section, the concepts of this application will be explained further with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front and top view of the wearable device showing its components and assembly.

FIG. 2 is a view of the wearable device in use, illustrating placement on the user's finger and component arrangement.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the wearable device's orientation along x, y, and z axes.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the wearable device's sensor and processing system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the gesture-based control mechanism demonstrating interaction with a sliding door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description provides an in-depth exploration of a wearable device designed for gesture-based control of fixtures. Illustrated through multiple figures, the device, shaped as a ring, incorporates advanced motion sensors—accelerometers and gyroscopes—to accurately capture and interpret user gestures. These sensors, embedded within the device's ergonomic body, facilitate intuitive interaction with fixtures such as sliding doors. The detailed depiction in FIGS. 1 to 5 showcases the device's components and operational principles, highlighting its ability to translate specific hand movements into wireless control signals. By integrating cutting-edge sensor technology with a compact and user-friendly design, the device aims to redefine convenience and efficiency in hands-free fixture control applications.

FIG. 1 provides a detailed depiction of the wearable device 100 in two views: a front view and a top view. In the front view, the body of the device 110 is depicted, which encompasses the outer side 115 and the inner side 116. The triangle element, used for orientation purposes, is shown with its point 121 towards the outer side 115 and its base 122 towards the inner side 116. The accelerometer 141, gyroscope 142, and radio wave transmitter 143 are embedded within the device. The top view provides a different perspective, highlighting the outer edge 117 and the inner edge 118 of the device. In this view, the triangle element is also visible, with its point 131 directed towards the outer edge 117 and its flat side 132 facing the inner edge 118. The accelerometer 141 is positioned on the outer side 115, while the gyroscope 142 is located on the inner side 116. The radio wave transmitter 143 is situated on the outer edge 117, enabling the device to transmit control signals.

FIG. 2 illustrates the wearable device 100 on a user's finger 211 and provides an isometric view of the device. In the first part of the figure, the wearable device 100 is shown worn on the user's finger 211, which is part of the user's hand 212. The triangle element, used for orientation, is visible with the point 131 directed towards the fingertip and the flat side 132 facing the base of the finger. This perspective demonstrates how the device is intended to be worn and its orientation relative to the user's anatomy. In the second part of the figure, an isometric view of the wearable device 100 is presented, showcasing the body of the device 110 with its outer side 115, inner side 116, outer edge 117, and inner edge 118. The triangle element is again visible, with its top 121 towards the outer side 115 and bottom 122 towards the inner side 116. The point 131 of the triangle is directed towards the outer edge 117, and the flat side 132 faces the inner edge 118.

FIG. 3 depicts the spatial orientation and coordinate axes for the wearable device 100 through multiple views, aiding in understanding its three-dimensional placement. The top-left section shows a top view of the wearable device 100, with the triangle element providing orientation and the x and y axes indicated, where the x-axis is horizontal and the y-axis is vertical. The top-right section presents a side view of the device, again showing the x and y axes, and featuring the triangle element for clarity. The middle-left and middle-right sections provide front views of the wearable device 100, displaying the y and z axes, with the triangle element aiding in orientation. The bottom-left section offers a bottom view, indicating the x and y axes, which gives a clear understanding of the device's base orientation. The middle-center section presents an isometric view of the device, illustrating the x, y, and z axes and showing the triangle element to help visualize the three-dimensional placement.

FIG. 4 illustrates the block diagram of the control circuit for the wearable device 100, which uses radio waves for communication. Central to the diagram is the processor, which is electrically connected to the accelerometer and gyroscope. The accelerometer and gyroscope capture motion data along multiple axes and transmit this data to the processor. The processor, responsible for data analysis and control signal generation, is further connected to a memory unit. This memory unit stores processed data and relevant instructions for the device's operation. Upon processing the motion data, the processor sends control signals to the radio wave transmitter, which then communicates these signals to the target fixture for operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a gesture-based control mechanism for operating a sliding door. The top portion of the figure shows a pair of hands performing a specific gesture, wherein the left hand moves to the right, indicated by an arrow. This gesture is interpreted by the wearable device 100, which incorporates the accelerometer and gyroscope to capture and process the motion data. The bottom portion of the figure depicts a sliding door, with an arrow indicating the direction of the door's movement, corresponding to the hand gesture. The wearable device processes the gesture and transmits a control signal via the radio wave transmitter to the sliding door's control mechanism, resulting in the door moving in the direction indicated by the arrow. This figure demonstrates the seamless interaction between the gesture recognition system and the actuator of the sliding door, providing an intuitive user interface for controlling the door's operation.

To use the device, the user wears it on their finger 211. When a gesture is performed, the accelerometer 141 and gyroscope 142 capture the motion data, which is processed by the processor 121. Upon recognizing a specific gesture, the processor 121 activates the radio wave transmitter 143 to send a control signal to the target fixture, such as a sliding door. The fixture's receiver processes the signal and performs the corresponding action, such as opening or closing the door.

Claims

1. A wearable device for controlling fixtures, comprising:

A ring-shaped body having an outer edge, an inner edge, an outer side, and an inner side;

An accelerometer configured to measure acceleration along the x, y, and z axes, where the y-axis is parallel to the inner side of the device and moves from the inner edge through to the outer edge, and the z-axis is parallel to the outer edge;

A gyroscope embedded within the ring-shaped body;

A power source embedded within the ring-shaped body, configured to power the infrared emitter and the gyroscope;

A control circuit embedded within the ring-shaped body, configured to receive motion data from the gyroscope, process motion data from the gyroscope, receive motion data from the accelerometer, process motion data from the accelerometer, transmit control signals via the radio wave transmitter to operate a fixture based on control gestures.

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the accelerometer is capable of detecting acceleration in three dimensions: x, y, and z axes.

3. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit further comprises:

A processor configured to interpret the motion data from both the gyroscope and the accelerometer;

A memory storing algorithms for translating motion data into control signals.

4. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

5. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the radio wave transmitter is positioned on the outer side of the ring-shaped body.

6. A method for controlling a fixture using the wearable device of claim 1, comprising:

Detecting the speed and angle at which the hand of the subject moves using the gyroscope and accelerometer;

Sending the detected motion data to the control circuit for processing;

Emitting control signals via the radio wave transmitter based on the processed motion data to operate the sliding door.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the control signals are generated based on predefined gestures recognized by the control circuit.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the fixture operates in response to specific gestures such as swiping or rotating motions.