Apple patent involves a finger device for controlling a Mac

Apple has been granted a patent (number US 11709554 B1) for “finger devices with adjustable housing structures.” Interesting, it’s doesn’t seem to quite be an “Apple Ring,” but something worn closer to a finger tip.

About the patent

In the patent Apple says that electronic devices such as computers can be controlled using computer mice and other input accessories. Input accessories can be used to control content that is displayed on a display and to take other actions. However, Apple says that some input accessories for computer systems may be cumbersome, uncomfortable, or unable to accommodate different users. The company apparently thinks a finger device could be a solution.

Summary of the patent

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A finger device may be worn on a user’s finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. 

“To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.”