Apple’s ‘expandable ring device’ patent filing hints at an ‘Apple Ring’

Apple has filed for another patent (number 20200150715) for an “expandable ring device” that hints at an Apple Ring that could be used to control, among other things, a Mac. At least seven other patents have been filed for or granted to the company.

In the patent filing, the tech giant notes that electronic devices such as computers can be controlled using computer mice and other input accessories. In virtual reality systems, force-feedback gloves can be used to control virtual objects. Smartphones may have touch screen displays and vibrators that are used to create haptic feedback in response to touch input. 

However, Apple says that such devices “may not be convenient for a user, may be cumbersome or uncomfortable, or may provide inadequate feedback.” The company’s solution is a ring with a housing that be configured for a particular user’s finger

Here’s the summary of the patent filing: “A system may include ring devices. A ring device may have a housing that is configured to be worn on a finger of a user. Sensors such as force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inertial measurement units, optical sensors, touch sensors, and other components may be used in gathering input from a user. Control circuitry may wirelessly transmit information gathered from sensors and other input devices to an associated electronic device. The information may be used in controlling operation of the electronic device. 

“The housing of the ring device may have an annular main body and an expandable portion coupled to the main body. The expandable portion may include a flap with a hinge, a rotatable housing member, a housing with an internal adjustable frame and a cover, an expandable housing formed from an expandable tube coupled between first and second annular devices, and other expandable structures.”