Apple is exploring developing a device that can be worn on the back of the user’s hand and used to operate various control systems. AppleInsider reports that the tech giant was recently awarded a patent for a “finger-mounted device with sensors and haptics” that can be used to interact with systems.
The patent states that the device will include sensors that are strategically placed along the position of the fingers in order to sense motion as well as provide haptic feedback. The sensors would respond to a control unit worn on the hand and linked to a computer. Now, the finger units might or might not have a wired connection to the main unit, with the latter option allowing for a wireless connection.
“Rings can be put around the person’s fingertips, anchored by the fingernails, which can be utilized to determine if a single or many fingers are utilized to interact with an item or to perform gestures, and to offer simple tactile feedback in some situations, such as to feign trying to contact an item or to confirm input on a virtual button or keyboard. Various onboard sensors, such as accelerometers and force sensors, may be present, the report suggests.
The user of an augmented reality or virtual reality headset could benefit from such technology by, rather than utilizing a keyboard and mouse, employing gesture controls and tactile feedback via a finger-mounted device. In contrast to a motion controller, the effect would be nullified if the player then attempted to grasp a virtual item.
It’s possible that the above said Apple device could enable the user to interact with both real and virtual objects by allowing them to see the undersides of their fingers.
