Wearable input device

• US 8,986,125 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 03/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valve Corporation
• Original Assignee: Valve Corporation
• Inventors: Ellsworth, Jeri Janet
• Primary Examiner(s): CUFF, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US13/831,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20140274395A1
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 463/1, 463/36, 463/37, 463/39, 463/47, 324/207.16
• US Class Current: 463/47
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 2210/58 Wireless transmission of information between a sensor or probe and a control or evaluation unit
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/14 for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures G01B7/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/02 Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux G01R33/20 takes precedence

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for integrating LC circuits into a user'"'"'s jewelry for controlling systems such as computer games. The resonant frequency of the circuit at each of multiple rings worn by the user may be adjustable. A secondary coil within each ring may be moved in relation to the magnetic field generated by a primary coil that may be part of another piece of jewelry, such as a watch or a bracelet, to generate control signals. The magnetic field may inductively couple and power the rings, which may each contain an LC tank circuit. If powered, each of these circuits may oscillate at its resonant frequency. A receiver system may comprise an antenna and a tuning circuit to detect a resonant frequency as an input to control moves of a character within a game, for example for use with heads-up displays (HUDs) for augmented reality applications.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising:

a first piece of jewelry comprising a power source and a primary coil for generating a magnetic field;

a second piece of jewelry comprising an LC tank circuit that oscillates at a first resonant frequency when placed within the magnetic field; and

a receiver for receiving a signal and determining if the signal comprises a signal match.

2. The input device of claim 1, wherein said receiver comprises:

an antenna; and

a tuning circuit to detect said first resonant frequency in the signal.

3. The input device of claim 1, wherein the first piece of jewelry comprises a selected one of a watch, a bracelet and a ring.

4. The input device of claim 1, wherein the second piece of jewelry comprises a ring.

5. The input device of claim 1, wherein said signal match comprises any frequency.

6. The input device of claim 1, wherein said signal match comprises the first resonant frequency.

7. The input device of claim 1, wherein the second piece of jewelry comprises at least one of a variable inductor and a variable capacitor for varying the first resonant frequency.

8. The input device of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional pieces of jewelry.

9. The input device of claim 8, wherein the one or more additional pieces of jewelry each comprises an additional LC tank circuit that oscillates at an additional resonant frequency when placed within the magnetic field.

10. The input device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the additional pieces of jewelry comprises at least one of a variable inductor and a variable capacitor for varying the additional resonant frequency.

11. A method for providing input to a computer game, comprising:

providing a first piece of jewelry comprising a power source and a primary coil;

generating a current in the primary coil to generate a magnetic field;

providing a second piece of jewelry comprising an LC tank circuit;

moving the second piece of jewelry into the magnetic field of the primary coil to cause the second piece of jewelry to oscillate at a first resonant frequency;

receiving a signal from the second piece of jewelry; and

determining if the signal comprises a signal match.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first piece of jewelry comprises a selected one of a watch, a bracelet and a ring.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second piece of jewelry comprises a ring.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said signal match comprises any frequency.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said signal match comprises the first resonant frequency.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the second piece of jewelry comprises at least one of a variable inductor and a variable capacitor for varying the first resonant frequency.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing one or more additional pieces of jewelry.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving at least one of the additional pieces of jewelry into the magnetic field to cause the at least one of the additional pieces of jewelry to oscillate at an additional resonant frequency.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the additional pieces of jewelry comprises at least one of a variable inductor and a variable capacitor for varying the additional resonant frequency.