Apple patents wristband that reads tendon movement to detect gestures
Apple describes a wearable band that uses self-mixing interferometry sensors to emit light toward the inner surface of the band. By analyzing how this light reflects, the device detects tiny movements of the user's tendons and ligaments to identify specific hand gestures.
In the filing’s own words
A wearable device includes a band and a set of one or more SMI sensors. The band has a band interior opposite a band exterior, and is operable to attach the wearable device to a user. The band defines a cavity, and a portion of the band interior separates the cavity from the user. The set of one or more SMI sensors are disposed in the cavity. The set of one or more SMI sensors are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the portion of the band interior and generate a set of one or more SMI signals including information indicative of movement of the portion of the band interior.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A wearable device, comprising: a band having a band interior opposite a band exterior, the band operable to attach the wearable device to a user, the band defining a cavity, and a portion of the band interior separating the cavity from the user; a set of one or more self-mixing interferometry (SMI) sensors disposed in the cavity and configured to: emit electromagnetic radiation toward the portion of the band interior; and generate a set of one or more SMI signals including information indicative of movement of the portion of the band interior; and processing circuitry configured to: determine motion of one or more tendons or ligaments of a portion of the user positioned in the band interior based, at least in part, on the set of one or more SMI signals; and determine a gesture performed by the user based, at least in part, on the determined motion of the one or more tendons or ligaments.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Wearable device including self-mixing interferometry sensor
- Patent number
- US12761356B2
- Application number
- 18195862
- Filed
- May 10, 2023
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 19
Classified under
G01S 17/50 Physics & computingG01B 9/02092 Physics & computingG01S 17/87 Physics & computingG06F 3/014 Physics & computingG06F 3/017 Physics & computingG01S 17/36 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Wearables
- Apple patents smart glasses that show notifications when you aren't looking at your phone Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents fabric earbuds woven to fit your ear shape Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents wearable that adjusts video based on your comfort Oct 15, 2026
- Apple patents stylus that tracks hand tremors and grip strength Sep 22, 2026
- Apple patents fall detection that waits to see if you get up Sep 29, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.