Smart rings have become a popular way to track health and fitness, and it seems that more companies are looking for ways to make the devices worn on fingers stand out. OPPO has filed a patent for a smart ring that gives us an interesting glimpse into how companies are thinking outside the box.
OPPO’s idea for the smart ring is to make it modular. According to the patent, the smart ring consists of three different sections – the ring, the holder, and the electronics – all covered by a dome-like structure. The electronics are placed on the ring but can be detached at any time. By making the devices modular, the patent states that the ring section will be thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable and compatible with other rings.
Unusually, the accompanying illustrations for the patent show internal protrusions that are likely to hide the sensors of the smart ring in the top part of the ring, rather than the bottom side as seen in many other smart rings, including the third generation of the Oura ring. They seem to be connected to the upper “holder” section and will also be removable. It has not been shown, but it is likely that the smart ring will need a section without any electronics to fill the remaining gap when removed.
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing aspect of the design is the dome covering the electronics, giving it a look similar to a pearl ring or a signet ring. It is not the most modern design for a ring, despite its high-tech internal parts, but it is certainly completely different from the simple designs we see for smart rings at present. Another question mark about OPPO’s patent is how many people will actually want to regularly remove the technology from the smart ring at all.
Smart rings are a very convenient way to track health and activity, making them ideal for wearing all the time. OPPO’s smart ring may focus on sleep tracking instead of daytime activity, making it only necessary to provide tracking features when going to bed. It is certainly a unique design and concept, but the patent does not mean that this product is ready to be a real product, so treat it as an insightful look into what companies are thinking about future products, as more of us see the benefits of a smart ring over a smartwatch.
