An intelligent ring
By combining light reflection and light transmission pathways in the smart ring design, the problems of high power consumption and low accuracy of smart rings are solved, realizing high-precision physiological signal monitoring under low power consumption, especially blood oxygen measurement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CREEK WEARABLE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing light transmission PPG sensors in smart rings suffer from high power consumption, large space requirements, and difficulty in achieving accurate physiological signal monitoring when applied to health monitoring.
The design employs both light reflection and light transmission pathways, utilizing red, infrared, and green light sources set in different windows of the smart ring. Physiological signal measurements are performed by combining light reflection and light transmission pathways, while high-precision signals are obtained through the light transmission pathway and calibration is performed with low power consumption.
While reducing power consumption, it significantly improves the measurement accuracy of physiological signals, especially blood oxygen measurement accuracy, and enables long-term health monitoring.
Smart Images

Figure CN224403041U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of wearable devices, and more specifically, it relates to a smart ring. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of technology today, smart wearable devices are quickly integrating into people's daily lives, and their popularity continues to expand. Among them, smart rings, as an emerging product, stand out with their compact size and excellent wearing convenience, demonstrating significant advantages in diverse application areas such as health monitoring and gesture recognition.
[0003] Focusing on various smart ring products, the use of PPG (photoplethysmograph) sensors to monitor key vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure has become a mainstream trend in the industry. Currently, most smart rings on the market use reflective PPG sensors to detect vital signs. The working principle of this sensor is: it emits light towards the human body surface using a light-emitting unit, and then receives the light reflected back from the skin surface, using this as a basis to analyze physiological signals. However, reflective PPG sensors have inherent limitations; their penetration ability is relatively weak, causing light to scatter only in the superficial areas of the skin, making it difficult to penetrate deep into tissues to collect complete blood information. This results in a significant reduction in the accuracy of the acquired physiological signals, failing to provide a solid data foundation for precise health monitoring.
[0004] In comparison, the light-transmitting PPG sensor has advantages in principle. It can drive the light emitted by the light-emitting unit to penetrate human tissue, and then the transmitted light is received by the light sensor located on the other side of the human tissue, thereby obtaining more detailed and in-depth blood information, which can theoretically greatly improve the accuracy of physiological signal monitoring. However, when the light-transmitting PPG sensor is actually applied to a smart ring, a series of problems arise. On the one hand, in order to ensure that the light penetrates human tissue efficiently and achieves accurate reception, it is necessary to increase the power of the light-emitting unit and improve the sensitivity of the light sensor. This operation will inevitably lead to a sharp increase in the power consumption of the smart ring, and the battery will be quickly depleted, which will have a serious negative impact on the product's battery life. On the other hand, the additional hardware configuration required to meet the operating conditions of the light-transmitting sensor will occupy more internal space, which contradicts the design orientation of smart rings that pursues extreme miniaturization, and imposes a lot of obstacles on the miniaturization process. Utility Model Content
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the purpose of this application is to provide a smart ring that significantly improves the accuracy of physiological signal measurement while effectively reducing the power consumption of the smart ring, thereby meeting users' dual needs for accurate and long-term health monitoring and low-energy operation.
[0006] This application embodiment provides a smart ring, including an annular shell and a hole formed by the annular shell, wherein the inner surface of the annular shell is provided with:
[0007] The first window contains a first light emitting unit and a first light receiving unit. The first light emitting unit includes a red light source, an infrared light source, and a green light source. The light emission direction of the first light emitting unit is towards the center of the aperture, and the first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit form a light reflection path.
[0008] The second window is spaced apart from the first window along the circumferential direction of the annular shell. The second window contains a second light emitting unit, which includes a red light source and an infrared light source.
[0009] The third window is spaced apart from the first window along the circumferential direction of the annular shell. The third window and the second window are located on opposite sides of the first window. A second light receiving unit is provided inside the third window, and the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit form a light transmission path.
[0010] Furthermore, the first light receiving unit includes a first photoelectric sensor and a second photoelectric sensor, the second photoelectric sensor being provided with a green light filter coating.
[0011] Furthermore, the second photoelectric sensor is located between the first photoelectric sensor and the first light emitting unit.
[0012] Furthermore, arc-shaped lenses are respectively provided on the second and third windows.
[0013] Furthermore, a first light-blocking sheet and a second light-blocking sheet are provided inside the annular housing. The first light-blocking sheet is located between the first window and the second window, and the second light-blocking sheet is located between the second window and the third window.
[0014] Furthermore, a third light emitting unit is also provided in the third window, which includes a red light source and an infrared light source. A third light receiving unit is also provided in the second window, and the third light emitting unit and the third light receiving unit constitute a light transmission path.
[0015] Furthermore, an indicator is provided on the outer ring surface of the annular housing, and the first window is located on the opposite side of the indicator.
[0016] Furthermore, the indicator includes at least one LED indicator.
[0017] Furthermore, the indicator is a display screen.
[0018] This application incorporates a first light emitting unit and a first light receiving unit, including red, infrared, and green light sources, in the first window of a smart ring. The first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit constitute a light reflection path. A second window and a third window are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the annular shell within the first window, with the third window located on either side of the first window. The second window contains a second light emitting unit including red and infrared light sources, and the third window contains a second light receiving unit. The second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit constitute a light transmission path. Physiological signal measurement is performed using the light transmission path formed by the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit. The second light receiving unit can acquire more blood pulsation information, thereby obtaining a higher quality light signal and improving the accuracy of physiological signal measurement, especially blood oxygen measurement accuracy. Optical transmission paths typically require high light source intensity from the light emitting unit, which increases power consumption. This invention employs a coexistence of optical transmission and reflection paths. This allows for physiological signal measurement using the optical transmission path for a limited time, while the optical reflection path is used for the majority of the time, thus reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the physiological signals acquired through the optical transmission path are used to calibrate the physiological signals acquired through the optical reflection path, improving measurement accuracy. Therefore, this invention, by using a coexistence of optical transmission and reflection paths, improves physiological signal measurement accuracy while reducing power consumption. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a smart ring provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor layout of a smart ring provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor circuit board layout of a smart ring according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor layout of a smart ring provided in another embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor circuit board layout of a smart ring according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a smart ring provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0027] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.
[0028] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] Figures 1-2 An implementation of a smart ring is provided. The smart ring 100 can be worn on a user's finger to monitor vital signs.
[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the smart ring 100 includes an annular housing 102 and a hole 104 formed by the annular housing 102, which serves as a wearing hole for the user's finger to pass through. The annular housing 102 includes an outer ring 106, an inner ring 108 located on the side of the hole 104, and two side walls 110 located between the outer ring 106 and the inner ring 108. The outer ring 106, the inner ring 108, and the side walls 110 form an accommodating space for accommodating functional modules that enable the functions of the smart ring 100, such as circuit boards, sensors, and batteries.
[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the inner surface of the annular shell 102 is provided with a first window 210, a second window 220 and a third window 230; the second window 220 and the first window 210 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the annular shell 102; the third window 230 and the first window 210 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the annular shell 102, and the third window 230 and the second window 220 are respectively located on both sides of the first window 210.
[0033] The first window 210 houses a first light emitting unit 310 and a first light receiving unit 320. The first light emitting unit 310 includes a red light source 312, an infrared light source 314, and a green light source 316. The light emission direction of the first light emitting unit 310 is towards the center of the aperture 104, and the first light emitting unit 310 and the first light receiving unit 320 form a light reflection path. The first light emitting unit 310 uses the center of the aperture 104 enclosed by the annular shell 102 as the light emission target, successfully constructing a light reflection path with the first light receiving unit 320. In the conventional process of physiological information recognition, when receiving green light emitted by the green light source 316 and reflected by the human skin surface, heart rate can be accurately identified; while when receiving red light emitted by the red light source 312 and the infrared light source 314 and reflected by the human skin, human blood oxygen information can be effectively identified, achieving accurate analysis based on the differences in characteristics after different light wavelengths penetrate human tissue. Furthermore, in some extended embodiments, the first light receiving unit 320 also possesses multi-source recognition capabilities, capable of receiving light emitted by one or more light sources in the first light emitting unit 310 and reflected by human skin, thereby identifying other human physiological information such as blood pressure and blood sugar. The light receiving unit here can be a photodiode, a photoconductor, or other advanced detectors capable of sensing green, red, and infrared light, while the light emitter uses a stable LED (Light Emitting Diode) to ensure the reliability and stability of the light source.
[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a second light emitting unit 410 is disposed within the second window 220, and the second light emitting unit 410 includes a red light source and an infrared light source. A second light receiving unit 510 is disposed within the third window 230, and the second light emitting unit 410 and the second light receiving unit 510 form a light transmission path. The light emitted by the second light emitting unit 410 passes through the finger and transmits the light carrying the human blood volume information to the second light receiving unit to identify blood oxygen information. Since the light emitted by the second light emitting unit 410 passes through the finger, it carries more human blood volume information, which can improve the accuracy of blood oxygen identification. At the same time, it can improve the accuracy when identifying other human physiological information (such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.). The first light emitting unit 310, the first light receiving unit 320, the second light emitting unit 410, and the second light receiving unit 510 are disposed on a circuit board 109 located in the accommodating space of the annular housing 102.
[0035] In scenarios involving continuous monitoring of daily human physiological information, a balance between power consumption and accuracy must be carefully considered. The light reflection path formed by the first light emitting unit 310 and the first light receiving unit 320 enables efficient heart rate tracking and preliminary blood oxygen tracking with low power consumption, achieving high accuracy, especially in heart rate recognition. However, the accuracy of blood oxygen and other physiological information recognition is relatively limited. To overcome this bottleneck, a light transmission path formed between the second light emitting unit 410 and the second receiving unit is introduced to improve the accuracy of blood oxygen and other physiological information recognition. However, the operation of the light transmission path typically relies on the light emitting unit having a high light source intensity, which undoubtedly leads to a significant increase in power consumption. Therefore, this invention innovatively adopts a strategy of coexisting light transmission and light reflection paths. In actual implementation, the light reflection path is used most of the time for routine physiological signal measurement to ensure low power consumption; simultaneously, the high-precision physiological signals obtained by the light transmission path are used to calibrate the signals obtained by the light reflection path, achieving bidirectional complementarity and successfully improving the accuracy of physiological signal measurement while effectively controlling power consumption.
[0036] The first light receiving unit 320 includes a first photoelectric sensor 321 and a second photoelectric sensor 322. The second photoelectric sensor 322 is provided with a green light filter coating. This green light coating can prevent non-green light signals from being sensed by the second photoelectric sensor 322, so that the second photoelectric sensor 322 can only receive light signals emitted from the green light source 316, avoiding the influence of visible light and other wavelengths of light on the heart rate signal, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of heart rate recognition.
[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the second photoelectric sensor 322 is disposed between the first photoelectric sensor 321 and the first light emitting unit 310. When using a reflective PPG sensor for heart rate recognition, based on the characteristic that light signal intensity attenuates with distance, shortening the distance between the light emitting device and the light receiving device can obtain a higher light signal intensity, ensuring the accuracy of heart rate recognition. However, when performing blood oxygen recognition, appropriately increasing the distance between the light emitting device and the light receiving device can obtain a higher perfusion index (the ratio of AC component to DC component in the detected signal), improving the accuracy of recognition. Therefore, according to different physiological information detection needs, this utility model rationally sets the second photoelectric sensor 322, which is mainly used for heart rate recognition, in a specific position, so that it can accurately acquire the green light emitted by the first light emitting unit 310 for heart rate recognition; at the same time, the first photoelectric sensor 321 acquires the red light and infrared light emitted by the first light emitting unit 310 for blood oxygen recognition, achieving optimal resource allocation.
[0038] Arc-shaped lenses 240 are respectively provided on the second window 220 and the third window 230. The arc-shaped lenses 240 can be made of glass or transparent plastic. On the one hand, the arc-shaped lenses 240 can act as positioning marks for the smart ring 100. By exerting moderate friction with the finger surface, they can effectively prevent the smart ring 100 from sliding on the finger, ensuring the stability of the detection process. On the other hand, the arc-shaped lenses 240 located in the second window 220 can better disperse the light emitted by the second light emitting unit 410 into the blood vessels of the finger, improving the incident effect of the light signal. The arc-shaped lenses 240 located in the third window 230 play a focusing role, which can enable the second receiving unit to receive more light transmission signals and optimize the light path transmission efficiency.
[0039] The annular housing 102 contains a first light-blocking plate 250 and a second light-blocking plate 260. The first light-blocking plate is located between the first window 210 and the second window 220, and the second light-blocking plate is located between the second window 220 and the third window 230, forming a light barrier. The light-blocking plates can be made of foam or other materials with excellent light-blocking properties, effectively preventing crosstalk between the second light emitting unit 410 and the second light receiving unit 510, ensuring that the light signals collected by each optical path are not interfered with, and maintaining the accuracy of the detection data.
[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a third light emitting unit 520 is also provided within the third window 230. The third light emitting unit 520 includes a red light source and an infrared light source. A third light receiving unit 420 is also provided within the second window 220. The third light emitting unit 520 and the third light receiving unit 420 constitute a light transmission path. This adds another light transmission path, and the two light transmission paths can be opened in a time-sharing manner to acquire light transmission signals from different optical angles. They can mutually correct and complement each other, further improving the accuracy of acquiring physiological signals and providing multi-dimensional data support for the accurate analysis of complex physiological information.
[0041] In some embodiments, an indicator, which may be a display screen or an LED indicator, is disposed on the surface of the outer ring 106 of the annular housing 102 to display relevant information of the smart ring 100, such as charging status, heart rate, blood oxygen, and time. A first window 210 is located on the opposite side of the indicator. When worn by the user, the indicator is located on the back of the finger, while the detection area within the first window 210 is located on the fingertip. This design allows the sensor to fit better against the finger, avoids interference from ambient light on the detection signal, and reduces wearing discomfort.
[0042] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a smart ring according to one embodiment of the present invention. The smart ring 600 may include one or more processors 602, a memory 604, an indicator 606, a wireless communication module 608, a sensor module 610, a motor 612, a button 614, a power management module 616, and a battery 618. These components can communicate through one or more communication buses or signal lines.
[0043] The processor 602 is the core of the smart ring 600, responsible for running the operating system and applications, performing various functions and data processing. It may contain one or more interfaces for connecting peripheral devices and transmitting data and instructions.
[0044] The memory 604 stores executable program code, including the operating system, application programs (such as vital sign detection, image playback, etc.), and data generated during use (motion parameters, physiological parameters, wearing status, etc.). The memory can be high-speed random access memory or non-volatile memory, such as disk or flash memory.
[0045] The indicator 606 displays the status of the smart ring, such as charging status, battery level, messages, missed calls, and notifications. It can be an LED light or a display screen, conveying information through on / off switching and color changes.
[0046] The wireless communication module 608 supports wireless communication between the smart ring and networks and other devices (such as mobile phones). It includes components such as an antenna, RF transceiver, amplifier, tuner, oscillator, digital signal processor, and codec chip, enabling cellular mobile communication, short-range wireless communication, wireless internet, and location information services.
[0047] The sensor module 610 is used to measure physical quantities or detect the operating status of the smart ring 600. The sensor module 610 may include an accelerometer 610a, a gyroscope 610b, a magnetometer 610c, a biosignal sensor 610d, etc. The sensor module 610 may also include control circuitry for controlling one or more sensors included in the sensor module 610.
[0048] The accelerometer 610a can detect the magnitude of acceleration of the smart ring 600 in various directions. When the smart ring 600 is stationary, it can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity. The accelerometer 610a can also be used to identify the posture of the smart ring 600, and can be applied to pedometers and other applications. The accelerometer 610a can also be used for user gesture recognition, such as recognizing whether the user is waving their hand, in order to control other devices paired with the smart ring 600. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 610a can be combined with the gyroscope sensor 610b to monitor the user's stride length, cadence, and pace during exercise.
[0049] The gyroscope sensor 610b can be used to determine the motion posture of the smart ring 600. In some embodiments, the angular velocity of the smart ring 600 about three axes (i.e., the x, y, and z axes) can be determined by the gyroscope sensor 610b. The accelerometer sensor 610a and the gyroscope sensor 610b can be used individually or in combination to identify the user's motion, such as identifying whether the user is at rest, in a state of slight motion, in a state of moderate-intensity motion, or in a state of high-intensity motion.
[0050] The magnetic sensor 610c includes a Hall sensor or a magnetometer, which can be used to determine the user's location.
[0051] The biosignal sensor 610d is used to measure the user's human biosignals, including but not limited to PPG sensors, electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, fingerprint scanners, and temperature sensors. For example, the smart ring 600 can acquire the user's PPG signal through the PPG sensor to calculate information such as the user's heart rate or blood oxygen saturation. Similarly, the smart ring 600 can acquire changes in the electrical activity of the user's heart through the ECG sensor.
[0052] Motor 612 converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations for incoming calls, message notifications, and touch feedback. Buttons 614 include a power button, which can be a physical button or a touch button. Battery 618 provides power to all components, and power management module 616 is responsible for charge / discharge management and battery status monitoring (capacity, cycle count, health status, etc.), and supports wired or wireless charging.
[0053] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the smart ring 600 may consist of one or more of the aforementioned components. The smart ring 600 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.
[0054] In summary, the first window of the smart ring provided in this embodiment includes a first light emitting unit and a first light receiving unit, which together provide red light, infrared light, and green light. The first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit constitute a light reflection path. A second window and a third window are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the annular shell within the first window. The third window and the second window are located on opposite sides of the first window. The second window is equipped with a second light emitting unit including both red and infrared light sources, and the third window is equipped with a second light receiving unit. The second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit constitute a light transmission path. Using the light transmission path formed by the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit for physiological signal measurement allows the second light receiving unit to acquire more blood pulsation information, thereby obtaining a higher quality light signal and improving the accuracy of physiological signal measurement, especially blood oxygen measurement accuracy. Optical transmission paths typically require high light source intensity from the light emitting unit, which increases power consumption. This invention employs a coexistence of optical transmission and reflection paths. This allows for physiological signal measurement using the optical transmission path for a limited time, while the optical reflection path is used for the majority of the time, thus reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the physiological signals acquired through the optical transmission path are used to calibrate the physiological signals acquired through the optical reflection path, improving measurement accuracy. Therefore, this invention, by using a coexistence of optical transmission and reflection paths, improves physiological signal measurement accuracy while reducing power consumption.
[0055] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A smart ring, characterized by It includes an annular shell and a hole formed by the annular shell, wherein the inner surface of the annular shell is provided with: A first window is provided, in which a first light emitting unit and a first light receiving unit are provided. The first light emitting unit includes a red light source, an infrared light source and a green light source. The light emission direction of the first light emitting unit is towards the center of the hole, and the first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit form a light reflection path. The second window is spaced apart from the first window along the circumferential direction of the annular shell. A second light emitting unit is provided in the second window, which includes a red light source and an infrared light source. The third window is spaced apart from the first window along the circumferential direction of the annular shell. The third window and the second window are located on opposite sides of the first window. A second light receiving unit is provided in the third window, and the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit form a light transmission path.
2. The smart ring of claim 1, wherein, The first light receiving unit includes a first photoelectric sensor and a second photoelectric sensor, and the second photoelectric sensor is provided with a green light filter coating.
3. The smart ring of claim 2, wherein, The second photoelectric sensor is located between the first photoelectric sensor and the first light emitting unit.
4. The smart ring of claim 1, wherein, Arc-shaped lenses are respectively provided on the second window and the third window.
5. The smart ring of claim 1, wherein, The annular housing is provided with a first light-blocking sheet and a second light-blocking sheet. The first light-blocking sheet is located between the first window and the second window, and the second light-blocking sheet is located between the second window and the third window.
6. The smart ring of claim 1, wherein, The third window is further provided with a third light emitting unit, which includes a red light source and an infrared light source. The second window is further provided with a third light receiving unit, and the third light emitting unit and the third light receiving unit constitute a light transmission path.
7. The smart ring of claim 1, wherein, An indicator is provided on the outer ring surface of the annular housing, and the first window is located on the opposite side of the indicator.
8. The smart ring of claim 7, wherein The indicator includes at least one LED indicator.
9. The smart ring of claim 7, wherein The indicator is a display screen.