Ring device

Abstract

In the present invention, an annular member with a closed or slitted ring shape has a first opening. A wiring substrate is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the annular member so as to overlap with the first opening. A first light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are mounted in a position on the wiring substrate that overlaps with the first opening. The first light-emitting element emits light toward a space encompassed by the annular member. The light-receiving element receives light arriving from the space encompassed by the annular member. A transparent resin member continuously covers the inner peripheral surface of the annular member, the first light-emitting element, and the light-receiving element in a circumferential direction.

Description

Ring Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring device.

[0002] A ring-shaped wearable device equipped with a temperature sensor, a light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element is shown in Figure 3B of Patent Document 1. This wearable device has a ring-shaped member with an opening on its inner wall. When the wearable device is worn on a finger, the temperature sensor, the light-emitting element, and the light-receiving element face the skin of the finger through the opening, and biometric information is acquired.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,582,034

[0004] When the ring-shaped wearable device described in Patent Document 1 is worn on a finger, the wearer may feel uncomfortable due to the unevenness of the edge of the opening, and if worn for a long time, the unevenness may leave a mark on the finger. Furthermore, if dirt accumulates inside the opening, it may become difficult to properly acquire biosignals. The object of the present invention is to provide a ring device that causes less discomfort to the human body and is less susceptible to dirt accumulation.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ring device comprising: a closed or slit-shaped annular member having a first opening; a wiring board arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the annular member so as to overlap with the first opening; a first light-emitting element mounted on the wiring board at a position overlapping with the first opening, which emits light toward a space surrounded by the annular member, and a light-receiving element which receives light arriving from the space surrounded by the annular member; and a transparent resin member which continuously covers the inner peripheral surface of the annular member, the first light-emitting element, and the light-receiving element in a circumferential direction.

[0006] The transparent resin member continuously covers the inner peripheral surface of the annular member, the first light emitting element, and the light receiving element in the circumferential direction, which causes little discomfort to the human body and makes it difficult for dirt to adhere to it.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a ring device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an annular member of the ring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a wiring board deformed to conform to the outer peripheral surface of the annular member. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the ring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a plan view of a first opening viewed from the radial direction of the annular member. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along dashed-dotted line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure for the ring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device according to a comparative example. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an annular member of a ring device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a wiring board, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a battery. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the ring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a ring device according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are cross-sectional views of ring devices according to variations of the second embodiment. Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a ring device according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first opening. Fig. 10A is a plan view of the vicinity of the rigid portion of a ring device according to a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rigid portion. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a ring device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device according to a modified sixth embodiment.

[0008] A ring device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a ring device 10 according to the first embodiment. The ring device 10 according to the first embodiment includes an annular member 20, a wiring substrate 30, a first light-emitting element 31, a second light-emitting element 32, a light-receiving element 33, and a plurality of functional components 34.

[0009] The annular member 20 includes a cylindrical portion 20A that surrounds a finger or the like of a human body, and a flange portion 20B provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 20A. The space surrounded by the annular member 20 is referred to as an inner space 90. The cylindrical portion 20A is provided with a first opening 21A, a second opening 21B, and a third opening 21C. The first opening 21A, the second opening 21B, and the third opening 21C are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 20A. The annular member 20 is made of, for example, a non-transparent resin such as ABS or polycarbonate, and is manufactured by injection molding.

[0010] The wiring substrate 30 is composed of three rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C, a flexible portion 30F connecting the rigid portions 30A and 30B, and a flexible portion 30F connecting the rigid portions 30A and 30C. The flexible portion 30F has flexibility that allows it to deform along the surface of other members. The rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C have higher rigidity than the flexible portion 30F and do not deform easily. For example, a rigid-flexible substrate can be used as the wiring substrate 30. The rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C are composed of a flexible layer that constitutes the flexible portion 30F and a rigid layer superimposed on the flexible layer.

[0011] A first light-emitting element 31 and a light-receiving element 33 are mounted on one rigid part 30A, and a second light-emitting element 32 is mounted on the other rigid part 30B. Three functional components 34 are mounted on the other rigid part 30C.

[0012] The wiring board 30 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 20A of the annular member 20 by bending the flexible portion 30F. For example, an interlocking structure is formed between the wiring board 30 and the annular member 20, and the wiring board 30 is interlocked with the annular member 20, thereby fixing the wiring board 30 to the annular member 20. Alternatively, the wiring board 30 may be fixed to the annular member 20 using double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, or the like. A configuration using double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, or the like is advantageous in terms of miniaturizing the ring device 10 compared to a configuration using an interlocking structure.

[0013] Rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C overlap first opening 21A, second opening 21B, and third opening 21C, respectively. First light-emitting element 31 and light-receiving element 33 are mounted on the surface of rigid portion 30A facing inner space 90 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "inner peripheral surface") and are housed within first opening 21A. Second light-emitting element 32 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of rigid portion 30B and is housed within second opening 21B.

[0014] Some of the three functional components 34 are mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the rigid portion 30C, and the remaining functional components 34 are mounted on the outer circumferential surface on the opposite side. The functional components 34 mounted on the inner circumferential surface are housed in the third opening 21C. The functional components 34 are, for example, connectors, temperature sensors, piezoelectric sensors, gyro sensors, etc.

[0015] 2A is a cross-sectional view of the annular member 20. The annular member 20 has a shape that is approximately circumferential. A first opening 21A, a second opening 21B, and a third opening 21C are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. The annular member 20 may have a shape that follows the periphery of an ellipse, or a shape that follows a closed curve that does not have an inflection point, in addition to a circumferential shape. For example, it is preferable that the annular member 20 have a shape that follows the periphery of the cross-sectional shape of a human finger.

[0016] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the wiring substrate 30 deformed to fit the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20 (FIG. 2A). Rigid portions 30A and 30B are connected by a flexible portion 30F, and rigid portions 30A and 30C are connected by another flexible portion 30F. A first light-emitting element 31 and a light-receiving element 33 are mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the rigid portion 30A, and a second light-emitting element 32 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the rigid portion 30B. Multiple functional components 34 are mounted on both sides of the rigid portion 30C.

[0017] 2C is a cross-sectional view of the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment. A wiring substrate 30 is fixed along the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 20, and the annular member 20 and the wiring substrate 30 are covered with a transparent resin member 40. The transparent resin member 40 continuously covers the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 20, the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the functional components 34 mounted on the inner circumferential surface. In other words, the transparent resin member 40 appears over the entire inner circumferential surface of the ring device 10.

[0018] Furthermore, the transparent resin member 40 continuously covers the wiring substrate 30, the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20, and the functional components 34 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid portion 30C in the circumferential direction. The transparent resin member 40 also fills the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the wiring substrate 30. For example, epoxy resin, silicone resin, urethane resin, polycarbonate, etc. can be used as the transparent resin member 40.

[0019] The outer peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 is decorated by, for example, metal plating, metal vapor deposition, metal sputtering, painting, hot stamping, hydraulic transfer, or the like.

[0020] Next, the operation of the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The ring device 10 is used by being worn, for example, on a human finger. Measurement light is emitted from each of the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 toward the internal space 90. The first light-emitting element 31 emits light in a wavelength range from blue to yellow-green (preferably a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm), and the second light-emitting element 32 emits light in a red wavelength range (preferably a wavelength range of 650 nm to 700 nm) or a near-infrared range (preferably a wavelength range of 850 nm to 950 nm). The light-receiving element 33 receives light arriving from the internal space 90 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light intensity. The transparent resin member 40 transmits the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32.

[0021] For example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) can be used as the first light emitting element 31 and the second light emitting element 32. For example, a photodiode or a phototransistor can be used as the light receiving element 33.

[0022] The light emitted from the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 passes through the living body, is scattered, and is incident on the light-receiving element 33. Based on the intensity of the light incident on the light-receiving element 33, biological information, such as a photoplethysmogram, can be obtained.

[0023] Because light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range emitted from the first light-emitting element 31 is relatively highly absorbed by living bodies, the distance between the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 is preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. To arrange them at this distance, the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 are arranged in the same first opening 21A. Because light in the red or near-infrared wavelength range emitted from the second light-emitting element 32 is relatively less absorbed by living bodies, the distance between the second light-emitting element 32 and the light-receiving element 33 is preferably 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. To arrange them at this distance, the second light-emitting element 32 is arranged in a second opening 21B different from the first opening 21A in which the light-receiving element 33 is arranged.

[0024] The biological information acquired by operating the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 contains a larger proportion of information about shallow regions of the skin, while the biological information acquired by operating the second light-emitting element 32 and the light-receiving element 33 contains a larger proportion of information about deep regions of the skin. Since the absorption rate of light in the red to near-infrared wavelength range varies depending on the oxygen saturation level in the blood, information about the oxygen saturation level can be acquired by operating the second light-emitting element 32 and the light-receiving element 33.

[0025] 3A and 3B, a description will be given of the positional relationship between the first opening 21A of the annular member 20 and the rigid portion 30A of the wiring substrate 30. Fig. 3A is a plan view of the first opening 21A as viewed from the radial direction of the annular member 20, and Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed dotted line 3B-3B in Fig. 3A.

[0026] A flexible portion 30F extends circumferentially from the rigid portion 30A. When viewed radially of the annular member 20, the rigid portion 30A overlaps with and encompasses the first opening 21A. The rigid portion 30A contacts the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20 around the first opening 21A at its peripheral edge. The first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 are disposed within the first opening 21A. The positional relationship between the second opening 21B (FIG. 2A) and the rigid portion 30B (FIG. 2B), and the positional relationship between the third opening 21C (FIG. 2A) and the rigid portion 30C (FIG. 2B) are similar to the positional relationship between the first opening 21A and the rigid portion 30A.

[0027] When the inner circumferential surface of the rigid portion 30A is used as a reference height, the height to the top surfaces of the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 is lower than the height to the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 20 around the first opening 21A. A transparent resin member 40 is filled inside the first opening 21A, and the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 20, the first light-emitting element 31, and the light-receiving element 33 are covered with the transparent resin member 40.

[0028] Next, a method for manufacturing the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for manufacturing the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] First, the annular member 20 (FIG. 2A), the wiring substrate 30 (FIG. 2B), the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the functional component 34 are prepared (step S1). The first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the functional component 34 are mounted on the wiring substrate 30 (step S2). The wiring substrate 30 is placed along the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 20 and fixed to the annular member 20 (step S3).

[0030] The annular member 20 and the wiring substrate 30 are sealed with a transparent resin member 40 (step S4). For example, transfer molding can be used for sealing with the transparent resin member 40. Thereafter, the outer peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 is decorated (step S5).

[0031] Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when the ring device 10 is worn on a finger, the inner circumferential surface of the transparent resin member 40 (FIG. 2C) comes into contact with the finger. Since there are no steps or gaps in the part that comes into contact with the finger, there is little discomfort when wearing the ring device. Furthermore, even when worn for a long time, marks caused by steps are unlikely to be left on the finger. Furthermore, dirt is unlikely to accumulate on the inner circumferential surface of the ring device 10.

[0032] In the first embodiment, because the wiring board 30 includes the flexible portion 30F ( FIG. 1 ), the wiring board 30 can be easily deformed and positioned along the annular member 20. The wiring board 30 also includes rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C, with the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33 mounted on the rigid portion 30A, the second light-emitting element 32 mounted on the rigid portion 30B, and the functional component 34 mounted on the rigid portion 30C. This makes it easier to fix the positions of the light-receiving element and the functional component 34 compared to when they are mounted on the flexible portion 30F. In particular, this can suppress adverse effects on optical characteristics caused by misalignment of the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, and the light-receiving element 33.

[0033] If the rigid portion 30A were smaller than the first opening 21A, the rigid portion 30A could pass through the first opening 21A. In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the rigid portion 30A is larger than the first opening 21A in a plan view and encompasses the first opening 21A. This allows the rigid portion 30A to be easily fixed by pressing it against the annular member 20 around the first opening 21A. Similarly, the rigid portion 30B can be fixed to the annular member 20 around the second opening 21B, and the rigid portion 30C can be fixed to the annular member 20 around the third opening 21C.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the wiring substrate 30 is curved and attached to the annular member 20 in step S3 (FIG. 4), and then sealed with the transparent resin member 40 in step S4 (FIG. 4). This makes manufacturing easier than when the annular member 20 is not used.

[0035] Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described in comparison with a ring device according to a comparative example shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ring device according to the comparative example. The ring device according to the comparative example does not include an annular member, and the wiring substrate 30 is sealed with a transparent resin member 40. As a result, some of the light incident on the end surface of the transparent resin member 40 from the longitudinal direction of the finger can pass through the transparent resin member 40 and reach the light receiving element 33. In addition, some of the light incident on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 can pass through the transparent resin member 40 and the flexible portion 30F and reach the light receiving element 33, as shown by the arrows. When external light reaches the light receiving element 33, the signal-to-noise ratio decreases.

[0036] In contrast, in the first embodiment, a non-transparent annular member 20 is disposed around the light-receiving element 33 housed in the first opening 21A (FIGS. 3A and 3B). This makes it difficult for external light to reach the light-receiving element 33, thereby suppressing a decrease in the S / N ratio caused by external light. In particular, in the first embodiment, when the inner circumferential surface of the rigid portion 30A (FIG. 3B) is used as the height reference, the height of the annular member 20 around the first opening 21A is higher than the height of the light-receiving element 33, which further enhances the effect of preventing external light from reaching the light-receiving element 33.

[0037] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the wiring board 30 (FIG. 2B) includes rigid portions 30A, 30B, and 30C and a flexible portion 30F, but the wiring board 30 may also be configured with only the flexible portion 30F. In this case, the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the functional component 34 are mounted on the flexible portion. This configuration, like the first embodiment, also provides the excellent effects of reducing discomfort when worn and preventing dirt from accumulating.

[0038] The annular member 20 may also be made of a light-transmitting material. This configuration also provides the excellent effects of reducing the discomfort felt when worn and making it difficult for dirt to accumulate.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the third opening 21C ( FIG. 1 ) is provided in the annular member 20, but the third opening 21C does not have to be provided. For example, if the functional components 34 mounted on the rigid portion 30C are only functional components that do not need to face the skin of the human body, such as a connector, piezoelectric sensor, or gyro sensor, the third opening 21C may not be provided. Note that if the functional components 34 mounted on the rigid portion 30C include a temperature sensor for measuring body temperature, it is preferable to provide the third opening 21C and position the temperature sensor facing the skin of the human body. The third opening 21C may also be provided for the purpose of positioning the rigid portion 30C.

[0040] Second Embodiment Next, a ring device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 7. Below, a description of the configuration common to ring device 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0041] 6A is a cross-sectional view of the annular member 20 of the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment (FIG. 2A), the annular member 20 is provided with a first opening 21A, a second opening 21B, and a third opening 21C. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the annular member 20 is provided with the first opening 21A and the second opening 21B, but no opening is provided at a location corresponding to the third opening 21C (FIG. 2A) of the first embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the wiring board 30, first light-emitting element 31, second light-emitting element 32, light-receiving element 33, and battery 35 of the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the wiring board 30 includes a third rigid portion 30C (FIG. 2B), and functional components 34 (FIG. 2B) are mounted on the rigid portion 30C. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a battery 35 is attached instead of the rigid portion 30C of the first embodiment. The battery 35 is electrically connected to an external connection terminal disposed near the edge of the flexible portion 30F, for example. The battery 35 also has a curved shape so as to fit along the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 20 (FIG. 6A).

[0043] 6C is a cross-sectional view of the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment. A wiring board 30 and a battery 35 are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 20. The annular member 20, the wiring board 30, the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the battery 35 are sealed in a transparent resin member 40.

[0044] 7 is a block diagram of a ring device 10 according to the second embodiment. In addition to the first light-emitting element 31, second light-emitting element 32, light-receiving element 33, and battery 35 shown in FIG. 6C, the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment includes a control circuit 50, a wireless charging module 51, a wireless communication module 52, an acceleration sensor 53, a gyro sensor 54, a temperature sensor 55, a piezoelectric sensor 56, and a memory 57. These functional components are mounted on the rigid portions 30A and 30B or the flexible portion 30F of the wiring board 30.

[0045] The battery 35 supplies power to various functional components. The wireless charging module 51 controls contactless charging of the battery 35. The wireless communication module 52 communicates data with external devices, such as smartphones, tablet devices, and computer devices. The acceleration sensor 53, gyro sensor 54, temperature sensor 55, and piezoelectric sensor 56 measure acceleration, angular acceleration, temperature, and pressure, respectively. The control circuit 50 controls the operations of the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, the wireless charging module 51, the wireless communication module 52, the acceleration sensor 53, the gyro sensor 54, the temperature sensor 55, and the piezoelectric sensor 56. The memory 57 stores programs, data, and the like required for the operation of the ring device 10.

[0046] The control circuit 50 may be configured with a plurality of integrated circuit components (ICs) each performing a different function. For example, the control circuit 50 may be configured with a light receiving / emitting control IC that controls the first light emitting element 31, the second light emitting element 32, and the light receiving element 33, a charging control IC that controls the wireless charging module 51, and a communication control IC that controls the wireless communication module 52.

[0047] Next, the excellent effects of the second embodiment will be described. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment also provides excellent effects such as less discomfort when worn, less dirt accumulation, and less degradation of the S / N ratio. Furthermore, the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment can operate without connecting a power cable, a communication cable, or the like. This provides the excellent effect of reducing restrictions on the user's movements and behavior when wearing the ring device 10.

[0048] Furthermore, the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 53 can provide information on the amount of activity, posture, body movement, and sleep depth of the person wearing the ring device 10. The measurement results of the gyro sensor 54 can provide gesture information. The measurement results of the temperature sensor 55 can provide skin temperature information and outside air temperature information. The measurement results of the piezoelectric sensor 56 can detect that a mechanical action such as tapping or pushing has been applied to the ring device 10. This information can be used as operation information for the ring device 10.

[0049] Next, a ring device according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C. Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are cross-sectional views of ring device 10 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

[0050] In the second embodiment ( FIG. 6C ), the light receiving element 33 is mounted on the rigid portion 30A that is closer to the battery 35 as viewed in the circumferential direction along the wiring board 30. In contrast, in the modified example shown in FIG. 8A , the light receiving element 33 is mounted on the rigid portion 30B that is farther from the battery 35 as viewed in the circumferential direction along the wiring board 30. Furthermore, the first light emitting element 31 is mounted on the same rigid portion 30B on which the light receiving element 33 is mounted, and the second light emitting element 32 is mounted on the rigid portion 30A on which the light receiving element 33 is not mounted. In this way, the light receiving element 33 may be mounted on the rigid portion 30B that is farther from the battery 35 as viewed along the wiring board 30.

[0051] In the modified example shown in Fig. 8B, the first light-emitting element 31 (Fig. 6C) of the ring device 10 (Fig. 6C) according to the second embodiment is not mounted. That is, only the light-receiving element 33 is mounted on the rigid part 30A. In the modified example shown in Fig. 8B, by operating the second light-emitting element 32 and the light-receiving element 33, biological information containing a large amount of information from regions deep below the surface of the biological body is acquired.

[0052] In the modified example shown in Fig. 8C, the rigid portion 30B of the ring device 10 (Fig. 6C) according to the second embodiment and the flexible portion 30F connected thereto are not provided. A first light-emitting element 31 and a light-receiving element 33 are mounted on the rigid portion 30A. In the modified example shown in Fig. 8C, by operating the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33, biological information containing a large amount of information from a region shallow from the surface of the biological body is acquired.

[0053] 9A and 9B, a ring device according to a third embodiment will be described. Below, a description of the configuration common to ring device 10 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7 will be omitted.

[0054] 9A is a cross-sectional view of the ring device 10 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first opening 21A. The inner peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 of the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment is configured as a curved surface or a flat surface that is convex outward (toward the outer periphery). In contrast, in the third embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 (the surface facing the inner space 90) is provided with raised portions 41 that rise from the surrounding surface in the portions that cover the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, and the light-receiving element 33. The raised portions 41 are raised in a convex shape toward the inner space 90. Separate raised portions 41 are provided in the portions that cover the first light-emitting element 31 and the portions that cover the light-receiving element 33.

[0055] Next, the excellent effects of the third embodiment will be described. The same excellent effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained in the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the ring device 10 is worn on a finger, the raised portion 41 stably contacts the skin of the finger. If a gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the transparent resin member 40 and the skin of the finger, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 33 will change significantly. In the third embodiment, a gap is unlikely to form between the inner circumferential surface of the transparent resin member 40 and the skin of the finger, so the waveform of the photoplethysmogram can be stably acquired.

[0056] If a single raised portion is provided to cover both the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33, the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 31 is reflected by the inner surface of the raised portion, increasing the amount of stray light incident on the light-receiving element 33. This increase in stray light adversely affects the measurement of the photoplethysmogram. In the third embodiment, separate raised portions 41 are provided in the regions covering the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33, thereby suppressing the increase in stray light.

[0057] [Fourth Example] Next, a ring device according to a fourth example will be described with reference to Figures 10A and 10B. Below, a description of the configuration common to ring device 10 according to the second example described with reference to Figures 6A to 7 will be omitted.

[0058] Fig. 10A is a plan view of the vicinity of the rigid portion 30A of the ring device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rigid portion 30A. In Fig. 10A, the annular member 20 is hatched.

[0059] In the first embodiment (FIG. 3A), a first light-emitting element 31 and a light-receiving element 33 are arranged in one first opening 21A, and a transparent resin member 40 (FIG. 3B) is arranged between the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the transparent resin member 40, a light-shielding wall 25 is arranged between the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33. The light-shielding wall 25 is formed from the same material as the annular member 20, and extends from one edge of the first opening 21A to the opposite edge. The light-shielding wall 25 and the annular member 20 are integrally produced by injection molding.

[0060] When the inner circumferential surface of the rigid portion 30A is used as the height reference, the height of the light-shielding wall 25 is higher than the height of both the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33. Therefore, the light-shielding wall 25 intersects with both line segments connecting a point on the light-emitting region of the first light-emitting element 31 and a point on the light-receiving region of the light-receiving element 33.

[0061] Next, the excellent effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. The same excellent effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained in the fourth embodiment. Light emitted from the first light-emitting element 31, which does not pass through the living body but passes through the transparent resin member 40 and enters the light-receiving element 33 (hereinafter referred to as stray light), adversely affects the measurement of the photoplethysmogram. In the fourth embodiment, the light-shielding wall 25 is disposed between the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33, thereby reducing the stray light. This allows for stable measurement of the photoplethysmogram.

[0062] A high effect of reducing stray light can be obtained because the height of the light-shielding wall 25 is greater than the height of both the first light-emitting element 31 and the light-receiving element 33. In order to enhance the effect of reducing stray light, it is preferable that the light-shielding wall 25 be black.

[0063] Fifth Embodiment Next, a ring device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Below, a description of the configuration common to ring device 10 according to the second embodiment described with reference to Figs. 6A to 7 will be omitted.

[0064] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device 10 according to a fifth embodiment. While the ring device 10 according to the second embodiment (FIG. 6C) has a closed ring shape, the ring device 10 according to the fifth embodiment has a ring (C-shaped) shape with a slit 11 in one location. For example, flexible section 30F, rigid section 30A, flexible section 30F, and rigid section 30B are connected in this order from battery 35. Slit 11 is provided between rigid section 30B and battery 35.

[0065] Next, the excellent effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment also provides the same excellent effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the ring device 10 flexibly and elastically deforms in accordance with the thickness of the finger, making it possible to wear it on fingers of various thicknesses.

[0066] Sixth Embodiment Next, a ring device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Below, a description of the configuration common to the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0067] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a ring device 10 according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the ring device 10 according to the sixth embodiment. In the ring device 10 according to the first embodiment ( FIG. 2C ), the outer peripheral surface of the transparent resin member 40 is decorated. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, an annular outer housing 60 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the wiring substrate 30 fixed to the annular member 20. The transparent resin member 40 fills the gap between the outer housing 60 and the wiring substrate 30. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment ( FIG. 2C ), the transparent resin member 40 continuously covers the annular member 20, the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the light-receiving element 33, and the functional component 34 in the circumferential direction. The transparent resin member 40 can be formed, for example, using a transfer molding method.

[0068] Examples of materials that can be used for the outer housing 60 include metals and ceramics. When using metal for the outer housing 60, it is preferable to use a biocompatible metal that is less likely to cause allergies. Examples of biocompatible metals include stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, tantalum, magnesium alloys, gold, silver, and platinum. Examples of ceramic materials that can be used for the outer housing 60 include zirconia (zirconium dioxide), aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride.

[0069] Next, the excellent effects of the sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment also provides the same excellent effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, metal or ceramic is used for the outer housing 60, which increases the mechanical strength of the ring device 10, making it less susceptible to deformation or breakage due to external forces and less susceptible to scratches. Furthermore, the radial thickness of the ring device 10 can be reduced to obtain the desired mechanical strength.

[0070] Next, a ring device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a ring device 10 according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment (FIG. 13), similar to the first embodiment (FIG. 2C), the wiring board 30 includes a rigid portion 30C, and multiple functional components 34 are mounted on the rigid portion 30C. In contrast, in this modification, similar to the second embodiment (FIG. 6C), a battery 35 is connected to the wiring board 30. As in this modification, the battery 35 may be combined with an outer housing 60.

[0071] Next, another modification of the sixth embodiment will be described. In the ring device 10 according to the sixth embodiment, metal or ceramic is used as the material of the outer housing 60, but a resin material such as ABS or polycarbonate may also be used.

[0072] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

[0073] Based on the above-described embodiments described in this specification, the following invention is disclosed: <1> A ring device comprising: a closed or slit-shaped annular member having a first opening, a wiring board arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the annular member so as to overlap with the first opening, a first light-emitting element mounted on the wiring board at a position overlapping with the first opening, the first light-emitting element emitting light toward a space surrounded by the annular member and a light-receiving element receiving light arriving from the space surrounded by the annular member, and a transparent resin member continuously covering the inner circumferential surface of the annular member, the first light-emitting element, and the light-receiving element in a circumferential direction.

[0074] <2> The wiring board includes a rigid portion having a relatively high rigidity and a flexible portion having a relatively low rigidity, the rigid portion is arranged at a position overlapping with the first opening, the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are mounted on the rigid portion, and the flexible portion is curved along the annular member.

[0075] <3> The ring device according to <2>, wherein the rigid portion encompasses the first opening when viewed from the radial direction of the annular member.

[0076] <4> A ring device described in any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the annular member has a shape that follows a closed curve that has no corners or inflection points, or a portion of a closed curve that has no corners or inflection points.

[0077] <5> A ring device described in any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the portion of the surface of the transparent resin member facing the space surrounded by the annular member that covers the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is raised from the surrounding surface.

[0078] <6> The ring device according to any one of <1> to <5>, further comprising a light-shielding wall disposed between the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

[0079] <7> The ring device according to <6>, wherein the light-shielding wall intersects with any line segment connecting a point on the light-emitting area of ​​the first light-emitting element and a point on the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving element.

[0080] <8> The ring device according to <6> or <7>, wherein the light-shielding wall is black.

[0081] <9> The ring device according to any one of <1> to <8>, further comprising a battery, a wireless communication module, a wireless charging module, and a control circuit mounted on the wiring board, wherein the control circuit controls light emission from the first light-emitting element, receives a signal from the light-receiving element, controls charging of the battery via the wireless charging module, and controls data communication via the wireless communication module.

[0082] <10> The ring device according to any one of <1> to <9>, further comprising at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, and a piezoelectric sensor mounted on the wiring substrate.

[0083] <11> A ring device described in any one of <1> to <10>, wherein the annular member has a second opening in addition to the first opening, and the second opening is positioned at a position away from the first opening in the circumferential direction of the annular member, and further comprises a second light-emitting element mounted on the wiring board, wherein the second light-emitting element is mounted at a position overlapping with the second opening and emits light toward the space surrounded by the annular member, and the transparent resin member covers the surface of the second light-emitting element facing the space surrounded by the annular member.

[0084] <12> The ring device according to any one of <1> to <11>, further comprising an outer housing that faces the outer peripheral surface of the annular member via the wiring board and surrounds the annular member and the wiring board.

[0085] <13> The ring device according to <12>, wherein a portion of the transparent resin member is filled between the wiring board and the outer housing.

[0086] 10 Ring device 11 Slit 20 Annular member 20A Cylindrical portion 20B Flange portion 21A First opening 21B Second opening 21C Third opening 25 Light-shielding wall 30 Wiring board 30A, 30B, 30C Rigid portion 30F Flexible portion 31 First light-emitting element 32 Second light-emitting element 33 Light-receiving element 34 Functional component 35 Battery 40 Transparent resin member 41 Protruding portion of transparent resin member 50 Control circuit 51 Wireless charging module 52 Wireless communication module 53 Acceleration sensor 54 Gyro sensor 55 Temperature sensor 56 Piezoelectric sensor 57 Memory 60 Outer housing 90 Inner space of annular member

Claims

1. A ring device comprising: a ring-shaped annular member having a first opening, which is closed or has a gap; a wiring board arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member so as to overlap with the first opening; a first light-emitting element and a light-receiving element mounted on the wiring board at a position overlapping with the first opening, the first light-emitting element emitting light toward a space surrounded by the ring-shaped member and a light-receiving element receiving light arriving from the space surrounded by the ring-shaped member; and a transparent resin member continuously covering the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member, the first light-emitting element, and the light-receiving element in the circumferential direction.

2. A ring device as described in claim 1, wherein the wiring board includes a rigid portion having a relatively high rigidity and a flexible portion having a relatively low rigidity, the rigid portion is arranged at a position overlapping with the first opening, the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are mounted on the rigid portion, and the flexible portion is curved along the annular member.

3. A ring device as described in claim 2, wherein the rigid portion encompasses the first opening when viewed in a radial direction of the annular member.

4. A ring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the annular member has a shape that follows a closed curve having no corners or inflection points, or a portion of a closed curve having no corners or inflection points.

5. A ring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portion of the surface of the transparent resin member facing the space surrounded by the annular member that covers the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is raised from the surrounding surface.

6. A ring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a light-shielding wall disposed between the first light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

7. A ring device as described in claim 6, wherein the light-shielding wall intersects with any line segment connecting a point on the light-emitting area of ​​the first light-emitting element and a point on the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving element.

8. A ring device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the light-shielding wall is black.

9. A ring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a battery, a wireless communication module, a wireless charging module, and a control circuit mounted on the wiring board, wherein the control circuit controls light emission from the first light-emitting element, receives a signal from the light-receiving element, controls charging of the battery via the wireless charging module, and controls data communication via the wireless communication module.

10. A ring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, and a piezoelectric sensor mounted on the wiring board.

11. A ring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a second opening in addition to the first opening in the annular member, the second opening being positioned at a distance from the first opening in the circumferential direction of the annular member; a second light-emitting element mounted on the wiring board; the second light-emitting element mounted at a position overlapping with the second opening and emitting light toward the space surrounded by the annular member; and the transparent resin member covering a surface of the second light-emitting element facing the space surrounded by the annular member.

12. A ring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an outer housing that faces the outer peripheral surface of the annular member via the wiring board and surrounds the annular member and the wiring board.

13. The ring device according to claim 12, wherein a portion of the transparent resin member is filled between the wiring board and the outer housing.

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