Detection device and detection system

Abstract

A detection device (100) comprising: a ring-shaped housing; a chargeable battery (108) that is provided to the housing; a light source (150) that is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the housing and emits light by using electric power from the battery (108); an optical sensor (106) that is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the housing and is capable of detecting light; a detection circuit (160) that is provided to the housing and is connected to the optical sensor (106); a battery management circuit (180) that is provided to the housing and charges the battery (108) by using the output of the optical sensor (106); a switching circuit (170) that is provided to the housing and switches connection of the optical sensor (106) between the detection circuit (160) and the battery management circuit (180); and a control circuit (110) that is provided to the housing and detects information about a living body in contact with the housing, on the basis of the detection result of the detection circuit (160), wherein the control circuit (110) switches the output of the optical sensor (106) to the battery management circuit (180) at the switching circuit (170) and charges the battery (108).

Description

Detection device and detection system

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device and a detection system.

[0002] There are known devices for detecting biological information from a human body. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an authentication device, which is a ring-shaped detection device, that includes an antenna and is powered by radio waves transmitted from an access target.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-93368

[0004] Conventional ring-shaped detection devices require a power receiving coil when installed in a charging device and used for wireless charging using coil technology, and charging contacts are required when charging via electrodes. For this reason, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts in ring-shaped detection devices in order to reduce the size of the housing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a detection device and a detection system that can charge a battery while suppressing an increase in the number of parts related to charging.

[0006] A detection device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a ring-shaped housing, a rechargeable battery provided in the housing, a light source arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and emitting light using power from the battery, a light sensor arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and capable of detecting light, a detection circuit provided in the housing and connected to the light sensor, a battery management circuit provided in the housing and charging the battery with the output of the light sensor, a switching circuit provided in the housing and switching the connection of the light sensor between the detection circuit and the battery management circuit, and a control circuit provided in the housing and detecting information about a living organism with which the housing comes into contact based on the detection result of the detection circuit, and the control circuit switches the output of the light sensor to the battery management circuit using the switching circuit to charge the battery.

[0007] a detection circuit provided in the housing and connected to the light sensor; a battery management circuit provided in the housing and configured to charge the battery with the output of the light sensor; a switching circuit provided in the housing and configured to switch the connection of the light sensor between the detection circuit and the battery management circuit; and a control circuit provided in the housing and configured to detect information about a living body with which the housing comes into contact based on the detection result of the detection circuit; and the charger includes an installation member on which the detection device is installed and a second light source provided in the installation member, and the light sensor of the detection device detects light from the second light source of the charger in which the detection device is installed, and the control circuit switches the output of the light sensor that has detected the light from the second light source to the battery management circuit using the switching circuit to charge the battery.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a detection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the detection device of FIG. 1 when worn on a finger. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the detection device of FIG. 1 when not worn. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the detection device of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control circuit of the detection device. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a sensing mode of the detection device. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a charging mode of the detection device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a charger according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a detection system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a charger according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the detection device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an optical sensor in the detection device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the detection device according to the fourth embodiment when not worn. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the sensing mode of the detection device of FIG. 14. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining a charging mode of the detection device in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining a detection device according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0009] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity of explanation, the drawings may schematically depict the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure and each figure, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous figures may be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In this specification and claims, when expressing an aspect of placing another structure on top of a certain structure, the term "on top" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both a case in which another structure is placed directly on top of a certain structure so as to be in contact with the certain structure, and a case in which another structure is placed above a certain structure via yet another structure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [Detection System] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a detection system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the detection device of Fig. 1 when worn on a finger. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the detection device of Fig. 1 when not worn.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the detection system 1 includes a detection device 100 and a charger 500. The detection device 100 is a ring-shaped device that can be attached to and detached from the human body, and is configured to be wearable on a finger Fg of the human body shown in FIG. 2 . The finger Fg includes the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger, etc. The finger Fg is an example of a measurement target on which the detection device 100 is attached and from which the detection device 100 measures information about the living body. The measurement target is a living body or a part of a living body. The detection device 100 is configured as a ring or a wristband, making it easy for the user to carry. In the following description, it is assumed that the detection device 100 is used as a ring.

[0013] 1 , the detection device 100 has an inner surface portion 201, an outer surface portion 202, and a side surface portion 203. When the detection device 100 is worn on a finger 301, the inner surface portion 201 comes into contact with the finger Fg. The inside of the inner surface portion 201 of the ring-shaped housing 200 is a hollow portion 210 through which the finger Fg can be inserted. The outer surface portion 202 is provided on the outside of the inner surface portion 201. If a line passing through the center of the hollow portion 210 is defined as a center line J, the inner surface portion 201 and the outer surface portion 202 are cylindrical members with the center line J as their central axis. The side surface portion 203 is a plate-like member that extends along a plane that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the center line J, and is an annular member centered on the center line J. The side surface portion 203 does not necessarily have to be completely perpendicular to the center line J, but may be provided so as to configure the housing 200 of the detection device 100 together with the inner surface portion 201 and the outer surface portion 202. The inner surface portion 201, the outer surface portion 202, and the two side surface portions 203 configure the housing 200 of the ring-shaped detection device 100.

[0014] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "diameter" refers to the diameter of a circle centered on the center line J. The term "radial direction" refers to the direction along the diameter of a circle centered on the center line J.

[0015] 3 , the detection device 100 has an optical sensor 106 and a light source 150 provided on an inner surface 201 of a housing 200. The optical sensor 106 and the light source 150 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction on the inner surface 201 of the housing 200. The optical sensor 106 receives light that has passed through a finger Fg inserted in a hollow portion 210. The optical sensor 106 detects changes in the intensity of the input light. The light source 150 is configured to be able to emit light from the inner surface 201 toward the hollow portion 210.

[0016] 1 , charger 500 is a stationary charger that charges detection device 100 in a set state after detection device 100 has been removed from finger Fg. Charger 500 includes charging stand 510, installation member 520, charging light source 530, photodetector 540, and guide member 550.

[0017] The charging base 510 is formed in a disk shape using, for example, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. A cable 511 is connected to the charging base 510, and power is supplied from an external source via the cable 511. The installation member 520 protrudes from the center of the charging base 510 and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the hollow portion 210 of the housing 200 of the detection device 100. The installation member 520 allows movement of the detection device 100 in the mounting direction D1 and the removal direction D2, and prevents movement in other directions. In this embodiment, the installation member 520 is described as being hollow cylindrical, but it may also be a simple cylinder. The outer diameter of the installation member 520 is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 200 of the detection device 100. The detection device 100 is installed in the charger 500 with the outer surface 521 of the installation member 520 facing the inner surface 201 of the detection device 100.

[0018] Charging light source 530 is provided on outer surface 521 of installation member 520, and is an example of a second light source that is turned on when detection device 100 is installed on installation member 520. Charging light source 530 is a light-emitting element for optical charging, and emits light that can be detected by optical sensor 106 of detection device 100. Charging light source 530 is configured to emit ultraviolet light, and thereby can sterilize detection device 100.

[0019] The photodetector 540 is provided on the outer surface 521 of the installation member 520 and detects light around the installation member 520. For example, an organic photodiode (OPD) or the like can be used as the photodetector 540. The charger 500 determines whether or not the detection device 100 is installed on the installation member 520 based on the detection result of the photodetector 540. For example, if optical communication with the detection device 100 is possible, the charger 500 determines that the detection device 100 is installed when the photodetector 540 detects an optical signal.

[0020] When the detection device 100 is installed on the installation member 520, the guide member 550 positions the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100 and the charging light source 530 of the installation member 520 so that they face each other. In this embodiment, the guide member 550 is provided inside the installation member 520 so as to be inside the charging light source 530. When the detection device 100 approaches a magnetic body (not shown), an attractive force acts between the guide member 550 and the magnetic body, thereby attracting the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100 and the light source 150 of the charger 500 to positions where they face each other.

[0021] In this embodiment, the detection system 1 turns on the light source 150 when the detection device 100 is attached to a finger Fg. Light emitted from the light source 50 is reflected by the surface of the object to be detected, such as the finger Fg, and enters the optical sensor 6. This allows the detection device 100 to detect a fingerprint by detecting the shape of the projections and recesses on the surface of the finger Fg. Alternatively, the light emitted from the light source 50 may be reflected inside the finger Fg or pass through the finger Fg and enter the optical sensor 106. This allows the detection device 100 to detect information about a living body inside the finger Fg. The information about the living body includes, for example, the pulse wave, pulse rate, blood oxygen concentration, and blood vessel image of the finger or palm.

[0022] In the detection system 1, the detection device 100, which has been removed from the finger Fg, is approached from above the charger 500, and the detection device 100 moves in an attachment direction D1 with the center line J of the hollow portion 210 of the detection device 100 aligned with the central axis of the installation member 520 of the charger 500. In the detection system 1, when the detection device 100 comes into contact with the charging base 510, the detection device 100 is attached to the installation member 520 so that the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100 and the light source 150 of the installation member 520 face each other. In the detection system 1, when the charger 500 turns on the charging light source 530, the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100 detects light from the charging light source 530 and charges the battery with the detected light.

[0023] [Detection Device] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the detection device 100 of Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the detection device 100 has an LED driver 105, an optical sensor 106, a communication driver 107, a battery 108, a control circuit 110, a temperature sensor 111, an acceleration sensor 112, a light source 150, a battery management circuit 180, and a guide member 190 inside a ring-shaped housing 200. Each of these components is provided outside an inner surface portion 201 and inside an outer surface portion 202, i.e., between the inner surface portion 201 and the outer surface portion 202. Each of these components is mounted on a flexible substrate 120. Each of these components can exchange signals with each other via the flexible substrate 120.

[0024] In this embodiment, the plurality of optical sensors 106 includes four optical sensors, namely, a first optical sensor 61, a second optical sensor 62, a third optical sensor 63, and a fourth optical sensor 64, but is not limited to this configuration. The light source 150 includes a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) 151, a near-infrared LED 152, and a green LED 153, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0025] Hereinafter, the term "light source 150" encompasses the red LED 151, the near-infrared LED 152, and the green LED 153. The term "optical sensor 106" encompasses the first optical sensor 61, the second optical sensor 62, the third optical sensor 63, and the fourth optical sensor 64.

[0026] The flexible substrate 120 has an annular shape centered on a center line J. The flexible substrate 120 is provided so as to fit along the inner circumferential surface of the outer surface portion 202. The radial positional relationship between the inner surface portion 201, the flexible substrate 120, and the outer surface portion 202 is as follows, from the center toward the outside, with the center line J as the center: inner surface portion 201, flexible substrate 120, outer surface portion 202. Furthermore, the configuration mounted on the flexible substrate 120 is located radially outward from the inner surface portion 201 and radially inward from the flexible substrate 120. The inner side of the flexible substrate 120 is the surface side facing the inner surface portion 201 of the housing 200. The outer side of the flexible substrate 120 is the surface side facing the outer surface portion 202 of the housing 200.

[0027] Red LED 151 outputs red light. Near-infrared LED 152 outputs near-infrared light. Green LED 153 outputs green light. That is, detection device 100 has light source 150 provided outside inner surface portion 201 and inside outer surface portion 202 (between inner surface portion 201 and outer surface portion 202). LED driver 105 drives red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 to emit light.

[0028] The red LED 151 is a light source that emits red light. The near-infrared LED 152 is a light source that emits near-infrared light. The green LED 153 is a light source that emits green light. The optical axes of the light emitted from the red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 are directed toward the center line J. The inner surface 201 is a translucent member, and the light emitted from the red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 can pass through the inner surface 201. Therefore, when a finger Fg is present in the hollow portion 210, the light emitted from the red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 is reflected and scattered by the finger Fg. The light reflected and scattered in this manner can be detected by the optical sensor 106. In other words, the optical sensor 106 is positioned so as to detect the light emitted from the red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 and reflected and scattered. The outer surface portion 202 and the side surface portion 203 are members that block light.

[0029] As a specific example, the inner surface portion 201 in embodiment 1 is made of a translucent resin. The outer surface portion 202 and the side surface portion 203 are made of a non-translucent metal, a non-translucent alloy, a non-translucent metal compound, or a non-translucent resin. The compositions of the inner surface portion 201, the outer surface portion 202, and the side surface portion 203 are not limited to these, and other materials that can be used in terms of translucency and strength as the housing 200 may be used.

[0030] The optical sensor 106 receives as input light output from the red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, and green LED 153 that has passed through the finger Fg inserted in the hollow portion 210. The optical sensor 106 detects changes in the intensity of the input light. The optical sensor 106 is, for example, an organic photodiode (OPD) that outputs an electrical signal in response to the irradiated light. That is, in this embodiment, the first optical sensor 61, the second optical sensor 62, the third optical sensor 63, and the fourth optical sensor 64 are each an OPD. Of course, the optical sensor 106 may be an optical sensor using a method other than an OPD.

[0031] Regarding the positional relationship between the light source 150 and the optical sensors 106 in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the flexible substrate 120, two of the first optical sensor 61, second optical sensor 62, third optical sensor 63, and fourth optical sensor 64 are located on one side of the light source 50 in the circumferential direction, and the other two are located on the other side of the light source 50 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 , the first optical sensor 61, second optical sensor 62, green LED 153, red LED 151, near-infrared LED 152, third optical sensor 63, and fourth optical sensor 64 are arranged in this order from one side to the other in the circumferential direction. The direction from one side to the other in the circumferential direction here refers to the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 4 , which is the direction starting from the first optical sensor 61.

[0032] In this embodiment, when one of the red LED 151, the near-infrared LED 152, and the green LED 153 is lit, the other two are not lit. In the detection device 100, when the red LED 151 is lit and the near-infrared LED 152 and the green LED 153 are not lit, red light that has passed through the finger is input to the optical sensor 106. In the detection device 100, when the near-infrared LED 152 is lit and the red LED 151 and the green LED 153 are not lit, near-infrared light that has passed through the finger Fg is input to the optical sensor 106. In the detection device 100, when the green LED 153 is lit and the red LED 151 and the near-infrared LED 152 are not lit, green light that has passed through the finger Fg is input to the optical sensor 106.

[0033] The communication driver 107 is, for example, a short-range wireless communication driver and has an antenna (not shown). The communication driver 107 transmits and receives signals between the detection device 100 and other devices. The communication driver 107 can transmit data measured in each section of the detection device 100 to other devices. The communication driver 107 can also receive data transmitted by other devices. The communication driver 107 also has a function of performing optical communication with the charger 500 via the optical sensor 106. The communication driver 107 transmits a desired optical signal to the charger 500 via the optical sensor 106.

[0034] The battery 108 supplies power to each component of the detection device 100. The battery 108 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery of a lithium polymer type. The battery management circuit 180 is electrically connected to the battery 108 and the light sensor 106.

[0035] The battery management circuit 180 charges the battery 108 with the current converted by the optical sensor 106. That is, the battery management circuit 180 optically charges the battery 108 using the optical sensor 106 used for sensing a living body.

[0036] The control circuit 110 controls each part of the detection device 100. The control circuit 110 is, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) such as a microcontroller. The control circuit 110 may also be, for example, a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0037] 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control circuit 110 of the detection device 100. In FIG. 5, the detection device 100 includes an LED driver 105, an optical sensor 106, a communication driver 107, a battery 108, a light source 150, a detection circuit 160, a switching circuit 170, a battery management circuit 180, and a control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 is electrically connected to the LED driver 105, the optical sensor 106, the communication driver 107, the battery 108, the light source 150, the detection circuit 160, the switching circuit 170, and the battery management circuit 180. The control circuit 110 detects a predetermined physical quantity input to the optical sensor 106 based on an output signal from the detection circuit 160. The control circuit 110 detects information related to a living organism based on the signal from the detection circuit 160.

[0038] The control circuit 110 of this embodiment includes, for example, a memory, a communication circuit, a power supply circuit, a CPU (Central Processor Unit), etc. These are connected by a bus and can exchange data with each other via the bus.

[0039] The control circuit 110 is electrically connected to the communication driver 107. The control circuit 110 transmits measurement results and the like to an external device. The external device is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet held by the user of the detection device 100. Mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets have a display screen. By displaying data from the detection device 100 on the screen, the user of the detection device 100 can check the data received from the detection device 100.

[0040] The control circuit 110 is electrically connected to the battery management circuit 180. The control circuit 110 controls charging of the battery 108 and supplies power from the battery 108 to each component.

[0041] The control circuit 110 supplies control signals to the multiple optical sensors 106 (photodiodes) to control their detection operations. Each of the multiple optical sensors 106 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light irradiated thereon as a detection signal to the detection circuit 160. The detection circuit 160 detects the detection signal. The detection circuit 160 is, for example, an analog front end (AFE). The detection circuit 160 is a signal processing circuit having at least the functions of a detection signal amplifier circuit and an A / D converter circuit. The detection signal amplifier circuit amplifies the detection signal. The A / D converter circuit converts the analog signal output from the detection signal amplifier circuit into a digital signal. The detection circuit 160 outputs the detected detection data to the control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 executes a predetermined program to measure or calculate biological information such as pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, and pulse frequency based on the detection data.

[0042] The switching circuit 170 is provided inside the housing 200 and is a circuit that can switch the connection of the optical sensor 106 between the detection circuit 160 and the battery management circuit 180. Under the control of the control circuit 110, the switching circuit 170 switches the connection of the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160 when sensing is performed by the optical sensor 106, and switches the connection of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180 when charging the battery 108. In this embodiment, the detection device 100 will be described as having two switching circuits 170 that operate in conjunction with each other, but the two switching circuits 170 may also be configured as a single circuit.

[0043] The battery management circuit 180 charges the battery 108 with the current from the optical sensor 106. That is, the battery management circuit 180 performs contactless charging of the battery 108 with the current from the multiple optical sensors 106. The battery management circuit 180 may use, for example, a known battery management IC. The battery management circuit 180 rectifies the current from the optical sensor 106 with a rectifier circuit, and charges the battery 108 via a voltage regulator, for example.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the sensing mode of the detection device 100. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the charging mode of the detection device 100.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6 , the control circuit 110 switches the detection device 100 to a sensing mode using the optical sensor 106 when it determines that the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg. As shown in FIG. 7 , the control circuit 110 switches the detection device 100 to a charging mode using the optical sensor 106 when it determines that the housing 200 is not attached to the finger Fg. That is, the detection device 100 has a sensing mode and a charging mode. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the control circuit 110 designates three of the optical sensors 106, the first optical sensor 61, the second optical sensor 62, and the third optical sensor 63, as biometric detection elements used to sense biometric information, and the fourth optical sensor 64 as a finger detection element used to detect the finger Fg. The control circuit 110 has a function of determining whether the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg, for example, based on the intensity of light detected by the fourth optical sensor 64. The control circuit 110 may determine that the housing 200 is not attached to the finger Fg, for example, when optical communication with the charger 500 is possible.

[0046] 6 , when the control circuit 110 of the detection device 100 determines that the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg, it switches the switching circuit 170 so that the optical sensor 106 is connected to the detection circuit 160, and transitions to the sensing mode. In the sensing mode, the optical sensor 106 has its anode connected to the low-voltage side and its cathode connected to the detection circuit 160. The control circuit 110 then detects information related to the living body based on a signal from the detection circuit 160.

[0047] 7 , when the control circuit 110 determines that the housing 200 is not attached to the finger Fg, it switches the switching circuit 170 so that the optical sensor 106 is connected to the battery management circuit 180, thereby transitioning to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the cathode of the optical sensor 106 is grounded, and the anode is connected to the battery management circuit 180. When the detection device 100 is placed on the charger 500, the charger 500 turns on the charging light source 530. When a certain amount of generated current or more is obtained from the optical sensor 106, the battery management circuit 180 charges the battery 108 with the generated current.

[0048] 4 , the temperature sensor 111 and the acceleration sensor 112 are electrically connected to the control circuit 110 via the flexible substrate 120. The temperature sensor 111 detects the temperature of the finger Fg when the finger Fg is inserted into the hollow portion 210. The temperature sensor 111 detects the temperature of the ambient environment of the housing 200 when the finger Fg is not inserted into the hollow portion 210. The temperature sensor 111 supplies information indicating the detected temperature to the control circuit 110.

[0049] The acceleration sensor 112 detects acceleration applied to the detection device 100. The acceleration sensor 112 supplies information indicating the detected acceleration to the control circuit 110. The detected acceleration value can be used to remove the influence of body movements of the person wearing the detection device 100.

[0050] The guide member 190 is provided on the housing 200 on the outer surface 202 side of the optical sensor 106, and is a guide member that positions the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100 and the charging light source 530 of the installation member 520 directly opposite each other when the detection device 100 is installed on the installation member 520. The guide member 190 is formed into a plate shape and is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron. In this embodiment, the guide member 190 is provided overlapping the optical sensor 106 so as to follow the optical sensor 106, but is not limited to this. For example, the guide member 190 may be disposed near the optical sensor 106, or may be disposed offset from the optical sensor 106 in the circumferential direction of the housing 200.

[0051] 3 , the detection device 100 is formed by accommodating the flexible substrate 120, on which the above-described components are mounted, inside a housing 200 having a generally U-shaped cross section, and filling the periphery of the flexible substrate 120 with a filling material, thereby forming the housing 200. As a result, in the detection device 100, the optical sensor 106 is disposed along the inner surface 201 inside the housing 200 so that the optical sensor 106 can receive light from the finger Fg, and the light source 150 is disposed in the vicinity of the optical sensor 106.

[0052] The above describes an example of the configuration of the detection device 100 according to embodiment 1. Note that the configuration described above using Figures 3 to 7 is merely an example, and the configuration of the detection device 100 according to embodiment 1 is not limited to this example. The configuration of the detection device 100 according to embodiment 1 can be flexibly modified depending on the specifications and operation.

[0053] [Example of Processing Procedure of Charger According to First Embodiment] Next, an example of processing procedure of the charger 500 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedure executed by the charger 500 according to the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 8 is repeatedly executed by the charger 500.

[0054] 8 , the charger 500 determines whether the detection device 100 has been installed (step S101). For example, the charger 500 determines that the detection device 100 has been installed when the photodetector 540 receives an optical signal from the detection device 100. When the charger 500 determines that the detection device 100 has not been installed (No in step S101), the charger 500 repeats this determination process to wait for the detection device 100 to be installed. When the charger 500 determines that the detection device 100 has been installed (Yes in step S101), the charger 500 proceeds to step S102.

[0055] The charger 500 turns on the charging light source 530 for a certain period of time (step S102). For example, the charger 500 turns on the charging light source 530 for a preset period of time. After completing the process of step S102, the charger 500 proceeds to step S103.

[0056] The charger 500 determines whether the photodetector 540 cannot detect light (step S103). For example, to determine that the detection device 100 has been removed, the charger 500 determines that the photodetector 540 cannot detect light if the photodetector 540 cannot receive an optical signal from the detection device 100. If the charger 500 determines that the photodetector 540 can detect light (No in step S103), the charger 500 returns the process to step S102, which has already been described, and continues the process. On the other hand, if the charger 500 determines that the photodetector 540 cannot detect light (Yes in step S103), the charger 500 proceeds to step S104.

[0057] The charger 500 turns off the charging light source 530 (step S104). For example, when the photodetector 540 detects light, the charger 500 determines that the detection device 100 has been removed, and turns off the charging light source 530. When the process of step S104 ends, the charger 500 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 8.

[0058] [Example of Processing Procedure of Detection Apparatus According to First Embodiment] Next, an example of processing procedure of the detection apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedure executed by the detection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 9 is repeatedly executed by the detection apparatus 100.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9 , the detection device 100 determines whether the optical sensor 106 detects a certain amount of light or more (step S201). For example, if the fourth optical sensor 64 for detecting the finger Fg detects a certain amount of light or more, the detection device 100 can determine that the finger Fg is not being worn. Therefore, the detection device 100 determines whether the fourth optical sensor 64 (optical sensor 106) detects a certain amount of light or more, and determines whether the finger Fg is being worn or not as the timing for switching modes. If the detection device 100 determines that the optical sensor 106 has detected a certain amount of light or more (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0060] The detection device 100 transitions to the charging mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the battery management circuit 180 (step S202). For example, the detection device 100 transitions from the sensing mode to the charging mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the battery management circuit 180, thereby switching the connection of the optical sensor 106 from the detection circuit 160 to the battery management circuit 180. As a result, the detection device 100 causes the battery management circuit 180 to charge the battery 108 with the current from the optical sensor 106. When the processing of step S202 is completed, the detection device 100 proceeds to step S203.

[0061] The detection device 100 blinks the light source 150 of the housing 200 (step S203). For example, the detection device 100 indicates that the battery 108 is receiving power by blinking the light source 150 of the housing 200. When the process of step S203 ends, the detection device 100 proceeds to step S204.

[0062] The detection device 100 determines whether the battery 108 is fully charged based on information from the battery management circuit 180 (step S204). If the detection device 100 determines that the battery 108 is not fully charged (No in step S204), the process returns to step S204, which has already been described, and continues. If the detection device 100 determines that the battery 108 is fully charged (Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0063] The detection device 100 transitions to the sensing mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the detection circuit 160 (step S205). For example, the detection device 100 transitions from the charging mode to the sensing mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the detection circuit 160, thereby switching the connection of the optical sensor 106 from the battery management circuit 180 to the detection circuit 160. This puts the detection device 100 in a state where the detection circuit 160 can detect information about the living body using the current from the optical sensor 106. When the process of step S205 is completed, the detection device 100 terminates the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 .

[0064] On the other hand, if the detection device 100 determines that the optical sensor 106 has not detected light of a certain intensity or more (No in step S201), the process proceeds to step S206. The detection device 100 maintains the sensing mode (step S206). That is, the detection device 100 maintains the state in which the optical sensor 106 is connected to the detection circuit 160. When the process of step S206 ends, the detection device 100 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 9.

[0065] [Example of Operation of the Detection System According to the First Embodiment] When the detection device 100 is attached to the finger Fg, the detection system 1 enters sensing mode, connects the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160, and detects information about the living body based on a signal from the detection circuit 160.

[0066] In the detection system 1, when the detection device 100 is removed from the finger Fg and placed on the installation member 520 of the charger 500, the charging light source 530 of the installation member 520 lights up. When the detection device 100 switches from the sensing mode to the charging mode, the detection system 1 switches the output of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180 using the switching circuit 170, and charges the battery 108 using the current from the optical sensor 106. In this way, the detection system 1 can charge the battery 108 of the detection device 100 using the light from the charging light source 530 of the charger 500.

[0067] The detection system 1 detects with the fourth optical sensor 64 that charging of the battery 108 has been completed and that the detection device 100 has been removed from the charger 500 and attached to the finger Fg. Then, the detection system 1 detects information about the living body based on the signal from the detection circuit 160 by switching the detection device 100 from the charging mode to the sensing mode and switching the output of the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160 with the switching circuit 170.

[0068] In this way, the detection device 100 is capable of switching the output of the optical sensor 106 between the detection circuit 160 and the battery management circuit 180, and by switching the output of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180, the battery 108 can be charged by the current from the optical sensor 106. This allows the detection device 100 to charge the battery 108 using the optical sensor 106 that detects information about a living body, eliminating the need for a receiving coil or the like and reducing the number of parts. As a result, the detection device 100 can charge the battery while suppressing an increase in parts related to charging, and the housing 200 can be made smaller.

[0069] The detection system 1 is capable of switching the output of the optical sensor 106 in the detection device 100 between the detection circuit 160 and the battery management circuit 180, and can switch the output of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180. The detection system 1 allows the detection device 100 to charge the battery 108 of the detection device 100 with the light received from the charging light source 530 by detecting light from the charging light source 530 using the optical sensor 106 of the detection device 100. This allows the detection system 1 to charge the battery 108 using the optical sensor 106 that detects information about a living body, eliminating the need for a receiving coil or the like and reducing the number of parts of the detection device 100. As a result, the detection system 1 can charge the battery while suppressing an increase in the number of parts related to charging in the detection device 100, and can achieve a smaller housing 200.

[0070] The detection device 100 is capable of detecting the finger Fg on which the casing 200 is attached, and when it determines that the casing 200 is attached to the finger Fg, it can enter a sensing mode using the optical sensor 106, and when it determines that the casing 200 is not attached to the finger Fg, it can enter a charging mode using the optical sensor 106. In this way, the detection device 100 can detect information about the living body when the casing 200 is attached to the finger Fg, and when it is detached from the finger Fg, it can switch the battery 108 to a chargeable state without detecting information about the living body.

[0071] The detection device 100 may be configured to include at least one of a photodiode, a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acceleration sensor as a detection element for the finger Fg. The detection device 100 may use a combination of a photodiode, a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acceleration sensor as a detection element for the finger Fg. For example, the detection device 100 may use a combination of a capacitance sensor and a temperature sensor to determine whether the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg or is attached to the charger 500. For example, the detection device 100 may use an acceleration sensor to determine whether the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg based on an acceleration pattern or the like. This allows the detection device 100 to improve the accuracy of determining whether the housing 200 is attached to the finger Fg or is attached to the charger 500, thereby appropriately switching the output of the optical sensor 106.

[0072] In this embodiment, the detection system 1 may be provided with a marking portion such as a groove or mark on the housing 200 of the detection device 100 to allow the user to visually identify the position of the optical sensor 106 .

[0073] (Embodiment 2) [Detection System] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a detection system according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 10, the detection system 1 according to embodiment 2 includes the detection device 100 according to embodiment 1 and a charger 500A. That is, the detection device 100 includes an LED driver 105, an optical sensor 106, a communication driver 107, a battery 108, a control circuit 110, a temperature sensor 111, an acceleration sensor 112, a light source 150, a battery management circuit 180, and a guide member 190 inside a housing 200.

[0074] 10 , charger 500A is a case-type charger in which detection device 100, which has been removed from finger Fg, is placed and which charges detection device 100 in a set state. Charger 500A includes installation member 560 and charging light source 530A.

[0075] The installation member 560 is formed as a case made of, for example, synthetic resin, metal, or the like, capable of housing the detection device 100. The installation member 560 has a housing portion 561 in which the detection device 100 is housed, and a lid portion 562. The housing portion 561 has a circular bottom portion 561A and a sidewall portion 561B that rises from the edge of the bottom portion 561A and surrounds the bottom portion 561A. The installation member 560 has a closed state in which the lid portion 562 covers the sidewall portion 561B of the housing portion 561, and an open state in which the lid portion 562 opens the interior of the housing portion 561. When the installation member 560 is in the closed state, the area surrounded by the interior of the housing portion 561 and the lid portion 562 is the housing space, and light from the outside entering the housing space is blocked. A cable 511 is connected to the installation member 560, and power is supplied from the outside via the cable 511.

[0076] Charging light source 530A is provided on bottom 561A of accommodation section 561 of installation member 560 and is an example of a second light source that is turned on in the closed state with detection device 100 accommodated in the accommodation space. In this embodiment, charging light source 530A is provided on bottom 561A of accommodation section 561 so as to fit along side wall 561B of accommodation section 561 of installation member 560, but the arrangement is not limited thereto. When charging light source 530A is turned on by power supplied from the outside via cable 511, installation member 560 in the closed state internally reflects light from charging light source 530A, preventing light from leaking to the outside.

[0077] The installation member 560 is a case that houses the detection device 100 and blocks light from the charging light source 530A toward the outside. A reflective member 580 that reflects the light from the charging light source 530A is provided inside the installation member 560. The reflective member 580 is made of a material and color that is highly reflective so that the amount of light inside the installation member 560 is uniform. The reflective member 580 is formed on the inner surface of the installation member 560 as a reflective layer made of, for example, a highly reflective metal material such as Al or Ag, or paint. This improves the efficiency of internal reflection of light from the charging light source 530A within the storage space of the installation member 560.

[0078] In this embodiment, the detection system 1 turns on the light source 150 when the detection device 100 is attached to a finger Fg. The light emitted from the light source 50 is reflected by the surface of the object to be detected, such as the finger Fg, and enters the optical sensor 6. This allows the detection device 100 to detect a fingerprint by detecting the shape of the projections and recesses on the surface of the finger Fg. Alternatively, the light emitted from the light source 50 may be reflected inside the finger Fg or may pass through the finger Fg and enter the optical sensor 6. This allows the detection device 100 to detect information about the living body inside the finger Fg.

[0079] When charging the battery 108 of the detection device 100, the user removes the detection device 100 from the finger Fg. In the detection system 1, the detection device 100 removed from the finger Fg is placed inside the accommodation portion 561 of the installation member 560 in the open state, and the lid portion 562 is closed to place the installation member 560 in the closed state, whereby the detection device 100 is accommodated inside the installation member 560 of the charger 500A. In this state, when the charger 500A turns on the charging light source 530A, the light sensor 106 of the detection device 100 detects light from inside the installation member 560, and the battery 108 is charged with the detected light.

[0080] [Example of Processing Procedure of Charger According to Embodiment 2] Next, an example of processing procedure of the charger 500A will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedure executed by the charger 500A according to embodiment 2. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 11 is repeatedly executed by the charger 500A.

[0081] 11 , the charger 500A determines whether the installation member 560 is closed (step S111). For example, the charger 500A is capable of detecting the closed state of the installation member 560 using contacts, switches, etc. provided on the housing portion 561 and the lid portion 562 of the installation member 560. If the charger 500A determines that the installation member 560 is not closed (No in step S111), the charger 500A repeats this determination process until the installation member 560 is closed. If the charger 500A determines that the installation member 560 is closed (Yes in step S111), the charger 500A proceeds to step S112.

[0082] The charger 500A turns on the charging light source 530A for a certain period of time (step S112). For example, the charger 500A turns on the charging light source 530A for a preset period of time. After completing the process of step S112, the charger 500A proceeds to step S113.

[0083] The charger 500A turns off the charging light source 530A (step S113). For example, the charger 500A turns off the charging light source 530A after a certain period of time has elapsed. For example, the charger 500A may turn off the charging light source 530A when the installation member 560 is opened. When the process of step S104 ends, the charger 500 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 11 .

[0084] [Example of Processing Procedure of Detection Apparatus According to Second Embodiment] Next, an example of processing procedure of the detection apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedure executed by the detection apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 12 is repeatedly executed by the detection apparatus 100.

[0085] 12, the detection device 100 determines whether the optical sensor 106 has detected a certain amount of light or more (step S201). If the detection device 100 determines that the optical sensor 106 has detected a certain amount of light or more (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0086] The detection device 100 transitions to the charging mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the battery management circuit 180 (step S202). For example, the detection device 100 transitions from the sensing mode to the charging mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the battery management circuit 180, thereby switching the connection of the optical sensor 106 from the detection circuit 160 to the battery management circuit 180. As a result, the detection device 100 causes the battery management circuit 180 to charge the battery 108 with the current from the optical sensor 106. When the processing of step S202 is completed, the detection device 100 proceeds to step S211.

[0087] The detection device 100 determines whether the charging current is equal to or less than a certain level (step S211). If the detection device 100 determines that the charging current is not equal to or less than a certain level (No in step S211), the process returns to step S211 and continues. If the detection device 100 determines that the charging current is equal to or less than a certain level (Yes in step S211), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0088] The detection device 100 transitions to the sensing mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the detection circuit 160 (step S205). For example, the detection device 100 transitions from the charging mode to the sensing mode and switches the switching circuit 170 to the detection circuit 160, thereby switching the connection of the optical sensor 106 from the battery management circuit 180 to the detection circuit 160. This puts the detection device 100 in a state where the detection circuit 160 can detect information about the living body using the current from the optical sensor 106. When the process of step S205 is completed, the detection device 100 terminates the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 .

[0089] On the other hand, if the detection device 100 determines that the optical sensor 106 has not detected light of a certain intensity or more (No in step S201), the process proceeds to step S206. The detection device 100 maintains the sensing mode (step S206). After completing the process of step S206, the detection device 100 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 12.

[0090] [Example of Operation of Detection System According to Embodiment 2] When the detection device 100 is attached to the finger Fg, the detection system 1 enters sensing mode, connects the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160, and detects information about the living body based on a signal from the detection circuit 160.

[0091] In the detection system 1, when the detection device 100 is removed from the finger Fg and placed in the storage space of the installation member 560 of the charger 500A, the charging light source 530A of the installation member 560 is turned on. When the detection device 100 switches from the sensing mode to the charging mode, the detection system 1 switches the output of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180 using the switching circuit 170, and charges the battery 108 using the current from the optical sensor 106. In this way, the detection system 1 can charge the battery 108 of the detection device 100 using the light from the charging light source 530A of the charger 500A.

[0092] The detection system 1 detects with the fourth optical sensor 64 that charging of the battery 108 has been completed and that the detection device 100 has been removed from the charger 500A and attached to the finger Fg. Then, the detection system 1 detects information about the living body based on the signal from the detection circuit 160 by switching the detection device 100 from the charging mode to the sensing mode and switching the output of the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160 with the switching circuit 170.

[0093] In this way, the detection system 1 is capable of switching the output of the optical sensor 106 in the detection device 100 between the detection circuit 160 and the battery management circuit 180, and can switch the output of the optical sensor 106 to the battery management circuit 180. In the detection system 1, the charger 500 turns on the charging light source 530A while the detection device 100 is housed inside the installation member 560, and the detection system 1 can efficiently charge the battery 108 of the detection device 100 using the light received from the charging light source 530. Furthermore, the detection system 1 can sterilize the ring-shaped detection device 100 by housing the detection device 100 inside the installation member 560 and irradiating it with ultraviolet light from the charging light source 530A. This allows the detection system 1 to efficiently charge the battery 108 using the optical sensor 106 that detects information about a living body, eliminating the need for a receiving coil or the like, reducing the number of parts of the detection device 100 and maintaining the ring-shaped detection device 100 in a clean state. As a result, the detection system 1 can charge the battery while suppressing an increase in the number of charging-related parts in the detection device 100, and the size of the housing 200 can be reduced.

[0094] Third Embodiment FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the optical sensor 106 in the detection device 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13 , the detection device 100 can use a surface sensor as the optical sensor 106. The optical sensor 106 includes four elements: a first optical sensor 61, a second optical sensor 62, a third optical sensor 63, and a fourth optical sensor 64. Each of the optical elements in the optical sensor 106 has a small photovoltaic power generation capacity because it is designed to detect minute amounts of light. Therefore, it is desirable to connect the four elements, the first optical sensor 61, the second optical sensor 62, the third optical sensor 63, and the fourth optical sensor 64, in parallel. Furthermore, the optical sensor 106 must be connected in series to obtain a certain level of voltage output. The connection and light intensity of the optical sensor 106 can be adjusted so that the input voltage to the battery management circuit 180 of the detection device 100 is higher than the battery voltage.

[0095] (Fourth Embodiment) Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a detection device 100 according to a fourth embodiment when not being worn. In Fig. 14, the detection device 100 has an optical sensor 106 and a light source 150 provided on the inner surface 201 of the housing 200, as in the first embodiment. The detection device 100 further includes a charging optical sensor 106B arranged on the outer surface 202 (outer periphery) of the housing 200. The detection device 100 controls the battery management circuit 180 so that the control circuit 110 charges the battery 108 using the output of at least one of the optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B. In the fourth embodiment, the detection device 100 provides the charging optical sensor 106B on the outer surface 202 of the housing 200, on the opposite side, in addition to the optical sensor 106 provided on the inner surface 201 of the housing 200, thereby positioning the charging optical sensor 106B so as not to impair the outer shape of the housing 200. The charging light sensor 106B may be used not only for charging using the external light 800 but also for measuring the light intensity of the external light 800 by using a switching configuration.

[0096] Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the sensing mode of the detection device 100 in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the charging mode of the detection device 100 in Fig. 14.

[0097] 15 , when the detection device 100 is in sensing mode, the switching circuit 170 connects the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160 and connects the charging optical sensor 106B to the battery management circuit 180. The optical sensor 106 has its anode connected to the low-voltage side and its cathode connected to the detection circuit 160. The charging optical sensor 106B has its cathode grounded and its anode connected to the battery management circuit 180. The detection device 100 detects information about the living body based on a signal from the detection circuit 160, and when a generated current of a certain level or more is obtained from the charging optical sensor 106B, it charges the battery 108 with that generated current.

[0098] 16 , when the detection device 100 is in charging mode, the switching circuit 170 connects the optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B to the battery management circuit 180. The optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B have their cathodes grounded and their anodes connected to the battery management circuit 180. When the detection device 100 obtains a generated current of a certain level or more from the optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B, it charges the battery 108 with the generated current.

[0099] In this way, the detection device 100 is provided with the charging optical sensor 106B on the outer surface 202 of the housing 200, separately from the optical sensor 106, and the switching circuit 170 can switch the connection between the optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B. This enables the detection device 100 to charge the battery 108 even in the sensing mode, and in the charging mode, the detection device 100 can charge the battery 108 using the optical sensor 106 and the charging optical sensor 106B, thereby improving the efficiency of charging the battery 108. As a result, the detection device 100 can charge the battery while suppressing an increase in the number of parts related to charging.

[0100] (Variation of the embodiment) The optical sensor 106 included in the detection device 100 can detect light from both sides. To take advantage of the characteristics of the optical sensor 106, the detection device 100 may be provided with an opening that takes in external light 800 on the outer surface 202 of the housing 200 in which the optical sensor 106 is provided.

[0101] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a detection device 100 according to a modified example of the embodiment. In Fig. 17, the detection device 100 has an openable / closable opening 220 on an outer surface 202 of a housing 200. The opening 220 is formed as an openable / closable opening on the outer surface 202 of the part of the housing 200 where the optical sensor 106 is provided. The opening 220 may have an openable / closable lid, shutter, or the like.

[0102] In the sensing mode, the detection device 100 closes the opening 220 of the housing 200, connects the optical sensor 106 to the detection circuit 160, and detects information about the living body based on a signal from the detection circuit 160. In the charging mode, the detection device 100 opens the opening 220 of the housing 200, and charges the battery 108 with light from the charging light source 530 of the charger 500 and external light 800 from the opening 220.

[0103] In this way, by forming the opening 220 on the outer surface 202 of the housing 200, the detection device 100 can utilize the characteristic of the optical sensor 106 that it can detect light from both sides, and can therefore efficiently charge the battery 108 with the current from the optical sensor 106. This allows the detection device 100 to shorten the charging time of the battery 108, thereby improving convenience.

[0104] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. At least one of various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of components can be made without departing from the gist of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0105] 1 Detection system 100 Detection device 105 LED driver 106 Light sensor 107 Communication driver 108 Battery 110 Control circuit 111 Temperature sensor 112 Acceleration sensor 150 Light source 160 Detection circuit 170 Switching circuit 180 Battery management circuit 190 Guide member 200 Housing 201 Inner surface portion 202 Outer surface portion 203 Side portion 210 Hollow portion 500, 500A Charger 510 Charging stand 520 Installation member 521 Outer surface portion 530, 530A Charging light source 540 Photodetector 550 Guide member 560 Installation member 561 Storage portion 562 Lid portion Fg Finger

Claims

1. A detection device comprising: a ring-shaped housing; a rechargeable battery provided in the housing; a light source arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and emitting light using power from the battery; a light sensor arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and capable of detecting light; a detection circuit provided in the housing and connected to the light sensor; a battery management circuit provided in the housing and charging the battery with the output of the light sensor; a switching circuit provided in the housing and switching the connection of the light sensor between the detection circuit and the battery management circuit; and a control circuit provided in the housing and detecting information about a living organism with which the housing comes into contact based on the detection result of the detection circuit, wherein the control circuit switches the output of the light sensor to the battery management circuit using the switching circuit to charge the battery.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a finger detection element capable of detecting a finger on which the housing is attached, wherein the control circuit switches to a sensing mode using the optical sensor when it determines that the housing is attached to the finger, and switches to a charging mode using the optical sensor when it determines that the housing is not attached to the finger.

3. The detection device according to claim 2, wherein the finger detection element includes at least one of a photodiode, a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

4. The detection device according to claim 3, further comprising a charging optical sensor arranged on the outer periphery of the housing, wherein the control circuit controls the battery management circuit so as to charge the battery with the output of at least one of the optical sensor and the charging optical sensor.

5. A detection system comprising: a detection device; and a charger for charging the detection device, wherein the detection device comprises: a ring-shaped housing; a rechargeable battery provided in the housing; a light source arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and emitting light using power from the battery; a light sensor arranged on the inner periphery of the housing and capable of detecting light; a detection circuit provided in the housing and connected to the light sensor; a battery management circuit provided in the housing and charging the battery with the output of the light sensor; a switching circuit provided in the housing and switching the connection of the light sensor between the detection circuit and the battery management circuit; and a control circuit provided in the housing and detecting information about a living organism with which the housing comes into contact based on the detection result of the detection circuit, wherein the charger comprises: an installation member on which the detection device is installed; and a second light source provided in the installation member, wherein the light sensor of the detection device detects light from the second light source of the charger in which the detection device is installed, and the control circuit charges the battery by switching the output of the light sensor that has detected the light from the second light source to the battery management circuit using the switching circuit.

6. The detection system according to claim 5, wherein the detection device and the charger are provided with a guide member that positions the optical sensor of the detection device directly opposite the second light source of the installation member when the detection device is installed on the installation member.

7. The detection system according to claim 6, wherein the charger is a case in which the installation member houses the detection device and blocks light from the second light source toward the outside, and a reflective member is provided inside the case to reflect the light from the second light source.

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