JP2001257746A - Mobile information device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile information device that is provided with a pedometer able to serve satisfactory information to a user. SOLUTION: The mobile information unit provided with a control section, a storage section, an operation section, a display section and a wireless section is provided with a vibration detection section that detects the vibration by walk and with a pedometer function section that measures and calculates number of steps, a walking distance and a momentum from the information detected by the vibration detection section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit, a storage unit,
The present invention relates to a portable information device including an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit, and more particularly to a portable information device equipped with a pedometer and other detection units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a conventional pedometer is always carried around a user's waist or the like, and displays a step value of today or an estimated calorie consumption value. The user confirmed these results by putting these values on a separate sheet and making a graph.

[0003]

Therefore, there have been the following problems.

[0004] First, the pedometer is miniaturized as much as possible in consideration of portability, and there is a problem that satisfactory information cannot be provided to the user because the display and the storage area of the information amount are small. .

Second, in order to effectively utilize the obtained step value information, it is necessary for the user to view the display screen and separately write the information.

Thirdly, in the prior art, a pedometer-equipped pager which combines a pedometer and a pager has been devised. In this case, the size of the pedometer is reduced as much as possible. Area and display screen could not be secured,
There was a problem similar to the conventional pedometer.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a device provided with a pedometer capable of providing satisfactory information to a user.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is to provide a device provided with a pedometer which facilitates information processing.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a portable information device including a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit detects vibrations caused by walking. And a pedometer function unit for measuring and calculating the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise from the information detected by the vibration detection unit.

[0010] In the portable information device, it is preferable that the vibration detecting section can adjust the position of the center of gravity in accordance with the inclination of the device.

Further, in the portable information device, it is preferable that the display unit displays information or a graph relating to the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise measured by the pedometer function unit. It is preferable that a time designation unit for designating a time to start counting in a day and a count reset unit for selecting a function of automatically resetting the count when the designated time has elapsed are displayed. Further, in the display unit, a target value setting unit for setting a target number of steps per day, a melody selecting unit for selecting a melody for hearing and notifying that the target value has been achieved, and setting a volume of the melody. It is preferable that the sound volume and are displayed. In addition, it is preferable that a rhythm setting section for setting a rhythm for keeping a walking pace constant is displayed on the display section. Further, it is preferable that a graph display selection unit for selecting display contents of the graph is displayed on the display unit.

It is preferable that the portable information device has a function of automatically distributing information on the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise to a designated site via the Internet.

Preferably, the portable information device has a function of receiving predetermined information from a partner and automatically setting at least the target value setting unit and / or rhythm setting unit based on the information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control unit includes:
A portable information device including a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit includes a detection unit that detects a physical parameter.

[0015] In the portable information device, it is preferable that the detection section can be pulled out of the device and can be stored inside the device.

In the portable information device, it is preferable that the detection unit includes a device for detecting a pulse, a temperature, or an infrared ray of a person.

It is preferable that the portable information device has a function of automatically distributing information detected by the detection unit to a designated site via the Internet.

It is preferable that the portable information device has a function of receiving predetermined information from a partner and controlling the detection unit based on the received information.

Further, in the portable information device, it is preferable that the portable information device is applied to a mail terminal. Further, it is preferable that the mail terminal has a hinge structure in which the respective housings on the display side and the operation side are foldable.

A user, like the pedometer, always has a PDA (personal digital manager) having an address book, a memo pad, and a calculator function (hereinafter referred to as a PIM (personal information manager) function) in his / her personal belongings. assistants)
There is a mobile phone or a mail terminal in which a function unit and a transmission / reception function unit having transmission / reception are integrated. There is abundant memory capacity used for the PIM function, operation means easy to input, and a function for easily distributing internal information. have. From this, a combination effective for the user was considered.

[0021]

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable information device having a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit has a vibration detection unit for detecting vibrations caused by walking. In addition, by providing a pedometer function unit that measures and calculates the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise from the information detected by the vibration detection unit, the pedometer and the portable information device are integrated, and If the functions of the information processing unit and the transmission / reception control unit of the type information device are used, it becomes possible to display data relating to the pedometer in a graph or to transmit / receive the data.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The portable information device according to the present embodiment is a mail terminal having a PIM function, and includes a transmission / reception control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a PDC unit) 1 and an information processing unit (hereinafter, a PIU (path informatio)).
n unit) 16) and a control UART (universala)
synchronous receiver-transmitter) 17 and UART
And 17. The PDC unit 1 includes a wireless module 2, an analog baseband unit 3, and a CPU (central
processing unit) 4. The PIU unit 16 performs cpu (central processing
unit) 8, ram (random access memory) 9, ro
m (read only memory) 10 and nandrom (nand re
ad only memory) 11, a keyboard 12, a vibration detection unit 13, a G / A (G / adapter) 14, and an LCD (liquid c).
rystal display) 15.

The control UART 17 includes the PDC unit 1 and the PI
Exchanges information with U section 16. The PIU unit 16 processes the input information from the keyboard 12, the information from the vibration detection unit 13, and the information from the PDC unit 1 by cpu8, and stores rom10 having character information and ram for temporarily storing display contents.
9 and a G / A 14 that drives the LCD 15 and assists the cpu 8 work. The PDC unit 1 includes an analog baseband unit 3 that changes information from the wireless module 2 to a baseband and a CPU 4 that processes information from the analog baseband unit 3. These P
Information between the DC unit 1 and the PIU unit 16 is transmitted to the CPU 4 and cpu.
It is exchanged by a UART 17 that transmits information between the eight.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vibration detector in a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the vibration detector, (B) Is a side view showing a state where the vibration detector is mounted on the substrate, (C)
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another mounting pattern. The vibration detector 101 corresponds to the vibration detector 13 in the PIU unit 16 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the vibration detector 10
1 includes a bearing 102 that moves by detecting vibration and a switch function unit 103 that detects that the bearing 102 has collided with a certain strength or more. Referring to FIG. 2B, the vibration detector 101 is fixed by conductors 104 and 105 on a mounting board 106, and the switch function unit 103 is electrically connected to the conductors 104 and 105. Referring to FIG. 2C, the conductor parts 104 and 105 for fixing the vibration detector main body 101 described in the above (B) have movable parts, and the vibration detector main body 101 has a weight on the switch function part 103 side. By mounting the 107, the vibration detector main body 101 can face one direction even when the center of gravity moves.

FIG. 3 is a screen showing a pedometer display function in a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pedometer display function is a part of the PIM function. here,
A graph 303 showing the number of steps 301, the target value 302, and the past step value of the day is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a setting screen for a pedometer display function in a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This screen includes a designated time 401 for designating a time to start counting in a day, a count reset 402 for selecting a function for automatically resetting the count when the designated time 401 has elapsed, a daily step count target A target value 403 for setting a value, a melody selection unit 404 for hearing and notifying that the target value 403 has been achieved, a volume unit 405 for setting a melody volume, and a rhythm for keeping a walking pace constant. It includes a rhythm setting unit 406, a graph display selection unit 407 for selecting display contents of the graph 303, and a graph display selection unit 407 for setting whether communication setting is possible.

FIG. 5 is a communication setting screen for a pedometer function in a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The screen includes an automatic distribution setting unit 501 for selecting whether or not to perform automatic distribution of the number of steps data and setting a period for automatic distribution, and a distribution designation date and time setting unit for setting a distribution designation date and time for automatic distribution. 502, a URL (uniform resource locator) specifying unit 503 for specifying a distribution destination,
It is composed of

FIG. 6 is an external view of a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention. AN connected to wireless module
T601 and display unit 602 (common to LCD 15 in FIG. 1)
And a keyboard 603 (common to the keyboard 12 of FIG. 1)
And an apparatus main body 604 composed of

FIG. 7 shows an example of key button arrangement of a portable information device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This button arrangement includes a cross key 701 (common to the keyboard 603 in FIG. 1),
A start key 702 and a power switch 703 are provided.

Referring to FIG. 1, the portable information device detects a state of being carried by a vibration detector 13 and processes the information by a cpu 8.
And a function of automatically displaying the pedometer information from the wireless module 2 to the designated URL via the CPU 4 by displaying it on the LCD 15 via the G / A 14 and easily displaying the number of steps. It is characterized by having.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pedometer setting information received by the wireless module 2 is transmitted to the CPU 4 and the UA.
By obtaining the settings via the RT 17 and cpu 8, the setting can be changed by remote control.

Next, the operation of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 shows the pedometer display function in the PIM function selection in advance.
The cross key 701 of the mail terminal is selected and the portable terminal is held with the power switch 703 of the mail terminal facing upward as shown in FIG. 7 so that the vibration of walking can be detected by the vibration detector 101 shown in FIG. 2 from the switch function unit 103
A signal is output through the conductor portions 104 and 105 shown in FIG. This signal is output from the vibration detection unit 13 in FIG. 1, transmitted to cpu8, and converted for display by rom10.
After the display mode is adjusted in step 9, the LCD 15 is activated by the G / A 14, and the image is displayed as shown in FIG. In the display of FIG. 3, a graph 303 showing the number of steps 301, the target value 302, and the past step values of the current day is displayed. On this display screen, the number of steps for today is 9123 steps, the target value is 10000 steps, and the graph display is set to "monthly". This graph is automatically generated based on the approximate daily unit and the actual step value.

FIG. 4 shows a setting screen provided in the same environment setting mode as that of the PIM function. The display mode shown in FIG. 3 and detailed setting of the pedometer function can be performed. This is because the activity time differs depending on the user. First, at the designated time 401, the activity start time for each user can be set. Second
In addition, the count can be automatically reset while sleeping at the count reset 402. Third, the target value 403 can be used to set a daily step count target value. Fourth, the melody selection unit 404 can select a melody for aurally notifying that the target value 403 has been achieved from a plurality of songs. Fifth, the volume of the melody when the target value 403 is achieved by the volume section 405 can be set. Sixth
Then, the rhythm setting unit 406 can set a constant rhythm sound output for walking. Rhythm setting unit 40
6 can be executed by pressing the start key 702 in FIG. 7 with the pedometer display function in FIG. 3 set.
Seventh, the type of the graph 303 can be selected by the graph display selection unit 407. Eighth, the communication setting unit 408 can make communication settings for automatic distribution. In the setting of FIG. 4, the counter is set to be automatically reset at midnight, and when the target value of 10,000 steps per day is achieved, the fanfare 1 is auditorily notified at the maximum volume, and the rhythm timing is set. The setting is made every second, the display is made on the graph 303 every month, and the setting of automatic distribution is set. When the counter reset 402 is set to none, the step value is calculated and displayed as the accumulated step number. The melody 404 can be selected from a plurality of songs, and can be selected in common with the ring tone in the PIM function. The volume 405 can be selected from no sound to the maximum sound, and a step tone that sounds while changing these on a time axis is also provided. By changing the selection of the display graph 407 to “daily” “weekly”, the graph 303 changes.

By setting the communication setting unit 408 in FIG. 4 to “Yes”, the processing shifts to FIG. 5, and conditions for automatically distributing the step value can be set. First, the automatic distribution setting unit 501 can set whether or not automatic distribution of the number of steps data is to be performed and a period for automatic distribution. Second, a designated delivery date and time can be set by the designated delivery date and time setting unit 502 for automatic delivery. Third, a delivery destination can be designated by the URL designation 503. Here, the specified URL
Is set to be automatically distributed at 9:00 AM on the 15th of every month. When "Daily" is selected for the automatic delivery designation 501, the message is automatically transmitted at the delivery time of the designated delivery date and time, and when "Weekly" is selected, the day of the week and time are set and the time of the day of the week is set. Automatically sent.

Referring to FIG. 1, this mail terminal has the same function as that of the conventional terminal, that is, the mail terminal converts the signal received by the radio module 2 into the analog baseband 3 and the CP.
Since a function of processing by cpu 8 is provided via U4 and UART 17, it is also possible to change and set each setting of FIGS. 4 and 5 by remote control.

Referring to FIG. 6, the appearance of this device employs a display unit 602 that is easy to see and a keyboard 603 (see FIG. 7) that is easy to operate even with the PIM function. In addition, in consideration of the convenience of carrying and malfunctions when key operation is unnecessary, the device has a folding structure. The structure is not limited to this.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the portable device with the power switch surface of FIG. 7 facing upward in the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. What added the function to detect may be sufficient.
A weight 107 is provided on the vibration detector 101, and FIG.
The conductors 104 and 105 shown in FIG.
By using an inductive element that holds 01 and has a movable function, accurate vibration detection can be performed even when the mail terminal is tilted in four directions and the center of gravity moves.

The present invention will be described with respect to another embodiment. By replacing the vibration detection unit 13 (see FIG. 1) of the above-described embodiment with a pulse detection unit, it is possible to periodically deliver the heart rate via a URL, and to obtain the diagnosis result information from the delivery destination. is there. Further, by replacing the vibration detecting unit 13 with an infrared ray or a temperature detecting unit, it is possible to monitor and control remotely in an unmanned place. In addition to the description, it is added that the vibration detection unit 13 can be changed to various detection units and that the detection unit has a function of being able to be pulled out to the outside.

[0041]

According to the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained for the user.

First, since the pedometer, which has been miniaturized as much as possible in consideration of portability, can be displayed on a large screen which can also support the PIM function display, the visibility is greatly improved. It can provide more abundant information.

Second, the memory capacity and the notification means are PD
Since the function can be shared with the function of the A terminal, the present invention can be realized with a small-scale modification.

Third, because it has a telephone function,
Step value information can be distributed.

Fourth, since the PDA terminal and the telephone function are integrated, the step value information can be automatically distributed via the URL, and the step value can be received from the outside. By automatically distributing step value information to institutions, it is possible to receive regular guidance. Based on the results, the pedometer setting condition is automatically set by receiving the instruction of the step target value and the setting of the walking rhythm from the medical institution. Exercise menu can be set, real-time management can be realized.

Fifth, at least the belongings of the user who always carries the pedometer and the mail terminal can be reduced by integrating the functions. In addition, a large display area is secured so as to be able to handle the operation of the PIM function, and pedometer information can be displayed in the display area. It is possible to provide additional functions that can be provided. Furthermore, the adoption of an easy-to-operate keyboard allows easy setting of each setting screen (Figs. 4 and 5), and the folding structure allows for a large screen that is easy to see and a keyboard that is easy to operate, while considering portability. can do.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the center of gravity moves while tilted in four directions, accurate vibration detection can be performed, so that the degree of freedom in the holding direction can be increased when using the multi-step function.

Further, according to the present invention, by replacing the vibration detecting section with another detecting section, the application to medical relations can be expanded, and furthermore, remote work can be performed in real time even in places where no one can enter. The big advantage is that you can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a vibration detector in a portable information device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the vibration detector, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state where the vibration detector is mounted on the occupant, and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a screen showing a pedometer display function in the portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a setting screen for a pedometer display function in the portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a communication setting screen for a pedometer function in the portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external view of a portable information device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a layout example of key buttons of a portable information device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 PDC unit 2 Wireless module 3 Analog baseband unit 4 CPU 8 cpu 9 ram 10 rom 11 random 12 Keyboard 13 Vibration detection unit 14 G / A 15 LCD 16 PIU unit 17 UART 101 Vibration detector 102 Bearing 103 Switch function unit 104, 105 Conductor section 106 Mounting board 107 Weight 301 Steps 302 Target value 303 Graph 401 Specified time 402 Count reset 403 Target value 404 Melody selection section 405 Volume section 406 Rhythm setting section 407 Graph display selection section 501 Automatic distribution setting section 502 Distribution specified date and time Setting unit 503 URL designation unit 601 ANT 602 Display unit 603 Keyboard 604 Main unit 701 Cross key 702 Start key 703 Power switch

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A portable information device having a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit, comprising a vibration detection unit for detecting vibrations caused by walking, and information detected by the vibration detection unit. A portable information device comprising a pedometer function unit for measuring and calculating the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise. 2. The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detecting section is capable of adjusting the position of the center of gravity according to the inclination of the device. 3. The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays information or a graph relating to the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise measured by the pedometer function unit. 4. A time designation section for designating a time to start counting in a day on the display section, and a count reset section for selecting a function for automatically resetting the count when the designated time has elapsed. The portable information device according to claim 3, wherein is displayed. 5. A target value setting section for setting a target number of steps per day on the display section, a melody selection section for selecting a melody for hearing and notifying that the target value has been achieved, and a volume of the melody. The portable information device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a sound volume section for setting is displayed. 6. The portable type according to claim 3, wherein a rhythm setting section for setting a rhythm for keeping a walking pace constant is displayed on the display section. Information equipment. 7. The portable information device according to claim 3, wherein a graph display selection unit for selecting display contents of the graph is displayed on the display unit. 8. The portable information device according to claim 3, further comprising a function of automatically distributing the information on the number of steps, the walking distance, and the amount of exercise to a designated site via the Internet. . 9. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a function of receiving predetermined information from a partner and automatically setting at least the target value setting section and / or the rhythm setting section based on the information. The portable information device according to one of the above. 10. A portable information device provided with a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a wireless unit, wherein the portable information device includes a detection unit for detecting a physical parameter. 11. The portable information device according to claim 10, wherein said detection unit can be pulled out of the device and housed inside the device. 12. The portable information device according to claim 10, wherein said detection unit includes a pulse detection device for detecting a pulse of a person. 13. The portable information device according to claim 10, wherein said detecting section includes a temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature. 14. The portable information device according to claim 10, wherein said detecting section includes an infrared detecting device for detecting infrared light. 15. The portable information device according to claim 10, further comprising a function of automatically distributing information detected by said detection unit to a designated site via the Internet. 16. The portable information device according to claim 10, wherein the portable information device has a function of receiving predetermined information from a partner and controlling the detection unit based on the information.