JP4378306B2 - Mobile terminal with accelerometer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal including an acceleration sensor.

In recent years, portable terminals such as portable music players are becoming mainstream with built-in hard disk drives (hereinafter referred to as HDDs). However, in these built-in portable terminals, damage to the HDD due to falling becomes a problem. Various techniques have been disclosed to deal with such problems. For example, no matter what direction the mobile terminal falls, the fall is detected by an acceleration sensor, and the magnetic head is retracted to a safe area outside the disk before the HDD is impacted, thereby avoiding damage to the HDD. The technique which can do is disclosed (patent document 1). In addition, a technique (Patent Document 2) for notifying the user that a shock has been applied when the mobile phone is dropped is disclosed (Patent Document 2) and a technique (Patent Document 3) for notifying by sound. In addition, a technique (Patent Document 4) is also disclosed that records the time when the camera is dropped and notifies the user by telephone.
JP-A-4-60956 JP 11-225188 A JP-A-11-296765 JP 2000-32167 A

  However, in the prior art, there was no method for confirming the number of times or the place where the camera was dropped. These pieces of information are very useful information for analysis such as repairing or guaranteeing a mobile terminal that has failed due to falling. In addition, since it is predicted that the mobile terminal will be damaged when dropped, it is considered insufficient to simply record information in the mobile terminal.

  In the present invention, in order to solve this problem, it is detected that the mobile terminal has been dropped by the provided acceleration sensor, and information such as the number of times the mobile terminal has been dropped, the position information of the mobile terminal at the time of the drop, and the measured acceleration, etc. A portable terminal equipped with an acceleration sensor having a recording function is proposed. The portable terminal according to the present invention can further check the operation of internal functions such as an HDD and a memory, and has a function of outputting recorded information and the like to the outside.

  As described above, the portable terminal according to the present invention has a function of acquiring and recording the information as described above when it is dropped, and confirming the operation of internal functions such as HDD and memory to obtain information on the failure point. Since it has a function of outputting, it is possible to make use of this information for analysis or the like when repairing or guaranteeing a mobile terminal that has failed. Moreover, since it also has a function of outputting the acquired information to the outside, the acquired information can be read out by an external device even when the mobile terminal is damaged due to dropping and the power is not turned on.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the relationship between the following embodiment and a claim is as follows. The first embodiment will mainly describe claim 1 and the like. The second embodiment will mainly describe claim 2 and the like. The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 3 and the like. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claim 4 and the like. In the fifth embodiment, claim 5 will be mainly described. The sixth embodiment will mainly describe claim 6 and the like. The seventh embodiment will mainly describe claim 7 and the like. The eighth embodiment will mainly describe Claim 8 and the like. The ninth embodiment will mainly describe claim 9 and the like. In the tenth embodiment, claim 10 will be mainly described. In the eleventh embodiment, claim 11 will be mainly described. In the twelfth embodiment, claim 12 will be mainly described.

  (Embodiment 1) (Embodiment 1: Overview) In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is in a falling state based on the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor and the acceleration sensor, and it is determined that it is in a falling state. Relates to a portable terminal having a function of counting the number of times and recording the counted number of times.

  (Embodiment 1: Configuration) FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The portable terminal (0100) includes an “acceleration sensor” (0101), a “first determination unit” (0102), a “first count unit” (0103), and a “first recording unit” (0104). . The portable terminal (0100) is a portable terminal that can be carried. For example, a portable music player, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a notebook computer, and the like are applicable.

  The “acceleration sensor” (0101) is a sensor capable of detecting acceleration, and may be a general acceleration sensor. However, since the portable terminal is a portable terminal and the user carries it in a pocket of clothes or in a bag, the direction of the portable terminal cannot be predicted. Therefore, since the orientation of the provided acceleration sensor is not always constant, it is more effective to use an acceleration sensor having two or more axes.

  The “first determination unit” (0102) has a function of determining whether the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor (0101) is in a first fall state exceeding a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the “predetermined threshold value” assumes a value of about 100G to 200G.

  The “first count unit” (0103) has a function of counting the number of times that the determination result is the first fall state. The “judgment result” means the judgment result in the first judgment unit (0102). That is, if the determination by the first determination unit (0102) is a determination that the first falling state, the number of times is counted. Specifically, “counting” means reading the number of times recorded in a first recording unit (0104) described later and increasing the number of times read by one. Further, the number of times may be read from the first recording unit (0104) only once while the power of the portable terminal is turned on, and thereafter the number of times may be held in the first counting unit.

  The “first recording unit” (0104) has a function of recording the number of times information counted by the first counting unit (0103). “Number-of-times information” is mainly information including the number of times counted by the first counting unit (0103), but information other than the number of times may be included. Since it is necessary to retain the frequency information even when the power is turned off, specifically, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is assumed.

  (Embodiment 1: Process Flow) FIG. 2 exemplifies a flow diagram for explaining a process flow in a portable terminal according to this embodiment. First, an acceleration value is acquired. This process is executed by the acceleration sensor (acceleration value acquisition step S0210). Next, it is determined whether the acceleration value acquired in the acceleration value acquisition step (S0210) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the determination result has exceeded, the process proceeds to a first fall state number counting step (S0230) described later. If it is determined that the determination result here does not exceed, the process proceeds to a first end determination step (S0250) described later. This process is executed by the first determination unit (acceleration value determination step S0220). Next, when the determination result in the acceleration value determination step (S0220) is a determination that the acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the number of times of the first falling state is counted. This process is executed by the first counting unit (first falling state number counting step S0230). Next, the number information counted in the first falling state number counting step (S0230) is recorded. This process is executed by the first recording unit (first falling state number recording step S0240). The above process is repeated until the process ends (first end determination step S0250). As a condition for terminating the process, a case where the power of the portable terminal is turned off, a case where the acceleration sensor is damaged, or the like is assumed.

  The above processing can be executed by a program for causing a computer to execute, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

  (Embodiment 1: Effect) According to the portable terminal according to the present embodiment, the acceleration value applied to the portable terminal is acquired by the acceleration sensor provided in the portable terminal, and the number of times the acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold is obtained. Has the function of counting and recording. Accordingly, when the mobile terminal is judged to have fallen when the acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the user drops the mobile terminal, the number of times can be counted and recorded. It can be used for analysis at the time of repair.

  (Embodiment 2) (Embodiment 2: Overview) This embodiment is in a fall state depending on whether or not a switch provided is pressed when the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. It is related with the portable terminal which has a function which counts the number of times and records the counted number of times, when it is judged that it is a fall state.

  (Embodiment 2: Configuration) FIG. 3 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The portable terminal (0300) includes an “acceleration sensor” (0301), a “switch” (0302), a “second determination unit” (0303), a “second count unit” (0304), and a “second recording”. Part "(0305). The portable terminal (0300) is a portable terminal that can be carried, as in the first embodiment. For example, a portable music player, a mobile phone, a PDA, a notebook computer, and the like are applicable. The function of the acceleration sensor (0301) is the same as the function of the acceleration sensor according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted here.

  The “switch” (0302) is a mechanical switch. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the switch. FIG. 4 shows a case where the mobile terminal is a mobile phone, but a switch is provided in a part that is likely to collide when dropped, such as a part surrounded by a broken-line circle. As shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable that the switch has a projection or the like so that it can be easily pressed when a collision occurs. Moreover, you may equip not only the outer side of the main body of a portable terminal but the inner side. In such a case, for example, it is only necessary to have a mechanism in which another component presses the switch due to vibration at the time of collision.

  The “second determination unit” (0303) has a function of determining whether the switch (0302) is in the second fall state when the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor (0301) exceeds a predetermined threshold. Have. That is, the second determination unit first determines whether the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor (0301) exceeds a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the acceleration value has exceeded, the switch (0302) is further pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, it is determined that the second drop state has occurred. Specifically, the “predetermined threshold value” assumes a value of about 100G to 200G.

  The “second counting unit” (0304) has a function of counting the number of times that the determination result is the second fall state. The “judgment result” means a judgment result in the second judgment unit (0303). That is, when the determination by the second determination unit (0303) is a determination that the second falling state, the number of times is counted. Specifically, “counting” means reading the number of times recorded in a second recording unit (0305) described later and increasing the number of times read by one. Further, the number of times may be read once from the second recording unit (0305) while the power of the portable terminal is turned on, and thereafter the number of times may be held in the second counting unit.

  The “second recording unit” (0305) has a function of recording the number-of-times information counted by the second counting unit (0304). “Number-of-times information” is mainly information including the number of times counted by the second count unit (0304), but information other than the number of times may be included. Since it is necessary to retain the frequency information even when the power is turned off, specifically, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is assumed.

  (Embodiment 2: Process Flow) FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram for explaining the process flow in the portable terminal according to the present embodiment. First, an acceleration value is acquired. This process is executed by the acceleration sensor (acceleration value acquisition step S0510). Next, it is determined whether the acceleration value acquired in the acceleration value acquisition step (S0510) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the determination result here has exceeded, the process proceeds to a switch determination step (S0530) described later. If it is determined that the determination result here does not exceed, the process proceeds to a second end determination step (S0560) described later. This process is executed by the second determination unit (acceleration value determination step S0520). Next, when the determination result in the acceleration value determination step (S0520) is a determination that the acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined whether or not the switch is pressed. If it is determined that the determination result is pressed, the process proceeds to a first fall state number counting step (S0540) described later. If it is determined that the determination result here is not pressed, the process ends. This process is executed by the second determination unit (switch determination step S0530). Next, when the judgment result in the switch judgment step (S0530) is a judgment that the switch is pushed, the number of times of the second fall state is counted. This process is executed by the second counting unit (second falling state number counting step S0540). Next, the number information counted in the second falling state number counting step (S0540) is recorded. This process is executed by the second recording unit (second fall state number recording step S0550). The above process is repeated until the process ends (second end determination step S0560). As a condition for terminating the process, a case where the power of the portable terminal is turned off, a case where the acceleration sensor is damaged, or the like is assumed.

  (Embodiment 2: Effect) According to the portable terminal according to the present embodiment, when the acceleration value applied to the portable terminal is acquired by the acceleration sensor provided in the portable terminal and the acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, , And a function of counting and recording the number of times the provided switch is pressed. When acceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the mobile terminal, it is difficult to determine whether or not the mobile terminal is actually dropped because the acceleration is applied only when the user shakes the mobile terminal, for example. Therefore, not only acquiring the acceleration value, but also determining whether or not the switch has been pressed makes it possible to more accurately determine that the vehicle is falling. In addition, when it is determined that the vehicle is in a falling state, the number of times is counted and the number of times counted is recorded, so that the number of times recorded can be used for analysis at the time of repair or the like.

  (Embodiment 3) (Embodiment 3: Overview) This embodiment has a function of acquiring information related to the position of the terminal and recording information related to the position when it is determined that the terminal is in a fall state. It relates to mobile terminals.

  (Embodiment 3: Configuration) FIG. 6 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes a “location information acquisition unit” (0606) and a “location information recording unit” (0607), which will be described later, in addition to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Although it becomes the added structure, FIG. 6 has illustrated the latter case. The mobile terminal (0600) in FIG. 6 includes an “acceleration sensor” (0601), a “switch” (0602), a “second determination unit” (0603), a “second count unit” (0604), A "second recording unit" (0605), a "position information acquisition unit" (0606), and a "position information recording unit" (0607). Since the configuration other than the location information acquisition unit (0606) and the location information recording unit (0607) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The “location information acquisition unit” (0606) has a function of acquiring location information of the terminal itself. Specifically, it is assumed that GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like is used. In this case, the mobile terminal (0600) can be provided with a GPS receiver to obtain the location information of the terminal itself. In addition, it is conceivable to acquire position information from an RF tag embedded in a sidewalk or the like, or to acquire position information using a mobile phone base station. “Position information” means, for example, information that can be acquired from a receiver in the case of GPS.

  The “position information recording unit” (0607) has a function of acquiring and recording the position information when the determination result is determined to be in the fall state from the position information acquisition unit (0606). The “falling state” means the “first falling state” described in the first embodiment or the “second falling state” described in the second embodiment. That is, the “determination result” means a determination result in the “first determination unit” described in the first embodiment or a determination result in the “second determination unit” described in the second embodiment. When recording the position information, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, it is more convenient to analyze the information at the time of repair or the like if information such as the date and time of recording and the position information are recorded in association with each other. The position information to be recorded may be latitude / longitude information or may be represented by a city / town / village address name. Further, since the position information needs to be retained even when the power is turned off, specifically, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is assumed. In addition, when there is too much position information recorded in the position information recording unit, the position information for a certain period of time may be left and deleted from the old position information.

  (Embodiment 3: Process Flow) In the portable terminal according to this embodiment, when the determination result in the switch determination step (S0530) in FIG. 5 is a determination that the switch has been pressed, the position information acquisition unit To acquire the position information of the terminal (position information acquisition step) and record the position information (position information recording step). These processes are performed before or after the second falling state number counting step (S0540).

  (Embodiment 3: Effects) According to the portable terminal according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the function of acquiring and recording location information when it is determined that the mobile phone is in the fall state. Therefore, the position information can be used for analysis at the time of repair or the like.

  (Embodiment 4) (Embodiment 4: Overview) This embodiment relates to a portable terminal having a function of recording an acceleration value acquired by an acceleration sensor when it is determined that the vehicle is in a falling state.

  (Embodiment 4: Configuration) FIG. 7 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is a configuration in which an “acceleration value recording unit” (0706) described later is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, but FIG. The case is illustrated. The mobile terminal (0700) in FIG. 7 includes an “acceleration sensor” (0701), a “switch” (0702), a “second determination unit” (0703), a “second count unit” (0704), A "second recording unit" (0705) and an "acceleration value recording unit" (0706). Since the configuration other than the acceleration value recording unit (0706) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “acceleration value recording unit” (0706) has a function of recording the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor when it is determined that the determination result is in a falling state. When recording an acceleration value, for example, if information such as date and time of recording and the acceleration value are recorded in association with each other, it is more convenient when analyzing at the time of repair or the like. Further, since the position information needs to be retained even when the power is turned off, specifically, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is assumed. If the acceleration value recorded in the acceleration value recording unit is too large, the acceleration value is deleted from the old acceleration value, leaving the acceleration value for a certain period of time recently, starting from the smallest recorded acceleration value. It may be erased.

  (Embodiment 4: Flow of processing) In the portable terminal according to this embodiment, when the judgment result in the switch judgment step (S0530) in FIG. 5 is a judgment that the switch is pressed, the acceleration value recording unit The acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor is recorded by (acceleration value recording step). This process is performed before or after the second falling state number counting step (S0540).

  (Embodiment 4: Effect) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effect of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor when it is determined to be in the fall state is used. Since it has a recording function, the recorded acceleration value can be used for analysis at the time of repair or the like.

  (Embodiment 5) (Embodiment 5: Overview) The present embodiment relates to a portable terminal having a function of notifying information recorded when it is determined that it is in a fall state.

  (Embodiment 5: Configuration) FIG. 8 illustrates functional blocks of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is a configuration in which a “notification unit” (0808) described later is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, but FIG. The structure which added the alerting | reporting part to the structure of the portable terminal which concerns on Embodiment 3 is illustrated. The mobile terminal (0800) in FIG. 8 includes an “acceleration sensor” (0801), a “switch” (0802), a “second determination unit” (0803), a “second count unit” (0804), “ It has a “second recording section” (0805), a “position information acquisition section” (0806), a “position information recording section” (0807), and a “notification section” (0808). Since the configuration other than the notification unit (0808) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The “notification unit” (0808) has a function of notifying information recorded when it is determined that the determination result is a fall state. “Information recorded when it is determined that the determination result is in a fall state” is the number of times information recorded in the first recording unit or the second recording unit described in the first and second embodiments. It means one or more pieces of information among the position information recorded by the position information recording unit described in Embodiment 3 and the acceleration value recorded by the acceleration value recording unit described in Embodiment 4. Various timings for informing each piece of information are assumed. For example, it is determined that the determination result is a fall state and the information is recorded and notified at the same time. The information recorded in the recording unit or the like is periodically acquired and notified. It may be displayed when it is done. In addition, the notification method may be, for example, notification by displaying on a display or the like, notification by sound, notification by vibration, notification by light emission, or the like. That is, as a specific example of the notification unit, for example, a display such as a mobile phone or a PDA, a speaker, an LED, or the like is assumed. Further, for example, in the case of notification by display, the mobile terminal may be provided with a dedicated display or the like separately from the display normally used. FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the notification unit. (A) illustrates the case where it alert | reports by a display. (A) is an example when a display date and time, the number of drops, and position information are displayed on a display or the like of a portable terminal. The position information displays the latitude and longitude along with the date and time of the fall. In addition to displaying in this way, for example, the latitude and longitude may be converted into addresses and displayed. (B) illustrates the case where the notification is made by sound. For example, in order to call the user's attention, a notification such as “the number of drops has become 10” may be made by voice every 10 drops. In addition, when the notification button is pressed, the notification may be made such that “the number of drops so far is seven”. In addition, it is assumed that the number of drops is automatically vibrated every 10 times or the number of times is indicated by a combination of blinking colors of LEDs.

  (Embodiment 5: Effects) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 4, there is a function for notifying information recorded when it is determined that the mobile phone is in a fall state. Therefore, for example, each information can be used by giving a warning to the user of the mobile terminal together with each information, or displaying each information at the time of analysis such as repair.

  (Embodiment 6) (Embodiment 6: Overview) In this embodiment, it is determined whether the number of times determined to be falling satisfies a predetermined condition, and the number of times is notified when it is determined that the condition is satisfied. The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a function to perform.

  (Embodiment 6: Configuration) FIG. 10 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal (1000) includes an “acceleration sensor” (1001), a “switch” (1002), a “second determination unit” (1003), a “second count unit” (1004), and a “second recording”. Part "(1005)," position information acquisition part "(1006)," position information recording part "(1007), and" notification part "(1008). Further, the notification unit (1008) includes a “drop state count determination unit” (1009) and a “fall state count notification unit” (1010). Since the configuration other than the fall state frequency determination unit (1009) and the fall state frequency notification unit (1010) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the fifth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “drop state number determination means” (1009) has a function of determining whether the number of times that the determination result is determined to be a fall state satisfies a predetermined condition. The “number of times that the determination result is determined to be in the fall state” means the number of times counted by the first count unit or the second count unit. As the “predetermined condition”, for example, a condition such as whether a predetermined number of times has been exceeded is assumed. The predetermined condition may be set in advance at the time of shipment of the portable terminal or the like, or the user may be able to set the condition on the portable terminal. For example, data such as the average number of drops until failure is stored in advance, and by comparing the data with the number of current drops, the number of times of drop states described below (1010) allows the present In addition to the number of drops, the notification may be made such as “There is a possibility of failure in 3 more times”, “There is a possibility of failure in 1 week”, etc. In addition, it is necessary to acquire the frequency information in order to determine whether the frequency satisfies a predetermined condition, but the frequency information may be acquired from the first count unit or the second count unit, or the first recording unit or You may acquire from said 2nd recording part. Also, various timings are assumed. For example, when the number of times is counted, it is determined that the number of times information recorded in the first recording unit or the second recording unit is periodically acquired and determined. It may be done.

  The “drop state number notifying unit” (1010) has a function of notifying the number of times when the determination result by the drop state number determining unit (1009) is a determination that a predetermined condition is satisfied. Various notification methods are conceivable, such as display on a display, notification by voice, and the like, similar to the notification unit (1008).

  (Sixth Embodiment: Process Flow) Since the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is characterized by a function relating to the notification of the number of times of falling, the process flow regarding this point will be described in detail. FIG. 11 exemplifies a flow diagram for explaining a flow of processing relating to notification of the number of times of falling in the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. First, the number of falling states is obtained. This process is executed by the fall state number determination means (drop state number acquisition step S1110). Next, it is determined whether the number of falling states acquired in the falling state number acquiring step (S1110) satisfies a predetermined condition. If it is determined that the determination result here is satisfied, the process proceeds to a drop state number notifying step (S1130) described later. If it is determined that the determination result here is not satisfied, the process ends. This process is executed by the fall state number determination means (drop state number determination step S1120). Finally, when the determination result in the step of determining the number of falling states (S1120) is a determination that the number of falling states satisfies a predetermined condition, the number of falling states is notified. This process is executed by the drop state number notifying means (fall state number notifying step S1130).

  (Embodiment 6: Effect) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effect of Embodiment 5, it is determined whether the number of times determined to be in a fall state satisfies a predetermined condition, and the determination is made that it has been satisfied. Therefore, for example, it is possible to issue a warning to the user when a predetermined number of times is exceeded.

  (Embodiment 7) (Embodiment 7: Overview) The present embodiment relates to a portable terminal having a function of executing photographing when it is determined that the camera is in a fall state.

  (Embodiment 7: Configuration) FIG. 12 illustrates functional blocks of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is a configuration in which a “photographing unit” (1211) described later is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments. FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration in which a photographing unit is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the sixth embodiment. The mobile terminal (1200) in FIG. 12 includes an “acceleration sensor” (1201), a “switch” (1202), a “second determination unit” (1203), a “second count unit” (1204), The “second recording unit” (1205), the “position information acquisition unit” (1206), the “position information recording unit” (1207), the “notification unit” (1208), and the “imaging unit” (1211). Have. Since the configuration other than the photographing unit (1211) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the sixth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “shooting unit” (0909) has a function of performing shooting when it is determined that the determination result is in a fall state. That is, the photographing unit means from a camera mechanism for photographing to a mechanism for saving the photographed video as data. Various types of lenses such as wide-angle lenses and fish-eye lenses can be considered. Further, the photographing unit may have an optical zoom function. In addition, the data format for storing captured video as data is not limited to a specific format. For example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphic Interchange Format), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), etc. are assumed. Further, when the amount of light is measured by an optical sensor or the like and the amount of light does not satisfy the predetermined amount of light, shooting may not be performed even in a fall state. This is because, for example, if the mobile terminal is in a bag, the significance of performing shooting is lost. Further, when the lens direction is determined and the lens direction is downward, the photographing may not be performed even in the fall state. Whether the lens direction is downward or not can be determined because the orientation of the mobile terminal can be determined if the mobile terminal is equipped with a gyro sensor or the like.

  (Embodiment 7: Process Flow) Since the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is characterized by a function relating to photographing, the process flow regarding this point will be described in detail. Regarding the flow of processing related to shooting in the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment, shooting is executed when the determination result in the switch determination step (S0530) in FIG. 5 is that the switch has been pressed. (Shooting step). This process is executed before or after the second falling state count step (S0540). Moreover, it is performed before or after the position information acquisition step described in the third embodiment and the acceleration value recording step described in the fourth embodiment.

  (Embodiment 7: Effect) According to the portable terminal according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 6, it has a function of executing photographing when it is determined that the mobile phone is in the fall state. The data of the captured video can be used for analysis at the time of repair.

  (Embodiment 8) (Embodiment 8: Overview) In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the device is in the fall state, one or more of the internal function, I / O function, and memory are checked for operation. The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a function.

  (Embodiment 8: Configuration) FIG. 13 illustrates functional blocks of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is a configuration in which an “internal function inspection unit” (1312) described later is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates a configuration in which an internal function inspection unit is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the seventh embodiment. The mobile terminal (1300) in FIG. 13 includes an “acceleration sensor” (1301), a “switch” (1302), a “second determination unit” (1303), a “second count unit” (1304), “ A “second recording unit” (1305), a “position information acquisition unit” (1306), a “position information recording unit” (1307), a “notification unit” (1308), a “imaging unit” (1311), “Internal function inspection section” (1312). Since the configuration other than the internal function inspection unit (1312) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the seventh embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “internal function inspection unit” (1312) has a function of confirming the operation of one or more of an internal function, an I / O function, and a memory when the determination result is a determination result indicating that it is in a fall state. Have. The “internal function” is a function other than the I / O function and the memory, and means, for example, a control function of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The “I / O function” is a function part related to input / output, and means, for example, an input function such as an alphanumeric key, a direction key, and a microphone, an output function such as a display and a speaker, and a wireless communication function. The “memory” mainly means a semiconductor memory, but may include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD. The “operation confirmation” is mainly assumed to be confirmation of whether the internal function, the I / O function, and the memory operate normally, but may be more detailed confirmation. For example, not only whether the HDD is damaged, but if there is a damaged part, it may be checked where it is damaged. In addition, the execution of the operation check may be performed by using the first determination unit or the second determination unit as a trigger to determine that it is in a falling state, and in addition to determining that it is in a falling state. It may be performed on condition that the user or the like presses the operation confirmation button.

  (Embodiment 8: Process Flow) Since the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is characterized by functions related to operation confirmation such as internal functions, the process flow regarding this point will be described in detail. Regarding the flow of processing related to the operation check of the internal function or the like in the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment, when the determination result in the switch determination step (S0530) in FIG. 5 is a determination that the switch is pressed, Check the operation of one or more of the function, I / O function, and memory. (Internal function inspection step). This process is executed before or after the second falling state count step (S0540). Moreover, it is performed before or after the position information acquisition step described in the third embodiment and the acceleration value recording step described in the fourth embodiment.

  (Embodiment 8: Effect) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 7, when it is determined that the mobile phone is in the fall state, the internal function, the I / O function, Since it has a function of confirming the operation of one or more of the memories, it is possible to automatically check whether there is a failure location due to, for example, dropping of the mobile terminal.

  (Embodiment 9) (Embodiment 9: Overview) This embodiment has a function of acquiring information related to one or more failure points of an internal function, an I / O function, and a memory, and outputting the acquired information. Regarding terminals.

  (Embodiment 9: Configuration) FIG. 14 illustrates functional blocks of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. The portable terminal (1400) includes an “acceleration sensor” (1401), a “switch” (1402), a “second determination unit” (1403), a “second count unit” (1404), and a “second recording”. Part "(1405)," position information acquisition part "(1406)," position information recording part "(1407)," notification part "(1408)," imaging part "(1411)," internal function " It has an “inspection unit” (1412), a “failure location information acquisition unit” (1413), and a “failure location information output unit” (1414). Since the configuration other than the failure location information acquisition unit (1413) and the failure location information output unit (1414) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the eighth embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The “failure location information acquisition unit” (1413) has a function of acquiring at least one failure location information of an internal function, an I / O function, or a memory. Specifically, the “failure location information” is information indicating which part of the internal function, the I / O function, the memory, or the like has failed. FIG. 15 illustrates failure location information. In the failure location information shown in FIG. 15, the CPU and the display are not abnormal, and the speaker is in an unusable state. It can be seen that the nonvolatile memory has an abnormality at addresses 2000 and 3500. The failure location information may be acquired from the internal function inspection unit (1412), or may be checked independently of the internal function inspection unit (1412). Moreover, various timings for acquiring the fault location information are assumed. For example, the first determination unit or the second determination unit may be used as a trigger to check that it is in a fall state, or when the user of the mobile terminal presses a failure location check button You may come to check. Further, a specific event or the like may be examined as a trigger.

  The “failure location information output unit” (1414) has a function of outputting the failure location information acquired by the failure location information acquisition unit (1413). As an output method, for example, displaying on a display or the like, outputting by sound, outputting by light emission of an LED or the like can be considered.

  (Ninth Embodiment: Process Flow) Since the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is characterized by a function related to the output of failure location information, the process flow regarding this point will be described in detail. FIG. 16 exemplifies a flow diagram for explaining a flow of processing relating to output of failure location information in the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. First, failure location information is acquired. This process is executed by the failure location information acquisition unit (failure location information acquisition step S1610). Next, the failure location information acquired in the failure location information acquisition step (S1610) is output. This process is executed by the failure location information output unit (failure location information output step S1620).

  (Embodiment 9: Effect) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effect of Embodiment 8, one or more failure location information of an internal function, I / O function, or memory is acquired and output. Therefore, for example, a warning can be given to the user of the portable terminal together with the failure location information, or the failure location information can be displayed during analysis such as repair.

  (Embodiment 10) (Embodiment 10: Overview) This embodiment relates to a portable terminal having a memory for recording a predetermined contact and having a function of contacting failure location information to a contact recorded in the memory. .

  (Embodiment 10: Configuration) FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The portable terminal (1700) includes an “acceleration sensor” (1701), a “switch” (1702), a “second determination unit” (1703), a “second count unit” (1704), and a “second recording”. Part "(1705)," position information acquisition part "(1706)," position information recording part "(1707)," notification part "(1708)," imaging part "(1711)," internal function " "Inspection unit" (1712), "Fault location information acquisition unit" (1713), "Fault location information output unit" (1714), "Memory" (1715), and "Fault location information transmission unit" (1716) And have. Since the configuration other than the memory (1715) and the failure location information transmission unit (1716) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the ninth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “memory” (1715) has a function of recording a predetermined contact address. The “predetermined contact address” is not limited to a specific contact address, but for example, a mobile terminal sales agent, a store for repairing a mobile terminal, a user's home, and the like are assumed. The “contact” is a destination to which failure location information is transmitted in a failure location information transmission unit (1716), which will be described later. Specifically, the “contact” is information that associates a contact name and the like with a mail address or the like. is assumed. In addition, since it is necessary to maintain contact information even when the power is turned off, specifically, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is assumed.

  The “failure location information transmission unit” (1716) is a function of contacting the failure location information acquired by the failure location information acquisition unit (1713) to the contact recorded in the memory for recording the predetermined contact information. Have Specifically, “contact” means that the mobile terminal is notified that there is a failure location and provides detailed information regarding the failure location by transmitting failure location information. Various timings for transmitting the failure location information are assumed, but when the failure location information is acquired by the failure location information acquisition unit (1713) as a trigger, This is convenient because failure point information can be provided to the contact point immediately when the failure point is recognized. In addition, as a method of contacting, for example, a method of automatically dialing and contacting by telephone, sending an email, uploading failure location information to a specific site, and the like can be considered.

  (Embodiment 10: Effects) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 9, a function for recording a predetermined contact and a failure location in the recorded predetermined contact Since it has a function of communicating information, for example, when it is found that there is a failure location in the mobile terminal, the failure location information can be promptly notified to a store or the like that undertakes repair of the mobile terminal. Thereby, repair etc. of a portable terminal can be performed rapidly.

  (Embodiment 11) (Embodiment 11: Overview) This embodiment has an external device connection unit for connecting to other devices other than the terminal itself, and is connected to the outside from the recording unit via the external device connection unit. The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a function of outputting information.

  (Embodiment 11: Configuration) FIG. 18 illustrates a functional block of a portable terminal according to this embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment is a configuration in which an “external device connection unit” (1817) described later is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10. FIG. 18 illustrates a configuration in which an external device connection unit is added to the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the tenth embodiment. The mobile terminal (1800) in FIG. 18 includes an “acceleration sensor” (1801), a “switch” (1802), a “second determination unit” (1803), a “second count unit” (1804), “ "Second recording unit" (1805), "position information acquisition unit" (1806), "position information recording unit" (1807), "notification unit" (1808), "imaging unit" (1811), “Internal Function Inspection Unit” (1812), “Fault Location Information Acquisition Unit” (1813), “Fault Location Information Output Unit” (1814), “Memory” (1815), “Fault Location Information Transmitter” (1816) and “external device connection unit” (1817). Since the configuration other than the external device connection unit (1817) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal described in the tenth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “external device connection unit” (1817) has a function of connecting to a device other than its own terminal. In addition, information can be output from the recording unit to the outside via an external device connection unit. The “other device” may be a terminal having a communication function, and is assumed to be a personal computer, a portable terminal, or the like. Further, “connecting” means performing communication by recognizing each other. Communication may be wired or wireless. The “recording unit” means the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the position information recording unit, and the acceleration value recording unit. That is, “output information” means the number of times information recorded by the first recording unit and the second recording unit, the position information recorded by the position information recording unit, and the acceleration value recording unit. This means outputting acceleration values and the like. Moreover, since the said imaging | photography part has a function which preserve | saves the image | photographed image | video as data, you may output the preserve | saved data. Various output timings are assumed. Since the user may perform output work at any time, or when the mobile terminal is damaged when dropped, the information recorded in the recording unit may be unreadable, so it is regularly It is possible to back up the recorded information if the information is to be output to, so it seems more convenient. Further, information may be output with a work periodically performed such as a charging work as a trigger. In addition, for example, even when the mobile terminal falls and is damaged and cannot be turned on, power can be supplied from the outside to the recording unit so that information can be read from the outside. It is convenient to become.

  (Embodiment 11: Effect) According to the portable terminal according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 10, the mobile terminal has an external device connection unit for connecting with other devices other than the own terminal, A function of outputting information from the recording unit to the outside via the external device connection unit; As a result, for example, even if the mobile terminal is damaged when dropped and the information recorded in each recording unit cannot be directly read out, by outputting the information etc. to the outside at normal times, the external device It is possible to read information and the like.

  (Embodiment 12) (Embodiment 12: Overview) This embodiment relates to a portable terminal characterized in that the recording unit has removable memory means that is removable memory.

  (Embodiment 12: Configuration) The configuration of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment is characterized in that the recording unit of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 11 has removable memory means that is a removable memory. That is, the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the position information recording unit, and the acceleration value recording unit each have removable memory means. In addition, since the photographing unit has a function of storing the photographed video as data, the photographing unit may also have removable memory means. Specific examples of the “removable memory means” include a memory stick, an SD memory card, SmartMedia (registered trademark), a USB memory, and the like. Further, “the recording unit has removable memory means” means that all or a part of the recording unit is configured by the removable memory as described above. Other configurations are the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the eleventh embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  (Embodiment 12: Effects) According to the portable terminal of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 11, the recording unit has removable memory means that is a removable memory. Even when the terminal is damaged and cannot be turned on, the information recorded in the removable memory can be read out by another device.

Functional block diagram of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. Functional block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment Specific examples of switches FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. Functional block diagram of a portable terminal according to the third embodiment Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 4 Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 5 Specific example of the notification unit Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 6 FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of a mobile terminal according to the sixth embodiment. Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 7 Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 8 Functional block diagram of portable terminal according to Embodiment 9 Specific examples of failure location information FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the mobile terminal according to the ninth embodiment. Functional block diagram of a portable terminal according to the tenth embodiment Functional block diagram of a portable terminal according to Embodiment 11 Specific example of location information recording unit

Explanation of symbols

0100 Mobile terminal 0101 Acceleration sensor 0102 First determination unit 0103 First count unit 0104 First recording unit

Claims (10)

An acceleration sensor,
A mechanical switch,
A second determination unit configured to determine whether the switch is in a second fall state when the acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold;
A second count unit that counts the number of times that the determination result is in a second falling state;
A second recording unit for recording the number of times information counted by the second counting unit;
Mobile terminal having. It has a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of its own terminal,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a position information recording unit that acquires and records position information when the determination result is determined to be in a fall state from the position information acquisition unit.   The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an acceleration value recording unit that records an acceleration value acquired by the acceleration sensor when it is determined that the determination result is a fall state. The portable terminal as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 which has an alerting | reporting part which alert | reports the information recorded when it is judged that the said judgment result is a fall state. The portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a photographing unit that performs photographing when it is determined that the determination result is a fall state. 6. The internal function inspection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: an internal function inspection unit that confirms operation of at least one of an internal function, an I / O function, and a memory when the determination result is a determination result that the device is in a fall state. The portable terminal as described in kaichi. A failure location information acquisition unit that acquires at least one failure location information of an internal function, an I / O function, or a memory;
A failure location information output unit that outputs the failure location information acquired by the failure location information acquisition unit;
The mobile terminal according to claim 6 having. Memory to record a given contact,
The failure location information transmission unit that contacts the contact information recorded in the memory that records the predetermined contact information about the failure location information acquired by the failure location information acquisition unit,
The mobile terminal according to claim 7 having. It has an external device connection part that connects to other devices other than its own terminal,
The portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein information can be output to the outside from the recording unit via the external device connection unit. The portable terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the recording unit includes removable memory means which is a removable memory.

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