JP5814167B2 - Wristwatch-type information terminal and mode setting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wristwatch type information terminal worn on a user's arm and a mode setting method.

  In recent years, information terminals such as mobile phones have been miniaturized, and as a part thereof, wristwatch type information terminals have been developed. In addition, various sensors have been miniaturized, and as a result, mounting of sensors on information terminals has become easier. Since a small sensor can be mounted, for example, a technique for detecting whether or not a user of the information terminal is walking using an acceleration sensor or the like and a technique for detecting the number of steps of the owner have been developed.

  Regarding a wristwatch-type information terminal, Patent Document 1 discloses wristwatch-type information that has a talk mode in which a call can be made and a browser mode in which a call and internet access are possible, and uses different batteries in the talk mode and the browser mode. The terminal is listed. In Patent Document 2, a cover that covers the upper surface of the main body of the wristwatch is provided, a display screen similar to the upper surface of the main body is mounted on the back surface of the cover, and the upper surface of the main body and the back surface of the cover are combined and used as a display screen. A wristwatch type information terminal in which the entire display screen is enlarged is described.

JP 2001-103536 A JP 2000-214277 A

  By the way, since the wristwatch type information terminal as described above operates in the same manner as when it is not used, it has a problem of consuming more power than necessary. In addition, with the downsizing of the wristwatch type information terminal, there is a problem that the operability is lowered and the number of erroneous operations is increased, for example, it becomes difficult to press a button. Furthermore, if the user of the wristwatch-type information terminal continues to operate the terminal for a long time while walking, there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the user to see the surroundings while walking.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a wristwatch type information terminal and mode setting method capable of suppressing power consumption, preventing erroneous operation, and preventing the surroundings from becoming difficult to see by continuing to operate the information terminal. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a wristwatch-type information terminal according to the present invention is a wristwatch-type information terminal worn on a user's arm, and includes an input unit that receives an input operation, and a display that displays predetermined information. Means for detecting the use state of the wristwatch type information terminal by the user, walking detection means for detecting that the user is walking , and detection of the user detected by the usage state detection means. The first mode that restricts the display of information on the display means and prohibits the input operation on the input means according to the use state, permits the display of information on the display means and prohibits the input operation on the input means to the second mode, and and a mode setting means for setting either the third mode to allow an input operation of the display and the input means of information to the display means, said mode setting means, before It detects that used state detecting means is a use state, if the further the walk detecting means has detected that the user is walking is characterized by setting the second mode.

The mode setting method according to the present invention is a mode setting method in a wristwatch type information terminal that can be worn on a user's arm provided with an input means for receiving an input operation and a display means for displaying predetermined information. The use state detecting step for detecting the use state of the wristwatch type information terminal by the user, the walking detection step for detecting that the user is walking, and the use state of the user detected in the use state detecting step. Accordingly, the first mode for restricting the display of information on the display means and prohibiting the input operation on the input means, and the second mode permitting the display of information on the display means and prohibiting the input operation on the input means. the third mode setting step of setting one of modes, wherein the mode that allows the mode, and the input operation of the display and input unit of the information to the display means The determining step detects that the wristwatch type information terminal is in use in the use state detection step, and further detects that the user is walking in the walk detection step. It is characterized by setting two modes .

According to the wristwatch type information terminal or the mode setting method in the wristwatch type information terminal, the first mode for restricting both display and input and the display are permitted and input according to the use state of the wristwatch type information terminal by the user One of the second mode for prohibiting display and the third mode for permitting display and input is set. Therefore, by setting to the first mode, power consumption can be suppressed when the wristwatch type information terminal is not used. Further, since the input operation is prohibited in the first mode and the second mode, an erroneous operation can be prevented. Furthermore, since the user cannot perform an input operation in the first mode and the second mode, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that it becomes difficult to see the surroundings by continuing to operate the terminal. In this case, input operations are prohibited when the user is walking. Furthermore, when it is detected that the wristwatch type information terminal is in use, and further when it is detected that the user is walking, the second mode is set. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of a problem that it becomes difficult to see the surroundings by continuing to operate the user's information terminal.

  In the wristwatch type information terminal, in the second mode, display of information on the display means may be permitted for a preset time. In this case, information is displayed only for the above time, and subsequent display is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user browses the display means for a long time while walking, for example, and the problem that the user becomes difficult to see around by operating the information terminal more reliably is generated. Can be suppressed.

  In the wristwatch-type information terminal, the use state detecting means includes face detecting means for detecting that the user's face is directly facing the display means, and the mode setting means displays the user's face by the face detecting means. When it is detected that the device is facing the device, either the second mode or the third mode may be set. In this case, when the user is looking at the display means, either the second mode or the third mode in which the display of information on the display means is permitted is set. For this reason, the user can surely browse the information when using the wristwatch type information terminal.

  In the wristwatch-type information terminal, the use state detection unit includes an angle detection unit that detects an angle of the display unit and determines whether the angle meets a predetermined condition, and the mode setting unit includes the angle detection unit. If it is determined that the angle matches the condition, either the second mode or the third mode may be set. In this case, when it is considered that the angle of the display means matches the condition and the user is looking at the display means, either the second mode or the third mode in which display is permitted is set. . Therefore, the user can surely browse the information when using the wristwatch type information terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress power consumption, prevent erroneous operation, and prevent the surroundings from becoming difficult to see by continuing to operate the information terminal.

It is a perspective view which shows the wristwatch type information terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the wristwatch-type information terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the wristwatch type information terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of changing a mode in the wristwatch type information terminal which concerns on this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, if possible, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The wristwatch type information terminal 10 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication or a call with another mobile phone M or the like via the wireless communication network NW according to an operation of the user U, for example, or various types of information via the Internet. It is a device that can be connected to a site or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 has an appearance like a wristwatch, and can be worn on the wrist by wrapping around the wrist of the right arm or the left arm of a user U (see FIG. 2) like a wristwatch. It has become. The wristwatch type information terminal 10 includes an input unit (input unit) 12 including operation buttons for receiving input operations for performing various processes such as outgoing calls, and a display unit (display unit) 14 for displaying time, a standby screen, and the like. With. The input unit 12 and the display unit 14 may be configured by a touch panel display in which the input unit 12 and the display unit 14 are integrated.

  The input unit 12 can be operated by direct contact with the user U. When receiving the operation input for executing the calling process via the operation button, the input unit 12 outputs an instruction number for the calling process to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 2). In addition, various Internet sites can be accessed by inputting a predetermined URL through the input unit 12 after starting up the browser.

  The display unit 14 has a display screen and is arranged to face outward when the user U wears the wristwatch type information terminal 10 on his arm. As a result, the display unit 14 is visible to the user U. In addition, when an input operation using the input unit 12 of the user U is performed on the display screen of the display unit 14, the character information that has been input is displayed. The display unit 14 is configured by a display device such as an LCD, for example, and displays predetermined information such as input information, operation information, or contents of downloaded content.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wristwatch type information terminal 10 is functionally used in addition to the input unit 12 and the display unit 14, a use state detection unit (use state detection unit) 16, a use mode setting unit. 18 (mode setting means), a control unit 20 and a communication unit 22 are provided.

  The control unit 20 receives an instruction signal from the input unit 12 and performs a transmission process when the instruction signal is received. At this time, the control unit 20 causes the communication unit 22 to execute a predetermined transmission process, and the communication unit 22 performs a predetermined transmission process, thereby causing a call or communication with another mobile phone M or the like to be executed.

  The usage state detection unit 16 detects the usage state of the wristwatch type information terminal 10 by the user U. The use state detection unit 16 includes a movement information detection unit (angle detection unit) 16a that detects movement information of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10, a face detection unit (face detection unit) 16b that detects the face of the user U, a wristwatch The terminal usage state determination unit 16c that determines the usage state of the type information terminal 10 and a walking state detection unit (walking detection means) 16d that detects the walking state of the user U are configured.

The exercise information detection unit 16a detects exercise information of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 using a sensor 10h (see FIG. 3) described later. The motion information detection unit 16a detects an angle with respect to the vertical upward direction (the normal direction of the display screen of the display unit 14). Further, the exercise information detection unit 16a determines whether or not the detected angle of the display unit 14 matches a predetermined condition. Specifically, the motion information detection unit 16a determines whether θ satisfies θ _min <θ <θ _max when the detected angle of the display unit 14 is θ.

Note that the values of θ _min and θ _max can be set to θ _min = −60 ° and θ _max = 60 °, for example. However, the values are not limited to these values, and the user U may change the values of θ _min and θ _max as appropriate. The motion information detection unit 16a may detect the angle of the display unit 14 with respect to the horizontal plane instead of detecting the angle of the display unit 14 with respect to the vertical upward direction. I can do it. The movement information detection unit 16a that operates in this manner uses the movement information of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 including the determination result as to whether or not the angle of the display unit 14 satisfies a predetermined condition as the terminal usage state determination unit 16c and the walking. It outputs to the state detection part 16d.

  The face detection unit 16b determines whether or not the face of the user U exists at a position facing the display unit 14. The face detection unit 16b uses, for example, the sensor 10h and the camera 10i (see FIG. 3) arranged around the display screen of the display unit 14 to determine whether or not the face of the user U is at the position facing the display unit 14. If it is in a position facing the display unit 14, face information is generated. The face detection unit 16b outputs the generated face information to the terminal usage state determination unit 16c. Note that various methods can be employed for face detection by the face detection unit 16b. For example, face information can be generated by face recognition processing of an image processing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-128990.

  The terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines whether or not the user U is using the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 based on information input from the exercise information detection unit 16a and the face detection unit 16b. Specifically, it is determined that the angle of the display unit 14 satisfies a predetermined condition by the motion information detection unit 16a, or the face of the user U is facing the display unit 14 by the face detection unit 16b. Is detected, the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 is in the “use state”.

  On the other hand, it is determined by the motion information detection unit 16a that the angle of the display unit 14 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, and the face detection unit 16b does not detect that the face of the user U is facing the display unit 14. In such a case, the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 is in the “unused state”. Further, when the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the state is the “use state”, the terminal usage state determination unit 16c outputs a notification to that effect to the walking state detection unit 16d. If the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the terminal is in the “unused state”, the terminal usage state determination unit 16c outputs a message indicating that fact to the usage mode setting unit 18.

  The walking state detection unit 16d determines whether or not the user U is walking when the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the state is the “use state”. The walking state detection unit 16d determines whether or not the user U is walking by detecting the walking state of the user U based on the exercise information input from the exercise information detection unit 16a, for example. For the detection of the walking state by the walking state detection unit 16d, various methods can be adopted. For example, when the action type determination process of the pedometer described in JP2012-008637A is used, the user U You can determine whether you are stopped, walking, or running.

  When it is determined that the user U is in the walking state, the walking state detection unit 16d determines that the wristwatch type information terminal 10 is in the “information confirmation state”, and when the user U determines that the user U is not in the walking state. Determines that the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 is in the “complete operation state”. When the walking state detection unit 16d determines that the state is the “information confirmation state”, the walking state detection unit 16d outputs the fact to the use mode setting unit 18 as an information confirmation signal. On the other hand, when the walking state detection unit 16d determines that the state is the “complete operation state”, the walking state detection unit 16d outputs the fact to the use mode setting unit 18 as a complete operation signal.

  The use mode setting unit 18 receives a non-use signal, an information confirmation signal, or a complete operation signal from the terminal use state determination unit 16c or the walking state detection unit 16d, and sets the use mode of the wristwatch type information terminal 10. The usage modes set by the usage mode setting unit 18 include a non-use mode (first mode), an information confirmation mode (second mode), and a complete operation mode (third mode). In the non-use mode, the display of information on the display unit 14 is restricted and the input operation to the input unit 12 is prohibited. In the information confirmation mode, the display of information on the display unit 14 is permitted but the input to the input unit 12 is permitted. The operation is prohibited, and in the complete operation mode, display of information on the display unit 14 and input operation on the input unit 12 are both permitted. As described above, the usage mode setting unit 18 uses the usage state of the user U detected by the usage state detection unit 16 (non-use signal and information confirmation signal input from the terminal usage state determination unit 16c and the walking state detection unit 16d). Alternatively, the non-use mode, the information confirmation mode, or the complete operation mode is set according to the complete operation signal.

  Specifically, the non-use mode is set in a state where the wristwatch type information terminal 10 is not used, and is a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption, for example. In the non-use mode, the input operation of the input unit 12 is prohibited. In the non-use mode, the display of information on the display unit 14 is limited, and only minimum information such as time is displayed. In the non-use mode, information may not be displayed on the display unit 14 at all, or information to be displayed may be set by the user U in advance.

  The information confirmation mode is a mode in which only information confirmation is possible, and an input operation to the input unit 12 is prohibited. Further, the information confirmation mode is set in a state where only the information displayed in advance can be confirmed, for example, when the user U is walking, and the above information is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Mode. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the display of information on the display unit 14 is stopped. In the information confirmation mode, information may be displayed on the display unit 14 for a predetermined time as described above. Instead, for example, a preset value is set for each application displayed on the display unit 14. You may make it display on the display part 14 only for the set time. Furthermore, in the information confirmation mode, the time displayed on the display unit 14 may be appropriately changed according to the state of the user U.

  The complete operation mode is set, for example, in a state where the user U is not walking or the like and can use the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 without inconvenience, and performs an input operation on the input unit 12 and a screen display on the display unit 14. In this mode, all operations of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, such a wristwatch type information terminal 10 physically includes a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, an input device 10d, an output device 10e, a communication device 10f, a recording device 10g, a sensor 10h, and a camera 10i. These are connected to the bus 10j. The CPU 10a loads predetermined computer software (including a computer program for executing processing of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4) stored in a built-in memory such as the ROM 10c or the recording device 10g into the RAM 10b. The wristwatch type information terminal 10 is controlled in an integrated manner.

  The input device 10d is a data input device including operation buttons and the like that constitute the input unit 12 described above, and outputs input data to the CPU 10a. The output device 10e is a display device such as an LCD or an audio output device such as a speaker constituting the display unit 14, and displays character information input from the CPU 10a on the LCD or the like. The communication device 10f has an interface for performing a call or communication with another mobile phone M or the like via a wireless communication network NW or the like. The recording device 10g stores computer software executable by the CPU 10a.

  Each function of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 operates when the CPU 10a executes computer software stored in the ROM 10c, the recording device 10g, etc., and operates each component of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 shown in FIG. It is a function realized by this. The sensor 10h is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and detects the acceleration, direction, etc. of the wristwatch type information terminal 10 from vibration applied to the wristwatch type information terminal 10, and outputs it to the CPU 10a. The camera 10i is an image camera or an infrared sensor, for example, and images the surroundings of the wristwatch type information terminal 10 and outputs the captured image to the CPU 10a.

  Next, a mode setting method in the wristwatch type information terminal 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1, the face detection unit 16b determines whether or not the face of the user U exists at a position facing the display unit 14, and the motion information detection unit 16a detects the angle of the display unit 14. Then, the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines whether or not the motion information detection unit 16a determines that the angle of the display unit 14 satisfies a predetermined condition, and the face detection unit 16b determines that the face of the user U exists. It is determined whether or not it has been done. When it is determined in step S1 that the face of the user U exists or the angle of the display unit 14 meets the above condition, the process proceeds to step S2 and the terminal usage state determination unit 16c determines that the state is “use state”. To do. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that the face of the user U does not exist and the angle of the display unit 14 does not meet the above condition, the process proceeds to step S3, and the terminal usage state determination unit 16c is in the “unused state”. In step S6, the use mode setting unit 18 sets the non-use mode.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the user U is in a walking state by the walking state detection unit 16d. When it is determined in step S2 that the user U is in a walking state, the process proceeds to step S4, where the walking state detection unit 16d determines that it is in an “information confirmation state”, and the process proceeds to step S6 where the use mode setting unit 18 performs information. Confirmation mode is set.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the user U is not in a walking state, the process proceeds to step S5, where the walking state detection unit 16d determines that it is in a “complete operation state”, and the process proceeds to step S6 and is performed by the use mode setting unit 18. Full operation mode is set.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the non-use mode that restricts both display and input according to the usage state of the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 by the user U, and the information confirmation mode that permits display and prohibits input. , And a complete operation mode that allows display and input. Therefore, for example, by setting the non-use mode, power consumption can be suppressed when the wristwatch type information terminal 10 is not used. Further, since the input operation is prohibited in the non-use mode and the information confirmation mode, an erroneous operation can be prevented. Furthermore, since the user U cannot perform an input operation in the non-use mode and the information confirmation mode, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that it becomes difficult to see the surroundings by continuing to operate the terminal.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, display of information is permitted for a predetermined time in the information confirmation mode, and subsequent display is prohibited. Therefore, the situation where the user U browses the display unit 14 for a long time while walking can be avoided, and the occurrence of the problem that the user U becomes difficult to see the surroundings by operating the wristwatch type information terminal 10 more reliably. Can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, when the user U is looking at the display part 14 when the use condition detection part 16 is provided with the face detection part 16b, the display of the information on the display part 14 is permitted. Either the confirmation mode or the complete operation mode is set. Therefore, the user U can reliably browse the information when using the wristwatch type information terminal 10.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when it is considered that the angle of the display unit 14 matches the condition and the user U is looking at the display unit 14, the information confirmation mode and the complete operation mode in which the display is permitted. Is set. Therefore, the user U can reliably browse the information when using the wristwatch type information terminal 10.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, when the use state detection part 16 is provided with the walking state detection part 16d, when the user U is walking, it is set to information confirmation mode and input operation is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to further reliably suppress the occurrence of a problem that it becomes difficult to see the surroundings by continuously operating the wristwatch type information terminal 10 of the user U.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was concretely demonstrated based on the embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, display of information on the display unit 14 is permitted for a predetermined time in the information confirmation mode. Instead of this example, the non-use mode is used after the predetermined time has elapsed in the information confirmation mode. You may make it transfer to.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when it is determined by the walking state detection part 16d that the user U is a walking state, it becomes information confirmation mode, and when it determines with the user U not being a walking state, complete operation mode However, instead of using the walking state detection unit 16d, for example, a vibration detection unit including a vibration detection sensor may be used. When this vibration detection unit is used, for example, the information confirmation mode is set when vibration of a predetermined value or more is detected, and the complete operation mode is set when vibration of the predetermined value or more is not detected. The same effects as those of the wristwatch type information terminal 10 according to the present invention can be obtained.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the face of the user U was detected using the face detection part 16b and the movement information detection part 16a, or the direction of the display part 14 matched conditions, it determines with a "usage state". Thus, when the face of the user U is not detected and the orientation of the display unit 14 does not match the condition, it is determined as “unused state”. However, the face detection unit 16b and the motion information detection unit 16a may not be used. For example, the user U is hanging his arm, or the wristwatch-type information terminal 10 is fixed or left somewhere. It may be set as “non-use state” when “” is detected, and “use state” in other cases.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Watch-type information terminal, 12 ... Input part, 14 ... Display part, 16 ... Usage state detection part, 16a ... Movement information detection part, 16b ... Face detection part, 16c ... Terminal utilization state determination part, 16d ... Walking state determination Part, 18 ... use mode setting part, U ... user.

Claims (5)

A wristwatch type information terminal that can be worn on a user's arm,
An input means for accepting an input operation;
Display means for displaying predetermined information;
Use state detecting means for detecting a use state of the wristwatch type information terminal by the user;
Walking detection means for detecting that the user is walking;
A first mode for restricting the display of information on the display means and prohibiting an input operation to the input means according to the use state of the user detected by the use state detection means, to the display means Any one of a second mode for permitting display of the information and prohibiting an input operation to the input means, and a third mode for permitting display of information on the display means and input operation to the input means and a mode setting means for setting a,
The mode setting means detects that the use state detection means is in use, and further sets the second mode when the walking detection means detects that the user is walking. A wristwatch type information terminal.   2. The wristwatch type information terminal according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, display of information on the display means is permitted for a preset time. The use state detection means includes face detection means for detecting that the user's face is directly facing the display means,
The mode setting means sets one of the second mode and the third mode when the face detection means detects that the user's face is facing the display means. The wristwatch type information terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The use state detection unit includes an angle detection unit that detects an angle of the display unit and determines whether the angle meets a predetermined condition,
The mode setting means sets the second mode or the third mode when the angle detection means determines that the angle meets the condition. The wristwatch type information terminal according to any one of 1 to 3. A mode setting method in a wristwatch-type information terminal that can be worn on a user's arm provided with an input means for receiving an input operation and a display means for displaying predetermined information,
A use state detecting step of detecting a use state of the wristwatch type information terminal by the user;
A walking detection step for detecting that the user is walking;
A first mode for restricting the display of information on the display means and prohibiting an input operation to the input means according to the use state of the user detected in the use state detection step, to the display means Any one of a second mode for permitting display of the information and prohibiting an input operation to the input means, and a third mode for permitting display of information on the display means and input operation to the input means A mode setting step for setting
Equipped with a,
When the mode setting step detects that the wristwatch type information terminal is in use in the use state detection step, and further detects that the user is walking in the walk detection step, A mode setting method for setting the second mode .

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