JP2005063288A - Step number measuring device, step number measuring method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a step number measuring device and the like capable of properly measuring step numbers. <P>SOLUTION: A reference data output section 301 outputs reference data with a predetermined constant cycle. A vibration detection section 302 consisting of a vibration sensor and the like sequentially outputs vibration data according to detected vibration. A step number measuring section 303 thins unnecessary vibration data from the vibration data on the basis of the reference data and measures the step number from the thinned vibration data. A step number information storage section 305 stores step number information indicating the measured step number. The step number information is displayed on a display section 306 and transmitted to outside equipment (for example, a game device) by a transmission section 307. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a step count measuring apparatus, a step count measuring method, and a program.

Conventionally, pedometers that measure the number of steps of a user are widely known. Such a pedometer generally employs a method of incorporating a vibrator (pendulum) and measuring the number of steps using this vibrator.
For example, in a pedometer incorporating a vibrator, the vibrator is arranged so as to freely vibrate in the vertical direction (vertical direction) by a spring. And the vertical motion of the body which arises with a user's walk is detected by this vibrator, and the number of steps is measured.

  In addition, a pedometer that incorporates an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor instead of the vibrator and measures the number of steps of the user from the acceleration detected by these sensors is also known.

  On the other hand, portable game devices are widely used. This game device is integrated with a controller, a display screen, and the like, and is portable. Then, by using a battery as a power source of the game device, the user can play a desired game not only indoors but also outdoors.

The conventional pedometer measures the number of steps of the user with a certain degree of accuracy by the mechanism as described above. However, it has been difficult to reduce the size and weight of a pedometer using a vibrator, an acceleration sensor, or the like.
Therefore, even if the function of the pedometer is to be incorporated into other small electronic devices, the actual situation is that the practical size and weight allowed for the small electronic devices are deviated.

Further, the conventional game device has a built-in interface of a predetermined standard, and can be connected to other electronic devices. However, at present, only a plurality of game devices are connected by communication cables to play a battle type game or the like.
For this reason, it has been demanded that the game apparatus can be connected to other electronic devices and used in cooperation with each other.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a step count measuring device, a step count measuring method, and a program capable of appropriately measuring the number of steps even with a simple configuration. .

  A step count measuring apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reference data output unit, a vibration detection unit, a step count measurement unit, and a step count information storage unit, and is configured as follows.

First, the reference data output unit outputs predetermined reference data (for example, reference data for a fixed cycle).
Further, the vibration detection unit detects the generated vibration.

On the other hand, the step count measuring unit corrects the detected vibration based on the reference data, and measures the number of steps by the corrected vibration.
Then, the step count information storage unit stores step count information indicating the measured step count value.

  By applying the present invention, since the number of steps is measured by vibration corrected based on the reference data, the number of steps can be appropriately measured even with a simple configuration.

  The reference data output unit sequentially outputs reference data of a predetermined cycle, the vibration detection unit sequentially outputs vibration data according to the detected vibration, and the step count measurement unit is based on the reference data. Then, unnecessary vibration data may be thinned out from the vibration data, and the number of steps may be measured from the thinned vibration data.

  Thereby, unnecessary vibration data is thinned out based on the reference data, and the number of steps is measured. Therefore, even with a simple configuration, the number of steps can be appropriately measured.

In addition, the above step count measuring device may further include a transmission unit, and the transmission unit may transmit the step number information stored in the step number information storage unit to a predetermined external device (for example, a game device).
In this case, the step count information measured by the step count measuring device can be supplied to the game device or the like. Thereby, in the game device or the like, the step count information can be reflected in the game content or the like, and the game device or the like and the step count measuring device can be used in cooperation with each other.

The step count measuring method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a reference data output step, a vibration detection step, and a step count count step, and is configured as follows.
First, in the reference data output step, reference data of a predetermined cycle is sequentially output.
In the vibration detection step, vibration data corresponding to the detected vibration is sequentially output.
In the step count measurement process, unnecessary vibration data is thinned out from the vibration data based on the reference data, and the number of steps is measured from the thinned vibration data.

  By applying the present invention, unnecessary vibration data is thinned out based on the reference data and the number of steps is measured. Therefore, even with a simple configuration, the number of steps can be appropriately measured.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the above step count measuring apparatus.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, the number of steps can be appropriately measured even with a simple configuration.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are for explanation, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each of these elements or all of the elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a game system including a wearable device in which the step count measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is realized. As shown in the figure, this system is configured by connecting a terminal 10 and a wearable device 20 via a communication cable 30.

The communication cable 30 is detachable, and the terminal 10 and the wearable device 20 are appropriately connected by the user when necessary.
Further, in a state where the communication cable 30 is not connected, the terminal 10 and the wearable device 20 can be used independently.

  The terminal 10 receives the step count information sent from the wearable device 20 while being connected to the wearable device 20 via the communication cable 30. Further, the terminal 10 transmits display permission information to the wearable device 20 according to a predetermined condition. In order to facilitate understanding, a portable game device will be described as an example of the terminal 10, and a wristwatch will be described as an example of the wearable device 20.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a game device that functions as the terminal 10 and a wristwatch that functions as the wearable device 20 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a processing control unit 110, a connector 120, a cartridge 130, a communication connector 140, a communication controller 150, a sound amplifier 160, a speaker 170, an operation key 180, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 190. And comprising.

  The processing control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) core 111, an image processing unit 112, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 113, a WRAM (Work RAM) 114, and an LCD controller 115.

  The CPU core 111 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Specifically, in a state where the cartridge 130 is mounted on the connector 120, a program and data stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 131 in the cartridge 130 are read and predetermined processing is executed.

  The image processing unit 112 processes the data read from the ROM 131 in the cartridge 130 and the data processed by the CPU core 111, and stores the processed data in the VRAM 113.

The VRAM 113 is a memory that stores display information, and stores image information processed by the image processing unit 112 or the like.
The WRAM 114 stores work data and the like necessary when the CPU core 111 executes various processes according to the program.

  The LCD controller 115 controls the LCD 190 to display a predetermined display image. For example, the LCD controller 115 converts the image information stored in the VRAM 113 into a display signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and outputs the display signal to the LCD 190.

  The connector 120 is a terminal that can be detachably connected to the cartridge 130, and transmits / receives predetermined data to / from the cartridge 130 when the cartridge 130 is connected.

The cartridge 130 includes a ROM 131 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 132.
The ROM 131 stores a program for realizing the game, image data and sound data associated with the game, and the like.
The RAM 132 stores various data indicating the progress of the game.

  The communication connector 140 is a terminal that can be detachably connected to the communication cable 30 and transmits / receives necessary data to / from the wristwatch 200 when connected to the wristwatch 200 via the communication cable 30.

  The communication controller 150 mediates communication performed between the processing control unit 110 and the wristwatch 200 (communication control unit 212) according to a predetermined protocol. Via this communication controller 150, the game apparatus 100 can receive information sent from the wristwatch 200 and can transmit data to the wristwatch 200.

The sound amplifier 160 amplifies the audio signal generated by the processing control unit 110 and supplies it to the speaker 170.
The speaker 170 includes, for example, a stereo speaker, and outputs predetermined music sound, sound effect, and the like according to the audio signal amplified by the sound amplifier 160.

The operation key 180 includes a plurality of key switches and the like appropriately arranged on the game apparatus 100, and receives a predetermined instruction input according to a user operation.
The LCD 190 is controlled by the LCD controller 115 and appropriately displays game images and the like.

  On the other hand, the wristwatch 200 includes an arithmetic processing unit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an oscillation element 204, a timing unit 205, an operation button 206, a vibration sensor 207, a voltage sensor 208, a battery 209, a display. A control unit 210, a display unit 211, a communication control unit 212, and a communication connector 213 are provided.

The arithmetic processing unit 201 includes a CPU, peripheral circuits, and the like, and controls the entire wristwatch 200.
For example, the arithmetic processing unit 201 controls the display control unit 210 to display an array of numbers indicating time on the display unit 211 according to the time information timed by the time measuring unit 205.
In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 201 acquires reference data of a certain cycle supplied in order from the timing unit 205 and also acquires vibration data supplied from the vibration sensor 207. Then, the number of steps is counted from the number of steps data obtained by correcting the vibration data, and step number information is stored in the RAM 203. Then, the communication control unit 212 is controlled, and the step count information stored in the RAM 203 is supplied to the game apparatus 100.
Furthermore, when the communication control unit 212 receives display permission information sent from the game apparatus 100, the arithmetic processing unit 201 reads target image data stored in the ROM 202 and causes the display unit 211 to display a character image or the like.

The ROM 202 stores a step count measurement program, image data to be displayed on the display unit 211, and the like. The image data includes a plurality of types of character images. Some of the character images cannot be displayed unless the display permission information is received from the game apparatus 100.
The RAM 203 stores step count information measured by the arithmetic processing unit 201, display permission information received by the communication control unit 212, and the like.

The oscillation element 204 includes a crystal oscillation element or the like, and sequentially supplies a clock signal having a predetermined cycle to the time measurement unit 205.
The clock unit 205 receives the clock signal supplied from the oscillation element 204 and clocks the current time (date / hour / minute / second, etc.). Then, the time information measured is sequentially supplied to the display control unit 210.
In addition, the timing unit 205 generates reference data for a predetermined cycle and outputs the reference data to the arithmetic processing unit 201 sequentially. This reference data is used for correcting vibration data.

  The operation button 206 is formed of a button switch or the like disposed on the side surface of the wristwatch 200 and receives a predetermined instruction input according to a user operation.

The vibration sensor 207 is a sensor that is appropriately reduced in size and thickness, and detects vibration received by the wristwatch 200.
For example, when a user wearing the wristwatch 200 on his / her arm walks, vibrations accompanying walking are sequentially detected. Then, the detected vibration data is sequentially supplied to the arithmetic processing unit 201.

The voltage sensor 208 sequentially detects the voltage of the battery 209. For example, the voltage sensor 208 supplies information indicating a voltage drop to the arithmetic processing unit 201 when the voltage of the battery 209 drops below a predetermined value.
The battery 209 is made of, for example, a button-type battery, and supplies a predetermined voltage / current to each electronic element constituting the wristwatch 200.

The display control unit 210 generates display data and causes the display unit 211 to display the data.
For example, the display control unit 210 generates an array of numbers indicating times according to the time information supplied from the timing unit 205 and causes the display unit 211 to display the numbers.
In addition, the display control unit 210 causes the display unit 211 to display a predetermined character image or the like according to the image data read from the ROM 202 by the arithmetic processing unit 201.
The display unit 211 includes an LCD and displays various images according to data generated by the display control unit 210.

(Outline configuration of the step counting device)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the step count measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding, the step counting device 300 will be described as being realized by the wristwatch 200 described above. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.
The step count measuring apparatus 300 includes a reference data output unit 301, a vibration detection unit 302, a step count measuring unit 303, an instruction unit 304, a step count information storage unit 305, a display unit 306, and a transmission unit 307. The step count measuring apparatus 300 can be worn on the user's arm or the like.

The reference data output unit 301 outputs reference data of a predetermined cycle. This reference data is data defining a vibration cycle obtained when a child of a certain age walks the earliest, for example.
That is, the reference data output unit 301 outputs reference data that defines a predetermined fastest walking cycle (vibration cycle).
The timing unit 205 can function as such a reference data output unit 301.

The vibration detection unit 302 detects the vibration received by the step count measuring apparatus 300 and sequentially outputs vibration data according to the detected vibration.
For example, when a user wearing the step counting device 300 walks, vibrations associated with walking are detected.
The vibration sensor 207 can function as such a vibration detection unit 302.

The step count measurement unit 303 measures the number of steps while correcting the vibration data output from the vibration detection unit 302 according to the reference data output from the reference data output unit 301.
The arithmetic processing unit 201 can function as such a step count measuring unit 303.

A specific operation of the step count measuring unit 303 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is an example when vibration data is thinned out, and FIG. 4B is an example when vibration data is directly used as step count data.
As shown in FIG. 4A, when the vibration data is output more frequently than the reference data, it is estimated that the vibration detection unit 302 has detected an inaccurate vibration. That is, if it is assumed that the user cannot walk in a cycle that is faster (shorter) than the cycle of the reference data, the detected vibration data includes unnecessary vibration data.
Therefore, the step count measuring unit 303 thins out unnecessary vibration data from the vibration data and measures the step count data.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the step count measuring unit 303 is configured to output one vibration data even if a plurality of vibration data is output during one cycle of the reference data (from the rising edge of the reference data to immediately before the next rising edge). Only vibration data is valid and other vibration data is skipped. The effective vibration data is set as step count data.
The step count measuring unit 303 counts the number of steps from such step count data.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the vibration data is output less than the reference data, it is estimated that the vibration detection unit 302 has detected the vibration normally.
That is, the step count measuring unit 303 uses the vibration data output during one cycle (or a plurality of cycles) of the reference data as valid step count data as it is, and counts the number of steps from the step count data.

Returning to FIG. 3, the instruction unit 304 instructs the step counting unit 303 to start and end the step count measurement in accordance with the user operation.
The operation button 206 can function as such an instruction unit 304.

The step count information storage unit 305 stores the step count information measured by the step count measurement unit 303. That is, the step count information storage unit 305 stores the step count information counted from the step count data appropriately corrected as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).
The RAM 203 can function as such a step count information storage unit 305.

The display unit 306 displays the step count information stored in the step count information storage unit 305.
The display unit 211 and the like can function as such a display unit 306.

The transmission unit 307 transmits the step count information stored in the step count information storage unit 305 to the external device. For example, the transmission unit 307 transmits the step count information to the game device 100 when the step count measuring device 300 is connected to the game device 100.
And the communication control part 212 grade | etc., Can function as such a transmission part 307.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the step count measurement process executed in the step count measuring apparatus 300. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. Note that this step count measurement process is started, for example, when the instruction unit 304 is operated and the start of measurement is instructed by the user while the step count measuring apparatus 300 is worn on the user's arm or the like.

  First, the step count measuring unit 303 sets an initial value of 0 to the step count S that is a variable for counting the step count (step S401). Note that the step count measuring unit 303 also sets a flag indicating the acquisition state of the reference data to off.

  The step count measuring unit 303 determines whether or not reference data has been acquired (step S402). For example, by detecting the rising edge of the reference data output from the reference data output unit 301, it is determined whether or not the reference data has been acquired.

  If the step count measurement unit 303 determines that the reference data has not been acquired, the step count measurement unit 303 advances the process to step S404 described below. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reference data has been acquired, the step count measuring unit 303 turns on the flag (step S403).

  The step count measuring unit 303 determines whether vibration data has been acquired (step S404). For example, it is determined whether or not vibration data has been acquired by detecting the rise of vibration data output from the vibration detection unit 302.

  If the step count measuring unit 303 determines that vibration data has not been acquired, the step count measuring unit 303 advances the processing to step S408 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that vibration data has been acquired, the step count measuring unit 303 determines whether or not the flag is on (step S405).

If the step count measuring unit 303 determines that the flag is not on (the flag is off), the step count measuring unit 303 proceeds to step S408 described later.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the flag is on, the step count measuring unit 303 adds 1 to the step count S (step S406). Then, the step count measuring unit 303 returns the flag to off (step S407).

  The step count measuring unit 303 determines whether an end instruction has been received (step S408). That is, it is determined whether or not the instruction unit 304 has been operated by the user and an end instruction has been received.

  If the step count measurement unit 303 has not received an end instruction, the step count measurement unit 303 returns the process to step S402 and repeatedly executes the above-described processes of S402 to S408.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the end instruction has been received, the step count measuring unit 303 accumulates and stores the current value of the step count S in the step count information storage unit 305 (step S409).

With such a step count measurement process, even if a plurality of vibration data is output during one cycle of the reference data, only one vibration data is counted, and the other vibration data is skipped.
For this reason, according to the present embodiment, unnecessary vibration data is thinned out based on the reference data and the number of steps is measured, so that the number of steps can be appropriately measured even with a simple configuration.

When the step count information thus measured is transmitted to the game apparatus 100, the game apparatus 100 can reflect the received step count information in the game content.
Hereinafter, a game in which a character can be moved by the time parameter value will be briefly described as an example.

  First, when the game apparatus 100 receives the step count information from the above-described step count measuring apparatus 300 (watch 200), the game apparatus 100 increases the time parameter according to the received step count information. Thus, the user can operate the character with the operation key 180 by the time parameter value increased by the step count information, and can perform various actions.

When the user appropriately operates the character to clear a predetermined task imposed in the game, the display permission information can be transmitted to the wristwatch 200.
When this display permission information is transmitted to the wristwatch 200, it is stored in the RAM 203, and a character image that could not be displayed until then can be displayed on the display unit 211.

  In this way, the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 can be connected and used effectively in cooperation.

In the above embodiment, the case has been described where the step count information measured by the wristwatch 200 (the step count measuring device 300) is transmitted to the game device 100, but information other than the step count information may be transmitted to the game device 100.
For example, time information may be transmitted from the wristwatch 200 in order to cause the game apparatus 100 to generate identification information and the like.
Hereinafter, an identification information generating apparatus that automatically generates identification information according to time information sent from the wristwatch 200 will be described.
(Embodiment 2)

(Outline configuration of identification information generator)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification information generating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In order to facilitate understanding, the identification information generation device 500 will be described as being realized by the game device 100 described above. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.
The identification information generation device 500 includes a determination unit 501, a time information acquisition unit 502, a display unit 503, an identification information generation unit 504, and an identification information storage unit 505.

The determination unit 501 determines whether identification information is already stored in the identification information storage unit 505.
Then, the process control unit 110 can function as such a determination unit 501.

The time information acquisition unit 502 acquires time information from an external device. For example, when the identification information generating apparatus 500 is connected to the wristwatch 200, the time information acquisition unit 502 obtains the current time information (for example, hour / minute / second information in units of 1/10 second) from the wristwatch 200. Receive.
The time information acquisition unit 502 can determine whether or not the identification information generation device 500 is connected to an external device such as the wristwatch 200.
The communication controller 150 or the like can function as such a time information acquisition unit 502.

The display unit 503 displays a message that prompts connection with an external device such as the wristwatch 200.
The LCD 190 or the like can function as such a display unit 503.

The identification information generation unit 504 generates identification information according to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit 502. For example, the identification information generation unit 504 generates an ID number that is uniquely determined from the time information.
The identification information generation unit 504 stores the generated identification information in the identification information storage unit 505.
Then, the process control unit 110 can function as such an identification information generation unit 504.

The identification information storage unit 505 stores the identification information generated by the identification information generation unit 504.
The RAM 132 or the like in the cartridge 130 can function as such an identification information storage unit 505.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of identification information generation processing executed in the identification information generation apparatus 500. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The identification information generation process is automatically started when the identification information generation apparatus 500 is turned on, for example.

First, the determination unit 501 determines whether the identification information is not set in the identification information storage unit 505 (a state in which the identification information is not stored) (step S601).
If it is determined that the identification information has been set (stored), the identification information generation process is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification information is not set, the time information acquisition unit 502 determines whether or not the identification information generation device 500 is already connected to an external device such as the wristwatch 200 (step S602).

If it is determined that the time information acquisition unit 502 has not been connected to the external device, the time information acquisition unit 502 displays a connection instruction message on the display unit 503 (step S603). That is, the display unit 503 displays a message that prompts connection with an external device. Then, the time information acquisition unit 502 returns the process to step S602 described above.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the external device is already connected, the time information acquisition unit 502 acquires time information (step S604). For example, the time information acquisition unit 502 receives current time information sent from the wristwatch 200.

The identification information generation unit 504 generates identification information according to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit 502 (step S605). For example, the identification information generation unit 504 generates an ID number having a predetermined number of digits from the time information.
Then, the identification information generation unit 504 stores the generated identification information in the identification information storage unit 505 (step S606). Then, the identification information storage unit 505 continues to store the identification information thereafter.

Through such identification information generation processing, identification information is automatically generated and stored in the identification information storage unit 505. That is, when the user first uses the identification information generating apparatus 500 (specifically, the cartridge 130), identification information (ID number or the like) is automatically assigned and thereafter retained.
For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the game apparatus 100 (identification information generating apparatus 500) and the wristwatch 200 (external device) can be connected and used effectively in cooperation.

  In the above embodiment, the case where information (step count information, time information, etc.) is mainly transmitted from the wristwatch 200 to the game device 100 has been described. However, various information is transmitted from the game device 100 to the wristwatch 200. You may send it.

  For example, the time setting of the wristwatch 200 may be performed from the game device 100 in a state where the wristwatch 200 and the game device 100 are connected. A brief description is given below.

First, the game device 100 acquires the current time (time information) set in the wristwatch 200. Then, an array of numbers indicating the current time is displayed on the LCD 190.
Then, game device 100 accepts a change instruction from the user via operation keys 180, and changes the arrangement of numbers (time values) displayed on LCD 190 according to the change instruction.
After that, when a confirmation instruction is accepted by the operation key 180, the game apparatus 100 generates change time information from the current number array displayed on the LCD 190 and transmits it to the wristwatch 200.

On the other hand, when the wristwatch 200 receives the change time information sent from the game apparatus 100, the arithmetic processing unit 201 controls the clock unit 205 to correct the current time according to the change time information.
Thereby, the time of the wristwatch 200 can be easily adjusted from the game apparatus 100.
In this case as well, the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 can be connected and used in a coordinated manner.

  Further, when the voltage of the battery 209 of the wristwatch 200 decreases, a message prompting the user to replace the battery 209 is displayed on the game apparatus 100, or an instruction image for teaching the battery 209 replacement method is displayed on the game apparatus 100. You may do it. A brief description is given below.

  First, when the voltage sensor 208 detects a voltage drop of the battery 209, the wristwatch 200 transmits code information indicating battery replacement to the game apparatus 100. When communication between the wristwatch 200 and the game apparatus 100 is performed by power supply on the game apparatus 100 side, it is possible to transmit code information even if the voltage of the battery 209 is considerably reduced.

On the other hand, when the game apparatus 100 receives the code information sent from the wristwatch 200, the game apparatus 100 displays a message for prompting the wristwatch 200 to replace the battery on the LCD 190.
When a specific operation key 180 is operated on the game apparatus 100 and a battery replacement instruction is transmitted to the user, the game apparatus 100 displays an instruction image on the LCD 190 for teaching a battery 209 replacement method. .
For example, the game apparatus 100 displays an instruction image instructing how to open the back cover of the wristwatch 200, how to remove the old battery 209, how to install the new battery 209, how to dispose of the old battery 209, and the like. Note that these instruction images are stored in advance in the ROM 131 in the cartridge 130.

Thereby, the user is notified when the battery of the wristwatch 200 is replaced, and the user can easily perform the replacement.
In this case as well, the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 can be connected and used in a coordinated manner.

Although the case where the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 are connected by the communication cable 30 has been described in the above embodiment, the connection method (communication technique) between the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 is limited to such a wired connection. It is not a thing but arbitrary.
For example, the game apparatus 100 and the wristwatch 200 may be connected by wireless radio waves, infrared rays, or the like to be communicable.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the number of steps can be appropriately measured even with a simple configuration. In addition, the game apparatus can be usefully used in conjunction with another electronic device.

It is a mimetic diagram showing composition of this game system of this embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the game device of this embodiment, and a wristwatch. It is a mimetic diagram showing an outline composition of a step count measuring device concerning this embodiment. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that step count data is calculated | required. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the step count measurement process performed in a step count measuring apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the identification information generation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the identification information generation process performed in an identification information generation device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game device 110 Processing control part 120 Connector 130 Cartridge 140 Communication connector 150 Communication controller 160 Sound amplifier 170 Speaker 180 Operation key 190 LCD
200 Wristwatch 201 Arithmetic Processing Unit 202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Oscillating element 205 Timekeeping unit 206 Operation button 207 Vibration sensor 208 Voltage sensor 209 Battery 210 Display control unit 211 Display unit 212 Communication control unit 213 Communication connector 300 Step count measuring device 301 Reference data output unit 302 Vibration detection unit 303 Step count measurement unit 304 Instruction Unit 305 Step count information storage unit 306 Display unit 307 Transmission unit 500 Identification information generation device 501 Discrimination unit 502 Time information acquisition unit 503 Display unit 504 Identification information generation unit 505 Identification information storage unit

Claims (5)

A step count measuring device comprising a reference data output unit, a vibration detection unit, a step count measuring unit, and a step count information storage unit,
The reference data output unit outputs predetermined reference data,
The vibration detection unit detects the generated vibration,
The step counting unit corrects the detected vibration based on reference data, measures the number of steps by the corrected vibration,
The step count information storage unit stores step count information indicating the measured step count value.
It is characterized by that. The step counting device according to claim 1,
The reference data output unit sequentially outputs reference data of a predetermined constant cycle,
The vibration detector sequentially outputs vibration data corresponding to the detected vibration,
The step counting unit thins out unnecessary vibration data from vibration data based on reference data, and measures the number of steps from the thinned vibration data.
It is characterized by that. The step counting device according to claim 1 or 2,
A transmission unit;
The transmission unit transmits the step count information stored in the step count information storage unit to a predetermined external device;
It is characterized by that. A step count measuring method comprising a reference data output step, a vibration detection step, and a step count count step,
In the reference data output step, a predetermined cycle of reference data is sequentially output,
In the vibration detection step, vibration data corresponding to the detected vibration is sequentially output,
In the step counting step, unnecessary vibration data is thinned out from vibration data based on reference data, and the number of steps is measured from the thinned vibration data.
A method characterized by that. A program that causes a computer to function as a reference data output unit, a vibration detection unit, a step count measurement unit,
The reference data output unit sequentially outputs reference data of a predetermined constant cycle,
The vibration detector sequentially outputs vibration data corresponding to the detected vibration,
The step counting unit thins out unnecessary vibration data from vibration data based on reference data, and measures the number of steps from the thinned vibration data.
It is characterized by functioning as follows.

Images