JP2009222658A - Portable type walk support device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a walk support device which can enhance motivation for a walk. <P>SOLUTION: This portable type walk support device has a location detecting means which detects the current location, a map information acquiring means which acquires map information as to the surroundings of the current location, a candidate route selecting means which judges whether the current location is a junction, with reference to the map information, and selects as candidate routes a plurality of routes enabling advance from the current location in the case when the current location is the junction, a step number calculating means which calculates the number of steps required for the walk along the individual candidate routes in a plurality, and a route guiding means which outputs route information including the calculated number of steps. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for supporting walking.

  Devices that support walking using GPS (Global Positioning System) include the following devices.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a route guide device that guides the remaining distance to a preset destination (or a main point on the route to the destination) by the number of steps. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses estimating an average pedestrian stride from a signal from the acceleration sensor 19 and calculating an estimated required time to a destination.

Patent Document 2 discloses that the orientation of the mobile terminal is detected by a sensor such as a compass, gyroscope, clinometer, and the display is controlled so that the direction of the arrow displayed on the display matches the direction of the destination. ing. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses outputting peripheral guidance (for example, information on movies, events, restaurants, etc.) corresponding to the orientation of the mobile terminal.
JP 2006-220653 A JP 2001-23076 A

  In order to prevent adult diseases, to prevent obesity, and to resolve lack of exercise, it is preferable to actively walk on a daily basis. However, the conventional walking support device is merely intended to promptly guide the pedestrian to the destination, and does not increase the walking amount or improve the motivation of walking. In addition, the conventional walking support device cannot be used particularly when walking without setting a target or destination, or when walking while selecting an appropriate route from a plurality of routes. .

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The place made into the objective is to provide the walk assistance apparatus which can raise the motivation with respect to a walk.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

  The portable walking support device according to the present invention includes a position detection unit that detects a current position, a map information acquisition unit that acquires map information around the current position, and whether the current position is a branch point with reference to the map information. Judgment and candidate route selection means for selecting, as candidate routes, a plurality of routes that can proceed from the current location when the current location is a branch point, and for each of the plurality of candidate routes, the number of steps required for walking is calculated. And a route guidance unit that outputs route information including the calculated number of steps.

When the user approaches a branch point while walking, route information about each of a plurality of routes extending from the branch point is output. As a result, the user can know at least the number of steps in each route, and can use that information as a reference for route determination. People who are trying to walk for disease prevention and health maintenance are generally aware of their goals and achievements by the number of steps rather than the walking distance and time. Therefore, if the number of steps of each route is known, it becomes easy to determine which route can be used to achieve the target and which route should be selected to walk a lot. As a result, it is possible to promote an increase in the amount of walking or to increase motivation for walking. The present invention is particularly useful when walking without defining a destination or a walking route (hereinafter referred to as “free walking”).

  Preferably, the route guidance means simultaneously displays route information of each of the plurality of candidate routes on a map. The route of each route can be easily grasped by displaying it on the map. In addition, it becomes easy to compare routes by simultaneously displaying a plurality of route information.

  The apparatus further comprises direction detecting means for detecting the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing, and the route guidance means displays only the route information of candidate paths that match the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing among the plurality of candidate routes on the map. It is preferable to display. Alternatively, the route guidance means may display the route information of the candidate route that matches the direction in which the device main body is facing among the plurality of candidate routes on the map in a manner different from the route information of the other candidate routes. preferable. The route of each route can be easily grasped by displaying it on the map. In addition, by highlighting the route information that matches the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing, it is possible to help the user understand intuitively.

  It is preferable that the candidate route selection unit selects a route from the current position to the next branch point or the next landmark as a candidate route with reference to the map information. When you arrive at one branch point, the next target branch point or landmark is presented, so you can maintain your motivation for walking.

  For each of a plurality of candidate routes, the vehicle further comprises walking time calculating means for calculating a walking time necessary for walking, and the route guiding means uses the walking time required for walking the candidate route or the end point of the candidate route as route information. It is preferable to output the time of arrival. Such time information is useful for route selection and schedule assembly in free walking.

  It is preferable to further include a step count measuring unit that counts the number of steps and a track record output unit that outputs track information including the walking route from the start point to the current position and the step count. Such performance information is useful for self-determination as to whether or not the walking amount is sufficient. In addition, informing the route and the number of steps taken so far has the effect of giving the user satisfaction and improving motivation.

  The present invention may be regarded as a portable walking support device having at least a part of the above means, a walking support method by a portable terminal including at least a part of the above processing, or a program for realizing such a method, It can also be understood as a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Each of the above means and processes can be combined with each other as much as possible to constitute the present invention.

  According to the present invention, motivation for walking can be increased.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portable walking support device (hereinafter simply referred to as a walking support device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. This walking support device supports the user's walking (especially walking that is actively performed as an exercise, and free walking that does not define a destination or walking route), and increases the amount of walking and improves motivation for walking. It is for illustration.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the walking support device includes an operation unit 10, a clock 11, a memory 12, a display unit 13, a map information acquisition unit 14, a GPS reception unit 15, a position detection unit 16, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17. , Direction sensor 18, acceleration sensor 19, power source 20 and the like. Although this walking support device can be embodied as a dedicated portable device, it is also preferable to be embodied as one function such as a mobile phone, a PHS, a pedometer, a PDA, and a mobile computer. In the following embodiments, a mobile phone will be described as an example.

  The operation unit 10 is a function for a user to perform various inputs, and corresponds to, for example, a numeric key or a function key of a mobile phone. The clock 11 is a function for measuring the current time, and this clock function is also used for positioning by GPS and calculation of walking time. The memory 12 is a storage means for storing programs, data, walking performance information (number of steps and walking route), map information, and the like. The display unit 13 is a function for displaying a map and route information, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The power source 20 supplies power to each part of the walking support device, and for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery is used. The CPU 17 reads a program stored in the memory 12 and executes various calculations and controls.

  The map information acquisition unit 14 has a function of acquiring (downloading) map information from a map DB server on the network using wireless communication. As the wireless communication, data communication of a mobile phone may be used, or wireless communication such as IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15 may be used.

  The GPS receiver 15 has a function of receiving radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. The position detector 16 is a function (position detector) that detects the current position based on the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver 15. A known technique can be used as a specific method of positioning using a GPS signal. In order to improve positioning accuracy, it is also preferable to perform correction by the output of the acceleration sensor 19 and the direction sensor 18.

  The acceleration sensor 19 is a sensor capable of detecting multi-axis acceleration. The output signal of the acceleration sensor 19 is used for detecting walking, counting the number of steps, estimating the step length, and the like. The direction sensor 18 is a sensor (direction detection means) for detecting the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing, and for example, an electronic compass (geomagnetic sensor) or a gyro can be used.

<Record of walking>
When the user walks while carrying or wearing the walking support device, the acceleration sensor 19 detects the vibration (variation of vertical dynamic acceleration). The CPU 17 counts the number of steps by analyzing the output waveform of the acceleration sensor 19. The counted number of steps is stored in the memory 12 and output to the display unit 13 as necessary. The count value is automatically reset at a predetermined time, and the cumulative number of steps for each predetermined unit period (for example, every time zone, every day, every week) can be individually managed and confirmed. This function by the acceleration sensor 19 and the CPU 17 corresponds to the step count measuring means of the present invention.

<Support for walking>
A flow of processing of the walking support function will be described along the flowchart of FIG. The process of the walking support function is executed in parallel with the walking recording process described above.

  In step S1, the CPU 17 calculates the current position by GPS positioning. For example, the latitude and longitude of the current position are specified.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 17 downloads map information around the current position via the map information acquisition unit 14. However, when the map information around the current position already exists in the memory 12, it is not necessary to download it. The map information includes, in addition to map image data, node and link data for calculating routes and distances, and data representing the positions of branch points and landmarks (facility, etc.). A relatively large intersection or the like is preset as a branch point.

  In step S3, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 17 displays a map on the display unit 13, and from the start point (the point where walking started, the circle mark in FIG. 3) to the current position (star mark in FIG. 3). The walking route is displayed on the map. Further, the CPU 17 displays the number of steps accumulated from the start point to the current position on the display unit 13. The walking route and the number of steps are performance information indicating the path actually walked by the user and the amount of walking. Such performance information is useful for self-determination of whether or not the walking amount is sufficient, and informing the route and the number of steps that have been taken so far gives the user a sense of satisfaction and motivation. There is also an effect of improving. This function by the CPU 17 and the display unit 13 corresponds to the result output means of the present invention.

  In step S4, the CPU 17 refers to the map information and determines whether or not the current position is a branch point. As described above, the map information includes the position (latitude, longitude) of the branch point, and the CPU 17 determines that the distance between the current position (latitude, longitude) and the branch point is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 10 meters). Then, it is determined that the current position is a branch point. If the current position is not a branch point (S4; NO), the process returns to S1, and if the current position is a branch point (S4; YES), the process proceeds to S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 17 refers to the map information and selects a plurality of routes that can travel from the current position as candidate routes. At this time, the CPU 17 selects a route from the current position (current branch point) to the next branch point or the next landmark as a candidate route. Since the motivation of walking may be reduced if the route is too long, the length of the candidate route may be set to several tens of meters to several kilometers, preferably several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters. This function by the CPU 17 corresponds to the candidate route selection means of the present invention.

  In step S6, the CPU 17 calculates the number of steps necessary for walking for each of the candidate routes. Specifically, the CPU 17 calculates the candidate route length from the map information, and calculates the number of steps by dividing the candidate route length by the stride. This function by the CPU 17 corresponds to the step count calculating means of the present invention. As the stride, a value (fixed value) preset in the apparatus may be used, but it is preferable to use a value corrected according to the user. This is because the stride varies among individuals. As a correction method, (1) the user himself / herself inputs his / her stride from the operation unit 10 (manual correction), and (2) the CPU 17 calculates an average from the counted number of steps and the distance advanced by the number of steps. Any method of calculating the stride (automatic correction) may be used. Correcting the individual difference in the stride in this way makes it possible to calculate an accurate number of steps.

  In step S7, the CPU 17 displays the route information of each candidate route on the map. FIG. 4 is a display example of route information. As the route information, three candidate routes are displayed with broken lines, and the number of steps required for each candidate route is displayed. Thereby, the user can easily grasp how much walking amount the route will take.

According to the walking support function described above, when a user approaches a branch point while walking, route information about each of a plurality of routes extending from the branch point is automatically output to the display unit 13. As a result, the user can know the number of steps in each route, and the information can be used as a reference for route determination. People who are trying to walk for disease prevention and health maintenance are generally aware of their goals and achievements by the number of steps rather than the walking distance and time. Therefore, if the number of steps of each route is known, it becomes easy to determine which route can be used to achieve the target and which route should be selected to walk a lot. This makes it possible to increase motivation for walking.

  Further, as shown in the display example of FIG. 4, the route of each route can be easily grasped by displaying the candidate route on the map, and the comparison of the routes becomes easy by displaying a plurality of route information simultaneously. Further, when the vehicle reaches one branch point, the next target branch point or landmark is automatically presented, so that motivation for walking is maintained.

  The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. Hereinafter, preferable modifications will be described.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 5 shows another display example of the route information. In this case, the CPU 17 calculates the walking time required for walking each candidate route and displays it on the map. Specifically, the CPU 17 calculates the walking time by dividing the candidate route length by the walking speed. This function by the CPU 17 corresponds to the walking time calculation means of the present invention. As the walking speed, a value (fixed value) preset in the apparatus may be used, but it is preferable to use a value corrected according to the user. This is because there are individual differences in walking speed. As a correction method, (1) the user himself / herself inputs the walking speed from the operation unit 10 (manual correction), and (2) the CPU 17 calculates the average walking from the counted number of steps and the time spent for the number of steps. Any method of calculating the speed (automatic correction) may be used. Correcting the individual differences in walking speed in this way enables accurate calculation of walking time. In the example of FIG. 5, the walking time necessary for walking the candidate route is displayed, but the time obtained by adding the walking time to the current time (that is, the expected time to arrive at the end point of the candidate route) It may be displayed.

  For example, when such time information is displayed when the time available for walking is limited, it is useful for route selection and schedule assembly.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 6 shows another display example of the route information. In this example, the display of route information is switched according to the orientation of the apparatus main body detected by the direction sensor 18.

  Specifically, the CPU 17 grasps the direction in which the apparatus main body is directed from the output of the direction sensor 18, and which candidate path among the plurality of candidate paths matches (or is close to) the apparatus main body. to decide. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 17 displays only candidate routes that match the orientation of the apparatus body on the map and hides other candidate routes. Thus, by highlighting the route information that matches the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing, it is possible to help the user's intuitive understanding.

  Note that any highlighting method may be used. For example, the same effect can be obtained by displaying only the route information that matches the direction in which the apparatus main body is directed, such as blinking or displaying in a conspicuous color.

<Others>
As long as all necessary map information can be stored in the memory 12 of the walking support device, a function for acquiring the map information from the outside is unnecessary. If the display is not switched according to the orientation of the apparatus body as shown in FIG. 6, the direction sensor 18 is unnecessary. For detection of walking, a pendulum or other vibration sensor may be used instead of the acceleration sensor 19. Further, the display example described above is merely an example, and any output form may be used as long as the route information can be guided. Further, the output method is not limited to display, and audio output is also possible.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable walking support device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the walking support function. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of walking results. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of route information. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of route information according to the first modification. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of route information according to the second modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 11 Clock 12 Memory 13 Display part 14 Map information acquisition part 15 GPS receiving part 16 Position detection part 17 CPU
18 Direction sensor 19 Acceleration sensor 20 Power supply

Claims (7)

Position detection means for detecting the current position;
Map information acquisition means for acquiring map information around the current position;
Candidate route selection means for determining whether the current position is a branch point with reference to map information, and selecting a plurality of routes that can proceed from the current position as candidate routes when the current position is a branch point;
For each of a plurality of candidate routes, a step number calculating means for calculating the number of steps necessary for the walking;
Route guidance means for outputting route information including the calculated number of steps;
A portable walking support device comprising:   The portable walking support device according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance unit simultaneously displays route information of each of a plurality of candidate routes on a map. It further comprises direction detection means for detecting the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing,
The portable walking support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance unit displays only route information of candidate routes that match a direction in which the apparatus main body is facing among a plurality of candidate routes on a map. It further comprises direction detection means for detecting the direction in which the apparatus main body is facing,
The route guidance means displays route information of candidate routes that match a direction in which the apparatus main body is facing among a plurality of candidate routes on a map in a manner different from route information of other candidate routes. The portable walking support device described.   The portable walking support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the candidate route selection means selects a route from the current position to the next branch point or the next landmark as a candidate route with reference to map information. apparatus. For each of a plurality of candidate routes, further comprises a walking time calculating means for calculating a walking time necessary for the walking,
The portable walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the route guidance unit outputs, as route information, a walking time necessary for walking the candidate route or a time when the candidate route arrives at an end point. A step counting means for counting the number of steps;
The portable walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising performance output means for outputting performance information including a walking route from the starting point to the current position and the number of steps.

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