JP2012194182A - Positioning device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a positioning system capable of extending a battery life and miniaturizing the device.SOLUTION: A GPS processing section 3 measures a current position, based on position information sent from a GPS satellite. The presence or absence of the vibration of a device body is detected based on a detection signal of an inclination switch 13. When a state without any vibration continues at least for a fixed time, it is determined that oneself is in a stopped state, thus automatically stopping the measurement operation of the current position by the GPS processing section 3. When the measured current position is the same as a measurement result at a fixed time before, the measurement operation of the current position by the GPS processing section 3 is stopped automatically. By stopping meaningless positioning operation, power consumption can be reduced. A temperature change, a posture change, or the like within a prescribed time in the device body is detected by a thermo sensor or an acceleration sensor, thus detecting a state where the device is not mounted on a user and stopping the measurement operation of the current position automatically.

Description

  The present invention relates to a positioning device that measures its own position using positioning information transmitted from a GPS satellite or the like.

  Conventionally, a positioning device used for GPS position measurement can measure its own position by receiving navigation signals such as ephemeris and almanac sent from a plurality of GPS satellites, that is, positioning information. The ephemeris is data such as the orbit information of the transmission source satellite itself and the correction information of the clock, and the almanac is data related to the approximate orbits of all the satellites. When receiving positioning information, each satellite is captured, that is, the reception timing is synchronized with the transmission timing of the data from the satellite, and more accurate position measurement is possible with a larger number of satellites that can be captured. It has become.

  However, when the positioning device described above is incorporated into a wristwatch or the like to ensure portability, there are the following problems. In other words, the reception of positioning information during the position measurement described above requires a larger current than when operating as a watch, so the battery life is shortened, and the battery capacity is increased to compensate for the device. There has been a problem that portability is reduced and portability is impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a positioning device that can extend the battery life and reduce the size of the device.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the positioning device according to claim 1 receives positioning information sent from a satellite and measures its own position based on the positioning information, and stops itself for a predetermined time. A determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle is in a state; and a control unit that ends the self-position measurement operation by the positioning unit when the determination unit determines that the device is in a stopped state for a predetermined time. And provided. In such a configuration, useless positioning operation is eliminated when it is considered that the self-stopped state is long and it is not necessary to measure a new self-position.

  Further, in the positioning device according to claim 2, the determination unit is in a stopped state when a measurement result at a certain time by the positioning unit coincides with a measurement result after the predetermined time has elapsed. It was assumed that there was. In such a configuration, it can be reliably determined that the user is in a stopped state for a predetermined time.

  The positioning device according to claim 3 further includes vibration detection means for detecting vibration of the apparatus main body, and the determination means is stopped when the vibration detection means cannot detect vibration for the predetermined time. Judged to be in a state. In such a configuration, even when the positioning information cannot be received, it can be determined that the device is in a stopped state.

  Further, in the positioning device of claim 4, the positioning means for receiving the positioning information sent from the satellite and measuring the self-position based on the positioning information, and the self-position measured by the positioning means are sequentially provided. Storage means for storing, and control means for prohibiting the storage operation of the new self-position by the storage means while the current location indicated by the self-position measured by the positioning means is outside a predetermined set area; Was provided. In such a configuration, the storage operation of the self position is prohibited in the area outside the designated area, and unnecessary storage operation of the self position in the area outside the designated area can be prevented.

  In the positioning device according to claim 5, the positioning information transmitted from the satellite is received, the positioning means for measuring the self-position based on the positioning information, and the reception interval of the positioning information by the positioning means, Control means for making the current position indicated by the self-position measured by the positioning means outside the set area where the current position is determined is longer than the time when the current position is inside the designated area where the current position is set; It was provided. In such a configuration, the number of positioning times per unit time can be reduced in areas outside the designated area.

  The positioning device according to claim 6 further includes setting means for setting the set area in response to a user request. In such a configuration, the user can specify the set area by himself / herself.

  The positioning device according to claim 7 is a portable positioning device worn by a user, receives positioning information sent from a satellite, and measures its own position based on the positioning information. Positioning means, non-wearing state detecting means for detecting a non-wearing state in which the device has been removed from the user, and self-positioning by the positioning means in response to the non-wearing state being detected by the non-wearing state detecting means And a control means for terminating the measurement operation. In such a configuration, when the device is removed from the user, the non-wearing state is detected, and the self-position measuring operation is automatically ended. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate an unnecessary measurement operation in a state where position measurement is unnecessary.

  Further, in the positioning device according to claim 8, the non-wearing state detecting means includes a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a predetermined part of the apparatus, and the temperature detecting means based on a temperature change within a predetermined time by the temperature detecting means. The non-wearing state was detected. In such a configuration, when the device is removed from the user, the non-wearing state is detected based on a temperature change within a predetermined time of a predetermined portion of the device main body. Moreover, it is detected with high accuracy.

  In the positioning device according to claim 9, the non-wearing state detecting means includes posture state detecting means for detecting the posture state of the apparatus body, and the posture state detected by the posture state detecting means is a predetermined time. The non-wearing state is detected based on the continuation. In such a configuration, when the device is removed from the user, the non-wearing state is detected based on the posture state of the device body continuing for a predetermined time.

  The positioning device according to claim 10 is a portable positioning device worn by a user, receives positioning information sent from a satellite, and measures its own position based on the positioning information. Positioning means, wearing state detecting means for detecting a wearing state in which the apparatus is worn by the user, and a self-position measuring operation by the positioning means in response to the wearing state being detected by the wearing state detecting means. And control means for starting. In such a configuration, when the device is mounted on the user, the mounting state is detected and the self-position measurement operation is automatically started, so that the user does not need to perform an operation for restarting the position measurement. Become. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the measurement operation is continued even though the position measurement is not required because the user avoids the operation for ending the measurement operation.

  In the positioning device according to claim 11, the wearing state detecting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a predetermined part of the device, and the wearing state detecting means is based on a temperature change within a predetermined time by the temperature detecting means. The condition was to be detected. In such a configuration, when the apparatus is mounted on the user, the mounted state is detected based on a temperature change within a predetermined time of a predetermined part of the apparatus main body. Moreover, it is detected with high accuracy.

  Further, in the positioning device according to claim 12, the wearing state detecting means includes posture state detecting means for detecting the posture state of the apparatus main body, and the duration time of the posture state detected by the posture state detecting means. The mounting state is detected based on the fact that the predetermined time is not reached. In such a configuration, when the apparatus is mounted on the user, the mounted state is detected based on the fact that the posture state of the apparatus body does not continue for a predetermined time.

  In the positioning device according to claim 13, the wearing state detecting means includes vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus main body, and the time when the vibration is continuously detected by the vibration detecting means is predetermined. The wearing state is detected based on less than time. In such a configuration, when the apparatus is mounted on the user, the mounted state is detected based on the fact that the vibration of the apparatus body does not continue for a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the present invention, useless positioning operation is eliminated when it is considered that the self-stop state is long and it is not necessary to measure a new self-position. Therefore, by reducing the power consumption of the positioning device during use, the battery life can be extended and the device can be downsized when the battery is used as a power source. Further, if the measurement result at a certain time point coincides with the measurement result after a predetermined time has elapsed, if it is determined that the vehicle is in the stopped state, it is certain that the device is in the stopped state for a predetermined time. In addition, in the case of determining that the apparatus is in a stopped state based on the presence or absence of vibration of the apparatus main body, it is possible to determine its own stopped state even when positioning information cannot be received. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately eliminate only the useless positioning operation.

  Further, in another invention, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary storing operation of the self-location in the area outside the designated designated area and the number of positioning times per unit time. Therefore, by appropriately setting the designated area, the number of self-position storage operations and positioning times when in other areas can be reduced, and the battery consumption can be reduced by reducing the power consumption during use. The battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be miniaturized when using as a power source. Furthermore, since the user can designate the set area by himself / herself, the usability can be improved.

  In another aspect of the invention, when the device is removed from the user, the self-position measurement operation is automatically terminated, thereby eliminating unnecessary measurement operations under conditions where position measurement is unnecessary. I was able to do it. Therefore, when the battery is used as a power source, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized. In particular, a device that detects a non-wearing state in which the device has been removed from the user based on a temperature change within a predetermined time of a predetermined portion of the device body can detect the non-wearing state with high accuracy, so there is no malfunction. High reliability.

  In another invention, the self-position measurement operation is automatically started when the device is attached to the user, and the measurement operation is performed even though the position measurement is not required. Was able to eliminate the situation of being continued. Therefore, useless measurement operation can be suppressed, and as a result, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized when the battery is used as a power source. In particular, a device that detects the mounting state in which the device is mounted on the user based on a temperature change within a predetermined time of a predetermined part of the device body can detect the mounting state with high accuracy, so there is no malfunction and reliability. Is expensive.

It is a block diagram of a positioning device showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the GPS mode in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the GPS mode in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data memorize | stored in RAM in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the locus | trajectory data storage mode in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the power saving GPS mode in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the positioning apparatus which shows the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the positioning device. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a block diagram of the positioning apparatus which shows the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the positioning device. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a block diagram of the positioning apparatus which shows the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the positioning device. It is a flowchart following FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a positioning device 1 according to the present invention.

  The positioning device 1 is a wristwatch type that can be worn on a user's arm, and includes a GPS antenna 2 and a GPS processing unit 3. The GPS processing unit 3 includes an RF, an A / D, a data register, a counter, a decoder, and a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like that control them. The GPS processing unit 3 amplifies and demodulates the L1 band received radio wave received from the GPS satellite 2 received by the GPS antenna 2, then decodes the satellite data such as the ephemeris information and the almanac information, and calculates the self position based on the decoded data. And so on. The measurement result by the GPS processing unit 3 is sent to the CPU 4 that controls the positioning device 1 as a whole, and then displayed on an LCD (not shown) provided in the display circuit 5. The LCD displays the current time sent from the clock unit (not shown) to the CPU 4 during normal clock mode setting, and the self-position measured by the GPS processing unit 3 during GPS mode setting. That is, the latitude and longitude are displayed. Power supply to the GPS processing unit 3 and the CPU 4 is performed by a power supply circuit 6 including a power supply (battery). The CPU 4 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 8 while using the RAM 7 as a working memory, and controls each unit such as the GPS processing unit 3. Various data are stored in the RAM 7 when the CPU 4 controls.

  The CPU 4 has a switch input unit 9 connected to a plurality of switches for a user to perform operations such as switching between a clock mode and a GPS mode, a satellite data storage unit 10, a map data storage unit 11, and vibration detection. The part 12 is connected. The satellite data storage unit 10 is a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM for storing satellite data such as ephemeris information and almanac information read or updated by the GPS processing unit 3. The map data storage unit 11 is a ROM that stores unmodified data such as map data and positioning system data. The vibration detection unit 12 has a tilt switch 13 for detecting that the tilt of the apparatus main body has changed, that is, the vibration of the apparatus main body. The detection signal of the tilt switch 13 is processed by the vibration detection unit 12 and sent to the CPU 4. Sent.

  Next, the operation when the GPS mode is set in the positioning device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, when the GPS mode is set, the CPU 4 receives the positioning information sent from the GPS satellite by the GPS processing unit 3, measures the current position, and displays the measurement result (latitude and longitude) on the LCD of the display circuit 5. It is displayed (step SA1). Next, it is determined whether or not the apparatus main body is vibrating based on the detection signal of the tilt switch 13 sent from the vibration detector 12 (step SA2). If there is vibration, the process returns to step SA1. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is YES and there is no vibration, it is subsequently determined whether or not the state continues for a predetermined time (step SA3). Note that the determination here is, for example, the time when the vibration was detected before being changed to a state in which vibration is not detected is stored (updated) in the RAM 7 as needed, and the time is taken. This is performed depending on whether or not the difference from the time at the time of determination is a certain time or more. If the determination result in step SA3 is NO and the operation has not continued for a certain time, the process returns to step SA1, and if the operation has continued for a certain time, the positioning operation by the GPS processing unit 3 is stopped (step SA4), and the GPS mode is set. Exit.

  Therefore, when the GPS mode is set, if the positioning device 1 does not vibrate for a certain period of time, that is, if the user wearing the positioning device 1 does not move for a certain time, the GPS processing unit 3 performs unnecessary positioning. The operation is stopped. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced by stopping the meaningless positioning operation. As a result, the battery life can be extended and the device can be downsized.

  In the present embodiment, the GPS device is immediately terminated when the positioning device 1 has not been vibrated for a certain period of time. For example, in such a state, The positioning operation may be temporarily stopped, and an operation for detecting the presence or absence of vibration may be performed at regular time intervals, and the positioning operation may be resumed at the time when there is vibration. In that case, when the user stays at a certain place for a certain period of time and then starts moving again, there is no need to reset the GPS mode, which improves usability.

  (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the CPU 4 when the GPS mode is set in a positioning device having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 (however, the above-described vibration detection unit 12 is unnecessary). is there.

  That is, when the GPS mode is set, the CPU 4 starts the positioning operation by the GPS processing unit 3, receives the positioning information, measures the current position, and displays the measurement result (latitude and longitude) on the LCD of the display circuit 5. After that (step SB1), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step SB2). Note that the elapsed time initially determined here is the elapsed time from the start of the positioning operation. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step SB1 and the GPS processing unit 3 performs the positioning operation again. When the elapsed time eventually becomes a fixed time and the determination result in step SB2 is YES, whether or not the current position measured at that time is the same as the positioning result measured before the predetermined time stored in the RAM 7 Is determined (step SB3). Here, the first determination result after starting the positioning operation is NO, the process proceeds to step SB4, the positioning result at that time is stored in the RAM 7, and then the process returns to step SB1. That is, in step SB4, the positioning results at regular intervals are updated and stored in the RAM 7. Then, while repeating the above-described processing, if both the determination results of step SB2 and step SB3 are YES and the current position is the same as the positioning result before a certain time, the positioning operation by the GPS processing unit 3 Is stopped (step SB5), and the GPS mode is terminated.

  Therefore, when the GPS mode is set, if the user wearing the positioning device 1 does not move for a certain time, the useless positioning operation of the GPS processing unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, also in this embodiment, power consumption can be reduced by stopping the meaningless positioning operation. As a result, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized. In addition, compared with the first embodiment described above, there is an advantage that it is possible to know more accurately the state in which the user has not moved for a certain period of time, and to reliably stop the useless positioning operation.

  (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is a positioning apparatus having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1, and in the memory area of the RAM 7, there is a designated area data area 7a shown in FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. The indicated locus data area 7b is secured in advance, and the current position is sequentially measured, and the position data (latitude and longitude data) obtained by the measurement are sequentially stored in the locus data area 7b as locus data indicating the movement locus. Has a trajectory data storage mode. Also in this embodiment, the above-described vibration detection unit 12 is not necessary.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the operation when the locus data storage mode is set will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when such a mode is set, the user first designates a desired latitude / longitude, and the designated latitude / longitude data A1, A2,... An are sequentially stored in the designated area data area 7a of the RAM 7 (step S1). SC1). Note that there are three or more latitudes and longitudes specified by the user. Next, the GPS processing unit 3 starts a positioning operation, receives the positioning information, measures the current position, and displays the measurement result (latitude and longitude) on the LCD of the display circuit 5 (step SC2). Subsequently, the points indicated in the measurement results are surrounded by connecting the points indicated by the latitude and longitude data A1, A2,... An stored in the designated region data area 7a, that is, the points indicated by the respective data. Is determined (step SC3). If it is within the region, the measurement result at that time is stored as the trajectory data in the trajectory data area 7b (step SC4), and then the process returns to step SC2, and the discrimination result in step SC3 is NO, If the measurement result is outside the area, the process returns to step SC2. The above processing is repeated until the trajectory data storage mode is terminated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user is in a place other than the area where the trace data needs to be stored, the situation where the trace data is stored unnecessarily is eliminated. Therefore, by reducing the number of times the trajectory data is stored when trajectory data is stored, the battery life can be extended and the device can be downsized. In addition, the storage capacity of the RAM 7 can be used effectively.

  In the present embodiment, at least one latitude / longitude is specified by the user in step SC1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one latitude / longitude is specified and the point indicated by the latitude / longitude is specified. The area having a predetermined radius (or a radius specified separately) as the center is designated as the designated area, and the process of shifting to step SC2 described above is performed, or two latitudes and longitudes are designated and indicated by latitude and longitude. The process of transition to step SC2 described above may be performed with a rectangular area having two symmetrical points as a designated area. In addition, a simple map based on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 11 is displayed on the LCD regardless of the latitude and longitude, and a desired point is designated from the simple map by a predetermined switch operation. The latitude and longitude may be stored in the designated area data area 7a of the RAM 7. Furthermore, if the user can select a plurality of types of designation methods, the usability is improved.

  (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in the positioning device having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1, a designated area data area 7a shown in FIG. 4A is secured in advance in the memory area of the RAM 7. . Also in this embodiment, the above-described vibration detection unit 12 is not necessary.

  Hereinafter, the operation when the GPS mode is set in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when this mode is set, the user first designates a desired latitude / longitude, and the designated latitude / longitude data A1, A2,... An are sequentially stored in the designated area data area 7a of the RAM 7 (step SD1). Note that there are three or more latitudes and longitudes specified by the user. Next, the GPS processing unit 3 starts a positioning operation, receives the positioning information, measures the current position, and displays the measurement result (latitude and longitude) on the LCD of the display circuit 5 (step SD2). Subsequently, the points indicated in the measurement results are surrounded by connecting the points indicated by the latitude and longitude data A1, A2,... An stored in the designated region data area 7a, that is, the points indicated by the respective data. Is determined (step SD3).

  If it is in the area, the positioning accuracy is raised by setting the time interval of the positioning operation performed by the GPS processing unit 3 to be short (step SD4), and then the process returns to step SD2. In the present embodiment, two types of time intervals for positioning operations are prepared in advance, and in step SD4, if the shorter time interval is set as the time interval for positioning operations at that time, The setting (time interval) is maintained. Conversely, if the determination result in step SD3 is NO and the measurement result at that time is outside the area, the positioning accuracy is lowered by setting the time interval of the positioning operation performed by the GPS processing unit 3 to be long. (Step SD5), the process returns to step SD2. In addition, when the longer time is already set as the time interval of the positioning operation at that time, the setting (time interval) is maintained. Then, the above process is repeated until the GPS mode is terminated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the user is in a place other than an area where high-precision position measurement is required, the power consumption required for the positioning operation in such a place is increased by increasing the time interval of the positioning operation. Can be reduced. Therefore, the battery life can be extended and the device can be downsized.

  In this embodiment, the user is allowed to specify three or more latitudes and longitudes in step SD1, but high-precision position measurement is required by the other method described in the third embodiment. You may make it designate the area to perform.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the user is allowed to designate a desired area in advance, and whether or not the trajectory data can be stored and the time interval of the positioning operation are set between the inside and outside of the designated area. Although what is controlled is shown, for example, the reception state of the positioning information sent from the GPS satellite in the map data storage unit 11 is bad due to the topography of the place, and the position measured based on the positioning information It is also possible to store in advance area data indicating an area where a large error can be expected, and to perform the above-described operation with the area indicated by the area data as a specified area. In that case, in the third embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the operation of storing useless trajectory data that does not reflect the actual moving point, and in the fourth embodiment, the accuracy is low. Since the number of position measurement operations can be reduced, the battery life can be extended more effectively.

  (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a wristwatch-type positioning device 21 that can be mounted on the user's arm, similar to that already described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a different part from what was shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated. This positioning apparatus 21 has the temperature detection part 22 instead of the vibration detection part 12 mentioned above. The temperature detection unit 22 is a main body of the positioning device 21 (not shown) and is a thermometer provided on the back surface side of the back cover of the main body in the portion that comes into contact with the user's arm when worn by the user. It has a sensor 23 and is configured to process the detection signal of the thermosensor 23 and send it to the CPU 4. Further, on the LCD (not shown) provided in the display circuit 5, a simple map indicating the current location can be displayed in addition to the time and latitude / longitude. The rest is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Further, the positioning device 21 continuously measures the current position at regular time intervals (for example, every minute or every second), and automatically sets the GPS mode in which the measurement results are sequentially displayed and the GPS mode. A GPS start mode and a GPS stop mode for automatically stopping the GPS start mode are prepared, and each mode can be set and canceled as required by the user. Then, the positioning device 21 operates as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 by controlling each part according to the setting state of each mode based on the program stored in the ROM 8 by the CPU 4. To do.

  That is, in the state where the GPS start mode and the GPS stop mode are not set, if the position measurement is not performed in the GPS mode, the state (time display in the clock mode in this embodiment) is continued. (Steps SE1 and SE2 are both NO) If the position measurement is performed in the GPS mode, the position measurement is continued (step SE1 is NO, step SE2 is YES, and step SE12 is NO).

  On the other hand, in the state where the GPS start mode is set (YES in step SE1), if position measurement is being performed (YES in step SE3), whether or not the GPS stop mode is set is confirmed and set. If not (NO in step SE12), the time display in the clock mode is continued. If the position measurement is not performed in the state where the GPS start mode is set (NO in step SE3), the temperature state is checked by the temperature sensor for each time interval set in advance by the user (step SE4). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a temperature change more than a predetermined width from the previous result (step SE5). The previous state check result is temperature data stored in the RAM 7 each time the state check is performed. If there is no temperature change of a predetermined width or more, the process returns to step SE1 as it is, and if there is a temperature change of a predetermined width or more (YES in step SE5), power is supplied to the GPS processing unit 3 and a positioning operation is started (step). SE6). That is, when the user is removed from the arm and the GPS mode is released from the non-wearing state to the wearing state again, the temperature of the apparatus body (back cover part) changes more than a certain level, for example, rises. To detect the wearing state and automatically shift to the GPS mode.

  In addition, after shifting to the GPS mode, the position data last measured in the previous positioning operation is recalled from the RAM 7 and displayed (step SE7), and the acquired position data and the new measurement operation are acquired. The position data is compared (step SE8). Here, when both the position data do not match, the measurement mode is displayed (step SE9), and the simple map coordinate data for displaying the simple map showing the current location is newly created, and the new simplified data is displayed. A map is displayed on the LCD of the display circuit 5 (step SE10). If both position data match in step SE8, the coordinate data created last in the previous positioning operation is called from the RAM 7 and MAP is displayed (step SE11).

  In addition, after displaying the simple map through the above operation, or when the above-described step SE2 or step SE3 is YES and position measurement is already performed in the GPS mode, whether or not the GPS stop mode is set. (Step SE12). If the GPS stop mode is not set, the process returns to step SE1 as described above. On the other hand, when the GPS stop mode is set (YES in step SE12), a temperature state check is performed by the thermosensor 23 at predetermined time intervals (step SE13). It is determined whether or not there is a temperature change (step SE14). However, this determination is skipped within a certain time immediately after the GPS mode is set in step SE6. If there is no temperature change of a predetermined width or more (NO in step SE14), position measurement is continued. If the temperature change is greater than or equal to the predetermined width (YES in step SE14), power supply to the GPS processing unit 3 is stopped and the positioning operation is stopped (step SE15). In other words, it is removed from the user's arm and put into a non-wearing state, and when the temperature of the apparatus body (back cover part) changes more than a certain level, for example, falls, the non-wearing state is detected and the GPS mode is automatically canceled. . Thereafter, after shifting to the normal clock mode (step SE16), the process returns to step SE1 to repeat the above-described processing. Even during the above operation, position measurement in the GPS mode is started or stopped by a predetermined operation performed by the user.

  Therefore, in the positioning device 21 according to the present embodiment, when it is removed from the user, the GPS mode is automatically canceled and the position measurement is stopped, so that unnecessary measurement operation in a state where position measurement is unnecessary is eliminated. be able to. Therefore, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized. Further, since the position measurement is automatically started when the user wears it, the user can use it in the GPS mode without performing any operation, which is convenient.

  In the present embodiment, the GPS mode is automatically canceled when it is removed from the user. However, only the configuration for automatically starting the position measurement when it is attached may be provided. In that case, after the user cancels the GPS mode once, he dislikes the hassle of resetting the GPS mode, and when removing the positioning device 21, the GPS mode is not canceled and the position measurement becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the situation where the measurement operation is continued can be eliminated. That is, an unnecessary measurement operation can be suppressed by facilitating an operation to cancel the GPS mode when the positioning device 21 is removed. As a result, it is easy to extend the battery life and reduce the size of the apparatus when the battery is used as a power source. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the wearing state worn by the user and the non-wearing state removed from the user are detected based on the temperature change within a predetermined time, the wearing state and the non-wearing state are It can be detected with high accuracy, has no malfunction, and is highly reliable.

  In this embodiment, the thermo sensor 23 is provided on the back cover portion of the apparatus main body. However, the thermo sensor 23 is easily affected by the body temperature of the user, such as inside the band portion of the watch. You may make it provide in a site | part. In addition, the GPS mode is automatically set and canceled based on the temperature change detected at the back cover part, but the user's body temperature drops extremely, such as when the user is in a cold region. It is expected that the above-described temperature change cannot be immediately detected. In response to this, a thermo sensor 23 is separately provided on the back cover portion and the front surface side of the apparatus main body, and the GPS mode is set in response to the temperature difference between the front surface side and the back surface side of the apparatus main body becoming a predetermined width or more. With the configuration for setting and canceling, it is possible to immediately detect the wearing state and the non-wearing state of the user even in the above case. At the same time, the detection accuracy in the normal use environment is improved.

  (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a wristwatch-type positioning device 31 that can be mounted on the user's arm, as already described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given of parts different from those shown in FIG. 1. The positioning device 31 includes an inclination angle detection unit 32 instead of the vibration detection unit 12 described above. The inclination angle detection unit 32 includes an inclination sensor 33, and is configured to process a detection signal of the inclination sensor 33 and send it to the CPU 4. Unlike the tilt switch 13 described in the first embodiment, the tilt sensor 33 can detect a tilt angle in a predetermined direction, and can detect the tilt degree (posture state) of the main body of the positioning device 31 (not shown). Used. Further, on the LCD (not shown) provided in the display circuit 5, a simple map indicating the current location can be displayed in addition to the time and latitude / longitude. The rest is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In addition, the positioning device 31 continuously measures the current position at regular time intervals (for example, every minute or every second) in the same manner as described in the fifth embodiment, and the measurement result is displayed. A GPS mode for sequentially displaying, a GPS start mode for automatically setting the GPS mode, and a GPS stop mode for automatically stopping the GPS mode are prepared. It can be set and canceled. Then, the positioning device 31 operates as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 by controlling each part in accordance with the setting state of each mode based on the program stored in the ROM 8 by the CPU 4. To do.

  That is, in the state where the GPS start mode and the GPS stop mode are not set, if the position measurement is not performed in the GPS mode, the state (time display in the clock mode in this embodiment) is continued. (Steps SF1 and SF2 are both NO) If the position measurement is performed in the GPS mode, the position measurement is continued (NO in step SF1, YES in step SF2, and NO in step SF12).

  On the other hand, in the state where the GPS start mode is set (YES in step SF1), if position measurement is being performed (YES in step SF3), the presence / absence of the GPS stop mode is further confirmed and set. If not (NO in step SF12), the time display in the clock mode is continued. If position measurement is not performed in a state where the GPS start mode is set (NO in step SF3), a state check is performed by the inclination sensor 33 at every time interval preset by the user (step SF4). Then, it is determined whether or not the inclination angle continuously changes during the predetermined time (step SF5). Such a determination is made based on a plurality of data stored in the RAM 7 by sequentially storing the tilt angles checked at the set time intervals. If the inclination angle does not change continuously for a predetermined time, the process returns to step SF1 as it is, and if it has changed continuously (YES in step SF5), power is supplied to the GPS processing unit 3 to perform the positioning operation. Start (step SF6). That is, when the user starts walking with the positioning device 31 installed, it is detected by the continued posture change of the positioning device 31 and automatically shifts to the GPS mode.

  Further, after shifting to the GPS mode, the previous positioning result is displayed and the simplified map is displayed (steps SF7 to SF11), as in steps SE7 to SE11 in the fifth embodiment. Then, after displaying the simple map through the above operation, or when the above-described step SF2 or step SF3 is YES and position measurement is already performed in the GPS mode, whether or not the GPS stop mode is set. (Step SF12). If the GPS stop mode is not set, the process returns to step SF1. On the other hand, when the GPS stop mode is set (YES in step SF12), the state is checked by the inclination sensor 33 at predetermined time intervals (step SF13), and the inclination angle is constant for the predetermined time. It is determined whether or not (step SF14). If the inclination angle is not constant, the process returns to step SF1 as it is. If the inclination angle is constant (YES in step SF14), the power supply to the GPS processing unit 3 is stopped and the positioning operation is stopped (step). SF15). That is, when the user is in a non-wearing state with the positioning device 31 removed, it is detected that the posture change does not appear in the positioning device 31 for a certain time, and the GPS mode is automatically canceled. Then, after shifting to the normal timepiece mode (step SF16), the process returns to step SF1 to repeat the above-described processing. Even during the above operation, position measurement in the GPS mode is started or stopped by a predetermined operation performed by the user.

  Therefore, in the positioning device 31 according to the present embodiment, the GPS mode is automatically canceled and the position measurement is stopped when the positioning apparatus 31 is removed from the user, so that unnecessary measurement operation in a state where position measurement is unnecessary is eliminated. be able to. Therefore, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized. Further, since the position measurement is automatically started when the user wears it, the user can use it in the GPS mode without performing any operation, which is convenient.

  Further, as described in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide only a configuration in which position measurement is automatically started when worn by a user, that is, only a GPS start mode. In that case, unnecessary measurement operation can be suppressed by facilitating the operation to cancel the GPS mode when removing the positioning device 31, and as a result, the battery life can be prolonged when the battery is used as a power source, And it becomes easy to reduce the size of the apparatus. In addition, when only the GPS start mode is provided, the GPS start mode may be a mode for starting the one-time measurement in which the user performs measurement as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the single inclination sensor 33 detects the posture change of the apparatus main body. However, the plurality of inclination sensors 33 are arranged so as to detect inclination angles in different directions, and those inclination sensors 33 are arranged. It is good also as a structure which detects the attitude | position change of an apparatus main body by a detection signal. In that case, the posture change of the apparatus main body can be detected more accurately, and the operation accuracy in the GPS start mode and the GPS stop mode described above can be improved in proportion to the number of tilt sensors (number of directions). . Moreover, although what showed starting and a stop of position measurement based on the attitude | position change of the apparatus main body detected by the inclination sensor 33 was shown, when the attitude | position change to a predetermined direction was further detected during the position measurement in GPS mode, for example Accordingly, other operations such as switching the display screen on the LCD of the display circuit 5 to another screen or changing the scale of the simple map being displayed may be performed. In this case, the user can obtain a desired operation without performing a specific switch operation, so that the usability is further improved.

  (Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a wristwatch-type positioning device 41 that can be worn on the user's arm, similar to that already described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given of parts different from those shown in FIG. 1. This positioning device 41 has a function as a pedometer (registered trademark) (pedometer). Instead, an acceleration detection unit 42 is included, and the acceleration detection unit 42 includes an acceleration sensor 43. The acceleration sensor 43 detects the acceleration every time the user walks, that is, every time the positioning device 41 vibrates, generates an electrical signal, and the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 43 is processed by the acceleration detection unit 42 to detect walking. It is sent to the CPU 4 as a signal. And it is comprised so that a user's step count may be counted based on this walk detection signal. Further, on the LCD (not shown) provided in the display circuit 5, a simple map indicating the current location can be displayed in addition to the time and latitude / longitude. The rest is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In addition, the positioning device 41 continuously measures the current position at regular intervals (for example, every minute or every second), as described in the fifth and sixth embodiments. A GPS mode for sequentially displaying the measurement results, a GPS start mode for automatically setting the GPS mode, and a GPS stop mode for automatically stopping the GPS mode are prepared. Further, the positioning device 41 is provided with a position correction mode for storing the user's stride data inputted in advance in the RAM 7 and correcting the measured current position based on the stride data and the above-described walking detection signal. Each mode can be set and canceled by the user as needed. The positioning device 41 operates as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15 by controlling each part according to the setting state of each mode based on the program stored in the ROM 8 by the CPU 4. To do.

  That is, in the state where the GPS start mode and the GPS stop mode are not set, if the position measurement is not performed in the GPS mode, the state (time display in the clock mode in this embodiment) is continued. (Steps SG1 and SG2 are both NO) If the position measurement is performed in the GPS mode, the position measurement is continued (step SG1 is NO, step SG2 is YES, and step SG16 is NO).

  On the other hand, in the state where the GPS start mode is set (YES in step SG1), if position measurement is being performed (YES in step SG3), the presence / absence of the GPS stop mode is further confirmed and set. If not (NO in step SG16), the time display in the clock mode is continued. If position measurement is not performed in a state where the GPS start mode is set (NO in step SG3), a state check is performed by the acceleration sensor 43 at every time interval preset by the user (step SG4). It is determined whether or not the acceleration can be continuously detected during the predetermined time (the walking detection signal is output) (step SG5). For such determination, the time at which the acceleration is detected is stored in the RAM 7 as pedometer (registered trademark) data together with the number of walks counted every time the acceleration is detected (however, data for a predetermined time). This is done by determining whether or not the elapsed time from the time at which the acceleration is detected is within a certain time. If the acceleration cannot be detected continuously (acceleration cannot be detected within a certain period of time immediately before), the process directly returns to step SG1, and if the acceleration can be detected continuously (YES in step SG5), the GPS processor 3 is informed. Electric power is supplied to start the positioning operation (step SG6). That is, when the user starts walking while wearing the positioning device 41, it is detected that acceleration is continuously applied to the positioning device 41, and the mode is automatically shifted to the GPS mode.

  In addition, after shifting to the GPS mode, the previous positioning result is displayed and the MAP is displayed (steps SG7 to SG11), similarly to steps SE7 to SE11 in the fifth and sixth embodiments. Then, after displaying the simple map through the above operation, or when the above-described step SG2 or step SG3 is YES and position measurement has already been performed in the GPS mode, whether or not the position correction mode is set. Is determined (step SG12). If the mode has not been shifted to the GPS mode, the process directly proceeds to step SG16. If the mode has been shifted to the GPS mode (YES in step SG12), the pedometer (registered trademark) data described above from the RAM 7 and the user are continued. (Step SG13), and based on both data, correction data for correcting the current position measured immediately before is calculated. More specifically, an expected moving distance from the previously measured position is calculated based on the stride and the number of steps (step SF14). Then, the current position measured immediately before is corrected by the calculated correction data, and this is reflected in the coordinate data for displaying the MAP (step SF15). Thereby, high position measurement accuracy can be secured.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the GPS stop mode is set (step SG16). If the GPS stop mode is not set here, the process returns to step SG1. On the other hand, when the GPS stop mode is set (YES in step SG16), the state is checked by the acceleration sensor 43 at predetermined time intervals (step SG17), and the acceleration is continued for a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step SG18). When the acceleration can be detected continuously, the process returns to step SG1, and when the acceleration cannot be detected continuously, the power supply to the GPS processing unit 3 is stopped and the positioning operation is stopped (step SG19). That is, when the user enters the non-wearing state with the positioning device 41 removed, the positioning device 41 detects that it has not vibrated for a certain period of time, and automatically releases the GPS mode. Such an operation is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. Then, after shifting to the normal timepiece mode (step SG20), the process returns to step SG1 to repeat the above-described processing. Even during the above operation, position measurement in the GPS mode is started or stopped by a predetermined operation performed by the user.

  Therefore, in the positioning device 41 according to the present embodiment, the GPS mode is automatically canceled and the position measurement is stopped when the positioning apparatus 41 is removed from the user, so that unnecessary measurement operation in a state where position measurement is unnecessary is eliminated. be able to. Therefore, the battery life can be extended and the apparatus can be downsized. Further, since the position measurement is automatically started when the user wears it, the user can use it in the GPS mode without performing any operation, which is convenient.

  Further, as described in the fifth and seventh embodiments, it may be provided with only a configuration that automatically starts position measurement when worn by the user. In that case, the positioning device 41 may be provided. By making it easy to perform the operation to cancel the GPS mode when removing the battery, it is possible to suppress unnecessary measurement operations, and as a result, it is easy to extend the battery life and reduce the size of the device when the battery is used as a power source. Become.

  In the fifth to seventh embodiments described above, each of them automatically starts or stops position measurement based on detection signals of the same sensor such as the thermo sensor 23, the inclination sensor 33, and the acceleration sensor 43. As shown, in the case of providing a plurality of types of sensors (for example, the thermo sensor 23 and the tilt sensor 33), the start and stop of position measurement can be performed based on detection signals of different sensors. Even in that case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

3 GPS processing unit 4 CPU
7 RAM
8 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Vibration detection part 13 Inclination switch 22 Temperature detection part 23 Thermo sensor 32 Inclination angle detection part 33 Inclination sensor 42 Acceleration detection part 43 Acceleration sensor

The present invention relates to a positioning device and a program for measuring a self-position based on positioning information .

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a positioning device and a program capable of extending the battery life and reducing the size of the device.

The invention according to claim 1 is a positioning device that measures its own position by positioning means that receives positioning information, the first determining means for determining whether or not the device is worn by a user, and the positioning means. A second determining unit that determines whether or not the positioning operation is stopped, and the second determining unit determines that the positioning operation is being performed, and the first determining unit determines that the positioning operation is not performed. Stop control means for stopping the positioning operation by means .
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning device for measuring a self-position by positioning means for receiving positioning information, the first determining means for determining whether or not the apparatus is attached to a user, and the positioning means. When it is determined that the positioning operation is stopped by the second determination means, and the second determination means determines whether the positioning operation is stopped by the second determination means, Start control means for starting the positioning operation by the positioning means.

According to the present invention, by reducing the power consumption of the positioning device at the time of use, prolonged battery life in case of a power supply battery, and possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and that Do.

Claims (13)

  Positioning means for receiving positioning information sent from the satellite and measuring its own position based on this positioning information, judging means for judging whether or not it is in a stopped state for a predetermined time, and this judging means A positioning device comprising: control means for ending the self-position measuring operation by the positioning means in response to being determined to be in a stopped state for a predetermined time.   2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in a stopped state when a measurement result at a certain point in time by the positioning unit coincides with a measurement result after the predetermined time has elapsed. Positioning device.   The apparatus further comprises vibration detection means for detecting vibration of the apparatus main body, and the determination means determines that the apparatus is in a stopped state when vibration is not detected for the predetermined time by the vibration detection means. The positioning device according to 1.   Positioning means for receiving positioning information sent from a satellite and measuring its own position based on this positioning information, storage means for sequentially storing its own position measured by this positioning means, and measuring by the positioning means A positioning device comprising: control means for prohibiting a storage operation of a new self-position by the storage means while the current location indicated by the self-position is outside a predetermined set area.   Positioning means for receiving positioning information sent from a satellite and measuring its own position based on this positioning information, and the present location indicated by the self-position measured by the positioning means, the receiving interval of positioning information by this positioning means However, the positioning device further comprises a control unit that makes the current location longer than the inside of the designated region where the current location is set while the location is outside the determined set region.   6. The positioning device according to claim 4, further comprising setting means for setting the set area in response to a user request.   A portable positioning device attached to a user, which receives positioning information sent from a satellite and measures its own position based on this positioning information, and a non-moving device that has been removed from the user Non-wearing state detecting means for detecting the wearing state, and control means for terminating the self-position measuring operation by the positioning means in response to the non-wearing state detected by the non-wearing state detecting means. A positioning device characterized by.   The non-wearing state detecting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a predetermined part of the apparatus, and detects the non-wearing state based on a temperature change within a predetermined time by the temperature detecting means. 7. The positioning device according to 7.   The non-wearing state detection means includes posture state detection means for detecting the posture state of the apparatus main body, and detects the non-wearing state based on the posture state detected by the posture state detection means continuing for a predetermined time. The positioning device according to claim 7.   A portable positioning device worn by a user, which receives positioning information sent from a satellite and measures its own position based on this positioning information, and a device where the device is worn by the user A mounting state detecting unit for detecting a state; and a control unit for starting a self-position measuring operation by the positioning unit when the mounting state is detected by the mounting state detecting unit. Positioning device.   11. The wearing state detecting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a predetermined part of the apparatus, and detects the wearing state based on a temperature change within a predetermined time by the temperature detecting means. Positioning device.   The wearing state detecting unit includes a posture state detecting unit that detects a posture state of the apparatus main body, and detects the wearing state based on a duration time of the posture state detected by the posture state detecting unit being less than a predetermined time. The positioning device according to claim 10, wherein   The wearing state detecting unit includes a vibration detecting unit that detects vibration of the apparatus main body, and detects the wearing state based on a time when the vibration is continuously detected by the vibration detecting unit being less than a predetermined time. The positioning device according to claim 10.

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