JP2012203452A - Number-of-steps measurement device, information communication terminal, and number-of-steps measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a number-of-steps measurement device, an information communication terminal, and a number-of-steps measurement system capable of reducing a transmission frequency in number-of-steps measurement using radio communication and achieving update of a number-of-steps count value close to the bodily sensation of a user.SOLUTION: The number-of-steps measurement device comprises: a number-of-steps measurement sensor 120; a radio communication part 130 for performing radio communication with an external radio communication device; a number-of-steps measurement part 112 for detecting a walking event on the basis of input signals from the sensor and measuring a number of steps on the basis of the walking event; a walking timing measurement part 114 for measuring walking timing which is information associated with the time of occurrence of the walking event; and a communication control part 118 for executing control in order to perform radio transmission of walking data including the measured number of steps and walking timing to the external radio communication device at a given interval.

Description

    The present invention relates to a step count measuring device, an information communication terminal, and a step count measuring system.

  An increasing number of people carry pedometers to maintain their health. And recently, a pedometer that wirelessly transmits the measurement results of a pedometer with a wireless communication function to a portable information communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a portable digital music player, and can check the step count on the portable information communication terminal. Has also been developed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-190007

  When a wireless function is added to the pedometer, current consumption increases if data is transmitted in real time. In order to suppress such current consumption, it is conceivable to reduce the transmission frequency. For example, although it is possible to set the transmission frequency to once every n seconds, in such a case, the display on the mobile phone side is updated only once every few seconds, and the increase in the step count value becomes jerky. There was a point.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, a step count measuring apparatus, an information communication terminal, and a step count measurement capable of reducing the transmission frequency in the step count measurement using wireless communication and realizing the update of the step count value close to the user's experience. A system can be provided.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a walking event is detected based on an input signal from the sensor, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication device, and the walking event is detected. Step counting unit that measures the number of steps based on it, walking timing measuring unit that measures walking timing, which is information related to the time when a walking event occurs, and walking data that includes the measured number of steps and walking timing are external at given intervals And a communication control unit that performs control for wireless transmission to the wireless communication device.

  The walking timing, which is information related to the time when the walking event occurs, may be a relative time when the walking event occurs, or may be an absolute time. The relative time may be, for example, a relative time from the start of step count measurement, a relative time from the occurrence of the previous walking event (corresponding to a walking interval), or the like.

  By transmitting the walking timing, an external wireless communication device that receives the walking data (for example, a step output device that displays the number of steps) can perform the walking prediction based on the walking timing and display the number of steps. . Therefore, in a step count measurement system in which a step count measurement device and an external wireless communication device perform wireless communication, a step count measurement device capable of reducing the transmission frequency of the step count measurement device and updating the step count value close to the user's experience. Can be provided.

(2) In this step count measuring device, a walking timing prediction unit that obtains prediction information of a walking timing after a period included in walking data based on the measured walking timing is included, and the communication control unit includes the walking timing Control may be performed to wirelessly transmit walking data including the predicted information and the number of steps to an external wireless communication device at a given interval.

  The walking data may include at least the number of steps and the prediction information of the walking timing, and may or may not include the walking timing itself. The walking timing prediction information may be a walking timing of a walking event that occurs, or an average value of walking intervals of the walking timing.

  The walking timing prediction information included in the step count data in the first period may be information that can determine the update timing of the step count in the second period after the first period. The walking timing in the second period may be obtained from the walking data in the first period, or may be obtained including the walking data before the first period.

  In this way, in the step count measurement system in which the step count measuring device and the external wireless communication device perform wireless communication, the external wireless communication device is based on the walking timing prediction information received from the step count measuring device. It is possible to update the nearest step count value.

(3) In this step count measuring apparatus, the communication control unit may determine a transmission interval of walking data based on the walking data, and perform control to transmit walking data at the determined transmission interval.

  The transmission interval (or transmission frequency) of the walking data can be changed depending on the content of the walking data. For example, when the walking interval indicated by the walking data is constant, the transmission interval may be determined to be longer than when the walking interval is changing.

  When there is little change in the walking timing indicated by the walking data, the probability that the prediction information of the walking timing changes is low. Therefore, compared with the case where there is little change in the walking timing indicated by the walking data, even if the walking data transmission interval is increased, it is difficult to deviate from the actual user's walking timing, so the influence due to the decrease in the transmission frequency of the step counting device is reduced. be able to.

(4) One aspect of the present invention is a walking including a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication device, and walking timing that is information regarding the number of steps and the time of occurrence of a walking event from the external wireless communication device. A communication control unit that performs control to receive data, a step recording unit that records the number of steps up to the reception based on the number of steps, and prediction information of a walking timing after a period included in the walking data based on the walking timing A step count output unit for outputting a step count, a step count control unit for controlling the step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count and the prediction information of the walk timing; , Related information communication terminals.

  The information communication terminal may be an existing portable information communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a portable digital music player, or a portable game machine, or may be a dedicated portable information communication terminal for a step count measurement system.

  In this way, in the step count measurement system in which the step count measuring device and the external wireless communication device perform wireless communication, the external wireless communication device is information on the step count received from the step count measuring device and the time of occurrence of the walking event. Based on the walking data including the walking timing, the prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data can be obtained, and the step count value close to the user's sensation can be updated.

(5) One aspect of the present invention is a step count measuring system including a step count measuring apparatus and an information communication terminal capable of communicating wirelessly, wherein the step count measuring apparatus is a step count measuring sensor, and the information communication terminal is wireless A wireless communication unit that performs communication, a step count measurement unit that detects a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor and measures the number of steps based on the walking event, and a walking timing that is information regarding the time of occurrence timing of the walking event A walking timing measurement unit for measuring the walking timing, a walking timing prediction unit for obtaining prediction information of a walking timing after a period included in the walking data based on the measured walking timing, and the prediction information of the number of steps and the walking timing A communication control unit that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data to an external wireless communication device at given intervals, and the information communication Based on the number of steps, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the step counting device, a communication control unit that performs control to receive walking data including the number of steps and prediction information of the walking timing from the step counting device, Control the step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count and the walking timing prediction information based on the step count recording unit that records the number of steps up to reception, the step count output unit that outputs the step count And a step count control unit.

(6) One aspect of the present invention is a step count measuring system including a step count measuring device and an information communication terminal capable of wireless communication, wherein the step count measuring device is a step count measuring sensor, and the information communication terminal is wireless A wireless communication unit that performs communication, a step count measurement unit that detects a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor and measures the number of steps based on the walking event, and a walking timing that is information regarding the time of occurrence timing of the walking event And a communication control unit that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including the number of steps and the walking timing to an external wireless communication device at a given interval, and the information communication terminal Is a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the step counting device, and a communication unit that performs control to receive walking data including the number of steps and the walking timing from the step counting device. A control unit, a step number recording unit that records the number of steps up to reception based on the number of steps, and a walking timing prediction unit that obtains prediction information of a walking timing after a period included in the walking data based on the walking timing; A step count output unit that outputs a step count; and a step count control unit that controls the step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count and the obtained prediction information of the walking timing. It relates to a measurement system.

(7) In this step counting system, the communication control unit of the step counting device changes the transmission interval of the walking data based on the walking timing, and follows the first walking data transmitted at the first timing. Information relating to the transmission timing of the second walking data is determined, information relating to the transmission timing of the determined second walking data is transmitted in association with the first walking data, and the communication of the information communication terminal is performed. The control unit determines the reception timing of the second walking data based on the information related to the transmission timing of the second walking data received in association with the first walking data, and receives the walking data at the determined reception timing. Control may be performed.

  The information related to the transmission timing of the second walking data may be, for example, the relative time or the absolute time of the transmission timing itself of the second walking data, or information that can specify the transmission timing of the second walking data on the information communication terminal side. But you can. In the latter case, the information regarding the transmission timing of the second walking data may be information regarding the communication interval and communication frequency of the walking data, for example. In the case of information related to the communication interval and communication frequency, information on transmission timing after the second transmission timing is also included, so that it may be sent only when there is a change.

  For example, the walking measurement device determines the next transmission timing information that is the transmission timing of the walking data next to the walking data to be transmitted this time (may be the transmission interval or the transmission frequency of the walking data), and transmits it in association with the previous walking data. The current walking data may be transmitted at a timing based on the previous next transmission timing information, and the determined next transmission timing information may be transmitted in association with the current walking data.

  In addition, the information communication terminal determines the next reception timing based on the next transmission timing information received in association with the currently received walking data, waits for reception for a predetermined period including the determined reception timing, and stores the walking data. You may receive it.

(8) In this step counting system, the communication control unit of the step counting device determines a transmission interval of walking data based on walking data transmitted to the information communication terminal, and transmits walking data at the determined transmission interval. The communication control unit of the information communication terminal determines a reception interval of the walking data based on the walking data received from the step count measuring device, and performs control to receive the walking data at the determined reception interval. May be.

The figure which shows the specific example of the step count measurement system which concerns on this embodiment. An example of the functional block diagram of the step count measuring apparatus 100 which concerns on this embodiment, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system 1 containing them. The other examples of the functional block diagram of the step count measuring apparatus 100 which concerns on this embodiment, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system 1 containing them. The figure explaining the walk event and the step count display in the case of estimating the walking timing on the step count measuring device side (first embodiment). The figure explaining the walk event and the step count display in the case of estimating the walking timing on the information communication terminal side (second embodiment). The functional block diagram in a 1st Example. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the step count measuring device side. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of an information communication terminal. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the step count measuring device side. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of an information communication terminal. The functional block diagram in a 2nd Example. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the step count measuring device side. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of an information communication terminal. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the step count measuring device side. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of an information communication terminal.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of a step count measuring system according to the present embodiment.

  The step count measuring system 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured to include the step count measuring apparatus 100 and the information communication terminal 200. The information communication terminal 200 can be realized by a mobile phone, a portable digital music player, or the like that can wirelessly communicate with the step count measuring device 100. The information communication terminal 200 wirelessly receives walking data from the step count measuring device 100 carried by the user Y, and receives information The data is output to the display unit 240 (an example of a step count output unit) of the communication terminal 200.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the step count measuring apparatus 100, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system 1 including them according to the present embodiment. Note that the step count measuring apparatus 100, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system measuring system including them may be configured by omitting some of the components in FIG.

  The step count measuring system 1 shown in FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the step count measuring apparatus 100 predicts walking timing.

  The step count measuring apparatus 100 includes a processing unit 110, a sensor 120, a wireless communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and the like.

  The sensor 120 detects a motion (inertial force) that can measure the number of steps of the user carrying (wearing) the step count measuring device 100, and may be, for example, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration or an angular velocity. A gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) may be used. The sensor 120 is provided in a state in which the relative position with respect to the step count measuring apparatus 100 is fixed, and the movement of the step count measuring apparatus 100 can be detected. The output of the sensor 120 may be input to an A / D converter (not shown), and the output of the A / D converter may be input to the processing unit 110.

  The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 110, and stores programs, data, and the like that cause the step count measuring apparatus 100 to function as each unit of the processing 110. The function can be realized by a RAM, a ROM, or the like. it can.

  The wireless communication unit 130 performs various controls for performing wireless communication with the information communication terminal 200, and the function can be realized by various processors, a communication ASIC, and the like. The wireless communication unit 130 realizes short-range wireless communication using a method such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or ANT.

  The processing unit 110 performs various data processing and device control based on the output of the sensor 120 using the storage unit 140 as a work area, and its functions can be realized by a processor such as a CPU or a program. The processing unit 110 includes a step count measurement unit 112, a walking timing measurement unit 114, a walking timing prediction unit 116, and a communication control unit 118.

  The step counting unit 112 detects a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor 120 and measures the number of steps based on the walking event, and the walking timing measuring unit 114 is information regarding the time when the walking event occurs. The walking timing is measured, and the communication control unit 118 performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including the measured number of steps and walking timing to an external wireless communication device at a given interval.

  The walking timing prediction unit 116 obtains prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data based on the measured walking timing, and the communication control unit 118 walks including the prediction information of the walking timing and the number of steps. Control may be performed to wirelessly transmit data to an external wireless communication device at a given interval.

  Further, the communication control unit 118 may determine a transmission interval of walking data based on the walking data, and perform control to transmit walking data at the determined transmission interval.

  The step count measuring unit 112 performs a process of measuring the number of steps based on the output of the sensor 120. For example, when the step count measurement unit 112 determines that the output value of the sensor 110 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the step count measurement unit 112 detects the number of steps and counts the number of steps. The count value (measurement value) of the number of steps is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120.

  The information communication terminal 200 includes a processing unit 210, a wireless communication unit 230, a step count output unit 240, a storage unit 250, and the like.

  The storage unit 250 serves as a work area for the processing unit 210, and stores programs, data, and the like that cause the information communication terminal 200 to function as each unit of the processing 210. The function can be realized by a RAM, a ROM, or the like. it can.

  The wireless communication unit 230 performs various controls for performing wireless communication with the step count measuring apparatus 100, and the function can be realized by various processors, a communication ASIC, and the like. The wireless communication unit 230 realizes short-range wireless communication using a method such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or ANT.

  The processing unit 210 uses the storage unit 250 as a work area to perform various data processing and device control based on the received walking data, and its functions can be realized by a processor such as a CPU or a program. The processing unit 210 includes a step count recording unit 212, a step count control unit 214, and a communication control unit 218.

  The communication control unit 218 performs control to receive walking data including the number of steps and the prediction information of the walking timing from the step counting device 100, and the step recording unit 210 performs the step count included in the walking data received from the step counting device. The step count control unit 214 controls the step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count included in the walking data and the prediction information of the walking timing. .

  The step count output unit 240 outputs a step count and may be a display unit or a sound output unit. When realized as a display unit, it can be realized by an LCD, a touch panel display, or the like.

  Further, the communication control unit 118 of the step counting device 100 changes the transmission interval of the walking data based on the walking timing, and the transmission timing of the second walking data next to the first walking data transmitted at the first timing. The communication control unit 218 of the information communication terminal 200 controls the transmission of information regarding the transmission timing of the determined second walking data in association with the first walking data. The reception timing of the second walking data is determined based on the information related to the transmission timing of the second walking data received in association with the reception, and the walking data is received by waiting for reception for a predetermined period including the determined reception timing. Control may be performed.

  Further, the communication control unit 118 of the step counting device 100 determines the transmission interval of the walking data based on the walking data transmitted to the information communication terminal 200, performs control to transmit the walking data at the determined transmission interval, and the information communication The communication control unit 230 of the terminal 200 may determine the reception interval of the walking data based on the walking data received from the step count measuring apparatus 100 and perform control to receive the walking data at the determined reception interval.

  FIG. 3 shows another example of a functional block diagram of the step count measuring apparatus 100, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system 1 including them according to the present embodiment. Note that the step count measuring apparatus 100, the information communication terminal 200, and the step count measuring system measuring system including them may be configured by omitting some of the components shown in FIG.

  The step count measuring system 1 ′ shown in FIG. 3 shows a configuration when the information communication terminal 200 ′ predicts walking timing. 3, components common to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by corresponding symbols (a symbol corresponding to n is n ′), and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The step counting device 100 does not need to include the walking timing prediction unit 116 (see FIG. 2), and the information communication terminal 200 generates prediction information of walking timings after the period included in the walking data based on the walking timing. This is different from FIG. 2 in that it includes a desired walking timing prediction unit 216 ′.

  The walking data 190 transmitted / received in FIG. 2 includes at least the number of steps and prediction information of walking timing, but the walking data 190 ′ transmitted / received in FIG. 3 is different in that it includes at least the number of steps and walking timing.

2. First Embodiment FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a walking event and a step count display when the walking timing is predicted on the step counting device side (first embodiment).

  Reference numeral 320 denotes a count value (step count) of a walking event detected by a sensor of the step count measuring device. Reference numeral 330 denotes the walking timing of each walking event (information about the time of occurrence timing of each walking event). Here, an example is shown in which the walking timing is measured at a relative time with 0 at the start of measurement. You may acquire the absolute time at the time of a measurement start from the system timepiece of a step count measuring device, reset a relative time timer, and acquire the value of a relative time timer at the timing which a walk event generate | occur | produced. 330 indicates that the walking timing of the first step is “0.5”, the walking timing of the second step is “1”, the walking timing of the third step is “1, 5”,. .

  Reference numeral 340 indicates a difference in walking timing between walking events. Based on the measured walking timing, the step count measuring device obtains prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data. This difference may be used as prediction information of walking timing.

  For example, 310-1 is the first walking data transmission timing of the step counting device, and 312-1 is the first walking data reception timing of the information communication terminal. Further, 310-2 is the second walking data transmission timing of the step count measuring device, and 312-2 is the second walking data reception timing of the information communication terminal. Then, the first transmission / reception timing 310-1 and 312-1 from the start of measurement is the first period 410-1, the first transmission / reception timing 310-1, 312-1 to the second transmission / reception timing 310-2, 312. -2 to the second period 410-2, 420-2. The first walking data may include the walking event 320, the walking timing 330, and the walking interval (an example of walking timing prediction information) in the first period 410-1 (when walking prediction is performed by the step counting device). Does not include walking timing). Here, the walking timing “0.5” between the walking timing of the first step (walking event is 1) and the walking timing of the second step (walking event is 2) may be used as the prediction information of the walking timing.

  When step count measurement is started by an external input or the like, the step count measuring apparatus starts step count measurement. However, since the information communication terminal cannot grasp the user's walking interval (corresponding to the time per step) until the first walking data is received, as shown in FIG. The count display of the number of steps on the display unit may be started from the second period 420-2.

  The information communication terminal updates the step count displayed on the display unit at the default walking interval in the first period 420-1 until the first walking data is received (312-1). May be. When the information communication terminal receives the first walking data (312-1), the information communication terminal corrects the step count displayed on the display unit based on the received walking data. For example, when the user's walking interval (time per step) is smaller than the default walking interval, the number of steps of the user at the first reception timing exceeds the number of steps displayed on the display unit. Further, correction may be performed to further count up the number of steps displayed on the display unit. For example, when the user's walking interval is larger than the default walking interval, the number of steps of the user at the time of the first reception timing is less than the number of steps displayed on the display unit, and thus displayed on the display unit. You may perform the correction which counts down the number of steps which are present.

  In the second period 420-2 after receiving the first walking data (312-1), the information communication terminal is based on the number of steps included in the first walking data and the prediction information of the walking timing. Update the step count. Here, the prediction information of the walking timing included in the first walking data is “0.5” (the walking interval between the first step (walking event is 1) and the second step (walking event is 1)). 342). Therefore, in the second period 420-2, the information communication terminal uses the first step count data (the last step count “2” in the first period (see 322) and the walking interval “0, 5” (see 342). The number of steps in the second period 420-2 is counted until the second walking data is received (312-2), specifically, the final number of steps “2” (322 in the first period). The step count starts at the walking interval “0.5” from the step number “3” (see 392) which is the next value (see step number display 390 in the second period 420-2).

  When the information communication terminal receives the second walking data (312-2), the information communication terminal corrects the step count display 390 displayed on the display unit based on the received walking data. For example, when the actual walking interval 340 of the user in the second period 410-2 is smaller than the walking interval 360 based on the prediction of the information communication terminal, the number of steps of the user at the second reception timing is displayed on the display unit. Since the number of steps 390 is exceeded, the number of steps 390 displayed on the display unit may be further corrected. Further, for example, when the actual walking interval 340 of the user in the second period 410-2 is larger than the walking interval 370 based on the prediction of the information communication terminal, the number of steps of the user at the second reception timing is displayed on the display unit. Since the number of steps 390 displayed is below the number of steps 390 displayed, the number of steps 390 displayed on the display unit may be corrected to be counted down.

  In the third period 420-3 after the second walking data is received (312-2), the information communication terminal is based on the number of steps included in the second walking data and the prediction information of the walking timing. The step count display 394 is updated. Here, the prediction information of the walking timing included in the second walking data is “0.5” (the walking interval between the second and third steps) which is the walking interval 344 included in the second walking data. ), “0.5” (walking interval between the third and fourth steps), “0.5” (walking interval between the fourth and fifth steps), “0.5” (five steps) It may be a walking interval between the eyes and the sixth step). In the third period 420-3, the information communication terminal uses the second walking data (the number of steps in the second period '6' (see 324) and the walking interval from the third step to the sixth step). 0.5 '(refer to 344)), the step count display 394 in the third period 420-3 until the third walking data is received. Specifically, the step count starts at the walking interval “0.5” from the step number “7” (see 394) which is the next value of the final step number “6” (see 324) in the second period. As the walking interval in the third period 410-3, the average value of the walking interval 344 from the third step to the sixth step may be used, or the latest value of the walking interval 344 from the third step to the sixth step ( For example, the value of the 6th step) may be used.

  Further, the walking interval 344 from the third step to the sixth step may be used repeatedly. Specifically, the walking interval 344 from the third step to the sixth step may be used as the walking interval from the seventh step to the tenth step. In this way, by using a plurality of walking intervals, it becomes possible to predict an irregular number of steps such as skipping.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram in the first embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 9 are flowcharts showing a process flow on the step counting device side, and FIGS. 8 and 10 are process flows on the information communication terminal side. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The step count measuring device 500 (corresponding to the step count measuring device 100 in FIG. 2) includes a step count measuring function 530 (corresponding to the sensor 120, the step count measuring unit 112, etc. of the step count measuring device 100 in FIG. 2), and a walking prediction function 510 (in FIG. 2). 2), a time management function 540 (implemented by a system clock, a timer, etc.), a wireless transmission function 520 (communication control of the step counting apparatus 100 in FIG. 2). Unit 118, wireless communication unit 130, etc.). When the step count measuring device 500 sets or changes the transmission interval (transmission frequency) of walking data based on the walking data, the transmission timing determining function 550 (the communication control unit 118 of the step counting device 100 in FIG. Equivalent to the communication unit 130).

  The information communication terminal 600 (corresponding to the information communication terminal 200 in FIG. 2) includes a walking management function 610 (corresponding to the step count recording unit 212 and the step count control unit 214 of the information communication terminal 200 in FIG. 2), and a time management function 640 ( System clock, timer, etc.), wireless reception function 620 (corresponding to communication control unit 218, wireless communication unit 230, etc. of information communication terminal 200 in FIG. 2), step count display function 630 (step count of information communication terminal 200 in FIG. 2) Equivalent to the count output unit 240).

  First, the processing of the step count measuring device and the information communication terminal when the walking data transmission interval is not adjusted will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the step count measuring apparatus when adjustment of the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data is not performed in the first embodiment.

  The step counting device periodically transmits time information for time adjustment to the information communication terminal. When the time information transmission timing comes (step S10), the time information is wirelessly transmitted to the information communication terminal (step S20).

  When a walking event occurs and the step counting function measures the number of steps 1 (step count value of the step counting device) (step S30), time information corresponding to the occurrence timing of the walking event is acquired and the walking timing (FIG. 4) is obtained. 330) and the number of steps 1 and the walking timing are recorded as walking data (step S40).

  When the predetermined transmission / reception timing is reached (step S50), a scheduled walking timing (prediction information of walking timing) is created based on the walking data (step S60). For example, in FIG. 4, after the first period 410-1 ends, the walking timing 330 in the second period 410-2 may be predicted and used as the scheduled walking timing (walking timing prediction information). Then, the number of steps 1 and the scheduled walking timing are wirelessly transmitted to the information communication terminal as walking data (step S80).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information communication terminal when the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data is not adjusted in the first embodiment.

  The information communication terminal periodically receives time information for time adjustment from the step counting device to the information communication terminal. When the time information is received (step S110), the time of the information communication terminal is set based on the received time information (step S120).

  When the transmission / reception timing of the walking data transmitted / received at a predetermined interval (including the number of steps 1 and the scheduled walking timing) comes, the following processing is performed (step S130). First, the received scheduled walking timing is stored (step S140). Then, the step count 2 which is the step count of the information communication terminal is updated with the received value of the step count 1 (step S160). Then, the step number display is updated with the step number 2 (step S170).

  When the scheduled walking timing comes (step S180), the number of steps 2 is counted up (step 2 = step number 2 + 1) (step S190), and the step number display on the display unit is updated (step S200).

  Next, processing of the step count measuring device and the information communication terminal when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the step count measuring apparatus when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data in the first embodiment.

  The process flow from step S10 to step S60 in FIG. 9 is the same as the process flow from step S10 to step S60 in FIG. In FIG. 9, after step S60, transmission / reception timing is determined from the walking data (step S70). For example, if it is determined that there is not much change in the walking state based on the past walking interval indicated by the walking data or the scheduled future walking timing, the next transmission / reception timing is determined so that the transmission interval is longer than the current transmission interval. May be.

  Then, the number of steps 1, scheduled walking timing, and transmission / reception timing are wirelessly transmitted as walking data to the information communication terminal (step S80 ').

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information communication terminal when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data in the first embodiment.

  The process flow of steps S110 to S120, step S140, and steps S160 to S200 in FIG. 10 is the same as the process flow of steps S110 to S120, step S140, and steps S160 to S200 in FIG. In FIG. 10, when the transmission / reception timing received and stored as the previous walking data comes after step S120, the following processing is performed (step S130 '). First, the received scheduled walking timing is stored (step S140). Next, the received transmission / reception timing is stored (step S150). The processing flow of steps S160 to S200 is the same as the processing flow of steps S160 to S200 in FIG.

3. Second Example FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a walking event and the number of steps displayed when the walking timing is predicted on the information communication terminal side (second example).

  Corresponding numbers (n in FIG. 4 correspond to n ′ in FIG. 5) are the same as those in FIG. In the second embodiment, the step counting device displays the number of steps by predicting the walking interval on the information communication terminal side without generating the prediction information of the walking timing.

  In the second embodiment, the walking data transmitted to the information communication terminal includes the walking event 320 'and the walking timing 330', and does not include the walking interval. Therefore, the information communication terminal predicts the walking interval of the second section based on the first walking data and displays the number of steps 390 '.

  When the information communication terminal receives the first walking data (312′-1), the information communication terminal displays the step number display 390 ′ of the second period 420′-2 based on the number of steps and the walking timing included in the first walking data. Update. For example, “0.5”, which is the walking interval between the walking timings (the first step and the second step) included in the first walking data, is set as the second expected walking interval of the second period 420′-2. During this period, the walking timing 382 ′ may be calculated to display the step count 392 ′.

  When the information communication terminal receives the second walking data (312′-2), based on the number of steps included in the second walking data and the walking timing, the step number display 390 ′ of the third period 420′-3. Update. For example, the step count is started at the walking interval “0.5” from the step number “7” (see 394 ′) which is the next value of the final step number “6” (see 324 ′) in the period 2. As the walking interval, an average value of the walking intervals of the walking timing 332 ′ from the third step to the sixth step may be used, or the latest value of the walking interval of the walking timing 332 ′ from the third step to the sixth step. (For example, a difference value between the walking timings of the fifth step and the sixth step) may be used, or the walking interval of the walking timing 332 ′ from the third step to the sixth step may be used repeatedly.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram in the second embodiment, FIGS. 12 and 14 are flowcharts showing a process flow on the step counting device side, and FIGS. 13 and 15 are process flows on the information communication terminal side. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The step counting device 500 ′ (corresponding to the step counting device 100 ′ of FIG. 3) has a step counting function 530 ′ (corresponding to the sensor 120 ′, the step counting unit 112 ′, etc. of the step counting device 100 ′ of FIG. 3), time management. A function 540 ′ (implemented by a system clock, a timer, etc.) and a wireless transmission function 520 ′ (corresponding to the communication control unit 118 ′, the wireless communication unit 130 ′, etc. of the step counting device 100 ′ of FIG. 3) are included. When the step count measuring device 500 ′ sets or changes the transmission / reception interval (transmission frequency) of walking data based on the walking data, the transmission / reception timing determination function 550 ′ (the communication control unit of the step counting device 100 ′ of FIG. 3). 118 ′, corresponding to the wireless communication unit 130 ′, etc.).

  The information communication terminal 600 ′ (corresponding to the information communication terminal 200 ′ of FIG. 3) has a walking management function 610 ′ (corresponding to the step recording unit 212 ′ and the step count control unit 214 ′ of the information communication terminal 200 ′ of FIG. 3), Time management function 640 ′ (implemented with a system clock, timer, etc.), wireless transmission function 620 ′ (corresponding to communication control unit 218 ′, wireless communication unit 230 ′, etc. of information communication terminal 200 ′ of FIG. 3), walking prediction function 650 '(Corresponding to the walking timing prediction unit 216' of the information communication terminal 200 'of Fig. 3) and a step count display function (corresponding to the step count output unit 240' of the information communication terminal 200 'of Fig. 3). When the information communication terminal 600 ′ sets or changes the walking data transmission / reception interval (transmission / reception frequency) based on the walking data, the transmission / reception timing determination function 660 ′ (the communication control unit of the information communication terminal 200 ′ in FIG. 3). 218 ′, wireless communication unit 230 ′, etc.).

  First, the processing of the step count measuring device and the information communication terminal when the walking data transmission interval is not adjusted will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the step count measuring apparatus when adjustment of the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data is not performed in the second embodiment.

  The step counting device periodically transmits time information for time adjustment to the information communication terminal. When the time information transmission timing comes (step S210), the time information is wirelessly transmitted to the information communication terminal (step S220).

  When a walking event occurs and the step counting function measures the number of steps 1 (step count value of the step counting device) (step S230), time information corresponding to the occurrence timing of the walking event is acquired and the walking timing (in FIG. 4) is obtained. 320), and the number of steps 1 and the walking timing are recorded as walking data (step S240).

  When the predetermined transmission / reception timing is reached (step S250), the walking data is wirelessly transmitted to the information communication terminal (step S260).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information communication terminal when the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data is not adjusted in the second embodiment.

  The information communication terminal periodically receives time information for time adjustment from the step counting device. When the time information is received (step S310), the time of the information communication terminal is set based on the received time information (step S320).

  When the transmission / reception timing of walking data (including the number of steps 1 and walking timing) transmitted / received at a predetermined interval comes, the following processing is performed (step S330). First, the step count 2 which is the step count of the information communication terminal is updated with the received value of step count 1 (step S340). Then, the step number display is updated with step number 2 (step S350). Next, a walking interval is predicted based on the walking data and time information, and a scheduled walking timing is created (step S360).

  When the scheduled walking timing comes (step S380), the step count 2 is counted up (step count 2 = step count 2 + 1) (step S390), and the step count display on the display unit is updated (step S400).

  Next, processing of the step count measuring device and the information communication terminal when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the step count measuring apparatus when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data in the second embodiment.

  The process flow from step S210 to S260 in FIG. 14 is the same as the process flow from step S210 to S260 in FIG. In FIG. 14, after step S260, the transmission / reception timing is determined from the walking data (step S270). For example, if it is determined that there is not much change in the walking state based on past walking intervals indicated by walking data or future scheduled walking timing, the next transmission / reception timing is determined so that the walking interval is longer than the current transmission interval. May be.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information communication terminal when adjusting the transmission interval of walking data based on the step count data in the second embodiment.

  The processing flow of steps S310 to S320, steps S340 to S360, and steps S380 to S400 of FIG. 15 is the same as the processing flow of S310 to S320, steps S340 to S360, and steps S380 to S400 of FIG. In FIG. 15, when the transmission / reception timing determined based on the previous walking data comes after step S320, the following processes of steps S340 to S360 are performed (step S330 '). In step S370, transmission / reception timing is determined based on the received walking data. For example, if it is determined that there is not much change in the walking state based on the past walking interval or future scheduled walking timing indicated by the received walking data, the next transmission / reception timing is set so that the walking interval becomes longer than the current transmission interval. You may decide.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 step count measurement system, 100 step count measuring apparatus, 110 processing part (CPU), 112 step count measurement part, 114 step count timing measurement part, 116 walk timing prediction part, 118 communication control part, 120 sensor, 130 wireless communication part, 140 storage part , 190 walking data, 200 portable information communication terminal, 210 processing unit (CPU), 212 step count recording unit, 214 step count control unit, 218 communication control unit, 230 wireless communication unit, 240 step count output unit, 250 storage unit, 1 'Step measurement system, 100' step measurement device, 110 'processing unit (CPU), 112' step measurement unit, 114 'step count timing measurement unit, 118' communication control unit, 120 'sensor, 130' wireless communication unit, 140 ' Storage unit, 200 ′ portable information communication terminal, 210 ′ processing unit ( PU), 212 'pedometer recording unit, 214' step count controller, 216 'walking timing prediction unit, 218' a communication control unit, 230 'wireless communication unit, 240' step count output unit, 250 'storage unit

Claims (8)

With a sensor for step counting,
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication device;
Detecting a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor and measuring the number of steps based on the walking event;
A walking timing measurement unit that measures walking timing, which is information related to the time of occurrence of the walking event,
A step counting device including a communication control unit that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including the measured number of steps and walking timing to an external wireless communication device at a given interval. In claim 1,
Based on the measured walking timing, including a walking timing prediction unit for obtaining prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data,
The communication control unit
A step count measuring device that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including the walking timing prediction information and the number of steps to an external wireless communication device at a given interval. In claim 1 or 2,
The communication control unit
A step count measuring device that determines a transmission interval of walking data based on the walking data and performs control to transmit walking data at the determined transmission interval. A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication device;
A communication control unit that performs control to receive walking data including walking timing that is information regarding the number of steps and the time of occurrence of the walking event from the external wireless communication device;
Based on the number of steps, a step number recording unit that records the number of steps until reception;
Based on the walking timing, a walking timing prediction unit for obtaining prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data;
A step count output unit for outputting a step count;
An information communication terminal comprising: a step count control unit that controls a step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count and the prediction information of the walking timing. A step count measuring system including a step count measuring apparatus and an information communication terminal capable of wireless communication,
The step counting device includes:
With a sensor for step counting,
A wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the information communication terminal;
Detecting a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor and measuring the number of steps based on the walking event;
A walking timing measurement unit that measures walking timing, which is information related to the time of occurrence of a walking event,
Based on the measured walking timing, a walking timing prediction unit for obtaining prediction information of the walking timing after the period included in the walking data;
A communication control unit that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including prediction information of the number of steps and the walking timing to an external wireless communication device at a given interval;
The information communication terminal is
A wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the step counting device;
A communication control unit that performs control to receive walking data including the number of steps and prediction information of the walking timing from the step counting device;
Based on the number of steps, a step number recording unit that records the number of steps until reception;
A step count output unit for outputting a step count;
A step count measuring system including: a step count control unit that controls a step count output to the step count output unit based on the step count and the walking timing prediction information. A step count measuring system including a step count measuring apparatus and an information communication terminal capable of wireless communication,
The step counting device includes:
With a sensor for step counting,
A wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the information communication terminal;
Detecting a walking event based on an input signal from the sensor and measuring the number of steps based on the walking event;
A walking timing measurement unit that measures walking timing, which is information related to the time of occurrence of a walking event,
A communication control unit that performs control to wirelessly transmit walking data including the number of steps and the walking timing to an external wireless communication device at a given interval;
The information communication terminal is
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the step counting device;
A communication control unit that performs control to receive walking data including the number of steps and the walking timing from the step counting device;
Based on the number of steps, a step number recording unit that records the number of steps until reception;
Based on the walking timing, a walking timing prediction unit that obtains prediction information of a walking timing after a period included in the walking data;
A step count output unit for outputting a step count;
A step count measuring system comprising: the step count; and a step count control section that controls a step count output to the step count output section based on the obtained prediction information of the walking timing. In claim 5 or 6,
The communication control unit of the step counting device is
Based on the walking timing, the transmission interval of the walking data is changed, information on the transmission timing of the second walking data next to the first walking data transmitted at the first timing is determined, and the first walking data is determined. In association with the control, to transmit information regarding the transmission timing of the determined second walking data,
The communication control unit of the information communication terminal is
The number of steps for performing control to determine the reception timing of the second walking data based on the information related to the transmission timing of the second walking data received in association with the first walking data, and to receive the walking data at the determined reception timing Measuring system. In claim 5 or 6,
The communication control unit of the step counting device is
Based on the walking data transmitted to the information communication terminal, determine the transmission interval of the walking data, perform control to transmit the walking data at the determined transmission interval,
The communication control unit of the information communication terminal is
A step count measurement system that performs a control for determining a reception interval of walking data based on the walking data received from the step counting device and receiving the walking data at the determined reception interval.

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