JP2018162987A - Information processing equipment, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To miniaturize an information processing equipment which utilizes electric wave from a positioning satellite.SOLUTION: A smart watch 100 comprises a main micro computer 11 and a sub-micro computer 21 and a satellite radio wave receiver module 24 which is controlled by the sub-micro computer 21 and acquires positional information or time entry by utilizing the electric wave from the positioning satellite. The sub-micro computer 21 comprises a non-volatility storage unit 213 which stores a control program for operating the connected satellite radio wave receiver module 24. The satellite radio wave receiver module 24 comprises a volatility memory 241 which stores the control program for operating the satellite radio wave receiver module 24. The sub-micro computer 21 transfers the control program stored in the storage unit 213 to a memory 241 before operating the satellite radio wave receiver module 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an information processing apparatus that has a display unit and can process and display various information (see Patent Document 1).

  Such an information processing apparatus is equipped with a satellite radio wave reception LSI (Large Scale Integration) that performs a positioning operation for receiving a radio wave from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite and measuring a current position. There are many things that process and use positioning results.

JP 2006-101505 A

  A satellite radio wave receiving LSI mounted on a conventional information processing apparatus has a configuration including a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a configuration including a non-volatile memory outside the satellite radio wave receiving LSI. This non-volatile memory stores firmware for performing control related to positioning and time information acquisition, and the stored information is not erased even when the satellite radio wave receiving LSI is turned off.

  However, the size of the nonvolatile memory is large, and the size of the information processing apparatus including the nonvolatile memory is also large. In particular, like the wearable device described in the cited document 1, a portable information processing apparatus is greatly required to be reduced in size in order to prevent a burden on the user from carrying.

  An object of the present invention is to downsize an information processing apparatus that uses radio waves from a positioning satellite.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a control unit, and an acquisition unit that is controlled by the control unit and acquires position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite, The control unit includes a first nonvolatile storage unit that stores a control program for operating the acquisition unit, and the acquisition unit includes a volatile storage unit that stores a control program for operating the acquisition unit. The control unit transfers the control program stored in the first non-volatile storage unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information processing apparatus using the electromagnetic wave from a positioning satellite can be reduced in size.

(A) is a front view of the smartwatch of the embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a front view of a smartwatch showing display screens of a first display unit and a second display unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a smart watch. It is a flowchart which shows a firmware reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st positioning mode process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd positioning mode process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st time correction process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd time correction process.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  The embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a smart watch 100 as an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1A is a front view of the smart watch 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a front view of the smartwatch 100 showing display screens of the first display unit 12 and the second display unit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the smart watch 100 is an arm-mounted information processing apparatus that can mount the main body 1 on the user's arm using the band 2. The main body 1 of the smart watch 100 includes a frame 3, a display screen 4, a push button switch B1, and the like.

  The frame 3 exposes and supports the display screen 4 on one surface, and holds functional configurations related to various operations described later. When the push button switch B1 is pressed, the operation mode is returned from a later-described sleep mode.

On the display screen 4, two display portions are stacked. As shown in FIG. 1B, a display screen 12a of the first display unit 12 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the lower part, and a display screen 22a of the second display unit 22 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the upper part. Is provided. That is, FIG. 1A shows a state in which display is performed by the first display unit 12 and the display screen 22a of the second display unit 22 transmits the display by the first display unit 12.
A touch sensor (touch panel) (not shown) is provided at an upper part of the second display unit 22 so that a user operation can be accepted. A push button switch B1 is provided on the side surface of the frame 3 so as to be able to accept a user operation together with the touch sensor.

The first display unit 12 has a color liquid crystal display screen based on a dot matrix, and switches various displays related to various functions and / or performs them in parallel according to a user input operation or various program operations.
The second display unit 22 has a display screen that can display the time by simplified display with lower power consumption than the first display unit 12, and performs, for example, a monochrome liquid crystal display by a segment method. Alternatively, a memory in-pixel liquid crystal (MIP liquid crystal), a PN liquid crystal (Polymer Network), or the like may be used for the display screen 22a of the second display unit 22. In addition, the display screen 22a of the second display unit 22 can transmit the display content of the first display unit 12 upward without applying any display by applying a predetermined voltage.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the smart watch 100.
The smart watch 100 includes a control unit, a main microcomputer 11 as a first control unit, a first display unit 12, an operation receiving unit 13, a wireless communication controller 14 as a communication unit, an external storage unit 15, and a control unit. The sub-microcomputer 21 as the second control means, the second display unit 22, the measurement unit 23, the satellite radio wave reception module 24 as the acquisition unit, the switch 25, the PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) 31, and the like Prepare.

  The main microcomputer 11 is a main control unit including a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a storage unit 113 as a second non-volatile storage unit, a time measuring unit 114, and the like. It is. The main microcomputer 11 receives power supply from the power supply via the PMIC 31 and controls the operations of the respective units such as the first display unit 12, the operation receiving unit 13, the wireless communication controller 14, and the external storage unit 15.

The main CPU 111 performs various arithmetic processes and controls the operation of the smart watch 100 in a normal operation state. The main CPU 111 acquires measurement data from the satellite radio wave reception module 24 and the measurement unit 23 from the sub-microcomputer 21 and performs various processes (information processing).
The RAM 112 provides a working memory space to the main CPU 111 and stores temporary data.

  The storage unit 113 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory that stores control programs (including various application programs (applications)) executed by the main CPU 111 and setting data. The data stored in the storage unit 113 is processed using a firmware reception program for executing firmware reception processing for the satellite radio wave reception module 24 described later, and positioning results (positioning information) by the satellite radio wave reception module 24. A program such as a first positioning mode program for executing the first positioning mode process, a first time correction program for executing the first time correction process for correcting the time of the RTC 214, and various data are included. Further, the storage unit 113 stores firmware as a control program for operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24.

  The timer 114 counts the current date and time (time information) based on the control of the main CPU 111. The timer unit 114 includes a counter and counts the date and time with higher accuracy than the RTC 214 described later in accordance with the operation clock frequency of the main microcomputer 11.

  The main CPU 111 can be temporarily suspended when no operation is required. For example, when a predetermined command is received by the operation receiving unit 13 or when there is no operation and a predetermined time has elapsed, the entire operation of the main microcomputer 11 is stopped and a transition is made to a sleep mode in which the sub-microcomputer 21 operates. Shall. In smart watch 100, two modes of a sleep mode and an operation mode are prepared as operation modes. A mode in which the main microcomputer 11 and the sub microcomputer 21 operate is referred to as an operation mode. In the operation mode, it is assumed that a positioning mode for displaying display information using the positioning result of the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is possible. The sleep mode, the operation mode, and the positioning mode will be described in more detail later.

  The above-described first display unit 12 performs display operation mainly by the control operation of the main microcomputer 11 (main CPU 111). Here, when the operation of the main microcomputer 11 is stopped, the display is turned off. A limited display may be made possible by the control operation by the (sub CPU 211).

  The operation reception unit 13 includes the above-described touch sensor, receives an input operation from the outside (that is, a user), converts the operation content into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the main CPU 111. When the input operation to the touch sensor is performed, when the main CPU 111 is inactive (in a standby state), this electric signal becomes an operation resumption signal, and the operation of the main CPU 111 is resumed.

  The wireless communication controller 14 is a controller for performing wireless communication with an external electronic device (external device). The wireless communication standard is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11), and the like. The main microcomputer 11 (main CPU 111) can acquire necessary information, programs, update data thereof, and the like from the outside via the wireless communication controller 14. Examples of the external device that is a communication connection target include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an external server via an access point, and the like.

  The external storage unit 15 is a nonvolatile large-capacity storage, and stores map data for performing navigation and map display. The external storage unit 15 is not limited to the one built in the smart watch 100, and may be provided with a removable portable small storage medium such as a flash memory.

  The sub-microcomputer 21 includes a sub-CPU 211, a RAM 212, a nonvolatile storage unit, a storage unit 213 as a first nonvolatile storage unit, an RTC (real-time clock) 214, a buffer memory 215, and the like. The sub-microcomputer 21 receives power supply from the power source via the PMIC 31 and operates. The sub-microcomputer 21 controls the operation of the second display unit 22, the measurement unit 23, and the satellite radio wave reception module 24 and the exchange of data with the main microcomputer 11. The sub-microcomputer 21 consumes power (during normal operation and maximum; mainly based on TDP (thermal design power) of the CPU and the influence of the capacity and number of RAM, etc.) Is a sub-control unit for performing continuously performed operations with relatively low power consumption, which is smaller than the power consumption of the main microcomputer 11 (in normal operation and at the maximum time, respectively).

The sub CPU 211 performs various arithmetic processes and controls the operation of the sub microcomputer 21. The sub CPU 211 may have lower power consumption (TDP or the like) than the main CPU 111, and accordingly, may have lower capacity than the main CPU 111. As long as the power supply from the PMIC 31 is not insufficient, the sub CPU 211 basically maintains the minimum operation. When the minimum operation is periodically performed at a predetermined interval, the operation other than the period of operation at the predetermined interval may be paused (set to a standby state).
The RAM 212 provides a working memory space to the sub CPU 211 and stores temporary data. The RAM 212 retains stored data as long as the power supply from the PMIC 31 is normally performed even when the sub CPU 211 performs the operation intermittently as described above.

  The storage unit 213 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that stores a control program (including various application programs (applications)) executed by the sub CPU 211 and setting data. The program 213a stored in the storage unit 213 includes a second positioning mode program for executing a second positioning mode process (to be described later) executed in the sub-microcomputer 21, and a second time correction process for correcting the time of the RTC 214. A second time correction program for executing is included. The storage unit 213 stores firmware for operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24.

  The RTC 214 is a normal one that performs a timekeeping operation of date and time (time information). As described above, the RTC 214 has a lower accuracy than the timekeeping operation by the timekeeping unit 114 of the main microcomputer 11, but on the other hand, the timekeeping operation by the timekeeping unit 114. Therefore, the date and time are continuously counted even when the main microcomputer 11 is stopped or the sub-microcomputer 21 is on standby.

  The buffer memory 215 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores the positioning result acquired by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24, and an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like is used. The positioning result acquired by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is once stored in the buffer memory 215 and output to the main microcomputer 11 at an appropriate timing.

  As described above, the second display unit 22 consumes less power than the first display unit 12 and is used for displaying time during the display operation. When the MIP liquid crystal is used for the display screen, the second display unit 22 can lower the display content update frequency under the control of the sub CPU 211.

  The measurement unit 23 includes a sensor that measures a physical quantity indicating the motion state of the smart watch 100. Here, the measurement unit 23 includes an acceleration sensor, and in addition to this, may include an orientation sensor (geomagnetic field sensor), an atmospheric pressure sensor (used as an altitude sensor), and the like. In addition, the measurement unit 23 is a tilt sensor that detects a predetermined posture of the smartwatch 100, in this case, the tilted state of the smartwatch 100 when the user lifts his arm in front of the user so that the display screen of the smartwatch 100 is easy to see. You may have.

The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 may acquire radio waves from positioning satellites, here at least radio waves from positioning satellites (GNSS satellites) related to GNSS, demodulate them, acquire time, and perform positioning. This is a possible module (satellite radio wave receiving LSI). The radio wave from the positioning satellite includes time information measured by the positioning satellite. The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 has an antenna (not shown) and generates radio waves (for example, 1.57542 GHz (L1 band of GPS (Global Positioning System) in the GNSS satellite)) based on the control of the sub microcomputer 21 (sub CPU 211). Receive and despread spectrum to obtain and decode navigation messages. The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 performs positioning calculation based on the navigation message acquisition and decoding results. The obtained date and current position and current position are output in a predetermined format.
Note that the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 may be configured to receive radio waves from positioning satellites other than the GNSS system to acquire time and perform positioning.

  The satellite radio wave reception module 24 includes a memory 241 and stores temporary data necessary for operation. The memory 241 is a volatile memory such as SRAM (Static RAM). During operation, the memory 241 includes time information acquisition, a control program (firmware) necessary for positioning operation, navigation message format information for each positioning satellite, and each positioning satellite. The acquired trajectory information (ephemeris, almanac) is stored. The memory 241 can maintain the operation even when the operation of the reception operation unit of the satellite radio wave reception module 24 is stopped, but when the operation of the memory 241 is stopped and restarted, At least a part (firmware or the like) of these is re-acquired from the storage unit 213 of the sub-microcomputer 21. The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 can acquire radio waves from the number of positioning satellites necessary for positioning and acquire ephemeris, respectively, and then perform positioning calculation continuously to obtain the current position. The calculation interval of the current position in this case is not particularly limited, but here is an interval of 1 second.

  The switch 25 is an on switch that accepts a predetermined user operation for restarting the main microcomputer 11 when the main microcomputer 11 is in the sleep mode. The switch 25 may be provided exclusively or may be used in combination with the push button switch B1.

The PMIC 31 controls power supply from the power source to the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 21. The PMIC 31 includes, for example, a switch for determining whether or not power can be output to the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 21, a DC / DC converter that adjusts an output voltage, and the like, and supplies appropriate power when the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 21 operate. Supply to these.
Further, FIG. 2 is an example, and a power supply IC that supplies power to the main microcomputer 11 and the sub microcomputer 21 instead of the PMIC 31 may be prepared.

  Next, the operation of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the firmware reception process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first positioning mode process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the second positioning mode process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first time correction process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the second time correction process.

  First, as an operation mode of the smart watch 100, a sleep mode, an operation mode, and a positioning mode will be described. As described above, the operation of the main microcomputer 11 can be switched between the operation state (operation mode) and the sleep state (sleep mode) by switching the operation of the main CPU 111. In the sleep mode, the display by the first display unit 12 is also turned off when the operation of the main CPU 111 is stopped. Here, it is assumed that in the sleep mode, the storage operation of the RAM 112 is completely stopped (shut down) when the operation of the main CPU 111 is stopped. However, in the sleep mode, the storage operation of the RAM 112 may be maintained when the operation of the main CPU 111 is stopped (standby state), and the normal operation may be quickly restored when the operation of the main CPU 111 is resumed. Alternatively, in the sleep mode, when the operation of the main CPU 111 is stopped, the contents stored in the RAM 112 may be saved in the storage unit 113 and the operation may be stopped (sleep state) so that the recovery is possible. Even when the sleep mode is continued, the main microcomputer 11 temporarily returns to the operation state at a predetermined interval (maintenance operation interval), for example, once every 10 minutes, and performs a predetermined process (maintenance operation). Also good.

Transition to the sleep mode occurs when an explicit command is received by a predetermined operation by the user or when it is estimated that the operation is not performed for a predetermined time and the smartwatch 100 is not used for a long time. Further, the smart watch 100 returns to the operation mode when the switch 25 is pressed in the sleep mode.
Moreover, you may transfer to hibernation mode also when a battery remaining charge becomes below a threshold value.

  As the operation of the main microcomputer 11 is stopped (transition to the sleep mode), the operation of the first display unit 12 is also stopped, and the second display unit 22 displays the time under the control of the sub CPU 211 of the sub microcomputer 21.

  The operation mode is a mode in which all normal interactive functions included in the smartwatch 100 can be executed. In the operation mode, the main microcomputer 11 mainly operates, and various display operations are performed on the first display unit 12 under the control of the main CPU 111. The display content on the first display unit 12 may include a time display. In the time display in this case, the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand are drawn, and the time display is updated in units of one second by the movement of the second hand. In the smart watch 100, when a specific function operation is performed, it is possible to temporarily prevent the time display.

  In the positioning mode, processing using the positioning result by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is performed in the operation mode. Here, as a process using the positioning result, for example, a description will be given of an example in which a position information acquisition display process is performed in which the current position is acquired on a daily basis and displayed on a map. However, the processing using the positioning result is not limited to this, and navigation processing showing the route from the current position to the destination, and history acquisition processing of outdoor activities (activity measurement, running measurement, cycling measurement, (Climbing measurement, etc.), and movement trajectory data (log data) display processing based on positioning results obtained as time-series data by the satellite radio wave reception module 24 according to these processes may be used. Information processing performed in these processes includes creation of various display data, calculation of moving speed, moving acceleration, moving direction, etc., statistical processing of these integrated values, average values, variations, etc., and various processes using these data For example, calculation of parameters such as calorie consumption.

  Next, a firmware reception process executed by the main CPU 111 of the main microcomputer 11 of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The firmware reception process is a process for receiving and storing firmware for the satellite radio wave reception module 24 that is newly upgraded from an external device such as a smartphone.

  The firmware is stored in a smartphone as an external device or an external server connected to a communication network via an access point. When there is a new version upgrade of the firmware, the new version of the firmware is transmitted from the distribution source server to the smartphone and the external server and updated. The smartphone transmits a notification of firmware upgrade to the smartwatch 100 by wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The external server transmits a notification of firmware upgrade to the smartwatch 100 via an access point or the like by wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and notifies the smart watch 100 of it.

  In the smart watch 100, when the power is turned on, or when the switch 25 is pressed by the user during the sleep mode, the main microcomputer 11 is activated and the operation mode is started, and the main CPU 111 stores the storage unit. The firmware reception process is executed in cooperation with the firmware reception program read from 113 and appropriately loaded in the RAM 112.

  First, the main CPU 111 updates the firmware for the satellite radio wave reception module 24 from an external device (smart phone, external server) in a predetermined wireless communication system (Bluetooth, wireless LAN) via the wireless communication controller 14. It is determined whether or not there is a firmware version upgrade based on whether or not a notification to that effect has been received (step S11). If there is no firmware upgrade (step S11; NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When there is a firmware upgrade (step S11; YES), the main CPU 111 receives a new version of firmware from the external device via the wireless communication controller 14 (step S12). Then, the main CPU 111 updates and stores the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 with the new version of firmware received in step S12 (step S13), and proceeds to step S11.

  Next, the first positioning mode process executed by the main CPU 111 of the main microcomputer 11 of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In the first positioning mode process, the firmware for the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is updated as necessary, and the positioning mode process is performed based on the positioning information of the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 corresponding to the new firmware.

  In the smart watch 100, when the power is turned on, or when the switch 25 is pressed by the user during the sleep mode, the main microcomputer 11 is activated and the operation mode is started, and the main CPU 111 stores the storage unit. The first positioning mode process is executed in cooperation with the first positioning mode program read from 113 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 112.

  First, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not an operation for starting a positioning mode (transition to the positioning mode) is input from the user via the operation receiving unit 13 (step S21). When there is no positioning mode start operation (step S21; NO), the process proceeds to step S21. When there is a positioning mode start operation (step S21; YES), the main CPU 111 outputs an instruction to turn on the satellite radio wave reception module 24 to the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S22).

  Then, the main CPU 111 reads the firmware version information from the storage unit 113 and outputs it to the sub-microcomputer 21 in response to the input of the firmware version information request stored in the storage unit 113 from the sub-microcomputer 21 ( Step S23). Then, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not a request for firmware stored in the storage unit 113 has been input from the sub CPU 211 of the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S24). When a firmware request is input (step S24; YES), the main CPU 111 reads the firmware from the storage unit 113 and outputs it to the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S25).

  When the firmware request is not input (step S24; NO), or after step S25, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the satellite microcomputer reception module 24 ON notification is input from the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S24). S26). When the notification of ON of the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is not input (step S26; NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

  When the ON notification of the satellite radio wave reception module 24 is input (step S26; YES), the main CPU 111 performs a positioning mode process (step S27). In step S27, the satellite radio wave reception module 24 can perform positioning based on the latest firmware, and the main CPU 111 appropriately acquires positioning information from the satellite radio wave reception module 24 via the sub CPU 211, and uses the positioning information. To process the positioning mode. More specifically, the main CPU 111 appropriately acquires positioning information from the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 via the sub CPU 211, reads out map data corresponding to the positioning information from the external storage unit 15, and based on the positioning information and the map data. Then, display screen information indicating the current position of the user (smart watch 100) on the map is generated and displayed on the first display unit 12.

  Then, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not an operation for ending the positioning mode has been input from the user via the operation receiving unit 13 (step S28). When there is no positioning mode end operation (step S28; NO), the process proceeds to step S27. If there is a positioning mode end operation (step S28; YES), the main CPU 111 ends the positioning mode processing, outputs a positioning mode end notification to the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S29), and proceeds to step S21.

  Next, the second positioning mode process executed by the sub CPU 211 of the sub microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The second positioning mode process is a process of updating the firmware for the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 as necessary, performing positioning by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24, and outputting positioning information to the main microcomputer 11.

  Assume that the smart watch 100 is powered on in advance and the sub CPU 211 is activated. In the smart watch 100, for example, in response to step S22 of the first positioning mode process, the sub CPU 211 reads from the storage unit 213 using the input of the on instruction of the satellite radio wave reception module 24 started from the main CPU 111 as a trigger. The second positioning mode process is executed in cooperation with the second positioning mode program that is output and loaded in the RAM 212 as appropriate.

  First, the sub CPU 211 completes the input of the on instruction of the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 from the main CPU 111 (step S31). In response to step S23 of the first positioning mode process, the sub CPU 211 outputs a request for firmware version information stored in the storage unit 113 to the main CPU 111, and acquires the firmware version information from the main CPU 111. (Step S32). Then, the sub CPU 211 reads the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 213 from the storage unit 213 (step S33).

  Then, the sub CPU 211 compares the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 113 read out in step S32 with the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 213 acquired in step S33, and the storage unit 213. It is determined whether or not the version information of the firmware stored in is older than the version information of the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 (step S34).

  When the version information of the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 is old (step S34; YES), the sub CPU 211 sends the firmware request stored in the storage unit 113 to the main corresponding to step S24 of the first positioning mode process. It outputs to CPU111 (step S35). Then, the sub CPU 211 acquires the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 from the main CPU 111 corresponding to step S25 of the first positioning mode process (step S36). Then, the sub CPU 211 updates and stores the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 with the firmware acquired in step S36 (step S37).

  If the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 213 is not old (step S34; NO), or after step S37, the sub CPU 211 activates the satellite radio wave reception module 24 (step S38). Then, the sub CPU 211 reads out the firmware for operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24 from the storage unit 213, outputs (transfers) it to the satellite radio wave reception module 24, and expands it in the memory 241 (step S39). When the firmware is expanded in the memory 241, the satellite radio wave reception module 24 is ready to receive radio waves from the GNSS satellite, acquire time information, and generate positioning information in accordance with the firmware expanded in the memory 241.

  Then, in response to step S26 of the first positioning mode process, the sub CPU 211 outputs an ON notification of the satellite radio wave reception module 24 to the sub microcomputer 21 (step S40). Then, in response to step S29 of the first positioning mode process, the sub CPU 211 determines whether a positioning mode end notification has been input from the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S41). When the end notification of the positioning mode is not input (step S41; NO), the sub CPU 211 responds to the request for positioning information in step S27 of the first positioning mode process, and the current generated by the satellite radio wave reception module 24. Positioning information is acquired from the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 and output to the main CPU 111 (step S42), and the process proceeds to step S41.

  When the positioning mode end notification is input (step S41; YES), the sub CPU 211 performs an operation of turning off the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 (step S43), and ends the second positioning mode process.

  Next, a first time correction process executed by the main CPU 111 of the main microcomputer 11 of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The first time correction process notifies the sub-microcomputer 21 of the sleep mode or the operation mode, and outputs the firmware for the satellite radio wave reception module 24 to the sub-microcomputer 21 as necessary for time correction information. It is.

  In the smart watch 100, when the power is turned on, or when the switch 25 is pressed by the user during the sleep mode, the main microcomputer 11 is activated and the operation mode is started, and the main CPU 111 stores the storage unit. The first time correction process is executed in cooperation with the first time correction program read out from 113 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 112.

  First, the main CPU 111 outputs a notification that the main CPU 111 (main microcomputer 11) is on (in operation mode) to the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S51). Corresponding to step S51, the sub CPU 211 receives a notification that the main CPU 111 is on from the main CPU 111, and stores it in the RAM 212 as information indicating the operation mode.

  Then, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not there is an input of a request for firmware version information stored in the storage unit 113 from the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S52). If there is an input of a request for firmware version information (step S52; YES), the main CPU 111 reads the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 113 from the storage unit 113 and outputs it to the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S53). ).

  When there is no input of firmware version information request (step S52; NO), or after step S53, the main CPU 111 performs step S54. Steps S54 and S55 are the same as steps S24 and S25 of the first positioning mode process. When no firmware request is input (step S54; NO), or after step S55, the main CPU 111 performs a display (pause mode) operation on the second display unit 22 from the user via the operation reception unit 13. Whether or not the main CPU 111 (main microcomputer 11) is to be stopped is determined based on whether or not a predetermined time has passed for transition to the sleep mode without any operation (step S56). When the main CPU 111 is not stopped (step S56; NO), the process proceeds to step S52.

  When the main CPU 111 is stopped (step S56; YES), the main CPU 111 notifies the sub-microcomputer 21 (sub-CPU 211) that the main CPU 111 (main microcomputer 11) is stopped (is in the sleep mode) (step S57). Then, the first time correction process is terminated. Corresponding to step S55, the sub CPU 211 receives a notification that the main CPU 111 is off from the main CPU 111, and stores the notification in the RAM 212 as information indicating the sleep mode.

  In the first time correction process, the main CPU 111 is set in advance when a connection request for data transfer such as mail received from an external device such as a smartphone is transmitted via the wireless communication controller 14. If it is time to acquire time information from the external device and correct the time every predetermined time (timing when the predetermined time for time correction has passed), establish communication connection with the external device as appropriate, and time information And the time of the time measuring unit 114 is corrected with the received time information. The external device (smart phone), for example, receives accurate time information managed by the base station and corrects the time appropriately when communicating with the base station, and provides time information with higher accuracy than the smart watch 100. keeping.

  Next, the second time correction process executed by the sub CPU 211 of the sub microcomputer 21 of the smart watch 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The second time correction process is a process of updating the firmware for the satellite radio wave reception module 24 as necessary, obtaining time information from the satellite radio wave reception module 24, and correcting the time of the RTC 214 with the time information.

  In the smart watch 100, the sub CPU 211 is triggered by the activation of the sub CPU 211 when the power of the smart watch 100 is turned on, and the sub CPU 211 cooperates with the second time correction program read from the storage unit 213 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 212. Thus, the second time correction process is executed.

  First, the sub CPU 211 refers to the current time measured by the RTC 214, and determines whether or not the current time is a timing for correcting the time (step S61). For example, the sub-microcomputer 21 acquires time information from the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 and performs time correction every predetermined time (for example, one day) set in advance. The timing for correcting the time in step S61 is a timing at which a predetermined time for correcting the time has elapsed.

  If it is not time to correct the time (step S61; NO), the process proceeds to step S61. When it is time to correct the time (step S61; YES), the sub CPU 211 refers to the information on the mode held in the RAM 212 and determines whether or not it is the sleep mode (step S62). When it is the operation mode (step S62; NO), the sub CPU 211 executes step S63. Steps S63 to S68 are the same as steps S32 to S37 of the second positioning mode process. Steps S63 and S67 correspond to steps S53 and S55 of the first positioning mode process.

  If the mode is the sleep mode (step S62; YES), if the firmware version information stored in the storage unit 213 is not old (step S65; NO), or after step S68, the sub CPU 211 performs step S69. Steps S69 and S70 are the same as steps S38 and S39 of the second positioning mode process.

  Then, the sub CPU 211 acquires the current time information acquired by the satellite radio wave reception module 24 from the satellite radio wave reception module 24 (step S71). Since the GNSS satellite has a clock device with high time accuracy, and the time information measured by the clock device is included in the radio wave from the GNSS satellite, the time information acquired by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is also the time of the RTC 214. More accurate than information.

  Then, the sub CPU 211 corrects the time of the RTC 214 using the time information acquired in step S71 (step S72). Then, the sub CPU 211 performs an operation of turning off the satellite radio wave reception module 24 (step S73), and proceeds to step S61.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the smart watch 100 includes the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 21 as the control unit, and the satellite radio wave as the acquisition unit that acquires the position information or time information using the radio wave from the positioning satellite. A receiving module 24. The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 is controlled by the sub-microcomputer 21. The sub-microcomputer 21 includes a nonvolatile storage unit 213 that stores firmware for operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24. The satellite radio wave receiving module 24 includes a volatile memory 241 that stores firmware for operating the satellite radio wave receiving module 24. The sub-microcomputer 21 transfers the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 to the memory 241 before operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24.

  For this reason, since the satellite radio wave reception module 24 includes the volatile memory 241 that is smaller in size than the nonvolatile memory, the satellite radio wave reception module 24 can be miniaturized and the smart watch 100 that uses radio waves from the positioning satellite can be miniaturized. it can.

  Further, the sub microcomputer 21 consumes less power during operation than the main microcomputer 11. For this reason, positioning information generation and time information acquisition can be performed by the satellite radio wave receiving module 24 even during low power consumption operation in which the sub-microcomputer 21 is operated.

  The main microcomputer 11 includes a nonvolatile storage unit 113 that stores firmware for operating the satellite radio wave reception module 24, and transfers the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 to the storage unit 213. Therefore, a new version of firmware stored in the storage unit 113 can be stored in the storage unit 213.

  In addition, the smart watch 100 includes a wireless communication controller 14 that communicates with an external device (smart phone, external server). The main microcomputer 11 stores the firmware acquired from the external device by the wireless communication controller 14 in the storage unit 113. Therefore, the latest version of firmware can be received from the external device and stored in the storage unit 113, and the new version of firmware stored in the storage unit 113 can be stored in the storage unit 213.

  In addition, the sub-microcomputer 21 performs a new / old check between the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 and the firmware version stored in the storage unit 113, and the firmware version stored in the storage unit 213 stores the firmware version. If it is older than the firmware version stored in the unit 113, the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 is stored in the storage unit 213. Therefore, the firmware of the storage unit 113 with a newer version than the firmware of the storage unit 213 can be reliably stored in the storage unit 213, and unnecessary transfer of firmware having the same or older version from the storage unit 113 to the storage unit 213 can be prevented. The processing burden can be reduced.

  The main microcomputer 11 has an operation mode and a pause mode. When the main microcomputer 11 is in the operation mode, the sub-microcomputer 21 performs a new / old check of the versions of the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 and the firmware stored in the storage unit 113. For this reason, when the main microcomputer 11 is in the operation mode, it is possible to perform a new / old check of valid versions of the firmware in the storage unit 213 and the firmware in the storage unit 113.

  In addition, when the main microcomputer 11 is in the sleep mode, the sub-microcomputer 21 does not check the version of the firmware stored in the storage unit 213 and the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 without checking the version. The firmware stored in is transferred to the memory 241. For this reason, when the main microcomputer 11 is in the sleep mode, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary version new / old check between the firmware in the storage unit 213 and the firmware stored in the storage unit 113 and reduce the processing load.

  Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when the main microcomputer 11 is in the sleep mode by the second time correction process, the sub-microcomputer 21 transfers the firmware to the memory 241 and develops the time information from the satellite radio wave reception module 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, similarly to the second time correction process, when the main microcomputer 11 is in the sleep mode, the sub CPU 211 of the sub microcomputer 21 transfers the firmware in the storage unit 213 to the memory 241 without performing the firmware old / old check. The positioning information generated by the satellite radio wave reception module 24 is acquired and information processing using the positioning information (calculation of information based on the positioning information, storage of the information in the storage unit 213, etc.) is performed. It is good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure provided with the main microcomputer 11 and the submicrocomputer 21, you may comprise by one microcomputer.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the smart watch 100 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A control unit;
An acquisition unit controlled by the control unit and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite;
The control unit includes a first nonvolatile storage unit that stores a control program for operating the acquisition unit,
The acquisition unit comprises volatile storage means for storing a control program for operating the acquisition unit,
The control unit transfers the control program stored in the first non-volatile storage unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that.
<Claim 2>
The controller is
First control means;
A second control means that consumes less power during operation than the first control means,
The acquisition unit is controlled by the second control means,
The second control means includes the first nonvolatile memory means,
The second control unit transfers the control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
<Claim 3>
The first control means includes second nonvolatile storage means storing a control program for operating the acquisition unit, and the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means is stored in the first nonvolatile storage. Transfer to storage means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.
<Claim 4>
A communication unit that communicates with external devices
The first control unit stores the control program acquired from the external device by the communication unit in the second nonvolatile storage unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.
<Claim 5>
The second control means performs a new / old check of the versions of the control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means, and the first nonvolatile storage If the version of the control program stored in the storage device is older than the version of the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage device, the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage device is Storing in the first non-volatile storage means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.
<Claim 6>
The first control means has an operation mode and a sleep mode,
The second control means includes a control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and a control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means when the first control means is in an operation mode. Perform new and old version checks,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.
<Claim 7>
The second control means includes a control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and a control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means when the first control means is in a pause mode. Transferring the control program stored in the first non-volatile storage means to the volatile storage means without performing a new or old version check;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.
<Claim 8>
A control unit comprising a non-volatile storage means;
A volatile storage means, controlled by the control unit, and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite; and
An information processing method for an information processing apparatus comprising:
Transferring the control program stored in the non-volatile storage unit storing the control program for operating the acquisition unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit;
An information processing method comprising:
<Claim 9>
A control unit comprising a non-volatile storage means;
A volatile storage means, controlled by the control unit, and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite; and
In the computer of the information processing apparatus comprising
Before operating the acquisition unit, to execute a transfer step of transferring the control program stored in the nonvolatile storage unit storing the control program for operating the acquisition unit to the volatile storage unit,
A program characterized by that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main-body part 2 Band 3 Frame 4, 12a, 22a Display screen B1 Pushbutton switch 100 Smartwatch 11 Main microcomputer 111 Main CPU
112 RAM
113 Storage Unit 114 Timekeeping Unit 12 First Display Unit 13 Operation Accepting Unit 14 Wireless Communication Controller 15 External Storage Unit 21 Sub-microcomputer 211 Sub-CPU
212 RAM
213 Storage unit 214 RTC
215 Buffer memory 22 Second display unit 23 Measuring unit 24 Satellite radio wave receiving module 241 Memory 25 Switch 31 PMIC

Claims (9)

A control unit;
An acquisition unit controlled by the control unit and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite;
The control unit includes a first nonvolatile storage unit that stores a control program for operating the acquisition unit,
The acquisition unit comprises volatile storage means for storing a control program for operating the acquisition unit,
The control unit transfers the control program stored in the first non-volatile storage unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The controller is
First control means;
A second control means that consumes less power during operation than the first control means,
The acquisition unit is controlled by the second control means,
The second control means includes the first nonvolatile memory means,
The second control unit transfers the control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The first control means includes second nonvolatile storage means storing a control program for operating the acquisition unit, and the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means is stored in the first nonvolatile storage. Transfer to storage means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. A communication unit that communicates with external devices
The first control unit stores the control program acquired from the external device by the communication unit in the second nonvolatile storage unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The second control means performs a new / old check of the versions of the control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means, and the first nonvolatile storage If the version of the control program stored in the storage device is older than the version of the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage device, the control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage device is Storing in the first non-volatile storage means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The first control means has an operation mode and a sleep mode,
The second control means includes a control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and a control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means when the first control means is in an operation mode. Perform new and old version checks,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The second control means includes a control program stored in the first nonvolatile storage means and a control program stored in the second nonvolatile storage means when the first control means is in a pause mode. Transferring the control program stored in the first non-volatile storage means to the volatile storage means without performing a new or old version check;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. A control unit comprising a non-volatile storage means;
A volatile storage means, controlled by the control unit, and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite; and
An information processing method for an information processing apparatus comprising:
Transferring the control program stored in the non-volatile storage unit storing the control program for operating the acquisition unit to the volatile storage unit before operating the acquisition unit;
An information processing method comprising: A control unit comprising a non-volatile storage means;
A volatile storage means, controlled by the control unit, and acquiring position information or time information using radio waves from a positioning satellite; and
In the computer of the information processing apparatus comprising
Before operating the acquisition unit, to execute a transfer step of transferring the control program stored in the nonvolatile storage unit storing the control program for operating the acquisition unit to the volatile storage unit,
A program characterized by that.

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