JP2019056996A - Information processing apparatus and method for controlling information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus that, even when reducing power consumption, can reduce the time required from when a processing apparatus not directly electrically connected to a display unit outputs a signal to when the display unit obtains the above-mentioned signal.SOLUTION: A display 30 is electrically connected to a Main_MCU 10. A Sub_MCU 12 is electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10 and is not directly electrically connected to the display 30. The Main_MCU 10 outputs a signal obtained from the Sub_MCU 12 to the display 30 as it is. This can reduce the time required from when the Sub_MCU 12 outputs image data to when the display 30 obtains the above-mentioned image data, compared with a case where the Main_MCU 10 performs processing on the above-mentioned image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a method for controlling the information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, an information processing device such as a portable information device may have a plurality of processing devices and a display unit. For example, Patent Literature 1 includes a first processing device, a second processing device that is electrically connected to the first processing device, and a display unit that is electrically connected to the second processing device. An information processing apparatus is disclosed. The display unit included in the information processing apparatus operates periodically, and the second processing apparatus stops in order to suppress power consumption, and returns according to the periodic operation of the display unit. When returning, the second processing device outputs a signal to be output to the display unit to the first processing device. The first processing device performs processing so that the obtained signal becomes a signal that can be displayed by the display unit, and outputs the processed signal to the display unit.

JP 2008-117424 A

  By the way, in the conventional information processing apparatus, the 1st processing apparatus electrically connected with the display part among several processing apparatuses outputs a signal directly to a display part. However, the second processing device that is not electrically connected directly to the display unit once outputs a signal output to the display unit to the first processing device, and the first processing device performs processing on the signal. This signal is output to the display unit. Therefore, the time taken for the display unit to obtain the above-mentioned signal after the second processing device outputs the signal includes the time for the first processing device to process the signal. There is a problem in that it takes a long time to obtain the display unit.

  The present invention reduces the time required for the display unit to obtain the above-described signal after the processing device that is not directly connected to the display unit outputs a signal even when power consumption is suppressed. This is one of the issues to be solved.

  An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first processing device, a display unit electrically connected to the first processing device, and a first unit electrically connected to the first processing device. 2, and the first processing device outputs the signal obtained from the second processing device to the display unit as it is.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first processing device outputs the signal obtained from the second processing device to the display unit as it is. Here, “output as it is” is to output the same signal as the obtained signal without performing any processing on the obtained signal. Accordingly, the time required for the display unit to obtain the above-described signal after the second processing device outputs the signal can be shortened as compared with the case where the first processing device processes the signal. Become.
In addition, there is a method in which the first processing device and the second processing device are electrically connected to the display unit in order for the first processing device and the second processing device to directly output a signal to the display. However, in this method, even if the supply of power to the second processing apparatus is stopped, an excess current flows through the wiring. On the other hand, according to the above-described aspect, when the supply of power to the second processing apparatus is stopped, excess current does not flow through the wiring, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the above-described aspect, the first processing device may be configured such that the first processing device outputs the first image data output by the first processing device executing the first image processing to the display unit. It is preferable that the second processing device can be switched between a second mode in which the second image data output by executing the second image processing is output to the display unit as it is.

  According to this aspect, in the first mode, the display unit displays an image based on the first image data, and in the second mode, the display unit displays an image based on the second image data. It becomes possible to do.

  In the aspect described above, when the first processing apparatus causes the second processing apparatus to execute the second image processing, the second processing is performed if the second processing apparatus is stopped. An apparatus is started, and when the first processing apparatus is in the second mode and the second processing apparatus is started, the second processing apparatus is caused to execute the second image processing. It is preferable.

  According to this aspect, when the second image processing is executed, the second processing device is activated, and when it is not necessary, the second processing device is stopped, so that the second processing device is stopped. The amount of power supplied can be reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  In the above-described aspect, the second processing device performs a position specifying process for specifying the position of the information processing device based on a satellite signal transmitted from a position information satellite, and the second image processing The image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process may be output as the second image data.

  According to this aspect, the display unit executes a process of generating image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process, based on the position specified by the first processing apparatus by the position specifying process. Compared to the case, since it can be obtained earlier, a more real-time position can be indicated. Further, the “image data based on the specified position” may indicate the position specified using only the satellite signal transmitted from the position information satellite, the satellite signal transmitted from the position information satellite, and the acceleration. The specified position may be indicated based on data of at least one of the sensor, the geomagnetic sensor, and the atmospheric pressure sensor.

  Further, in the above-described aspect, a pulse sensor electrically connected to at least one of the first processing device and the second processing device is provided, and the second processing device is obtained from the pulse sensor. A pulse calculation process for calculating a pulse based on the received signal, and the second image process is a process for outputting image data based on the pulse calculated by the pulse calculation process as the second image data. It is good also as.

  According to this aspect, the display unit executes processing for generating image data based on the pulse calculated by the pulse calculation processing based on the pulse calculated by the first processing device by the pulse calculation processing. Compared to the case, since image data can be obtained earlier, a more real-time pulse can be shown. The pulse sensor may be electrically connected to the first processing device, may be electrically connected to the second processing device, or may be connected to the first processing device and the second processing device. It may be electrically connected.

  In the above-described aspect, it is preferable that the second processing device has a higher processing capacity than the first processing device.

  According to this aspect, the processing can be performed by the second processing apparatus when heavy processing is required, so that the processing is lower than the case where the processing is always performed by the second processing apparatus having a high processing capability. A system that consumes power can be constructed.

  In the above-described aspect, the information processing apparatus may be a portable information device.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a portable information device in which the display unit can obtain a signal output from the second processing device earlier while suppressing power consumption.

  In a method for controlling an information processing apparatus including a first processing apparatus and a second processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the first processing apparatus executes a first image process; And when the second image processing executes the second processing device, the first processing device performs the second processing. If the apparatus is stopped, the second processing apparatus is activated, and the second processing apparatus executes the second image processing, and outputs the second image data output from the first processing apparatus. And the first processing device outputs the second image data to the display unit as it is.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first processing device outputs the signal obtained from the second processing device to the display unit as it is. Here, “output as it is” is to output the same signal as the obtained signal without performing any processing on the obtained signal. Accordingly, the time required for the display unit to obtain the above-described signal after the second processing device outputs the signal can be shortened as compared with the case where the first processing device processes the signal. Become.
In addition, there is a method in which the first processing device and the second processing device are electrically connected to the display unit in order for the first processing device and the second processing device to directly output a signal to the display. However, in this method, even if the supply of power to the second processing apparatus is stopped, an excess current flows through the wiring. On the other hand, according to the above-described aspect, when the supply of power to the second processing apparatus is stopped, excess current does not flow through the wiring, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the aspect described above, the step in which the second processing device executes the second image processing includes a position specifying process for specifying the position of the information processing device based on a satellite signal transmitted from a position information satellite. And a process of executing and outputting image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process as the second image data.

  According to this aspect, the display unit executes a process of generating image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process, based on the position specified by the first processing apparatus by the position specifying process. Compared to the case, since it can be obtained earlier, a more real-time position can be indicated. Further, the “image data based on the specified position” may indicate the position specified using only the satellite signal transmitted from the position information satellite, the satellite signal transmitted from the position information satellite, and the acceleration. The specified position may be indicated based on data of at least one of the sensor, the geomagnetic sensor, and the atmospheric pressure sensor.

  In the above-described aspect, it is preferable that the second processing device has a higher processing capacity than the first processing device.

  According to this aspect, the processing can be performed by the second processing apparatus when heavy processing is required, so that the processing is lower than the case where the processing is always performed by the second processing apparatus having a high processing capability. A system that consumes power can be constructed.

1 is a perspective view of an information processing apparatus 1. FIG. 1 is a device configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus 1. FIG. The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 at the time of 1st sensor mode. The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 at the time of 2nd sensor mode. The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 at the time of 1st display mode. The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 at the time of a 2nd display mode. The figure which shows the power supply system of the information processing apparatus 1 (the 1). The figure which shows the power supply system of the information processing apparatus 1 (the 2). The figure which shows the correspondence of each process and the execution main body which performs each process. The figure which shows the operation state of the device group in step number display processing execution. The figure which shows the operation state of the device group in process of step count and pulse display processing execution. The figure which shows the operation state of the device group in execution of workout display processing. The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 in an Example (the 1). The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 in an Example (the 2). The figure which shows the information processing apparatus 1 in a 1st modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each figure, the size and scale of each part are appropriately changed from the actual ones. Further, since the embodiments described below are preferable specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached thereto. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these forms.

A. Embodiment Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

A. 1. Overview of Information Processing Device 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the information processing device 1. The information processing apparatus 1 is a device that is worn on a user's body. The information processing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a band unit 2, buttons 4-1 to 3, a display surface 6, and a case unit 8. For example, the information processing device 1 is one of portable information devices, and is a resettable device that is worn on a user's wrist. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 has the same appearance as a wristwatch. In FIG. 1, when the display surface 6 side of the display unit is the front surface, the direction from the back surface to the front surface is the Z-axis positive direction. The two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are taken as the XY axes, and the direction from the center of the display surface 6 to the button 4-2 is taken as the positive X axis direction. Alternatively, the normal direction of the display surface 6 of the display unit may be the Z axis, the direction from the center of the display surface to the band unit 2 may be the Y axis, and the axis orthogonal to the Z axis and the Y axis may be the X axis.

  FIG. 2 shows a device configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a Main_MCU (Micro Control Unit) 10, a Sub_MCU 12, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) _IC (Integrated Circuit) 14.

  The Main_MCU 10 is an integrated circuit that controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 as a whole. The Sub_MCU 12 is an integrated circuit incorporating a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, for example. For example, the Sub_MCU 12 executes a part of the process instructed by the user according to the instruction from the Main_MCU 10. The Sub_MCU 12 has a higher processing capability than the Main_MCU 10. In addition, the power consumption of the Main_MCU 10 is lower than that of the Sub_MCU 12 at a predetermined operating frequency (up to several MHz).

  The GPS_IC 14 is an integrated circuit that includes, for example, a RAM, a register, and the like. The GPS_IC 14 executes a position specifying process for specifying the position of the information processing apparatus 1. For example, the GPS_IC 14 stores satellite signals in the RAM. Further, for example, information indicating the state of the GPS_IC 14 is stored in the register. A GPS_IC 14 having a processing capability higher than that of Main_MCU 10 is used. Further, the power consumption of the Main_MCU 10 is lower than that of the GPS_IC 14 at a predetermined operating frequency (up to several MHz).

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a display 30, a geomagnetic sensor 32, a pulse sensor 34, an acceleration sensor 36, an atmospheric pressure sensor 38, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) interface 40, and a flash ROM (Read). Only Memory) 42 and a motion sensor 44. The display 30, the geomagnetic sensor 32, the pulse sensor 34, the acceleration sensor 36, and the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 are electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10. The BLE interface 40 and the flash ROM 42 are electrically connected to the Sub_MCU 12. The motion sensor 44 is electrically connected to the GPS_IC 14.

  The display 30 displays an image based on the image data. For example, an EPD (Electrophoretic Display) or a liquid crystal display can be adopted as the display 30. The geomagnetic sensor 32 measures the magnetism around the information processing apparatus 1. The signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 includes magnetism measured by the geomagnetic sensor 32.

  The pulse sensor 34 outputs a pulse signal. For example, the pulse sensor 34 includes a light emitting unit 74 (see FIG. 7), a light receiving unit, and an AFE (Analog Front End) unit 72 (see FIG. 7). The AFE unit 72 includes an amplifier, a band pass filter, and an AD converter. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 74 is reflected by a human tissue such as a blood vessel and is incident on the light receiving unit. The light receiving unit generates a photoelectrically converted signal, that is, a pulse signal. The AD converter AD-converts the pulse signal output from the light receiving unit to generate a pulse signal, and outputs the generated pulse signal to the Main_MCU 10 via the serial interface sp_mm3. Since the amount of light absorbed from the light emitting unit 74 due to hemoglobin or the like contained in blood flowing through the blood vessels of the living body changes in conjunction with the heartbeat, the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit is the propagation of the heartbeat, In other words, it depends on the pulse. Sub_MCU12 which received the pulse signal from Main_MCU10 calculates a user's U pulse rate, a pulse interval (RR interval), a pulse fluctuation (HRV), etc. based on the received pulse signal.

  The acceleration sensor 36 is one of inertial sensors, and measures the acceleration in the triaxial direction of the information processing apparatus 1. The signal obtained from the acceleration sensor 36 includes the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 36. The atmospheric pressure sensor 38 measures the atmospheric pressure around the information processing apparatus 1. The signal obtained from the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 includes the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 38.

  The BLE interface 40 is an interface according to the BLE standard. The flash ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory that stores a program executed by the Sub_MCU 12.

  The motion sensor 44 measures the acceleration and angular velocity in the triaxial direction of the information processing apparatus 1. The signal obtained from the motion sensor 44 includes acceleration and angular velocity measured by the motion sensor 44. Here, the acceleration measured by the motion sensor 44 has a higher resolution than the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 36. On the other hand, the acceleration sensor 36 can operate with less power than the motion sensor 44.

The information processing apparatus 1 includes six communication paths based on an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) system and one communication path based on an I ² C (Inter Integrated Circuit) system. Hereinafter, the communication path is referred to as “channel”. Here, SPI and I ² C are one of communication methods between master and slave. Hereinafter, the x-th channel is simply referred to as “xch”. x is an integer of 1 or more. SPI ch1 is a channel for the display 30. SPI ch2 is a channel for the geomagnetic sensor 32. SPI ch3 is a channel for the pulse sensor 34. SPI ch4 is a channel for the acceleration sensor 36. SPI ch5 is a channel for communication between Main_MCU10 and Sub_MCU12. SPI ch6 is a channel for communication between the Sub_MCU 12 and the GPS_IC 14.

The Main_MCU 10 has eight serial interfaces. The breakdown of the eight serial interfaces is seven SPI serial interfaces and one I ² C serial interface. The seven SPI serial interfaces include four serial interfaces serving as masters and three serial interfaces serving as slaves.

Hereinafter, a serial interface included in the Main_MCU 10 and based on the SPI method and serving as a master is referred to as “serial interface sp_mmx”. x indicates a channel number. Similarly, a serial interface included in the Main_MCU 10 that uses the SPI method and serves as a slave is hereinafter referred to as “serial interface sp_msx”. In addition, the I ² C interface included in the Main_MCU 10 is referred to as “serial interface i2c”. The Main_MCU 10 has a 5-channel SPI serial interface.

  Further, the Main_MCU 10 includes an MCU core unit 18, a sensor mode switching unit 20, a display mode switching unit 22, a flash ROM 24, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26. Further, the Main_MCU 10 has a GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) terminal 28. The GPIO terminal 28 is electrically connected to a GPIO terminal 29 included in the Sub_MCU 12. The Main_MCU 10 transmits a signal for starting the Sub_MCU 12 via the GPIO terminal 28 and the GPIO terminal 29 if the Sub_MCU 12 is stopped when the Sub_MCU 12 executes the process. Although not shown in FIG. 2, either the Main_MCU 10 or the Sub_MCU 12 further has a GPIO terminal, and this GPIO terminal is electrically connected to the GPIO terminal of the GPS_IC 14. Thereby, Main_MCU10 transmits the signal which starts Sub_MCU12 directly or indirectly via GPS_IC14.

  The Sub_MCU 12 has three serial interfaces. These three serial interfaces are SPI systems and are master serial interfaces. Hereinafter, the serial interface included in the Sub_MCU 12 is referred to as “serial interface sp_smx”. x indicates a channel number. Further, the Sub_MCU 12 has the GPIO terminal 29 described above.

  The GPS_IC 14 has two serial interfaces. The breakdown of these two serial interfaces is one serial interface that is an SPI system and is a master, and one serial interface that is an SPI system and is a slave. Hereinafter, the ch6 serial interface that is included in the GPS_IC 14 and is a slave is referred to as “serial interface sp_gs6”, and the master ch2 serial interface is referred to as “serial interface sp_gm2”.

Here, the connection destination of each serial interface will be described. The serial interface sp_mm1 is electrically connected to the display 30. The serial interface sp_mm1 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_ms1 via the display mode switching unit 22.
The serial interface sp_mm2 is electrically connected to the geomagnetic sensor 32. The serial interface sp_mm2 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_ms2 via the sensor mode switching unit 20.
The serial interface sp_mm3 is electrically connected to the pulse sensor 34. The serial interface sp_mm4 is electrically connected to the acceleration sensor 36. The serial interface sp_i2c is electrically connected to the atmospheric pressure sensor 38. The serial interface sp_ms1 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_sm1. The serial interface sp_ms5 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_sm5. The serial interface sp_ms2 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_gm2. The serial interface sp_sm6 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_gs6.

As described above, the GPS_IC 14 performs the position specifying process. The position specifying process has, for example, two modes. The position specifying process in the first mode specifies the position of the information processing apparatus 1 using only the satellite signal from the GPS satellite which is one of the position information satellites. The position information processing of the second mode is performed based on at least one of the acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44 and the geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 and the satellite signal from the GPS satellite. Identify the location. The position information processing of the second mode combines the measurement result by the satellite signal and the measurement result by the motion sensor 44 or the like. Hereinafter, the combination of the plurality of measurement results is referred to as “coupling”. The coupling includes, for example, a loose coupling and a tight coupling. Hereinafter, a case where two couplings are combined with acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44 will be described as an example.
In loose coupling, the position obtained from the satellite signal is corrected by the distance and direction obtained by integrating the acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44. For example, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 has moved slightly from a certain position specified based on the satellite signal. At this time, the GPS_IC 14 integrates the acceleration and the angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44 by a method called an inertial navigation system (INS (Inertial Navigation System)) to thereby calculate the distance from the aforementioned certain position and the current position. The direction is specified, and the above-described certain position is corrected by the specified distance and direction.
In tight coupling, coupling processing is performed on the code phase, Doppler frequency, pseudorange, pseudorange change rate, etc. obtained from satellite signals, acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44, etc. The position of the processing apparatus 1 is specified. In loose coupling, for example, it is necessary to obtain acceleration and angular velocity from the motion sensor 44 once per minute or once per second. On the other hand, in tight coupling, it is necessary to obtain acceleration and angular velocity from the motion sensor 44 more frequently than in loose coupling, for example, once every few milliseconds.

  When using the geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32, specifically, the magnetic force included in the steel frame or reinforcing bar for supporting a building or the like is measured in advance by the geomagnetic sensor 32, and the GPS_IC 14 determines the value of the measured magnetic force. A database in which the measurement position is associated is stored in the RAM of the GPS_IC 14 or the like. Next, the GPS_IC 14 refers to the above-described database, and identifies the position corresponding to the magnetic force value measured by the geomagnetic sensor 32 as the position of the information processing device 1 in the vicinity of the position identified based on the satellite signal. .

  The sensor mode switching unit 20 has a function of switching between the first sensor mode and the second sensor mode. The first sensor mode is a mode in which the Main_MCU 10 acquires a signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32. The second sensor mode is a mode for outputting the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 to the GPS_IC 14 as it is. Here, “output as it is” is to output the same signal as the obtained signal without performing any processing on the obtained signal. The fact that no processing is performed on the obtained signal means that the obtained signal is not converted, no data is added to the obtained signal, and a part of the obtained signal is not deleted.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 1 in each case of the first sensor mode and the second sensor mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows the information processing apparatus 1 in the first sensor mode. In the first sensor mode, the Main_MCU 10 acquires a signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32. In this embodiment, since one slave is connected to one master, there is no need to perform exclusive control between the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14. In a multi-master in which one slave is connected to two masters, it is necessary to perform exclusive control between the two masters. Further, in the multi-master, when the power supply of one of the two masters is stopped, an excess current flows through the wiring. That is, when a signal is transmitted from the slave to the master, it is only necessary that the signal can be transmitted to the operating master, and it is not necessary to transmit the signal to the master that has stopped operating. However, the slave and the operating master are connected via wiring, and the wiring is also connected to a master that is not operating by branching. In this state, when the slave outputs a signal to the wiring, the current also flows into the master that is not operating via the wiring. Therefore, an excess current flows through the wiring in the multi master. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the power supply of the GPS_IC 14 is stopped, the current flows only in the wiring connected to the Main_MCU 10. In the present embodiment, since electric power is supplied to the geomagnetic sensor 32 and the Main_MCU 10, a current flows through the wiring between the geomagnetic sensor 32 and the Main_MCU 10. Since this wiring is not connected to a device to which power is not supplied, no extra current flows through the wiring. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a system with lower power consumption than the multi-master.

  FIG. 4 shows the information processing apparatus 1 in the second sensor mode. In the second sensor mode, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 to the GPS_IC 14 as it is. Thereby, since GPS_IC14 can obtain the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32 directly, it becomes possible to correct | amend a position more in real time.

  Here, in the second sensor mode, when the GPS_IC 14 executes the position specifying process, the Main_MCU 10 activates the GPS_IC 14 if the GPS_IC 14 is stopped. Then, the Main_MCU 10 causes the GPS_IC 14 to execute the position specifying process when the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the second sensor mode and the GPS_IC 14 is activated. In this way, the information processing apparatus 1 consumes the amount of power supplied to the GPS_IC 14 by reducing the amount of power supplied to the GPS_IC 14 by starting the GPS_IC 14 when executing the position specifying process and stopping the GPS_IC 14 when it is not necessary. It becomes possible to reduce electric power.

  Here, there are two methods for stopping the GPS_IC 14, for example. The first method is a method of stopping the supply of power to all devices in the GPS_IC 14. In the first method, before the supply of power to all devices in the GPS_IC 14 is stopped, information stored in a volatile memory such as a RAM or a register in the GPS_IC 14 is written to the nonvolatile memory. The aforementioned information is, for example, satellite signals stored in the RAM or information indicating the status of the GPS_IC 14 stored in the register. The second method is a method of stopping power supply to devices other than the RAM in the GPS_IC 14.

  By the second sensor mode, the GPS_IC 14 can obtain a signal earlier than the case where the Main_MCU 10 processes the signal from the geomagnetic sensor 32, and thus can correct the position in real time. . In addition, since the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32 can be obtained earlier by the second sensor mode, the GPS_IC 14 executes the position specifying process by tight coupling that needs to obtain the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32 once every several milliseconds. It becomes possible to do. Further, since the position specifying process is a heavy load process, the load concentration of the Main_MCU 10 can be suppressed by causing the GPS_IC 14 to execute the above-described process.

Returning to FIG.
The display mode switching unit 22 has a function capable of switching between the first display mode and the second display mode. The first display mode is a mode in which the Main_MCU 10 outputs the first image data obtained by executing the first image processing to the display 30. The second display mode is a mode in which the Sub_MCU 12 outputs the second image data obtained by executing the second image processing to the display 30 as it is.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 1 in each case of the first display mode and the second display mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows the information processing apparatus 1 in the first display mode. In the first display mode, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the first image data output by the first image processing to the display 30. Thus, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to perform exclusive control similarly to the connection method of the geomagnetic sensor 32. In the present embodiment, when the supply of power to the Sub_MCU 12 is stopped, a current flows only through the wiring connected to the Main_MCU 10 when the supply of power to the Sub_MCU 12 is stopped. In this embodiment, since electric power is supplied to the display 30 and the Main_MCU 10, a current flows through the wiring between the display 30 and the Main_MCU 10. Since this wiring is not connected to a device to which power is not supplied, no extra current flows through the wiring. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a system with lower power consumption than the multi-master.

  FIG. 6 shows the information processing apparatus 1 in the second display mode. In the second display mode, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data obtained by the Sub_MCU 12 executing the second image processing to the display 30 as it is. Here, since the Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data to the display 30 without performing any processing, the image based on the second image data is compared with the case where the Main_MCU 10 performs the processing on the second image data. Can be displayed on the display 30 earlier.

  Here, when causing the Sub_MCU 12 to execute the second image processing, the Main_MCU 10 activates the Sub_MCU 12 if the Sub_MCU 12 is stopped. Then, the Main_MCU 10 causes the Sub_MCU 12 to execute the second image processing when the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode and the Sub_MCU 12 is activated. In this way, the information processing apparatus 1 reduces the amount of power supplied to the Sub_MCU 12 by starting the Sub_MCU 12 when executing the second image processing, and stopping the Sub_MCU 12 when it is not necessary. Thus, power consumption can be suppressed. Further, the second image processing is processing that has a heavier load than the first image processing, and by causing the Sub_MCU 12 to execute the above-described processing, it is possible to suppress the load concentration of the Main_MCU 10.

  Here, there are two methods for stopping the Sub_MCU 12, for example, similarly to the method for stopping the GPS_IC 14. The first method is a method of stopping the supply of power to all devices in the Sub_MCU 12. In the first method, the information stored in the volatile memory in the Sub_MCU 12 is written to the nonvolatile memory such as the flash ROM 42 before stopping the supply of power to all the devices in the Sub_MCU 12. The second method is a method of stopping power supply to devices other than the volatile memory in the Sub_MCU 12.

  The first image processing has, for example, two modes. The first image processing in the first aspect is processing for generating image data indicating the current time as first image data. For example, in the case of digital display, the image data indicating the current time indicates an image including a character string indicating the current time. In the case of analog display, the image data indicating the current time indicates an image obtained by superimposing an image indicating a long hand and a short hand at a position indicating the current time on an image indicating a dial.

  The first image processing in the second mode is processing for generating first image data indicating the number of steps of the user.

  The second image processing has, for example, two modes. In the second image processing in the first aspect, image data based on the position of the information processing apparatus 1 specified by the position specifying process is generated as the second image data. The second image data indicates, for example, the distance traveled by the user. In this case, image data indicating an image in which a first icon is superimposed on an image indicating a certain map and a second icon is superimposed on the position specified by the position specifying process at the position where the traveling on the certain map is started. It is. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data generated by the Sub_MCU 12 to the display 30 as it is in the second display mode. Thereby, it is possible to obtain image data earlier than the case where the Main_MCU 10 executes the process of generating the image data by overlaying the icon on the map based on the position specified by the position specifying process acquired from the Sub_MCU 12. Therefore, it is possible to indicate a more real-time position.

In the second image processing in the second mode, image data based on the user's pulse calculated using a signal acquired from the pulse sensor 34 is generated as the second image data. Main_MCU10 performs the process which produces | generates image data based on the user's pulse which Main_MCU10 acquired from Sub_MCU12 by outputting the 2nd image data produced | generated by Sub_MCU12 as it is to the display 30 in 2nd display mode. Compared with the case where it does, since it can obtain earlier, it becomes possible to show a more real-time pulse.
There are two types of image data based on the user's pulse, for example. The image data based on the user's pulse in the first aspect indicates an image including a character string indicating the user's pulse. The image data based on the user's pulse in the second aspect indicates an image including a character string indicating the ratio of the user's pulse to the maximum pulse corresponding to the user's age input in advance. For example, if the maximum pulse corresponding to the user's age is 200 / min and the user's pulse is 100 / min, the ratio of the user's pulse to the maximum pulse is 100/200 = 50%.

Returning to FIG.
The MCU core unit 18 executes a program expanded in the RAM 26. The MCU core unit 18 includes an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and a register. The flash ROM 24 is a non-volatile memory that stores a program executed by the MCU core unit 18. For example, the flash ROM 24 has a program for switching the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 and the mode of the display switching unit 22. The MCU core unit 18 executes the above-described program and outputs a control signal Ctr1 (see FIG. 13) to the sensor mode switching unit 20, whereby the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is switched. Similarly, the MCU core unit 18 executes the above-described program and outputs a control signal Ctr2 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) to the display mode switching unit 22, whereby the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is switched. Thus, the sensor mode switching unit 20 and the display mode switching unit 22 are realized by executing the program.
The RAM 26 is a volatile memory that serves as a work memory for the Main_MCU 10. For example, a program stored in the flash ROM 24 is expanded in the RAM 26. The RAM 26 also stores signals measured by the geomagnetic sensor 32, the pulse sensor 34, the acceleration sensor 36, and the atmospheric pressure sensor 38.

A. 2. Power System of Information Processing Apparatus 1 A power system of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The solid line shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicates a signal line, and the dotted line indicates a supply line for supplying power. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a vibration motor 50, a front light 52, a buzzer 54, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 56, a solar panel 58, a battery protection IC 60, a battery charging IC 62, A battery charging IC 64, a secondary battery 66, and a DCDC converter 80 are included. The Main_MCU 10 included in the information processing apparatus 1 includes an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator 82, an LDO regulator 84, and an LDO regulator 86. The information processing apparatus 1 further includes a DCDC converter 88, a DCDC converter 90, and a DCDC converter 92. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 1 includes FETs (Field Effect Transistors) 94-1-7. The Main_MCU 10 included in the information processing apparatus 1 includes FET control units 96-1 to 96-6. The pulse sensor 34 includes an AFE unit 72 and a light emitting unit 74.

  The vibration motor 50 notifies the user of some information when the vibration motor vibrates. The front light 52 irradiates the display 30 with light. Since the display 30 is illuminated by the light emitted from the front light 52, the user can easily view the display content of the display 30 even in a dark environment. The buzzer 54 is a device that emits sound by vibrating the diaphragm using an electromagnet.

  The USB interface 56 is an interface according to the USB standard. The solar panel 58 generates electricity using light energy such as the sun. The battery protection IC 60 protects the secondary battery from overcharge and overdischarge. The battery charging IC 62 charges the secondary battery 66 with power from the USB interface 56. The battery charging IC 64 charges the secondary battery 66 with power from the solar panel 58. The secondary battery 66 is a rechargeable battery that supplies driving power to the Main_MCU 10 or the like. Main_MCU10 is supplied with power VDD_IN from secondary battery 66 or the like.

  The DCDC converter 80 generates a first voltage from the power supplied from the secondary battery 66 and the like, and supplies the generated voltage to the Sub_MCU 12, the display 30, the BLE interface 40, and the flash ROM 42 as a power supply voltage. Here, the DCDC converter 80 supplies the power voltage to the Sub_MCU 12 only when the FET 94-1 is ON, supplies the power voltage to the display 30 only when the FET 94-2 is ON, and the FET 94 to the flash ROM 42. The power supply voltage is supplied only when -3 is ON.

  The LDO regulator 82 generates a second voltage and supplies the generated voltage to the acceleration sensor 36, the atmospheric pressure sensor 38, the geomagnetic sensor 32, and the AFE unit 72 as a power supply voltage. Here, the LDO regulator 82 supplies a power supply voltage to the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 only when the FET 94-4 is ON, and supplies a power supply voltage to the geomagnetic sensor 32 only when the FET 94-5 is ON. The power supply voltage is supplied to 72 only when the FET 94-6 is ON.

  The LDO regulator 84 generates a third voltage and supplies the generated voltage to the light emitting unit 74 as a power supply voltage. The LDO regulator 86 generates a fourth voltage and supplies the generated voltage to the vibration motor 50, the front light 52, and the buzzer 54 as a power supply voltage. As shown in FIG. 8, the DCDC converter 88 generates a fifth voltage, and supplies the generated voltage to the GPS_IC 14 as the power supply voltage VDD_RF. Similarly, the DCDC converter 90 generates a sixth voltage and supplies the generated voltage to the GPS_IC 14 as the power supply voltage VDD_FLASH. Similarly, the DCDC converter 92 generates a seventh voltage and supplies the generated voltage to the GPS_IC 14 as the power supply voltages VDD_FLASH and VDD_IO. Here, the DCDC converter 92 supplies the power supply voltage VDD_IO only when the FET 94-7 is ON.

  The FET control units 96-1 to 96-6 illustrated in FIG. 7 control ON and OFF of the FETs 94-1 to 94-6, respectively. When set to ON, the power supply voltage is supplied to the device to which the FET 94 is connected, and when set to OFF, the power supply voltage is not supplied to the device to which the FET 94 is connected. Further, although not shown, the FET control unit 96 that controls ON / OFF of the FET 94-7 is included in the Main_MCU10 or the Sub_MCU12.

A. 3. List of Processes Performed by Information Processing Apparatus 1 Next, each process performed by the information processing apparatus 1 and an execution subject that executes each process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows a correspondence relationship between each process executed by the information processing apparatus 1 and an execution subject that executes each process. As shown in the table 100 shown in FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 1 performs a clock display process, a step count display process, a step count and pulse display process, and a workout display process.

  The clock display process is a process for displaying the current time on the display 30. The clock display process is a process executed by the Main_MCU 10. The step count display process is a process of displaying the number of steps of the user on the display 30. The step count display process is a process executed by the Main_MCU 10. The step count and pulse display processing is processing for displaying the user's step count and pulse on the display 30. The step count and pulse display processing is executed in cooperation by Main_MCU10 and Sub_MCU12. The workout display process is a process of displaying the user's pulse and the distance traveled by the user on the display 30 as a workout. The workout display process is executed in cooperation by Main_MCU10, Sub_MCU12, and GPS_IC14.

  Next, the operation state of the device group in the information processing apparatus 1 when each of the step count display process, the step count and pulse display process, and the workout display process is executed will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, in FIGS. 10 to 12, the shaded device is not supplied with power and is in a stopped state.

  FIG. 10 shows the operation state of the device group in the information processing apparatus 1 during execution of the step count display process. When executing the step count display process, the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the first display mode. In the step count display process, since the signal from the geomagnetic sensor 32 is not used, the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 may be the first sensor mode or the second sensor mode.

  In the step count display process, the Main_MCU 10 holds the acceleration obtained from the acceleration sensor 36 in the RAM 26. Here, assuming that the acceleration data amount is 2 bytes and measurement is performed 16 times per second, the acceleration sensor 36 measures the triaxial acceleration. Therefore, the acceleration data amount for one second is 2 × 3 ×. 16 = 96 bytes. Next, the Main_MCU 10 calculates the number of steps of the user based on the acceleration obtained from the acceleration sensor 36. Then, the Main_MCU 10 executes the first image processing in the second aspect described above, generates image data indicating the number of steps of the user as the first image data, and outputs the first image data to the display 30. . The display 30 displays the number of steps indicated by the first image data.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when executing the step count display process, the geomagnetic sensor 32, the pulse sensor 34, the atmospheric pressure sensor 38, the Sub_MCU 12, the GPS_IC 14, the BLE interface 40, the flash ROM 42, and the motion sensor 44 are stopped. State.

  FIG. 11 shows the operation state of the device group in the information processing apparatus 1 during execution of the step count and pulse display processing. In the step count and pulse display process, the pulse calculation process for calculating the pulse is executed once every 10 minutes. The mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode. In the step count and pulse display processing, since the geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 is not used, the sensor mode switching unit 20 may be in the first sensor mode or the second sensor mode.

  In the step count and pulse display processing, the Main_MCU 10 holds the pulse signal data obtained from the pulse sensor 34, the acceleration obtained from the acceleration sensor 36, and the atmospheric pressure obtained from the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 in the RAM 26. The amount of pulse signal data, acceleration, and atmospheric pressure data for 30 seconds including the timing for calculating the pulse is approximately 6.5 Kbytes. As a specific breakdown of about 6.5 Kbytes, the amount of acceleration data for one second obtained from the acceleration sensor 36 is 96 bytes as shown in FIG. Further, the data amount of pulse signal data for one second obtained from the pulse sensor 34 is 4 bytes × 16 = 64 bytes assuming that measurement is performed 16 times per second. In addition, the data amount of atmospheric pressure for one second obtained from the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 is 4 bytes × 16 = 64 bytes assuming that measurement is performed 16 times per second. As described above, the amount of pulse signal data, acceleration, and atmospheric pressure for one second is 96 bytes + 64 bytes + 64 bytes = 224 bytes. Accordingly, the amount of pulse signal data, acceleration, and atmospheric pressure data for 30 seconds is 224 bytes × 30 seconds = 6720 bytes, which is approximately 6.5 Kbytes.

  Next, the Main_MCU 10 activates the Sub_MCU 12. After being activated, the Sub_MCU 12 acquires the pulse signal data held in the RAM 26 via the SPI ch5. The Sub_MCU 12 calculates the user's pulse based on the acquired pulse signal data. Specifically, Sub_MCU12 performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) with respect to the acquired pulse signal data, and calculates a user's pulse based on the frequency characteristic obtained by FFT. Then, the Sub_MCU 12 performs the second image processing in the second aspect described above, and outputs the second image data to the Main_MCU 10. Since the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data to the display 30 as it is. The display 30 displays the pulse indicated by the second image data.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the step count and pulse display processing is executed, the geomagnetic sensor 32, the GPS_IC 14, the BLE interface 40, the flash ROM 42, and the motion sensor 44 are in a stopped state.

  FIG. 12 shows the operation state of the device group in the information processing apparatus 1 during execution of the workout display process. When the workout display process is executed, the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the second sensor mode, and the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode.

  In the workout display process, the Main_MCU 10 displays the pulse signal obtained from the pulse sensor 34, the acceleration obtained from the acceleration sensor 36, and the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 in order to display the user's pulse on the display 30. Stored in the RAM 26. Also, the Main_MCU 10 activates the Sub_MCU 12. Sub_MCU12 acquires the pulse signal, acceleration, and atmospheric pressure which were hold | maintained at RAM26 via ch5 of SPI after starting. Further, the Main_MCU 10 activates the GPS_IC 14 in order to display the distance traveled by the user. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 to the GPS_IC 14 as it is because the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the second sensor mode. The GPS_IC 14 executes a position specifying process based on the satellite signal and the geomagnetism measured by the geomagnetic sensor 32. The GPS_IC 14 transmits data indicating the specified position to the Sub_MCU 12.

  Here, there are, for example, two methods for executing the process of specifying the distance traveled by the user. In the first method, the GPS_IC 14 specifies the position of the information processing apparatus 1 at the start of traveling, further specifies the current position of the information processing apparatus 1, and the Sub_MCU 12 allows the user to travel the distance between the two positions. It is a method of specifying as a distance. The second method is a method in which the GPS_IC 14 specifies the position at the start of traveling and the current position, and the GPS_IC 14 specifies the distance between the two positions as the distance traveled by the user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first method is executed.

  The Sub_MCU 12 executes the second image processing in the first mode, and outputs the second image data to the Main_MCU 10. Since the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data to the display 30 as it is. The display 30 displays the distance indicated by the second image data.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the workout display process is executed, the BLE interface 40 and the flash ROM 42 are stopped.

A. 4). Effects of this embodiment As described above, the geomagnetic sensor 32 is electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10. The GPS_IC 14 is electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10 and is not directly electrically connected to the geomagnetic sensor 32. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 to the GPS_IC 14 as it is. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time taken until the GPS_IC 14 obtains the above-mentioned signal after the geomagnetic sensor 32 outputs the signal as compared with the case where the Main_MCU 10 processes the above-described sensor data. In the present embodiment, the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14 can directly control the geomagnetic sensor 32. In addition, this embodiment can construct a system with lower power consumption than a multi-master. In addition, this embodiment does not require exclusive control between the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14. Moreover, this embodiment can simplify the wiring regarding the geomagnetic sensor 32. Further, in the present embodiment, when heavy load processing is required, the GPS_IC 14 can perform processing, so that a system with lower power consumption can be constructed compared to the case where the processing is always performed by the GPS_IC 14 having high processing capability. .

  The display 30 is electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10. The Sub_MCU 12 is electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10 and is not electrically connected directly to the display 30. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the signal obtained from the Sub_MCU 12 to the display 30 as it is. This makes it possible to reduce the time taken from the time when the Sub_MCU 12 outputs image data until the display 30 obtains the above-described image data as compared with the case where the Main_MCU 10 performs processing on the above-described image data. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a system with lower power consumption than the multi-master. Further, the present embodiment does not require exclusive control between the Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12. Further, according to the present embodiment, wiring related to the display 30 can be simplified. In addition, in this embodiment, when heavy load processing is required, processing can be performed by the Sub_MCU 12, so that a system with lower power consumption can be constructed compared to the case where processing is always performed by the Sub_MCU 12 having high processing capability. .

  In the present embodiment, Main_MCU 10 is an example of “first processing device”, and Sub_MCU 12 and GPS_IC 14 are examples of “second processing device”. The geomagnetic sensor 32 is an example of a “sensor”. The display 30 is an example of a “display unit”. Further, the first sensor mode is an example of “first mode in which the first processing device acquires a signal obtained from a sensor”, and the second sensor mode is “the signal obtained from the sensor. It is an example of a “second mode in which the data is output to the second processing apparatus as it is”. In addition, the first display mode is an example of “a first mode in which the first processing device outputs the first image data output by executing the first image processing to the display unit”. The second display mode is an example of “a second mode in which the second processing apparatus executes the second image processing and outputs the second image data output as it is to the display unit”. The position specifying process is an example of “predetermined process”.

With the information processing apparatus 1 described above, the following first control method of the information processing apparatus can be grasped. In the first control method, the Main_MCU 10 executes a first process using a signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32, and the GPS_IC 14 executes a second process using a signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32. Process. The second process corresponds to the predetermined process described above. The process in which the GPS_IC 14 executes the second process includes a process of executing the position specifying process.
When the GPS_IC 14 executes the second process, the Main_MCU 10 activates the GPS_IC 14 if the GPS_IC 14 is stopped, and outputs the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 to the GPS_IC 14 as it is.

Further, the information processing apparatus 1 described above can grasp the second control method of the information processing apparatus described below. The second control method includes a step in which the Main_MCU 10 executes the first image processing and a step in which the Sub_MCU 12 executes the second image processing. The step in which the Sub_MCU 12 executes the second image processing includes a process of outputting image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process as the second image data. In the present embodiment, the GPS_IC 14 executes the position specifying process, but the Sub_MCU 12 may execute the position specifying process.
When the Sub_MCU 12 executes the second image processing, the Main_MCU 10 activates the Sub_MCU 12 if the Sub_MCU 12 is stopped. The Sub_MCU 12 executes the second image processing and outputs the second image data output to the Main_MCU 10. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data to the display 30 as it is.

A. 5. Examples Hereinafter, examples will be shown, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

  13 and 14 show the information processing apparatus 1 in the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the display 30 is an EPD 200. In FIG. 13, the sensor mode switching unit 20 will be described in detail, and in FIG. 14, the display mode switching unit 22 will be described in detail. In FIG. 13, the display of devices not related to the geomagnetic sensor 32 is omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing. Similarly, in FIG. 14, the display of devices not related to the EPD 200 is omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

  The SPI system shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 employs a 4-wire SPI system. In the 4-wire SPI, four signals of an SS (Slave Select) signal, an SCK (Serial clock) signal, an SDI (Serial Data In) signal, and an SDO (Serial Data Out) signal are used. Accordingly, the SPI serial interface has an SS terminal, an SCK terminal, an SDI terminal, and an SDO terminal as four terminals corresponding to the four signals. Hereinafter, the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, the SDI terminal, and the SDO terminal included in the serial interface sp_mm1 are referred to as “SS terminal mm1_ss”, “SCK terminal mm1_sck”, “SDI terminal mm1_sdi”, and “SDO terminal mm1_sdo”, respectively. . Thus, by assigning the code after “_” to the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, the SDI terminal, and the SDO terminal, it is possible to determine which serial interface each terminal belongs to. Let's represent.

As shown in FIG. 13, the Main_MCU 10 in the present embodiment has a serial interface sp_mm2 ′ serving as a master. The sensor mode switching unit 20 includes a selector 110. The geomagnetic sensor 32 has a serial interface sp_ts2 that serves as a slave. The serial interface sp_ts2 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_mm2.
In FIG. 13, the four terminals of the serial interface sp_mm2 ′ are omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing. Three signal lines from the serial interface sp_mm2 ′ to the selector 110 shown in FIG. 13 are signal lines from the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, and the SDO terminal in the serial interface sp_mm2 ′ to the selector 110. A signal line from the selector 110 to the serial interface sp_mm2 ′ shown in FIG. 13 is a signal line from the selector 110 to the SDI terminal in the serial interface sp_mm2 ′.

  The selector 110 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_mm2 'and the serial interface sp_ms2 as an output destination of the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32, and is connected to the serial interface sp_mm2 as an acquisition source of the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32. The selector 110 is a circuit that selects one of a plurality of signals based on the control signal Ctr1 output from the MCU core unit 18. More specifically, if the control signal Ctr1 is a signal indicating the first sensor mode, the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the first sensor mode, and the selector 110 includes the geomagnetic sensor included in the serial interface sp_mm2 ′. 32 read requests are output to the serial interface sp_mm2. Then, the selector 110 outputs a signal from the geomagnetic sensor 32 corresponding to the read request to the serial interface sp_mm2 'serving as the read request source.

  On the other hand, if the control signal Ctr1 indicates the second sensor mode, the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 becomes the second sensor mode, and the selector 110 issues a read request for the geomagnetic sensor 32 included in the serial interface sp_ms2. And output to the serial interface sp_mm2. Then, the selector 110 outputs the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 corresponding to the read request as it is to the serial interface sp_ms2 that is the read request source.

  Therefore, when the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the first sensor mode, the Main_MCU 10 acquires the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32. On the other hand, when the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the second sensor mode, the output destination of the signal is switched by the selector 110, and the signal of the geomagnetic sensor 32 is output to the GPS_IC 14 as it is. As described above, the Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12 can be connected to the geomagnetic sensor 32.

  Further, the geomagnetic sensor 32 has a Busy terminal 120. The Busy terminal 120 is a terminal that outputs a busy signal indicating whether or not the geomagnetic sensor 32 is busy. The Main_MCU 10 includes a GPIO terminal 130, a GPIO terminal 132, and a GPIO terminal 140. The GPS_IC 14 has a GPIO terminal 140. The Busy terminal 120 and the GPIO terminal 130 are electrically connected. The GPIO terminal 130 and the GPIO terminal 132 are electrically connected. The GPIO terminal 132 and the GPIO terminal 140 are electrically connected. Since it is necessary to notify the GPS_IC 14 of the busy signal, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the busy signal via the GPIO terminal 130, the GPIO terminal 132, and the GPIO terminal 140. The Main_MCU 10 can read the busy signal by referring to the register of the GPIO terminal 130.

As shown in FIG. 14, the Main_MCU 10 in the present embodiment has a serial interface sp_mm1 ′ serving as a master. The display mode switching unit 22 in this embodiment includes a selector 210. The EPD 200 has a serial interface sp_ds1 that serves as a slave. The serial interface sp_ds1 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_mm1.
In FIG. 14, four terminals of the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ are omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing. The three signal lines from the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210 shown in FIG. 14 are signal lines from the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, and the SDO terminal in the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210. The three signal lines from the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210 shown in FIG. 14 are signal lines from the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, and the SDO terminal in the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210. Further, the signal line from the selector 210 to the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ shown in FIG. 14 is a signal line from the selector 210 to the SDI terminal in the serial interface sp_mm1 ′.

  The selector 210 is electrically connected to the serial interface sp_mm1 'and the serial interface sp_ms1 as input sources of image data, and is connected to the serial interface sp_mm1 as an output destination of image data. The selector 210 is a circuit that selects one of a plurality of signals based on the control signal Ctr2 output from the MCU core unit 18. More specifically, if the control signal Ctr2 is a signal indicating the first display mode, the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 becomes the first display mode, and the selector 210 receives an image input from the serial interface sp_mm1 ′. Data is output to the serial interface sp_mm1. If the control signal Ctr2 indicates the second display mode, the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 becomes the second display mode, and the selector 110 transfers the image data input from the serial interface sp_ms1 to the serial interface sp_mm1. Output.

  Therefore, when the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the first display mode, the first image data is input from the serial interface sp_mm1 'and output to the EPD 200 via the serial interface sp_mm1. On the other hand, when the mode of the display mode switching unit 22 is the second display mode, the input source of the image data is switched by the selector 210, and the second image data output from the serial interface sp_ms1 is the serial interface. It is output to the EPD 200 via sp_mm1. Thus, Main_MCU 10 and Sub_MCU 12 can be connected to EPD 200.

  Further, the EPD 200 includes a Busy terminal 220 and a Reset terminal 222. The Busy terminal 220 is a terminal that outputs a busy signal indicating whether the EPD 200 is busy. The Reset terminal 222 is a terminal that receives a reset signal.

  Further, the Main_MCU 10 has a GPIO terminal 230, a GPIO terminal 232, and a GPIO terminal 234. The Sub_MCU 12 has a GPIO terminal 240. The Busy terminal 220 and the GPIO terminal 230 are electrically connected. The GPIO terminal 230 and the GPIO terminal 234 are electrically connected. The GPIO terminal 234 and the GPIO terminal 240 are electrically connected. The Reset signal for the EPD 200 is output by the Main_MCU 10 and is not output by the Sub_MCU 12. As described above, the Main_MCU 10 performs a control signal such as a Reset signal for the EPD 200. However, since it is necessary to notify the busy signal to the Sub_MCU 12 as well, the Main_MCU 10 outputs the busy signal via the GPIO terminal 230, the GPIO terminal 234, and the GPIO terminal 240. The Main_MCU 10 can read the busy signal by referring to the register of the GPIO terminal 230.

B. Modifications The above embodiments can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In addition, about the element in which an effect | action and a function are equivalent to embodiment in the modification illustrated below, the code | symbol referred by the above description is diverted and each detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

B. 1. First Modification FIG. 15 shows an information processing apparatus 1 according to a first modification. In the present embodiment, the Main_MCU 10 and the display 30 communicate with each other through a serial interface based on the SPI method. On the other hand, in the first modification, the Main_MCU 10 and the display 30 perform parallel communication. More specifically, the first modification is a 6-bit liquid crystal display 300 in which the display 30 receives parallel signals. In FIG. 15, the display of devices not related to the liquid crystal display 300 is omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 15, the Main_MCU 10 in the first modified example includes a serial interface sp_mm1 ′ serving as a master, a serial interface sp_ms1 ′ serving as a slave, and a memory display controller mdc. The display mode switching unit 22 in the first modification has a selector 210.
In FIG. 15, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the four terminals of the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ and the four terminals of the serial interface sp_ms1 ′ are omitted. The three signal lines from the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210 shown in FIG. 15 are signal lines from the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, and the SDO terminal in the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ to the selector 210. Further, the signal line from the selector 210 to the serial interface sp_mm1 ′ shown in FIG. 15 is a signal line from the selector 210 to the SDI terminal in the serial interface sp_mm1 ′.
Further, the three signal lines from the selector 210 to the serial interface sp_ms1 ′ shown in FIG. 15 are signal lines going from the selector 210 to the SS terminal, the SCK terminal, and the SDO terminal in the serial interface sp_ms1 ′, respectively. The signal line from the serial interface sp_ms1 ′ to the selector 210 shown in FIG. 15 is a signal line from the SDI terminal in the serial interface sp_ms1 ′ to the selector 210.

  The liquid crystal display 300 includes a terminal d_p1, a terminal d_p2,..., A terminal d_pk necessary for displaying an image. k is the number of signals transmitted in parallel as parallel signals. k is an integer of 2 or more. Further, the Main_MCU 10 in the first modification has a terminal m_p1, a terminal m_p2,..., And a terminal m_pk electrically connected to the terminal d_p1, the terminal d_p2,. The terminal m_p1, the terminal m_p2,..., The terminal m_pk are electrically connected to the memory display controller mdc.

  When the display mode switching unit 22 is in the first display mode, the first image data is input as a serial signal from the serial interface sp_mm1 ′, and is input to the memory display controller mdc via the serial interface sp_ms1 ′. The The memory display controller mdc converts the serial signal into a parallel signal and outputs the converted signals to the terminal m_p1, the terminal m_p2,..., The terminal m_pk. The terminal m_p1, the terminal m_p2,..., The terminal m_pk outputs the input signals to the terminal d_p1, the terminal d_p2,..., And the terminal d_pk, whereby the first image data is output to the display 30. . On the other hand, when the display mode switching unit 22 is in the second display mode, the image data input source is switched by the selector 210, and the second image data output from the serial interface sp_ms1 is serialized as a serial signal. The data is input to the memory display controller mdc via the interface sp_ms1 ′. The subsequent processing flow is the same as in the first display mode.

  As described above, even when the display 30 receives only the parallel signal without receiving the serial signal, the serial signal is converted into the parallel signal between the display mode switching unit 22 and the display 30, thereby enabling the present invention. It is possible to apply. Similarly, even when the geomagnetic sensor 32 accepts only a parallel signal, the present invention can be applied by converting a serial signal into a parallel signal between the sensor mode switching unit 20 and the geomagnetic sensor 32. Is possible.

B. 2. Second Modification Also, in the present embodiment, a signal obtained from the pulse sensor 34 is held in the RAM 26 in the Main_MCU 10. On the other hand, in the second modified example, the Main_MCU 10 includes the sensor mode switching unit 20 for the pulse sensor 34, similarly to the geomagnetic sensor 32. And Sub_MCU12 performs the pulse calculation process which calculates a pulse based on the signal obtained from the pulse sensor 34 as a predetermined process. As a result, the Sub_MCU 12 can obtain the signal obtained from the pulse sensor 34 earlier than the processing performed by the Main_MCU 10, so that a more real-time pulse can be obtained.

  In the second modification, the Sub_MCU 12 is an example of “second processing device”. The pulse sensor 34 is an example of a “sensor”. Further, the pulse calculation process is an example of “predetermined process”.

B. 3. Other Modifications In the present embodiment, the position information processing according to the second aspect is performed using at least one of acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44, geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32, and satellite signals from GPS satellites. Based on the above, the position of the information processing apparatus 1 is specified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position information processing of the second aspect is performed by using at least one of acceleration and angular velocity obtained from the motion sensor 44, geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32, and atmospheric pressure obtained from the atmospheric pressure sensor 38, and a satellite signal from a GPS satellite. Based on the above, the position of the information processing apparatus 1 may be specified. For example, the GPS_IC 14 calculates the altitude from the atmospheric pressure obtained from the atmospheric pressure sensor 38, and corrects the position specified from the satellite signal from the GPS satellite using the calculated altitude. When the signal of the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 is used in the position information processing of the second aspect, the Main_MCU 10 includes the sensor mode switching unit 20 for the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 in order to directly transmit the signal of the atmospheric pressure sensor 38 to the GPS_IC 14.

  The Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12 may each have a VRAM (Video RAM). In the first display mode, the Main_MCU 10 writes the first image data to its own VRAM, and outputs the first image data to the display 30 according to the first display mode from the VRAM in which the first image data is written. To do. Further, in the second display mode, the Sub_MCU 12 writes the second image data in its own VRAM and outputs it to the Main_MCU 10. The Main_MCU 10 outputs the second image data as it is to the display 30 in the second display mode.

  In the present embodiment, two execution entities access the geomagnetic sensor 32 that the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14 access the geomagnetic sensor 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three or more execution subjects may access the geomagnetic sensor 32. In this case, the sensor mode switching unit 20 may have as many sensor modes as the number of execution subjects. Similarly, the display 30 may be accessed by three or more execution entities. In this case, the display mode switching unit 22 may have as many display modes as the number of execution subjects.

  In addition, when the mode of the sensor mode switching unit 20 is the second sensor mode, it has been described that the signal obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32 is directly output to the GPS_IC 14, but the obtained signal is temporarily stored in a buffer. Also good. Similarly, when the display mode switching unit 22 is in the second display mode, it has been described that the second image data is output to the display 30 as it is. However, the second image data may be temporarily stored in a buffer. .

  In the present embodiment, when the position specifying process is executed using the geomagnetism obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 32, the geomagnetic sensor 32 measures the magnetic force included in the steel frame or the reinforcing bar, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, another device that includes a sensor capable of measuring geomagnetism and different from the information processing device 1 measures the magnetic force included in the steel frame or the reinforcing bar. Then, another apparatus generates a database in which the measured magnetic force value is associated with the measurement position, and transmits the generated database to the information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 stores the received database in the RAM of the GPS_IC 14 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the GPS_IC 14 performs various processes using satellite signals from GPS satellites. As a position information satellite other than the GPS satellites, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is used. Satellite signals from other positioning satellites or positioning satellites other than GNSS may be used. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 is a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), EGNOS (European Geostationary-Satellite Navigation Overlay Service), QZSS (Quasi Zenith Satellite System), GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System), GALILEO, or BeiDou (BeiDou Navigation). Satellite signals from satellites of one or more of the satellite positioning systems such as Satellite System may be used.

In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 includes the sensor mode switching unit 20 and the display switching unit 22, but the information processing apparatus 1 includes only one of the sensor mode switching unit 20 and the display switching unit 22. You may have. For example, when the information processing apparatus 1 includes only the sensor mode switching unit 20, the connection form of the Main_MCU 10, the Sub_MCU 12, and the display 30 may be multi-master, and one of the Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12 is directly electrically connected to the display 30. May be connected. When one of the Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12 is directly electrically connected, one of the signals from the other is processed and output to the display 30.
Similarly, when the information processing apparatus 1 includes only the display switching unit 22, the connection form of the Main_MCU 10, the GPS_IC 14, and the geomagnetic sensor 32 may be multi-master, or one of the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14 is directly electrically connected. May be. When one of the Main_MCU 10 and the GPS_IC 14 is directly electrically connected, one of the signals from the geomagnetic sensor 32 is processed and output to the other.

  Also, the device connection example shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example. For example, the pulse sensor 34 may be electrically connected to the Sub_MCU 12 or may be electrically connected to the Main_MCU 10 and the Sub_MCU 12.

  2, 7, and 8 are merely examples, and the information processing apparatus 1 does not have to include all of the devices illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8. For example, it has been described that the information processing apparatus 1 includes the acceleration sensor 36 and the motion sensor 44 as sensors for measuring acceleration. However, if an acceleration with a resolution necessary for correcting the position specified by the position specifying process is obtained and there is a sensor with low power consumption, the information processing apparatus 1 does not need to have two acceleration sensors. It is only necessary to have one sensor as described above.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 has been described as a re-stable device that is one of portable information devices, but is not limited thereto. Examples of portable information devices other than the listable devices include mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game machines, and video cameras. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a portable information device that can reduce the time required for a processing device that is not directly connected to the sensor to obtain a signal from the sensor while suppressing power consumption. . Further, the information processing apparatus 1 is not limited to a portable information device. The information processing apparatus 1 may be a PC (Personal Computer) or a server.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 10 ... Main_MCU, 12 ... Sub_MCU, 14 ... GPS_IC, 20 ... Sensor mode switching part, 22 ... Display mode switching part, 30 ... Display, 32 ... Geomagnetic sensor, 34 ... Pulse sensor, 36 ... Acceleration sensor 38 ... Barometric pressure sensor, 44 ... Motion sensor.

Claims (10)

A first processing device;
A display unit electrically connected to the first processing apparatus;
A second processing device electrically connected to the first processing device;
With
The first processing device includes:
The signal obtained from the second processing device is directly output to the display unit.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In claim 1,
The first processing device includes:
A first mode in which the first processing device performs first image processing and outputs first image data output to the display unit; and the second processing device performs second image processing. It is possible to switch between the second mode in which the second image data output by execution is output to the display unit as it is.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In claim 2,
The first processing device includes:
When causing the second processing device to execute the second image processing, if the second processing device is stopped, the second processing device is started.
When the first processing device is in the second mode and the second processing device is activated, the second processing device is caused to execute the second image processing;
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In claim 3,
The second processing device executes position specifying processing for specifying the position of the information processing device based on a satellite signal transmitted from a position information satellite,
The second image processing is processing for outputting image data based on the position specified by the position specifying processing as the second image data.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In claim 3,
A pulse sensor electrically connected to at least one of the first processing device and the second processing device;
The second processing device executes a pulse calculation process for calculating a pulse based on a signal obtained from the pulse sensor,
The second image processing is processing for outputting image data based on the pulse calculated by the pulse calculation processing as the second image data.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. About any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The second processing device has a higher processing capacity than the first processing device.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The information processing apparatus is a portable information apparatus. In a control method of an information processing device including a first processing device and a second processing device,
The first processing device performing a first image processing;
The second processing device performing a second image processing,
When the second processing device executes the second image processing, the first processing device activates the second processing device if the second processing device is stopped,
The second processing device outputs the second image data output by executing the second image processing to the first processing device;
The first processing device outputs the second image data to a display unit as it is.
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. In claim 7,
The step of the second processing device executing the second image processing includes:
A position specifying process for specifying the position of the information processing apparatus is executed based on a satellite signal transmitted from a position information satellite, and image data based on the position specified by the position specifying process is output as the second image data. Including processing to
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. In claim 8 or 9,
The second processing device has a higher processing capacity than the first processing device.
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus.

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