JP5230219B2 - Pedometer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pedometer that detects a user's walking (including running) and measures the number of steps, and particularly relates to a pedometer that includes a plurality of walking sensors having different sensitivity axes.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pedometer that calculates the number of steps of a user using a plurality of walking sensors having different sensitivity axes has been developed.
For example, the pedometer described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to select which walking sensor output among the plurality of walking sensors is the target of step counting by calculation processing on the output signals of the plurality of walking sensors. doing.
Further, in the step count calculation device described in Patent Document 2, an effective component effective for step count calculation is extracted from the sum of squares of output signals of a plurality of walking sensors, and the step count is obtained by performing calculation processing based on the effective component. It is comprised so that calculation may be performed.

  However, in the pedometer described in Patent Document 1, when an output signal is not obtained from the selected walking sensor, for example, when the posture of the pedometer changes or when the user temporarily stops walking, In each case, an arithmetic process to be selected must be performed. Further, even when signals sufficient for counting the number of steps are output from a plurality of walking sensors, it is necessary to perform arithmetic processing in order to select a walking sensor. Therefore, there is a problem that the calculation amount increases. Moreover, since it takes time to select a walking sensor as the amount of calculation increases, there is a risk that the number of steps detected may be missed.

  In addition, the step count calculation device described in Patent Document 2 performs calculation processes such as a square sum calculation process of output signals of a plurality of walking sensors, an extraction process of an effective component effective for the step calculation, and a step calculation process based on the effective component. Since this is necessary, there is a problem that the amount of calculation increases. In addition, the increase in the amount of computation takes time to select a walking sensor, and there is a possibility that the detection of the number of steps will be missed.

Japanese Patent No. 3543778 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-38018

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform step count measurement without performing arithmetic processing for selecting a walk sensor in a pedometer using a plurality of walk sensors having different sensitivity axes.
Moreover, this invention makes it the subject to suppress generation | occurrence | production of step count detection omission by making the arithmetic processing for selecting a walk sensor unnecessary.

According to the present invention, there are a plurality of walking detection means for outputting walking signals corresponding to walking detected by the walking sensors, the walking signals from the plurality of walking detection means having walking sensors having mutually different sensitivity axes. And calculating means for calculating the number of steps based on the detected walking signal, wherein the calculating means detects the walking signal when detecting the walking signal, and a detection operation after the detecting operation. There is provided a pedometer characterized by alternately performing a mask operation in which the walking signal is not detected in a predetermined mask time.
Note that the walking sensor is a walking sensor that detects one sensitivity axis, or one sensitivity axis is provided for one element so that a plurality of detection units are formed on the diaphragm. There may be a case where there are a plurality of parts to be detected.

When the walking signal is detected, the calculating means may start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the mask operation from the time when the walking signal is first detected.
Furthermore, it may have a storage means for storing the mask time, and the calculation means may detect the walking signal with reference to the mask time.

The calculation means includes conversion means for converting the walking signal inputted in parallel from the plurality of walking detection means into a synthesized walking signal, and when the calculating means detects the synthesized walking signal, the synthetic walking A detection operation for detecting a signal and a mask operation in the mask time after the detection operation may be alternately performed.
The converting means may be a logic operation means for converting the walking signals input in parallel from the plurality of walking detecting means into a synthesized walking signal synthesized by performing a logic operation.

  In the case of detecting the composite walking signal, the calculating means may start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the mask operation from the time when the composite walking signal is first detected.

  The calculation unit may set the mask time to a value based on a walking pitch. In addition, the calculation means may use the walking signal corresponding to the measurable upper limit of the walking pitch as the mask time at a half or more of the walking signal cycle of the walking signal corresponding to the measurable lower limit of the walking pitch. You may set to the value of the range below the walking signal period.

  Storage means for storing the mask time may be provided, and the calculation means may detect the synthetic walking signal with reference to the mask time.

Further, a mask time changing means for setting the mask time to a mask time corresponding to the latest walking pitch may be provided.
The mask time changing means temporarily sets the mask time to a mask time corresponding to the most recent pitch when the most recent pitch changes by a predetermined value or more, and a correct walking signal is generated by the temporarily set mask time. The temporary setting mask time is set as the formal mask time when obtained, and the calculation means sets the temporary setting when the mask time changing means sets the temporary mask time as the formal mask time. The cumulative number of steps may be corrected based on the number of steps generated during the period.

The walking sensor is an acceleration sensor that outputs an acceleration signal at a level corresponding to acceleration, and the mask time changing means is an acceleration signal output from the acceleration signal when the most recent pitch changes by a predetermined value or more. The mask time may be set according to the level.
The walking sensor may be an acceleration sensor that outputs an acceleration signal at a level corresponding to the acceleration, and may include a mask time changing unit that sets a mask time corresponding to the level of the acceleration signal. .

Further, a mask time initial value setting means for setting an initial value of the mask time based on a walking pitch obtained from past walking data stored in the storage means may be provided.
Further, it may be configured to include an input means and a mask time initial value setting means for setting an initial value of the mask time based on personal data input from the input means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform step count measurement without performing arithmetic processing for selecting a walking sensor.
Further, according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to perform a calculation process for selecting a walking sensor, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of missing step count detection.
Further, since the mask time is changed according to walking, even when the walking speed changes or when a plurality of people with different walking speeds share the number of steps of each user can be accurately measured.

Hereinafter, the pedometer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pedometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a pedometer includes a central processing unit (CPU) that performs a step count calculation process based on walking signals from a first walking detection circuit 100a, a second walking detection circuit 100b, and first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b. ) 108, an input unit 109 configured by operation switches and the like for performing various operations such as a step count start operation, a display unit 110 for displaying the measured number of steps, a pitch, and the like, a sound report unit 111 for sounding an alarm, etc. OR of the oscillating means 112 for generating a reference clock signal and a signal that becomes the source of the time signal when performing the time measuring operation, and the walking signal from the storage means 113 and the first and second gait detection circuits 100a and 100b. OR means 114 that performs processing and outputs the result to the CPU 108 is provided.

  The first walking detection circuit 100a includes a walking sensor (piezo element which is an acceleration sensor in the present embodiment) 101a that outputs a corresponding charge walking signal each time a user's walking is detected, and a walking signal from the walking sensor 101a. Is converted into a walking signal having a corresponding voltage and output, charge-voltage converting means 102a, filter means 105a for removing noise in the signal output from the charge-voltage converting means 102a and outputting a walking signal, filter means 105a An amplifying means 106a for amplifying and outputting the walking signal from A, and a binarizing means 107a for converting the walking signal in the analog signal format from the amplifying means 106a into a walking signal S1 in the digital signal format and outputting it.

  The second walking detection circuit 100b is configured in the same manner as the second walking detection circuit 100a. That is, the second walking detection circuit 100b outputs a walking signal having a corresponding charge each time a user's walking is detected (piezo element which is an acceleration sensor in the present embodiment) 101b and the walking sensor 101b. Charge-voltage converting means 102b for converting the walking signal into a walking signal having a corresponding voltage and outputting it, Filter means 105b for removing the noise in the signal output from the charge-voltage converting means 102b and outputting the walking signal, filter Amplifying means 106b for amplifying and outputting the walking signal from means 105b, and binarizing means 107b for converting the walking signal in the analog signal format from amplification means 106b into walking signal S2 in the digital signal format and outputting it. .

The walking sensor 101a and the walking sensor 101b are configured such that the sensitivity axes are different from each other (for example, the sensitivity axes are different by 90 degrees).
Other walking sensors such as mechanical walking sensors can be used as the walking sensors 101a and 101b, and are not limited to acceleration sensors such as piezo elements.
The OR means 114 can be configured by an OR element composed of a hardware circuit such as a semiconductor element. The OR means 114 arranges the walking signals S1 and S2 input in parallel from the first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b in the order of input, converts them into a composite walking signal S3, and outputs the resultant signal to the CPU 108.

The storage unit 113 includes a ROM that stores a program executed by the CPU 108 and a RAM that is used as a work area when the CPU 108 executes the program. The RAM stores data such as a mask time, which is a predetermined time during which the walking signal detection operation is not performed (that is, the mask operation is performed), and the measured number of steps.
In accordance with the operation of the input unit 109, the CPU 108 can measure time such as walking time based on the oscillation signal of the oscillation unit 112.
The binarizing means 107a and 107b are configured by a comparator having a predetermined threshold value.

  The CPU 108 has one input terminal, and detects a walking signal in a digital signal format input from the plurality of first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b via the OR means 114 to the input terminal. A step count calculation process is performed based on the detected walking signal. The walk signal detection process of the CPU 108 will be described later. When a walk signal is detected, a detection operation for detecting the walk signal and a mask operation for not detecting the walk signal in a predetermined mask time after the detection operation are alternately performed. Work to do.

  The first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b constitute first and second walking detection means, respectively, and output binarized walking signals S1 and S2 corresponding to the user's walking to the OR means 114. can do. The OR means 114 constitutes a conversion means, and can convert the walking signals S1 and S2 input in parallel from the first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b into a composite walking signal S3 and output it. The CPU 108 and the OR means constitute calculation means, and the number of steps can be calculated based on the walking signals S3 from the plurality of walking detection circuits 100a and 100b.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining the overall operation of the pedometer according to the present embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same signals as those in FIG.
FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show the walking signal S1 output from the first walking detection circuit 100a, the walking signal S2 output from the second walking detection circuit 100b, and the output from the OR means 114, respectively. The synthesized walking signal S3 is shown.

  FIG. 4D shows the timing at which the CPU 108 detects the walking signal S3. In the walking signal detection processing, signal detection is performed at the rising edge of the walking signal S3, and the walking signal S3 is not detected as a predetermined time immediately after the signal is detected as a mask time (solid line portion in FIG. 4D). (Mask operation is performed). As described above, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform a detection operation for detecting the walking signal and a mask operation for not detecting the walking signal in a predetermined mask time after the detection operation. .

  FIG. 5E shows the overall flow when the CPU 108 performs step count measurement based on the walking signal S3. The details of the step count measurement operation will be described later. In brief, first, the CPU 108 detects a signal from the OR means 114 (in other words, detects a signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b). Thereby, when it can be confirmed that the signal is continuously generated for a predetermined time (continuity of the walking signal), it is determined that a normal walking signal is obtained, and the number of steps is calculated based on the walking signal S3. Do. Thereafter, when the walking signal S3 cannot be detected, it is determined that the walking has stopped, and the signal detection operation is performed again.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the pedometer according to the present embodiment, and shows detection processing when the CPU 108 detects each walking signal S3. This detection process is performed by the CPU 108 loading a program stored in the ROM of the storage unit 113 into the RAM of the storage unit 113 and executing it.

  In FIG. 3, when the CPU 108 detects a walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 and detects that a walking signal is output from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (step S301), the CPU 108 detects the walking signal S3. The mask operation is performed without detecting the walking signal S3 for a certain time (mask time) immediately after (step S302).

  The process is performed every time each walking signal S3 is detected. This eliminates erroneous measurement based on the influence of noise and walking signals detected by other walking sensors, and performs step count measurement based on walking signals corresponding to walking detected by one walking sensor 101a or 101b. This makes it possible to accurately measure the number of steps.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting the mask time. The same reference numerals are given to the same signals as those in FIG.
The range of the walking pitch that can be measured is, for example, 80 to 140 steps / minute. The walking signal period corresponding to 140 steps / minute is about 429 msec. If there is a slight fluctuation, a signal may be generated with a period shorter than 429 msec. Therefore, it is desirable to set a time shorter than 429 msec.

  On the other hand, when walking at 80 steps / minute and the outputs of the two walking sensors 101a and 101b appear in opposite phases, the walking signals S1 and S2 output from the first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b, respectively. The walking signal S3 output from the OR means 114 is as shown in FIGS. 4 (a), 4 (b), and 4 (c). At this time, in order to accurately measure the number of steps, it is necessary to extract only the shaded walking signal S3 in FIG. 5C, so that the unshaded portion is masked and not detected. . Therefore, it is desirable to set a time of 375 msec or more, which is a half of a cycle of 750 msec corresponding to 80 steps / minute, as the mask time.

  As described above, the mask time when the measurable walking pitch range is 80 to 140 steps / minute is set to a value within the range of 375 msec to 429 msec, for example, 400 msec. In other words, in order to perform more accurate step count measurement, the mask time is at least half of the walking signal period corresponding to the lower limit walking pitch that can be measured, and within the walking signal period corresponding to the upper limit walking pitch that can be measured. It is desirable to set to a value within. The mask time may be stored in the storage unit 113 in advance, or the mask time may be set by the input unit and stored in the storage unit 113. By setting the mask time while appropriately adjusting the input means, it is possible to measure the number of steps more accurately.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the step count measurement process of the pedometer according to the present embodiment. This processing is performed mainly by the CPU 108 loading a program stored in the ROM of the storage unit 113 into the RAM of the storage unit 113 and executing it.
Hereinafter, the operation of the pedometer according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
A user who wears this pedometer on his / her arm or the like performs a start operation using the input means 109 to start the step count measurement process.

  When the user starts walking, the walking sensor 101a detects walking and outputs a walking signal having a corresponding charge. The walking signal from the walking sensor 101a is converted into a voltage by the charge-voltage converting means 102a, and then amplified and output by the amplifying means 106a through the filter means 105a. The output signal of the amplifying means 106a is converted into a walking signal S1 digitized by the binarizing means 107a and then input to the OR means 114.

  At the same time, the walking sensor 101b detects walking and outputs a walking signal having a corresponding charge. The walking signal from the walking sensor 101b is converted into a voltage by the charge-voltage converting unit 102b, and then amplified and output by the amplifying unit 106b through the filter unit 105b. The output signal of the amplifying means 106b is converted into a walking signal S2 digitized by the binarizing means 107b and then input to the OR means 114.

The OR means 114 aligns the walking signals S1 and S2 input in parallel from the first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b in the order of input to convert them into a composite walking signal S3, and inputs it to the CPU 108.
When the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S501), the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3. Is obtained continuously for a predetermined time (continuity) (step S502). Here, the predetermined time can be set to a time (for example, 10 seconds) that is normally required for walking of 5 steps.

  When detecting the signal output from the OR means 114, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each signal is detected, as described above. Further, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 can start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the masking operation when the walking signal S3 is first detected. Thereby, the walking signal S3 from the walking sensor 101a or 101b that previously detected the walking signal S3 can be sequentially detected, and the number of steps can be measured accurately and quickly.

When the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, that is, when the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, the CPU 108 It is determined that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (in other words, the walking signal S3) is a walking signal corresponding to walking (step S503).
Next, the CPU 108 measures the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for walking detection based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S504).

  When the interval of the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is smaller than the predetermined stop determination time, the CPU 108 determines that the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for detecting the walking is a predetermined stop. If it is shorter than the determination time, it is determined that the walking signal is a normal walking signal (step S505), the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is counted as the number of steps, and the process returns to the processing step S504 (step S506). Here, the stop determination time can be set to, for example, a time that is normally required for one step of walking (for example, 2 seconds).

On the other hand, if the interval between the walking signals from the walking sensor 101a or 101b is not smaller than the predetermined stop determination time in the processing step S505, the CPU 108 does not output the signal from the OR means 114 as a normal walking signal. It returns to processing step S501.
Further, when the CPU 108 determines in the processing step S503 that the signals from the walking sensors 101a and 101b are not signals due to walking, the CPU 108 determines that the walking signals are not obtained from the walking sensors 101a and 101b and the walking stops. The process returns to the processing step S501.

  As described above, in the pedometer according to the present embodiment, the walking signals S1 and S2 input in parallel from the plurality of walking detection circuits 100a and 100b are converted into the composite walking signal S3 by the OR means 114, and the CPU 108 The number of steps is calculated by detecting the walking signal S3 input to the one input port. At this time, the CPU 108 is configured to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each walking signal S3 is detected.

Therefore, it is possible to measure the number of steps without performing calculation processing for selecting the walking sensors 101a and 101b.
In addition, calculation processing for selecting the walking sensors 101a and 101b is not necessary, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of step detection omissions.
In addition, even if the number of walking sensors increases, a special calculation for selecting a walking sensor is not required, and the amount of calculation is a single-axis pedometer despite handling output signals from a plurality of walking sensors. Is equivalent to

In addition, even when the walking sensor that detects walking changes, for example, when the pedometer's posture changes during walking, it is possible to measure the number of steps without requiring special processing to select the walking sensor. become.
In addition, since it is not necessary to recognize which walking sensor the input signal to the CPU is, there is an effect that there are few management items in the design.

  A power supply for supplying driving power to the components of the pedometer, a control means for controlling supply of driving power from the power supply to each walking detection circuit, and a walking detection circuit including a walking sensor not used for walking detection. A determining means for determining may be provided, and the control means may stop the power supply to the walking detection circuit including the walking sensor that is not used for the walking detection.

In addition, a CPU having a plurality of input ports may be used, and walk signals from a plurality of walk detection circuits may be input in parallel to the input ports to measure the number of steps. Also in this case, the walking signal is detected by alternately performing the detection operation and the mask operation.
In the present embodiment, the two walking sensors 101a and 101b are used. However, three or more walking sensors having different sensitivity axes can be used. For example, when there are three walking sensors, the sensitivity axes can be configured to be 90 degrees different from each other.

Further, in the present embodiment, the example of a wristwatch type pedometer used by wearing on the user's arm has been described, but the pedometer of the method used by wearing on the waist is stored and held in a bag or the like. The present invention can be applied to various pedometers such as a pedometer of a method used in a state and a pedometer with a built-in clock function.
In this embodiment, OR processing is performed before being input to the CPU 108 as shown in FIG. 1, but the walking signals S1 and S2 output from the first and second walking detection circuits 100a and 100b are used. Each of the signals may be input to the CPU 108, and the CPU 108 may execute the OR instruction in the RAM or the register after fetching it as a port input signal.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the mask time is fixed and set to a predetermined value. Therefore, the upper and lower limits of the detectable pitch (steps / minute) are limited to upper limit = lower limit × 2, and accurate step count measurement is performed. There is a risk that it will not be possible. Hereinafter, a pedometer that solves the above problem by making the mask time variable will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the pedometer according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is an example in which the mask time is set based on the latest walking pitch. The same parts as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The block diagram of the other embodiments is the same as that of FIG.

Hereinafter, the operation of the other embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6.
When the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S501), the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3. Is obtained continuously for a predetermined time (continuity) (step S502). Here, the predetermined time can be set to a time (for example, 10 seconds) that is normally required for walking of 5 steps.

  When detecting the signal output from the OR means 114, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each signal is detected, as described above. Further, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 can start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the masking operation when the walking signal S3 is first detected. Thereby, the walking signal S3 from the walking sensor 101a or 101b that previously detected the walking signal S3 can be sequentially detected, and the number of steps can be measured accurately and quickly.

When the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, that is, when the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, the CPU 108 It is determined that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (in other words, the walking signal S3) is a walking signal corresponding to walking (step S503).
Next, the CPU 108 measures the interval (walking pitch) of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for walking detection based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S504).

  When the interval of the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is smaller than the predetermined stop determination time, the CPU 108 determines that the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for detecting the walking is a predetermined stop. If it is shorter than the determination time, it is determined that the walking signal is a normal walking signal (step S505), and the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is counted as the number of steps (step S506). The stop determination time is a reference time for determining whether walking or stopping walking, and can be set to, for example, a time normally required for one step walking (for example, 2 seconds).

The storage unit 113 stores in advance a table (walking pitch-mask time width table) in which a plurality of walking pitches and mask time widths are associated with each other, and the CPU 108 refers to the table in step S504. A walking pitch detection range is set based on the calculated latest walking pitch, the existing mask time is changed to a mask time corresponding to the detection range, and the process returns to processing step S504 (step S601). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.
Note that the mask time changing process in the processing step S601 may be performed every time when walking is detected, or various changes are possible, such as a configuration where it is performed every time a plurality of steps are detected.

On the other hand, if the interval between the walking signals from the walking sensor 101a or 101b is not smaller than the predetermined stop determination time in the processing step S505, the CPU 108 does not output the signal from the OR means 114 as a normal walking signal. It returns to processing step S501.
Further, when the CPU 108 determines in the processing step S503 that the signals from the walking sensors 101a and 101b are not signals due to walking, the CPU 108 determines that the walking signals are not obtained from the walking sensors 101a and 101b and the walking stops. The process returns to the processing step S501.
As described above, according to the other embodiment, since the latest walking pitch is calculated and the mask time is changed based on the walking pitch, the same user changes the walking pitch. Even when a plurality of users with different walking pitches share, it is possible to accurately measure the number of steps.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a pedometer according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 is different from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that signal level determination means 701 for determining the output signal level of the amplification means 106a and 106b, in other words, the acceleration signal level output from the acceleration sensors 101a and 101 is provided. It is. The CPU 108 determines the walking speed based on the acceleration signal level, and sets the mask time to the mask time corresponding to the acceleration signal level.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the pedometer according to the other embodiment, and is an example in which the walking time is determined based on the acceleration signal level and the mask time is set. The same parts as those in FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the other embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S501), the signal level determining means 701 determines that the walking sensor 101a or the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal. The level of the signal (acceleration signal) from the amplification means 106a or 106b corresponding to 101b is determined (step S801).

The storage means 113 stores a table (acceleration level-mask time width table) in which a plurality of acceleration signal levels and mask time widths are associated in advance, and the CPU 108 refers to the table to determine the signal level. A mask time corresponding to the acceleration signal level determined by the means 701 is set (step S802). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.
Next, the CPU 108 confirms that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time (continuity) based on the walking signal S3 (step S502). Here, the predetermined time can be set to a time (for example, 10 seconds) that is normally required for walking of 5 steps.

  When detecting the signal output from the OR means 114, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each signal is detected, as described above. Further, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 can start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the masking operation when the walking signal S3 is first detected. Thereby, the walking signal S3 from the walking sensor 101a or 101b that previously detected the walking signal S3 can be sequentially detected, and the number of steps can be measured accurately and quickly.

When the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, that is, when the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, the CPU 108 It is determined that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (in other words, the walking signal S3) is a walking signal corresponding to walking (step S503).
Next, the CPU 108 measures the interval (walking pitch) of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for walking detection based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S504).

  When the interval of the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is smaller than the predetermined stop determination time, the CPU 108 determines that the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for detecting the walking is a predetermined stop. If it is shorter than the determination time, it is determined that the walking signal is a normal walking signal (step S505), and the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is counted as the number of steps (step S506).

Next, the signal level determination means 701 determines the level of the acceleration signal output from the amplification means 106a or 106b corresponding to the walking sensor 101a or 10b used for walking detection (step S803), and the CPU 108 determines the acceleration level− With reference to the mask time table, the mask time corresponding to the acceleration signal level determined by the signal level determination means 701 is set, and the process returns to step S504 (step S804). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.
Thereby, even when the acceleration signal level changes suddenly, that is, when the walking pitch changes suddenly, walking can be measured accurately.

On the other hand, if the interval between the walking signals from the walking sensor 101a or 101b is not smaller than the predetermined stop determination time in the processing step S505, the CPU 108 does not output the signal from the OR means 114 as a normal walking signal. It returns to processing step S501.
Further, when the CPU 108 determines in the processing step S503 that the signals from the walking sensors 101a and 101b are not signals due to walking, the CPU 108 determines that the walking signals are not obtained from the walking sensors 101a and 101b and the walking stops. The process returns to the processing step S501.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the latest walking pitch is calculated and the mask time is changed based on the walking pitch, when the same user changes the walking pitch, Even when a plurality of users having different walking pitches share, it is possible to accurately measure the number of steps.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the pedometer according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and is an example in which the mask time is set more accurately based on the latest walking pitch. The same parts as those in FIG. The block diagram of the present embodiment is the same as FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the other embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9.
When the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S501), the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3. Is obtained continuously for a predetermined time (continuity) (step S502). Here, the predetermined time can be set to a time (for example, 10 seconds) that is normally required for walking of 5 steps.

  When detecting the signal output from the OR means 114, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each signal is detected, as described above. Further, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 can start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the masking operation when the walking signal S3 is first detected. Thereby, the walking signal S3 from the walking sensor 101a or 101b that previously detected the walking signal S3 can be sequentially detected, and the number of steps can be measured accurately and quickly.

When the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, that is, when the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, the CPU 108 It is determined that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (in other words, the walking signal S3) is a walking signal corresponding to walking (step S503).
Next, the CPU 108 measures the interval (walking pitch) of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for walking detection based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S504).

  When the interval of the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is smaller than the predetermined stop determination time, the CPU 108 determines that the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for detecting the walking is a predetermined stop. If it is shorter than the determination time, it is determined that the walking signal is a normal walking signal (step S505), and the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is counted as the number of steps (step S506). The stop determination time is a reference time for determining whether walking or stopping walking, and can be set to, for example, a time normally required for one step walking (for example, 2 seconds).

The CPU 108 determines whether or not the mask time has been temporarily set (step S901). If it is determined that the mask time has not been temporarily set, that is, if it is determined to be a normal operation, the current walking pitch is the previous (most recent). When the walking pitch is smaller than a predetermined percentage (n%; for example, n = 70%), there is a possibility that the walking pitch is suddenly increased. The mask time is temporarily set so as to correspond to a fast pitch (steps S902 and S903). The temporary setting of the mask time is set to the mask time of the time width corresponding to the walking pitch with reference to the walking pitch-mask time width table stored in advance in the storage unit 113. Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.
When determining that the current walking pitch is not smaller than a predetermined percentage (n%; for example, n = 70%) of the previous walking pitch in the processing step S902, the CPU 108 determines that the current walking pitch is not an abrupt walking pitch. It returns to processing step S504.

On the other hand, when CPU 108 determines that the mask time has been temporarily set in processing step S901, CPU 108 determines whether or not a walking signal having a correct walking pitch can be detected in this state (step S904). Here, when a walking pitch that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 1.6 times) of the walking pitch that has sharply decreased is determined, it is determined that a correct walking signal has been detected.
When the CPU 108 determines that the walking signal with the normal walking pitch can be detected in the processing step S904, the CPU 108 sets the temporarily set mask time as the official mask time, and the number of steps generated during the temporarily set period is the accumulated number of steps. And the number of steps is corrected (step S905). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.

If the CPU 108 determines that a walking signal having a normal walking pitch cannot be detected in process step S904, the CPU 108 determines that the temporarily set mask time is not appropriate (the walking pitch has not increased), and the original mask time. The process returns to step S504 (step S906). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.
As described above, according to the other embodiment, when the calculated walking pitch is suddenly decreased (a predetermined ratio or more), the mask time is shortened (so that a fast walking pitch can be handled). In addition, after shortening the mask time, verify whether the change in the mask time was correct or not by detecting whether or not the expected walking pitch was detected, and if it was correct, correct the number of steps that occurred during that time. The cumulative number of steps is calculated. Therefore, even when the mask time is changed according to the change of the walking pitch, it is possible to measure the accurate number of steps.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the pedometer according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and is an example in which the mask time is set based on the walking pitch and the acceleration signal level. The same parts as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The block diagram of the other embodiment is the same as FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the other embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the CPU 108 determines that there is a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S501), the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b based on the walking signal S3. Is obtained continuously for a predetermined time (continuity) (step S502). Here, the predetermined time can be set to a time (for example, 10 seconds) that is normally required for walking of 5 steps.

  When detecting the signal output from the OR means 114, the CPU 108 operates to alternately perform the detection operation and the mask operation every time each signal is detected, as described above. Further, when detecting the walking signal, the CPU 108 can start the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the masking operation when the walking signal S3 is first detected. Thereby, the walking signal S3 from the walking sensor 101a or 101b that previously detected the walking signal S3 can be sequentially detected, and the number of steps can be measured accurately and quickly.

When the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, that is, when the signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b is continuously obtained for a predetermined time, the CPU 108 It is determined that a signal from at least one of the walking sensors 101a and 101b (in other words, the walking signal S3) is a walking signal corresponding to walking (step S503).
Next, the CPU 108 measures the interval (walking pitch) of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for walking detection based on the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 (step S504).

  When the interval of the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is smaller than the predetermined stop determination time, the CPU 108 determines that the interval of the walking signal from the walking sensor 101a or 101b to be used for detecting the walking is a predetermined stop. If it is shorter than the determination time, it is determined that the walking signal is a normal walking signal (step S505), and the walking signal S3 from the OR means 114 is counted as the number of steps (step S506). The stop determination time is a reference time for determining whether walking or stopping walking, and can be set to, for example, a time normally required for one step walking (for example, 2 seconds).

  Next, when the CPU 108 determines that the current walking pitch is smaller than a predetermined percentage (n%; for example, n = 70%) of the previous (most recent) walking pitch (step S1001), the signal level determination unit 701 detects walking. The level of the acceleration signal output from the amplifying means 106a or 106b corresponding to the walking sensor 101a or 10b being used is determined (step S1002), and the acceleration level-mask time table stored in advance in the storage means 113 is referred to. Then, the mask time corresponding to the acceleration signal level determined by the signal level determination unit 701 is reset, and the process returns to step S504 (step S1003). Here, the CPU 108 functions as a mask time changing unit.

If the CPU 108 determines in the processing step S1001 that the current walking pitch is not smaller than the predetermined percentage of the previous walking pitch, the CPU 108 returns to the processing step S504.
As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 108 sets the mask time corresponding to the acceleration signal level when the latest walking pitch changes by a predetermined value or more, and the walking pitch and the acceleration signal level are set. Since the mask time is changed when both of them change, the mask time can be set more accurately.

In each of the above embodiments, walking data such as past step count data is stored in the storage means 113, and the CPU 108 sets an initial mask time value based on the walking pitch obtained from the past walking data. You may comprise so that it may set. In this case, the CPU 108 constitutes mask time initial value setting means.
Further, the CPU 108 may be configured to set an initial value of the mask time based on the personal data input from the input unit 109. As personal data, for example, there is information on whether the walking speed is fast, medium, or slow, and information on the stride, but there is no information on the stride. Also in this case, the CPU 108 constitutes mask time initial value setting means.

  A pedometer with a method that is worn on the wrist, a pedometer with a method that is worn on the waist, a pedometer that is used while being stored and held in a bag, a pedometer with a built-in clock function, etc. Applicable to various pedometers.

It is a block diagram of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing diagram of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the walk detection process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing diagram of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the pedometer which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the pedometer which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100a ... first walking detection circuit 100b ... second walking detection circuit 101a, 101b ... walking sensor 102a, 102b ... charge-voltage conversion means 105a, 105b ... filter means 106a, 106b ... Amplifying means 107a, 107b ... binarizing means 108 ... CPU
109 ... input means 110 ... display means 111 ... reporting means 112 ... oscillation means 113 ... storage means 114 ... OR means 701 ... signal level determination means

Claims (13)

A plurality of walking detection means for outputting a walking signal corresponding to the walking detected by the walking sensor; and detecting the walking signals from the plurality of walking detection means; Calculating means for calculating the number of steps based on the detected walking signal, the calculating means detecting the walking signal when detecting the walking signal, and a predetermined mask time after the detecting operation; There lines alternately mask operation without detecting the walking signal,
The calculating means, when detecting the walking signal, starts the operation of alternately performing the detection operation and the mask operation from the time when the walking signal is first detected,
Storing means for storing the mask time, the calculating means detects the walking signal with reference to the mask time;
The calculation means includes conversion means for converting the walking signal inputted in parallel from the plurality of walking detection means into a synthesized walking signal, and when the calculating means detects the synthesized walking signal, the synthetic walking A pedometer , wherein a detection operation for detecting a signal and a mask operation at the mask time after the detection operation are alternately performed . 2. The pedometer according to claim 1 , wherein the converting means is a logical operation means for converting the walking signals inputted in parallel from the plurality of walking detecting means into a synthetic walking signal obtained by performing a logical operation. . The said calculating means, when detecting the said walk signal, starts the operation | movement which performs the said detection operation | movement and a mask operation | movement alternately from the time of detecting a walk signal first . Pedometer. The pedometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the calculation means sets the mask time to a value based on a walking pitch . The calculation means is not less than half of the walking signal period of the walking signal corresponding to the lower limit value of the walking pitch that can be measured as the mask time, and less than or equal to the walking signal period corresponding to the upper limit value of the measurable walking pitch. 3. The pedometer according to claim 2 , wherein the pedometer is set to a range value . The pedometer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising storage means for storing the mask time, wherein the calculation means detects the synthetic walking signal with reference to the mask time. . The pedometer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising mask time changing means for setting the mask time to a mask time corresponding to the latest walking pitch . The mask time changing means temporarily sets the mask time to a mask time corresponding to the latest pitch when the latest pitch changes by a predetermined value or more, and a correct walking signal is obtained by the temporarily set mask time. 8. The pedometer according to claim 7 , wherein the temporarily set mask time is set as a formal mask time . 9. The pedometer according to claim 8 , wherein, when the temporarily set mask time is set as an official mask time, the calculating means corrects the cumulative number of steps based on the number of steps generated during the temporarily set period . The walking sensor is an acceleration sensor that outputs an acceleration signal at a level corresponding to acceleration, and the mask time changing unit is configured to output a level of an acceleration signal output from the acceleration signal when the latest pitch changes by a predetermined value or more. The pedometer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the pedometer is set to a mask time according to the above. The walking sensor is an acceleration sensor for outputting a level acceleration signal corresponding to acceleration, 1 to claim and characterized in that it comprises a mask time changing means for setting a mask time corresponding to the level of the acceleration signal The pedometer according to any one of 6 above. 12. A mask time initial value setting means for setting an initial value of the mask time based on a walking pitch obtained from past walking data stored in a storage means . Pedometer described in 1 . 12. A mask time initial value setting means for setting an initial value of the mask time based on personal data inputted from the input means, comprising input means . Pedometer described in 1 .

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