JP6056045B2

JP6056045B2 - Pedometer and sensitivity adjustment method

Info

Publication number: JP6056045B2
Application number: JP2012229479A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 西林　賢二; 賢二西林
Original assignee: Tanita Corp
Current assignee: Tanita Corp
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2017-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-17
Also published as: JP2014081798A

Description

本発明は、歩数計及び感度調整方法に係り、例えば加速度センサーを用いて歩数をカウントする歩数計及びその感度調整方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a pedometer and a sensitivity adjustment method, for example, a pedometer that counts the number of steps using an acceleration sensor and a sensitivity adjustment method thereof.

一般に、歩数計ではユーザーが歩行又は走行したことを検知するためのセンサーが搭載されている。そして、センサーが適切に機能することで、歩行等のカウントを確実に行うことができる。したがって、センサーの機能を適切に維持することが重要となり、各種の技術が提案されている。 In general, a pedometer is equipped with a sensor for detecting that a user has walked or run. And it can count reliably, such as walking, because a sensor functions appropriately. Therefore, it is important to properly maintain the function of the sensor, and various techniques have been proposed.

例えば、振り子式のセンサーを用いた歩数計において、おもりのコイルバネの調整することでセンサーの感度を適正に保持する技術がある（例えば特許文献１参照）。さらに、実際に一定歩数を歩いた後にその結果をもとにして、感度の調整を手動で行う技術が知られている。さらにまた、例えば、製造時の加速度センサー毎の出力ばらつきを適正に補正する技術がある（例えば特許文献２参照）。 For example, in a pedometer using a pendulum type sensor, there is a technique for appropriately maintaining the sensitivity of a sensor by adjusting a coil spring of a weight (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a technique is known in which sensitivity is manually adjusted based on the result after actually walking a certain number of steps. Furthermore, for example, there is a technique for appropriately correcting output variations for each acceleration sensor during manufacturing (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

特開昭６３−１５９１０８号公報JP 63-159108 A 特開２００２−３０６４５６号公報JP 2002-306456 A

ところで、近年の製品には歩行を検出するセンサーとして加速度センサーが用いられ、精度の高い歩数カウントが実現されている。また、製品の差別化の観点から、さらに精度の高い歩数カウントが求められている。ユーザーの歩き方や走り方の歩行状態等は様々であって、場合によっては適切なカウントが出来ないことがあるという課題があった。 By the way, in recent products, an acceleration sensor is used as a sensor for detecting walking, and a highly accurate step count is realized. In addition, more accurate step counting is required from the viewpoint of product differentiation. There are various ways in which the user walks and runs, and there is a problem that an appropriate count may not be possible in some cases.

特許文献１に開示の技術では、近年の製品に用いられている加速度センサーを用いた歩数計には適用することができず別の技術が必要とされていた。また、特許文献２に開示の技術では、センサーの出力値のばらつきを補正するものであって、ユーザーの歩行状態等を反映させる技術ではなく、別の技術が求められていた。 The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to a pedometer using an acceleration sensor used in recent products, and another technique is required. Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 corrects variations in the output value of the sensor, and is not a technique that reflects the user's walking state or the like, but another technique has been required.

本発明は以上のような状況に鑑みなされたものであって、上記課題を解決する技術を提供することを目的とする。 This invention is made | formed in view of the above situations, Comprising: It aims at providing the technique which solves the said subject.

本発明の歩数計は、加速度センサーの検出した加速度を取得する加速度取得部と、ピッチ毎又は速度毎に関連づけられた閾値を記憶する記憶部と、前記加速度取得部により取得した前記加速度からピッチ又は速度を算出し、前記加速度の波形の所定周期における上限値及び下限値を特定し、前記特定した前記上限値及び前記下限値を基に歩数カウントをするためのデータを生成し、前記記憶部に記憶する前記閾値と前記データとを比較して歩数カウントするか否かを決定する歩数カウント部と、前記歩数カウント部により生成された前記データが前記記憶部に記憶する前記閾値から所定範囲にある場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記データが前記閾値から所定範囲にない場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として前記記憶部に記憶しない閾値調整部と、を有する。
また、前記閾値調整部は、前記歩数カウント部により生成された前記データと前記記憶部に記憶する前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値が所定値より小さい場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値が所定値以上の場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として前記記憶部に記憶しない。
また、前記データは、前記加速度の前記上限値及び前記下限値から得られるＰ−Ｐ値であって、前記閾値調整部は、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分が所定値より小さい場合には、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値より小さい場合には、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分が所定値以上の場合には、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶せず、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値以上の場合には、前記Ｐ−Ｐ値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶しなくともよい。
また、前記データは、前記加速度の前記上限値及び前記下限値の絶対値であって、前記閾値調整部は、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分が所定値より小さい場合には、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値より小さい場合には、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分が所定値以上の場合には、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶せず、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値以上の場合には、前記上限値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶せず、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分が所定値より小さい場合には、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値より小さい場合には、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分が所定値以上の場合には、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶せず、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値が所定値以上の場合には、前記下限値の絶対値と前記閾値との差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶しなくともよい。
本発明の感度調整方法は、加速度センサーの取得した加速度からピッチ又は速度を算出するピッチ／速度算出工程と、前記加速度の波形の所定周期の上限値及び下限値を特定し、前記特定した前記上限値及び前記下限値を基に歩数カウントをするためのデータを生成するデータ生成工程と、記憶部にされる閾値と前記データをもとに、歩数カウントする閾値を決定する閾値決定工程と、前記データ生成工程により生成された前記データが前記記憶部に記憶される前記閾値から所定範囲にある場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として記憶し、前記データが前記閾値から所定範囲にない場合には、前記データと前記閾値との差分又は差分の絶対値を前記記憶部に記憶する閾値として前記記憶部に記憶しない閾値反映工程とを有する。 The pedometer of the present invention includes an acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, a storage unit that stores a threshold value associated with each pitch or each speed , and a pitch or a distance from the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit. Calculate the speed, specify an upper limit value and a lower limit value in a predetermined cycle of the waveform of the acceleration, generate data for counting the number of steps based on the specified upper limit value and the lower limit value, in the storage unit The threshold value to be stored and the data are compared to determine whether or not to count the number of steps, and the data generated by the step count unit is within a predetermined range from the threshold value stored in the storage unit In this case, the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference is stored as a threshold stored in the storage unit, and the data falls within a predetermined range from the threshold. Case has a threshold adjustment unit is not stored in the storage unit the absolute value of the difference or difference as a threshold value to be stored in the storage unit of the data and the threshold value.
In addition, the threshold adjustment unit, when the difference between the data generated by the step count unit and the threshold stored in the storage unit or the absolute value of the difference is smaller than a predetermined value, the data and the threshold Or the absolute value of the difference is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and if the difference between the data and the threshold value or the absolute value of the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the difference between the data and the threshold value or The absolute value of the difference is not stored in the storage unit as a threshold value stored in the storage unit.
Further, the data is a PP value obtained from the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the acceleration, and the threshold adjuster is configured such that a difference between the PP value and the threshold is smaller than a predetermined value. The difference between the PP value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and when the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, The absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and when the difference between the PP value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the PP value If the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold value is not less than a predetermined value, the difference between the threshold value and the threshold value is not stored as the threshold value stored in the storage unit. The absolute value of the difference between and may not be stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit.
Further, the data is an absolute value of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the acceleration, and the threshold value adjustment unit, when the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the upper limit value And the threshold value stored in the storage unit, and if the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value The value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and when the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit. Without the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, The difference between the absolute value of the lower limit and the threshold is smaller than the predetermined value The difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value The absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit, and when the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value When the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit and the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value may not be stored as the threshold value stored in the storage unit.
The sensitivity adjustment method of the present invention specifies a pitch / speed calculation step of calculating a pitch or speed from acceleration acquired by an acceleration sensor, an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a predetermined period of the acceleration waveform, and the specified upper limit a data generating step of generating data for the step count based on the value and the lower limit value, on the basis of the data with a threshold value that is in the storage unit, and a threshold determination step of determining a threshold value for step count, the When the data generated by the data generation step is within a predetermined range from the threshold stored in the storage unit, a difference between the data and the threshold or an absolute value of the difference is stored as the threshold in the storage unit. When the data is not within a predetermined range from the threshold, the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference is stored as the threshold stored in the storage unit. And a threshold value reflecting step not stored.

本発明によれば、実際に使用した値（加速度値等）を用いて感度調整がなされるので、ユーザー毎に最適化されたピッチ毎の感度を設定することができ、歩数の計数精度を向上させる技術を提供できる。 According to the present invention, since sensitivity adjustment is performed using values actually used (acceleration values, etc.), the sensitivity for each pitch optimized for each user can be set, and the counting accuracy of steps is improved. Technology can be provided.

実施形態に係る、歩数計の機能ブロック図である。It is a functional block diagram of a pedometer according to an embodiment. 実施形態に係る、歩行（走行）ピッチと感度との対応を示すテーブルある。It is a table which shows a response | compatibility with a walk (running) pitch and sensitivity based on embodiment. 実施形態に係る、歩行カウント処理を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the walk count process based on embodiment. 実施形態の変形例に係る、歩行カウント処理を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the walk count process based on the modification of embodiment.

次に、本発明を実施するための形態（以下、単に「実施形態」という）を、図面を参照して具体的に説明する。 Next, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as “embodiments”) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本実施形態に係る歩数計１０の概略構成を示す機能ブロック図であって、主に、歩数カウント機能に着目して示している。歩数計１０は、表示部１２と、加速度センサー１４と、操作部１６と、演算部２０と、記憶部３０とを備える。 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pedometer 10 according to the present embodiment, mainly focusing on the step count function. The pedometer 10 includes a display unit 12, an acceleration sensor 14, an operation unit 16, a calculation unit 20, and a storage unit 30.

表示部１２は、液晶表示器等によって構成されており、計測した歩数や時間、各種の設定等の情報を表示する。 The display unit 12 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays information such as the measured number of steps, time, and various settings.

加速度センサー１４は、３軸加速度センサーであって、ＸＹＺ軸の３方向の加速度を１デバイスで測定できる。検出値は演算部２０に出力される。 The acceleration sensor 14 is a three-axis acceleration sensor, and can measure acceleration in three directions of the XYZ axes with one device. The detected value is output to the calculation unit 20.

操作部１６は、ユーザーの操作を受け付けるスイッチやボタン等であって、操作結果は演算部２０に通知される。 The operation unit 16 is a switch, button, or the like that receives a user operation, and the operation result is notified to the calculation unit 20.

演算部２０は、ＣＰＵを備えて構成されており、歩数計１０を統括的に制御するとともに、本実施形態に特徴的な機能を実現する構成として、加速度取得部２２と、歩数カウント部２４と、感度調整部２６とを備える。 The arithmetic unit 20 includes a CPU, and controls the pedometer 10 in an integrated manner, and realizes functions characteristic of the present embodiment as an acceleration acquisition unit 22, a step count unit 24, and the like. And a sensitivity adjustment unit 26.

加速度取得部２２は、加速度センサー１４からの信号（検出値）を取得する。加速度センサー１４からの信号がアナログ信号であれば、ＡＤ変換して検出値をサンプリングする。 The acceleration acquisition unit 22 acquires a signal (detection value) from the acceleration sensor 14. If the signal from the acceleration sensor 14 is an analog signal, the detection value is sampled by AD conversion.

歩数カウント部２４は、加速度取得部２２で取得した信号をもとに歩数を計数するとともにピッチを計算する。具体的には、歩数カウント部２４は、取得した加速度の波形の所定周期（ここでは１周期）の上限値及び下限値を特定し、それらをもとにＰ−Ｐ（Peak to Peak）値を算出する。そして、歩数カウント部２４は、Ｐ−Ｐ値が所定の閾値より大きい場合に、１歩としてカウントする。より具体的な計数処理については図３のフローチャートで後述する。また、歩数カウント部２４は、取得した加速度とＰ−Ｐ値の計測時間とからピッチを計算する。なお、上限値及び下限値は、２周期以上の平均値等が用いられてもよい。 The step count counting unit 24 counts the number of steps based on the signal acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 22 and calculates the pitch. Specifically, the step count counting unit 24 specifies an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a predetermined cycle (here, one cycle) of the acquired acceleration waveform, and based on them, a PP (Peak to Peak) value is determined. calculate. The step count counting unit 24 counts as one step when the PP value is larger than a predetermined threshold. More specific counting processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Further, the step count counting unit 24 calculates the pitch from the acquired acceleration and the measurement time of the PP value. For the upper limit value and the lower limit value, an average value of two cycles or more may be used.

感度調整部２６は、歩数を計数する場合に用いる上記の閾値を決定する。具体的には、感度調整部２６は、歩行（走行）ピッチに応じて感度となる閾値を決定する。閾値の決定の手順は、図３のフローチャートで後述する。 The sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines the threshold value used when counting the number of steps. Specifically, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines a threshold value for sensitivity according to the walking (running) pitch. The procedure for determining the threshold will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

記憶部３０は各種設定情報等を記憶する。さらに、記憶部３０は、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２を備える。 The storage unit 30 stores various setting information and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 30 includes a pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32.

ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２は、加速度センサー１４の測定結果を記憶する。具体的には、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２には、Ｐ−Ｐ値と閾値との差分が所定範囲の時にその差分値がピッチと関連づけて記憶される。つまり、所定範囲（ここでは１０単位）のピッチ毎のテーブルデータが形成されることになる。 The pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 stores the measurement result of the acceleration sensor 14. Specifically, in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, when the difference between the PP value and the threshold is within a predetermined range, the difference value is stored in association with the pitch. That is, table data for each pitch within a predetermined range (here, 10 units) is formed.

ここで、図２は、歩行（走行）ピッチとそれに応じた感度となる閾値との対応を示している。実際には、感度ａ〜ｓは加速度センサー１４の出力特性に応じた数字となる。なお、図中のピッチ６０とは、計測したピッチが６０〜６９の場合を示している。例えば、歩行（走行）ピッチが６０の場合、感度はａである。また、ピッチが１８０の場合、感度はｍとなる。この閾値は、各ピッチに関連づけられて記憶された差分値の中央値が用いられる。なお、閾値として中央値でなく平均値が用いられても良いし、異常値と想定される値を除いた中央値や平均値が用いられてもよい。なお、歩数計１０の使用初期には差分値が蓄積されていないので、予め設定された初期値が用いられる。また、閾値を特定するための差分値の母集団は、過去の所定期間におけるものであって、例えば、過去１分間や１０分間などの期間におけるものである。この期間は、ユーザーが操作部１６を操作して設定可能であってもよい。また、図２のテーブルが記憶部３０に別途作成され、歩数カウントの度に更新されてもよい。 Here, FIG. 2 shows the correspondence between the walking (running) pitch and the threshold value corresponding to the sensitivity. Actually, the sensitivities a to s are numbers corresponding to the output characteristics of the acceleration sensor 14. In addition, the pitch 60 in a figure has shown the case where the measured pitch is 60-69. For example, when the walking (running) pitch is 60, the sensitivity is a. When the pitch is 180, the sensitivity is m. As this threshold value, the median value of the difference values stored in association with each pitch is used. Note that an average value instead of the median value may be used as the threshold value, or a median value or an average value excluding values assumed to be abnormal values may be used. In addition, since a difference value is not accumulated at the initial stage of use of the pedometer 10, a preset initial value is used. Further, the differential value population for specifying the threshold value is in a predetermined period in the past, for example, in a period such as the past 1 minute or 10 minutes. This period may be set by the user operating the operation unit 16. Further, the table of FIG. 2 may be created separately in the storage unit 30 and updated each time the number of steps is counted.

図３は、歩数計１０における歩行カウント処理を示すフローチャートであって、概略処理は次の通りである。つまり、歩数カウント部２４は、加速度からピッチを算出し、ピッチに応じた閾値を用いて、そのピッチを１歩として歩カウントする否かを決定する。また、感度調整部２６は、使用する閾値をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２を参照して決定する。以下、詳細に説明する。 FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the walk counting process in the pedometer 10, and the outline process is as follows. That is, the step count counting unit 24 calculates a pitch from the acceleration, and determines whether or not to count a step with the pitch as one step, using a threshold value corresponding to the pitch. Further, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines a threshold to be used with reference to the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32. Details will be described below.

歩数の計数処理が開始されると、加速度取得部２２は加速度センサー１４から加速度を取得する（Ｓ１０）。加速度を所得できない場合は（Ｓ１０のＮ）、加速度取得部２２は、加速度取得処理を継続する。 When the step counting process is started, the acceleration acquisition unit 22 acquires acceleration from the acceleration sensor 14 (S10). If the acceleration cannot be obtained (N in S10), the acceleration acquisition unit 22 continues the acceleration acquisition process.

加速度取得部２２で加速度の値を取得できた場合に（Ｓ１０のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は、一周期におけるＰ−Ｐ値を算出する（Ｓ１２）。Ｐ−Ｐ値を算出できない場合、つまり一周期に満たない場合には（Ｓ１２のＮ）、加速度取得処理（Ｓ１０）に戻る。 When the acceleration value can be acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 22 (Y in S10), the step count counting unit 24 calculates a PP value in one cycle (S12). When the PP value cannot be calculated, that is, when the period is less than one cycle (N in S12), the process returns to the acceleration acquisition process (S10).

一周期におけるＰ−Ｐ値を算出することができると（Ｓ１２のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は、ピッチを算出する（Ｓ１４）。 When the PP value in one cycle can be calculated (Y in S12), the step count counting unit 24 calculates the pitch (S14).

つぎに、感度調整部２６は、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２を参照し、ピッチ毎のテーブルデータをもとに閾値Ｔｈを決定する（Ｓ１６）。閾値として中央値を用いる設定であれば、感度調整部２６は、テーブルデータから中央値を抽出する。 Next, the sensitivity adjusting unit 26 refers to the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 and determines the threshold value Th based on the table data for each pitch (S16). If the setting is to use the median as the threshold, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 extracts the median from the table data.

そして、歩数カウント部２４は、Ｐ−Ｐ値と閾値とを比較して、Ｐ−Ｐ値が閾値より大きいか否かを判断する（Ｓ１８）。 Then, the step count counting unit 24 compares the PP value and the threshold value, and determines whether or not the PP value is larger than the threshold value (S18).

Ｐ−Ｐ値が閾値より大きい場合（Ｓ１８のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウントを１だけインクリメントする（Ｓ２０）。その場合、表示部１２における歩数表示は更新される。Ｐ−Ｐ値が閾値以下の場合（Ｓ１８のＮ）、歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウントを行わない。 When the PP value is larger than the threshold value (Y in S18), the step count counting unit 24 increments the step count by 1 (S20). In that case, the step count display on the display unit 12 is updated. When the PP value is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (N in S18), the step count counting unit 24 does not perform step count counting.

つづいて、感度調整部２６は、Ｐ−Ｐ値と使用した閾値Ｔｈとの差分Ｘ（＝（ｐ−ｐ）−Ｔｈ）を算出し（Ｓ２２）、差分Ｘが正であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ２４）。 Subsequently, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 calculates a difference X (= (pp) −Th) between the PP value and the used threshold Th (S22), and determines whether or not the difference X is positive. (S24).

差分Ｘが正の場合（Ｓ２４のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘが所定値ａより小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ２６）。差分Ｘがあまりにも大きい場合はＰ−Ｐ値が異常値であった可能性が高いため、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記憶するデータから除外するための処理である。したがって、差分Ｘが所定値ａより小さい場合（Ｓ２６のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘをピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ２８）、フローはＳ１０の処理に戻る。差分Ｘが所定値ａ以上の場合（Ｓ２６のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘをピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、処理が終了し、フローはＳ１０の処理に戻る。 When the difference X is positive (Y in S24), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the difference X is smaller than the predetermined value a (S26). When the difference X is too large, there is a high possibility that the PP value is an abnormal value, and therefore, this is processing for excluding from the data stored in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32. Therefore, when the difference X is smaller than the predetermined value a (Y in S26), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the difference X in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 in association with the pitch (S28), and the flow returns to the process of S10. . If the difference X is greater than or equal to the predetermined value a (N in S26), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, the process ends, and the flow returns to the process of S10.

差分Ｘが０以下の場合（Ｓ２４のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘの絶対値が所定値ｂより小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ３０）。本処理も異常値を除外するための処理である。したがって、差分Ｘの絶対値が所定値ｂより小さい場合（Ｓ３０のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘの絶対値をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ３２）、フローはＳ１０の処理に戻る。差分Ｘの絶対値が所定値ｂ以上の場合（Ｓ３０のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘをピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、処理が終了し、フローはＳ１０の処理に戻る。 When the difference X is 0 or less (N in S24), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference X is smaller than the predetermined value b (S30). This process is also a process for excluding abnormal values. Therefore, when the absolute value of the difference X is smaller than the predetermined value b (Y in S30), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the absolute value of the difference X in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 in association with the pitch (S32). Returns to S10. If the absolute value of the difference X is greater than or equal to the predetermined value b (N in S30), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, the process ends, and the flow returns to the process of S10.

以上、本実施形態によると、歩数計１０が自動で感動調整を行うので、原則としてユーザーはなんら調整をする必要が無く、感度調整のユーザー負担を回避することができる。また、実際に使用した値（加速度値等）を用いて感度調整がなされるので、ユーザー毎に最適化されたピッチ毎の感度を設定することができる。その結果、歩数の計数精度が向上する。特に、ユーザーの歩行状態や、路面状態、使用する靴等によって得られる加速度が異なることがあるため、そのような状況を反映させ、様々なユーザーや使用態様に適切に感度調整、つまり歩数計数を行うことができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the pedometer 10 automatically performs the emotion adjustment, in principle, the user does not need to make any adjustment, and the user burden of sensitivity adjustment can be avoided. Further, since sensitivity adjustment is performed using values actually used (acceleration values and the like), it is possible to set the sensitivity for each pitch optimized for each user. As a result, the step count counting accuracy is improved. In particular, since the acceleration obtained by the user's walking state, road surface state, shoes used, etc. may be different, reflect such situation and adjust the sensitivity appropriately for various users and usage modes, that is, count the number of steps. It can be carried out.

以上、本発明を実施形態をもとに説明した。この実施形態は例示であり、それらの各構成要素の組み合わせ等にいろいろな変形例が可能なこと、またそうした変形例も本発明の範囲にあることは当業者に理解されるところである。 The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective components and the like, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

図４は、変形例に係る歩数計１０における歩行カウント処理を示すフローチャートであって、概略処理は次の通りである。本変形例の処理は、加速度のＰ−Ｐ値ではなく、上限値及び下限値をそれぞれ用いる点で上述の実施形態の処理と異なる。また、したがって、用いる閾値が上限値の閾値Ｔｈａと下限値の閾値Ｔｈｂの２つになり、さらに、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２には、上限値差分Ｘ１と下限値差分Ｘ２の２種類がピッチと関連づけて記憶される。以下、処理をフローチャートにもとづいて説明する。 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the walk counting process in the pedometer 10 according to the modification, and the outline process is as follows. The process of this modification differs from the process of the above-described embodiment in that an upper limit value and a lower limit value are used instead of the acceleration P-P value. Accordingly, the threshold value to be used is the upper limit threshold value Tha and the lower limit value threshold Thb, and the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 has two types of the upper limit difference X1 and the lower limit difference X2 as the pitch. Stored in association. Hereinafter, the process will be described with reference to a flowchart.

歩数の計数処理が開始されると、加速度取得部２２は加速度センサー１４から加速度を取得する（Ｓ１１０）。加速度を所得できない場合は（Ｓ１１０のＮ）、加速度取得部２２は、加速度取得処理を継続する。 When the step counting process is started, the acceleration acquisition unit 22 acquires acceleration from the acceleration sensor 14 (S110). If the acceleration cannot be obtained (N in S110), the acceleration acquisition unit 22 continues the acceleration acquisition process.

加速度取得部２２で加速度の値を取得できた場合に（Ｓ１１０のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は、一周期における上限値と下限値とを算出する（Ｓ１１２）。上限値と下限値を算出できない場合（Ｓ１１２のＮ）、加速度取得処理（Ｓ１１０）に戻る。 When the acceleration value can be obtained by the acceleration obtaining unit 22 (Y in S110), the step count counting unit 24 calculates an upper limit value and a lower limit value in one cycle (S112). When the upper limit value and the lower limit value cannot be calculated (N in S112), the process returns to the acceleration acquisition process (S110).

上限値と下限値とを算出できた場合（Ｓ１１２のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は、ピッチを算出する（Ｓ１１４）。 When the upper limit value and the lower limit value can be calculated (Y in S112), the step count counting unit 24 calculates the pitch (S114).

つぎに、感度調整部２６は、ピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２を参照し、ピッチ毎のテーブルデータをもとに上限値の閾値Ｔｈａと下限値の閾値Ｔｈｂとを決定する（Ｓ１１６）。どのような基準で閾値を決定するかは上述の実施形態同様に中央値が用いられてもよいし、平均値が用いられてもよい。 Next, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 refers to the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 and determines an upper limit threshold value Tha and a lower limit threshold value Thb based on the table data for each pitch (S116). As to what criteria the threshold is determined, a median value or an average value may be used as in the above-described embodiment.

そして、歩数カウント部２４は、上限値と上限値の閾値Ｔｈａとを比較する（Ｓ１１８）。上限値が閾値Ｔｈａ以下なら（Ｓ１１８のＮ）、歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウントをしない。 Then, the step count counting unit 24 compares the upper limit value with a threshold value Tha of the upper limit value (S118). If the upper limit value is less than or equal to the threshold Tha (N in S118), the step count counting unit 24 does not count the step count.

上限値が閾値Ｔｈａより大きい場合（Ｓ１１８のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は、下限値の絶対値と下限値の閾値Ｔｈｂとを比較する（Ｓ１２０）。下限値の絶対値が閾値Ｔｈｂ以下なら（Ｓ１２０のＮ）、歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウントをしない。 When the upper limit value is larger than the threshold value Tha (Y in S118), the step count counting unit 24 compares the absolute value of the lower limit value with the threshold value Thb of the lower limit value (S120). If the absolute value of the lower limit value is less than or equal to the threshold value Thb (N in S120), the step count counting unit 24 does not count the number of steps.

下限値の絶対値が閾値Ｔｈｂより大きい場合（Ｓ１２０のＹ）、歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウント部２４は歩数カウントを１だけインクリメントする（Ｓ１２２）。 When the absolute value of the lower limit value is larger than the threshold value Thb (Y in S120), the step count counting unit 24 increments the step count by 1 (S122).

つづいて、感度調整部２６は、上限値と使用した閾値Ｔｈａとの差分Ｘ１（＝上限値−Ｔｈａ）を算出し（Ｓ１２４）、差分Ｘ１が正であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ１２６）。 Subsequently, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 calculates a difference X1 (= upper limit value−Tha) between the upper limit value and the used threshold value Tha (S124), and determines whether or not the difference X1 is positive (S126).

差分Ｘ１が正の場合（Ｓ１２６のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１が所定値ａ１より小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ１２８）。差分Ｘ１が所定値ａ１より小さい場合（Ｓ１２８のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ１３０）、次の処理（Ｓ１３６）に移る。差分Ｘ１が所定値ａ１以上の場合（Ｓ１２８のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、次の処理（Ｓ１３６）に移る。 When the difference X1 is positive (Y in S126), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the difference X1 is smaller than the predetermined value a1 (S128). When the difference X1 is smaller than the predetermined value a1 (Y in S128), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the difference X1 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 in association with the pitch (S130), and proceeds to the next process (S136). If the difference X1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value a1 (N in S128), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X1 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, and proceeds to the next process (S136).

差分Ｘ１が０以下の場合（Ｓ１２６のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１の絶対値が所定値ｂ１より小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ１３２）。差分Ｘ１の絶対値が所定値ｂ１より小さい場合（Ｓ１３２のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１の絶対値をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ１３４）、次の処理（Ｓ１３６）に移る。差分Ｘ１の絶対値が所定値ｂ１以上の場合（Ｓ１３２のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ１をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、次の処理（Ｓ１３６）に移る。 When the difference X1 is 0 or less (N in S126), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference X1 is smaller than the predetermined value b1 (S132). When the absolute value of the difference X1 is smaller than the predetermined value b1 (Y in S132), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the absolute value of the difference X1 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 in association with the pitch (S134), and the next process Move on to (S136). When the absolute value of the difference X1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value b1 (N in S132), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X1 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, and proceeds to the next process (S136).

つづいて、感度調整部２６は、下限値の絶対値と使用した閾値Ｔｈｂとの差分Ｘ２（＝｜下限値｜−Ｔｈｂ）を算出し（Ｓ１３６）、差分Ｘ２が正であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ１３８）。 Subsequently, the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 calculates a difference X2 (= | lower limit | −Thb) between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the used threshold value Thb (S136), and determines whether or not the difference X2 is positive. (S138).

差分Ｘ２が正の場合（Ｓ１３８のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２が所定値ｃ１より小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ１４０）。差分Ｘ２が所定値ｃ１より小さい場合（Ｓ１４０のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ１４２）、最初の加速度取得処理（Ｓ１１０）に戻る。差分Ｘ２が所定値ｃ１以上の場合（Ｓ１４０のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、最初の加速度取得処理（Ｓ１１０）に戻る。 When the difference X2 is positive (Y in S138), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the difference X2 is smaller than the predetermined value c1 (S140). When the difference X2 is smaller than the predetermined value c1 (Y in S140), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the difference X2 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 in association with the pitch (S142), and the first acceleration acquisition process (S110). Return. If the difference X2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value c1 (N in S140), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X2 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, and returns to the first acceleration acquisition process (S110).

差分Ｘ２が０以下の場合（Ｓ１３８のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２の絶対値が所定値ｄ１より小さいか否かを判断する（Ｓ１４４）。差分Ｘ２の絶対値が所定値ｄ１より小さい場合（Ｓ１４４のＹ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２の絶対値をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２にピッチと対応づけて記憶し（Ｓ１４６）、最初の加速度取得処理（Ｓ１１０）に戻る。差分Ｘ２の絶対値が所定値ｄ１以上の場合（Ｓ１４４のＮ）、感度調整部２６は差分Ｘ２をピッチ感度対応データテーブル３２に記録せず、最初の加速度取得処理（Ｓ１１０）に戻る。 When the difference X2 is 0 or less (N in S138), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference X2 is smaller than the predetermined value d1 (S144). When the absolute value of the difference X2 is smaller than the predetermined value d1 (Y in S144), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 stores the absolute value of the difference X2 in association with the pitch in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32 (S146), and the first acceleration. The process returns to the acquisition process (S110). When the absolute value of the difference X2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value d1 (N in S144), the sensitivity adjustment unit 26 does not record the difference X2 in the pitch sensitivity correspondence data table 32, and returns to the first acceleration acquisition process (S110).

以上、本実施形態によると、加速度の上限値、下限値に分けて閾値等を設定するので、ユーザーの歩行状態を感度調整に細かく反映させることができる。つまり、歩行における蹴り出し、着地のそれぞれの状態を反映させることができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the threshold value and the like are set separately for the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the acceleration, so that the user's walking state can be finely reflected in the sensitivity adjustment. That is, it is possible to reflect the kicking and landing states during walking.

なお、上述の実施形態及びその変形例では、歩行（走行）のピッチ毎に歩数カウントする際の感度（閾値）が設定されたが、他に歩行（走行）の速度が用いられてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment and its modification, the sensitivity (threshold value) for counting the number of steps is set for each walking (running) pitch, but the walking (running) speed may be used.

１０歩数計
１２表示部
１４加速度センサー
１６操作部
２０演算部
２２加速度取得部
２４歩数カウント部
２６感度調整部
３０記憶部
３２ピッチ感度対応データテーブル DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pedometer 12 Display part 14 Acceleration sensor 16 Operation part 20 Calculation part 22 Acceleration acquisition part 24 Step count part 26 Sensitivity adjustment part 30 Storage part 32 Pitch sensitivity correspondence data table

Claims

An acceleration acquisition unit for acquiring the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor;
A storage unit for storing a threshold value associated with each pitch or each speed;
The pitch or speed is calculated from the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit, the upper limit value and the lower limit value in a predetermined cycle of the acceleration waveform are specified, and the step count is calculated based on the specified upper limit value and the lower limit value. A step count counting unit that generates data to do and determines whether to count steps by comparing the threshold value stored in the storage unit with the data ;
When the data generated by the step count counting unit is within a predetermined range from the threshold value stored in the storage unit, the difference between the data and the threshold value or the absolute value of the difference is used as the threshold value stored in the storage unit. Storing, and if the data is not within a predetermined range from the threshold, a threshold adjustment unit that does not store the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference in the storage unit as a threshold to be stored in the storage unit ;
A pedometer characterized by comprising:

The threshold adjustment unit includes:
If the difference between the data generated by the step counting unit and the threshold stored in the storage unit or the absolute value of the difference is smaller than a predetermined value, the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference is When the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference is stored in the storage unit. Do not store in the storage unit as a threshold to be stored in
The pedometer according to claim 1.

The data is a PP value obtained from the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the acceleration,
The threshold adjustment unit includes:
If the difference between the PP value and the threshold is smaller than a predetermined value, store the difference between the PP value and the threshold as a threshold stored in the storage unit;
If the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, store the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold value as a threshold value stored in the storage unit;
If the difference between the P-P value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the difference between the P-P value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold is not less than a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the PP value and the threshold is not stored as a threshold stored in the storage unit.
The pedometer according to claim 2.

The data is an absolute value of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the acceleration,
The threshold adjustment unit includes:
When the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is smaller than a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit. ,
When the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit,
When the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the lower limit value and the threshold value is not stored as a threshold value stored in the storage unit ,
The pedometer according to claim 2.

A pitch / speed calculating step for calculating the pitch or speed from the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor;
A data generation step of specifying an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a predetermined period of the acceleration waveform, and generating data for counting steps based on the specified upper limit value and the lower limit value;
Based on the threshold value stored in the storage unit and the data, a threshold value determining step for determining a threshold value for counting the number of steps,
A threshold value for storing a difference between the data and the threshold value or an absolute value of the difference in the storage unit when the data generated by the data generation step is within a predetermined range from the threshold value stored in the storage unit And when the data is not within a predetermined range from the threshold, a threshold reflection step of not storing the difference between the data and the threshold or the absolute value of the difference in the storage as a threshold stored in the storage ,
A method for adjusting sensitivity, comprising: