JP6638713B2 - Electronic device having waterproof structure, method for detecting state of electronic device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a waterproof structure, a method for detecting a state of the electronic device, and a program.

Conventionally, an electronic device having a motion sensor such as a GPS function and an acceleration sensor has been known. By mounting such an electronic device on a wearable device such as a smart watch, it is possible to acquire position information and the like of the wearable device and feed it back to the user.
Some electronic devices provide various notifications to the user by voices emitted from a speaker. However, it is necessary to waterproof the sound holes to prevent damage due to water. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an acoustic device such as a speaker or a microphone having a waterproof function.

JP 2004-159181 A

  However, even if the speaker can be prevented from being damaged by water by applying a waterproofing process, for example, dust or the like adheres to the sound hole, the waterproof function is damaged, or the electronic device is connected to an external device. Even if a connection terminal is provided and this connection terminal is closed with a connector cover and the structure is waterproof, if the connector cover is not closed or not closed properly, it will not be able to function properly. .

  An object of the present invention is to detect a defect that a normal function cannot be exhibited in an electronic device having a waterproof structure.

In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes:
A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is arranged inside the housing and detects a change according to a state of the waterproof member, and outputs the detected data,
State detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output means ,
The waterproof member includes a waterproof film that separates an inner space and an outer space of the housing,
The state detecting means detects, as an abnormal state of the waterproof member, damage to the waterproof film or adhesion of a foreign substance to the waterproof film .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the electronic device provided with a waterproof structure, the malfunction which cannot exhibit a normal function can be detected.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention has been applied. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a subunit unit according to the first embodiment, and shows a perspective view (a) of the subunit unit and a front view (b) of the subunit unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sub-unit section in FIG. 2, showing a diagram (a) in which the components are assembled and an exploded view (b) in which the components are disassembled. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the electronic device in a state change detection operation of the subunit unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention has been applied. It shows the configuration of the subunit section according to the second embodiment, and shows a front view (a) of the subunit section and a side view (b) of the subunit section. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the sub-unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an exploded view (b) of each sub-unit shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional composition of electronic equipment concerning a 2nd embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the electronic device in a state change detection operation of the subunit unit according to the second embodiment.

<First embodiment>
[Configuration of electronic equipment]
Hereinafter, the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
The embodiments described below have various technically preferable limits for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 includes a main unit 100a and a subunit 100b. The main unit 100a is an external information terminal such as a smartphone, for example, and the main unit 100a and the subunit 100b are connected by wireless communication. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the main unit 100a and the subunit 100b are integrated as in a user-mounted activity meter or the like.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the subunit unit 100b. FIG. 2A is a perspective view, and FIG. 2B is a front view.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the subunit portion 100b taken along the line IIa-IIa in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3A is a view in which components are assembled, and FIG. 3B is a component. FIG.

  The subunit portion 100b serves as a housing 10 including a front member 10a and a rear member 10b, and an opening provided on the front member 10a for emitting a sound emitted from the speaker 4 to the outside of the housing 10. Sound hole 11. A protection member 11 a for protecting members inside the housing 10 is provided inside the sound hole 11.

  Inside the housing 10, a net 12, a waterproof film 13, a spacer 14, and a speaker 4 are arranged in this order from the front member 10a side. Each member is fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive capable of ensuring water release and airtightness, and the front member 10a and the rear member 10b are fixed with screws (not shown).

  The net 12 has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape along the outer diameter of the sound hole 11, is attached to the wall surface of the front member 10 a so as to cover the sound hole 11, and dust enters the inside of the housing 10. To prevent

  The waterproof film 13 has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape along the outer diameter of the sound hole 11, has a structure with low water absorption and does not allow water to pass therethrough, and serves as a waterproof member for ensuring waterproofness of the housing 10. Function. The waterproof film 13 is formed of, for example, a film having high rigidity and good sound transmission and transmitting vibration, and vibrates with air vibration generated by a sound transmitted from the speaker 4 as described later.

  The spacer 14 is a cylindrical member whose surface in contact with the waterproof film 13 is formed along the outer diameter of the sound hole 11, and forms a space A between the waterproof film 13 and the diaphragm of the speaker 4.

The speaker 4 has a diaphragm, is arranged so that the diaphragm faces the sound hole 11, and emits a dial tone toward the sound hole 11.
Note that the speaker 4 functions as a sound output unit.

A cavity 14a extends through the wall of the spacer 14, and a pressure sensor 31 is disposed inside the cavity 14a. The pressure sensor 31 has a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), and is fixed to the wall surface of the spacer 14 with a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive capable of ensuring airtightness.
That is, the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 detects the atmospheric pressure of the space A, which is a semi-closed space, and therefore, the closed space inside the housing 10 (the space surrounded by the inner wall of the housing 10, the speaker 4, and the spacer 14: space B). It is not affected by the fluctuation of the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for example, even if some kind of load is applied to the subunit 100b and the casing 10 is deformed, the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 can accurately measure the outside air pressure without being affected by the deformation.
Note that the pressure sensor 31 functions as a pressure detection unit and a data output unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main control configuration of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main unit unit 100a includes a central control unit 1, a memory 2, an operation input unit 7, a main communication unit 5a, and a main power supply unit 6a. 2. The main communication section 5a and the main power supply section 6a are connected via a bus line 8a.
As shown in FIG. 4, the subunit unit 100b includes a sensor unit 3, a speaker 4, a sub communication unit 5b, and a sub power supply unit 6b, and the sensor unit 3, the speaker 4, and the sub communication unit 5b. And the sub power supply unit 6b are connected via a bus line 8b.

The central control unit 1 controls each unit of the electronic device 100 as a whole.
Specifically, the central control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each unit of the electronic device 100, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory) (all not shown). Various control operations are performed according to various processing programs for 100 (not shown).

  The memory 2 is configured by, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and temporarily stores data processed by each unit of the electronic device 100 in addition to the central control unit 1.

The sensor unit 3 includes a barometric pressure sensor 31. The pressure sensor 31 is disposed inside the cavity 14a formed in the spacer 14 as described above, and detects the pressure in the space A with a pressure-sensitive element via a diaphragm, converts the pressure into an electric signal, and controls the central control. Output to section 1.
The sensor unit 3 includes a GPS receiver capable of acquiring position information of the electronic device 100, a motion sensor 32 such as a three-axis acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor capable of detecting the movement of the electronic device 100. Output to the control unit 1.

  The speaker 4 includes a D / A converter (not shown), a speaker element (not shown), a diaphragm (not shown), and the like, and converts audio data into an analog signal by the D / A converter according to an instruction from the central control unit 1. Thereafter, the analog audio signal is amplified to a predetermined volume by the diaphragm, and a dial tone is emitted to the outside of the electronic device 100 through the sound hole 11.

The main communication unit 5a is connected by wireless communication with the sub communication unit 5b of the sub unit unit 100b, and acquires data from the sub unit unit 100b, and transmits the acquired data to an external device such as a smartphone based on control by the central control unit 1. The communication unit adopts a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).
The sub communication unit 5b is connected to the main communication unit 5a of the main unit unit 100a by wireless communication, and outputs data acquired by the sensor unit 3 to the main unit unit 100a based on control by the central control unit 1. For example, the communication unit employs a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).
In the case where the main unit 100a and the sub unit 100b are integrated, the sub communication unit 5b does not necessarily need to be provided.

The main power supply section 6a supplies power related to the operation of the main unit section 100a at a predetermined voltage. The main power supply unit 6a includes, for example, various types of batteries (lithium batteries, nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and the like).
The sub power supply unit 6b supplies power related to the operation of the sub unit unit 100b at a predetermined voltage. The sub power supply unit 6b includes, for example, various types of batteries (lithium batteries, nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and the like).

  The operation input unit 7 includes a power button (not shown) for switching power on / off, a start / stop button (not shown) for instructing start / stop of data acquisition, and the like. The central control unit 1 controls each unit based on the instruction.

  In addition, the sub-unit unit 100b includes a light-emitting diode, a vibration motor, and the like (not shown) for notifying information to a user, and a packing (not shown) as a waterproof member for ensuring waterproofness of the sub-unit unit 100b. Etc. are provided.

[State detection method]
Next, a method for detecting the state of the waterproof film 13 of the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. The “state” in the present embodiment includes the state of the waterproof film 13 itself and the state of the external environment where the electronic device 100 is placed.
The electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment detects a change in state of the electronic device 100 from a normal state to an abnormal state, notifies the user that the electronic device is in an abnormal state, and prompts the user to cancel the abnormal state.
Here, as the abnormal state, for example, “submergence of the electronic device 100”, “damage of the waterproof film 13”, and “attachment of foreign matter to the waterproof film 13” are detected.

  As described above, the electronic device 100 acquires the outside air pressure of the electronic device 100 by detecting the atmospheric pressure in the space A by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31. However, the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 detects the space caused by the sound generated by the speaker 4. It is also possible to detect the vibration of the air at A as a change in atmospheric pressure. At this time, the waterproof film 13 vibrates along with the vibration of the air. However, the manner of vibration varies depending on the state of the waterproof film 13, so that the atmospheric pressure in the space A detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 varies.

  If the electronic device 100 is in the air and the waterproof film 13 is not damaged, the water pressure applied to the waterproof film 13 is greater than the atmospheric pressure when the electronic device 100 is submerged. Therefore, the waterproof film 13 does not vibrate sufficiently, and the vibration pattern (characteristics such as waveform, frequency, and sound pressure) of the air in the space A detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 is different from that in the normal state. .

  Further, even when the waterproof film 13 is damaged such as a tear, or when there is an attached matter such as water droplets or dirt on the waterproof film 13, the degree of vibration of the waterproof film 13 changes. The vibration pattern of the air in the space A is also different from that in the normal state.

Therefore, the electronic device 100 is in a normal state (a state in which the electronic device 100 is in the air and there is no attached matter or breakage on the waterproof film 13), a submerged state (a state in which the electronic device 100 is in the water), In each of the attached state (the state in which foreign matter such as dirt and water droplets are attached to the waterproof film 13) and the damaged state (the state in which the waterproof film 13 is damaged), the vibration of the air in the space A caused by the beep sound is reduced. It is detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 and held as reference data.
The electronic device 100 controls the speaker 4 as a sound output unit to emit a sound at regular or irregular intervals during normal use to detect the state of the electronic device 100, and the barometric pressure sensor 31 functions as a barometric pressure detecting unit. , The vibration pattern of the air in the space A at that time is detected. The central control unit 1 functions as an outside air pressure calculating unit, and compares the atmospheric pressure data detected by the air pressure sensor 31 (hereinafter referred to as detection data) with each reference data. As a result, the abnormal state of the waterproof film 13 of the electronic device 100 is determined based on which of the reference data the detected data is similar to.

Specifically, an abnormal state is detected as follows.
The central control unit 1 controls the speaker 4 to output a tone for state detection. The state detection tone is a high-frequency (out-of-audible) sound wave (eg, 40 to 50 kHz) that cannot be heard by the user. The dial tone emitted from the speaker 4 vibrates the air in front of the speaker 4. The waterproof film 13 arranged in front of the speaker 4 vibrates with the vibration of the air in the space A. The atmospheric pressure sensor 31 detects the vibration of the air in the space A as a change in the atmospheric pressure, converts the vibration into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the central control unit 1.

  The central control unit 1 extracts a characteristic pattern of the waveform based on the electric signal output from the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 and stores the characteristic pattern in the memory 2. It is assumed that reference data is acquired in advance for each of a normal state, a submerged state, a damaged state, and a foreign matter attached state, and stored in the memory 2.

  The acquisition of the reference data in the normal state can be performed periodically. The central control unit 1 controls the speaker 4 to periodically emit a tone for state detection during normal use of the electronic device 100, and acquires reference data each time. By feeding back the obtained reference data to the existing reference data, the accuracy of the reference data can be maintained.

  Based on the reference data acquired as described above, comparison with the detected data is performed. During normal use, the electronic device 100 controls the speaker 4 and emits a tone for state detection periodically or irregularly. The pressure sensor 31 detects the vibration of the air in the space A, and outputs detection data to the central control unit 1. The central control unit 1 extracts a characteristic pattern (waveform, frequency, sound pressure, etc.) of the waveform based on the electric signal output from the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 and compares the extracted pattern with each reference data. As a result, the state of the electronic device 100 is determined based on which reference data the detection data is similar to.

  At this time, when the central control unit 1 determines that the electronic device 100 is in an abnormal state, the central control unit 1 functions as a notification control unit and notifies that the electronic device 100 is in an abnormal state. The notification of the abnormal state includes, for example, controlling a light emitting diode or a vibration motor to emit light or vibrate according to each abnormal state, or to an information terminal such as a smartphone connected by the communication unit 5, For example, a method of displaying a warning on a display screen of the information terminal may be used.

Further, when the electronic device 100 is submerged, the movement detection of the electronic device 100 by the motion sensor 32 does not function normally, and therefore, the central control unit 1 functions as a motion sensor control unit and operates the motion sensor 32. To stop.
Further, the central control unit 1 functions as a control unit, and similarly stops the operation of the atmospheric pressure sensor 31.

  Next, an operation of detecting the state of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When normal use of the electronic device 100 is started, the central control unit 1 controls the speaker 4 to output a tone for state detection (step S1).

Next, the vibration of the air in the space A due to the dial tone is detected as a change in the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31, and the central control unit 1 acquires the detection data acquired by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 (step S2).
The central control unit 1 extracts a characteristic pattern such as a waveform, a frequency, and a sound pressure of a sound wave in the space A based on the electric signal acquired in Step S2 (Step S3).

  Subsequently, the central control unit 1 compares the feature of the detection data extracted in step S3 with the feature of the reference data in the normal state stored in the memory 2 and determines whether or not both are similar. (Step S4). When determining that the detected data is similar to the reference data in the normal state (Step S4: Yes), the central control unit 1 determines that the electronic device 100 is in the normal state (Step S5).

Next, the central control unit 1 updates the reference data in the normal state by reflecting the detection data obtained in step S2 (step S6).
Next, the central control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S7). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S7: No), the process of step S7 is repeated, If it is determined that it has passed (Step S7: Yes), the process returns to Step S1, and the above processing is repeated.

  In step S4, when the central control unit 1 determines that the detected data is not similar to the reference data in the normal state (step S4: No), it determines whether or not the detected data is similar to the reference data in the submerged state (step S8). ). When determining that the detection data is similar to the reference data in the submerged state (Step S8: Yes), the central control unit 1 determines that the electronic device 100 is in the submerged state (Step S9).

  Next, the central control unit 1 controls the light emitting diode and the vibration motor to notify the submerged state of the electronic device 100 or controls the communication unit 5 to transmit a notification to the external device (step S10). Subsequently, the central control unit 1 stops the operations of the barometric pressure sensor 31 and the motion sensor 32 included in the sensor unit 3 (Step S11), and ends the control.

In step S8, when the central control unit 1 determines that the detected data is not similar to the submerged state reference data (step S8: No), the central control unit 1 compares the detected data with the damaged state reference data (step S12). When determining that the detected data is similar to the reference data in the damaged state (Step S12: Yes), the central control unit 1 determines that the waterproof film 13 is in the damaged state (Step S13).
Next, the central control unit 1 controls the light emitting diode and the vibration motor to notify the damage state of the waterproof film 13 or transmits the notification to the external device by controlling the communication unit 5 (step S14), and ends the control. I do.

In step S12, when the central control unit 1 determines that the detected data is not similar to the reference data in the damaged state (step S12: No), the central control unit 1 compares the detected data with the reference data in the foreign substance attached state (step S15). When the central control unit 1 determines that the detection data is similar to the reference data in the damaged state (Step S15: Yes), it determines that the waterproof film 13 is in the foreign matter adhered state (Step S16).
Next, the central control unit 1 controls the light emitting diode and the vibration motor to notify the foreign matter adhesion state of the waterproof film 13 or transmits the notification to the external device by controlling the communication unit 5 (step S17), and performs the control. finish.

  When the central control unit 1 determines that the detected data is not similar to the reference data of the foreign matter attached state in step S15 (step S15: No), the central control unit 1 determines that the state is abnormal due to other causes (step S18), and emits light. A diode or vibration motor is controlled to notify an abnormal state, or the communication unit 5 is controlled to send a notification to an external device (step S19), and the control ends.

  As described above, the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment has the opening (for example, the sound hole 11), and the opening has a waterproof structure with the waterproof member (for example, the waterproof film 13). A data output unit (e.g., a barometric pressure sensor 31) that is arranged inside the housing 10 and outputs data that changes according to the state of the waterproof member. State detecting means (central control unit 1) for detecting an abnormal state. Therefore, an abnormal state of the waterproof member can be detected.

  The data output unit is a pressure sensor 31 that is disposed inside the housing 10 and detects and outputs the pressure of the space inside the housing 10. The electronic device 100 includes a speaker 4 that is disposed inside the housing 10 and outputs sound, and a waterproof film 13 that separates a space inside the housing 10 from an external space and vibrates by sound from the speaker 4. Is provided. The state detecting means detects an abnormal state of the waterproof film 13 based on pressure data detected by a pressure sensor based on a change in vibration of the waterproof film 13 when the speaker 4 is outputting sound. Therefore, since the state detection is performed using the existing barometric pressure sensor 31 and the speaker 4 in the electronic device 100, the cost is not required and the cost is low.

  The speaker 4 outputs a sound outside the audible range. Therefore, even if the dial tone is emitted regularly or irregularly, the user using the electronic device 100 has no influence.

  In addition, the state detection means uses, as reference data, the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 31 when the speaker 4 outputs sound in a state where the waterproof film 13 is normal, and the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 31; An abnormal state of the waterproof film 13 is detected based on a difference from the reference data. Therefore, since the detection is performed based on the highly reliable reference data, the possibility of erroneous detection is low, and the abnormal state can be reliably detected.

  The state detecting means detects at least one of movement of the housing 10 from the air to the water, breakage of the waterproof film 13, and attachment of foreign matter to the waterproof film 13. Therefore, a situation in which the electronic device 100 cannot normally perform its function is detected as soon as possible, so that there is no waste for a user who uses the electronic device 100.

  Further, an external pressure calculating means (central control unit 1) for calculating the external pressure of the housing 10 based on the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 31, and a control means (central control unit) for controlling the calculation of the external pressure by the external pressure calculating means. A control unit for controlling the external pressure calculation unit to prohibit the calculation of the outside air pressure when the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member. Therefore, the pressure sensor 31 is not operated in a situation where the atmospheric pressure cannot be detected normally, so that wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  Further, the control means performs control to inhibit the calculation of the outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation means when the speaker 4 is outputting sound. Therefore, there is no possibility that a change in the atmospheric pressure due to the detection tone is erroneously detected as a change in the outside air pressure.

  Further, the electronic device 100 includes a notification control unit (central control unit 1) that notifies a user that an abnormal state has occurred in the waterproof film 13. Therefore, the user can be prompted to release the abnormal state of the electronic device 100.

  The electronic device 100 includes a motion sensor 32 provided in the housing 10 and outputting a sensor signal corresponding to the movement of the housing 10, a motion sensor control unit (central control unit 1) for controlling the operation of the motion sensor 32. The motion sensor control unit performs control to prohibit the operation of the motion sensor 32 when the state detection unit detects that the casing 10 has moved from the air to the water. Therefore, since the motion sensor 32 is not operated in a situation where the movement of the electronic device 100 cannot be normally detected, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the abnormal state is described as an example in which the electronic device 100 is submerged, the waterproof film 13 is damaged, and a foreign substance adheres to the waterproof film 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide a threshold value of the outside air pressure that is allowed in the electronic device 100, and determine that an abnormality occurs when the threshold value is exceeded. That is, in this case, similarly to the submerged state, the vibration of the waterproof film 13 changes when a high pressure is applied to the waterproof film 13, so that the change in the vibration of the air can be detected.

  In addition, when the electronic device 100 is submerged, a high pressure is applied to the entire housing 10 and the value of the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 31 greatly changes. It is possible to detect the state. Therefore, when it is detected that the pressure is suddenly generated in the waterproof film 13, control for notifying that the waterproof film 13 is submerged may be performed similarly to the above embodiment.

<Second embodiment>
[Configuration of electronic equipment]
Hereinafter, an electronic device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described.
The embodiments described below have various technically preferable limits for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device 200 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic device 200 includes a main unit 200a and a subunit 200b. The main unit 200a is, for example, an external information terminal such as a smartphone. The main unit 200a and the subunit 200b are connected by wireless communication. The subunit 200b is connected to an external device such as a personal computer by a USB or the like. Wired connection is possible. Alternatively, data may be exchanged between the subunit 200b and an external device via a removable memory card. Further, like a user-mounted activity meter or the like, the main unit 200a and the subunit 200b may be integrated into a single unit so that data can be communicated with an external device by a USB or a memory card.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the main unit 200a and the subunit 200b are separated and connected by wireless communication.

7A and 7B are external views of the subunit 200b. FIG. 7A is a front view, and FIG. 7B is a side view.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the subunit 200b taken along the line VIIa-VIIa in FIG. FIG. 9 is an exploded view in which the subunit 200b is disassembled for each component.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the subunit 200b includes a housing 20 including a front member 20a and a rear member 20b, and a front member 20a and a rear member 20b for inserting a USB cable into the housing. And a connector cover 20d that can be attached to and detached from the housing 20 and that covers the opening 20c provided in the connector 20. When the connector cover 20d is closed so as to cover the opening 20c, the connector cover Reference numeral 20d functions as a waterproof member for ensuring the waterproof property of the housing 20 and an opening / closing member for switching the opening / closing state of the opening 20c.
The front member 20 a is provided with a sound hole 24 a for emitting a sound emitted from the speaker 24 to the outside of the housing 20, and inside the sound hole 24 a for protecting a member inside the housing 20. The protection member 24b and the waterproof film 24c are provided in order from the outside. Each member is fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive which can ensure waterproofness and airtightness, and the front member 20a and the rear member 20b are fixed with screws (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 9, a pressure sensor 231, a speaker 24, a sub power supply 6b, a USB connector 20e, a printed circuit board PCB, and the like are arranged inside the sub unit 200b.

The speaker 24 has a diaphragm, and is disposed so that the diaphragm faces the rear member 20b. The speaker 24 faces a space C formed between the front member 20a, the rear member 20b, and the connector cover 20d. Make a dial tone.
Note that the speaker 24 functions as a sound output unit.

  The USB connector 20e is provided in the opening 20c, and connects the USB cable and the subunit 200b. Note that a waterproof packing 20f that can ensure waterproofness and airtightness is disposed on a contact surface between the front member 20a and the rear member 20b in the opening 20c and the connector cover 20d.

  The sub power supply unit 6b is a rechargeable battery that is disposed inside the housing 20 and supplies power related to the operation of the sub unit unit 200b at a predetermined voltage.

An air pressure sensor 231 is provided on the printed circuit board PCB. The pressure sensor 231 has a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), not shown, and is fixed on the printed circuit board PCB with a double-sided adhesive tape, an adhesive, or the like. That is, the pressure sensor 231 detects the pressure in the space C, which is a semi-closed space.
Note that the pressure sensor 231 functions as a pressure detection unit and a data output unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a main control configuration of the electronic device 200 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the main unit unit 200a includes a central control unit 1, a memory 2, an operation input unit 7, a main communication unit 5a, and a main power supply unit 6a. 2. The main communication section 5a and the main power supply section 6a are connected via a bus line 8a.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the subunit unit 200b includes a sensor unit 23, a speaker 24, a sub communication unit 5b, a sub power supply unit 6b, and an external I / F unit 29. The speaker 24, the sub communication unit 5b, the sub power supply unit 6b, and the external I / F unit 29 are connected via the bus line 8b.

  The sensor unit 23 includes a barometric pressure sensor 231 and a motion sensor 32. The pressure sensor 231 is disposed on the printed circuit board PCB as described above, detects the pressure in the space C with a pressure-sensitive element via a diaphragm, converts the pressure into an electric signal, and outputs the signal to the central control unit 1.

  The speaker 24 includes a D / A converter (not shown), a speaker element (not shown), a diaphragm (not shown), and the like, and converts audio data into an analog signal by the D / A converter according to an instruction from the central control unit 1. Thereafter, the analog audio signal is amplified to a predetermined volume by the diaphragm, and a dial tone is emitted to the outside of the electronic device 200 via the sound hole 24a.

The external I / F unit 29 includes a USB connector 20e, and connects an external device such as a personal computer to the subunit 200b via a cable connected to the USB connector 20e so that data communication is possible.
Further, the external I / F unit 29 may be configured so that data can be exchanged between the subunit 200b and an external device via a removable memory card.

  In addition, the subunit 200b includes a light emitting diode and a vibration motor for notifying a user of information (both are not shown), a packing (not shown) as a waterproof member for ensuring waterproofness of the subunit 200b, and the like. Prepare.

[State detection method]
Next, a method for detecting the state of the electronic device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.
The electronic device 200 according to the present embodiment detects a state change of the electronic device 200 from a normal state to an abnormal state, notifies the user that the electronic device is in an abnormal state, and prompts the user to cancel the abnormal state.
Here, as the abnormal state, the closed state of the opening 20c by the connector cover 20d is abnormal, for example, "the connector cover 20d is completely detached from the opening 20c" or "the connector cover is incompletely attached to the opening 20c. State ”is detected.

  The pressure sensor 231 can also detect the vibration of the air in the space C caused by the sound generated by the speaker 24 as a change in the pressure. At this time, in the abnormal state where the connector cover 20d is closed, the dial tone leaks to the outside of the electronic device 200, so that the atmospheric pressure in the space C detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 231 decreases.

Therefore, the electronic device 200 is in a normal state (a state in which the connector cover 20d is completely mounted in the opening 20c), an abnormal state (a state in which the connector cover 20d is detached from the opening 20c, or is incompletely mounted in the opening 20c). (State), the vibration of the air in the space C due to the dial tone is detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 231 and held as reference data.
The central control unit 21 controls the speaker 24 as a sound output unit to emit a sound periodically or irregularly during normal use for detecting the state of the electronic device 200, and the barometric pressure sensor 231 functions as a barometric pressure detecting unit. Then, the detected data is transmitted to the central control unit 1, and the central control unit 1 detects the vibration pattern of the air in the space C at that time. The central control unit 1 functions as an outside air pressure calculating unit, compares data of the atmospheric pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 231 (hereinafter, referred to as detected data) with reference data, and when the detected data becomes lower than the reference data. If there is, it is determined that the state is abnormal.
The outgoing sound for state detection is a high-frequency (out of the audible range) sound wave (for example, 40 to 50 kHz) that cannot be heard by the user.

  Next, the operation of detecting the state of the electronic device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When normal use of the electronic device 200 is started, the central control unit 1 controls the speaker 24 to output a tone for state detection (step S21).

  Next, the air vibration in the space C due to the dial tone is detected as a change in the atmospheric pressure by the atmospheric pressure sensor 231 and transmitted to the central control unit 1, and the central control unit 1 acquires the detection data acquired by the atmospheric pressure sensor 231 (step). S22).

  Subsequently, the central control 21 compares the detection data acquired in step S22 with the characteristics of the reference data in the normal state stored in the memory 22, and determines whether the detection data is smaller than the reference data, that is, It is determined whether or not the measured pressure in the space C is lower than the pressure in the normal state (step S23). When determining that the detected data is smaller than the reference data (step S23: Yes), the central control unit 1 determines that the electronic device 200 is in a normal state (step S24).

Next, the central control unit 1 updates the reference data in the normal state by reflecting the detection data obtained in step S22 (step S25).
Next, the central control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S26). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S26: No), the processing of step S26 is repeated, If it is determined that it has passed (Step S26: Yes), the process returns to Step S21, and the above processing is repeated.

In step S23, when the central control unit 1 determines that the detected data is not smaller than the reference data (step S23: No), it determines that the state is abnormal (step S27).
Next, the central control unit 1 controls the light emitting diode and the vibration motor to notify an abnormal state (step S28), and ends the control.

  As described above, the electronic device 200 according to the present embodiment includes the housing 20 having the opening 20c, the opening 20c having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member (for example, the connector cover 20d), and the housing 20. A data output unit (for example, a barometric pressure sensor 231) that outputs data that changes in accordance with the state of the waterproof member (a state attached to the opening 20c or a state removed from the opening 20c). State detecting means (central control unit 1) for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member (a state in which the connector cover 20d is removed from the opening 20c) based on data output by the data output means. Therefore, an abnormal state of the waterproof member can be detected, and it is possible to prevent water from entering the inside of the housing 20 and damaging the internal circuit board and the like.

  The data output unit is a pressure sensor 231 that is disposed inside the housing 20 and detects and outputs air pressure to a space inside the housing 20. Further, the electronic device 200 is disposed inside the housing 20 and switches the open / close state of the opening 20 c to output a sound from the speaker 24 to isolate the space inside the housing 20 from the space outside the housing 20. A connector cover 20d is provided inside the body 20 to form a space C through which the sound output by the sound output means propagates. The state detecting means is configured to move the connector cover 20d from the housing 20 based on the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure detecting means based on the open / close state of the opening 20c by the connector cover 20d when the speaker 24 is outputting sound. It is economical because no cost is required because it is detected whether or not it is off.

  In the above-described embodiment, the speaker 24 emits a tone for state detection periodically or irregularly. However, the timing is preferably such that a change in atmospheric pressure can be ignored. For example, a situation in which the motion of the electronic device 200 can be ignored by the motion sensor 32, a situation in which positioning by the GPS receiver is completed, and the central control unit 1 determines that there is a high possibility of being outdoors are assumed. . In addition, the process is executed in a situation where there is a high possibility that the connector cover 20d is detached, such as after a certain period of time has elapsed since the USB cable was disconnected from the USB connector, or after a certain period of time has elapsed since the electronic device 200 was turned on. Is also effective.

  Further, the tone for state detection emitted by the speaker 24 preferably has a plurality of frequencies in order to increase detection accuracy. The outgoing sounds of a plurality of frequencies may be emitted with a time difference, or may be emitted simultaneously (combining a plurality of outgoing sounds). Further, it is desirable that the reference data include a plurality of data corresponding to the difference in the atmospheric pressure under the condition that the connector cover 20d is closed.

[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although it explained concretely based on embodiment concerning the present invention, the above-mentioned embodiment is a suitable example of the present invention, and is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the vibration of the air is detected by the barometric pressure sensor 31 or the barometric pressure sensor 231, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible.

As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the invention described in the claims is not to be considered as an equivalent. Including.
In the following, the inventions described in the claims first attached to the application form of this application are appended. The item numbers of the appended claims are as set forth in the claims originally attached to the application for this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit arranged inside the housing and detecting and outputting data that changes according to the state of the waterproof member,
An electronic device, comprising: a state detection unit that detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output unit.
<Claim 2>
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a member that is disposed inside the housing and that cannot perform a normal function due to an abnormal state of the waterproof member.
<Claim 3>
The state detection means,
The abnormal state of the waterproof member is detected based on a difference between reference data output by the data output unit when the waterproof member is normal and data output by the data output unit. Or the electronic device according to 2.
<Claim 4>
The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on pressure data output by the pressure detection unit. 5.
<Claim 5>
External pressure calculating means for calculating the external pressure of the housing, based on the pressure data detected by the pressure detecting means,
Control means for controlling the calculation of the outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation means,
The control means includes:
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein when the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member, control is performed to prohibit calculation of the outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation unit. 6.
<Claim 6>
A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs control to prohibit calculation of an outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation unit when the sound output unit is outputting a sound.
<Claim 7>
A motion sensor that is provided in the housing and outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the movement of the housing;
Motion sensor control means for controlling the operation of the motion sensor,
The state detection means detects the movement of the housing from the air to the water as an abnormal state of the waterproof member,
The said motion sensor control means performs control which prohibits operation | movement of the said motion sensor, when the state detection means detects that the said housing | casing moved from the air into water. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
<Claim 8>
The waterproof member includes a waterproof film that separates an inner space and an outer space of the housing,
The state detection means detects, as the abnormal state of the waterproof member, at least one of movement of the housing from the air to the water, damage of the waterproof film, or attachment of a foreign substance to the waterproof film. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 9>
A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
The waterproof membrane vibrates by sound from the sound output unit,
The state detection means, when the sound output means is outputting sound, detected by the pressure detection means, based on the pressure data of the space inside the housing that changes due to the vibration of the waterproof film, The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein an abnormal state of the waterproof film is detected.
<Claim 10>
The state detection means,
When the sound output means is outputting sound in a normal state of the waterproofing film, pressure data detected by the pressure detection means is used as reference data,
The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein an abnormal state of the waterproof film is detected based on a difference between the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure detecting unit and the reference data.
<Claim 11>
The waterproof member includes an opening / closing member that switches an open / close state of the opening,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of closing the opening as the abnormal state of the waterproof member.
<Claim 12>
A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
The opening / closing member separates the space inside the housing from the external space when the opening / closing member closes the opening, and the sound output unit outputs the sound inside the housing. To form a space through which the sound
The state detecting means detects the air pressure data when the sound output means is outputting sound, and detects the atmospheric pressure data of the space through which the sound changes depending on the opening / closing state of the opening by the opening / closing member. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein an abnormal state of closing of the opening is detected based on the condition.
<Claim 13>
The state detection means,
When the sound output means is outputting sound in a state where the opening / closing member closes the opening, pressure data detected by the pressure detection means is used as reference data,
13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein an abnormal state of closing of the opening is detected based on a difference between the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure detecting unit and the reference data.
<Claim 14>
The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the sound output unit outputs a sound outside an audible range.
<Claim 15>
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification control unit configured to notify a user of an abnormal state of the waterproof member by a notification unit.
<Claim 16>
A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs data that changes according to the state of the waterproof member, and a state detection method of an electronic device, comprising:
An electronic device state detection method for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output unit.
<Claim 17>
A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs data that changes according to the state of the waterproof member, and a computer of an electronic device including:
A program functioning as state detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output unit.

Reference Signs List 100 electronic device 100a main unit section 100b sub-unit section 1 central control section (state detection means, outside air pressure calculation means, control means, notification control means, motion sensor control means)
2 memory 3 sensor unit 31 barometric pressure sensor (data output unit, barometric pressure detection unit)
32 motion sensor 4 speaker (sound output means)
10 Case 10a Front member 10b Rear member 11 Sound hole (opening)
11a Protective member 12 Net 13 Waterproof membrane (waterproof member, opening / closing member)
14 Spacer 200 Electronic device 200a Main unit 200b Subunit 20 Case 20a Front member 20b Rear member 20c Opening 20d Connector cover (waterproof member)
20e USB connector 23 Sensor unit 231 Barometric pressure sensor (data output unit, barometric pressure detection unit)
24 speakers (sound output means)
24a Sound hole 24b Protective member 24c Waterproof film 29 External I / F

Claims (19)

A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is arranged inside the housing and detects a change according to a state of the waterproof member, and outputs the detected data,
State detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output means ,
The waterproof member includes a waterproof film that separates an inner space and an outer space of the housing,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects, as an abnormal state of the waterproof member, damage to the waterproof film or adhesion of a foreign substance to the waterproof film . The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a member that is disposed inside the housing and that cannot perform a normal function due to an abnormal state of the waterproof member. The state detection means,
The data output by the data output means in the normal state of the waterproof member as reference data,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an abnormal state of the waterproof member is detected based on a difference between the data output by the data output unit and the reference data. The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on pressure data output by the pressure detection unit. 5. External pressure calculating means for calculating the external pressure of the housing, based on the pressure data detected by the pressure detecting means,
Control means for controlling the calculation of the outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation means,
The control means includes:
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein when the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of the waterproof member, control is performed to prohibit calculation of the outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation unit. 6. A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs control to prohibit calculation of an outside air pressure by the outside air pressure calculation unit when the sound output unit is outputting a sound. A motion sensor that is provided in the housing and outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the movement of the housing;
Motion sensor control means for controlling the operation of the motion sensor,
The state detection means detects the movement of the housing from the air to the water as an abnormal state of the waterproof member,
The said motion sensor control means performs control which prohibits operation | movement of the said motion sensor, when the state detection means detects that the said housing | casing moved from the air into water. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Before SL state detecting means, as the abnormal state of the waterproof member, the housing electronic device according to claim 1, any one of 4 to the air and detecting a move to water . A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
The waterproof membrane vibrates by sound from the sound output unit,
The state detection means, when the sound output means is outputting sound, detected by the pressure detection means, based on the pressure data of the space inside the housing that changes due to the vibration of the waterproof film, The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein an abnormal state of the waterproof film is detected. The state detection means,
When the sound output means is outputting sound in a normal state of the waterproofing film, pressure data detected by the pressure detection means is used as reference data,
The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein an abnormal state of the waterproof film is detected based on a difference between the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure detecting unit and the reference data. The waterproof member includes an opening / closing member that switches an open / close state of the opening,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects an abnormal state of closing the opening as the abnormal state of the waterproof member. A sound output unit that is arranged inside the housing and outputs a sound,
The data output unit is a barometric pressure detection unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects and outputs a barometric pressure of a space inside the housing,
The opening / closing member separates the space inside the housing from the external space when the opening / closing member closes the opening, and the sound output unit outputs the sound inside the housing. To form a space through which the sound
The state detecting means detects the air pressure data when the sound output means is outputting sound, and detects the atmospheric pressure data of the space through which the sound changes depending on the opening / closing state of the opening by the opening / closing member. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein an abnormal state of closing of the opening is detected based on the condition. The state detection means,
When the sound output means is outputting sound in a state where the opening / closing member closes the opening, pressure data detected by the pressure detection means is used as reference data,
13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein an abnormal state of closing of the opening is detected based on a difference between the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure detecting unit and the reference data.   The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the sound output unit outputs a sound outside an audible range.   The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the sound output unit outputs a sound outside an audible range.   14. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the sound output unit outputs a sound outside an audible range. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification control unit configured to notify a user of the occurrence of an abnormal state in the waterproof member by a notification unit. A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects a change according to a state of the waterproof member, and outputs the detected data, a state detection method of an electronic device,
A state detection method for an electronic device including a state detection step of detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output unit ,
The waterproof member includes a waterproof film that separates an inner space and an outer space of the housing,
The state detecting step detects, as an abnormal state of the waterproof member, damage to the waterproof film or adhesion of a foreign substance to the waterproof film.
A method for detecting a state of an electronic device, comprising: A housing having an opening, the opening having a waterproof structure with a waterproof member,
A data output unit that is disposed inside the housing and detects a change in accordance with the state of the waterproof member and outputs the detected data.
A program that functions as state detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the waterproof member based on data output by the data output unit ,
The waterproof member includes a waterproof film that separates an inner space and an outer space of the housing,
The state detecting means detects, as an abnormal state of the waterproof member, damage to the waterproof film or adhesion of a foreign substance to the waterproof film.
A program characterized by that:

Images