JP7511215B2 - Activity meter, reset system, and method for resetting activity meter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an activity meter, a reset system, and a reset method for an activity meter .

Patent document 1 discloses a pedometer that has a reset button on its surface for resetting the step count display.

JP 2006-227911 A

The above-mentioned pedometer has a reset button on the surface of the pedometer, which can lead to unintentional reset operations due to physical contact, etc. In view of this problem, the present invention aims to provide a reset system that makes it difficult for unintentional reset operations to occur.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an activity meter includes a control means for executing a predetermined process, a non-contact detection means for contactlessly detecting a physical phenomenon, and a reset signal generation means for generating a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the non-contact detection means, wherein the predetermined process is a process for calculating activity amount data of the user, and the activity meter resets the control means in response to the reset signal output from the reset signal generation means.

According to this aspect, the reset process is performed using a non-contact detection means, making it possible to provide a system in which unintentional reset operations due to physical contact, etc. are unlikely to occur.

1 is a diagram showing an example of an activity meter to which a reset system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is a plan view showing an outline of the layout of internal components of a device to which the reset system of the first embodiment is applied; 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connections between internal components of a device to which the reset system in the first embodiment is applied. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of magnetic sensors in the first embodiment. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of sensitivity of the magnetic sensor in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of a reset unit of the reset system in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing conditions under which the reset system in the first embodiment operates. 5 is a schematic diagram showing conditions under which the reset system in the first embodiment does not operate. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing conditions under which the reset system in the first embodiment does not operate. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of the reset system in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing conditions under which a reset system in a second embodiment of the present invention operates. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of a reset unit of a reset system in a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reset unit of a reset system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating details of a magnetic detection unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing output characteristics of a magnetic sensor used in the reset system in the third embodiment.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

First Embodiment
First, a main configuration of an activity meter 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of an activity meter 10 to which a reset system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the activity meter 10 is formed in a thin, approximately rectangular plate (card shape). In addition, a pair of LEDs 30a, 30b constituting a light-emitting device 30 (described below), and a button 15 are provided near one long side 11a (long side 11a located on the lower side in Figure 1) of the housing 11 and near one short side 11b (short side located on the right side in Figure 1) (lower right position in Figure 1).

The housing 11 is formed in a thin card shape with a thickness of a few millimeters or less, for example, 2 mm or less (corresponding to the thickness of a typical non-contact IC card). In other words, the entire thickness of the activity meter 10, which contains the internal components 12 described below, is also formed in a thin card shape.

The activity meter 10 of this embodiment is carried by a user during daily activities such as commuting to work or school, and leisure activities, and has a function of detecting the number of steps taken by the user while walking or running, and a function of outputting the detected number of steps as information to the outside.

The activity meter 10 is constructed by incorporating internal components 12, which will be described later, into a thin plate-like housing 11. Therefore, the activity meter 10 as a whole is formed in a thin card shape, for example, about 2 mm or less, which is the same thickness as the housing 11. In particular, in this embodiment, such a thin card-shaped activity meter 10 is realized by the configuration of the internal components 12, which will be described later. The configuration of the internal components 12 will be described below.

Figure 2 is a plan view that shows the schematic arrangement of the internal components 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the internal components 12 of the housing 11 of the activity meter 10 include a board 13, a charging circuit 14, and a secondary battery 16. In this embodiment, the board 13, the charging circuit 14, and the secondary battery 16 are arranged in parallel on approximately the same plane within the housing 11. Each component will be described in detail.

The substrate 13 of this embodiment is provided with a processing chip 22 as a processing unit, a memory 24 as a storage unit, a power receiving IC (integrated circuit) 26, a charging IC 28, the above-mentioned light emitting device 30, a button 15, an acceleration sensor 32, and a communication unit 33 consisting of a communication IC 34 and a communication antenna 36.

Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a block diagram explaining the electrical connections in the internal component 12. As shown in the figure, the internal component 12 includes a memory 24, a power receiving IC 26, a charging IC 28, a light emitting device 30, an acceleration sensor 32, and a communication unit 33 that are communicatively connected to the processing chip 22.

The charging circuit 14 is a circuit for receiving power for charging the secondary battery 16 from an external power source by non-contact power transmission. The charging circuit 14 has an induction coil 14a for realizing power transmission according to the so-called electromagnetic induction method, and wiring 14b for adjusting the induced electromotive force generated by the induction coil 14a to a desired voltage and outputting it to the secondary battery 16.

The secondary battery 16 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. In particular, the secondary battery 16 is a stacked battery made up of one unit cell or multiple unit cells stacked together. The cells are stacked so that the total thickness of the secondary battery 16 is equal to or less than the thickness (including the chip) of the substrate 13 or the charging circuit 14.

The processing chip 22 functions as a control means for executing predetermined processing, and is configured as an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As an example of the predetermined processing, the processing chip 22 detects walking steps from an acceleration signal based on the detection value detected by the acceleration sensor 32, and calculates step count data.

In addition, the processing chip 22 may be configured to refer to the user's physical data (height, weight, etc.) stored in advance in the memory 24 as necessary, and calculate parameters indicative of the user's physical movements, such as calories burned, based on the acquired step count data.

The processing chip 22 also receives a remaining charge signal indicating the remaining charge of the secondary battery 16 from the charging IC 28, and receives an operation detection signal indicating that an operation has been performed on the button 15 from the light-emitting device 30. When the processing chip 22 receives the operation detection signal, it causes the pair of LEDs 30a, 30b in the light-emitting device 30 to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the remaining charge.

The memory 24 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and has the function of temporarily storing each command used in the processing executed by the processing chip 22, and the function of storing the program for executing the processing and the calculated step count data in the medium to long term.

The power receiving IC 26 controls the supply of power received from an external power source via the charging circuit 14 to the secondary battery 16 as charging power.

The charging IC 28 is a circuit that controls the power supplied from the secondary battery 16 to electronic components such as the processing chip 22, memory 24, light-emitting device 30, and acceleration sensor 32.

The light-emitting device 30 is composed of the pair of LEDs 30a, 30b and the button 15. As described above, the light-emitting state of the pair of LEDs 30a, 30b is controlled by the processing chip 22.

Button 15 is configured as a mechanical switch that is pressed by the user.

The acceleration sensor 32 outputs the detection value of the acceleration generated in the activity meter 10 due to the user's walking or running, etc., to the processing chip 22 as an acceleration signal. The acceleration sensor 32 is configured, for example, by a known three-axis acceleration sensor.

The communication IC 34 of the communication unit 33 controls communication between the activity meter 10 and the outside via the communication antenna 36. The communication antenna 36 also receives wireless signals from the outside. In particular, the communication unit 33 outputs information including the step count data or parameters related to body movement stored in the memory 24 described above to an external communication means such as a reader/writer via the communication antenna 36.

As a result, for example, the activity meter 10 in this embodiment can appropriately aggregate the obtained step count data in an external server and comprehensively analyze and manage information related to the body movement (activity) of the user who owns the activity meter 10 based on the step count data.

The first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are sensors that detect external magnetic forces and are configured, for example, with Hall elements. In this embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other on the plane of the activity meter 10.

The reset signal generating unit 40 includes a first magnetic sensor 38 and a second magnetic sensor 39 shown in FIG. 2, and is used to reset the activity meter 10.

The reset circuit 42 is connected to the reset signal generating unit 40. The reset circuit 42 has a so-called reset terminal, for example, a RST terminal. When a reset signal instructing initialization is input to this reset terminal, the reset circuit 42 executes initialization of the processing chip 22. Note that the reset circuit 42 is a circuit that functions independently of the function of executing the above-mentioned specified processing in the processing chip 22. Therefore, even if the processing chip 22 is unable to execute the above-mentioned specified processing due to, for example, a malfunction, the reset circuit 42 can execute the reset processing described in detail below.

As described above, the activity meter 10 of this embodiment includes a reset signal generating unit 40 having a first magnetic sensor 38 and a second magnetic sensor 39 that detect magnetic force. This allows the activity meter 10 to be reset based on the detected magnetic force.

Next, the configuration and operation of the reset signal generation unit 40 will be explained in detail using Figures 4 to 6.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39. As shown in Figure 4, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are arranged at a distance such that the magnetic force detected by one magnetic sensor does not affect the other magnetic sensor. In relation to the jig 60 described below, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are provided at positions where they can simultaneously detect different magnetic forces.

The first magnetic sensor 38 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic force detected at the location where the first magnetic sensor 38 is located. The second magnetic sensor 39 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic force detected at the location where the second magnetic sensor 39 is located.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sensitivity of each of the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 in this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 5 shows the type of magnetic sensor. The vertical axis of Figure 5 shows the magnetic force that turns the magnetic sensor on, that is, the magnitude (physical quantity) of the magnetic force required to generate an electrical signal of "1". Note that in the following, it is assumed that when the magnetic sensor is on, an electrical signal of "1" is output, and when the magnetic sensor is off, for example, an electrical signal of "0" is output.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first magnetic sensor 38 is configured to output an electrical signal of "1" when it detects a magnetic force that exceeds a first threshold M1. The second magnetic sensor 39 is configured to output an electrical signal of "1" when it detects a magnetic force that exceeds a second threshold M2.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing details of the reset signal generating unit 40 of the reset system in this embodiment. The reset signal generating unit 40 includes a first magnetic sensor 38, a second magnetic sensor 39, and an AND circuit 401.

The AND circuit 401 is a logic circuit in which the value of the output terminal 404 is "1" only when the values of the first input terminal 402 and the second input terminal 403, which have two values, "0" and "1", are both "1". In this embodiment, each of the two first input terminals 402 and the second input terminal 403 of the AND circuit 401 is connected to the outputs of the two magnetic sensors.

As described in FIG. 4, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 can simultaneously detect different magnetic forces. Therefore, the first magnetic sensor 38 outputs an electrical signal of "0" or "1" corresponding to the detected magnetic force to the first input terminal 402, and at the same time, the second magnetic sensor 39 outputs an electrical signal of "0" or "1" corresponding to the detected magnetic force to the second input terminal 403. The AND circuit 401 then outputs an electrical signal of "0" or "1" based on the logical product of the value of the first input terminal 402 and the value of the second input terminal 403 to the output terminal 404.

Next, the operation of each part when the reset signal generating unit 40 of this embodiment outputs a reset signal will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the reset signal generating unit 40 outputs a reset signal. Note that the reset signal here is an electrical signal of "1" that instructs the reset circuit 42 to perform initialization.

Figure 7 shows an activity meter 10 having a first magnetic sensor 38 and a second magnetic sensor 39, and a jig 60 used to reset the activity meter 10.

The jig 60 in this embodiment is, for example, a stationary jig, and is owned by an administrator who comprehensively manages the activity meters 10 owned by employees in a company or the like. For example, when an employee as a user requests to reset the activity meter 10, this administrator uses the jig 60 to perform a process to reset the activity meter 10.

The jig 60 includes a first magnet 62 and a second magnet 64. The first magnet 62 and the second magnet 64 are, for example, so-called permanent magnets of ferromagnetic materials. In this embodiment, the activity meter 10 is reset by bringing the magnetic detection surfaces of the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 of the activity meter 10 close to the surface of the jig 60 on which the first magnet 62 and the second magnet 64 are provided so as to overlap and be approximately parallel to each other. More specifically, the activity meter 10 is reset by bringing the activity meter 10 and the jig 60 close to each other so that the first magnetic sensor 38 and the first magnet 62 face each other, and the second magnetic sensor 39 and the second magnet 64 face each other.

The areas of the circles of the first magnet 62 and the second magnet 64 shown in FIG. 7 are shown to correspond to the magnitude of the magnetic force. Specifically, the area of the circle of the first magnet 62 is shown to be larger than the area of the circle of the second magnet 64, which indicates that the magnetic force of the first magnet 62 is greater than that of the second magnet 64.

As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 7, when the jig 60 and the magnetic force detection surface of the activity meter 10 are close to each other so as to face each other, the first magnetic sensor 38 detects the magnetic force of the first magnet 62. The second magnetic sensor 39 detects the magnetic force of the second magnet 64. In order for the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 to detect magnetic forces, the activity meter 10 and the jig 60 need to approach each other to a distance shorter than a specific distance. The specific distance here is a distance at which the activity meter 10 can detect the magnetic force of the jig 60, and may be, for example, a distance of about 1 cm.

In FIG. 7, for example, if the first magnet 62 has a magnetic force that exceeds the first threshold value M1, the first magnetic sensor 38 outputs an electrical signal of "1" when it detects the magnetic force of the first magnet 62. Also, if the second magnet 64 has a magnetic force that exceeds the second threshold value M2, the second magnetic sensor 39 outputs an electrical signal of "1" when it detects the magnetic force of the second magnet 64.

In this way, when the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 both output an electrical signal of "1", an electrical signal of "1" is input to both the first input terminal 402 and the second input terminal 403 of the AND circuit 401. Therefore, an electrical signal of "1" is output to the output terminal 404 of the AND circuit 401.

At this time, since the output terminal 404 of the AND circuit 401 is the output terminal of the reset signal generation unit 40, the output value of the reset signal generation unit 40 becomes "1". When the reset circuit 42 receives an electrical signal of "1" as an output signal from the reset signal generation unit 40, it resets the processing chip 22. The reset here refers to so-called initialization, and includes, for example, returning the processing chip 22 to its initial state before operating it. However, during this initialization, the data stored in the memory 24 does not need to be erased.

In this way, in the activity meter 10 of this embodiment, the processing chip 22 is reset based on the magnetic force in the jig 60 and the output signal of the AND circuit 401 that corresponds to this magnetic force. Therefore, even in a so-called frozen state in which the processing chip 22 is not operating, for example, the processing chip 22 can be reset.

Next, with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, an example of a case in which the reset signal generating unit 40 does not output a reset signal will be described.

Figure 8A shows a case where the magnetic force of the first magnet 62 is smaller than a first threshold value M1 and the magnetic force of the second magnet 64 is larger than a second threshold value M2.

In this case, the magnetic force detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 is smaller than the first threshold value M1, so the output value of the first magnetic sensor 38 is "0." On the other hand, the magnetic force detected by the second magnetic sensor 39 is larger than the second threshold value M2, so the output value of the second magnetic sensor 39 is "1."

In the AND circuit 401, a "0" is input to the first input terminal 402 connected to the first magnetic sensor 38, and a "1" is input to the second input terminal 403 connected to the second magnetic sensor 39. Then, a "0" is output to the output terminal 404 of the AND circuit 401. As a result, the output value of the reset signal generation unit 40 becomes "0". When the reset circuit 42 receives an electrical signal of "0" as the output signal from the reset signal generation unit 40, it does not reset the processing chip 22.

In this way, if the first magnetic sensor 38 is not turned on but the second magnetic sensor 39 is turned on, the processing chip 22 is not reset.

Next, another example will be described in which the reset signal generating unit 40 does not output a reset signal. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a case in which the magnetic force of the first magnet 62 is smaller than the first threshold value M1 and the magnetic force of the second magnet 64 is smaller than the second threshold value M2.

In this case, the magnetic force detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 is smaller than the first threshold value M1, so the output value of the first magnetic sensor 38 is "0." On the other hand, the magnetic force detected by the second magnetic sensor 39 is also smaller than the second threshold value M2, so the output value of the second magnetic sensor 39 is also "0."

In the AND circuit 401, a "0" is input to the first input terminal 402 connected to the first magnetic sensor 38, and a "0" is also input to the second input terminal 403 connected to the second magnetic sensor 39. Then, a "0" is output to the output terminal 404 of the AND circuit 401. As a result, the output value of the reset signal generation unit 40 becomes "0". When the reset circuit 42 receives a "0" as an output signal from the reset signal generation unit 40, it does not reset the processing chip 22.

In this way, even if both the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are in the OFF state, the processing chip 22 is not reset.

That is, as explained above in FIG. 7, resetting is performed only when the magnetic forces detected by the two sensors exceed their respective thresholds. In this way, resetting is performed only when the combination of the magnitude and arrangement of the magnetic forces of the two magnets in the jig 60 matches the thresholds and arrangement of the two magnetic sensors in the activity meter 10, so that unintentional resetting operations can be suppressed.

Next, the operation of the reset signal generating unit 40 and the reset circuit 42 having the above-mentioned functions will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the reset process of the reset system in this embodiment. This reset process is programmed to be executed continuously while the reset circuit 42 is activated.

In step S901, the reset circuit 42 determines whether the output value of the AND circuit 401 is "1." If the reset circuit 42 determines that the output value of the AND circuit 401 is "1," the process proceeds to step S902.

In step S902, when the reset circuit 42 receives a reset signal from the reset signal generating unit 40, it executes initialization of the processing chip 22. Then, when the reset circuit 42 exits the processing of step S902, it ends the reset processing.

In this way, the reset circuit 42 of this embodiment executes a reset process for the processing chip 22 by both the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 detecting magnetic force.

The above-mentioned first magnetic sensor 38 and second magnetic sensor 39 may employ sensor elements that detect magnetic forces of different poles. For example, the first magnetic sensor 38 may detect a magnetic force of the N pole, and the second magnetic sensor 39 may detect a magnetic force of the S pole. When the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 detect magnetic forces of different poles, it is necessary to simultaneously bring magnets of magnetic forces of the corresponding poles close to the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 in order to generate a reset signal. In this way, even when the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are configured to detect magnetic forces of different poles, unintended reset operations can be prevented. In addition, compared to when the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 detect magnetic forces of the same pole, even when the separation distance between the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 is short, the magnetic force detected by one magnetic sensor has a small effect on the other magnetic sensor, which is advantageous in that the degree of freedom in arranging the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 is increased.

The effects of the above-mentioned embodiment are described below.

The reset system of this embodiment includes a processing chip 22 that executes a predetermined process, a first magnetic sensor 38 and a second magnetic sensor 39 that can detect a physical phenomenon in a non-contact manner, and a reset signal generation unit 40 that generates a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39, and resets the processing chip 22 in response to the reset signal output from the reset signal generation unit 40.

In this way, the reset system of this embodiment detects physical phenomena using a non-contact means, and therefore can prevent unintended reset operations that may occur due to physical contact. For example, it can prevent a reset process from being performed due to accidentally pressing the reset button. Or, in cases where the reset terminal is exposed, it can also prevent unintended reset processes from being performed due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) caused by the activity meter 10 coming into contact with a charged object.

In addition, in a thin electronic device such as the present embodiment, a configuration is known in which a reset button is provided by processing the surface of the housing 11 of the electronic device. In such a configuration, liquid such as water may enter through gaps in the button, causing the activity meter 10 to malfunction. In contrast, the reset system of the present embodiment is equipped with a non-contact detection means in which a magnetic sensor is provided inside the housing 11 instead of processing the surface of the activity meter 10, and therefore does not require a reset button to be formed on the surface of the housing 11. As a result, the reset system of the present embodiment can also improve waterproofing.

In addition, the reset signal generating unit 40 of this embodiment generates a reset signal when the physical quantity of the detected physical phenomenon meets a predetermined criterion.

In this way, the reset signal generating unit 40 of this embodiment can generate a reset signal based on the physical quantity of a physical phenomenon detected via the non-contact detection means. Then, for example, as shown in the modified example described in detail below, standards according to various physical phenomena such as those caused by light or sound waves can be set appropriately for each physical quantity suitable for that physical phenomenon.

In addition, in the reset system of this embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are provided in a plurality of locations spaced apart from each other, and the magnetic force threshold value may be set for each of the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39.

As described with reference to FIG. 7, the two magnetic sensors of the activity meter 10 are disposed apart from each other, so if the arrangement of the magnetic sensors does not match the arrangement of the magnets of the jig 60, resetting will not occur. For example, when resetting the activity meter 10, for example, when holding the activity meter 10 over a jig 60 as shown in FIG. 7, if the direction in which the activity meter 10 is held over the jig 60 differs from a predetermined direction, a reset signal may not be generated because the magnetic forces of the jig 60 do not reach the respective threshold values of the two magnetic sensors. This makes it possible to prevent unintended reset processing from occurring.

In addition, the reset signal generating unit 40 of this embodiment generates a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39, which serve as non-contact detection means, even when the processing chip 22 is not operating.

In this way, according to the reset system of this embodiment, the reset signal generating unit 40, which functions as a so-called external reset, generates a reset signal in response to the physical phenomenon detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39. Therefore, even if the processing chip 22 becomes uncontrollable due to a malfunction or the like, the processing chip 22 can be reset by the reset circuit 42 that receives the reset signal.

The physical phenomenon in the reset system of this embodiment may also be a physical phenomenon based on magnetic force.

In this manner, the non-contact detection means in this embodiment may detect a physical phenomenon based on magnetic force, and a reset may be performed when the magnitude of this magnetic force meets a predetermined standard. The magnetic force applied to the reset system of the present invention may also be generated by various other methods, such as electromagnetic induction using a magnet or an electric circuit, allowing for diversification of the design of the reset system of this embodiment.

The reset system of this embodiment is also provided in a vital information measuring device.

An example of such a bioinformation measuring device is an activity meter 10. In general, the activity meter 10 is often carried by the user at all times. In the case of such an activity meter 10, if a reset button is provided on the surface, the user may accidentally press the reset button while active. In contrast, according to the reset system of the present embodiment, the reset is performed only when a predetermined magnetic force (physical quantity) is detected. Therefore, for example, even if the user is performing vigorous exercise while carrying the activity meter 10, it is possible to prevent the reset from being performed accidentally due to the user's actions.

Second Embodiment
Next, a description will be given of a reset system according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition to the detection of magnetic force by the magnetic sensor of the first embodiment, resetting is performed in response to the presence or absence of a button operation.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the conditions under which the reset system in the second embodiment operates. Figure 10 shows a case in which the magnetic force of the first magnet 62 is greater than the first threshold M1 and the magnetic force of the second magnet 64 is greater than the second threshold M2.

In the case shown in FIG. 10, as in the first embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are both in the ON state. In the reset system of the second embodiment, when the two sensors are in the ON state in this way and the button 15 is further pressed, the reset signal generating unit 40 outputs a reset signal.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing details of the reset signal generating unit 40 in the second embodiment. The reset signal generating unit 40 in the second embodiment differs from the reset signal generating unit 40 in the first embodiment in that, in addition to the output of the button 15, it also inputs the output of the button 15 to the AND circuit 401. When the button 15 is pressed, a signal of "1" is output from the button 15 to the AND circuit 401, allowing the reset signal generating unit 40 to detect whether the button 15 has been pressed or not.

The process flow for the operation of the reset system of the second embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, although not shown. Specifically, in step S901 described in FIG. 9, if the output signal of the AND circuit 401 and the output signal from the button 15 are both "1", the reset circuit 42 advances the process to step S902. Then, in step S902, the reset circuit 42 executes initialization of the processing chip 22.

In this way, in the second embodiment, the reset signal generating unit 40 detects whether the button 15 has been pressed, in addition to detecting the magnetic force using the two magnetic sensors, and outputs a reset signal.

The effects of the above-mentioned embodiment are described below.

The reset system of this embodiment further includes a button 15 electrically connected to a reset signal generating unit 40, and the reset signal generating unit 40 may be configured to generate a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 serving as non-contact detection means and the output signal of the button 15.

In this way, the reset is performed according to whether or not the administrator presses the button 15, in addition to the output signals from the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 as non-contact detection means, so that unintended reset processing can be prevented. In addition, the timing of the button 15 press may be different from the timing of detection of magnetic force by the two magnetic sensors.

Third Embodiment
Next, a reset system according to a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the reset signal generating unit 40. More specifically, the first magnetic sensor 38 of the first embodiment is replaced with a first magnetic detection unit 50, and the second magnetic sensor 39 is replaced with a second magnetic detection unit 52.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reset signal generation unit 40 in the third embodiment. In the following, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

The reset signal generating unit 40 includes a first magnetic detection unit 50, a second magnetic detection unit 52, and an AND circuit 401. When the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52 detect an external magnetic force, they each output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected magnetic force to the AND circuit 401.

Specifically, the output signal of the first magnetic detection unit 50 is input to a first input terminal 402 of an AND circuit 401, and the output signal of the second magnetic detection unit 52 is input to a second input terminal 403 of the AND circuit 401. The AND circuit 401 outputs a signal of "0" or "1" to an output terminal 404 in response to input signals of "0" or "1" from the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52. The signal of this output terminal 404 is input to the reset circuit 42.

Note that the configuration of the reset signal generating unit 40 other than the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the configuration of the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the details of the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52.

In addition, since the configuration of the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the configuration of the second magnetic detection unit 52 are similar, the configuration of the second magnetic detection unit 52 is indicated by the reference numeral in parentheses next to the reference numeral of the first magnetic detection unit 50 shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the configuration of the second magnetic detection unit 52 will be omitted.

The first magnetic detection unit 50 in this embodiment is a so-called analog output type magnetic sensor. The first magnetic detection unit 50 includes an analog magnetic sensor 500, a low-voltage side comparator 510, a high-voltage side comparator 520, an inverter 530, and an AND gate 540.

The analog magnetic sensor 500 is an analog output type magnetic sensor, and is a magnetic sensor whose output voltage changes linearly depending on the strength of the north or south pole. Figure 14 shows an example of the output characteristics of the analog magnetic sensor 500.

The horizontal axis of Fig. 14 indicates the magnitude (physical quantity) of the magnetic force, with the magnetic force of the S pole increasing from the center point B _OF toward the right side of the paper, and the magnetic force of the N pole increasing from the center point B _OF toward the left side. The vertical axis of Fig. 14 indicates the voltage output by the analog magnetic sensor 500. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 14, the output voltage value of the analog magnetic sensor 500 increases as the magnetic force of the N pole increases, and decreases as the magnetic force of the S pole increases.

When the activity meter 10 approaches the jig 60 to a predetermined distance, for example 1 cm, the analog magnetic sensor 500 of this embodiment detects a magnetic force within the range of a low magnetic force Ba, which is a magnetic force relatively weaker than the specific magnetic force, to a high magnetic force Bb, which is a magnetic force relatively stronger than the specific magnetic force, and turns on, outputting a voltage between a low voltage Va and a high voltage Vb. Note that this specific magnetic force can be set arbitrarily.

The low-voltage side comparator 510 is a comparison circuit that outputs a signal of "1" when a voltage exceeding the low voltage Va is input. On the other hand, the high-voltage side comparator 520 is a comparison circuit that outputs a signal of "1" when a voltage exceeding the high voltage Vb is input.

Next, the operation of the first magnetic detection unit 50 including such an analog magnetic sensor 500, a low-voltage side comparator 510, and a high-voltage side comparator 520 will be described. As an example, the case will be described where the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force between a low magnetic force Ba and a high magnetic force Bb. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the analog magnetic sensor 500 outputs a signal with a voltage between a low voltage Va and a high voltage Vb.

Then, since the low-voltage side comparator 510 receives a voltage that exceeds the low voltage Va, it outputs a signal of "1" and inputs it to the input terminal 542 of the AND gate 540. On the other hand, since the high-voltage side comparator 520 receives a voltage that is below the high voltage Vb, it outputs a signal of "0". This signal of "0" is inverted by the inverter 530 to become a signal of "1", which is input to the input terminal 543 of the AND gate 540. Therefore, a signal of "1" is input to both input terminals 542, 543 of the AND gate 540, and a signal of "1" is output to the output terminal 544.

As another example, if the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force that is not in the range from low magnetic force Ba to high magnetic force Bb, the output value of the AND gate 540 will not be "1". Specifically, if the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force higher than high magnetic force Bb, the outputs of both the low-voltage side comparator 510 and the high-voltage side comparator 520 will be "1", but the output value of the high-voltage side comparator 520 will be inverted by the inverter 530 to "0", resulting in the output value of the AND gate 540 being "0".

Similarly, when the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force lower than the low magnetic force Ba, the outputs of both the low-voltage side comparator 510 and the high-voltage side comparator 520 are "0", but the output value of the high-voltage side comparator 520 is inverted by the inverter 530 to become "1", resulting in the output value of the AND gate 540 being "0".

In this manner, the output value of the AND gate 540 of the first magnetic detection unit 50 of this embodiment becomes "1" only when the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force in the range from low magnetic force Ba to high magnetic force Bb. In other words, since the output value of the first magnetic detection unit 50 becomes "1" only when the first magnetic detection unit 50 detects a magnetic force in a predetermined range from low magnetic force Ba to high magnetic force Bb, the first magnetic detection unit 50 can more precisely identify or limit the circumstances under which a reset is performed.

The effects of the above-mentioned embodiment are described below.

In this embodiment, the reset signal generating unit 40 generates a reset signal when the value of the magnetic force based on the physical phenomenon is within the range of low magnetic force Ba to high magnetic force Bb as a predetermined standard.

In this way, the first magnetic detection unit 50 and the second magnetic detection unit 52 of this embodiment are reset only when they detect a magnetic force within the range of low magnetic force Ba to high magnetic force Bb. This allows resetting to be performed only when the range of magnetic force is limited, making it possible to suppress unintentional reset operations.

(Modification)
Next, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, non-contact detection is performed by detecting an external magnetic force using the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39. However, instead of or in addition to this, non-contact detection may be performed by detecting light, temperature, ultrasonic waves, or piezoelectricity.

When light is used as a means of non-contact detection, for example, laser light or the like is input to a predetermined part of the activity meter 10. The input laser light is converted to a voltage by an optical sensor such as a photodetector, and when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, a reset signal is output.

On the other hand, when temperature is used as a means of non-contact detection, a thermistor or the like is provided in the activity meter 10. As in the case of light described above, the detected temperature is converted into a voltage by the thermistor or the like, and when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, a reset signal is output.

When ultrasound is used as a means of non-contact detection, an ultrasonic microphone or the like is provided in the activity meter 10. The input ultrasound is converted into a voltage by the ultrasonic microphone or the like, and when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, a reset signal is output.

When a piezoelectric sensor is used as a means for non-contact detection, a configuration is provided for transmitting vibrations such as sound waves to the piezoelectric sensor. The vibration energy of the sound waves transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor is converted into a voltage, and when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, a reset signal is output.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely show some of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that no contradictions arise.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first magnetic sensor 38 and the second magnetic sensor 39 are provided at opposing corners of the activity meter 10. However, these two magnetic sensors may be provided at opposing positions in the center of each of the long side 11a or the short side 11b. Furthermore, the two magnetic sensors may be provided in any arrangement as long as they are spaced apart enough to individually detect magnetic forces.

In the above embodiment, two magnetic sensors, a first magnetic sensor 38 and a second magnetic sensor 39, are provided. However, only one of the two magnetic sensors may be provided. Alternatively, three or more magnetic sensors may be provided.

Also, a piezoelectric sensor may be provided as an alternative to the button 15 of the above embodiment. The piezoelectric sensor may generate electricity when it detects an external force, and if the voltage corresponding to the generated electricity exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may be considered as an operation corresponding to pressing the button 15.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the reset signal generating unit 40 is provided with an AND circuit 401. However, a NAND circuit may be provided instead of the AND circuit 401. In this case, the reset process may be performed when the output of the NAND circuit becomes "0".

The reset system of the present invention is not limited to being applied to an activity meter 10 for detecting the amount of activity of a user. For example, the reset system of the present invention may be applied to so-called transportation IC cards, portable communication devices similar to smartphones, or various other electronic devices that require a reset process. Examples of various electronic devices include bioinformation measuring devices, which include, for example, activity meters, card-type thermometers, and card-type subcutaneous fat meters.

In the above embodiment, the first magnet 62 and the second magnet 64 of the jig 60 are described as permanent magnets. However, instead of the first magnet 62 and the second magnet 64, the jig 60 may be provided with any configuration that generates magnetic force, such as using electromagnetic induction in a coil to generate magnetic force. In addition, the jig 60 may be configured as a portable device rather than a stationary type.

10 Activity meter (biometric information measuring device)
22 Processing chip (control means)
38 First magnetic sensor (non-contact detection means)
40 Reset signal generating unit (reset signal generating means)

Claims (8)

An activity meter, comprising:
A control means for executing a predetermined process for calculating activity amount data of a user ;
A memory that stores the activity amount data of the user;
A non-contact detection means capable of detecting a physical phenomenon in a non-contact manner;
a reset signal generating means for generating a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the non-contact detecting means,
resetting the control means in response to a reset signal output from the reset signal generating means;
When the control means is reset, the activity amount data stored in the memory is not erased.
Activity tracker. The activity meter according to claim 1 ,
the reset signal generating means generates the reset signal when the detected physical quantity of the physical phenomenon satisfies a predetermined criterion.
Activity tracker. The activity meter according to claim 2 ,
The non-contact detection means is provided in a plurality of locations spaced apart from one another,
the predetermined criterion is set for each of the non-contact detection means;
Activity tracker. The activity meter according to claim 1 ,
a button electrically connected to the reset signal generating means;
the reset signal generating means generates a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the non-contact detecting means and an output signal from the button.
Activity tracker. The activity meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The reset signal generating means is configured to generate a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected by the non-contact detecting means even when the control means is not operating.
Activity tracker. The activity meter according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The physical phenomenon is a physical phenomenon based on magnetic force.
Activity tracker. An activity meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
a jig that is brought close to the activity meter so as to be overlapped and substantially parallel to the activity meter;
A reset system comprising: 1. A reset method for an activity meter, which resets a control means that executes a predetermined process for calculating activity amount data of a user stored in a memory, the method comprising:
a non-contact detection step of detecting a physical phenomenon in a non-contact manner;
a signal generating step of generating a reset signal based on the physical phenomenon detected in the non-contact detecting step,
resetting the control means in response to the reset signal generated in the signal generating step ;
When the control means is reset, the activity amount data stored in the memory is not erased.
How to reset your activity tracker.

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