Wearable device, control method, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a wearable device, a control method and a computer program product. The wearable device is provided with: a control unit that executes software that can be updated; a storage unit that stores at least the updatable software; a detection unit that detects whether or not the device is in a state of being carried by a user; and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and when the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, the control unit makes it possible to execute a process relating to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device via the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearable device, a control method, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] A variety of wearable devices worn on the human body, such as a wristwatch-type smartwatch, have been developed and utilized. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-103945, software such as firmware installed in a wearable device is updated as needed for the purpose of improving the device's functions, enhancing security, etc. Usually, during the update process, the use of the functions of the corresponding wearable device is restricted. Therefore, sometimes the following measures are taken: before performing the process related to the update, the user of the corresponding wearable device is notified by some means that the software can be updated.

[0003] However, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-103945, it is not considered that if software update notifications are frequently made, it may lead to a decrease in usability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a wearable device, a control method, and a computer program product that can timely notify a user of information related to software update without impairing usability.

[0005] A wearable device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a control unit that executes software that can be updated; a storage unit that stores at least the software that can be updated; a detection unit that detects whether the device is in a state of being carried by a user; and a communication unit that communicates with an external device. When the detection unit detects that the device is not being carried by the user, the control unit is configured to be able to execute a process related to the update of the software that can be updated in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to timely notify a user of information related to software update without impairing usability. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic front view of a portable wireless device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a portable wireless device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing a functional block of a portable wireless device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4It is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a control software update notification in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a control software update notification screen in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiment

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with its embodiments.

[0012] <Structure of the Portable Wireless Device>

[0013] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the structure of the portable wireless device as a wearable device in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic front view of the portable wireless device in this embodiment, Figure 2 , Figure 3 respectively are diagrams showing an example of the hardware structure and an example of the functional blocks of the portable wireless device of Figure 1 . The portable wireless device 10 of this embodiment is configured as a watch type to be worn on the forearm by the user. The portable wireless device 10 has standard time display and timing functions such as time display, alarm clock, and timer. In addition, various measurement functions including activity measurement such as temperature measurement, air pressure measurement, heart rate measurement, and step measurement can also be provided in the portable wireless device 10. Alternatively, the portable wireless device 10 may be an electronic device such as an activity meter that does not have a time display function as a clock.

[0014] As Figure 1 shows, the portable wireless device 10 communicates with other communication terminals such as a smartphone 20 through wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), and thus can receive information related to control software update, update data, etc. from other communication terminals. The control software refers to software such as an operating system (OS), firmware, and drivers for various devices used to implement the functions of the wearable device. The update is also called "update". In addition, the portable wireless device 10 can also be communicably connected to an external device such as a management server for managing the operation and functions of the portable wireless device 10 via a wireless LAN, the Internet, or a mobile communication network by providing a Wi-Fi communication module and a mobile communication module. In this case, information related to control software update, update data, etc. can be received from the management server.

[0015] As Figure 1As shown, the portable wireless device 10 is also configured to receive signals (hereinafter referred to as "satellite signals") transmitted from positioning satellites 30 such as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and calculate the position of the device based on the satellite signals received from multiple positioning satellites 30 and maintain it as the device position information.

[0016] <Example of the hardware structure of the portable wireless device 10>

[0017] Next, refer to Figure 2 to describe an example of the hardware structure of the portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 The illustrated portable wireless device 10 is configured as a watch-type device as described with respect to Figure 1 As the main structures related to the present invention, it includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a Bluetooth module 13, a Bluetooth antenna 13A, a GPS module 14, a GPS antenna 14A, an input unit 15, a notification unit 16, a display unit 17, a pulse sensor 18A, a sensor group 18B, a charging unit 19A, a charging circuit 19B, a secondary battery 19C, and a power supply circuit 19D.

[0019] The processor 11 has functions for performing various operations and controls and other processes required for the operation of the portable wireless device 10, and is installed as an IC chip or the like. The memory 12 is a storage device that provides a storage area for storing various programs executed by the processor and data used during program execution, and is configured, for example, with various memory chips including a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0020] The Bluetooth module 13 is composed of a wireless communication chip for performing wireless communication according to communication standards such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The Bluetooth antenna 13A is an antenna for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication performed by the Bluetooth module 13, and is, for example, an appropriate form of antenna such as a monopole antenna. In addition, it is not limited to the Bluetooth module 13, and a communication module capable of performing wireless communication based on other communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) and NFC (Near Field Communication) can also be used.

[0021] The GPS module 14 has a function of obtaining time information and position information based on satellite signals received from positioning satellites such as GPS satellites. The GPS antenna 14A is an appropriate form of antenna suitable for receiving weak satellite signals, and for example, a patch antenna can be used.

[0022] The input unit 15 is an input device for providing operation instructions to each part of the portable wireless device 10, and is composed of operation buttons, touch panels, etc. provided on the main body of the portable wireless device 10. The notification unit 16 is a device such as a speaker, buzzer, vibration element, etc. provided to transmit output information from the portable wireless device 10 to the user through sound, vibration, etc. The display unit 17 is a device for displaying time and other information, and is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc.

[0023] The pulse sensor 18A is, for example, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. provided on the surface that comes into contact with the user's body surface when wearing the portable wireless device 10, and is a device that detects the user's pulse based on blood flow changes, and detects whether the portable wireless device 10 is in a state of being carried by the user. For example, when it is determined by the pulse sensor 18A that there is a pulse, it is determined that the portable wireless device 10 is being worn and used by the user, that is, being carried by the user. "Being carried by the user" includes not only wearing the portable wireless device 10 on a part of the user's body such as the wrist, but also all behaviors of carrying it with the user in the form of ornaments such as necklaces and pendants, or attached to personal items such as clothes and bags.

[0024] The sensor group 18B includes, for example, an acceleration sensor for detecting the swing of the user's arm, a proximity sensor for detecting the approach of the main body to the user's body surface, etc., other than the pulse sensor 18A. Thus, it can also be determined that the portable wireless device 10 is being worn and used by the user, that is, being carried by the user. In addition, as a sensor for detecting whether the portable wireless device 10 is located indoors or outdoors, for example, an output charging current sensor of a solar cell for charging a secondary battery that is a driving source of the portable wireless device 10, an illuminance sensor for sensing external light, a ultraviolet sensor, etc. can also be provided. Which of these sensors is used to detect the user's wearing state can be determined according to the design specifications of the portable wireless device 10. In addition, a geomagnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. for collecting information related to the surrounding environment of the portable wireless device 10 can also be provided in the sensor group 18B.

[0025] The charging unit 19A supplies power to the power system of the portable wireless device 10 from the outside, and is equivalent to a terminal for connecting a charging cable for receiving power supplied from an external power source, a solar cell provided on the dial surface, etc. that converts light energy received from external light such as sunlight into power. The charging circuit 19B has the function of an adjustment circuit that adjusts the current from the charging unit 19A according to the charge and discharge state of the secondary battery 19C described later. The secondary battery 19C is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium secondary battery for supplying power to the portable wireless device 10. The power supply circuit 19D is a circuit including a power supply IC, etc. for converting the power from the secondary battery 19C into a required voltage and supplying it to each part inside the portable wireless device 10.

[0026] <Functional structural example of the portable wireless device 10>

[0027] Next, with reference to Figure 3 each functional block included in the portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. As Figure 3 shown, the portable wireless device 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 200, an input / output unit 300, a communication unit 400, a sensor unit 500, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) unit 600, and a power supply unit 700.

[0028] The control unit 100 reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 200 described later by the processor 11, and implements various operations and control processes required for the operation of the portable wireless device 10.

[0029] The storage unit 200 stores various programs executed by the processor 11, data used during program execution, and functions as a storage area that provides a work area temporarily used during various processes in order to implement the functions of the control unit 100.

[0030] The input / output unit 300 includes Figure 2 the input unit 15, the notification unit 16, and the display unit 17 in the hardware structural example of

[0031] The communication unit 400 includes Figure 2 communication modules such as the Bluetooth module 13 in

[0032] and has a function of controlling communication between the portable wireless device 10 and other communication terminals such as the smart phone 20, or other external devices such as a management server for the portable wireless device 10. Figure 2 The sensor unit 500 has a function of providing data for determining whether the user of the portable wireless device 10 is wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10 using the pulse sensor 18A and the sensor group 18B in

[0033] The GNSS unit 600 uses Figure 2 the GPS module 14 in

[0034] The power supply unit 700 supplies necessary power to each unit of the portable wireless device 10 through Figure 2 the charging unit 19A, the charging circuit 19B, the secondary battery 19C, and the power supply circuit 19D in

[0035] Next, the functions implemented by the control unit 100 of the portable wireless device 10 will be described. As Figure 3 illustrated, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment includes an update information processing unit 110, a wearing determination unit 120, a device position determination unit 130, a remaining charge determination unit 140, a clock control unit 150, and an input / output control unit 160. The functional units provided in the control unit 100 are not limited to these, and can be appropriately changed or added according to the functions of the portable wireless device 10.

[0036] The update information processing unit 110 continuously monitors the information related to the update of the control software received from a portable terminal such as the smartphone 20 through the communication unit 400, and determines whether there is update data of the control software that should be applied to the device. In addition, as described later, when the conditions for notifying information related to the update are satisfied, the display unit 17 and the like are caused to execute the output of the update information.

[0037] The wearing determination unit 120 has the following functions: based on the output data from the sensor unit 500, it determines whether the portable wireless device 10 is worn on the user's arm or carried by the user, thereby detecting whether the device is worn on or carried by the human body. For example, when the pulse sensor 18A outputs data of a pulse indicating the blood flow of the user's arm, it is determined that the portable wireless device 10 is worn on the user's arm. Or, when the output data from the acceleration sensor included in the sensor group 18B indicates a predetermined temporal change, or when the proximity sensor outputs data indicating proximity to an object, it is determined that the device is worn or carried. When the output data from the sensor unit 500 as described above is not detected, the wearing determination unit 120 determines that the portable wireless device 10 is not worn or carried on the user's arm. Generally, the portable wireless device 10 equipped with the sensor unit 500 is used during exercise such as running or walking, and most users confirm the pulse value or map displayed on the display unit 17 while wearing the portable wireless device 10. Therefore, the information indicating that the portable wireless device 10 is not worn by the user can be presumed to be a state where the portable wireless device 10 is not used by the user, or a state where the user is not viewing the display unit 17 of the portable wireless device 10. Therefore, it is determined that notifying the control software update will not impair usability. In addition, when notifying the control software update of the portable wireless device 10 in a state where the user is not wearing it, the display unit of the smartphone 20 can be used for notification. On the other hand, when it is displayed on the display unit 17 of the portable wireless device 10, for the purpose of attracting the user's attention, a sound or vibration can also be generated through devices such as a speaker, buzzer, and vibration element provided in the notification unit 16 for notification.

[0038] The device position determination unit 130 determines whether the device is in a state where notification of the control software update is allowed based on the location information of the device received from the GNSS unit 600. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the location of the device received from the GNSS unit 600 is more than a predetermined distance (for example, a radius of 100m from the user's home) relative to the location information indicating the user's home location that is pre-set and registered in the portable wireless device 10, it can be determined that the user has left his home and is at an out-of-home destination. It takes a certain amount of time to execute the control software update, and the secondary battery charge amount of the portable wireless device 10 also requires a predetermined margin. In addition, in exercise such as running, it is important to confirm the real-time display content. Considering such a situation, if it is determined that the user is at an out-of-home destination, even if the user is notified that the control software update can be used, it is unrealistic to respond immediately, and it is conceivable that the user will feel annoyed. Therefore, when it is determined that the location of the device is away from the home by a predetermined distance, control is controlled so that the notification of the control software update is not performed. In addition, the pre-set registered location information is not limited to the user's home, but may also be any place designated by the user such as a place based on the home, a school, a workplace, etc. In addition, it is preferred that the GNSS unit 600 operates only within the minimum short time (necessary operation time) required to obtain the location information when the device location determination unit 130 performs location determination. In other words, in order to be able to determine whether the location (location information) of the device is within the pre-set predetermined location range, as long as the minimum location information of the device (for example, the coordinate amount of one point) can be obtained after the start of the operation, the GNSS unit 600 can end the acquisition of the location information (turn off the operation) if the coordinates of at least one point are obtained or the minimum operation time has been operated. Alternatively, it is preferred to operate regularly at the minimum frequency (intervals of several minutes or hours, etc.) required to provide the location information to the device location determination unit 130. This is to prevent the power of the portable wireless device 10, which is a wearable device with a large battery capacity constraint, from being excessively consumed due to the operation of the GNSS unit 600 (in order to suppress power consumption). In addition, the illumination sensor, ultraviolet sensor, etc. included in the sensor group 18B can also be used to determine whether the location of the device is indoors or outdoors in a building. If it is determined to be indoors, it is considered that the time required for the control software update and the remaining charge of the portable wireless device 10 have room to meet the criteria required for the control software update, and the notification of the control software update is allowed. In addition, it is also possible to determine whether the device is indoors or outdoors using the GNSS unit 600 in the same way as described above.However, in the case of a building with a large number of metal components, sometimes the electromagnetic waves from positioning satellites are affected, resulting in an error of several meters to dozens of meters in the position information of the device. Therefore, when determining whether the device is in a state where the notification of control software update is allowed based on the position information of the device obtained by the GNSS unit 600, the determination method of comparing the pre-set registered position information (within a predetermined position range) with the position information of the device as described above can make a reliable determination. That is, even in an indoor environment, as long as the error is about dozens of meters, it is possible to reliably determine whether the device is within the predetermined position range, and the notification of control software update can be made at an appropriate time.

[0039] Alternatively, it is also possible to detect that the time information of the portable wireless device 10 is within a predetermined time period. For example, the time period from 1:00 am to 5:00 am can be set as the time period allowing notification.

[0040] The charge remaining amount determination unit 140 has a function of estimating the charge remaining amount of the secondary battery 19C based on the terminal voltage measurement value or the charge and discharge current measurement value of the secondary battery received from the power supply unit 700. For example, when it is determined that the estimated charge remaining amount is less than 80%, it is determined that the control software update cannot be executed without charging, and the notification of control software update can be controlled not to be made.

[0041] The clock control unit 150 controls the function of the portable wireless device 10 as a clock. Specifically, it includes functions such as time display control of the display unit 17 based on the time data held internally, switching of the function based on the operation input of the user operation button, and correction of the internal time data based on the time data obtained through the communication unit 400 and the GNSS unit 600.

[0042] The input / output control unit 160 has a function of controlling the transceiver of input / output data between the control unit 100 and the storage unit 200, the input / output unit 300, the communication unit 400, the sensor unit 500, the GNSS unit 600, and the power supply unit 700. For example, the input / output control unit 160 has functions of performing processes such as handing over information related to control software update from the communication unit 400 to the update information processing unit 110, handing over the position information from the GNSS unit 600 to the device position determination unit 130, handing over the output data from the sensor unit 500 to the wearing determination unit 120, and handing over information related to the charge remaining amount of the secondary battery from the power supply unit 700 to the charge remaining amount determination unit 140.

[0043] <Control Software Update Notification Control Function in this Embodiment>

[0044] Next, the control software update notification control function in the portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. In Figure 4 FIG. 116 shows an example of the flow of the control software update notification control process executed in the portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment as a flowchart.

[0045] Figure 4 The illustrated control software update notification control process is mainly executed by the update information processing unit 110, the wearing determination unit 120, the own device position determination unit 130, and the charge remaining determination unit 140 of the portable wireless device 10.

[0046] Figure 4 The control software update notification control process continues to be executed after the power of the portable wireless device 10 is turned on and the operation starts.

[0047] In step S10, the update information processing unit 110 of the control unit 100 determines whether information indicating that the control software update can be used is received from a portable terminal such as the smart phone 20 or an external device such as a management server. The portable terminal such as the smart phone 20 or the management server communicates with the portable wireless device 10 regularly, and by comparing whether the version of the control software running in the portable wireless device 10 is the same as the currently available control software version, it is confirmed whether there is a new control software applicable to the portable wireless device 10. When there is an applicable update, the portable wireless device 10 is notified. In step S10, the update information processing unit 110 determines whether there is an applicable update. If there is no corresponding update, the process waits (S10, NO). If it is determined that there is an update, it is determined that the update information has been received (S10, YES).

[0048] In step S11, the wearing determination unit 120 determines whether the portable wireless device 10 is in a state of being worn or carried by the user based on the output data from the sensor unit 500 including the pulse sensor 18A and the sensor group 18B. When the output data from the sensor unit 500 determines that the user is in a state of wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10 such as the pulse of the user is detected by the pulse sensor 18A and the body movement such as the swinging of the user's arm is detected by the acceleration sensor (S11, NO), the wearing determination unit 120 maintains the standby state. When the wearing determination unit 120 determines, based on the output data from the sensor unit 500, that the user is in a non-wearing state (non-carrying state) where the portable wireless device 10 is not worn or carried (S11, YES), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0049] In step S12, the device location determination unit 130 determines whether the portable wireless device 10, which is the device in question, is located within a predetermined position range set as updatable. The so-called updatable position range, as described with respect to the device location determination unit 130, represents a geographical range that is considered to meet the following conditions, such as a range within a predetermined distance from the location of one's own home: a user who receives an updatable notification can perform a charging operation to ensure the required charging margin, and can also set the portable wireless device 10 to an unused state for a certain period of time to control the software update process. When it is determined that the portable wireless device 10, which is the device in question, is not within the predetermined updatable position range (S12, No), the device location determination unit 130 maintains the standby state. When it is determined that the device is within the predetermined updatable range (S12, Yes), the device location determination unit 130 moves the process to step S13. In addition, as described with respect to the device location determination unit 130, the operation of the GNSS unit 600 is limited to the minimum short time required for the device location determination unit 130 to perform location determination.

[0050] In step S13, the charge margin determination unit 140 determines whether an update notification can be sent based on the charge margin of the secondary battery received from the power supply unit 700 of the portable wireless device 10. When it is determined that the charge margin of the secondary battery is below a predetermined threshold, for example, 80% or less of a full charge (S13, No), the charge margin determination unit 140 deems the conditions for the update notification to be incomplete and returns the process to step S11. When it is determined that the charge margin of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, exceeds 80% of a full charge (S13, Yes), the charge margin determination unit 140 transfers the process to step S14.

[0051] In step S14, the update information processing unit 110 conveys to the user, via the display unit 17 and the notification unit 16, information notifying that control software update can be performed. Figure 5 Shows an example of the display of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the portable wireless device 10. When all the requirements for performing the control software update are met as described above, this notification screen displays a notification related to the control software update. That is, in Figure 4 the processing flow example, when it is determined that the portable wireless device 10 is in a non-worn state or a non-carried state, the position of the portable wireless device 10 is within the range where the control software update can be executed, and the charge margin of the secondary battery of the portable wireless device 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification related to the control software update is displayed. In Figure 5Among them, as an example of the display content, information related to the control software update process such as "Can use the latest control software, version: FW2.0" and "The update takes about 20 minutes" is displayed. The information related to the control software update process is generated based on data such as the model form of the portable wireless device 10, the version of the control software during operation, and the recent communication speed obtained through communication between the portable wireless device 10 and a portable terminal such as the smartphone 20 paired with the portable wireless device 10 via BLE or other external devices communicably connected via other wireless communication methods.

[0052] In Figure 5 In the example of the display content, the user in contact with the display is asked "Update now?" so that the user can choose whether to immediately start the control software update process. This is because, for example, in Figure 5 In the example, the processing time is prompted to be about 20 minutes, and the user can judge whether to allow the portable wireless device 10 to be unavailable for the update of the control software during this processing time. Thus, the reduction in usability accompanying the update of the control software can be prevented. In addition, when it is determined that the update time calculated by the update information processing unit 110 or obtained from the outside is shorter than a predetermined time, the update can be executed without performing the Figure 5 display shown as an example or notification by other means such as sound or vibration. As an example of the predetermined time, it can be considered to be set to about 5 minutes assuming that the portable wireless device 10 is in a non-worn state or a non-carried state and the user does not use the portable wireless device 10.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, the information related to the control software update is notified to the user through the portable wireless device 10, but according to the determination result up to step S13, the information indicating that the conditions for notifying the update information are complete can be sent to a portable terminal such as the smartphone 20 paired with the portable wireless device 10, and the information related to the control software update can be displayed on the portable terminal for notification.

[0054] Return Figure 4 In the example of the processing flow, after notifying the information related to the update of the control software in step S14, the update information processing unit 110 returns the processing to step S10 and waits for the information related to the control software update.

[0055] The notification process of the above information related to the control software update can be executed at a predetermined time interval. Additionally, in this embodiment, determinations related to the location range where update information can be notified and the remaining charge are also performed, but either of them can be omitted. Alternatively, the notification of information related to the control software update can be based only on whether the portable wireless device 10 is worn or carried by the user. Or, the notification of information related to the control software update can be based only on whether the portable wireless device 10 is within a predetermined updatable range. Or, instead of based on whether the user wears or carries the portable wireless device 10, the notification of information related to the control software update can be performed based on whether the user carries (uses) the portable wireless device 10 through an acceleration sensor for detecting the user's arm swing. At this time, the portable wireless device 10 is not limited to a wearable device and can also be various electronic devices such as a smartphone.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, when the condition for notifying information related to the control software update is satisfied, the information related to the update is immediately notified. However, for example, for the purpose of reliably confirming that the user is not wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10, when it is still determined that the condition is satisfied after a predetermined time has elapsed since the condition was satisfied, the information related to the update is notified.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, when conditions such as the non-use state where the user is not wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10 are satisfied, the notification related to the control software update is performed. However, it can also be configured such that when the above conditions are satisfied, the control software update is executed without notifying the user.

[0058] The portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment described above includes: a control unit 100 that executes updatable control software; a storage unit 200 that stores at least the control software; a wearing determination unit 120 that detects whether the device is in a state of being worn or carried on the human body; and a communication unit 400 that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone. When the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the device is not worn or carried on the human body, the control unit 100 is configured to be able to execute processing related to the update of the control software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit 400.

[0059] In this way, the processing related to the control software update can be executed in a timely manner without compromising the usability of the portable wireless device 10.

[0060] When the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the device is not worn or carried on the human body, the control unit 100 may also send non-wearing information (non-carrying information) for notifying an external device that the device is not worn or carried on the human body to the external device via the communication unit 400.

[0061] In this way, information related to control software update can be notified through an external device such as the smartphone 20.

[0062] When the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the device is not worn or carried on the human body, the control unit 100 may also notify information related to the control software update.

[0063] In this way, when the user does not wear or carry the portable wireless device 10, information related to control software update can be notified without causing trouble to the user.

[0064] The control unit 100 may also be configured to be able to notify information related to the control software update at a time point after a predetermined time has elapsed since the time point when the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the device is not worn or carried on the human body.

[0065] The control unit 100 may also calculate the required time for the control software update. When the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the device is not worn or carried on the human body, if the required time is less than a predetermined update time threshold, it is set to be able to execute the control software update.

[0066] In this way, it is possible to prevent the time during which the user cannot use the portable wireless device 10 for updating the control software from becoming unnecessarily long.

[0067] The device may also be provided with a device position determination unit 130 capable of obtaining the position information of the device. When the control unit 100 determines that the position of the device obtained by the device position determination unit 130 is within the position range preset by the user of the portable wireless device 10, it is set to be able to execute the process related to the control software update. When it is determined that the position of the device is outside the position range, it is not set to be able to execute the process related to the control software update.

[0068] In this way, it is possible not to notify information related to control software update when the user is away or in other situations where it is not suitable to execute control software update.

[0069] When the control unit 100 starts the operation of the GNSS unit 600 as a position information acquisition unit, the operation of the GNSS unit 600 may be ended according to the coordinates corresponding to at least one point of the position information of the local device obtained.

[0070] In this way, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the GNSS unit 600 in the portable wireless device 10 as much as possible.

[0071] The control unit 100 can detect the charge remaining in the secondary battery provided in this device, and when the charge remaining in the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining threshold, it is set to be able to execute processing related to the update of the control software.

[0072] In this way, it is possible to execute processing related to the update of the control software when there is a charge remaining sufficient to execute the update of the control software.

[0073] The wearing determination unit 120 detects whether this device is in a state of being worn by the user, and when the detection unit detects that this device is not being worn by the user, the control unit is set to be able to execute processing related to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit.

[0074] In this way, particularly for a portable wireless device 10 such as a watch-type device worn on the human body, it is possible to execute processing related to the update of the control software in a timely manner without sacrificing usability.

[0075] In addition, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a control method for a portable wireless device 10, the portable wireless device 10 including: a control unit 100 that executes updatable control software; a storage unit 200 that stores at least the control software; a wearing determination unit 120 that detects whether this device is in a state of being worn or carried on the human body; and a communication unit 400 that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone 20, wherein when the wearing determination unit 120 detects that this device is not worn or carried on the human body, the control unit 100 is set to be able to execute processing related to the update of the control software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit 400.

[0076] In this way, the same effects as those of the portable wireless device 10 of the above-described present embodiment can be achieved.

[0077] In the present embodiment, there is also included a program for causing a processor to execute the control method of the portable wireless device 10.

[0078] In the above-described present embodiment, the updatable control software has been described as an example of the updatable software, but the present invention is not limited to the control software and can be applied to all updatable software installed in and executed on a wearable device including the portable wireless device 10.

[0079] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, Figure 5The functional structure is merely illustrative and not particularly limited. That is, as long as the portable wireless device 10 has the function of being able to execute the above series of processes as a whole, there is no particular limitation on what functional blocks are used to achieve this function. Figure 5 For example. In addition, a functional block can be constituted by a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of them. The functional structure in the present embodiment is implemented by a processor that executes arithmetic processing. Among the processors that can be used in the present embodiment, in addition to being constituted by various processing device monomers such as a single processor, a multi-processor, and a multi-core processor, it also includes a structure in which these various processing devices are combined with processing circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0080] In addition, in this specification, the steps of the program executed by the control unit 100 of course include the processes performed in time series in this order, and also include the processes executed in parallel or separately even if they are not necessarily processed in time series.

[0081] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can adopt various other embodiments, and can also combine the structures of the above embodiments and modification examples. Moreover, various changes such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification, etc., and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims for patent protection and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A wearable device, characterized in that: have: a control unit that executes updateable software; a storage unit storing at least the updateable software; A detection unit, which detects whether the device is in a state of being carried by a user; as well as a communication unit that communicates with external devices, When the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, the control unit is configured to be able to execute processing related to updating of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, the control unit transmits non-carrying information for notifying the external device that the device is not carried by the user to the external device via the communication unit.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to be capable of executing processing related to updating of the updatable software at a time point when the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user.

4. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to be capable of executing processing related to updating of the updatable software at a time point after a predetermined time has passed since the detection unit detected that the device is not carried by the user.

5. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit calculates the time required to update the updatable software, and at a point in time when the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, if the required time is less than a predetermined update time threshold, enables processing related to the update of the updatable software to be executed.

6. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wearable device includes a location information acquisition unit capable of acquiring location information of the wearable device. When the control unit determines that the position of the device obtained by the position information acquisition unit is within the position range pre-set by the user of the wearable device, the control unit is set to be able to execute processing related to the update of the updatable software; when it is determined that the position of the device is outside the position range, the control unit is set to be unable to execute processing related to the update of the updatable software.

7. The wearable device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control unit ends the operation of the position information acquisition unit by acquiring coordinates of at least one point corresponding to the position information of the own device when starting the operation of the position information acquisition unit.

8. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is capable of detecting a remaining charge level of a secondary battery provided in the device, and is configured to enable execution of a process related to updating of the updateable software when the remaining charge level of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining charge threshold.

9. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection unit detects whether the device is being worn by the user. The control unit is configured to be able to execute processing related to updating of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit when the detection unit detects that the device is not worn by the user.

10. A control method for a wearable device, the wearable device comprising: a control unit that executes updateable software; a storage unit storing at least the updateable software; a detection unit, which detects whether the device is in a state of being carried by a user; and a communication unit that communicates with external devices, It is characterized in that When the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, the control unit is configured to be able to execute processing related to updating of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit.

11. A computer program product, characterized in that The control unit of a wearable device including a control unit for executing updateable software, a storage unit for storing at least the updateable software, a detection unit for detecting whether the device is in a state of being carried by a user, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device is caused to perform the following processing: When the detection unit detects that the device is not carried by the user, the communication unit is configured to cooperate with the external device to execute processing related to the update of the updateable software.

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