Wearable device, control method, and program
The wearable device addresses usability issues by detecting non-use conditions and processing software updates during this time, ensuring timely updates without disrupting the user's experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023202123
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing wearable devices face usability issues due to frequent software update notifications, which can disrupt the user's experience and functionality during the update process.
A wearable device equipped with a control unit, storage unit, detection unit, and communication unit that detects when it is not being carried by the user and cooperates with external devices to execute software updates during this time, minimizing disruption to the user.
Enables timely notification of software updates without impairing usability, as updates are processed when the device is not in use, ensuring continuous functionality and user experience.
Smart Images

Figure 2025087455000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to wearable devices, control methods, and programs.
Background Art
[0002] Various wearable devices that are worn on the human body, such as wristwatch-type smartwatches, have been developed and are being used. In such wearable devices, similar to portable communication terminals such as smartphones, software such as an operating system (OS), firmware, and drivers for various devices that realizes the functions of the wearable device is installed. Hereinafter, such software may be referred to as "control software". As in Patent Document 1, software such as firmware is updated as necessary for the purpose of improving the functions of the device, enhancing security, etc. This update process is generally executed by the so-called Over The Air (OTA) method by receiving update data transmitted from a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or a management server to which the target wearable device is wirelessly communication-connected in an appropriate manner.
[0003] Generally, the update process of control software requires a certain amount of time such as several minutes to several tens of minutes, and the functions of the corresponding wearable device cannot be used or are restricted during the update process. Therefore, prior to the execution of processes related to updates such as downloading and installing update data, some means are taken to notify the user of the corresponding wearable device that the control software can be updated.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, Patent Document 1 did not consider that frequent notification of software updates may lead to a decline in usability.
[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a wearable device, a control method, and a program capable of notifying a user of information regarding software updates in a timely manner without impairing usability.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] A wearable device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that executes updatable software, a storage unit that stores at least the control software, a detection unit that detects whether the own device is being carried by a user, and a communication unit that communicates with an external device. When the detection unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit can cooperate with the external device through the communication unit to execute processing related to updating the control software.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify a user of information regarding software updates in a timely manner without impairing usability.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in accordance with its embodiments.
[0011] <Configuration of the Portable Wireless Device> First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of the portable wireless device as a wearable device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the portable wireless device in the present embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration and an example of the functional blocks of the portable wireless device in FIG. 1, respectively. The portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment is configured as a wristwatch type that a user wears on the forearm and uses. The portable wireless device 10 has standard time display functions such as time display, alarm, and timer, and a timekeeping function. The portable wireless device 10 may be provided with various measurement functions including temperature measurement, barometric pressure measurement, heart rate measurement, and activity amount measurement such as step count measurement. 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 watch.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the portable wireless device 10 can receive information regarding control software updates, update data, etc. from other communication terminals such as a smartphone 20 by communicating with the other communication terminals through wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE). An update is also referred to as an "upgrade". The portable wireless device 10 may also be communicably connected to an external device such as a management server for managing the operations 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 that case, information regarding control software updates, update data, etc. can be received from the management server.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the portable wireless device 10 also receives signals (hereinafter referred to as "satellite signals") transmitted from positioning satellites 30 such as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and based on the satellite signals received from the plurality of positioning satellites 30, calculates the position of its own device and is configured to hold it as its own device position information.
[0014] <Hardware configuration example of the portable wireless device 10> Next, a hardware configuration example of the portable wireless device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0015] The portable wireless device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured as a wristwatch-type device as described with respect to FIG. 1, and as the main components 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.
[0016] The processor 11 has the function of performing various operations and controls necessary for the operation of the mobile wireless device 10, and is implemented 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. For example, it is composed of various memory chips including non-volatile memory and volatile memory.
[0017] The Bluetooth module 13 is composed of a wireless communication chip for performing wireless communication compliant with a communication standard such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The Bluetooth antenna 13A is an antenna used for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication performed by the Bluetooth module 13, and is, for example, an antenna in an appropriate form such as a monopole antenna. Note that, without being limited to the Bluetooth module 13, a communication module enabling wireless communication based on other communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) and NFC (Near Field Communication) may be adopted.
[0018] The GPS module 14 has the function of acquiring time information and position information from satellite signals received from positioning satellites such as GPS satellites. The GPS antenna 14A is an antenna in an appropriate form suitable for receiving weak satellite signals, and for example, a patch antenna can be used.
[0019] The input unit 15 is an input device for giving operation instructions to each part of the mobile wireless device 10, and is composed of operation buttons, a touch panel, etc. provided on the main body of the mobile wireless device 10. The notification unit 16 is a device such as a speaker, a buzzer, and a vibration element provided for transmitting output information from the mobile wireless device 10 to the user by voice, 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.
[0020] The pulse sensor 18A is a device that detects the user's pulse based on blood flow fluctuations, such as an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor provided on the surface of the user's body that comes into contact when the mobile wireless device 10 is worn. It detects whether the mobile wireless device 10 is being carried by the user. For example, when it is determined that there is a pulse by the pulse sensor 18A, it is determined that the mobile wireless device 10 is worn by the user and in use, that is, it is being carried by the user. "Carried by the user" includes not only wearing the mobile wireless device 10 on a part of the user's body such as the wrist, but also in the form of ornaments such as necklaces and pendants, or attaching it to accessories such as clothes and bags and carrying it with the user.
[0021] The sensor group 18B includes sensors other than the pulse sensor 18A, such as an acceleration sensor for detecting the movement of the user's arm and a proximity sensor for detecting that the main body is close to the user's body surface. Based on these, it may also be determined that the mobile wireless device 10 is worn by the user and in use, that is, it is being carried by the user. Also, as a sensor for detecting whether the mobile wireless device 10 is indoors or outdoors, for example, an output charging current sensor of a solar cell for charging a secondary battery which is a power source of the mobile wireless device 10, an illuminance sensor for detecting external light, an ultraviolet sensor, etc. may be provided. Which of these sensors to use for detecting the user's wearing state may be determined according to the design specifications of the mobile wireless device 10. In addition, the sensor group 18B may also be provided with a geomagnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. for collecting information on the surrounding environment of the mobile wireless device 10.
[0022] The charging unit 19A supplies power to the power system of the portable wireless device 10 from an external source, and includes a terminal for connecting a charging cable to receive power supplied from an external power source, and a solar cell or the like that is provided on the surface of the dial or the like and converts light energy received from external light such as sunlight into electric 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 a 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 or the like for converting the power from the secondary battery 19C into a required voltage and supplying it to each part within the portable wireless device 10.
[0023] <Functional configuration example of the portable wireless device 10> Next, each functional block provided in the portable wireless device 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, 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 Sateilite System) unit 600, and a power supply unit 700.
[0024] The control unit 100 realizes various processes such as various calculations and controls necessary for the operation of the portable wireless device 10 by the processor 11 reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 200 described later.
[0025] The storage unit 200 functions as a storage area that stores various programs executed by the processor 11, data used during program execution, and provides a work area that is temporarily used for performing various processes in order to realize the functions of the control unit 100.
[0026] The input / output unit 300 includes the input unit 15, the notification unit 16, and the display unit 17 in the hardware configuration example of FIG. 2.
[0027] The communication unit 400 includes communication modules such as the Bluetooth module 13 in FIG. 2, and has a function of controlling communication performed between the mobile wireless device 10 and other communication terminals such as the smartphone 20 or other external devices such as a management server for the mobile wireless device 10.
[0028] The sensor unit 500 uses the pulse sensor 18A and the sensor group 18B in FIG. 2 to provide data for determining whether the user of the mobile wireless device 10 is wearing or carrying the mobile wireless device 10, and data for determining whether the mobile wireless device 10 is indoors or outdoors of a building.
[0029] The GNSS unit 600 uses the GPS module 14 in FIG. 2 to realize the function of acquiring time information and position information from satellite signals.
[0030] The power supply unit 700 realizes the function of supplying necessary power to each part of the mobile wireless device 10 by the charging unit 19A, the charging circuit 19B, the secondary battery 19C, and the power supply circuit 19D in FIG. 2.
[0031] Next, the functions realized by the control unit 100 of the mobile wireless device 10 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment includes an update information processing unit 110, a wearing determination unit 120, a self-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 and added according to the functions provided in the mobile wireless device 10.
[0032] The update information processing unit 110 continuously monitors information regarding updates of control software received from a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 through the communication unit 400, and determines whether there is update data of control software to be applied to the self-device. Further, when the requirements for notifying information regarding updates are satisfied as described later, the update information is output to the display unit 17 or the like.
[0033] The wearing determination unit 120 has a function of determining whether the mobile wireless device 10 is worn on the user's arm or carried by the user based on the output data from the sensor unit 500. For example, when the pulse sensor 18A outputs data indicating a pulse based on the blood flow in the user's arm, it is determined that the mobile wireless device 10 is worn on the user's arm. Alternatively, when the output data from the acceleration sensor included in the sensor group 18B shows a predetermined temporal variation, or when the proximity sensor outputs data indicating proximity to an object, it is determined that it is being 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 mobile wireless device 10 is not worn or carried on the user's arm. Generally, the mobile wireless device 10 equipped with the sensor unit 500 is used during workouts such as running and walking, and the user often checks the pulse value, map, etc. displayed on the display unit 17 while wearing the mobile wireless device 10. Therefore, since the information indicating that it has been determined that the mobile wireless device 10 is not worn by the user can be presumed to be in a state where the user is not using the mobile wireless device 10 or not looking at the display unit 17 of the mobile wireless device 10, it is judged that the usability will not be impaired even if a notification of a control software update is made. In addition, when notifying the user of a control software update of the mobile wireless device 10 while it is not being worn, the notification may be made on the display unit of the smartphone 20. On the other hand, when displaying on the display unit 17 of the mobile wireless device 10, for the purpose of attracting the user's attention, a device such as a speaker, buzzer, or vibration element provided in the notification unit 16 may be used to generate sound or vibration for notification.
[0034] The self-device position determination unit 130 determines whether the self-device is in a state where notification of control software update is permitted based on the position information of the self-device received from the GNSS unit 600. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the position of the self-device received from the GNSS unit 600 is separated from the position information indicating the user's home set and registered in the mobile radio device 10 in advance by a predetermined distance (for example, a radius of 100 m from the position of the user's home), it can be determined that the user has left home and is at the destination. It takes a certain amount of time to execute the control software update, and a predetermined remaining amount is also required for the secondary battery charge of the mobile radio device 10. Also, during workouts such as running, confirmation of the display content in real time is emphasized. Considering such circumstances, when it is determined that the user is at the destination, even if the user is notified that the control software update is available, it is not realistic to respond immediately, and it is imagined that it will cause annoyance to the user. Therefore, when it is determined that the position of the self-device is separated from the home by a distance greater than the predetermined distance, the control is performed so as not to notify the control software update. Note that the position information set and registered in advance is not limited to the user's home, and may be any arbitrary location designated by the user, such as a place equivalent to the home, school, workplace, etc. Note that it is desirable for the GNSS unit 600 to operate only for the minimum necessary short time (necessary operation time) for acquiring position information at the timing when the position determination by the self-device position determination unit 130 is performed. That is, as long as it is possible to determine whether the position (position information) of the self-device is within a preset predetermined position range, it is sufficient if at least the minimum position information of the self-device (for example, the coordinates of one point) can be acquired after starting the operation, and the GNSS unit 600 may acquire at least the coordinates of one point or end the acquisition of position information (turn off the operation) after operating for the minimum operation time. Alternatively, it is desirable to operate the GNSS unit 600 periodically at the minimum necessary frequency (such as intervals of several minutes or several hours) for providing position information to the self-device position determination unit 130. These are for preventing excessive consumption of the power of the mobile radio device 10, which is a wearable device generally having a large battery capacity constraint, due to the operation of the GNSS unit 600 (for suppressing power consumption).Also, it is possible to determine whether the position of the own device is indoors or outdoors of a building using an illuminance sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, etc. included in the sensor group 18B. When it is determined that the device is indoors, it is possible to allow the notification of the control software update on the premise that there is room to meet the criteria for the time required for the control software update and the remaining charge of the mobile radio device 10. Note that, similar to the above, the GNSS unit 600 may determine whether the own device is indoors or outdoors. However, in the case of a building where many metal members are used, since the electromagnetic wave from the positioning satellite is affected and an error of about several meters to several tens of meters may occur in the position information of the own device, when determining whether the own device is in a state where the notification of the control software update is allowed based on the position information of the own device obtained by the GNSS unit 600, it is more reliable to use the determination of comparing the preset registered position information (within a predetermined position range) with the position information of the own device as described above. That is, even in the case of indoors, if the error is about several tens of meters, it is possible to surely determine whether the own device is within the predetermined position range, and the notification of the control software update can be performed at an appropriate timing. Alternatively, it may be possible to detect that the time information possessed by the mobile radio device 10 is in a predetermined time zone, and for example, set the time between 1:00 am and 5:00 am as the time zone in which the notification is allowed.
[0035] The remaining charge determination unit 140 has a function of estimating the remaining charge of the secondary battery 19C based on the measured value of the terminal voltage of the secondary battery received from the power supply unit 700 or the measured value of the charge and discharge current. For example, when it is determined that the estimated remaining charge is less than 80%, it can be determined that the control software update cannot be executed without being charged, and the control can be performed so as not to notify the control software update.
[0036] The clock control unit 150 controls the function of the clock of the mobile radio device 10. Specifically, it functions to control the time display of the display unit 17 based on the time data held internally, switch functions based on the operation input of the user's operation buttons, and correct the internal time data based on the time data acquired through the communication unit 400 and the GNSS unit 600, etc.
[0037] The input / output control unit 160 has a function of controlling the transfer 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 executes processes such as transferring information regarding control software updates from the communication unit 400 to the update information processing unit 110, transferring position information from the GNSS unit 600 to the own device position determination unit 130, transferring output data from the sensor unit 500 to the wearing determination unit 120, and transferring information regarding the remaining charge of the secondary battery from the power supply unit 700 to the remaining charge determination unit 140.
[0038] <Control Software Update Notification Control Function in the Present Embodiment> Next, the control software update notification control function in the mobile radio device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of the flow of the control software update notification control process executed in the mobile radio device 10 of the present embodiment as a flowchart.
[0039] The control software update notification control process illustrated in FIG. 4 is mainly executed by the update information processing unit 110, the wearing determination unit 120, the own device position determination unit 130, and the remaining charge determination unit 140 of the mobile radio device 10.
[0040] The control software update notification control process flow in FIG. 4 is continuously executed after the power of the mobile radio device 10 is turned on and the operation starts.
[0041] In step S10, the update information processing unit 110 of the control unit 100 determines whether it has received information indicating that control software updates are available from a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 or an external device such as a management server. The mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 or the external device such as the management server communicates with the mobile radio device 10 regularly, and compares whether the version of the control software operating in the mobile radio device 10 matches the currently available version of the control software, thereby confirming whether there is new control software applicable to the mobile radio device 10. If there is an applicable update, the mobile radio device 10 is notified. The update information processing unit 110 determines in step S10 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).
[0042] In step S11, the wearing determination unit 120 determines whether the mobile radio 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. If it is not in a non-wearing state or a non-carrying state, that is, if the output data from the sensor unit 500 indicates that the user's pulse is detected by the pulse sensor 18A, or body movements such as the user's arm swing are detected by the acceleration sensor, etc., and it is determined that the user is in a state of wearing or carrying the mobile radio device 10 (S11, NO), the wearing determination unit 120 maintains the standby state. If 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 mobile radio device 10 is not worn or carried (S11, YES), the process proceeds to step S12.
[0043] In step S12, the own-device position determination unit 130 determines whether the mobile radio device 10, which is the own device, is within a position range set to be updatable. The updatable position range is, as described for the own-device position determination unit 130, a geographical range where, for example, a user who has received an updatable notification, such as within a predetermined distance from the position of the home, can perform a charging operation to ensure a required remaining charge, and can keep the mobile radio device 10 in an unused state for a certain period for the control software update process, and other conditions are considered to be satisfied. If it is determined that the mobile radio device 10, which is the own device, is not within the predetermined updatable position range (S12, NO), the own-device position determination unit 130 maintains the standby state. If it is determined that the own device is within the predetermined updatable range (S12, YES), the own-device position determination unit 130 causes the process to proceed to step S13. As described for the own-device position determination unit 130, the operation of the GNSS unit 600 is limited to the minimum necessary short time for the own-device position determination unit 130 to perform position determination.
[0044] In step S13, the remaining charge determination unit 140 determines whether an update notification is possible based on the remaining charge of the secondary battery received from the power supply unit 700 of the mobile radio device 10. If it is determined that the remaining charge of the secondary battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, for example, 80% or less of full charge (S13, NO), the remaining charge determination unit 140 returns the process to step S11, considering that the conditions for the update notification are not complete. If it is determined that the remaining charge of the secondary battery exceeds the predetermined threshold, for example, exceeds 80% of full charge (S13, YES), the remaining charge determination unit 140 causes the process to proceed to step S14.
[0045] In step S14, the update information processing unit 110 transmits information notifying that the control software update is possible to the user through the display unit 17 and the notification unit 16. FIG. 5 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the mobile wireless device 10. This notification screen is displayed when all the requirements for executing the control software update are satisfied as described above. That is, in the example of the processing flow in FIG. 4, when the mobile wireless device 10 is in a non-attached state or a non-carried state, the position of the mobile wireless device 10 is within the range where the control software update can be executed, and it is determined that the remaining charge of the secondary battery of the mobile wireless device 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a notification regarding the control software update is displayed. In FIG. 5, as an example of the display content, information regarding the control software update process, such as "The latest control software is available. Version: FW2.0" and "The update will take about 20 minutes." is displayed. This information regarding the control software update process is generated based on data such as the model format of the mobile wireless device 10, the version of the control software in operation, and the recent communication speed, which are obtained by a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 paired with the mobile wireless device 10 via BLE or the like, or an external device communicably connected by another wireless communication method, through communication with the mobile wireless device 10.
[0046] In the example of the display content in FIG. 5, a query "Do you want to update now?" is made to the user in contact with the display, and the user can choose whether to immediately start the update process of the control software. This is, for example, because in the example of FIG. 5, it is presented that the processing time required is about 20 minutes, and it is possible to determine whether it is acceptable that the user cannot use the mobile wireless device 10 for the control software update during this processing time. Thereby, the reduction in user usability associated with the update of the control software is prevented. In addition, when it is determined that the update time required, calculated by the update information processing unit 110 or obtained from the outside, is shorter than a predetermined time, the update may be executed without performing the display exemplified in FIG. 5 or notification by other means such as sound or vibration. As the predetermined time, for example, it is conceivable to set a time of about 5 minutes when the mobile wireless device 10 is in a non-attached state or a non-carried state and it is assumed that the user will not use the mobile wireless device 10.
[0047] Note that in this embodiment, information regarding the control software update is notified to the user through the mobile wireless device 10. However, information indicating that the conditions for update information notification are satisfied according to the determination result up to step S13 is transmitted to a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 20 paired with the mobile wireless device 10, and information regarding the control software update may be displayed or notified on the mobile terminal.
[0048] Returning to the example of the processing flow in FIG. 4, after notifying such as displaying information regarding the update of the control software in step S14, the update information processing unit 110 returns the processing to step S10 and waits for information regarding the control software update.
[0049] The notification process for information regarding the above control software update can be executed at a predetermined time interval. Also, in the present embodiment, although the determination regarding the position range enabling update information notification and the determination regarding the remaining charge amount are also executed, any one of these may be omitted. Alternatively, the notification of information regarding the control software update may be performed based only on whether the portable wireless device 10 is worn or carried by the user. Alternatively, the notification of information regarding the control software update may be performed based only on whether the portable wireless device 10 is within a predetermined updatable range. Alternatively, instead of whether the portable wireless device 10 is worn or carried by the user, based on whether the portable wireless device 10 is carried (used) by the user as detected by an acceleration sensor for detecting the movement of the user's arm, the notification of information regarding the control software update may be performed. In this case, the portable wireless device 10 may be various electronic devices such as a smartphone and not limited to wearable devices.
[0050] Also, in the present embodiment, when the condition for notifying information regarding the control software update is satisfied, the information regarding the update is immediately notified. However, for example, for the purpose of surely confirming that the user is not wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10, when it is determined that the condition still holds after a predetermined time has elapsed since the condition was satisfied, the information regarding the update may be notified.
[0051] Also, in the present embodiment, it is stated that a notification regarding the control software update is performed when conditions such as when the user is not wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10 (in a non - use state) are satisfied. However, when the above conditions are satisfied, it is also possible to configure it to execute the control software update without notifying the user.
[0052] The portable wireless device 10 according to 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 own device is worn on or carried by a 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 own device is not worn on or carried by a human body, the control unit 100 can execute processing related to the update of the control software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit 400.
[0053] In this way, it is possible to execute processing related to the control software update in a timely manner without impairing the usability of the portable wireless device 10.
[0054] When the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the own device is not worn on or carried by a human body, the control unit 100 may transmit non-wearing information (non-carrying information) for notifying the external device that the own device is not worn on or carried by a human body to the external device via the communication unit 400.
[0055] In this way, information related to the control software update can be notified through an external device such as the smartphone 20.
[0056] The control unit 100 may notify information related to the control software update when the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the own device is not worn on or carried by a human body.
[0057] In this way, when the user is not wearing or carrying the portable wireless device 10, it is possible to notify information related to the control software update without bothering the user.
[0058] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 100 detects that the own device is not worn or carried on a human body by the wearing determination unit 120, it may be configured to enable notification of information regarding the control software update.
[0059] The control unit 100 may calculate the required time for the control software update, and when the required time is less than a predetermined update time threshold at the time when the wearing determination unit 120 detects that the own device is not worn or carried on a human body, the control software update may be made executable.
[0060] In this way, it is possible to prevent the time during which the user cannot use the portable wireless device 10 for the control software update from becoming unnecessarily long.
[0061] When the own device is provided with an own device position determination unit 130 capable of acquiring the position information of the own device, the control unit 100 may be made capable of executing processing related to the control software update when it is determined that the position of the own device acquired by the own device position determination unit 130 is within a position range preset by the user of the portable wireless device 10, and may not be made capable of executing processing related to the control software update when it is determined that the position of the own device is outside the position range.
[0062] In this way, it is possible to prevent notification of information regarding the control software update when it is inappropriate to execute the control software update, such as when the user is out.
[0063] When the control unit 100 starts the operation of the GNSS unit 600 as a position information acquisition unit, it may end the operation of the GNSS unit 600 in response to acquiring at least one coordinate corresponding to the position information of the own device.
[0064] In this way, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the portable wireless device 10 by the GNSS unit 600 as much as possible.
[0065] The control unit 100 can detect the remaining charge amount of the secondary battery provided in the own device, and may be able to execute processing related to the control software update when the remaining charge amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining amount threshold.
[0066] In this way, when there is a remaining charge amount necessary for executing the control software update, it is possible to execute processing related to the control software update.
[0067] The wearing determination unit 120 detects whether or not the own device is in a state of being worn by the user, and when the control unit detects that the own device is not worn by the user by the detection unit, the control unit may be able to execute processing related to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit.
[0068] In this way, for the portable wireless device 10 in a form worn on the human body such as a wristwatch type, it is possible to execute processing related to the control software update in a timely manner without impairing user usability.
[0069] Further, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a control method for a 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 or not the own device is in a state of being worn on or carried by the human body, and a communication unit 400 that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone 20. When the control unit 100 detects that the own device is not worn on or carried by the human body by the wearing determination unit 120, the control unit 100 cooperates with the external device through the communication unit 400 to execute processing related to the control software update. A control method for the portable wireless device 10 is provided.
[0070] In this way, the same effects as those of the portable wireless device 10 according to the above-described present embodiment can be achieved.
[0071] This embodiment also includes a program for causing a processor to execute the control method of the portable wireless device 10 described above.
[0072] In the above-described embodiment, as updatable software, updatable control software has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to control software, and is applicable to all software that is installed in a wearable device including the portable wireless device 10 and is updatable and executed in the wearable device.
[0073] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 5 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the portable wireless device 10 is provided with a function capable of executing the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example of FIG. 5. Further, one functional block may be configured by hardware alone, by software alone, or by a combination thereof. The functional configuration in this embodiment is realized by a processor that executes arithmetic processing, and the processors that can be used in this embodiment include those configured by various processing devices such as a single processor, a multi-processor, and a multi-core processor, as well as those in which these various processing devices are combined with a processing circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).
[0074] Note that, in this specification, the steps of describing the program executed by the control unit 100 include not only the processes that are performed in chronological order along the order, but also the processes that are executed in parallel or individually without necessarily being processed in chronological order.
[0075] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can take various other embodiments, and it is also possible to combine each configuration of the above embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, various changes such as omission and substitution 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 and the like, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0076] 10 Portable wireless device 11 Processor 12 Memory 13 Bluetooth module 14 GPS module 16 Notification unit 17 Display unit 18A Pulse sensor 18B Sensor group 19C Secondary battery 100 Control unit 110 Update information processing unit 120 Wearing determination unit 130 Own device position determination unit 140 Remaining charge determination unit 150 Clock control unit
Claims
1. A control unit that executes updatable software, A storage unit that stores at least the updatable software, A detection unit that detects whether the own device is being carried by a user, A communication unit that communicates with an external device, and includes, When the detection unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit can execute processing related to updating the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit. A wearable device.
2. When the detection unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit transmits non-carrying information for notifying the external device that the own device is not being carried by the user to the external device via the communication unit. The wearable device according to claim 1.
3. When the detection unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit can execute processing related to updating the updatable software. The wearable device according to claim 1.
4. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit can execute processing related to updating the updatable software. The wearable device according to claim 1.
5. The control unit calculates the required time required for updating the updatable software, and when the required time is less than a predetermined update time threshold at the time when the detection unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user, the control unit can execute processing related to updating the updatable software. The wearable device according to claim 1.
6. A position information acquisition unit capable of acquiring the position information of the own device, When the control unit determines that the position of the own device acquired by the position information acquisition unit is within a position range preset by the user of the wearable device, the control unit can execute processing related to updating the updatable software, and when the position of the own device is determined to be outside the position range, the control unit does not execute processing related to updating the updatable software. The wearable device according to claim 1.
7. When the control unit starts the operation of the position information acquisition unit, it ends the operation of the position information acquisition unit in response to acquiring at least one coordinate corresponding to the position information of the own device. The wearable device according to claim 6.
8. The control unit can detect the remaining charge of the secondary battery provided in the own device, and when the remaining charge of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining charge threshold, it can execute processing related to the update of the updatable software. The wearable device according to claim 1.
9. The detection unit detects whether or not the own device is in a state of being worn by the user. When the control unit detects that the own device is not worn by the user by the detection unit, it can execute processing related to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit. The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. A control unit that executes updatable software, A storage unit that stores at least the updatable software, A detection unit that detects whether or not the own device is being carried by the user, A control method for a wearable device including a communication unit that communicates with an external device, wherein When the control unit detects that the own device is not being carried by the user by the detection unit, it can execute processing related to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit. A control method for a wearable device.
11. A control unit that executes updatable software, A storage unit that stores at least the updatable software, A detection unit that detects whether or not the own device is being carried by the user, In the control unit of the wearable device including a communication unit that communicates with an external device, When it is detected by the detection unit that the own device is not being carried by the user, it is made possible to execute processing related to the update of the updatable software in cooperation with the external device through the communication unit. Program.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Electronic device and control method for electronic device
JP2022103945A