Wearable apparatus, notification method, and program

Abstract

To improve charging efficiency of a wearable apparatus.SOLUTION: A wearable apparatus includes a solar panel for generating photovoltaic power, a battery for storing the power generated by the solar panel, and a control part. The control part acquires wearable information from the wearable apparatus 1 when a predetermined condition is satisfied, determines content of notification information for improving charging efficiency of the battery in accordance with the acquired wearable information, and outputs the determined notification information to an output part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device, a notification method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technique for notifying a user to expose a solar panel to sunlight in order to charge a battery with the solar panel when the illuminance value of a mobile terminal or a wearable device is less than a threshold value (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a wearable device, the optimal method for improving the charging efficiency of the battery by the solar panel differs depending on the wearing state of the device by the user, and in the notification described in Patent Document 1, charging may not be performed efficiently in some cases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a wearable device to be charged more efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wearable device according to the present invention includes: a solar panel that performs photovoltaic power generation; a secondary battery that stores electric power generated by the solar panel; a control unit; an output unit; and is a wearable device comprising: wherein the control unit: When the predetermined conditions are satisfied, acquisition of wearing information, which is information on whether the wearable device is worn by the user, is performed, based on the wearing information, content of notification information regarding charging of the secondary battery is determined, and the notification information with the determined content is output to the output unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to charge the wearable device more efficiently.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] <First Embodiment> [Configuration of Wearable Device 1] First, the configuration of the wearable device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the wearable device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the wearable device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wearable device 1 of the present embodiment is a wristwatch having a time display function.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the wearable device 1 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an operation unit 103, an analog display unit 104, a digital display unit 105, a solar panel 106, a battery 107, a battery level detection unit 108, an illuminance sensor 109, an acceleration sensor 110, a gyro sensor 111, a GPS sensor 112, a timekeeping unit 113, an audio output unit 114, a vibrator 115, and a communication unit 116, and each unit is connected via a bus 117.

[0012] The control unit 101 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). By loading a program from the storage unit 102 into the RAM and executing it, the control unit 101 controls the operations of each part of the wearable device 1 and provides a time display function and other functions. In addition, the control unit 101 executes a charging notification process A (see FIG. 3) described later in cooperation with the program read from the storage unit 102.

[0013] The storage unit 102 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like. The storage unit 102 stores a program for controlling the operations of the wearable device 1 such as a time display function, a program for executing various processes including the charging notification process A, and various data. For example, the storage unit 102 stores a charging notification table 102a (see FIG. 4) used in the charging notification process A. In addition, the storage unit 102 stores the type (analog, digital, combination) of the wearable device 1.

[0014] The operation unit 103 includes a knob, a push button switch, etc. The operation unit 103 receives an operation from the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 101.

[0015] The analog display unit 104 is composed of a second hand 43, a minute hand 44, an hour hand 45 shown in FIG. 2, a motor for moving these hands, a wheel train mechanism, etc. The second hand 43, the minute hand 44, and the hour hand 45 rotate around the axis at the center of the dial 41 and indicate the time by pointing to the hour characters 42 (indexes) and the scales arranged along the circumferential direction on the dial 41.

[0016] The digital display unit 105 is composed of a display screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and performs various displays according to the instructions of the control unit 101.

[0017] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the wearable device 1 is illustrated by taking a clock (referred to as a combination clock) having both an analog display unit 104 and a digital display unit 105 as an example, but it is not limited to this example. The wearable device 1 may be a so-called analog clock having only the analog display unit 104 as a display unit. Alternatively, the wearable device 1 may be a digital clock (such as a smartwatch) having only the digital display unit 105 as a display unit, and the digital display unit 105 performs time display and information display. In the case of a digital clock, for example, a region corresponding to the entire surface of the dial 41 in FIG. 2 becomes the digital display unit 105.

[0018] The solar panel 106 performs photovoltaic power generation by converting sunlight or illumination light into electric power, and supplies electric power for charging the battery 107. The battery 107 is a rechargeable secondary battery that stores the electric power generated by the solar panel 106. The battery 107 supplies the charged electric power to each part of the wearable device 1. The battery remaining amount detection unit 108 detects the remaining amount of the battery 107 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 101.

[0019] The illuminance sensor 109 detects the illuminance of the wearable device 1 by receiving the light incident on the wearable device 1 (solar panel 106) and converting it into an electric current, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 101.

[0020] The acceleration sensor 110 detects the acceleration of the wearable device 1 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 101.

[0021] The gyro sensor 111 detects the angular velocity of the wearable device 1 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 101.

[0022] The GPS sensor 112 acquires the current position information of the wearable device 1 by receiving signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and outputs it to the control unit 101.

[0023] The timing unit 113 includes an oscillation circuit, a frequency division circuit, a timing circuit, etc., measures the current date and time, and outputs the measured result to the control unit 101.

[0024] The voice output unit 114 outputs voices, notification sounds (alert sounds), etc. according to the control operation of the control unit 101. The vibrator 115 generates vibrations according to the control operation of the control unit 101.

[0025] The communication unit 116 performs communication control for communicating with an external device. For example, the communication unit 116 connects to the paired mobile terminal 2 via BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or the like and performs data transmission and reception. The mobile terminal 2 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet possessed by the user of the wearable device 1.

[0026] The above analog display unit 104, digital display unit 105, voice output unit 114, and vibrator 115 have a function of outputting a notification (notification information) for improving the charging efficiency of the battery 107 as an output unit.

[0027] Note that the wearable device 1 may be configured to include, for example, a barometer (altimeter), a thermometer, a hygrometer, a pulse sensor, etc.

[0028] [Charging notification operation of the wearable device 1] Next, the charging notification operation of the wearable device 1 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the charging notification process A executed by the control unit 101 in the first embodiment. The charging notification process A is executed by the cooperation of the control unit 101 and the program stored in the storage unit 102 while the power of the wearable device 1 is ON.

[0030] In the charging notification process A, first, the control unit 101 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S1). The predetermined conditions are for implementing a notification (a notification prompting actions to increase the charging efficiency of the battery 107) to increase the charging efficiency of the battery 107. Examples of the predetermined conditions include the following (1) to (4). (1) The arrival of a predetermined timing The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing predetermined and set as the timing for implementing a notification to increase the charging efficiency of the battery 107. For example, the timing when a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous notification, the timing when a predetermined time has arrived, etc. may be mentioned. This timing may also be set by the user's operation of the operation unit 103. (2) The remaining amount of the battery 107 detected by the battery remaining amount detection unit 108 has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (3) A function with high power consumption has been operating continuously for a predetermined time or more Examples of functions with high power consumption include, but are not limited to, a stopwatch function, an altimeter function, etc. A list of functions with high power consumption is stored, for example, in the storage unit 102. (4) It is determined that the situation is suitable for charging For example, information on a sunny time zone is acquired from the mobile terminal 2 or the like, and the case where it is determined that the sunny time zone has arrived may be mentioned.

[0031] When it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not satisfied (step S1; NO), the control unit 101 repeats step S1.

[0032] When it is determined that the predetermined conditions are satisfied (step S1; YES), the control unit 101 acquires, as the light reception environment information, the illuminance information that is the detection result by the illuminance sensor 109 (step S2).

[0033] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the wearable device 1 is indoors or outdoors based on the acquired illuminance information (step S3). For example, when the control unit 101 determines that the acquired illuminance information is less than a predetermined threshold value, it determines that the wearable device 1 is indoors, and when it determines that the illuminance information is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, it determines that the wearable device 1 is outdoors.

[0034] Note that the control unit 101 may also determine whether the wearable device 1 is indoors or outdoors based on the power generation amount of the solar panel 106. In this case, the wearable device 1 does not necessarily need to be provided with an illuminance sensor. The power generation amount of the solar panel 106 can be estimated, for example, from the increase amount of the charge amount of the battery 107, that is, the increase amount of the remaining amount of the battery 107. Therefore, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery 107 increases by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, the control unit 101 determines that the wearable device 1 is outdoors, and when the remaining battery amount of the battery 107 does not increase by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, the control unit 101 may determine that the wearable device 1 is indoors.

[0035] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the wearable device 1 is worn and acquires the determination result (wear information) (step S4). For example, when the output value of the acceleration sensor 110 or the gyro sensor 111 changes, the control unit 101 determines that the wearable device 1 is worn, and when the output value of the acceleration sensor 110 or the gyro sensor 111 does not change, the control unit 101 determines that the wearable device 1 is not worn. Alternatively, when the wearable device 1 is provided with a pulse sensor, it may be determined whether the wearable device 1 is worn based on the output value of the pulse sensor. Or, when the wearable device 1 is provided with a tilt switch, it may be determined whether the wearable device 1 is worn based on the output value from the tilt switch.

[0036] Next, the control unit 101 selects the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the determination results of steps S3 and S4 (step S5).

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the charging notification table 102a in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in the charging notification table 102a, for the combination of the determination result of "worn / not worn" and the determination result of "indoors / outdoors", the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107, which is optimal for the combination, is stored in association. Here, as described above, the types of the wearable device 1 include digital, combo, and analog, and the optimal notification content (notification method) differs depending on the type. For example, when the type of the wearable device 1 is digital, since the area corresponding to the entire surface of the dial 41 in FIG. 2 is the digital display unit 105, it is preferable to display the notification by characters. When the type of the wearable device 1 is combo, although there is a digital display unit 105 but it is narrow, it is preferable to use an icon for notification instead of a character-based notification. When the type of the wearable device 1 is analog, since there is no digital display unit 105, it is not possible to notify by displaying characters or icons. Therefore, when the type of the wearable device 1 is analog, it is preferable to use a notification sound, voice, vibration, movement of the hand (for example, the minute hand 44), etc. for notification. Therefore, in the charging notification table 102a shown in FIG. 4, for each type of the wearable device 1, in association with the combination of the determination result of "worn / not worn" and the determination result of "indoors / outdoors", the notification content for notifying the optimal method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 in the situation of the combination is stored.

[0038] Note that the charging notification table 102a is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4. For example, even when the type of the wearable device 1 is digital or combined, notification may be made by adding a notification sound or vibration. Also, instead of the notification sound, it may be to output the voice of a message indicating a method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107. Further, in FIG. 4, when it is determined that the wearable device 1 exists outdoors (that is, when the illuminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value), no notification is made, but notification may be made. Also, in the case where the type of the wearable device 1 is analog, at least one or a combination (notification content) of a notification sound, vibration, and movement of the hands indicating an optimal method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 may be set (customized) by a user operation. The above modifications are also applicable to the charging notification table 102b described later.

[0039] In step S5, the control unit 101 refers to the charging notification table 102a and selects the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency based on the combination of the determination results in steps S3 and S4 and the type of the wearable device 1. Thereby, the control unit 101 determines the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency. Note that the charging notification table 102a may store, for each type of the wearable device 1, the notification content for notifying the optimal method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 in that situation, associated with the determination result of "worn / not worn". Then, the control unit 101 may refer to the charging notification table 102a and select the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency based on the determination result in step S4 and the type of the wearable device 1.

[0040] Next, the control unit 101 makes a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 with the selected notification content (step S6). For example, based on the selected notification content, the control unit 101 causes the digital display unit 105 to display characters or icons, causes the audio output unit 114 to output a notification sound or voice in a predetermined pattern, causes the vibrator 115 to output vibrations in a predetermined pattern, or causes the hand (for example, the minute hand 44) of the analog display unit 104 to operate in a predetermined pattern.

[0041] In step S6, when the wearable device 1 is worn by the user, the control unit 101 may cause the wearable device 1 to output a notification (display, sound, or vibration output), and when the wearable device 1 is not worn by the user, may cause the mobile terminal 2 to output a notification (display) via the communication unit 116. Thereby, when the user is not wearing the wearable device 1, the user's mobile terminal 2 is notified, so that a method for improving the charging efficiency of the battery 107 can be surely notified to the user.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a notification example when the type of the wearable device 1 is digital and the wearable device 1 is indoors. FIG. 5(a) shows a case where the wearable device 1 is worn by the user, and (b) shows a notification example when the wearable device 1 is not worn. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a notification example when the type of the wearable device 1 is a combination and the wearable device 1 is indoors. FIG. 6(a) shows a case where the wearable device 1 is worn by the user, and FIG. 6(b) shows a notification example when the wearable device 1 is not worn. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the wearable device 1 is indoors, different contents are notified as methods for improving the charging efficiency depending on whether the wearable device 1 is worn or not. For example, when the wearable device 1 is indoors and worn, a message such as "Please turn the screen upward so that the light of the fluorescent lamp hits it" or a fluorescent lamp icon is displayed, but when the wearable device 1 is indoors and not worn, a message such as "Please place it at a position where the sunlight near the window hits" or a sun icon is displayed.

[0043] In this way, since the optimal method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 is notified for the combination of the wearing status of the wearable device 1 by the user and the light-receiving environment of the wearable device 1, the user can charge the wearable device 1 more efficiently.

[0044] Next, the control unit 101 acquires the charging status of the battery 107 after the notification and feeds back the charging status to the user (step S7). For example, the control unit 101 acquires the remaining amount of the battery 107 at the time of notification and the remaining amount of the battery 107 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification. Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the difference obtained by subtracting the remaining amount of the battery 107 at the time of notification from the remaining amount of the battery 107 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification (the increase amount of the remaining amount of the battery 107) exceeds a predetermined threshold value (that is, charging can be performed efficiently), and acquires the determination result as the charging status of the battery 107. Then, the control unit 101 feeds back the charging status of the battery 107 to the user. That is, a notification regarding the charging status is output to the output unit. Note that in the flow of FIG. 3, the charging status is fed back to the user after the notification (step S7), but this step may not be performed.

[0045] As a method of feeding back the charging status of the battery 107 to the user when the increase amount of the remaining amount of the battery 107 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (when charging can be performed efficiently), for example, a message such as "The remaining battery level is increasing smoothly" or an icon indicating that the remaining battery level is increasing smoothly is displayed on the digital display unit 105. Alternatively, a notification sound or vibration in a predetermined pattern indicating that the remaining battery level has increased may be output from the audio output unit 114 or the vibrator 115. Alternatively, a message such as "The remaining battery level of the wearable device 1 is increasing smoothly" may be displayed on the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 116.

[0046] As a method of feeding back to the user the charging status of the battery 107 when the increase amount of the remaining battery level of the battery 107 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (when charging is not efficient), for example, messages such as "The remaining battery level is not increasing smoothly" and "The remaining battery level is decreasing" or an icon indicating that the remaining battery level is not increasing (decreasing) is displayed on the digital display unit 105. Alternatively, a notification sound or vibration in a predetermined pattern indicating that the remaining battery level is not increasing (decreasing) may be output from the audio output unit 114 or the vibrator 115. Alternatively, a message such as "The remaining battery level of the wearable device 1 is not increasing" may be displayed on the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 116.

[0047] In this way, by feeding back to the user the charging status of the battery 107 after notification, the user can recognize the effect (result) of acting (not acting) according to the notification for improving the charging efficiency.

[0048] When the process of step S7 ends, the control unit 101 returns to step S1. The control unit 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1 to S7 until the power of the wearable device 1 is turned off.

[0049] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of selecting the content of the notification for improving the charging efficiency in consideration of the received light environment information such as the weather information of the area where the wearable device 1 is located will be described.

[0050] In the wearable device 1 in the second embodiment, a charging notification table 102b is stored in the storage unit 102.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the charging notification table 102b in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the charging notification table 102b, for each type of the wearable device 1, in association with the combination of "worn / not worn", "indoors / outdoors", and "sunny → rainy / rainy → sunny", the notification content for notifying the optimal method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 in the situation of that combination is stored.

[0052] The configuration of the other wearable device 1 in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description is incorporated by reference, and hereinafter, the operation of the wearable device 1 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0053] In the second embodiment, while the power of the wearable device 1 is ON, the control unit 101 executes the charging notification process B. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the charging notification process B. The charging notification process B is executed by the cooperation of the control unit 101 and the program stored in the storage unit 102.

[0054] First, the control unit 101 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S11). The process of step S11 is the same as that of step S1 in FIG. 3, so the description is incorporated by reference.

[0055] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S11; YES), the control unit 101 executes the processes of steps S12 to S14. The processes of steps S12 to S14 are the same as the processes of steps S2 to S4 in FIG. 3, so the description is incorporated by reference.

[0056] Next, the control unit 101 acquires the weather information up to N hours ahead (N is a positive number, for example, N = 1) in the area where the wearable device 1 is located (step S15). For example, the control unit 101 transmits the position information acquired by the GPS sensor 112 to the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 116, and acquires weather information from the mobile terminal 2 for the area where the wearable device 1 is located up to N hours later. Since the amount of light received by the solar panel 106 varies depending on the weather, the weather information can be included as one of the light reception environment information indicating the light reception environment of the wearable device 1.

[0057] Next, the control unit 101 selects the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the determination results of steps S13 and S14 and the acquired weather information (step S16).

[0058] In step S16, the control unit 101 refers to the charging notification table 102b shown in FIG. 7, and selects the notification content corresponding to the combination of the determination results of steps S13 and S14 and the acquired weather information, and the notification content corresponding to the type of the wearable device 1. That is, the control unit 101 selects the notification content corresponding to the combination of the wearing information (worn / not worn) of the wearable device 1 and the light reception environment information (indoors / outdoors and weather information), and the notification content corresponding to the type of the wearable device 1.

[0059] In step S16, for example, even if the wearing status and the status of whether it is indoors are the same, the optimal charging method selected may be different when the weather is different. For example, even if the wearing information is "worn" and the light reception environment information (indoors / outdoors) is "indoors", in the case of a forecast that it will rain (clear → rain) soon, a notification prompting to turn the screen upward so as to face the fluorescent lamp is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a forecast that it will be sunny (rain → clear) soon, a notification prompting to turn the screen upward so as to face the sunlight near the window is selected.

[0060] Next, the control unit 101 issues a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 with the selected notification content (step S17). Since the process of step S17 is the same as the process of step S6 in FIG. 3, the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] In step S17, even if the wearing status of the wearable device 1 and the status of whether it is placed indoors are the same, different contents are notified as methods for improving the charging efficiency depending on whether it will rain or clear up in the future. For example, when the type of the wearable device 1 is digital or combined and it exists indoors while being worn, if it will rain in the future, a message such as "Please turn the screen upward so that the light of the fluorescent lamp hits it" or a fluorescent lamp icon (see FIGS. 5(a) and 6(a)) is digitally displayed. If it will clear up in the future, a message such as "Please turn the screen upward so that it is exposed to sunlight near the window" or a sun icon (see FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b)) is displayed. Also, for example, when the type of the wearable device 1 is digital or combined and it exists outdoors while being worn, if it will rain in the future, a message "Please move indoors and turn the screen upward so that the light of the fluorescent lamp hits it" (see FIG. 9(a)) or a house icon + fluorescent lamp icon (see FIG. 9(b)) is displayed. However, if it will clear up in the future (that is, when it is expected that the illuminance will be equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold in the current environment), no notification is made. Note that it may also be possible to make a notification even when it will clear up in the future.

[0062] As described above, in the second embodiment, as the light receiving environment of the wearable device 1, not only indoors / outdoors (illuminance) but also the weather is taken into account, and a method for improving the charging efficiency of the battery 107 that is optimal for the wearing status and the light receiving environment is notified. Therefore, the user can charge the wearable device 1 more efficiently.

[0063] Next, the control unit 101 acquires the charging status of the battery 107 and feeds back the charging status to the user (step S18). The process of step S18 is the same as the process of step S7 in FIG. 3, so the description thereof is incorporated by reference.

[0064] When the process of step S18 ends, the control unit 101 returns to step S11. The control unit 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S11 to S18 until the power of the wearable device 1 is turned off.

[0065] In the charging notification process B shown in FIG. 8, an example of notifying a method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 by taking into account not only the indoor / outdoor (illuminance) information but also the weather information of the area where the wearable device 1 is located as the light reception environment information of the wearable device 1 has been described. However, it is also possible to perform the notification by taking into account the position information of the wearable device 1 and the current time information of the area where the wearable device 1 is located as the light reception environment information.

[0066] For example, map information is stored in advance in the storage unit 102, and the control unit 101 acquires the position information of the wearable device 1 obtained from the GPS sensor 112 in addition to the wearing information of the wearable device 1 and the indoor / outdoor information (discrimination result). The control unit 101 determines whether the position where the wearable device 1 exists is an area with poor sunlight (for example, a densely built-up area or a mountainous area) based on the acquired position information and the map information stored in the storage unit 102. Then, the control unit 101 performs a notification of a method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the wearing information of the wearable device 1, the indoor / outdoor information, and the information on the position where the wearable device 1 exists. For example, when it is determined that the wearable device 1 is worn outdoors but the illuminance slightly exceeds the threshold value (within a predetermined range from the threshold value) and the wearable device 1 exists in an area with poor sunlight, the control unit 101 outputs a notification such as "Please move to an open place" or "Please move to a place where indoor light shines" to the digital display unit 105 or the like.

[0067] Further, for example, in addition to the wearing information of the wearable device 1 and the indoor / outdoor information, the control unit 101 acquires the current time information from the timekeeping unit 113. Since the amount of light that the wearable device 1 can receive changes depending on the time, the current time information can be regarded as light reception environment information. Based on the acquired current time information, the control unit 101 determines the current sunlight situation such as whether it is a time when the sun is rising, a time when the sun has not risen, a time when the sun is about to rise, or a time when the sun is about to set. Then, in addition to the wearing information of the wearable device 1 and the indoor / outdoor information, the control unit 101 notifies a method for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the current sunlight situation. For example, when the current time is a time close to sunset and the wearable device 1 is worn outdoors, the control unit 101 outputs a notification such as "Since sunset is approaching, please move to a place where indoor light shines" to the digital display unit 105 or the like.

[0068] As described above, the wearable device 1 includes a solar panel 106 that performs photovoltaic power generation, a battery 107 that stores the power generated by the solar panel 106, and a control unit 101. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 acquires the wearing information of the wearable device 1, determines the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the acquired wearing information, and outputs the notification of the determined content to an output unit such as the digital display unit 105. Therefore, since a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 according to the wearing status of the wearable device 1 by the user is output, the user can charge the wearable device 1 more efficiently.

[0069] Alternatively, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 acquires the wearing information of the wearable device 1 and the light reception environment information of the wearable device 1, determines the content of the notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 based on the acquired wearing information and light reception environment information, and outputs the notification of the determined content to an output unit such as the digital display unit 105. The light reception environment information includes the illuminance information of the wearable device 1 or the information on the power generation amount of the solar panel 106. Therefore, a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 is output according to the combination of the wearing status of the wearable device 1 by the user and the light reception environment information of the wearable device 1. Thus, the user can charge the wearable device 1 more efficiently.

[0070] Further, for example, by including at least one of the position information of the wearable device 1, the weather information of the area where the wearable device 1 is located, or the current time information of the area where the wearable device 1 is located in the light reception environment information, it is possible to output a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 in consideration of the situation, weather, or sunlight situation of the position where the wearable device 1 exists. Thus, the user can charge the wearable device 1 even more efficiently.

[0071] In addition, when a function with power consumption equal to or higher than a predetermined value operates continuously for a predetermined time or more, or when it is detected that the remaining battery level of the battery 107 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 101 causes the output unit such as the digital display unit 105 to output a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107, so that a notification for increasing the charging efficiency of the battery 107 can be output at the timing when the battery 107 needs to be charged.

[0072] In addition, when the wearable device 1 is worn by the user, the control unit 101 causes the output unit such as the digital display unit 105 to output the notification, and when the wearable device 1 is not worn by the user, the control unit 101 causes the user's mobile terminal 2 to output the notification via the communication unit 116. Thus, even when the user is not wearing the wearable device 1, it is possible to surely confirm the notification.

[0073] In addition, after causing the output unit to output the notification, the control unit 101 acquires the charging status of the battery 107 and causes the output unit such as the digital display unit 105 to output a notification regarding the charging status of the battery 107. Thus, the user can recognize the effect (result) of acting (not acting) according to the notification.

[0074] In addition, since the notification is output by at least one of characters, icons, the movement of the hands of the clock provided in the wearable device 1, sound, or vibration, it is possible to surely output the notification by a notification method corresponding to the wearable device 1.

[0075] Note that the description content in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the wearable device 1 according to the present invention and is not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, in the above embodiment, basically, the notification is output by the output unit provided in the wearable device 1, and when the user is not wearing the wearable device 1, it has been described that the notification is displayed on the user's mobile terminal 2. However, the output destination of the notification is not limited to this example. For example, it may be possible to output the notification from both the wearable device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, or it may be possible to output the notification only from the mobile terminal 2. Whether to output the notification from either the wearable device 1 or the mobile terminal 2 or from both may be customizable by the user through operations on the operation unit 103 or the like.

[0077] Also, it is possible to change the way of notification according to the remaining amount of the battery 107. For example, when the remaining amount of the battery 107 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the vibration may be made stronger or the notification sound may be made louder than when it exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the wearable device 1 is worn on the user's arm is taken as an example for explanation. However, the wearable device 1 is not limited to being worn on the arm and may be worn on other parts. Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the wearable device 1 is a wristwatch is taken as an example for explanation. However, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a device worn by the user and is powered by the power supplied from a secondary battery that stores the power generated by a solar panel.

[0079] In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the wearable device 1, it can be appropriately changed within a range not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is determined based on the description in the claims. Furthermore, an equivalent scope in which changes not related to the essence of the present invention are made from the description of the claims is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0081] 1 Wearable device 101 Control unit 102 Storage unit 102a, 102b Charge notification table 103 Operation unit 104 Analog display unit 105 Digital display unit 106 Solar panel 107 Battery 108 Battery level detection unit 109 Illuminance sensor 110 Acceleration sensor 111 Gyro sensor 112 GPS sensor 113 Timing unit 114 Audio output unit 115 Vibrator 116 Communication unit 117 Bus 2 Portable terminal

Claims

1. A solar panel that performs photovoltaic power generation, A secondary battery that stores the electric power generated by the solar panel, A control unit, An output unit, A wearable device comprising: The control unit: When a predetermined condition is satisfied, acquires wearing information, which is information on whether the wearable device is worn by the user, determines the content of notification information regarding charging of the secondary battery based on the wearing information, and causes the output unit to output the notification information having the determined content. A wearable device.

2. The control unit: Based on the acquired wearing information, determines the content of notification information for prompting an action to increase the charging efficiency of the secondary battery, and causes the output unit to output the notification information having the determined content. The wearable device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit: When the predetermined condition is satisfied, acquires light reception environment information of the wearable device, determines the content of notification information for prompting an action to increase the charging efficiency of the secondary battery based on the wearing information and the light reception environment information, and causes the output unit to output the notification information having the determined content. The wearable device according to claim 1.

4. The light reception environment information includes illuminance information of the wearable device or information on the power generation amount of the solar panel. The wearable device according to claim 3.

5. The light reception environment information further includes at least one of position information of the wearable device, weather information of the region where the wearable device is located, or current time information of the region where the wearable device is located. The wearable device according to claim 3.

6. The control unit: When a function with power consumption equal to or higher than a predetermined value operates continuously for a predetermined time or longer, causes the output unit to output the notification information. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 3.

7. The control unit: When it is detected that the remaining battery level of the secondary battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, causes the output unit to output the notification information. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 3.

8. Comprising a communication unit, The control unit: When the wearable device is worn by the user, causes the output unit to output the notification information, and when the wearable device is not worn by the user, causes the notification information to be output by the user's mobile terminal via the communication unit. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 3.

9. The control unit: After causing the output unit to output the notification information, obtain the charging status of the secondary battery, and cause the output unit to output notification information regarding the charging status of the secondary battery. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 3.

10. The output unit outputs the notification information by at least one of characters, icons, movement of a needle provided in the wearable device, sound, or vibration. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 3.

11. A solar panel that performs photovoltaic power generation, A secondary battery that stores the electric power generated by the solar panel, An output unit, A computer of a wearable device including When a predetermined condition is satisfied, obtain wearing information which is information on whether the wearable device is worn by a user, determine the content of notification information regarding charging of the secondary battery based on the wearing information, and cause the output unit to output the notification information of the determined content. Notification method.

12. A solar panel that performs photovoltaic power generation, A secondary battery that stores the electric power generated by the solar panel, An output unit, In a computer of a wearable device including When a predetermined condition is satisfied, obtain wearing information which is information on whether the wearable device is worn by a user, determine the content of notification information regarding charging of the secondary battery based on the wearing information, and cause the output unit to output the notification information of the determined content. A program for causing the execution of the process.

Images