Electronic apparatus, notification control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic device, a notification control method, and a program that allow a user to know contents of a notification at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: At a timing at which a notification for prompting learning is provided (S1), an electronic device acquires position information (S2). If a current position is not in a learning facility (NO in S3) and a user is in a learning state (YES in S4), the electronic device provides a notification for prompting learning (S5). If there is a suspending operation by the user (YES in S6) and when there is an instruction to register the current position as a learning facility (YES in S8), the electronic device registers the current position in a learning facility DB (S9), and then starts suspending a notification (S10). Upon elapse of a predetermined suspension duration (S11), notification interval recalculation is performed (S12), and the processing for the position information acquisition (S2) and the subsequent steps is repeated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a notification control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A learning support device has been disclosed that determines whether or not a safety action has been taken if the location information is within a designated area and notifies the result of the determination, but does not notify the result of the action determination if the location information is outside the designated area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-054870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the specifications described in Patent Document 1, for example, if a setting is made so that notifications are not sent outside a designated area, notifications that were not sent outside the designated area will not be sent even if the user later enters the designated area from outside the designated area. Therefore, the user will not be able to know the content of the notifications that were not sent later.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to enable a user to know the content of a notification at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a notification unit and a control unit, and the control unit determines whether the electronic device is in a notification-enabled state at the timing when the notification unit is to make a notification regarding learning, and if it determines that the electronic device is not in the notification-enabled state, it does not make the notification unit make the notification regarding learning at that timing, and next time it determines that the electronic device is in the notification-enabled state, it makes the notification unit make the notification regarding learning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a user to know the content of a notification at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an electronic device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic device of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a learning process executed by the control unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for registering a current location as a learning facility. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a sign indicating that a notification prompting learning has not been given is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] First, the configuration of an electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic device 1 has a wristwatch-type (wristwatch-type) appearance and includes a device main body 101 equipped with a display unit 14 for displaying predetermined information to a user, and a belt unit 102 for attaching the device main body 101 to the user's wrist by wrapping it around the user's wrist. The electronic device 1 is equipped with a learning application 121, allowing the user to use the electronic device 1 to learn.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 1 is configured to include a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 15, a timing unit 16, a communication unit 17, an audio output unit 18, a vibrator 19, and a sensor unit 20, and each unit is connected via a bus 21.

[0012] The control unit 11 is a computer that includes at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the electronic device 1. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 11 reads out a designated program from among the system programs and various applications (application programs) stored in the storage unit 12, expands it in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded program.

[0013] The storage unit 12 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 stores the system program of the electronic device 1, various application programs, and data required for executing the programs. The storage unit 12 is not limited to being built into the electronic device 1, and may include an external recording medium that is detachable from the electronic device 1.

[0014] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores a learning application 121. There are no particular limitations on the subjects and fields for which the learning application 121 provides learning. The storage unit 12 also stores a learning facility DB (Data Base) 122. The learning facility DB 122 is a database that stores location information of learning facilities registered for users.

[0015] The operation unit 13 is composed of push button switches, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 14, etc. The operation unit 13 outputs to the control unit 11 an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the push button switch by the user or an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the touch panel.

[0016] The display unit 14 is configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and performs display based on the control operation of the control unit 11. In Fig. 1, the display unit 14 is illustrated as being substantially circular, but the shape of the display unit 14 is not limited to this.

[0017] The GPS receiving unit 15 includes a GPS antenna and receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites to detect (geographical) position information of the electronic device 1, which is composed of latitude and longitude, and outputs the information to the control unit 11.

[0018] The timekeeping unit 16 includes an oscillation circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, a timekeeping circuit, etc., and measures the current date and time and outputs the measured time to the control unit 11. The communication unit 17 controls communication with an external device.

[0019] The audio output unit 18 outputs audio, notification sounds, etc. in accordance with the control operation of the control unit 11. The vibrator 19 generates vibrations in accordance with the control operation of the control unit 11.

[0020] The sensor unit 20 is configured to include a three-axis acceleration sensor, a three-axis gyro sensor, and the like, and acquires measurement data such as acceleration and angular velocity as user behavior information and outputs it to the control unit 11.

[0021] Next, the operation of the electronic device 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the electronic device 1, the control unit 11, in cooperation with the learning application 121, causes at least one of the display unit 14, the audio output unit 18, and the vibrator 19, which serve as a notification unit, to issue a notification encouraging the user to study at a predetermined timing, and presents questions in response to the user's operation. However, if a notification occurs while the user is studying in a learning facility such as a school or cram school, it may disrupt the user's learning at the learning facility. On the other hand, for example, it is conceivable to delete the notification when the notification timing arrives while the electronic device 1 is inside the learning facility so that the notification is not issued within the school facility. However, in this case, the user cannot later find out the content of the missed notification, which reduces learning opportunities. 3 in cooperation with the learning application 121, the control unit 11 determines whether the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state at the timing when the notification unit is to issue a notification encouraging learning, and if it determines that the electronic device 1 is not in a notification-enabled state, for example, if it determines that the electronic device 1 is inside a learning facility, or if it determines that the electronic device 1 is outside the learning facility but the user is not in a learning-enabled state, the control unit 11 does not issue a notification, and instead issues a notification the next time it determines that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state. This allows notifications encouraging learning to be issued at appropriate times, preventing a situation in which the user is unable to know the content of a notification that was not issued and thereby reducing learning opportunities.

[0022] The learning process will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. In the learning process, first, control unit 11 determines whether it is time to send a notification encouraging learning (step S1). For example, in learning application 121, the timing for sending a notification encouraging learning is set at predetermined time intervals (e.g., longer time intervals of one hour to several hours) within a predetermined time period of one day (e.g., from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM). That is, the notification timing is set so that a notification encouraging learning is sent a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period of one day. Note that the predetermined time period of one day can be arbitrarily set by the user. Alternatively, control unit 11 can analyze a time period during which learning is performed based on the learning status of learning application 121 and set it as the predetermined time period. Control unit 11 determines whether it is time to send a notification encouraging learning based on the timing information of timing unit 16.

[0023] If it is determined that it is not time to send a notification prompting learning (step S1; NO), the control unit 11 repeats the process of step S1. If it is determined that it is time to send a notification prompting learning (step S1; YES), the control unit 11 acquires current location information from the GPS receiving unit 15 (step S2).

[0024] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the current location of the electronic device 1 is within the learning facility (within the area of ​​the learning facility) based on the acquired location information (step S3). For example, the control unit 11 accesses a server such as a map site on the Internet via the communication unit 17, acquires information on the location indicated by the acquired location information, and determines whether the current location of the electronic device 1 is within the learning facility. If there is no information on the acquired location information on the server, the control unit 11 refers to the learning facility DB 122 and determines whether the current location of the electronic device 1 is within the learning facility. Note that if there is no information on the current location information on either the server or the learning facility DB 122, the control unit 11 determines that the current location of the electronic device 1 is not within the learning facility.

[0025] If it is determined that the current location of the electronic device 1 is not within a learning facility (step S3; NO), the control unit 11 acquires user behavior information from the sensor unit 20 and determines whether the user is ready to learn based on whether the acquired behavior information satisfies a predetermined condition (step S4). For example, if the control unit 11 determines that the behavior information acquired from the sensor 20 satisfies a condition indicating that the user is performing a predetermined behavior (e.g., stopping (standstill) or riding public transportation), it determines that the user is ready to learn. If it determines that the user is not performing a predetermined behavior (e.g., not stopping or riding public transportation), it determines that the user is not ready to learn. Alternatively, if a predetermined time has passed since it was determined that the user's current location is not within a learning facility, the control unit 11 may consider that the user's movement has ended and determine that the user is ready to learn.

[0026] If it is determined that the user is ready to study (step S4; YES), the control unit 11 causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to study (step S5). For example, the control unit 11 causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging the user to study by displaying notification information urging the user to start studying (for example, a message such as "Let's study English words" shown in FIG. 1) on the display unit 14, outputting a predetermined notification sound from the audio output unit 18, or generating vibrations from the vibrator 19.

[0027] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined operation to instruct the user to suspend learning has been performed on the operation unit 13 (step S6). If it is determined that a predetermined operation to instruct the user to suspend learning has not been performed on the operation unit 13 (step S6; NO), the control unit 11 causes the user to continue learning (step S7). In step S7, for example, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a question screen showing a question (e.g., an English word), and if a predetermined operation to instruct the user to display an answer (e.g., a Japanese translation of the English word) is performed on the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display an answer screen. When a predetermined operation indicating that the answer screen has been confirmed is performed on the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 moves on to the next question. This process is repeated for a predetermined number of questions, and when the set number of questions have been asked, the control unit 11 ends the learning. When the learning ends, the control unit 11 returns to step S1.

[0028] When it is determined that a predetermined operation to instruct suspension of learning has been performed on the operation unit 13 (step S6; YES), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen inquiring the user as to whether or not to register the current location (present place) as location information of the learning facility, as shown in FIG. 4 (step S8). Here, for example, in the case of a small learning facility such as a private cram school, it is conceivable that information is not available on a server such as a map site. However, if a notification encouraging learning is generated by the electronic device 1 at a cram school or the like, it would disrupt classes. Therefore, when suspension of learning is instructed, the control unit 11 inquires the user as to whether or not to register the current location as location information of the learning facility. The user can register the current location as location information of the learning facility in the learning facility DB 122 by performing a predetermined operation (for example, operating a predetermined switch) on the operation unit 13 to instruct registration of the current location as location information of the learning facility.

[0029] If it is determined that a predetermined operation to instruct the current location to be registered as location information of the learning facility has not been performed on the operation unit 13 (step S8; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that a predetermined operation to instruct the current location to be registered as location information of the learning facility has been performed on the operation unit 13 (step S8; YES), the control unit 11 registers the current location information acquired in step S2 in the learning facility DB 122 (step S9), and proceeds to step S10.

[0030] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the current location is within a learning facility (step S3; YES), or if it is determined in step S4 that the user is not in a state where they can learn (step S4; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S10.

[0031] In step S10, the control unit 11 suspends the notification prompting the user to learn (step S10). That is, the notification prompting the user to learn is not sent at this timing. At this time, the display unit 14 may display a sign indicating that the notification prompting the user to learn was not sent. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 11 displays a sign such as "Pending" on the display unit 14. This allows the user to know that the reason the notification was not sent is not because of a malfunction but because the notification was on hold. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined hold time has elapsed (step S11). The predetermined hold time is a short time, for example, one minute to several minutes. If the control unit 11 determines that the predetermined hold time has not elapsed (step S11; NO), the control unit 11 returns to step S11. If the control unit 11 determines that the predetermined hold time has elapsed (step S11; YES), the control unit 11 recalculates the time interval for sending the notification prompting the user to learn (step S12). The control unit 11 recalculates the time interval for issuing notifications urging learning based on, for example, the remaining time in the specified time slot on that day and the remaining number of notifications (notifications urging learning) to be issued on that day. As a result, the time interval for issuing notifications urging learning becomes shorter than the preset time interval. Note that if the calculated time interval is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (if it is too short), the number of notifications may be reduced.

[0032] When the recalculation of the time interval for sending notifications encouraging learning is completed, the control unit 11 returns to step S2. Until it is determined in step S3 that the current location is not within a learning facility and it is determined in step S4 that the user is ready to learn, the control unit 11 suspends the notification encouraging learning for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, repeats recalculation to narrow the notification interval. If it is determined in step S3 that the current location is not within a learning facility and it is determined in step S4 that the user is ready to learn, the control unit 11 sends a notification encouraging learning. From this point on, from the timing of this notification, the control unit 11 makes the determination in step S1 using the time interval recalculated in step S12, and executes the processes of steps S1 to S12. While the learning application 121 is running, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1 to S12.

[0033] As described above, when the notification unit is to issue a notification encouraging a user to study, the control unit 11 determines whether the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state. If the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is not in a notification-enabled state, the control unit 11 does not issue a notification encouraging a user to study at the timing when the notification unit is to issue the notification encouraging a user to study. For example, when the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is inside a learning facility, or if the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is outside the learning facility but the user is not in a state where they can study, the control unit 11 does not issue a notification. The control unit 11 then issues a notification when the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state. This allows the user to know the content of the notification at an appropriate time. It also prevents notifications from being issued at inappropriate times. For example, it prevents a notification encouraging a user to study from being issued when the user is studying in a learning facility, thereby disrupting the user's study in the learning facility. It also prevents a notification encouraging a user to study from being issued when the user is not in a state where they can study.

[0034] Furthermore, control unit 11 causes the notification unit to issue a notification prompting learning (a first notification prompting learning) and a subsequent notification prompting learning (a second notification prompting learning) at a predetermined time interval, but if the notification unit does not issue the first notification prompting learning at the timing when it should be issued because it determines that electronic device 1 is not in a notification-enabled state, control unit 11 sets the predetermined time interval to be shorter than the predetermined time interval. Therefore, control unit 11 can issue all notifications that were not issued at the timing when it should have issued the notification prompting learning.

[0035] The above-described embodiment is a preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0036] For example, the timing of the notification prompting study in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not limited to the above. For example, in the above embodiment, a notification is not sent when the user is inside a learning facility. However, the user may register a time period such as lunch break as a notification-enabled time period in advance, and a notification may be sent even when the user is inside the learning facility during that time period. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the content of the notification regarding study is a notification prompting study, but this is not limited to this. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first area is an area that includes a predetermined learning facility, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to controlling the timing of notification of receipt of emails, etc., when the first area is a workplace area.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is outside the learning facility and determines that the user of the electronic device 1 is ready to study (the user's behavior information satisfies a predetermined condition), the control unit 11 determines that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state and causes the electronic device 1 to issue a notification encouraging the user to study. However, the notification-enabled state is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit 11 may determine that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state when it determines that the electronic device 1 is outside the learning facility, or may determine that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state when it determines that the user of the electronic device 1 is ready to study. Furthermore, as described above, even if the electronic device 1 is outside the learning facility, the control unit 11 may determine that the electronic device 1 is in a notification-enabled state when it is within a predetermined notification-enabled time period.

[0038] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the questions are English words and the answers are Japanese translations, but the questions and answers are not limited to this. For example, questions may be asked on any subject or field, such as era names and historical events that occurred in those eras, kanji characters and their pronunciation, or simple calculation problems.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the content of the notification is the same every time, but the content of the notification may be different depending on the timing. For example, if the learning application 121 allows learning of multiple subjects, the control unit 11 may cause the notification unit to issue different notifications, such as "Let's learn English vocabulary" or "Let's learn history," depending on the timing of the notification, and the user may study the subject corresponding to the notification.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 is described as a wristwatch-type terminal, but is not limited to a wristwatch-type terminal as long as it is carried by the user. For example, the electronic device 1 may be a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, in the above description, examples have been disclosed in which semiconductor memory, HDD, etc. are used as computer-readable media for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be used as other computer-readable media. Furthermore, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0042] The above describes embodiments of the electronic device, notification control method, and program of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 electronic device, 11 control unit, 14 display unit, 18 audio output unit, 19 vibrator

Claims

1. An electronic device, A notification unit; a control unit, The control unit determining whether the electronic device is in a notification-enabled state at a timing when the notification unit is to issue a notification regarding learning; When it is determined that the electronic device is not in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is not caused to give the notification regarding the learning at the timing, and when it is next determined that the electronic device is in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is caused to give the notification regarding the learning. electronic equipment.

2. The control unit determining whether the electronic device is located within a first area based on location information of the electronic device at a timing when the notification unit issues a notification regarding the learning; If it is determined that the electronic device is outside the first area, it is determined that the electronic device is in the notification enabled state. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. a sensor for acquiring behavioral information of a user of the electronic device; The control unit determining whether the behavior information acquired by the sensor satisfies a predetermined condition at a timing when the notification unit issues a notification regarding the learning; If the behavior information satisfies the predetermined condition, it is determined that the electronic device is in the notification enabled state. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit causing the notification unit to issue a notification regarding the first learning and a notification regarding the second learning at predetermined time intervals; If the notification unit does not issue a notification regarding the first learning at a timing when the notification regarding the first learning should be issued, the predetermined time interval is set to be shorter than the predetermined time interval. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

5. The first area is an area including a predetermined learning facility. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

6. A display unit is provided, When the control unit causes the display unit to display the notification regarding the learning, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen for registering a current location as the learning facility. The electronic device according to claim 5 .

7. A display unit is provided, When the control unit has not caused the notification regarding the learning to be made, the control unit causes the display unit to display a sign indicating that the notification regarding the learning has not been made. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

8. A notification unit; A notification control method in an electronic device including a control unit, The control unit determining whether the electronic device is in a notification-enabled state at a timing when the notification unit is to issue a notification regarding learning; When it is determined that the electronic device is not in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is not caused to give the notification regarding the learning at the timing, and when it is next determined that the electronic device is in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is caused to give the notification regarding the learning. Notification control methods.

9. A computer of an electronic device having a notification unit, determining whether the electronic device is in a notification-enabled state at a timing when the notification unit is to issue a notification regarding learning; When it is determined that the electronic device is not in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is not caused to give the notification regarding the learning at the timing, and when it is next determined that the electronic device is in the notification-enabled state, the notification unit is caused to give the notification regarding the learning. A program for executing a process.

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