Electronic device, control method for electronic device, and program

Abstract

This tool determines the orientation and mounting status of electronic devices. [Solution] The wristwatch 100, as an electronic device, has a temperature sensor 5 as a biosensor that acquires biological information when the watch body 1 is worn. The temperature sensor 5 includes a first sensor 5A as a first biosensor that acquires biological information at least at a first position, and a second sensor 5B as a second biosensor that acquires biological information at a second position which is a different position from the first position. The wristwatch 100 is equipped with a CPU 61 that functions as a comparison means for comparing the biological information obtained by the first sensor 5A and the biological information obtained by the second sensor 5B, and a determination means for estimating the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 based on the comparison result by the comparison means.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electronic device (a wrist device) worn on the wrist such as a wristwatch is configured to perform display and the like assuming that it is worn on the back side of the left wrist in accordance with a general wearing tendency. In this regard, for example, in Patent Document 1, in order to solve the problem of difficulty in operation when an electronic device configured on the premise of being worn on the left wrist is worn on the right wrist, an electronic device that determines whether the electronic device is worn on the right wrist or the left wrist is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for example, even when an electronic device is worn on the left wrist, depending on the position of the operation unit and the like, the protruding part such as a button may hit the wrist or the skin, which may be troublesome. Some users may want to change the wearing state, such as changing the wearing orientation of the electronic device. In this regard, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is only possible to determine whether the electronic device is worn on the left hand or the right hand, and it is not possible to determine the wearing state such as whether the electronic device is worn on the back side of the hand or the palm side of the hand.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a program that can determine the orientation in which the electronic device is mounted and its mounting state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the electronic device according to the present invention has a biosensor that acquires biological information when the device body is attached, and the biosensor includes a first biosensor that acquires biological information at least at a first position and a second biosensor that acquires biological information at a second position which is a position different from the first position, and is characterized by comprising a comparison means for comparing the biological information obtained by the first biosensor and the biological information obtained by the second biosensor, and a determination means for estimating the attachment state of the electronic device based on the comparison result by the comparison means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the orientation in which an electronic device is mounted and to identify its mounting status. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a wristwatch being worn on the wrist. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view of the wristwatch as seen from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing a wristwatch worn on the wrist with the watch body positioned on the back of the hand. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view showing a wristwatch worn on the wrist with the watch body positioned towards the palm of the hand. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a fist viewed from the tip. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an example of body surface temperature when the temperature is measured at various points around the wrist. [Figure 7] This is an example of a table showing the correspondence between temperature sensors that showed high detection results and the expected wearing conditions of a wristwatch. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the various ways in which a wristwatch can be worn. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between wearing a wristwatch on the left hand and wearing it on the right hand. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of the main components showing the functional configuration of a wristwatch according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure in the first control pattern of the wristwatch according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure in the second control pattern of the wristwatch according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the control procedure in an exceptional control pattern of the wristwatch according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of how the display can be reversed depending on whether the watch is being worn. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a design for when a wristwatch is worn on the back of the hand. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a palm-wearing design displayed on the screen when the watch is worn on the palm side of the hand. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the electronic device, control method for the electronic device, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. The electronic device according to the embodiment is a wrist device worn on the arm (wr, see Figure 2). In the following embodiment, the case in which the electronic device is a wristwatch 100 will be described as an example. Although the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wristwatch 100 in the embodiment comprises a watch body 1, which is the main body of the device, and a band 3 for attaching the watch body 1 to the wrist Wr. The watch body 1 comprises a main body case 11 made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or titanium, ceramic, or various synthetic resins. The material used to form the main body case 11 is not limited to those exemplified herein. Furthermore, while Figure 1 and others illustrate a watch body 1 with a roughly rectangular shape and a rectangular main body case 11, the shape of the watch body 1 is not limited to this. For example, the watch body 1 may have a circular or elliptical shape in its outer form and a main body case 11 that is circular or elliptical in plan view.

[0011] In this embodiment, the display screen 121 of the display unit 12 is provided on the front side (visible side) of the main body case 11. In this embodiment, the display unit 12 displays information digitally, and the display screen 121 can display the date and time (current time), various illustrations, photographs, etc. as appropriate. The main body case 11 also has an operation unit 13 on its outer periphery. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, one operation unit 13 is provided on the side of the main body case 11. The number, shape, and arrangement of the operation units 13 are not limited to the illustrated example. The operation unit 13 is, for example, a push button that generates an operation instruction signal when pressed, and various operation instructions such as time setting instructions and display screen 121 switching instructions can be input by the user. The operation instructions input from the operation unit 13 are output to and received by the CPU 61 (see Figure 10), which will be described later. A touch panel may be integrally provided on the display screen 121 of the display unit 12. In this case, the touch panel also functions as an operation unit.

[0012] A band 3 is attached to the main body case 11, and the timepiece main body 1 including the main body case 11 is configured to be worn on the arm (wrist Wr). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the band 3 is provided on one end side (e.g., the 12 o'clock side in an analog watch) and the other end side (e.g., the 6 o'clock side in an analog watch) of the timepiece main body 1, respectively. When wearing the wristwatch 100 which is an electronic device, the side where the timepiece main body 1 (device main body) is arranged around the wrist Wr, that is, in FIG. 1, the same side where the timepiece main body 1 is arranged (the back side of the hand of the wrist Wr in the example of FIG. 1) is defined as the "first side" (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the band 3, and the side different from this "first side" (the palm side of the hand of the wrist Wr in the example of FIG. 1) is defined as the "second side" (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the band 3. The band 3 includes a band main body 31 (see FIG. 2) formed of various synthetic resins such as urethane and rubber. Note that the material forming the band main body 31 is not limited to this. The band main body 31 may be formed of various leathers, synthetic leathers, etc.

[0013] In an embodiment, the wristwatch 100 has a biosensor that acquires biological information in a state where the timepiece main body 1 is worn on the wrist Wr by the band 3. For example, the biosensor is provided on the band main body 31. In an embodiment, the biosensor is, for example, a temperature sensor 5 configured by a thermistor or the like and acquires the temperature of the body surface as biological information. The position where the temperature sensor 5 is provided is not particularly limited, but in order to detect the temperature of the body surface, the temperature sensor 5 is arranged by being adhered to the inner surface (the surface contacting the wrist Wr) of the band main body 31, being embedded near the inner surface inside the band 3, or the like. Note that the specific configuration, arrangement, installation method, etc. of the temperature sensor 5 are not particularly limited. In an embodiment, the wristwatch 100 includes a first sensor (the first sensor 5A in FIG. 3) that acquires the temperature (biological information) of the body surface at least at a first position, and a second sensor that acquires biological information at a second position which is a different position from the first position in the circumferential direction of the wrist (for example, the second sensor 5B in FIG. 3).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, around the human arm, particularly around the wrist Wr where the wristwatch 100 is worn, there mainly exist the radial artery BV1 and the ulnar artery BV2. The radial artery BV1 is an artery that runs along the radial side (the part close to the thumb) of the wrist joint. Also, the ulnar artery BV2 is an artery that descends along the ulna on the little finger side of the forearm. Among these, the radial artery BV1 is a blood vessel through which the blood sent from the heart to the arteries of the whole body in response to the heartbeat of the heart passes and is relatively thick. Also, usually, the part where the radial artery BV1 passes has little subcutaneous fat, and the radial artery BV1 also exists in a part where the subcutaneous fat is shallow. That is, as schematically shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, when the distance from the radial artery BV1 to the body surface around the wrist Wr is separated by a distance D1, the distance from the ulnar artery BV2 to the body surface around the wrist Wr is separated by a distance D2, and D1 < D2. Therefore, among the body surface around the wrist Wr, the temperature of the part close to the radial artery BV1 is generally higher than that of other parts. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when looking at the hand from the tip side of the fist and setting the positions around the wrist Wr as the palm side A, B and the back side C, D of the hand, and the middle parts as AD, BA, CB, DC respectively, when measuring the body surface temperature at each position of AD, BA, CB, DC, the body surface temperature at AD and BA close to the radial artery BV1 is nearly 1 degree higher than the body surface temperature at CB and DC (see FIG. 6). In the embodiment, one of the first position and the second position is set as a position close to the radial artery BV1 on the circumferential surface of the wrist Wr.

[0015] For example, in the case shown in Figure 2, the first sensor 5A is a biosensor located closest to the radial artery BV1 and positioned at the first position. The second sensor 5B, located near the ulnar artery BV2, is a biosensor positioned at a second position, which is a different position from the first position in the circumferential direction of the wrist Wr. In the example shown in Figure 2, both the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B are located on the second side of the wrist Wr, different from the first side where the watch body 1 is located, when the wristwatch 100 is worn (see Figures 2 to 4). In addition to the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B located on the second side, the wristwatch 100 of this embodiment is also provided with similar biosensors (third sensor 5C and fourth sensor 5D) on the first side where the watch body 1 is located. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the third sensor 5C and the fourth sensor 5D are located at two different locations around the wrist Wr, flanking the watch body 1. In this embodiment, the third sensor 5C and the fourth sensor 5D are also biosensors positioned at a second position, which is a different position in the circumferential direction of the wrist Wr from the first position where the first sensor 5A is located. That is, the wristwatch 100 in this embodiment is equipped with a total of four biosensors: one biosensor positioned at the first position (first sensor 5A) and three biosensors positioned at the second position (second sensor 5B to fourth sensor 5D). In this embodiment, the detection results (detected temperature information) detected by the temperature sensor 5 (first sensor 5A to fourth sensor 5D) are output to the CPU 61.

[0016] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the wrist Wr is schematically divided into four regions: the first region Ara and the second region Arb on the palm side, and the third region Arc and the fourth region Ard on the back of the hand, the radial artery BV1 is located in the first region Ara on the palm side, and the ulnar artery BV2 is located in the second region Arb on the palm side. Therefore, when a temperature sensor 5 is placed around the wrist Wr, the temperature sensor 5 that detects the temperature of the body surface corresponding to the first region Ara will show the highest value. The temperature sensor 5 corresponding to the first region Ara changes depending on the wearing state of the wristwatch 100. Here, the "wearing state" of the wristwatch 100 refers to the orientation and position of the watch body 1, which is the main body of the device. In other words, the "wearing state" is whether the watch body 1 is positioned in the correct or reversed position on the back of the hand, or whether the watch body 1 is positioned in the correct or reversed position on the palm side of the wrist. When the wristwatch 100 is worn on the wrist Wr, specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, there are four patterns for wearing it on the left hand and four patterns for wearing it on the right hand. As shown in Figure 7, the temperature sensor 5 corresponding to the first region Ara, where the radial artery BV1 is located, changes depending on the wearing pattern of the wristwatch 100.

[0017] For example, when the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the back of the left hand (S1 in Figures 7 and 8, the wearing state shown in Figures 1 to 3), the first sensor 5A is positioned to correspond to the first region Ara where the radial artery BV1 is located. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the detection result by the first sensor 5A is higher than that of the other temperature sensors 5. Also, for example, when the watch 100 is worn in the correct position on the palm of the left hand (T1 in Figures 7 and 8), the third sensor 5C is positioned to correspond to the first region Ara where the radial artery BV1 is located (see Figure 4). In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the detection result by the third sensor 5C is higher than that of the other temperature sensors 5. Furthermore, for example, when the watch 100 is worn in the reverse position on the back of the left hand (S2 in Figures 7 and 8), the second sensor 5B is positioned to correspond to the first region Ara where the radial artery BV1 is located. In this case, the detection result by the second sensor 5B is higher than that of the other temperature sensors 5. Furthermore, for example, if the watch 100 is worn in reverse on the palm side of the left hand (T2 in Figures 7 and 8), the fourth sensor 5D is positioned in a location corresponding to the first region Ara where the radial artery BV1 is located. In this case, the detection result from the fourth sensor 5D will be higher than that of the other temperature sensors 5.

[0018] Furthermore, when the wristwatch 100 is worn on the right hand, for example, when it is worn in the correct position on the back of the right hand (U1 in Figures 7 and 8), the first sensor 5A is positioned in the same location as when the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the back of the left hand (S1 in Figures 7 and 8), corresponding to the first region Ara where the radial artery BV1 is located. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the detection result by the first sensor 5A is higher than that of the other temperature sensors 5. The same applies to the cases where the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the palm of the right hand (V1 in Figures 7 and 8), in the reverse position on the back of the right hand (U2 in Figures 7 and 8), and in the reverse position on the palm of the right hand (V2 in Figures 7 and 8), as with the left hand wearing patterns S1, T1, S2, and T2. In other words, as shown in Figure 9, when the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left hand and when it is worn on the right hand, the S1 on the left hand and U1 on the right hand, which are the wearing patterns when the wristwatch is worn in the correct position on the back of the hand, can be considered as if the wristwatch has moved along a single arm, and the position of the radial artery BV1 is common. The same applies to T1 on the left hand and V1 on the right hand, S2 on the left hand and U2 on the right hand, and T2 on the left hand and V2 on the right hand, and the temperature sensor 5 which shows a high detected temperature as shown in Figure 7 is common. For this reason, it is not possible to determine whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left hand or the right hand based solely on the detection result of the temperature sensor 5. In this regard, the wristwatch 100 may also be equipped with an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor, etc., which are not shown. In this case, by detecting movement in the arm with these sensors, it becomes possible to determine whether the arm on which the wristwatch 100 is worn is the left hand or the right hand. As a specific method for determining whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left or right hand, for example, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-052778 can be used.

[0019] Next, the functional configuration of the wristwatch 100 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 10, in addition to the display unit 12, operation unit 13, and temperature sensor 5 described above, the wristwatch 100 has a CPU 61 (Central Processing Unit) as a control unit and a memory 62 composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown). The CPU 61 is a computer that performs various calculations as a processor and also provides overall control over the operation of the wristwatch 100. The memory 62 stores various programs executed by the CPU 61 and various data used by those programs. In this embodiment, for example, a table associating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 and the wearing state, as shown in Figure 7, is stored in the memory 62. These programs and data are read, referenced, and used by the CPU 61 as needed. Note that it is not essential that the memory 62 of the wristwatch 100 stores a table as shown in Figure 7. The CPU 61 may perform processing (described later) according to the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 without using a table.

[0020] The wristwatch 100 also has an oscillator circuit 63, a frequency divider circuit 64, and a timing circuit 65 (timing unit) for obtaining date and time (current time) information. The oscillator circuit 63 generates a predetermined frequency signal and outputs it to the frequency divider circuit 64. The frequency divider circuit 64 divides the frequency signal input from the oscillator circuit 63 and generates a signal with a frequency set by a control signal from the CPU 61 and outputs it to the CPU 61. The frequency divider circuit 64 also generates a predetermined frequency signal (for example, a 1-second signal) and outputs it to the timing circuit 65. The timing circuit 65 is a counter that counts the input frequency signal to count the date and time (current time). This counter is not limited to a counter circuit as a hardware configuration, but may also be a RAM that stores the date and time counted in software by the CPU 61.

[0021] Furthermore, the CPU 61 functions as a display control means for controlling the operation of the display unit 12. The display unit 12 includes a display screen 121, which is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OEL), or another flat display, and a display control circuit 122 that controls the display of the display screen 121. The display control circuit 122 controls the display of the display screen 121 based on control signals input from the CPU 61. As a result, the date and time (current time) counted by the timing circuit 65 is displayed on the display screen 121. In particular, in this embodiment, the CPU 61 controls the display unit 12 to switch the display depending on the wearing state of the wristwatch 100. The switching of the display will be explained in detail later. The CPU 61, which is the control unit, also accepts input operations from the operation unit 13.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 61 functions as a comparison means and a determination means to determine the wearing state of the wristwatch 100. The wearing state of the wristwatch 100 is one of S1, T1, S2, T2, U1, V1, U2, or V2 in Figures 7 and 8, as described above. As described above, the CPU 61 receives detection results (detected temperature information) from the temperature sensors 5 (first sensor 5A to fourth sensor 5D), and the CPU 61 acquires these detection results (detected temperature information). As a comparison means, the CPU 61 compares the detected detection results (biological information obtained from the first biological sensor and biological information obtained from the second biological sensor) for at least two of the temperature sensors 5 (biosensors). The CPU 61 as a determination means estimates the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 based on the comparison results from the comparison means.

[0023] For example, if the CPU 61, acting as a comparison means, compares the detection information from the first sensor 5A with the detection information from the second sensor 5B and obtains a comparison result indicating that the temperature detected by the first sensor 5A is higher than that detected by the second sensor 5B, the CPU 61, acting as a determination means, will estimate based on this comparison result whether the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the back of the left hand (in the case of S1) or on the back of the right hand (in the case of U1).

[0024] Specifically, the CPU 61 reads a mapping table, such as the one shown in Figure 7, from memory 62, and estimates the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 according to which temperature sensor 5 has determined to have a high temperature. If the wristwatch 100 is further equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc., the CPU 61 may also take into account information from these sensors to determine whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left hand (i.e., in case S1) or on the right hand (i.e., in case U1). Furthermore, if the user has predetermined whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left or right hand, the CPU 61 may determine accordingly whether the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the back of the left hand (in case S1) or on the back of the right hand (in case U1). In addition, if the wristwatch 100 is equipped with multiple temperature sensors 5 (biosensors) as in the embodiment, the CPU 61 may compare the detection results of two of these temperature sensors 5 (first sensor 5A and second sensor 5B in the embodiment), or it may compare the detection results of all of the temperature sensors 5 (first sensor 5A to fourth sensor 5D).

[0025] Next, the operation and control method of the wristwatch 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16, etc. In this embodiment, the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 is determined, and the display of the display unit 12 is switched accordingly. There are several patterns for switching the display, such as a first pattern inverting the display upside down according to the wearing state, and a second pattern switching the display content according to the wearing state. First, when controlling with the first pattern, as shown in Figure 11, the CPU 61 has each temperature sensor 5 (first sensor 5A, second sensor 5B, third sensor 5C, fourth sensor 5D) measure the temperature and obtain the measurement result (detected temperature) (step S1). Then, as a comparison means, the CPU 61 compares the measurement results (detected temperature) of each temperature sensor 5 (first sensor 5A, second sensor 5B, third sensor 5C, fourth sensor 5D) (step S2), and determines whether the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D is higher than the others (step S3).

[0026] If the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D, among the multiple temperature sensors 5 located at different positions around the wrist Wr, is higher than the others (step S3; YES), the CPU 61, as a determination means, determines that the position where the temperature sensor 5 detected a higher response (higher temperature) is a position on the circumferential surface of the wrist Wr that is close to the radial artery BV1, and estimates the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 from this determination result. That is, if the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D is high, the CPU 61 estimates (determines) the wearing state that the wristwatch 100 is being worn in the reverse position. Specifically, if the temperature detected by the second sensor 5B is high, whether the wristwatch 100 is being worn on the left hand or the right hand, the wristwatch 100 is being worn in the reverse position on the back of the hand (S2 or U2 in Figures 7 and 8). Furthermore, if the temperature of the fourth sensor 5D is high, it means that the watch 100 is worn upside down on the palm side, regardless of whether the watch 100 is worn on the left or right hand (T2 or V2 in Figures 7 and 8). As shown in Figure 8, in the cases of S2 or U2 or T2 or V2, when the display unit 12 is viewed, the display appears upside down from the user's perspective (see the center diagram in Figure 14, and the states of S2, U2, T2, and V2 in Figure 5), making it difficult to check the time, etc. For this reason, if the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D is higher than the others, the CPU 61 controls the display unit 12 to invert the display (see the right diagram in Figure 14) (step S4). On the other hand, if the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D is not higher than the others (step S3; NO), the display unit 12 displays the information as is without inverting it (see the left diagram in Figure 14).

[0027] Next, when controlling using the second pattern, as shown in Figure 12, the CPU 61 causes each temperature sensor 5 (first sensor 5A, second sensor 5B, third sensor 5C, fourth sensor 5D) to measure the temperature and obtains the measurement result (detected temperature) (step S11). Then, as a comparison means, the CPU 61 compares the measurement results (detected temperatures) of each temperature sensor 5 (first sensor 5A, second sensor 5B, third sensor 5C, fourth sensor 5D) (step S12) and determines whether the temperature detected by either the third sensor 5C or the fourth sensor 5D is higher than the others (step S13).

[0028] If the temperature detected by either the third sensor 5C or the fourth sensor 5D, among the multiple temperature sensors 5 located at different positions around the wrist Wr, is higher than the others (step S13; YES), the CPU 61, as a determination means, determines that the position where the temperature sensor 5 detected a higher response (higher temperature) is a position on the circumferential surface of the wrist Wr that is close to the radial artery BV1, and estimates the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 from this determination result. That is, if the temperature detected by either the third sensor 5C or the fourth sensor 5D is high, the CPU 61 estimates (determines) the wearing state that the wristwatch 100 is worn on the palm side. Specifically, if the temperature detected by the third sensor 5C is high, whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the left hand or the right hand, the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the palm side (T1 or V1 in Figures 5 and 6). Furthermore, if the temperature of the fourth sensor 5D is high, it means that the watch 100 is worn in the reverse position on the palm side, regardless of whether the watch 100 is worn on the left or right hand (T2 or V2 in Figures 7 and 8). As shown in Figure 8, in the cases of T1 or V1 or T2 or V2, the watch body 1 is positioned on the inside of the wrist Wr, and the display screen 121 is only visible to the wearer unless the wrist Wr is twisted. In this case, the CPU 61 controls the display unit 12 to show a different display (palm-side wearing design, see Figure 16) than the display when the watch body 1 is positioned on the back of the hand (back-of-hand wearing design, see Figure 15, etc.) (step S14). Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 16, images of pets or photos of hobbies are displayed. On the other hand, if the temperature detected by either the third sensor 5C or the fourth sensor 5D is not higher than the others (step S13; NO), the CPU 61 displays an image on the display unit 12 for when the watch body 1 is positioned on the back of the hand (see Figure 15, etc.) (step S15). The images to be displayed for back-of-the-hand and palm-of-the-hand displays are pre-stored in, for example, memory 62. For example, multiple types may be prepared, allowing the user to arbitrarily set their preferred image.

[0029] The image displayed on the display unit 12 when the watch body 1 is worn on the back of the hand (back of hand wearing design) is a simple design that makes it easy to check the date and time and can be displayed without feeling out of place in the workplace, as shown in Figure 15, for example. In contrast, the image displayed on the display unit 12 when the watch body 1 is worn on the palm of the hand (palm wearing design) is an image that minimizes the display of the date and time, as shown in Figure 16, for example, and allows preferred designs, photos, illustrations, etc., to occupy a large portion of the display screen 121. By switching the display content depending on how the wristwatch 100 is worn—whether the watch body 1 is positioned on the back of the hand where it is easily visible to others, or on the palm of the hand where it is difficult to see from the outside and easily visible only to the user—it is possible to enjoy two different ways of using one watch, for example, by positioning the watch body 1 on the back of the hand and displaying the back of hand wearing design while at work, and positioning the watch body 1 on the palm of the hand and displaying the palm wearing design while on vacation, etc.

[0030] In contrast to the above, for some people, the detection result of the temperature sensor 5 may not match the location of the radial artery BV1. For example, depending on the thickness of the arm, the amount of muscle, the amount of fat, etc., the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 at the location corresponding to the radial artery BV1 may not be higher than elsewhere, or conversely, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 in a part that does not correspond to the radial artery BV1 may be higher than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 5 at the location corresponding to the radial artery BV1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, for example, when the display is inverted when the temperature detected by either the second sensor 5B or the fourth sensor 5D is higher than elsewhere (steps S21 to S24 in Figure 13), the user is further asked to decide whether the inversion of the display is appropriate or not. That is, if the image inverted in step S24 is appropriate, the user approves the inversion of the display by operating the operation unit 13 or the like. The CPU 61 determines whether the display inversion has been approved by the user (step S25). If approved (step S25; YES), the inverted display is maintained. On the other hand, if the display inversion has not been approved by the user (step S25; NO), the CPU 61 changes the display inversion setting of the display unit 12. In this case, the display inversion rule is changed, for example, to invert the display when the temperature detected by the first sensor 5A or the third sensor 5C is high. The user may be able to input and set under what detection conditions each temperature sensor 5 displays in the correct orientation, and under what conditions the display is inverted. Although Figure 13 illustrates the case of display inversion, user approval may be similarly required when switching the display between the back-of-the-hand design and the palm-of-the-hand design.

[0031] Furthermore, the control in the first pattern and the control in the second pattern do not necessarily have to be performed separately and independently. For example, the two controls may be combined, such as switching the display content depending on whether the wristwatch 100 is worn on the back of the hand or on the palm side, and then inverting the display if it is determined that it is being worn in the reverse position. In addition, the user may set the system not to perform the display inversion control, or not to switch the display content between the back of the hand and the palm side. If the user arbitrarily makes such a setting, the CPU 61 controls the display of the display unit 12 according to the user's setting.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, the watch body 1, which is the main body of the device, has a temperature sensor 5 which is a biosensor that acquires temperature information as biological information when the watch body is worn. The temperature sensor 5 includes a first biosensor (e.g., first sensor 5A) that acquires temperature information at least at a first position, and a second biosensor (e.g., second sensor 5B) that acquires temperature information at a second position which is different from the first position. The watch body 100 is equipped with a CPU 61 which functions as a comparison means for comparing the temperature information obtained by the first biosensor (e.g., first sensor 5A) and the temperature information obtained by the second biosensor (e.g., second sensor 5B), and a determination means for estimating the wearing state of the watch 100, which is an electronic device, based on the comparison result by the comparison means. As a result, the wearing state can be automatically determined simply by putting the watch 100 on the wrist Wr, without the user having to set or make any decisions themselves.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the watch body 1 is attached to the wrist Wr by the band 3, and the second position is a different position from the first position in the circumferential direction of the wrist Wr. For example, if the first position is on the back of the hand and the second position is on the palm side, and biological information can be acquired by the biosensor on the palm side but not on the back of the hand, it becomes possible to determine the wearing status of the wristwatch 100 based on whether or not biological information was acquired by the biosensor and the content of the acquired biological information (such as high or low temperature).

[0034] Furthermore, the CPU 61, acting as a determination means, determines that the position where the temperature sensor 5 detects a higher reaction (higher temperature) among the first and second positions is a position on the circumferential surface of the wrist Wr that is close to the radial artery BV1, and estimates the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 from this determination result. If the temperature sensor 5 located near the radial artery BV1 can be identified from the temperature difference with other parts, it is possible to estimate the wearing state, such as the orientation in which the wristwatch 100 is worn.

[0035] In this embodiment, the biosensor is a temperature sensor 5, and the bioinformation obtained by the biosensor is body surface temperature information. Near the radial artery BV1, the body surface temperature is higher than in other areas. Therefore, by obtaining temperature information, the positional relationship with the radial artery BV1 can be determined.

[0036] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 5 is provided on the band 3 and is positioned on a second side (see Figures 3 and 4) different from the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned around the wrist Wr, at least when the watch 100 is being worn. This allows us to determine, for example, that if the temperature detected by the first sensor 5A in Figures 2 to 4 is higher than the others, the watch 100 is being worn in the correct position on either the left or right hand. Similarly, if the temperature detected by the second sensor 5B in Figures 2 to 4 is higher than the others, the watch 100 is being worn in the reverse position on either the left or right hand. Furthermore, if there is no difference in the temperatures detected by the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B, it can be determined that neither the first sensor 5A nor the second sensor 5B is located near the radial artery BV1, and the watch body 1 is being worn on the palm side, where the first side is located, is close to the radial artery BV1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 5 is provided on the band 3 and is positioned on both the first side where the watch body 1 is located around the wrist Wr when the wristwatch 100 is worn, and on a second side different from the first side (see Figures 3 and 4). This allows for a greater number of situations in which the position of the radial artery BV1 can be determined, compared to when the temperature sensor 5 is provided only on the second side, and enables a more reliable estimation of the wearing state. Specifically, if the watch is worn on the palm side, where the first side where the watch body 1 is located is close to the radial artery BV1, the presence of the temperature sensor 5 on the first side allows for the determination that the temperature sensor 5, which detects a higher temperature, is close to the radial artery BV1. This enables not only the distinction between wearing the watch on the back of the hand or the palm side, but also the estimation (determination) of whether it is worn in the correct or reversed position.

[0038] In other words, for example, if the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B are located on the second side, and the third sensor 5C and the fourth sensor 5D are located on the first side, if the temperature detected by the third sensor 5C or the fourth sensor 5D is higher than the others, it can be determined that the wristwatch 100 is worn on either the left or right palm side. Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the fourth sensor 5D is higher than the others, it can be estimated that the wristwatch 100 is worn in the reverse position. Note that if, for example, there is only one temperature sensor 5 located on the first side, such as the third sensor 5C, and the temperature detected by the third sensor 5C on the first side is higher than that detected by the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B on the second side, it can be determined that the wristwatch 100 is worn in the correct position on the palm side. Also, if the temperatures detected by the first sensor 5A and the second sensor 5B are approximately the same as the temperature detected by the third sensor 5C, it can be determined that the wristwatch 100 is worn in the reverse position on the palm side. Similarly, even if the temperature sensor 5 located on the second side is a single first sensor 5A, and the third sensor 5C and fourth sensor 5D are located on the first side, by comparing the temperatures detected by these three temperature sensors 5, it is possible to distinguish whether the device is worn on the back of the hand or the palm, as well as to estimate (determine) whether it is worn in the correct or reversed position. Furthermore, if there is one temperature sensor 5 on both the first and second sides (for example, only the third sensor 5C on the first side and only the first sensor 5A on the second side), it may not be possible to estimate (determine) whether the device is worn in the correct or reversed position. However, since the radial artery BV1 is located closer to the palm than to the back of the hand, it is possible to estimate that the side showing a higher detected temperature is the palm side.

[0039] In this embodiment, the CPU 61, acting as a determination means, determines that if a higher reaction is detected by the temperature sensors 5 (first sensor 5A, second sensor 5B) located on a second side (see Figures 3 and 4) different from the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned around the wrist Wr when the watch 100 is being worn, the second side is positioned closer to the radial artery BV1. Conversely, if a higher reaction is detected by the temperature sensors 5 (third sensor 5C, fourth sensor 5D) located on the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned, the first side is positioned closer to the radial artery BV1. Based on these determinations, the CPU 61 estimates (determines) the wearing state of the watch 100. In this way, the CPU 61 can estimate (determine) the wearing state of the watch 100, such as whether the watch body 1 is positioned on the back of the hand or on the palm side of the wrist Wr, based on the detected temperature information.

[0040] Furthermore, the watch body 1 in the embodiment includes a display unit 12 having a display screen 121, and the CPU 61 may function as a display control means that inverts the display shown on the display screen 121 according to the estimation result as a determination means. This allows the display to be automatically changed (inverted) to an orientation that is easy for the user to see, for example, in the cases of the left hand back reversed position (S2), left hand palm reversed position (T2), right hand back reversed position (U2), and right hand palm reversed position (V2) as shown in Figure 5.

[0041] Furthermore, the CPU 61 in this embodiment may also function as a display control means that switches the display content to be shown on the display screen 121 according to the estimation result as a determination means. This allows the CPU 61 to automatically determine the wearing state and display different images on the display unit 12 depending on whether the wristwatch 100 is worn with the watch body 1 positioned on the back of the hand as shown in Figure 15 or with the watch body 1 positioned on the palm of the hand as shown in Figure 16. Therefore, it becomes possible to enjoy different displays depending on how the wristwatch 100 is worn.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in the above embodiment, when the wristwatch 100 is equipped with three or more temperature sensors 5 (for example, four sensors from the first sensor 5A to the fourth sensor 5D) as shown in the embodiment, the CPU 61 as a comparison means compares all of these detection results and selects the temperature sensor 5 that detected the highest temperature as the comparison result. However, the method of comparison by the CPU 61 as a comparison means is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 61 as a determination means may compare the detection results of any two temperature sensors 5, such as the detection information from the first sensor 5A and the detection information from the second sensor 5B. Furthermore, a predetermined temperature threshold may be set in advance, and the CPU 61 as a comparison means may determine that the temperature sensor 5 that detected a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold among the temperatures detected by each temperature sensor 5 is located in close proximity to the radial artery BV1. In other words, in this case, the CPU 61 may determine that the temperature sensor 5 that detected the highest temperature corresponds to the location of the radial artery BV1, and estimate the wearing state of the wristwatch 100 based on the correspondence table shown in Figure 7. It should be noted that there are expected to be individual differences in body surface temperature near the radial artery BV1. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature threshold be set and customized in the wristwatch 100 by the user beforehand, such as by taking measurements.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the biosensor is exemplified as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the body surface as biological information, but the biosensor is not limited to a temperature sensor and can be any sensor capable of determining the position of the radial artery BV1. For example, the biological information obtained by the biosensor may be a pulse detected on the body surface. In this case, the biosensor may be various pulse wave sensors, vibration sensors capable of capturing the heartbeat, etc. The radial artery BV1 is an artery that is widely used when measuring pulse rate, and even if the biosensor detects a pulse, the position of the radial artery BV1 can be determined by the biosensor, similar to the example of the temperature sensor shown in the embodiment. This allows the CPU 61 to determine the wearing state of the wristwatch 100.

[0044] Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates a case where there are two or more biosensors, it is not essential to have multiple biosensors. For example, if a biosensor acquires pulsation detected on the body surface as biological information, only one biosensor may be provided. In this case, for example, when wearing the wristwatch 100, one biosensor is provided on a second side of the wrist Wr that is different from the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned. The radial artery BV1 is located on the palm side of the wrist, and pulsation cannot be detected on the back of the hand, which is far from the radial artery BV1. Therefore, if pulsation can be detected by the biosensor provided on the second side, it can be determined that the second side is the palm side of the wrist, and the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned is the back of the wrist. Conversely, if pulsation cannot be detected by the biosensor provided on the second side, it can be determined that the biosensor is on the back of the wrist, and the watch body 1 is positioned on the palm side.

[0045] Furthermore, although the embodiment illustrates a case where the temperature sensor 5, which is a biosensor, is provided on the band 3, the location where the biosensor is provided is not limited to this. The biosensor may be provided on a part other than the band 3. For example, when the wristwatch 100 is worn, the biosensor provided on the first side where the watch body 1 is positioned around the wrist Wr may be provided on the back side of the watch body 1 (the side that contacts the wrist Wr), etc.

[0046] Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates the case where the electronic device is a wristwatch 100, the electronic device is not limited to a wristwatch and can be any wrist device worn on a person's wrist Wr. For example, the electronic device may be a pedometer, heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer, or a so-called smartwatch.

[0047] Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates the case where the electronic device is a wristwatch 100, the electronic device can be anything that a person wears on their body, and may be worn on a part of the body other than the wrist Wr, such as the ankle.

[0048] Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrates a case where the biosensor determines the position of the radial artery BV1 from biological information such as temperature and pulse, the biosensor is not limited to this. For example, if the electronic device is attached to a part other than the wrist Wr, such as the ankle, the system may acquire biological information obtainable at that location (ankle, etc.), and the CPU 61, etc., may estimate the attachment state of the electronic device based on this information.

[0049] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1...Watch body (device body), 5...Temperature sensor (biosensor), 5A...First sensor (first biosensor), 5B...Second sensor (second biosensor), 61...CPU (comparison means, determination means), 100...Wristwatch (electronic device)

Claims

1. The device has a biosensor that acquires biological information while the device is attached. The biosensor includes a first biosensor that acquires biological information at least at a first position, and a second biosensor that acquires biological information at a second position which is a position different from the first position. A comparison means for comparing biological information obtained by the first biological sensor with biological information obtained by the second biological sensor, A determination means for estimating the mounting state of the electronic device based on the comparison results by the comparison means, It is equipped with An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The device body is attached to the wrist by a band, The second position is a different position from the first position in the circumferential direction of the wrist. The electronic device according to feature 1.

3. The determination means determines that the position in which the biosensor detects a higher response among the first and second positions is a position on the circumferential surface of the wrist that is close to the radial artery, and estimates the wearing state of the electronic device from this determination result. The electronic device according to feature 1.

4. The biological information obtained by the aforementioned biological sensor is the temperature of the body surface. The electronic device according to feature 1.

5. The biological information obtained by the biosensor is a pulsation detected on the body surface. The electronic device according to feature 1.

6. The biosensor is provided on the band, At least when the electronic device is worn, it is positioned on a second side of the wrist that is different from the first side on which the device body is positioned. The electronic device according to feature 2.

7. The biosensor is provided on the band, When the aforementioned electronic device is worn, the first side on which the device body is positioned around the wrist and the second side, which is different from the first side, are respectively positioned. The electronic device according to feature 2.

8. The determination means determines that if a higher reaction is detected by the biosensor provided on the second side of the biosensor, the second side is positioned closer to the radial artery, and if a higher reaction is detected by the biosensor provided on the first side of the biosensor, the first side is positioned closer to the radial artery, and estimates the mounting state of the electronic device from the determination result. The electronic device according to feature 7.

9. The determination means estimates whether the electronic device is positioned on the back of the hand side of the wrist or on the palm side of the wrist. The electronic device according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned device body includes a display unit that displays a screen, The system further includes a display control means that inverts the display shown on the display screen according to the estimation result obtained by the determination means. The electronic device according to feature 1.

11. The aforementioned device body includes a display unit that displays a screen, The system further includes a display control means for switching the display content to be displayed on the display screen according to the estimation result of the determination means. The electronic device according to feature 1.

12. A control method for an electronic device having a biosensor that acquires biological information while the device body is attached to the wrist by a band, The biosensor includes a first biosensor that acquires biometric information at least at a first position, and a second biosensor that acquires biometric information at a second position which is a different position from the first position in the circumferential direction of the wrist. A biological information acquisition step of acquiring biological information obtained by the first biological sensor and biological information obtained by the second biological sensor, A comparison step for comparing the biological information obtained by the biological information acquisition step, A determination step is performed to estimate the mounting state of the electronic device based on the comparison results in the comparison step, Includes, A method for controlling electronic equipment characterized by the following features.

13. An electronic device having a biosensor that acquires biological information when the device body is attached to the wrist by a band, wherein the biosensor includes a first biosensor that acquires biological information at least at a first position, and a second biosensor that acquires biological information at a second position which is a different position in the circumferential direction of the wrist from the first position, and the computer of the electronic device, Acquisition means for acquiring biological information obtained by the first biological sensor and biological information obtained by the second biological sensor, A means of comparison for comparing acquired biometric information. A determination means for estimating the mounting state of electronic equipment based on the comparison results obtained by the comparison means, To make it function as A program characterized by the following features.

Images