Wearable device, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To adjust the situation to its appropriate state. [Solution] The wearable device comprises a magnetic sensor (31), a switch (32), a power supply (33), a measuring unit (34), and an MCU (35). The magnetic sensor (31) outputs a low signal when it detects a magnetic field and a high signal when it no longer detects a magnetic field. The switch (32) turns on the wearable device by connecting the power supply (33) to the MCU (35) in response to a high signal input from the magnetic sensor (31). The MCU (35) detects from the measurement value in the measuring unit (34) that the wearable device is in a usable state and that a user has put it on, and in response, fixes the signal output from the magnetic sensor (31) to a high signal, thereby keeping the wearable device in a constantly usable state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program, and particularly to a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program that can be set to an appropriate state according to the situation.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant of the present application has developed a wearable device that detects heat stroke by detecting that a state where the deep body temperature is above a predetermined temperature continues for a predetermined time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this specification, the entire specification, claims, and drawings of Patent Document 1 are incorporated by reference.

[0003] In the above wearable device, an activation pin is provided on the side surface of the device body, and when the user presses the activation pin and inserts it into the wearable device, the internal switch on the substrate is turned on to activate the device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Once the above activation pin is inserted into the wearable device, it becomes difficult to remove it due to the mechanism, so it has the advantages of preventing the user from accidentally turning it off and ensuring waterproof performance. On the other hand, once the wearable device is turned on, it becomes difficult to turn it off again, so it is impossible to check the activation in the completed state, and complex quality control is required. For this reason, the conventional wearable device also has a problem that its assembly and inspection are costly.

[0006] Additionally, there were issues such as users forgetting to press the activation pin, resulting in the wearable device not starting up, or the activation pin not being inserted properly, potentially compromising the waterproof performance.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program that can be set to an appropriate state according to the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a wearable device (1) according to a first aspect of the present invention is a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, and is characterized by comprising: a signal output unit (31) that, in response to the fulfillment of a first condition, changes the output signal from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first level, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable; and a control unit (35) that, in response to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition, makes the wearable device (1) usable at all times.

[0009] In the above-described wearable device (1), the control unit (35) may, upon detecting that the user has put on the wearable device (1) which is in an usable state, determine that the second condition has been met and set the wearable device (1) to a state where it can be used at all times.

[0010] The wearable device (1) may further include a fixed switch (11), and the control unit (35) may determine that the second condition is met when the user turns on the fixed switch (11) of the wearable device (1) which is in an usable state, and then set the wearable device (1) to a state where it can be used at all times.

[0011] In the above-described wearable device (1), the signal output unit (31) may be a magnetic sensor that outputs a first-level signal when it detects a magnetic force, and outputs a second-level signal when it no longer detects the magnetic force, indicating that the first condition has been met.

[0012] The wearable device (1) described above may further include a magnetic seal (5) attached near the signal output unit (31), and the signal output unit (31) may output the second level signal when the seal (5) is peeled off and the magnetic force from the seal (5) is no longer detected.

[0013] The wearable device (1) may be inserted into a package (6), the package (6) having a magnetic portion near the signal output section (31) of the inserted wearable device (1), and the signal output section (31) may output the second level signal when the wearable device (1) is removed from the package (6) and the magnetic force from the package (6) is no longer detected.

[0014] The wearable device (1) described above may further include a power supply (33) that supplies power, and a switch (32, 112) that, in response to the input of the second level signal from the signal output unit (31), connects the power supply (33) to the control unit (35) and supplies power, thereby turning on the wearable device (1) and putting it into the usable state.

[0015] In the above-described wearable device (1), the control unit (35) may determine whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level, and if it determines that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level, it may, in response to the second condition being met, make the wearable device (1) ready for use at all times.

[0016] In the above-described wearable device (1), the control unit (35) may, in response to the fulfillment of the second condition, fix the signal output from the signal output unit (31) to the second level signal, thereby keeping the wearable device (1) in a state where it is always usable.

[0017] The wearable device (1) described above may further include a measurement unit (34) that measures the biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device (1), and the control unit (35) may be configured to detect from the measurement values ​​of the measurement unit (34) that the user is wearing the wearable device (1).

[0018] To achieve the above objective, a control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, characterized in that a signal output unit (31) makes the wearable device (1) usable by changing the signal it outputs from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level in response to the fulfillment of a first condition, and a control unit (35) makes the wearable device (1) usable at all times in response to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, a program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer of a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, which is equipped with a signal output unit (31) that, in response to the fulfillment of a first condition, changes the signal it outputs from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first-level signal, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable, to perform a procedure to determine whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a second-level signal, and, if it is determined that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a second-level signal, to make the wearable device (1) usable at all times in response to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition. [Effect of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program that can be set to an appropriate state according to the situation. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view showing a configuration example of the wearable device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the device main body according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the function of the magnetic sensor. [Figure 4] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the device main body before the user wears it and when no magnetic force is detected, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the device main body before the user wears it and when magnetic force is detected. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the state of the wearable device at the time of shipment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing another example of the state of the wearable device at the time of shipment. s [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the device main body after the user wears it. [Figure 8] It is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the device main body according to Modification 1. [[ID=u37]] [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the control process executed by the device main body according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] (a) is a front view showing a configuration example of the device main body according to Modification 2, and (b) is a side perspective view showing a configuration example of the device main body according to Modification 2. [Figure 11] It is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the device main body according to Modification 2. <u [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the device main body according to Modification 2. [[ID=5u0]][Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0022] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention.

[0023] First, the configuration of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The wearable device according to this embodiment is one that can be worn by a user and consists of electronic devices such as a smartwatch or other wristwatch.

[0025] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example configuration of a wearable device according to this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the wearable device 1 comprises a band 2 and a device body 3. In this embodiment, when the wearable device 1 is worn, the side of the device body 3 that contacts the user's wrist is the back surface, the opposite side (the side with the touchscreen) is the front surface, the surfaces where the band 2 and the device body 3 are joined are the top and bottom surfaces, and the remaining surfaces are the sides.

[0027] Band 2 is for attaching the wearable device 1. The user can attach the wearable device 1 by wrapping Band 2 around their wrist so that the back of the device body 3 faces inward.

[0028] The main device 3 consists of electronic components such as various sensors, a touchscreen, wireless communication equipment, operation buttons, a speaker, and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). Under the control of the MCU, the main device 3 measures the user's core body temperature, blood pressure, and other biological information using sensors, displays it on the touchscreen, and wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the device body according to this embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the device body 3 comprises a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 32, a power supply 33, a measurement unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0031] The magnetic sensor 31 is composed of materials such as a Hall element, a magnetic impedance element, and a coil.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the function of the magnetic sensor.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(a), the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a low-level (first-level) signal (hereinafter referred to as the "low signal") while the magnet 4 is nearby and detecting a magnetic force from the magnet 4, and as shown in Figure 3(b), in response to the magnet 4 moving away and no longer detecting a magnetic force (the first condition being met), it outputs a high-level (second-level) signal (hereinafter referred to as the "high signal").

[0034] When the magnetic sensor 31 receives a fixed signal from the MCU 35, it fixes the signal it outputs.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(c), when the magnetic sensor 31 is outputting a high signal, if a fixed signal is input from the MCU 35, the output signal is fixed to a high signal. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 3(d), even when the magnet 4 approaches and detects the magnetic force, the output signal does not become a low signal but remains a high signal.

[0036] The switch 32 is composed of semiconductor switches such as MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), bipolar transistors, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors, SiC (Silicon Carbide) transistors, relay switches, and regulators.

[0037] Switch 32 does not connect the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 while a low signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31, that is, while the magnet 4 is near the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 is detecting a magnetic force from the magnet 4.

[0038] Subsequently, when a high signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31, that is, when the magnet 4 moves away from the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 no longer detects magnetic force, the switch 32 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35.

[0039] The power supply 33 is composed of, for example, a general-purpose primary or secondary battery. The power supply 33 is connected to the MCU 35 by the switch 32 and supplies power to the MCU 35. As a result, the wearable device 1 is activated and turned on.

[0040] As the magnet 4 moves away from the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 no longer detects magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a high signal, the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected by the switch 32, and the wearable device 1 turns on. In other words, when the wearable device 1 is on, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal.

[0041] The measuring unit 34 is a sensor unit that includes, for example, a general-purpose temperature sensor composed of a thermistor whose resistance value changes with temperature, or a general-purpose heat flow sensor composed of a Peltier element, and measures biological information such as the temperature of the user's body surface and the heat flow from deep within the user's brain and organs while wearing the wearable device 1.

[0042] The MCU35 is powered by the power supply 33, uses RAM (Random Access Memory) as work memory, and controls various operations of the device body 3 by appropriately executing various programs stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) and the storage unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the MCU 35 determines whether or not the user is wearing the wearable device 1 based on the temperature, heat flow rate, etc. (measured values) measured by the measurement unit 34. If the MCU 35 determines that the user is wearing the wearable device 1, it supplies a fixing signal to the magnetic sensor 31 to fix the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31.

[0044] When a fixed signal is supplied from the MCU 35 to the magnetic sensor 31, the wearable device 1 is naturally on, and therefore the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is always a high signal. For this reason, when the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is fixed by the fixed signal, it is always fixed as a high signal. As a result, the wearable device 1 remains on until power is no longer supplied from the power supply 33 due to battery depletion or other reasons, and is not turned off by environmental noise such as the user unexpectedly coming close to a magnet 4 or other magnetic object, thus remaining in a state where it can be used at all times.

[0045] After the wearable device 1 is ready for continuous use, the MCU 35 performs measurement processing. Specifically, the MCU 35 measures the user's core body temperature based on the temperature and heat flow rate measured by the measurement unit 34, and measures the user's blood pressure based on the measurement values ​​of the optical sensor included in the measurement unit 34. The MCU 35 then displays the user's core body temperature, blood pressure, and other biometric information obtained from the measurements on the touchscreen or wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0046] Next, the operation of a wearable device having the above configuration will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0047] Figure 4(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the device's operation before user attachment and when no magnetic force is detected, and Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the device's operation before user attachment and when magnetic force is detected.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4(a), after the wearable device 1 is completed but before shipment, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is not fixed because it has not been worn by a user. In this case, if the magnet 4 is far enough away that the magnetic sensor 31 cannot detect its magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 will be a high signal, and the wearable device 1 will turn on.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), if the magnet 4 is brought close enough for the magnetic sensor 31 to detect its magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a low signal, and the wearable device 1 turns off.

[0050] This allows for an inspection process to be implemented at the factory after the wearable device 1 is completed, before shipment, in which the wearable device 1 can be checked to ensure that it switches on and off correctly by moving the magnet 4 closer or further away, and that the wearable device 1 starts up correctly.

[0051] Thus, unlike conventional wearable devices that are turned on by pressing a difficult-to-reach activation pin, wearable device 1 can be tested to see if it starts up properly in its completed state.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the state of a wearable device as it is shipped.

[0053] Then, once it is confirmed that the device starts up normally in the above inspection process, as shown in Figure 5, the wearable device 1 is shipped off with a magnetic seal (hereinafter referred to as "magnetic seal") 5 attached to the vicinity of the magnetic sensor 31 of the device body 3, which has magnetic force similar to that of the magnet 4. In this case, when a user receives the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, they peel off the magnetic seal 5, and the wearable device 1 turns on and becomes usable because its magnetic sensor 31 can no longer detect the magnetic force from the magnetic seal 5.

[0054] Figure 6 shows another example of a wearable device in its factory-shipped state.

[0055] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the wearable device 1 is shipped after being inserted into a package 6 on which a magnetic seal 5 is attached to the area near the magnetic sensor 31 when inserted, and is turned off. In this case, when a user receives the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, if they remove the wearable device 1 from the package 6 with the magnetic seal 5 attached, the wearable device 1 will turn on and become usable because its magnetic sensor 31 can no longer detect the magnetic force from the package 6.

[0056] In this way, when a user obtains the wearable device 1 and begins using it, they can turn on (power on) the wearable device 1 through natural actions such as peeling off the magnetic seal 5 or taking it out of the package 6 to which the magnetic seal 5 is attached, thus preventing them from forgetting to turn on the wearable device 1.

[0057] Furthermore, since wearable device 1 can be turned on (powered on) by an external magnetic switch function, such as keeping magnetic objects like magnetic seals 5 and packages 6 away, it does not require an activation pin, unlike conventional wearable devices. As a result, wearable device 1 can guarantee waterproof performance before and after use by the user, thus improving its waterproof performance compared to conventional wearable devices.

[0058] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device after it has been attached to the user.

[0059] Subsequently, in response to detecting that the user has put on the wearable device 1 which is ready for use (the second condition has been met), the MCU 35 supplies a fixed signal to the magnetic sensor 31, as shown in Figure 7, and fixes the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 to a high signal.

[0060] With this internal circuit configuration, wearable device 1 can be kept in a constantly usable state. As a result, wearable device 1 will not be turned off by environmental noise, such as when the user unexpectedly comes into contact with a magnet 4 or other magnetic object, and will continue to measure the user's biometric information such as core body temperature and blood pressure until power is no longer supplied from the power source 33 due to battery depletion or other reasons, thereby improving the user experience (UX).

[0061] As described above, the wearable device 1 according to this embodiment is wearable by a user and comprises a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 32, a power supply 33 for supplying power, a measurement unit 34 for measuring the biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device 1, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0062] The magnetic sensor 31 outputs a low signal (a first-level signal) when it detects a magnetic field, and a high signal (a second-level signal different from the first level) when it no longer detects a magnetic field. In other words, the magnetic sensor 31 changes the signal it outputs from a low signal to a high signal in response to the fact that it no longer detects a magnetic field (the first condition is met). This allows the magnetic sensor 31 to turn on the wearable device 1 and make it usable.

[0063] Specifically, in response to a high signal input from the magnetic sensor 31, the switch 32 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 and supplies power, thereby turning on the wearable device 1 and making it usable.

[0064] As an example, when shipped from the factory, the wearable device 1 is further equipped with a magnetic sticker (magnetic sticker) 5 attached near the magnetic sensor 31. In other words, when shipped from the factory, the wearable device 1 is turned off. When a user obtains the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, the magnetic sticker 5 is removed, and the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a high signal when it no longer detects the magnetic force from the magnetic sticker 5. This turns on the wearable device 1, making it ready for use.

[0065] As another example, at the time of factory shipment, the wearable device 1 is inserted into package 6. Package 6 has a magnetic area (the area to which the magnetic seal 5 is attached) near the magnetic sensor 31 of the inserted wearable device 1. In other words, at the time of factory shipment, the wearable device 1 is turned off. When a user receives the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, the wearable device 1 is removed from package 6, and the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a high signal when it no longer detects magnetic force from package 6. This turns on the wearable device 1, making it ready for use.

[0066] Then, in response to detecting that the wearable device 1, which is in a usable state, has been put on by a user (the second condition has been met), the MCU 35 fixes the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 to a high signal, thereby keeping the wearable device 1 constantly on and usable. Specifically, the MCU 35 detects that the user is wearing the wearable device 1 from the measurement values ​​in the measurement unit 34.

[0067] Thus, since the wearable device 1 can be switched on and off until it detects that a user is wearing it, it is possible to perform inspections at the factory after completion to confirm that it starts up properly before shipment. On the other hand, once the wearable device 1 detects that a user is wearing it, it is fixed to be always on, so it will not turn off due to environmental noise such as the user unexpectedly coming close to a magnet 4 or other magnetic object, and will continue to measure the user's biometric information such as core body temperature and blood pressure until power is no longer supplied from the power source 33 due to battery depletion or the like.

[0068] This makes it possible to set the wearable device 1 according to this embodiment to an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0069] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible. Below, we will describe modifications of the above embodiments applicable to the present invention. [Example 1]

[0070] In the above embodiment, the device body 3 was described as including a switch 32. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the device body does not need to include a switch 32.

[0071] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the device body according to Modification Example 1.

[0072] Note that components similar to those in the device body 3 according to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the device body 8 according to this modified example comprises a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a power supply 33, a measurement unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0074] In this modified example, unlike the above embodiment, the power supply 33 is directly connected to the MCU 35 and constantly supplies power to the MCU 35.

[0075] In this modified example, the MCU 35 changes the state of the wearable device 1 according to the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31. Specifically, if the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal, the MCU 35 puts the wearable device 1 into a power-saving state (sleep state) that reduces power consumption, and if the signal is high, it puts the wearable device 1 into a normal operating state (usable state).

[0076] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process performed by the device body according to Modification 1.

[0077] In the control process shown in Figure 9, the MCU 35 determines whether the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal or a high signal (step S91).

[0078] If the MCU35 determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal (step S91; No), it puts the wearable device 1 into a power-saving state (sleep state) that reduces power consumption (step S1), and returns to step S91.

[0079] In response, if the MCU 35 determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal (step S91; Yes), it puts the wearable device 1 into a normal operating state (ready to use state) (step S1).

[0080] After the wearable device 1 becomes ready for use, the MCU 35 determines whether or not the user is wearing the wearable device 1 based on the temperature, heat flow rate, etc. (measured values) measured by the measurement unit 34 (step S1).

[0081] If the MCU35 determines that the user is not wearing wearable device 1 (step S1; No), it returns to step S91.

[0082] In response to this, if the MCU 35 determines that the user is wearing the wearable device 1 (step S1; Yes), it maintains a usable state regardless of the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 (step S1).

[0083] Since the MCU35 maintains a usable state regardless of the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31, the wearable device 1 remains in a constantly usable state. Thus, when the wearable device 1 is in a usable state, if it detects that a user has put on the wearable device 1 even once, it will remain in a constantly usable state without entering a sleep state until power is no longer supplied from the power supply 33 due to battery depletion or the like.

[0084] After the wearable device 1 is ready for continuous use, the MCU 35 performs a measurement process (step S1). Specifically, the MCU 35 measures the user's core body temperature based on the temperature and heat flow rate measured by the measurement unit 34, and measures the user's blood pressure based on the measurement values ​​of the optical sensor included in the measurement unit 34. The MCU 35 then displays the user's core body temperature, blood pressure, and other biometric information obtained from the measurements on the touchscreen or wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0085] As a result, the wearable device 1 according to this modified example can achieve the same effects as the wearable device 1 according to the above embodiment, and can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation. [Differentiation 2]

[0086] In the above embodiment, the second condition was described as being met when it is detected that a wearable device 1, which is in a usable state, has been put on by a user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the second condition may be met when a fixed switch provided on the wearable device 1 is turned on by a user.

[0087] Figure 10(a) is a front view showing an example of the device body configuration according to Modification 2, and Figure 10(b) is a side perspective view showing an example of the device body configuration according to Modification 2.

[0088] Note that components similar to those in the above embodiment and modified example 1 of the wearable device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0089] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the device body 10 according to this modified example is equipped with a fixed switch 11 on its side.

[0090] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the device body according to Modification Example 2.

[0091] As shown in Figure 11, the device body 10 comprises a fixed switch 11, a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 112, a power supply 33, a measurement unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0092] Unlike switch 32, switch 112 does not connect the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 while a high signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31, i.e., when the magnet 4 is far from the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 is not detecting a magnetic field.

[0093] Subsequently, when a low signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31, that is, when the magnet 4 approaches the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 detects a magnetic field, the switch 112 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35.

[0094] Until the user turns on the fixed switch 11, the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are not connected, so the wearable device 1 can be switched on and off by moving the magnet 4 closer or further away. When the user turns on the fixed switch 11, the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, so the wearable device 1 remains on even if the magnet 4 is moved closer or further away.

[0095] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the device body according to Modification 2.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12, the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are not connected until the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1 (step S121; No). Therefore, if the magnet 4 is moved so far away that its magnetic force cannot be detected by the magnetic sensor 31, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a high signal (step S122; Yes), and the wearable device 1 turns off (step S123). Conversely, if the magnet 4 is close enough that its magnetic force can be detected by the magnetic sensor 31, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a low signal (step S122; No), and the wearable device 1 turns on (step S124).

[0097] When the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1 (step S121; Yes), the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, so the wearable device 1 is made always on and ready for use (step S1). After the wearable device 1 is ready for use, the MCU 35 performs the measurement process (step S2).

[0098] In this modified example, when the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1, which is in a usable state, the second condition is met, and the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, so that the wearable device 1 is always on and in a usable state.

[0099] As a result, the wearable device 1 according to this modified example can achieve the same effects and advantages as the wearable device 1 according to the above embodiment and modified example 1, and can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0100] In the above embodiments and modified examples 1 and 2, the signal output unit was described as a magnetic sensor 31 that outputs a first-level signal when detecting magnetic force and outputs a second-level signal different from the first level when magnetic force is no longer detected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the output signal can be arbitrarily changed from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first level in response to the fulfillment of the first condition.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modified examples 1 and 2, the magnetic sensor 31 was described as outputting a low signal when detecting magnetic force and a high signal when it no longer detects magnetic force. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any device that outputs signals of different levels when detecting magnetic force and when it does not is acceptable. For example, the magnetic sensor 31 may output a high signal when detecting magnetic force and a low signal when it no longer detects magnetic force. In this case, in the above embodiments, the switch 32 only needs to turn on the wearable device 1 by connecting the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 and supplying power when the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal. Also, in modified example 1 above, the MCU 35 only needs to put the wearable device 1 into a normal operating state (usable state) when it determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal. In the modified example 2 described above, the switch 112 only needs to turn on the wearable device 1 by connecting the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 and supplying power when the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal.

[0102] In the above embodiments and modifications, the program executed by the MCU was described as being stored in advance in ROM and a storage unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The program for executing the above-mentioned processing may be applied to an existing general-purpose computer to function as the device body 3 according to the above embodiments and modifications.

[0103] The method of providing such programs is optional. For example, they may be distributed by storing them on a computer-readable storage medium (such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM), or they may be stored on network storage such as the Internet and provided for download.

[0104] Furthermore, if the above processing is performed by a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application program, or by collaboration between the OS and the application program, only the application program may be stored on a recording medium or storage. It is also possible to superimpose the program onto the carrier wave and distribute it over a network. For example, the above program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a network and distributed over the network. This program may then be launched and executed under the control of the OS, just like other application programs, to perform the above processing.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in various forms and modified without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0106] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030340, filed on 29 February 2024. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030340 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Wearable devices 2 bands 3,8,10 Device body 4 Magnets 5 Magnetic stickers 6 packages 11 Fixed switch 31 Magnetic sensor (signal output section) 32,112 switches 33 Power supply 34 Measuring part 35. MCU (Control Unit)

Claims

1. A wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, A signal output unit (31) that, in response to the fulfillment of the first condition, changes the output signal from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first level, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable. In response to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition, a control unit (35) makes the wearable device (1) ready for continuous use, Equipped with, A wearable device (1) characterized by the following.

2. The control unit (35) When it is detected that the wearable device (1), which is in a usable state, has been put on by the user, the second condition is deemed to be met, and the wearable device (1) is made to a state where it can be used at all times. The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

3. Further equipped with a fixed switch (11), The control unit (35) When the user turns on the fixed switch (11) of the wearable device (1) which is in the usable state, the second condition is met, and the wearable device (1) is made to be in a state where it can be used at all times. The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

4. The signal output unit (31) is a magnetic sensor that outputs a first-level signal when it detects a magnetic force, and outputs a second-level signal when it no longer detects the magnetic force, indicating that the first condition has been met. The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

5. The signal output section (31) is further equipped with a magnetic seal (5) attached nearby, The signal output unit (31) outputs the second level signal when the seal (5) is removed and the magnetic force from the seal (5) is no longer detected. The wearable device (1) according to feature 4.

6. The wearable device (1) is inserted into the package (6), The package (6) has a magnetic portion near the signal output section (31) of the inserted wearable device (1), The signal output unit (31) outputs the second level signal when the wearable device (1) is removed from the package (6) and the magnetic force from the package (6) is no longer detected. The wearable device (1) according to feature 4.

7. A power source (33) that supplies electricity, A switch (32, 112) turns on the wearable device (1) and makes it usable by connecting the power supply (33) to the control unit (35) in response to the input of the second level signal from the signal output unit (31), Furthermore, The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

8. The control unit (35) It is determined whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a second-level signal. When it is determined that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level, in response to the second condition being met, the wearable device (1) is made ready for continuous use. The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

9. The control unit (35) makes the wearable device (1), which is in a usable state, continuously usable by fixing the signal output from the signal output unit (31) to the second level signal in response to the second condition being met. The wearable device (1) according to feature 1.

10. The device further includes a measurement unit (34) for measuring the biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device (1), The control unit (35) detects from the measurement values ​​in the measuring unit (34) that the user is wearing the wearable device (1). The wearable device (1) according to feature 2.

11. A method for controlling a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, The signal output unit (31), in response to the first condition being met, changes the signal it outputs from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first-level signal, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable. The control unit (35) responds to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition by making the wearable device (1) available for continuous use. A control method characterized by the following:

12. A wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, and a computer of the wearable device (1) that, in response to the fulfillment of a first condition, changes the output signal from a first-level signal to a second-level signal different from the first-level signal, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable, A procedure for determining whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a second-level signal, When it is determined that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level, the procedure for making the wearable device (1) usable at all times is performed in response to the fulfillment of a second condition different from the first condition, A program to execute.

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