Wearable devices

Abstract

To provide wearable devices that are easier to operate and use. [Solution] The wearable device includes an acceleration detection unit and a processing unit. The wearable device can be worn on the user's forearm. The processing unit obtains detection results from the acceleration detection unit, including acceleration in the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, and repeatedly performs a process that includes determining whether the detection result satisfies detection conditions, including that the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction and greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction. If the detection result satisfies the detection conditions multiple times within a predetermined time, the processing unit operates the functions of the wearable device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to wearable devices.

Background Art

[0002] There are wearable devices that can be worn on a user's wrist or the like. The wearable device can acquire the user's biological information such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, body temperature, etc. For example, the wearable device has various sensors (a blood pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure, a pulse sensor for measuring pulse, a body temperature sensor for measuring body temperature, a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature, a humidity sensor for measuring the ambient humidity, a barometric pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular acceleration sensor, etc.) and functional parts such as a clock.

[0003] For example, the wearable device detects the user's motion such as the rotational motion of the wrist by an angular acceleration sensor and performs an operation according to the detected motion. For example, the user can turn on the display of the wearable device by rotating the wrist on which the wearable device is worn.

[0004] However, the action of rotating the wrist is an action often included in daily life and work. Even when the user does not intend to operate the wearable device, the user may rotate the wrist. Therefore, the functions of the wearable device may be operated unintentionally by the user. For example, every time the user rotates the wrist, unnecessary lighting of the display may be repeated, causing the user to feel annoyed or increasing the battery consumption.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wearable device that is easier to operate and use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wearable device according to the embodiment includes an acceleration detection unit and a processing unit, and is wearable on the user's forearm. The processing unit obtains detection results from the acceleration detection unit, including acceleration in the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, and repeatedly performs a process that includes determining whether the detection results satisfy detection conditions, including that the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction and greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction. If the detection results satisfy the detection conditions multiple times within a predetermined time, the processing unit operates the functions of the wearable device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a wearable device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a user wearing a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are graphs illustrating acceleration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the processing unit of the wearable device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a wearable device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the wearable device 100 according to this embodiment has a device body 10. The housing 10h of the device body 10 houses various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and a processing unit that processes signals obtained from the sensors. In this example, the housing 10h is provided with a display unit 33 that displays information such as the time and sensor measurements. The wearable device 100 can be worn on the user's forearm.

[0011] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a user wearing a wearable device according to the embodiment. For example, the wearable device 100 has a mounting band 11 connected to the housing 10h of the device body 10. The wearable device 100 can be worn by wrapping the mounting band 11 around the user's wrist. However, it is not limited to a band; any attachment device that can be used to attach the wearable device 100 to the forearm is acceptable.

[0012] Figure 2(a) is a front view showing a user wearing the wearable device 100 on their left wrist. Figure 2(b) shows the user in Figure 2(a) viewed from above.

[0013] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the wearable device 100 includes an acceleration sensor 21 (acceleration detection unit) and a processing unit 30. The wearable device 100 may further include an angular acceleration sensor 22 (gyroscope), other sensors 23, and a display unit 33, as needed.

[0014] The acceleration sensor 21 measures the acceleration of the wearable device 100. The acceleration sensor 21 provides the temporal change in acceleration, that is, the relationship between acceleration and the time of measurement. For example, by measuring acceleration at predetermined sampling intervals using the acceleration sensor 21, time-series data of acceleration is acquired. For example, the acceleration sensor 21 can measure acceleration that changes over time in real time.

[0015] The wearable device 100 (accelerometer 21) has mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions set. The output signal of the accelerometer 21 includes information on acceleration in the X direction, acceleration in the Y direction, and acceleration in the Z direction.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) above, in this example, the X direction is along the direction in which the forearm of the user wearing the wearable device 100 extends. The direction in which the forearm extends is the direction connecting the elbow and fingertips. As shown in Figure 2(a), the Z direction is along the direction in which the back of the user's hand faces. As shown in Figure 2(b), the Y direction is along the front-to-back direction of the user when the X direction is along the left-to-right direction of the user and the Z direction is along the up-to-down direction of the user. The mounting band 11 (mounting device) defines the orientation of the wearable device 100 (accelerometer 21) relative to the user's forearm so that the X, Y, and Z directions are positioned as described above.

[0017] The angular acceleration sensor 22 shown in Figure 3 measures, for example, the temporal change in the angular acceleration of the wearable device 100. Sensor 23 is a sensor that acquires the user's biometric information, such as a blood pressure sensor, pulse sensor, or body temperature sensor. Alternatively, sensor 23 may be a sensor that acquires information about the wearable device 100's surroundings, such as an altitude sensor, barometric pressure sensor, humidity sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0018] The processing unit 30 is communicably connected to the acceleration sensor 21, the angular acceleration sensor 22, the sensor 23, and the display unit 33. The processing unit 30 controls the operations of, for example, the acceleration sensor 21, the angular acceleration sensor 22, the sensor 23, and the display unit 33. The processing unit 30 controls the operations of each part constituting the wearable device 100 to operate various functions of the wearable device 100.

[0019] The processing unit 30 receives the output signal of the acceleration sensor 21 and obtains the detection result of the acceleration sensor 21. Further, the processing unit 30 receives the output signal of the angular acceleration sensor 22 and obtains the detection result of the angular acceleration sensor 22. The processing unit 30 receives the output signal of the sensor 23 and obtains the detection result of the sensor 23.

[0020] The processing unit 30 may include, for example, a storage unit 31 and an arithmetic unit 32. The storage unit 31 stores, for example, the detection results of each sensor. The storage unit 31 stores, for example, a program for controlling each process performed by the processing unit 30 and various setting information. As the storage unit 31, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) can be appropriately used. The arithmetic unit 32 processes the output signals of each sensor. The arithmetic unit 32 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 31. The storage unit 31 and the arithmetic unit 32 cooperate to perform each process of the processing unit 30. As the arithmetic unit 32, a circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used.

[0021] The display unit 33 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, for example. The display unit 33 may be a touch panel having a touch sensor.

[0022] In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 21 and the processing unit 30 function as a detection unit, or so-called motion sensor, that detects the user's movements from the output of the acceleration sensor 21. When the processing unit 30 detects a specific movement of the user, it operates the functions of the wearable device 100. For example, when the processing unit 30 detects a specific movement of the user, it causes the display unit 33 to display something. In this way, the acceleration sensor 21 and the processing unit 30 function as a switch device that operates the functions of the wearable device 100 based on the user's movements.

[0023] In this embodiment, the processing unit 30 detects, for example, a user swinging the arm wearing the wearable device 100 multiple times in a specific direction. Upon detecting this action, the processing unit 30 operates the functions of the wearable device 100. For example, the processing unit 30 operates the functions of the wearable device 100 when multiple changes in acceleration occur in only one direction among the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0024] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are graphs illustrating acceleration. By processing the output signal of the acceleration sensor 21, acceleration in the X direction, acceleration in the Y direction, and acceleration in the Z direction can be obtained. In other words, the X, Y, and Z components of the acceleration of the wearable device 100 (accelerometer 21) can be obtained. Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show examples of acceleration data when a user swings their arm, to which the wearable device 100 is attached, multiple times in the Y direction.

[0025] Figure 4(a) shows acceleration in the X direction, Figure 4(b) shows acceleration in the Y direction, and Figure 4(c) shows acceleration in the Z direction. The horizontal axis represents time.

[0026] This example shows the case where the user swings their arm in the Y direction at each of the timings T1 to T5. As shown in Figure 4(b), the absolute value of the acceleration in the Y direction increases at timings T1 to T5 when the user swings their arm. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(a), the absolute value of the acceleration in the X direction remains small at timings T1 to T5. Similarly, as shown in Figure 4(c), the absolute value of the acceleration in the Z direction remains small at timings T1 to T5.

[0027] Thus, for example, if the user consciously swings their arm in the Y direction, a significant difference will occur between the acceleration in the Y direction and the acceleration in other directions. When multiple vibrations that produce such a significant difference are detected, the processing unit 30 determines that a "conscious, specific action" for operating a switch has been performed and operates the function of the wearable device 100.

[0028] Conventional wearable devices detect the user's wrist rotation as an action to operate a switch. However, since wrist rotation is a common movement in daily life, it can be difficult to determine whether it is an action to turn on a switch or a natural movement. As a result, the screen may be repeatedly turned on and off, for example. In contrast, this embodiment detects an action that is less common in daily life as a natural movement, such as swinging the arm multiple times in only one direction, as an action to operate a switch.

[0029] In other words, the processing unit 30 repeatedly performs a detection process to detect vibrations. This detection process includes acquiring acceleration in the X, Y, and Z directions. The detection process then determines whether the acquired acceleration satisfies the detection conditions for detecting the user's arm swinging motion. If the detection conditions are satisfied, it can be determined that the user has swung their arm. Specifically, based on the acquired accelerations, the detection process determines whether the detection conditions are satisfied, which include the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction being greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction and also being greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction. If the detection conditions are satisfied multiple times within a predetermined time, the processing unit 30 operates the functions of the wearable device 100.

[0030] The user can operate the functions of the wearable device 100 by intentionally swinging the arm wearing the wearable device 100 multiple times in the Y direction within a predetermined time frame. This makes it easier to operate the wearable device 100 more appropriately. The action of swinging the arm multiple times in a specific direction within a predetermined time frame is not something that happens often in daily life. This helps to suppress unintended operation.

[0031] As mentioned above, in this example, the Y direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the arm extends (the X direction). This makes it easy for the user to swing their arm multiple times in the Y direction to operate the switch. For example, the Y direction is along the direction in which the user swings their arm with their elbow as the pivot point. For example, the Y direction is the direction in which the user extends their arm forward and swings it from side to side. For example, the Y direction is the direction in which the user swings their arm when pointing and confirming. This makes it easy to operate the wearable device 100 by swinging your arm.

[0032] Furthermore, the functions that the processing unit 30 operates when it detects a specific operation are not limited to displaying information on the display unit 33. Operation of a function may include, for example, controlling an operation such as starting or ending it. When the processing unit 30 detects a specific operation, it operates the functions of the functional units of the wearable device 100.

[0033] Specifically, for example, if the functional unit is the display unit 33, the processing unit 30 controls the on / off of the display when it detects a specific operation. For example, if the functional unit is the backlight included in the display unit 33, the processing unit 30 controls the lighting of the backlight (such as turning it on or off) when it detects a specific operation. For example, if the functional unit is a sensor (accelerometer 21, angular acceleration sensor 22, or sensor 23), the processing unit 30 controls the measurement of the sensor (such as starting or ending the measurement) when it detects a specific operation.

[0034] The processing unit 30 may have functions such as an alarm or a timer. When the processing unit 30 detects a specific operation, it may control functions such as an alarm or a timer (for example, start, end, interrupt, or set).

[0035] The processing unit 30 may have various operating modes. When the processing unit 30 detects a specific operation, it may control the operating mode (for example, start, end, interrupt, switch, or set). The operating mode is a control that controls the operation of each element of the wearable device 100 to cause the wearable device 100 to perform a specific operation. Specifically, examples include a fall detection mode that detects the user falling or dropping based on the measurement result of at least one of the altitude sensor, acceleration sensor, and angular acceleration sensor; a position detection mode that detects the position of the wearable device 100 using a method that uses GPS or Wi-Fi communication; and a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption more than normal. However, the operating mode is not limited to these and can be any control.

[0036] In addition, the processing unit 30 may, upon detecting a specific action, configure various functions or reset the measured values ​​from the sensor. The functions operated when a specific action is detected are not limited to those described above, but may be any functions available to the wearable device 100.

[0037] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the processing unit of the wearable device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example of motion switch processing, in which the processing unit 30 performs detection processing to detect specific actions of the user and controls the functions of the wearable device 100 according to the detection result.

[0038] First, the processing unit 30 sets the count "S" to 0 and stores the time when the motion switch processing started as "time1" (step S101). "S" is the number of times in the detection processing of steps S102 to S108 that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 21 satisfies the predetermined detection conditions.

[0039] For example, the acceleration sensor 21 measures acceleration multiple times within a predetermined sampling time (step S102). In this way, the acceleration sensor 21 acquires acceleration in multiple X directions, multiple Y directions, and acceleration in the Z direction within a predetermined sampling time.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 5, the acceleration sensor 21 performs N measurements within a predetermined sampling time. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, N is between 2 and 200, and in this example, it is 5. The sampling time is, for example, between 0.2 seconds and 1.0 seconds, and in this example, it is about 0.5 seconds. More specifically, for example, the acceleration sensor 21 measures acceleration at predetermined sampling intervals. The sampling interval is, for example, between 5 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds, and in this example, it is 100 milliseconds. As a result, N accelerations in the X direction "Xn", N accelerations in the Y direction "Yn", and N accelerations in the Z direction "Zn", measured at predetermined sampling intervals, are obtained. n is an integer from 1 to N. "Xn" is the acceleration in the X direction at the nth measurement within the sampling time, "Yn" is the acceleration in the Y direction at the nth measurement within the sampling time, and "Zn" is the acceleration in the Z direction at the nth measurement within the sampling time. For example, "X1", "Y1", and "Z1", where "Xn", "Yn", and "Zn" all share the same value n, represent accelerations measured at the same time.

[0041] The processing unit 30 calculates a value "aX" representing the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction from N "Xn" values, a value "aY" representing the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction from N "Yn" values, and a value "aZ" representing the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction from N "Zn" values ​​(step S103).

[0042] "aX" is the maximum value Xmax among the N absolute values ​​of "Xn". That is, for example, calculate the absolute value |Xn| of each Xn, and among the N calculated |Xn|, the largest |Xn| is taken as aX. Similarly, "aY" is the maximum value Ymax among the N absolute values ​​of "Yn". "aZ" is the maximum value Zmax among the N absolute values ​​of "Zn".

[0043] In steps S104 and S105, the processing unit 30 determines whether the acquired acceleration satisfies the detection conditions for detecting the user's arm swing motion. These detection conditions are: (1) "aY" is greater than both "aX" and "aZ", and (2) "aZ" and "aY" are the same or close to each other.

[0044] Specifically, in this example, the processing unit 30 determines whether aY / aX > P and aY / aZ > P (step S104). That is, it determines whether the ratio of "aY" to "aX" is greater than P times, and whether the ratio of "aY" to "aZ" is greater than P times. Note that P is an integer constant greater than 1, for example, 2 or greater, and in this example it is set to 10.

[0045] Further, the processing unit 30 determines whether 1 / Q < aX / aZ < Q holds (step S105). That is, it determines whether the ratio of "aX" to "aZ" is greater than 1 / Q times and less than Q times (step S105). That is, for example, the processing unit 30 calculates the value of aX / aZ and determines the value on the assumption that "aX" and "aZ" are of the same magnitude. Note that Q is a constant integer greater than 1, for example, Q is 5 or less, and in this example, Q is 3. Q is a value for determining that the X direction and the Z direction are equally small and the Y direction is sufficiently large, that is, the arm is clearly swinging in the Y direction. If Q is small, it becomes difficult to turn on the switch, such as when the arm moves even slightly in the Z direction and the swinging state of the arm is not detected. If Q is large, the switch is often turned on even when the arm is moved obliquely to some extent during the operation. Q and P are used for sensitivity adjustment of the swing switch. For example, P may be larger than Q. P and Q do not necessarily have to be integers.

[0046] If at least one of aY / aX > P and aY / aZ > P, and 1 / Q < aX / aZ < Q does not hold (step S104: No or step S105: No), the processing unit 30 repeats the processing from step S102.

[0047] If aY / aX > P and aY / aZ > P hold and 1 / Q < aX / aZ < Q holds (step S104: Yes and step S105: Yes), the processing unit 30 adds 1 to the count number "S" (step S106).

[0048] By determining the detection conditions shown in step S104 and step S105, for example, it is possible to more accurately detect that the user has intentionally swung the arm in the Y direction.

[0049] After step S106, the processing unit 30 stores the current time as "time2" (step S107).

[0050] If time2 - time1 > T does not hold true, that is, if the predetermined time "T" has not elapsed since the start of the motion switch processing (step S108: No), the processing unit 30 repeats the processing from step S102. This predetermined time "T" is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less, and in this example it is set to 3 seconds.

[0051] If time2 - time1 > T holds true, that is, if a predetermined time "T" has elapsed since the start of the motion switch processing (step S108: Yes), the processing unit 30 determines the value of the number of times "S" the acceleration has satisfied the detection condition (step S109).

[0052] If "S" is 2 (step S110), that is, if the detection condition is satisfied twice within a predetermined time "T", the processing unit 30 performs the operation of the first function. In this example, the processing unit 30 turns on the display screen of the display unit 33. After that, the processing unit 30 repeats the process from step S101.

[0053] If "S" is 3 (step S111), that is, if the detection conditions are met 3 times within a predetermined time "T", the processing unit 30 performs the operation of the second function. In this example, the processing unit 30 turns on the fall detection mode. After that, the processing unit 30 repeats the process from step S101.

[0054] If "S" is 1 or greater than 3, the processing unit 30 repeats the process from step S101 without operating the functions of the wearable device 100.

[0055] Thus, the processing unit 30 operates the first function when the detection condition is met a first time (twice in this example) within a predetermined time, and operates the second function when it is met a second time (three times in this example). This allows the user to operate different functions depending on the number of times they swing their arm. For example, this can improve usability. The first and second times may be four or more.

[0056] For example, if the moment a user swings their arm is delayed from the timing of acceleration measurement, it may be difficult to accurately detect the increase in acceleration. In contrast, this example calculates values ​​indicating the magnitude of acceleration ("aX", "aY", "aZ") from multiple accelerations ("Xn", "Yn", "Zn") measured within a predetermined sampling time. This allows for more reliable detection of when a user swings their arm in the Y direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, it is not necessary to detect the user's wrist rotation. The functions of the wearable device 100 do not need to be operated in response to the detection of wrist rotation. The functions of the wearable device 100 are operated in response to arm swing motion in the Y direction (aY is greater than aX and aZ) as described above. Similarly, the functions of the wearable device 100 may be operated in response to arm swing motion in the X direction (aX is greater than aY and aZ) or arm swing motion in the Z direction (aZ is greater than aX and aY). Alternatively, the functions of the wearable device 100 may not be operated even if there is arm swing motion in the X direction or arm swing motion in the Z direction.

[0058] In recent years, the use of wearable devices has advanced, and various functions can be switched or set using physical buttons, touch sensors, or touch displays where the device's display itself acts as a touch sensor. When using wearable devices equipped with these features for health and condition management during exercise or work, starting a function requires actions such as pressing a button or touching the touch display. However, when both hands are occupied, especially during work, it can be difficult to start an operation without releasing one hand. The same applies to smartwatches, but with watches, the screen is often kept dimmed when not in use and turned on only when needed. Turning on the screen requires touching a button or touch display, but as mentioned earlier, this can be difficult if both hands are occupied. To address this, motion control is used, where the user rotates their wrist while wearing the watch, and an accelerometer calculates the rotation angle of the arm. If an angle exceeding a certain level is measured, the screen turns on. However, with motion switches that rely on rotation angles, there are many rotational movements in daily life, which can be annoying as the watch screen frequently turns on and off, and the frequent illumination can also drain the battery quickly.

[0059] In contrast, motion switches do not detect rotation, but instead detect acceleration in only one direction of each axis (X, Y, or Z) multiple times in a short period of time. This is considered a "conscious, specific action" and the switch is turned ON. Because motion switches do not repeatedly turn on and off, they are less cumbersome and consume less battery power.

[0060] With conventional thinking, since rotational movements occur naturally in daily life, it was impossible to determine whether the device was operating as a switch or simply rotating naturally, resulting in the screen repeatedly turning on and off. In contrast, by detecting a movement that is unlikely to occur naturally in daily life—such as swinging the arm multiple times in a specific direction—and determining this as the switch being ON, the device can be used correctly as a switch.

[0061] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A wearable device comprising an acceleration detection unit and a processing unit, which can be worn on the user's forearm, The aforementioned processing unit, The acceleration detection unit obtains detection results including acceleration in the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, and repeatedly performs a process that includes determining whether the detection results satisfy detection conditions, including that the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction and greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction. A wearable device that operates the functions of the wearable device if the detection result satisfies the detection conditions multiple times within a predetermined time. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned X direction is along the direction in which the forearm on which the wearable device is attached extends. The wearable device according to configuration 1, wherein the Y direction is aligned with the user's front-to-back direction, when the X direction is aligned with the user's left-to-right direction and the Z direction is aligned with the user's up-to-down direction. (Composition 3) Within a predetermined sampling time, multiple accelerations in the X direction, multiple accelerations in the Y direction, and multiple accelerations in the Z direction are measured. The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction is the maximum absolute value of the plurality of accelerations in the X direction. The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is the maximum absolute value of the plurality of accelerations in the Y direction. The wearable device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction is the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the plurality of accelerations in the Z direction. (Composition 4) The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than P times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction, The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than P times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction, The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction is greater than 1 / Q times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction and less than Q times, If the above is true, the detection result satisfies the detection conditions, The above P is a constant integer greater than 1, The wearable device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein Q is a constant integer greater than 2. (Composition 5) The aforementioned processing unit, When the detection conditions are met for the first time within the predetermined time, the first function of the wearable device is operated. A wearable device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, which operates a second function of the wearable device when the detection conditions are satisfied a second time within the predetermined time.

[0062] According to this embodiment, a wearable device that is easier to operate can be provided.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10: Main unit 10h: Cabinet 11: Wearing Band 21: Accelerometer 22: Angular accelerometer 23: Sensor 30: Processing Unit 31: Storage part 32: Arithmetic section 33: Display section 100: Wearable devices S101~S111: Step T1~T5: Timing

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising an acceleration detection unit and a processing unit, which can be worn on the user's forearm, The aforementioned processing unit, The acceleration detection unit obtains detection results including acceleration in the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, and repeatedly performs a process that includes determining whether the detection results satisfy detection conditions, which include the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction being greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction and greater than the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction. A wearable device that operates the functions of the wearable device if the detection result satisfies the detection conditions multiple times within a predetermined time.

2. The aforementioned X direction is along the direction in which the forearm on which the wearable device is attached extends. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the Y direction is aligned with the user's front-to-back direction, when the X direction is aligned with the user's left-to-right direction and the Z direction is aligned with the user's up-to-down direction.

3. Within a predetermined sampling time, multiple accelerations in the X direction, multiple accelerations in the Y direction, and multiple accelerations in the Z direction are measured. The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction is the maximum absolute value of the plurality of accelerations in the X direction. The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is the maximum absolute value of the plurality of accelerations in the Y direction. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction is the maximum absolute value of the plurality of accelerations in the Z direction.

4. The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than P times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction, The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Y direction is greater than P times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction, The value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the X direction is greater than 1 / Q times the value indicating the magnitude of acceleration in the Z direction and less than Q times, If the above is true, the detection result satisfies the detection conditions, The above P is a constant integer greater than 1, The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Q is a constant integer greater than 1.

5. The aforementioned processing unit, If the detection conditions are met a first time within the predetermined time, the first function of the wearable device is operated. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wearable device operates a second function when the detection conditions are satisfied a second time within the predetermined time.

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