Wearable devices

Abstract

To provide a wearable device that can more effectively notify the user when they are unable to move. [Solution] The wearable device according to the embodiment is worn by the user. The wearable device includes a position detection unit and a processing unit that detect the position of the wearable device. The processing unit calculates the difference between a reference position detected by the position detection unit when an event that is at least one of the user falling or falling is detected, and a first position detected by the position detection unit after the detection of the reference position, and issues an alarm if the difference is less than a threshold.

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 biometric information of the user, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and body temperature. For example, the wearable device includes 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, and a position detection part (such as a satellite positioning system).

[0003] There has been proposed a wearable device that detects when a user wearing the wearable device has fallen from a high place or fallen down. For example, a fall or a fall is detected by a combination of an acceleration change rate by an acceleration sensor, an angular acceleration sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor, free fall, an impact after free fall, and an altitude change. Further, after a fall or a fall is detected, the wearable device detects the presence or absence of the user's body movement based on the presence or absence of a change in acceleration or angular acceleration. When it is determined that there is no body movement, for example, it is considered that the user cannot move or has fallen due to the fall. Therefore, the wearable device gives a notification such as sending an alarm to a higher-level system. Thereby, for example, it is possible to discover the user's injury or the need for first aid at an early stage.

[0004] However, even if a user requires rescue due to a fall or tumble and is unable to move from the spot, it is possible that they may still be able to move only a part of their body, such as the arm to which the wearable device is attached. In other words, not all users who fall or tumble will lose consciousness and become motionless; actions such as rubbing the injured area will result in motion. Furthermore, even if a user is conscious and able to move, they may not be able to call for help or make a call themselves. They may be unable to call for help or make a call due to the pain of their injury, or they may not have a mobile phone or other means of communication. Therefore, if the decision to issue a notification is based solely on the presence or absence of motion based on acceleration or angular acceleration, there is a risk that an appropriate notification may not be issued. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5587328 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wearable device that can more appropriately notify the user when they are unable to move. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wearable device according to the embodiment is worn by a user. The wearable device includes a position detection unit and a processing unit that detect the position of the wearable device. The processing unit calculates the difference between a reference position detected by the position detection unit when an event that is at least one of the user falling or falling is detected, and a first position detected by the position detection unit after the detection of the reference position, and issues an alarm if the difference is less than a threshold. [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] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the event detection process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the location detection and alarm activation process 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, including, for example, a position detection unit, 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, and an operation unit 34 for the user to operate the wearable device 100.

[0011] The wearable device 100 is worn by the user; that is, the wearable device 100 is carried by the user. In this example, the wearable device 100 can be attached to the user's forearm. For example, the wearable device 100 has an attachment band 11 connected to the housing 10h of the device body 10. The wearable device 100 can be attached by wrapping the attachment band 11 around the user's wrist. However, the wearable device 100 may be attached to a part of the body other than the forearm. Furthermore, the wearable device 100 can be attached using any attachment device, not just a band.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the wearable device 100 includes a position detection unit 24 and a processing unit 30. The wearable device 100 may further include other sensors (such as an acceleration sensor 21, an angular acceleration sensor 22 (gyro), an altitude detection unit 23, etc.), a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a communication unit 35, as needed.

[0013] The position detection unit 24 detects the position of the wearable device 100. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) can be used for the position detection unit 24. The position detection unit 24 may also use communication devices such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The position can be measured using radio waves from the communication. For example, the position can be detected using a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a wireless base station.

[0014] The position detection unit 24 obtains the temporal change in position, that is, the relationship between the position and the measurement time. For example, by detecting the position at predetermined sampling intervals using the position detection unit 24, time-series data of the position is acquired. For example, the position detection unit 24 can measure a temporally changing position in real time. The sampling period for position detection is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 second to 3 minutes.

[0015] The acceleration sensor 21 measures the acceleration of the wearable device 100 in real time, and time-series data representing the temporal change in acceleration is measured. The angular acceleration sensor 22 measures the angular acceleration of the wearable device 100 in real time, and time-series data representing the temporal change in angular acceleration is measured. The sampling period for acceleration detection and angular acceleration detection is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, about 4 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds.

[0016] The altitude detection unit 23 is an altitude sensor that detects the altitude of the wearable device 100. That is, the altitude detection unit 23 detects a detection value corresponding to the altitude at which the altitude detection unit 23 is located. The detection value of the altitude detection unit 23 can be converted into altitude. As an example, the altitude detection unit 23 includes a barometric pressure sensor that detects the barometric pressure around the wearable device 100. The altitude of the wearable device 100 can be obtained from the barometric pressure detected by the barometric pressure sensor.

[0017] For example, the altitude detection unit 23 detects the altitude of the wearable device 100 in real time, and measures time-series data representing the temporal change in altitude. The sampling period of altitude detection is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 4 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds.

[0018] In addition, the wearable device 100 may be provided with sensors for acquiring the biological information of the user (such as a blood pressure sensor, a pulse sensor, a body temperature sensor, a blood oxygen concentration sensor, etc.), sensors for acquiring information around the wearable device 100 (such as an air temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.), proximity sensors, and the like.

[0019] The processing unit 30 is communicably connected to the acceleration sensor 21, the angular acceleration sensor 22, the altitude detection unit 23, the position detection unit 24, the display unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the communication unit 35. The processing unit 30 controls the operations of, for example, the altitude detection unit 23, the position detection unit 24, the display unit 33, and the communication unit 35. The processing unit 30 controls the operations of each part constituting the wearable device 100, for example, to operate various functions of the wearable device 100.

[0020] The processing unit 30 acquires the information on the position of the wearable device 100 detected by the position detection unit 24 by receiving the output signal of the position detection unit 24. For example, the information on the position can be obtained by appropriately processing the output signal of the position detection unit 24 as needed.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The processing unit 30 receives an altitude signal including information on the detection value corresponding to the altitude from the altitude detection unit 23. By receiving the altitude signal, the processing unit 30 obtains the information on the altitude detected by the altitude detection unit 23. For example, information on the altitude can be obtained by processing the altitude signal.

[0023] 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 and the arithmetic results of the arithmetic unit 32. 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.

[0024] The display unit 33 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display unit 33 may be a touch panel having a touch sensor.

[0025] The operation unit 34 is an operation switch such as a push button. When the user operates the operation unit 34, a signal is input to the processing unit 30, and the wearable device 100 is operated. When the display unit 33 includes a touch panel, the touch panel may function as the operation unit 34.

[0026] The communication unit 35 includes a communication module for the wearable device 100 to communicate with external devices. For example, the wearable device 100 communicates with a higher-level system, such as an administrator's computer, via the communication unit 35. Any method can be used for communication, such as wireless communication using Bluetooth®. Any network, such as the Internet, may also be used for communication.

[0027] The processing unit 30 performs event detection processing to detect at least one of the following events: a fall or a tumble by a user wearing the wearable device 100. When an event is detected, the processing unit 30 uses data from the position detection unit 24 to calculate the difference between the position information at the time of event detection and the position information at each moment after the event detection. For example, if the difference remains small, it can be assumed that the user is injured and requires assistance and is staying in place. Therefore, the processing unit 30 issues an alert if the difference is less than a predetermined value. This allows for notification in cases where, for example, the user can make physical movements such as moving only their arm, but is unable to move from the spot due to injury and requires assistance. According to this embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately notify the user that they are unable to move due to injury, even if they can move their hand. Generally, if a person is injured in a fall or tumble and is unable to move, even if they can move their hand, they are often unable to contact others using communication means such as a mobile phone due to pain. Furthermore, in physically demanding jobs such as construction sites, workers may not carry communication devices like mobile phones, and if they can move their hands but cannot move on their own, their detection may be delayed.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the event detection process according to the embodiment. For example, when the processing unit 30 receives a predetermined input, it starts an event detection process to detect that an event (the user falling and / or tripping) has occurred. For example, when the user operates the wearable device 100 (e.g., the control unit 34), a switch signal is input to the processing unit 30. When the processing unit 30 receives the switch signal, it starts the event detection process (step S101).

[0029] Furthermore, the method by which the user operates the wearable device 100 is not limited to operating the control unit 34; it may also involve specific motions such as arm swings. For example, the wearable device 100 may have a motion sensor function that detects specific motions of the user using an acceleration sensor or the like.

[0030] The processing unit 30 sets the event flag R to 0 (step S102). The event flag R is a parameter that indicates whether or not an event has been detected. An event flag R of 0 indicates that no event has been detected in the event detection process. An event flag R of 1 indicates that an event has been detected in the event detection process.

[0031] For example, the processing unit 30 acquires the output signal of at least one of various sensors, such as the acceleration sensor 21, the angular acceleration sensor 22, the altitude detection unit 23, the barometric pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor (step S103).

[0032] The processing unit 30 detects the presence or absence of an event based on data from one or more of the various sensors. For example, the processing unit 30 determines that an event has occurred if the sensor's detected value (a value obtained by processing the detected value as needed) meets predetermined conditions. If the sensor's detected value does not meet the predetermined conditions, it can be determined that no event has occurred.

[0033] If the processing unit 30 detects that an event has occurred (step S104: Yes), that is, if it determines that the user has fallen or tripped, it sets the event flag R to 1 (step S105). Step S105 outputs event flag R=1 for the position detection and alarm determination processes described later with respect to Figure 4.

[0034] If no event is detected (step S104: No), the processing unit 30 repeats steps S103 and S104. In other words, the processing unit 30 determines whether each of the repeatedly detected values, for example, by the sensor, satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0035] As a method for detecting events, for example, the processing unit 30 stores the value of the altitude detection unit 23 when the user presses the operation unit 34 in front of their chest before performing work at height as a reference value (reference value). The processing unit 30 calculates the altitude difference by subtracting this reference value (reference value) from the subsequent value of the altitude detection unit 23. After detecting the maximum altitude difference (for example, after the altitude difference becomes larger than a predetermined value of several meters), if the altitude difference becomes negative within a short time after a positive altitude difference, for example within the minimum measurement cycle time of ~1 second, it can be determined that the wearable device 100 has suddenly dropped below chest level. For example, it can be determined that the user has fallen. For example, the processing unit 30 calculates the altitude difference for each altitude repeatedly detected by the altitude detection unit 23 at each sampling cycle and determines whether the altitude difference is greater than a predetermined value. For example, altitude detection, altitude difference calculation, and determination are performed every 4 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds / or every second.

[0036] Alternatively, for example, the processing unit 30 may determine that the user fell (or tumbled) at a certain time if the magnitude of acceleration at a certain time exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if it detects a free-fall state. Alternatively, the processing unit 30 may determine that the user fell if the magnitude of the altitude displacement within a predetermined time exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, for example, the processing unit 30 may determine that the user fell or tumbled at a certain time if the difference between a measurement value (such as acceleration) at a certain time and the measurement value immediately preceding that time is greater than a threshold.

[0037] The event detection method is not limited to the above, and may be any method capable of detecting a user falling or tripping based on the detection value of at least one of multiple sensors. For example, at predetermined intervals, the detection value from the sensor is acquired, and a determination is made as to whether or not an event has occurred based on the acquired detection value.

[0038] Subsequently, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the wearable device 100 (e.g., the control unit 34), a reset signal is input to the processing unit 30. When the processing unit 30 receives the reset signal (step S106: Yes), it repeats the process from step S102. Step S102 outputs an event flag R=0 for the position detection and alarm determination process, which will be described later with respect to Figure 4. If the processing unit 30 has not received a reset signal (step S106: No), it leaves the event flag R=1 (step S107).

[0039] If a user falls from a height, the impact of the fall may render them unable to move fully. Even in such cases, it is conceivable that the user may raise their arms or temporarily stand up. In contrast, in the example shown in Figure 3, the event flag R is not automatically reset to 0 before the reset signal is received (step S106). This allows processes that are executed when the event flag R is 1, such as fall notification, to continue. Once such processes, such as notification, are completed, the event flag R may be set to 0. In some cases, the user may become able to move after the event flag R=1 continues to emit alarms for a certain period of time. If the user detects a fall / tumble event flag and continues to emit an alarm for a certain period of time, and then moves beyond a threshold, the detection unit 24 detects that the amount of movement exceeds the threshold, and can determine that the user is now able to move. However, there are cases where the user has taken a few steps but is not in a state to move (mistake in action) or where it appears as if the user has moved due to a position detection error (false alarm). Therefore, the processing unit 30 repeats the process of observing the moment-by-moment position changes and elapsed time (for example, steps S205 to S211 described later in Figure 4) until the user consciously resets the fall / tumble event because they believe there is no problem (until a reset signal is received).

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the location detection and alarm activation process according to the embodiment. The processing unit 30, upon detecting an event, determines whether or not to issue an alert based on the user's location. The processing unit 30 then issues an alert based on the determination result.

[0041] The processing unit 30 starts processing (step S201) when the event detection process described in Figure 3 begins. When the value of the event flag R is output in the flow of Figure 3, the processing unit 30 receives that value (step S202) and executes the processing from step S203 onwards.

[0042] If the event flag R is 0 (step S203: No), the position detection period by the position detection unit 24 (GPS in this example) is set to, for example, 3 minutes to conserve battery power (step S204). When the processing unit 30 receives an output value for the event flag R, it retrieves that value again (step S202). In steps S202 and S203, it is detected that the event flag R has changed.

[0043] When an event occurs and the event flag R becomes 1 (step S203: Yes), the processing unit 30 records the location detected by GPS at the time the event flag R=1 was acquired as G0 (step S205). It also records the time when the event flag R became 1 as time3.

[0044] In this way, the processing unit 30 records the position detected by the position detection unit 24 when an event is detected as the reference position (G0). The reference position is, for example, the position of the wearable device 100 when the event occurred. That is, the reference position corresponds to the position where the user fell or tripped. Note that the "position detected by the position detection unit 24 when an event is detected" does not have to be the position detected at the exact same time as the event occurred or was detected, but may be the position of the wearable device 100 at the time the event occurred, such as the position detected immediately after or immediately before the detection of the event.

[0045] The processing unit 30 changes the position detection period by the position detection unit 24 to, for example, 1 second (step S206). In this way, the position detection period after an event occurs (after detection) is shorter than the period before the event occurs. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load before the event occurs while improving the accuracy of detecting the user's position after the event occurs.

[0046] The processing unit 30 records the position detected by the position detection unit 24 (first position) as G1 after detecting the reference position (step S207). The first position corresponds to the current position of the wearable device 100 after the event occurs.

[0047] The processing unit 30 calculates the position change (step S208). The position change is the difference between the first position and the reference position (G1-G0), that is, the distance between the first position and the reference position. The position change corresponds to the distance the user has moved after falling or tripping. If the position change is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S208: No), the processing unit 30 proceeds to step S212 without confirming the alarm because the user has moved and is not injured, or even if injured, is able to move on their own and receive rescue.

[0048] If the position change is below a threshold (step S208: Yes), it can be determined that the user is injured and unable to move, and therefore requires assistance. In this case, the processing unit 30 issues an alert (step S209). For example, the processing unit 30 transmits a signal indicating the user's status (for example, that the user is unable to move or that assistance is required) to an administrator terminal or an emergency department terminal via the communication unit 35. For example, the processing unit 30 may also transmit a signal indicating the user's status to a device that notifies the user's status by sound or display.

[0049] The threshold for positional variation is a distance greater than the detection limit or error of the GPS or other position detection unit, or the range of arm movement, such as walking a few steps, for example, between 1 meter and 5 meters, which in this example is 2 meters.

[0050] After step S209, the processing unit 30 records the current time as time4 (step S210). If the difference between time4 and time3 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time (step S211: No), the processing unit 30 proceeds to step S212.

[0051] If the difference between time4 and time3 is less than a predetermined time (step S211: Yes), the processing unit 30 repeats the processes in steps S207 and S208. This process of repeating steps S207 to S211 when the difference between time4 (current time) and time3 (time at the time of the fall) is less than a predetermined time is a process that continues to issue alarms if there is no movement or no alarm cancellation. The reason for setting a predetermined time is to allow for automatic recovery in case of false detection or accidental actions that trigger an alarm condition without the user noticing. If the user is truly unable to move, even if the alarm ends after the predetermined time, the system will re-enter the alarm determination process via step S212. Unless the user intentionally cancels or restarts event detection, the alarm will be re-issued, and necessary alarms will continue. This enhances user safety and eliminates false alarms and false cancellations. The predetermined time is, for example, between 1 minute and 5 minutes, and in this example, it is 3 minutes.

[0052] In the repeated step S207, the first position (G1) is updated. In the determination in the repeated step S208, if the position change is greater than or equal to the threshold (step S208: No), the processing unit 30 does not issue an alarm and proceeds to step S212. In the determination in the repeated step S208, if the position change is less than the threshold, the processing unit 30 repeats steps S209 to S211.

[0053] In this way, if the position change is below the threshold and a predetermined time has not elapsed since the event was detected, the processing unit 30 executes the process of acquiring the first position (G1) and calculating the position change again, and issues an alert if the recalculated position change is below the threshold. That is, for example, as long as the position change is below the threshold and a predetermined time has not elapsed since the event, the detection of the first position, the determination of the position change, and the alert are repeated at each position detection cycle. After the processing unit 30 determines that the recalculated position change is above the threshold, it does not issue an alert. This allows for more appropriate notification that the user is unable to move.

[0054] Furthermore, repeatedly issuing an alert may also serve to continue notifying the user that they are unable to move. For example, in the repeated step S208, if the position change is above a threshold (step S208: No) and the alert is continuing, the processing unit 30 may stop the alert.

[0055] In step S212, the processing unit 30 determines whether a reset signal has been received. For example, if the user performs a predetermined reset operation after step S203 and the processing unit 30 has not received a reset signal (step S212: No), the processing from step S205 is repeated. In step S205, which is executed after step S212, time3 is updated to the current time when step S205 is executed again, and G0 does not need to be recorded again as it has already been recorded. In step S206, since the GPS measurement cycle is already 1 second, it does not need to change the GPS measurement cycle again. In this way, the processing unit 30 confirms the alarm if the position change is below the threshold, but does not confirm the alarm if the position change is above the threshold, and instead determines the position change again. If the position change exceeds a threshold or a predetermined time has elapsed since event detection, and the processing unit 30 has not received a predetermined signal from the user's operation (for example, until it is clearly and consciously reset), it does not terminate the alarm, but instead repeats the process of acquiring the first position and calculating the difference, and if the recalculated difference is less than the threshold, it issues an alarm, and so on. This further enhances user safety as described above. It is also possible to configure the system to terminate processes such as alarm determination and notification if the position change exceeds a threshold.

[0056] For example, if the processing unit 30 receives a reset signal (step S212: Yes), the processing unit 30 restarts the processing from step S202. That is, as explained in Figure 3, the event flag R becomes 0, and the R=0 output in step S102 is obtained again in step S202.

[0057] The position change threshold in step S208 may be variable and can be set as appropriate by, for example, the user or administrator. That is, the processing unit 30 may set the threshold based on external input. For example, the user or administrator inputs a value to the processing unit 30 via the operation unit 34 or the communication unit 35. The processing unit 30 sets the threshold to the input value. The detection sensitivity of the user's inability to move can be adjusted by the position change threshold.

[0058] For example, the algorithm that forms the basis for detecting a fall involves comparing data output from acceleration, angular acceleration, and barometric pressure (equivalent to altitude) sensors with the previous value or values ​​over a certain period of time for each measurement. If the difference exceeds a threshold, it is determined to be a fall (or a fall). If there is no movement of the body (body movement), such as no change in acceleration or angular acceleration data, after a fall is detected, it is determined that the person is unable to move or has fallen, and an alarm is sent to the higher-level system or their location is recorded. In this example, after detecting a fall or tumble as an event, the final criterion for determining whether to issue an alert (display on the device, sound, notification / alarm to a higher-level system, and call to the emergency department, etc.) to determine if the wearer is in a critical condition requiring rescue (injury or serious injury that prevents movement, or unconsciousness) is whether or not there is body movement after the event. In other words, if the wearer is able to move after a fall or tumble, it is ultimately determined that they are not in a critical condition requiring rescue, even if they have some injuries or pain. However, if the alert is determined solely by the presence or absence of body movement, if the wearer is conscious after a fall or tumble and rubs the fractured or painful area or their head, or tries to get up, it may be judged as body movement, and an alert may not be issued even if they actually have a fracture, bleeding, or head injury and require rescue. Also, if the wearer is conscious, they may be able to call using a mobile device themselves, but in buildings or heavy construction sites outdoors, mobile devices may get in the way of work, so they may not carry one. If only wearable devices other than a mobile phone are being worn, the aforementioned body movement may cancel the alert, which may delay rescue.

[0059] In contrast, the embodiment is a wearable device equipped with various sensors (accelerometer, angular acceleration sensor, altimeter, barometer, proximity sensor) and position detection means (using GPS, WAN, or a wireless base station) for detecting fall and tumble events, and determines whether rescue is needed after a fall or tumble event based on positional changes rather than body movements. If the user is wearing the wearable device in the reference example, in a state requiring rescue, such as a fracture, bleeding, or intoxication due to a head injury, the device may detect body movement if the user rubs the affected area or moves their hand, and an alarm will not be triggered. In contrast, the embodiment defines, for example, "a state requiring rescue" as "the wearer is moving alone and remaining in place without being able to call for help," and triggers an alarm if no positional change is confirmed after a fall or tumble event. For example, the alarm determination method in the embodiment uses a direct determination criterion based on positional changes, rather than an indirect determination of an "immobile" state based on body movements.

[0060] In the example, the absence of changes in acceleration and angular acceleration sensor data after a fall or tumble event is treated as indicating that the user is in need of assistance and is remaining in place. However, remaining in place and not moving are not the same thing. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the change in position from the position at the time of the event is below a threshold, it is determined that the user is remaining in place and unable to move on their own. In this way, it is possible to directly determine whether the user is unable to move on their own using positional information. This makes it possible to more appropriately notify users that they are unable to move.

[0061] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A wearable device worn by the user, The system comprises a position detection unit and a processing unit for detecting the position of the wearable device, The aforementioned processing unit, When an event that is at least one of the user falling or tripping is detected, the difference between the reference position detected by the position detection unit and the first position detected by the position detection unit after the detection of the reference position is calculated. A wearable device that triggers an alarm when the aforementioned difference is less than a threshold. (Configuration 2) The wearable device according to configuration 1, wherein the processing unit sets the threshold based on external input. (Composition 3) The wearable device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit, if the difference is less than the threshold and a predetermined time has not elapsed since the event was detected, executes the process of acquiring the first position and calculating the difference again, and issues an alert if the recalculated difference is less than the threshold. (Composition 4) A wearable device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the period of position detection by the position detection unit after the detection of the event is shorter than the period of position detection by the position detection unit before the detection of the event. (Composition 5) The wearable device according to configuration 3, wherein the processing unit, when the difference between the reference position and the first position is greater than or equal to the threshold, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of an event, does not terminate the alarm but instead executes the process of acquiring the first position and calculating the difference again until it is clearly and consciously reset, and if the recalculated difference is less than the threshold, an alarm is issued, and this process is repeated.

[0062] According to this embodiment, a wearable device can be provided that can more appropriately notify the user that they are unable to move.

[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: Altitude detection unit 24: Position detection unit 30: Processing Unit 31: Storage part 32: Arithmetic section 33: Display section 34:Operation unit 35: Communications Department 100: Wearable devices S101~S107, S201~S212: Step

Claims

1. A wearable device worn by the user, The system comprises a position detection unit and a processing unit for detecting the position of the wearable device, The aforementioned processing unit, When an event that is at least one of the user falling or tripping is detected, the difference between the reference position detected by the position detection unit and the first position detected by the position detection unit after the detection of the reference position is calculated. A wearable device that triggers an alarm when the aforementioned difference is less than a threshold.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit sets the threshold based on an external input.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit, if the difference is less than the threshold and a predetermined time has not elapsed since the event was detected, executes the process of acquiring the first position and calculating the difference again, and issues an alert if the recalculated difference is less than the threshold.

4. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the period of position detection by the position detection unit after the detection of the event is shorter than the period of position detection by the position detection unit before the detection of the event.

5. The wearable device according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit, when the difference between the reference position and the first position is greater than or equal to the threshold, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of an event, does not terminate the alarm but instead executes the process of acquiring the first position and calculating the difference again until it is clearly and consciously reset, and if the recalculated difference is less than the threshold, it repeatedly issues an alarm.

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