Wearable devices

Abstract

We provide wearable devices that can improve user safety. [Solution] The wearable device according to the embodiment includes a sensor unit, a communication unit, and a function unit. The sensor unit is a sensor unit for detecting information representing the state of a first user wearing the wearable device. The communication unit is connected to another wearable device via Bluetooth, transmits information representing the state of the first user to the other wearable device, and receives information representing the state of a second user wearing the other wearable device from the other wearable device. The function unit has a function to notify the second user if an abnormality occurs in their state based on communication with the other wearable device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Wearable devices that use sensors to acquire various information such as biometric information, location information, and activity levels of a user wearing the wearable device are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wearable device that can improve the safety of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The wearable device according to the embodiment includes a sensor unit, a communication unit, and a function unit. The sensor unit is a sensor unit for detecting information representing the state of a first user wearing the wearable device. The communication unit is communicably connected to another wearable device via Bluetooth (registered trademark), transmits information representing the state of the first user to the another wearable device, and receives information representing the state of a second user wearing the another wearable device from the another wearable device. The function unit has a function of notifying when an abnormality occurs in the state of the second user based on communication with the another wearable device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system including a wearable device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a wearable device. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the display screens shown by the display unit of a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the display screens shown by the display unit of a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a wearable device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments 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.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system including a wearable device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a wearable device. The monitoring system 100 includes a management device 10 and a plurality of wearable devices 20. In this example, a first wearable device 20A and a second wearable device 20B are used as the plurality of wearable devices 20.

[0009] In describing the embodiments, the user wearing the first wearable device 20A will be referred to as the first user, and the user wearing the second wearable device 20B will be referred to as the second user.

[0010] As described later, the management device 10 (e.g., a higher-level system) communicates with each wearable device 20 and obtains information about the user status of each wearable device 20. This allows the user status of each wearable device 20 to be monitored. Furthermore, multiple wearable devices 20 send and receive information about the user status to and from each other. This ensures that the user status of each wearable device 20 is monitored more reliably.

[0011] In this example, the wearable device 20 is a device worn on the user's arm (see Figure 2). However, the wearable device 20 is not limited to a wristwatch type; it can be any device that can be attached to the user's body, such as a type that attaches to the chest or clothing. As shown in Figure 1, the wearable device 20 has a sensor unit 21, a processing unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a functional unit 24.

[0012] The sensor unit 21 detects biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device 20. This biometric information includes, for example, at least one of blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, sweating amount, and body temperature (external temperature, skin temperature, and body surface temperature). For example, the sensor unit 21 has a pulse sensor 21a that measures the user's pulse rate. In addition, the sensor unit 21 (various sensors 21c) may have sensors that detect biometric information, such as a body temperature sensor that measures the user's body temperature, a sweating sensor, and a blood flow sensor.

[0013] The sensor unit 21 detects the location information of the wearable device 20. In other words, the sensor unit 21 detects the location information of the user wearing the wearable device 20. For example, the sensor unit 21 has a location sensor 21b that detects location information. A GPS (Global Positioning System) device can be used as the location sensor 21b.

[0014] Furthermore, location information acquisition is not necessarily limited to GPS; it may also utilize the Wi-Fi (registered trademark; hereinafter omitted) or Bluetooth (registered trademark; hereinafter omitted) connection status of the wearable device 20. For example, since Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have connection ranges of several meters to tens of meters, multiple wireless communication terminals are installed in the work area at intervals of tens of meters, whether outdoors or indoors. Therefore, location information acquisition can be achieved by using connection points, such as which wireless communication terminal the device is connected to; by using radio wave strength, which calculates the approximate distance from each terminal based on the radio wave strength received by one or more wireless terminals from a specific device; or by using both to improve accuracy.

[0015] The sensor unit 21 (various sensors 21c) may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature around the wearable device 20, a humidity sensor for detecting the ambient humidity around the wearable device 20, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the wearable device 20, an angular acceleration sensor for detecting the angular acceleration of the wearable device 20, an altitude sensor (e.g., a barometric pressure sensor) for detecting the altitude of the wearable device 20, and a geomagnetic sensor. The measurement method for each sensor in the sensor unit 21 is not particularly limited, and any known method may be used as appropriate.

[0016] For example, while the wearable device 20 is in use, the sensor unit 21 continuously performs detections using each sensor moment by moment. For example, the sensor unit 21 repeatedly acquires information from each sensor at predetermined intervals. This makes it possible to monitor the biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device 20 in real time and trace their location. The information such as location information and biometric information detected by the sensor unit 21 may be linked to the time when each piece of information was detected.

[0017] The processing unit 22 controls the operation of each part of the wearable device 20, such as the sensor unit 21, the communication unit 23, and the function unit 24. The processing unit 22 includes a control circuit, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 22 receives detection results from each sensor from the sensor unit 21.

[0018] The processing unit 22 may have a storage device such as a ROM and / or a RAM. The storage device of the processing unit 22 stores various types of information, such as a program for controlling the operation of the wearable device 20, operation settings, and detection results of the sensor unit 21. The processing unit 22 reads and writes information from and to the storage device as necessary.

[0019] [[ID=*5]] * The wearable device 20 may have a function of detecting an abnormality of a user wearing the wearable device 20. For example, when the value of a parameter based on the detection value of the sensor of the sensor unit 21 satisfies a predetermined condition, the processing unit 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the user. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the value of the parameter exceeds (or falls below) a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, for example, when the pulse detected by the pulse sensor 21a exceeds a predetermined value, the processing unit 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred. However, the parameter is not limited to the pulse, and may be appropriately set, such as the amount of sweating. For example, the parameter may be based on a combination of a plurality of detection values of the sensor. For example, a parameter indicating the risk of heat stroke based on the pulse and the outside air temperature (for example, WGBT (wet bulb globe temperature) or heat stress based on WGBT) may be used. Alternatively, based on at least one of the acceleration and the angular acceleration, the presence or absence of a fall or body movement may be determined. Alternatively, based on the altitude, the presence or absence of a fall may be determined. For example, the processing unit 22 determines the occurrence of an abnormality each time detection is performed by the sensor of the sensor unit 21. For the detection of heat stress, falls, etc., known methods may be appropriately used.<* *

[0020] <000*092> * It should be noted that there seems to be an issue with the tags in the original text as there are some asterisks added in the translation to indicate potential tag-related problems. The tags , , seem to be misaligned in the original text. If this is a formatting error in the original, it should be corrected for a more proper translation and understanding.As described above, the wearable device 20 has a sensor unit 21 that is used to detect information representing the state of a user wearing the wearable device 20. The "information representing the state of the user" is, for example, information detected by the sensor unit 21, and is a value (state monitoring quantity) representing the state of the user set as the monitoring target. The information representing the state of the user is, for example, the detection value of the sensor of the sensor unit 21, or the value of a parameter calculated based on the detection value. Specifically, the information representing the state of the user is, for example, values such as pulse, sweating amount, body temperature, or heat stress. The information representing the state of the user may be a value representing the level (high or low) of a detection value such as a pulse. Also, for example, the information representing the state of the user may be information indicating the occurrence (or presence or absence) of a fall, information indicating the occurrence (or presence or absence) of a drop, or information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the state of the user. The processing unit 22 or the sensor unit 21 may have an arithmetic circuit that calculates the output value of the sensor and calculates a value representing the state of the user.

[0021] The plurality of wearable devices 20 may be devices with the same specifications, for example, having the same functions and performing similar operations. The first wearable device 20A detects information representing the state of the first user by the sensor unit 21. Similarly, the second wearable device 20B detects information representing the state of the second user by the sensor unit 21.

[0022] The communication unit 23 is a communication device for the wearable device 20 to connect to an external device. The communication unit 23 has a receiving unit 23a that receives data from an external device and a transmitting unit 23b that transmits data to an external device. The connection is, for example, wireless communication. In this example, the communication unit 23 is a communication device that communicates with an external device via Bluetooth. The receiving unit 23a receives radio waves according to the Bluetooth standard. The transmitting unit 23b transmits radio waves according to the Bluetooth standard. The Bluetooth version and communication method are not particularly limited.

[0023] Each wearable device 20 can communicate with the management device 10. This allows the wearable device 20 to transmit information about the user wearing the device to the management device 10. Specifically, the wearable device 20 transmits detection results from each sensor of the sensor unit 21, such as location information, biometric information, and activity levels. The wearable device 20 may also transmit a notification if the processing unit 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred with the user. For example, the sensor unit 21 may transmit the detected information to the management device 10 each time it detects user information, or it may transmit it in batches at appropriate time intervals (for example, at predetermined cycles). The time interval may be, for example, 30 seconds or less or 1 minute or less, but is not particularly limited. The wearable device 20 may also have a function that allows the user to send a request for assistance to the management device 10 or the like by pressing a button on the wearable device 20 when the user is unwell or injured and needs assistance.

[0024] In this example, the communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A transmits information to the management device 10 via the wireless communication terminal 30A. The communication unit 23 and the wireless communication terminal 30A are connected via Bluetooth. Similarly, in this example, the communication unit 23 of the second wearable device 20B transmits information to the management device 10 via the wireless communication terminal 30B. The communication unit 23 and the wireless communication terminal 30B are connected via Bluetooth.

[0025] Bluetooth performs pairing, for example, to establish a connection between a device and a wireless communication terminal (sometimes called a host device that enables connection with multiple wearable devices). For example, if a wearable device is paired with one wireless communication terminal and moves away from the terminal, the pairing will be lost. However, there is a basic function that re-establishes pairing when the wearable device enters the communication range of the originally paired wireless communication terminal again, and an advertising method that automatically establishes pairing with another wireless communication terminal when the destination wireless communication terminal comes within communication range.

[0026] For communication between the wearable device 20 and the wireless communication terminal 30A or 30B, at least one of the following may be used: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0027] The management device 10 includes a communication module that communicates with external devices (such as wireless communication terminals 30A and 30B). This communication module has, for example, a wireless communication function. The communication module communicates with external devices using a communication network that includes, for example, at least one of a telephone line, the Internet, or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module communicates with external devices using, for example, at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, eSIM, and LPWA. However, the communication method is not particularly limited in this embodiment, and known communication methods and communication standards may be used as appropriate.

[0028] The first wearable device 20A and the second wearable device 20B are able to communicate with each other. In other words, the communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A and the communication unit 23 of the second wearable device 20B are connected (paired) via Bluetooth so that they can send and receive signals to each other.

[0029] The communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A transmits information representing the state of the first user, detected by the sensor unit 21, to the communication unit 23 of the second wearable device 20B. In other words, the communication unit 23 of the second wearable device 20B receives information representing the state of the first user from the first wearable device 20A.

[0030] Similarly, the communication unit 23 of the second wearable device 20B transmits information representing the state of the second user detected by the sensor unit 21 to the communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A. In other words, the communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A receives information representing the state of the second user from the second wearable device 20B.

[0031] The functional unit 24 includes at least one of a display unit 25, a vibration unit 26, and a speaker 27. The display unit 25 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic display. The vibration unit 26 is a vibration device including a motor, for example.

[0032] The functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A has at least one of the following: a notification function that notifies of an abnormality in the first user's condition, and a presentation function that displays the first user's condition.

[0033] Specifically, for example, the display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A displays the status of the first user or the occurrence of an abnormality detected by the sensor unit 21, using at least one of the following: color, characters, numbers, sentences, and symbols, as shown in the display screen in Figure 3, which will be described later. For example, the vibration unit 26 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the first user of an abnormality by vibrating. For example, the speaker 27 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the first user of an abnormality by sound.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A has at least one of the following: a notification function that notifies of an abnormality in the second user's state, and a presentation function that displays the second user's state.

[0035] For example, the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the second user of any abnormality in their condition based on communication with the second wearable device 20B. That is, for example, in the first wearable device 20A, if the processing unit 22 determines that the information representing the second user's condition received by the communication unit 23 indicates an abnormality in the second user's condition, the functional unit 24 notifies the first user that an abnormality has occurred in the second user's condition.

[0036] For example, the display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the second user of an abnormality in their condition by displaying at least one of the following: color, characters, numbers, sentences, and symbols. Notification by display may also be made by the display unit 25 displaying a display screen as described later with respect to Figure 4. The display unit 25 may also provide notification by lighting up or flashing. The display unit 25 may use a light-emitting part such as an LED.

[0037] For example, the vibration unit 26 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the second user of an abnormal condition by vibration. For example, the speaker 27 of the first wearable device 20A notifies the second user of an abnormal condition by sound. The function unit 24 may notify by vibration from the vibration unit 26 and sound from the speaker 27, as well as by a change in the display on the display unit 25.

[0038] For example, the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A displays the status of the second user based on information received from the second wearable device 20B. For example, in the first wearable device 20A, the processing unit 22 displays the status of the second user via the display unit 25 based on information representing the status of the second user received by the communication unit 23. In the first wearable device 20A, the display unit 25 displays the status of the second user, such as whether a value representing the status of the second user is high or low, or whether an abnormality has occurred. For example, as shown in the display screen described with respect to Figure 4 below, the display unit 25 displays at least one of the colors, characters, numbers, sentences, and symbols corresponding to the status of the second user. For example, the display unit 25 displays a value representing the user's status, such as pulse rate. The display unit 25 may also display the level of a value representing the user's status, such as whether the pulse rate is high or low.

[0039] The functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B also performs notifications and presentations, similar to the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A. Specifically, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B has at least one of the following: a notification function to notify of an abnormality in the state of the second user, and a presentation function to present the state of the second user. Furthermore, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B has at least one of the following: a notification function to notify of an abnormality in the state of the first user, and a presentation function to present the state of the first user. For example, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B notifies of an abnormality in the state of the first user based on communication with the first wearable device 20A. For example, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B presents the state of the first user based on information received from the first wearable device 20A.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the first wearable device 20A and the second wearable device 20B are connected to each other via Bluetooth so that they can communicate with one another. The first wearable device 20A transmits information representing the status of the first user to the second wearable device 20B. This improves the safety of the first user. For example, the second user can monitor the status of the first user. For example, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B notifies the second user of an abnormality in the first user through a display or vibration, allowing the second user to become aware of the abnormality in the first user's status. For example, the functional unit 24 of the second wearable device 20B displays the status of the first user, allowing the second user to recognize the status of the first user.

[0041] Similarly, the second wearable device 20B transmits information representing the status of the second user to the first wearable device 20A. This improves the safety of the second user. For example, the first user can monitor the status of the second user. For example, the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A can notify the first user of an abnormality in the second user through a display or vibration, allowing the first user to notice the abnormality in the second user's status. For example, the functional unit 24 of the first wearable device 20A can display the status of the second user, allowing the first user to recognize the status of the second user.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the first user and the second user can perform their work while monitoring each other. The first user and the second user can perform their work while sharing each other's status.

[0043] Wearable devices incorporate various wireless communication technologies to transmit various types of information, such as vital signs, health status, activity levels, location, and rescue requests, to higher-level systems. Some of the aforementioned wireless communication technologies do not require a wireless communication terminal. For example, eSIMs connect to the telephone network independently, eliminating the need for a wireless communication terminal, and LPWAs do not require a wireless communication terminal because the radio waves emitted by the wearable device can reach long distances. eSIMs and LPWAs are also called wide-area wireless communication technologies. For example, in work in locations without wireless communication terminals (e.g., meter reading in residential areas, work in mountainous areas, work on utility poles, road construction and land development sites, building construction sites, etc.), if a worker is wearing a wearable device equipped with wide-area wireless communication technology, the system can detect an abnormality in the worker (wearer) and immediately provide or request rescue. However, in this case, the system may be large and expensive equipment. Furthermore, when using eSIM or LPWA communication, radio waves may be blocked by structures inside buildings and factories, resulting in disconnected areas. For example, eSIM or LPWA may be available in areas where workers perform routine tasks. On the other hand, areas that are only accessed occasionally for maintenance of buildings, structures, or various equipment, or areas where non-routine tasks such as anomaly checks are performed, may be disconnected areas. In such disconnected areas, the connection to the system is lost, which means that the wearer's condition cannot be monitored. For example, if the wearer is in a condition requiring medical attention, it may not be known, potentially leading to a delay in detection. In the aforementioned wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a wireless communication terminal is used, for example, to connect to the system. If a wearable device is connected to a wireless communication terminal, the system can detect an abnormality in the wearer and immediately provide assistance or request assistance. Such wireless communication terminals are, for example, low power consumption and inexpensive. However, the communication range of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is short, ranging from a few meters to tens of meters. Furthermore, when using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, obstacles such as equipment or shelves can create areas where radio waves cannot reach. Therefore, for example, the larger the work area, the more wireless communication terminals may be used to eliminate disconnected areas, or additional wireless communication terminals may be installed to eliminate disconnected areas caused by obstacles. This can result in a large number of wireless communication terminals. Also, similar to eSIM and LPWA, in non-routine work areas where wireless communication terminals are not installed, the connection to the system is lost, making it impossible to monitor the wearer's status. In some cases, work performed in unconnected areas where wireless communication signals cannot reach may be carried out by two or more people for safety reasons. However, having two people perform the same task increases labor costs. It is also possible to have multiple people go to the same room or location and mutually monitor each other while performing different tasks. However, even in this case, it may be difficult to check on the condition of other workers, and abnormalities such as falling may go unnoticed.

[0044] Thus, when a wearable device is in an area disconnected from the system where wireless communication signals such as eSIM, LPWA, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth cannot reach, the system cannot monitor the wearer's status. In contrast, in this embodiment, the wearable device 20 is capable of both outputting and receiving Bluetooth signals. Even when two workers are working in an area disconnected from the system, they can establish pairing between their respective wearable devices 20. For example, even if the wearable devices 20 are disconnected from the system, Bluetooth communication can be established between the wearable devices 20 worn by two workers. Therefore, even if the two workers are far apart, they can monitor each other's status as long as they are within a pairing range. For example, if one worker experiences illness or an accident, an abnormality notification will be immediately displayed on the other worker's wearable device 20, allowing for immediate assistance. For example, if one party becomes unwell, falls or trips and becomes unable to move, or if the Bluetooth pairing is lost due to a fall, a malfunction such as this will be immediately displayed (may be accompanied by vibration) on the display unit 25 of the other party's wearable device, allowing them to go and provide assistance.

[0045] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) and 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the display screens shown by the display unit of a wearable device according to the embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a display screen showing a certain state of the first user, Figure 3(b) is a display screen showing another state of the first user, and Figure 3(c) is a display screen showing yet another state of the first user. Figure 4(a) is a display screen showing a certain state of the second user, Figure 4(b) is a display screen showing another state of the second user, and Figure 4(c) is a display screen showing yet another state of the second user.

[0046] In these diagrams, color differences are represented by the presence or density of dots. Furthermore, for convenience, these diagrams are labeled "Status of First User" and "Status of Second User," but any recognizable indication of the status of the first and second users is acceptable. For example, an ID identifying the wearable device or user may be displayed.

[0047] The display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A displays a screen, for example, one of the images shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), depending on the state of the first user. Depending on the state of the first worker, the display screen showing the state of the first worker switches.

[0048] Furthermore, the display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A displays a screen, for example, one of the images shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), depending on the state of the second user. Depending on the state of the second worker, the display screen showing the second worker's state switches.

[0049] For example, the display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A may alternately display a display screen showing the status of the first user, as shown in any of Figures 3(a) to 3(c), and a display screen showing the status of the second user, as shown in any of Figures 4(a) to 4(c), at a predetermined interval of about 10 seconds. The first user may be able to switch between the display screens by operating a button 28 (see Figure 2) or the like on the first wearable device 20A.

[0050] For example, the display unit 25 indicates by color and text whether the pulse rate is "normal," "caution: decreased," or "urgent: high." For example, the display unit 25 indicates by color and text whether the heat stress level is "0," "1 or 2," or "3 or 4." For example, the display unit 25 indicates by color and text whether the sweating level is "normal," "caution: excessive," or "urgent: increased." For example, the display unit 25 indicates by color and text whether the fall / tumble occurred "none," "fall occurred," or "tumble occurred." For example, the display unit 25 indicates by color and text whether the body movement level is "normal," "caution: decreased," or "urgent: none."

[0051] In this manner, the display unit 25 displays the abnormality (such as a high pulse rate, high heat stress, increased sweating, a fall, a drop, or no body movement) using characters (numbers) and color.

[0052] The display unit 25 of the wearable device 20 displays the status of the wearer of the other wearable device 20, categorized into normal, caution, emergency, etc., and color-coded based on information acquired from the other wearable device 20. The status can be communicated not only by reading but also visually through color.

[0053] The vibration unit 26 of one wearable device 20 may vibrate when the wearer's condition changes in the other wearable device 20. This notifies the wearer of the other wearable device 20 of the change in the other wearer's condition.

[0054] The user may operate one of the wearable devices 20 to cause the display unit 25 of the other wearable device 20 to display a predetermined message or to cause the vibration unit 26 of the other wearable device 20 to vibrate. This allows the user to communicate with the other party manually.

[0055] For example, one or more message types are pre-registered in the memory of the wearable device 20. These message types include, for example, "I'm not feeling well," "Please come," or "Request for rescue." When an operation to select a message type is performed on one of the wearable devices 20, the selected message type is displayed on the display unit 25 of the other device.

[0056] In other words, for example, the communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A receives information from the second wearable device 20B regarding a message selected by the second user from a plurality of pre-registered messages in the second wearable device 20B. As a result, the display unit 25 of the first wearable device 20A displays the selected message.

[0057] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a wearable device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 illustrates the operation of the first wearable device 20A. The second wearable device 20B also performs a similar operation in parallel (with the roles of "first user" and "first wearable device" swapped with "second user" and "second wearable device" in the explanation of Figure 5).

[0058] Before performing the work, the first user and the second user connect the first wearable device 20A and the second wearable device 20B to each other via Bluetooth so that they can communicate with each other (step S101). The first user and the second user perform the work when the first wearable device 20A and the second wearable device 20B are paired and in a state where they can communicate with each other.

[0059] The first wearable device 20A uses its sensor unit 21 to detect information representing the state of the first user (step S102). The communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A transmits the detected information representing the state of the first user to the second wearable device 20B (step S103). The communication unit 23 of the first wearable device 20A receives information representing the state of the second user detected by the second wearable device 20B from the second wearable device 20B (step S104).

[0060] As described above, an abnormality in the second user's condition can be determined, for example, by the second wearable device 20B. For example, the information received in step S104 includes information indicating whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the second user's condition. However, this is not the only option; the first wearable device 20A may also acquire various information about the second user detected by the sensor unit 21 of the second wearable device 20B and determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the second user's condition.

[0061] If the processing unit 22 of the first wearable device 20A determines that an abnormality has occurred in the state of the second user based on the information received in step S104 (i.e., if the information received in step S104 includes information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality) (step S105: YES), it causes the function unit 24 to notify the first user (step S106).

[0062] If the processing unit 22 of the first wearable device 20A cannot determine that an abnormality has occurred in the second user's state based on the information received in step S104 (i.e., for example, if the information received in step S104 does not include information indicating an abnormality) (step S105: No), it will not issue a notification.

[0063] The processing unit 22 of the first wearable device 20A displays the status of the first user on the display unit 25 based on the information detected in step S102. For example, the display screen showing the status of the first user is updated. Also, the processing unit 22 of the first wearable device 20A displays the status of the second user on the display unit 25 based on the information detected in step S104. For example, the display screen showing the status of the second user is updated (step S107). If the user's status changes, the vibration unit 26 may notify the user by vibration along with the change in the display screen showing the user's status.

[0064] For example, steps S102 to S107 are repeated at appropriate time intervals (for example, at a predetermined cycle). The time interval may be, for example, 30 seconds or less or 1 minute or less, but is not particularly limited. For example, information representing the user's status is transmitted in batches at appropriate time intervals and received by the wearable device 20 on the other side. Information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the user's status may be transmitted to the wearable device 20 on the other side immediately when the abnormality is detected. In Figure 5 and its description, processes such as transmission and reception may be rearranged or executed in parallel as appropriate, to the extent possible.

[0065] According to the embodiment, a wearable device that can improve user safety can be provided.

[0066] 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]

[0067] 10: Management device 20: Wearable devices 20A: First wearable device 20B: Second wearable device 21: Sensor section 21a: Pulse sensor 21b: Position sensor 21c: Sensor 22: Processing Unit 23: Communications Department 23a: Receiver 23b: Transmitter 24: Functional Section 25: Display section 26: Vibration section 27: Speaker 28: Button 30A, 30B: Wireless communication terminals 100: Surveillance system S101~S107: Step

Claims

1. It is a wearable device, A sensor unit for detecting information representing the state of the first user wearing the wearable device, A communication unit that is connected to another wearable device via Bluetooth, transmits information representing the status of the first user to the other wearable device, and receives information representing the status of the second user wearing the other wearable device from the other wearable device, A functional unit having a function to notify the second user if an abnormality occurs in their condition based on communication with the aforementioned other wearable device, A wearable device equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The aforementioned functional unit is A display unit that notifies the aforementioned abnormality by display, A vibrating unit that notifies of the abnormality by vibrating, A wearable device according to claim 1, having at least one of the following.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional unit is capable of presenting the state of the second user based on information received from the other wearable device.

4. The communication unit receives information of the message selected in the other wearable device from the other wearable device. The wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional unit, upon receiving the information of the selected message from the communication unit, displays the selected message.

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