Wearable device, and wearable system

Abstract

A hearable device (10) comprises a speaker (SP), a temperature detection circuit (20), an arithmetic circuit (31), a control circuit (32), an RF circuit (34), and an antenna (ANT). The temperature detection circuit (20) comprises a thermistor (21) and generates divided voltage measurement data according to the temperature of a member worn on the ear. The arithmetic circuit (31) detects the temperature from the divided voltage measurement data. The control circuit (32) uses a temporal change in temperature to generate off-information indicating that the device was removed from the ear. The RF circuit (34) transmits the off-information through the antenna (ANT) to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device that is worn on the ear and provides sound to a user.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a device for detecting the wearing of earphones. The device of Patent Document 1 includes earphones and a portable audio device. The earphones include a temperature measuring element and a control circuit.

[0003] The temperature measuring element is fixed to the earphones. The control circuit transmits a signal (temperature measuring signal) corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature measuring element to the portable audio device.

[0004] When the portable audio device detects that the earphones have come off the ear using the temperature measuring signal, it shifts the power supply of the earphones from the on mode to the off mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, the user could not easily know that the earphones had come off the ear. For this reason, for example, in the case of wireless earphones, there is a high possibility of losing the earphones that have come off the ear.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can easily detect that a wearable device has come off the ear.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The wearable device of this invention includes a speaker, a first temperature detection circuit, an off information generation unit, and a transmission circuit. The first temperature detection circuit detects the first temperature of the member worn on the ear. The off information generation unit generates off information indicating that the device has come off the ear using the temporal change of the first temperature. The transmission circuit transmits the off information to the outside.

[0009] In this configuration, the state where the wearable device has come off the ear is detected based on the difference in the detected temperature between the state where the wearable device is worn on the ear and the state where the wearable device has come off the ear. Then, this detection information (off information) is transmitted to the outside (for example, a wearable device that forms a pair, etc.) and the user is notified.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to this invention, the user can easily know that the wearable device has come off the ear.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First Embodiment] The wearable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a wearable device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the schematic appearance of a wearable device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the wearable device 10 includes a temperature detection circuit 20, an arithmetic circuit 31, a control circuit 32, a power supply IC 33, an RF circuit 34, a D / A circuit 35, an amplifier 36, a memory 310, a battery 330, an antenna ANT, and a speaker SP. The part composed of the arithmetic circuit 31 and the control circuit 32 corresponds to the "off information generation unit" of the present invention. The part composed of the RF circuit 34 and the antenna ANT corresponds to the "transmission circuit" of the present invention. Note that the transmission circuit for off information also functions as a reception circuit for off information. The power supply IC 33 corresponds to the "power supply control unit" of the present invention. The temperature detection circuit 20 corresponds to the "first temperature detection circuit" of the present invention.

[0014] The temperature detection circuit 20, the arithmetic circuit 31, the control circuit 32, the power supply IC 33, the RF circuit 34, the D / A circuit 35, the amplifier 36, and the memory 310 are realized by an electronic circuit module including chip-type electronic components and ICs. The antenna ANT is realized by a conductor pattern of a predetermined shape, and the speaker SP is realized by, for example, a chip-type speaker element. The battery 330 is, for example, a secondary battery and supplies power to each functional unit of the wearable device 10.

[0015] The temperature detection circuit 20 includes a thermistor 21, a resistance element 22, and an A / D circuit 23. The resistance element 22 and the thermistor 21 are connected in series. More specifically, one end of the resistance element 22 is connected to the battery 330, and the other end of the resistance element 22 is connected to one end of the thermistor 21. The other end of the thermistor 21 is connected to the ground reference potential. Thereby, the voltage VBat from the battery 330 is supplied to the series circuit of the resistance element 22 and the thermistor 21. The thermistor 21 corresponds to the "first thermistor" of the present invention, and the voltage VBat corresponds to the "temperature detection voltage" of the present invention. And the line connecting the battery 330 that supplies this voltage VBat and the resistance element 22 corresponds to the "detection voltage supply line" of the present invention.

[0016] The A / D circuit 23 is a circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The input terminal (analog input terminal) of the A / D circuit 23 is connected to the node between the resistor element 22 and the thermistor 21. The output terminal (digital output terminal) of the A / D circuit 23 outputs to the arithmetic circuit 31.

[0017] The A / D circuit 23 converts the divided voltage (analog signal) between the resistor element 22 and the thermistor 21 into digital divided voltage measurement data and outputs it to the arithmetic circuit 31. The A / D circuit 23 generates divided voltage measurement data at a predetermined sampling period and outputs it to the arithmetic circuit 31.

[0018] By using the thermistor 21, the divided voltage and the divided voltage measurement data become values determined by the temperature detected by the thermistor 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable device 10 includes a main body housing 11 and a mounting member 12. The outer shape of the mounting member 12 is generally in the shape of a human ear hole. By inserting the mounting member 12 into the ear hole of the user, the wearable device 10 is worn by the user.

[0020] The thermistor 21 is disposed on the mounting member 12. More preferably, the thermistor 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the outer surface of the mounting member 12. Even more preferably, the thermistor 21 is disposed on the elastic ear tip disposed on the surface of the mounting member 12. The configuration in which the thermistor 21 is disposed on the ear tip means a configuration in which the thermistor 21 is mounted on the surface of the ear tip, a configuration in which a part of the thermistor 21 is disposed so as to be exposed from the surface of the ear tip, a configuration in which the thermistor 21 is built in the ear tip, and the like.

[0021] Thus, when the user wears the wearable device 10, the thermistor 21 is inside the ear hole and is disposed near the ear skin. Therefore, the resistance value of the thermistor 21 becomes a value corresponding to the temperature inside the ear. Thus, in this case, the divided voltage and the divided voltage measurement data become values corresponding to the temperature inside the ear. In particular, when the thermistor 21 is built into the ear tip, the temperature becomes stable, so that the temperature inside the ear can be detected more accurately.

[0022] On the other hand, when the wearable device 10 is detached from the user's ear, the thermistor 21 is affected by the outside air. Therefore, the resistance value of the thermistor 21 becomes a value corresponding to the outside air temperature. Thus, in this case, the divided voltage and the divided voltage measurement data become values corresponding to the outside air temperature.

[0023] The arithmetic circuit 31 detects the temperature using the divided voltage measurement data. For example, the arithmetic circuit 31 stores a database or relational expression indicating the relationship between the value of the divided voltage measurement data and the temperature, and uses these to detect the temperature from the divided voltage measurement data.

[0024] The arithmetic circuit 31 sequentially stores the detected temperature in the memory 310.

[0025] The arithmetic circuit 31 calculates the temperature difference at a plurality of times. For example, the arithmetic circuit 31 calculates the temperature difference between the currently detected temperature and the temperature before a predetermined time read from the memory 310. The arithmetic circuit 31 outputs the temperature difference to the control circuit 32. This temperature difference corresponds to the "first temperature difference" of the present invention.

[0026] The control circuit 32 controls the overall operation of the wearable device 10. Further, the control circuit 32 generates off information using the temperature difference from the arithmetic circuit 31. The off information is information indicating that the wearable device 10 has come off from the state of being worn on the ear.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the temporal changes in the temperature inside the ear and the outside air temperature. In FIG. 3, the time ts indicates the time when the wearable device 10 is worn on the ear, and the time te indicates the time when the wearable device 10 is removed from the ear. The solid line indicates the temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit 20, and the broken line indicates the outside air temperature.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, until the wearable device 10 is worn on the ear, the detected temperature is a value corresponding to the outside air temperature. When the wearable device 10 is worn on the ear, the detected temperature rises and becomes substantially constant at a value corresponding to the temperature inside the ear. When the wearable device 10 is removed from the ear, the detected temperature decreases and gradually converges to a value corresponding to the outside air temperature. Here, the "value corresponding to the outside air temperature" and the "value corresponding to the temperature inside the ear" are determined by the arrangement position of the thermistor 21 and the like. For example, if the thermistor 21 is exposed on the surface of the wearable device 10, the "value corresponding to the outside air temperature" will be almost the same as the outside air temperature, and the "value corresponding to the inside of the ear" will be almost the same as the temperature inside the ear. On the other hand, if the thermistor 21 is arranged inside the wearable device 10, it will be a value corresponding to its arrangement position.

[0029] Note that when used in a special environment where the outside air is higher than the temperature inside the ear, when the wearable device 10 is worn on the ear, the detected temperature decreases, and when the wearable device 10 is removed from the ear, the detected temperature rises.

[0030] Therefore, the temperature difference at a plurality of times is large when the wearable device 10 is worn on the ear and when the wearable device 10 is removed from the ear. On the other hand, when the wearable device 10 is stably worn on the ear, the temperature difference at a plurality of times is small.

[0031] The control circuit 32 stores a first threshold value for the temperature difference. The first threshold value is set to be smaller than the temperature differences at a plurality of times when the wearable device 10 comes off the ear (the temperature difference when coming off), and larger than the temperature differences at a plurality of times when the wearable device 10 is stably worn on the ear (the temperature difference when stably worn). For example, the first threshold value is set to the intermediate value between the temperature when coming off and the temperature when stably worn. The first threshold value is preset according to the outside air temperature, the body temperature of the user, etc. Note that the first threshold value may be approximately the same as the temperature difference between the temperature inside the ear and the outside air temperature, and may be set to a value smaller by an extent considering the determination error than this temperature difference.

[0032] If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the control circuit 32 generates off information. If the temperature difference is less than the first threshold value, the control circuit 32 does not generate off information. The off information is realized, for example, by an alert sound or a message sound. The control circuit 32 outputs the generated off information to the RF circuit 34.

[0033] During normal use of the wearable device 10, the RF circuit 34 performs wireless communication with an external device through the antenna ANT. For example, the RF circuit 34 receives an acoustic signal from an external portable terminal (smartphone or portable audio player) through the antenna ANT. More specifically, the RF circuit 34 receives a digital acoustic signal superimposed with a high-frequency signal through the antenna ANT and demodulates the digital acoustic signal. The RF circuit 34 outputs the digital acoustic signal to the D / A circuit 35.

[0034] The D / A circuit 35 converts the digital acoustic signal into an analog acoustic signal and outputs it to the amplifier 36. The amplifier 36 amplifies the analog acoustic signal and supplies it to the speaker SP. The speaker SP is excited by the analog acoustic signal and emits sound.

[0035] Figure 4(A) is an image diagram when a normal wearable device is in use. As shown in Figure 4(A), during normal use, the user can listen to music or the voices of others from the mobile terminal 90 through the wearable devices 10R and 10L while wearing the wearable device 10R on the right ear and the wearable device 10L on the left ear. The wearable system is constituted by these wearable devices 10R and 10L and the mobile terminal 90.

[0036] Furthermore, when off information is input from the control circuit 32, the RF circuit 34 transmits the off information to the outside through the antenna ANT. More specifically, the RF circuit 34 transmits the off information to another wearable device that is a pair of this wearable device 10.

[0037] Figure 4(B) is an image diagram of communication when the wearable device comes off one ear. For example, in the case of Figure 4(B), when the wearable device 10R comes off the right ear and drops, the wearable device 10R detects that it has come off the right ear as described above and transmits off information to the wearable device 10L.

[0038] The RF circuit 34 of the wearable device 10L that has received the off information demodulates the off information and outputs it to the D / A circuit 35. The D / A circuit 35 of the wearable device 10L digitally - analog - converts the off information and outputs it to the amplifier 36, and the amplifier 36 supplies the off information to the speaker SP. The speaker SP of the wearable device 10L emits the off information. As a result, the user can hear the off information through the wearable device 10L still worn on the left ear. Therefore, the user can easily and more surely know that the wearable device 10R on the right ear has come off.

[0039] Note that the destination for transmitting the off information is not limited to the paired wearable device, and may be, for example, the mobile terminal 90 described above. In this case, for example, if the mobile terminal 90 is provided with a display unit, the mobile terminal 90 can display, in the form of an image or text, that the wearable device 10R has become detached based on the off information. Further, the mobile terminal 90 may transmit to the wearable device 10L that the wearable device 10R has become detached, or may perform an abnormal volume adjustment such as increasing the sound or voice that has been transmitted from the mobile terminal 90. As a result, the user can easily know that the wearable device 10R has become detached.

[0040] Further, when the control circuit 32 generates off information, it outputs a stop control command for power supply to each functional unit of the wearable device 10 to the power supply IC 33.

[0041] When the power supply IC 33 receives the stop control command, it stops the power supply to each functional unit of the wearable device 10 such as the arithmetic circuit 31 and the RF circuit 34. As a result, the wearable device 10 that has come off the ear can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0042] At this time, the control circuit 32 and the power supply IC 33 stop the power supply with a delay of a predetermined time from the output of the off information from the control circuit 32 to the RF circuit 34. More specifically, the control circuit 32 and the power supply IC 33 stop the power supply to the RF circuit 34 after a delay in the time when the RF circuit 34 transmits the off information to the outside through the antenna ANT. As a result, the wearable device 10 can more reliably notify the user that the wearable device 10 has become detached and suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0043] (Wearable device detachment detection method 1) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting detachment of a wearable device according to the first embodiment. Note that the detailed content of each process shown in FIG. 5 has been described in the above description of the configuration, and thus the description will be omitted except for the parts that require additional explanation.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature detection circuit 20 and the arithmetic circuit 31 of the wearable device 10 detect the temperature (S11). The arithmetic circuit 31 of the wearable device 10 stores the temperature in the memory 310 (S12). The arithmetic circuit 31 of the wearable device 10 calculates the difference in temperature (temperature difference) at multiple times (S13).

[0045] If the temperature difference of the wearable device 10 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value (first threshold value) (S14: YES), the control circuit 32 of the wearable device 10 transmits off information through the RF circuit 34 and the antenna ANT (S15). If the temperature difference of the wearable device 10 is less than the determination threshold value (first threshold value) (S14: NO), the control circuit 32 of the wearable device 10 repeats the process of calculating the temperature difference from the temperature detection.

[0046] After transmitting the off information, the control circuit 32 of the wearable device 10 controls the power supply to be turned off through the power supply IC 33 (S16).

[0047] [Second Embodiment] The wearable device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the wearable device according to the second embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the wearable device 10A according to the second embodiment is different from the wearable device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a microphone MIC and an A / D circuit 37. Also, the wearable device 10A is different in the processing when it comes off the ear compared to the wearable device 10. Other configurations and processes of the wearable device 10A are the same as those of the wearable device 10, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0049] The wearable device 10A includes a microphone MIC and an A / D circuit 37. The microphone MIC picks up the user's voice and outputs it to the A / D circuit 37.

[0050] The A / D circuit 37 digitally converts the analog audio signal and outputs it to the RF circuit 34 and the D / A circuit 35.

[0051] When the wearable device 10A is used as a hearing aid, the D / A circuit 35 analog-converts the digital audio signal and outputs it to the amplifier 36. The amplifier 36 amplifies the audio signal and supplies it to the speaker SP. The speaker SP is excited by the supplied audio signal and emits sound. At this time, wind noise, noise, etc. may be input to the amplifier 36 after noise cancellation by signal processing.

[0052] When the wearable device 10A is used as a wireless phone, the RF circuit 34 superimposes the digital audio signal on the RF communication signal and transmits it from the antenna ANT.

[0053] In such a configuration, when the off information is input as described above, the RF circuit 34 and the antenna ANT transmit the off information and transmit the audio signal picked up by the microphone MIC. As a result, the other wearable device that forms a pair can emit the sound picked up by the wearable device 10A that has come off the ear. The other wearable device that forms a pair may receive the off information directly, or may receive the off information via a mobile terminal or the like.

[0054] As a result, the user can easily know that the wearable device 10A has come off the ear and can hear the ambient sound around the detached wearable device 10A. Therefore, the user can estimate the location where the wearable device 10A has come off and fallen from the ambient sound.

[0055] Also, as another aspect, as a process separate from the transmission of off information, the hearing device 10A suppresses the sound collection signal supplied to the speaker SP. For example, the amplifier 36 suppresses the gain for the sound collection signal. Alternatively, the amplifier 36 may turn off the gain for the sound collection signal supplied to the speaker SP. Thereby, howling due to the system (acoustic loop) of the microphone MIC and the speaker SP can be suppressed. This is, for example, in the case of a hearing aid that is independently attached to each of both ears, the sound collected by the hearing device worn on one ear is also emitted by the hearing device worn on the other ear. In such a case, when howling occurs, the howling sound is emitted from the still-worn hearing device, causing discomfort. However, by performing the above-described control, howling can be suppressed, which is effective. Note that the amplifier 36 corresponds to the "sound collection signal level suppression unit" of the present invention.

[0056] (Hearing device detachment detection method 2) FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are flowcharts showing a method for detecting detachment of a hearing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7(A) shows the case of transmitting a sound collection signal, and FIG. 7(B) shows the case of suppressing a sound collection signal. Note that the detailed content of each process shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) has been described in the above description of the configuration, so the description will be omitted except for the parts that require additional description. Also, hereinafter, in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), only the parts different from FIG. 5 will be described. Also, in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the description of the detailed functional units that execute the processes is omitted.

[0057] (Case of transmitting a sound collection signal) The wearable device 10A executes steps S11 - S15 in the same manner as the above-described wearable device 10. The wearable device 10A transmits an audio signal (acquired signal) acquired by the microphone MIC (S21). After transmitting the acquired signal, the wearable device 10A performs power control during off-information (S16o). For example, the power control during off-information stops the power supply for temperature detection and continues the power supply for transmitting RF signals. Alternatively, the power control during off-information turns off the power after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0058] (When suppressing the acquired signal) The wearable device 10A executes steps S11 - S15 in the same manner as the above-described wearable device 10. The wearable device 10A performs suppression processing on the level of the audio signal (acquired signal) acquired by the microphone MIC (S22). The wearable device 10A controls the power to be turned off (S16). Note that the wearable device 10A may perform both suppression of the level of the acquired signal and transmission of the acquired signal as described above (S21).

[0059] [Third Embodiment] A wearable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the wearable device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an external view showing an example of the schematic external appearance of the wearable device according to the third embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the wearable device 10B according to the third embodiment is different from the wearable device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a temperature detection circuit 20i and a temperature detection circuit 20o, and also differs in the processing in the arithmetic circuit 31B and the control circuit 32B. Other configurations and processes of the wearable device 10B are the same as those of the wearable device 10, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

[0061] The wearable device 10B includes a temperature detection circuit 20i and a temperature detection circuit 20o. The temperature detection circuit 20i includes a thermistor 21i, a resistance element 22i, and an A / D circuit 23i. The temperature detection circuit 20i has the same circuit configuration as the temperature detection circuit 20 according to the first embodiment. The temperature detection circuit 20i corresponds to the "first temperature detection circuit" of the present invention. The thermistor 21i corresponds to the "first thermistor" of the present invention, and the thermistor 21o corresponds to the "second thermistor" of the present invention.

[0062] The temperature detection circuit 20o includes a thermistor 21o, a resistance element 22o, and an A / D circuit 23o. The temperature detection circuit 20o has the same circuit configuration as the temperature detection circuit 20 according to the first embodiment. The temperature detection circuit 20o corresponds to the "second temperature detection circuit" of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the thermistor 21i is disposed on the mounting member 12. More preferably, the thermistor 21o is disposed near the outer surface of the mounting member 12.

[0064] The thermistor 21o is disposed on the main body housing 11. More preferably, the thermistor 21o is disposed at an end of the main body housing 11 opposite to the side where the mounting member 12 is connected. Conceptually, this means that the thermistor 21o is disposed at a position as far as possible from the ear when the wearable device 10B is worn on the ear so as to be less affected or not affected by the temperature in the ear. For example, the thermistor 21o is disposed near the arrangement region of the antenna ANT in the main body housing 11. That is, the antenna ANT is preferably disposed at an end of the main body housing 11 opposite to the side where the mounting member 12 is connected in order to improve communication characteristics. Therefore, the thermistor 21o may be disposed near the antenna ANT.

[0065] With this configuration, the temperature detection circuit 20i detects the temperature inside the ear if the wearable device 10B is worn on the ear, and detects the outside air temperature if the wearable device 10B is removed from the ear. The temperature detection circuit 20o detects the outside air temperature regardless of whether the wearable device 10B is worn on the ear or not.

[0066] The arithmetic circuit 31B receives the divided voltage measurement data (first divided voltage measurement data) from the temperature detection circuit 20i and the divided voltage measurement data (second divided voltage measurement data) from the temperature detection circuit 20o.

[0067] The arithmetic circuit 31B detects the first temperature using the first divided voltage measurement data. The arithmetic circuit 31B detects the second temperature using the second divided voltage measurement data. The arithmetic circuit 31B calculates the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The arithmetic circuit 31B outputs the temperature difference to the control circuit 32B.

[0068] The control circuit 32B generates off information using the temperature difference from the arithmetic circuit 31B.

[0069] The control circuit 32B stores a second threshold value for the temperature difference. The second threshold value is larger than the temperature difference when the wearable device 10B is removed from the ear (the temperature difference between the first temperature (a value corresponding to the outside air temperature) and the second temperature (a value corresponding to the outside air temperature)), and is set smaller than the temperature difference when the wearable device 10B is stably worn on the ear (the temperature difference between the first temperature (a value corresponding to the temperature inside the ear) and the second temperature (a value corresponding to the outside air temperature)). For example, the second threshold value is set to the intermediate value of the temperature differences in these two states.

[0070] If the temperature difference is less than the second threshold value, the control circuit 32B generates off information. If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the control circuit 32B does not generate off information.

[0071] With such a configuration, the wearable device 10B can detect that the wearable device 10B has come off the ear, similar to the wearable device 10. Therefore, the user can easily and more reliably know that the wearable device 10B has come off the ear.

[0072] Also, the wearable device 10B does not need to remember the temperature difference over time. And the wearable device 10B can easily and more reliably know that the wearable device 10B has come off the ear without using the change in the detected temperature over time.

[0073] (Wearable device detachment detection method 3) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting detachment of a wearable device according to the third embodiment. Note that the detailed content of each process shown in FIG. 10 has been described in the above description of the configuration, so the description will be omitted except for the parts that require additional description.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the wearable device 10B detects the temperature (first temperature) of the target site (S111) and detects the outside air temperature (second temperature) (S112). The wearable device 10B calculates the temperature difference (S13B).

[0075] If the temperature difference is less than the determination threshold value (second threshold value) (S14B: YES), the wearable device 10B transmits off information (S15). If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the determination threshold value (second threshold value) (S14B: NO), the wearable device 10B repeats the process of calculating the temperature difference from the temperature detection.

[0076] After transmitting the off information, the wearable device 10B controls the power to be turned off (S16).

[0077] [Fourth Embodiment] A description will be given of a wearable device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the wearable device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is an external view showing an example of the schematic external appearance of the wearable device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11, a wearable device 10C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the wearable device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a temperature detection circuit 20i1 and a temperature detection circuit 20i2, and also differs in the processing in the arithmetic circuit 31C and the control circuit 32C. Other configurations and processing of the wearable device 10C are the same as those of the wearable device 10, and descriptions of the same parts will be omitted.

[0079] The wearable device 10C includes a temperature detection circuit 20i1 and a temperature detection circuit 20i2. The temperature detection circuit 20i1 includes a thermistor 21i1, a resistance element 22i1, and an A / D circuit 23i1. The temperature detection circuit 20i1 has the same circuit configuration as the temperature detection circuit 20 according to the first embodiment. The temperature detection circuit 20i1 corresponds to the "first temperature detection circuit" of the present invention.

[0080] The temperature detection circuit 20i2 includes a thermistor 21i2, a resistance element 22i2, and an A / D circuit 23i2. The temperature detection circuit 20i2 has the same circuit configuration as the temperature detection circuit 20 according to the first embodiment. The temperature detection circuit 20i2 corresponds to the "second temperature detection circuit" of the present invention.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 12, the thermistors 21i1 and 21i2 are arranged on the mounting member 12. More preferably, the thermistors 21i1 and 21i2 are arranged near the outer surface of the mounting member 12. At this time, the arrangement positions of the thermistors 21i1 and 21i2 are separated. For example, the thermistor 21i1 is arranged near one end in the lateral direction of the mounting member 12, and the thermistor 21i2 is arranged near the other end in the lateral direction of the mounting member 12. Alternatively, the thermistor 21i1 is arranged near one end in the longitudinal direction of the mounting member 12, and the thermistor 21i2 is arranged near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the mounting member 12. Note that these arrangement examples of the thermistors 21i1 and 21i2 are just examples, and it is sufficient that the distance is separated.

[0082] With this configuration, if the wearable device 10C is stably worn on the ear, the temperature detection circuits 20i1 and 20i2 detect the temperature inside the ear at the positions of the thermistor 21i1 and the thermistor 21i2, respectively. On the other hand, if the wearable device 10C is unstably worn on the ear (for example, if it seems to come off), the temperature detection circuit including the thermistor that has come out of the ear detects the outside air temperature, and the temperature detection circuit including the thermistor in the ear detects the temperature inside the ear.

[0083] Input to the arithmetic circuit 31C are the divided voltage measurement data (first divided voltage measurement data) from the temperature detection circuit 20i1 and the divided voltage measurement data (second divided voltage measurement data) from the temperature detection circuit 20i2.

[0084] The arithmetic circuit 31C detects a first temperature using the first divided voltage measurement data. The arithmetic circuit 31C detects a second temperature using the second divided voltage measurement data. The arithmetic circuit 31C calculates the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The arithmetic circuit 31C outputs the temperature difference to the control circuit 32C.

[0085] The control circuit 32C generates wearing defect information using the temperature difference from the arithmetic circuit 31C.

[0086] The control circuit 32C stores a third threshold value for the temperature difference. The third threshold value is set to be larger than the temperature difference (the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature) when the wearable device 10C is unstably worn on the ear, and smaller than the temperature difference (the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature) when the wearable device 10C is stably worn on the ear. For example, the third threshold value is set to the median value of the temperature differences in these two states.

[0087] If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, the control circuit 32C generates malfunction information for wearing. If the temperature difference is less than the third threshold value, the control circuit 32C does not generate malfunction information for wearing.

[0088] With such a configuration, the wearable device 10C can detect that the wearable device 10C is not stably worn on the ear. Therefore, the user can easily and more surely know that the wearable device 10C is not stably worn on the ear.

[0089] (Wearable device detachment detection method 4) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting detachment of a wearable device according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the detailed content of each process shown in FIG. 13 has been described in the above configuration description, and thus the description will be omitted except for the parts that require additional description.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 13, the wearable device 10C detects the temperature of the first target site (the first site temperature) (S111C), and detects the temperature of the second target site (the second site temperature) (S112C). The wearable device 10C calculates the temperature difference (S13C).

[0091] If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the determination threshold value (the third threshold value) (S14C: YES), the wearable device 10C transmits malfunction information for wearing (S15C). If the temperature difference is less than the determination threshold value (the third threshold value) (S14C: NO), the wearable device 10C repeats the processes of temperature detection and temperature difference calculation.

[0092] [Fifth Embodiment] A description will be given of a wearable device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the wearable device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 14, a wearable device 10D according to the fifth embodiment differs from the wearable device 10B according to the third embodiment in that it includes a temperature detection circuit 20D. Other configurations and processes of the wearable device 10D are the same as those of the wearable device 10B, and descriptions of the same parts will be omitted.

[0094] The wearable device 10D includes a temperature detection circuit 20D. The temperature detection circuit 20D includes a thermistor 21i, a thermistor 21o, a resistance element 22, an A / D circuit 23, a switch 24i, and a switch 24o. The part including the switch 24i and the switch 24o corresponds to the "switch circuit" of the present invention.

[0095] The thermistor 21i and the switch 24i are connected in series. The thermistor 21o and the switch 24o are connected in series. The thermistor 21i and the thermistor 21o are connected to the ground reference potential. The switch 24i and the switch 24o are connected. In other words, the series circuit of the thermistor 21i and the switch 24i and the series circuit of the thermistor 21o and the switch 24o are connected in parallel.

[0096] The node of the switch 24i and the switch 24o is connected to the resistance element 22. Then, a voltage VBat from the battery 330 is supplied to the circuit of the thermistor 21i, the thermistor 21o, the resistance element 22, the switch 24i, and the switch 24o. The resistance element 22 corresponds to the "common resistance" of the present invention.

[0097] The nodes of the switch 24i, the switch 24o, and the resistance element 22 are connected to the input terminal (analog input terminal) of the A / D circuit 23.

[0098] When controlling the switch 24i to the conducting state, the switch 24o is controlled to the open state. At this time, the temperature detection circuit 20D generates divided voltage measurement data based on the temperature sensed by the thermistor 21i.

[0099] When controlling the switch 24i to the open state, the switch 24o is controlled to the conducting state. At this time, the temperature detection circuit 20D generates divided voltage measurement data based on the temperature sensed by the thermistor 21o.

[0100] In this way, the wearable device 10D alternately executes temperature detection at the position where it is worn on the ear and temperature detection of the outside air temperature.

[0101] Thereby, the wearable device 10D can use one A / D circuit while detecting two temperatures. Therefore, the wearable device 10D can simplify its configuration. Also, the wearable device 10D can suppress the power consumption during temperature detection.

[0102] Note that the switching period of the switch in the wearable device 10D is preferably shorter than the time constant of the temperature drop when the wearable device 10D comes off the ear. Thereby, the wearable device 10D can more accurately detect that the wearable device 10D has come off the ear.

[0103] [Sixth Embodiment] A wearable device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the wearable device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 15, the wearable device 10E according to the sixth embodiment is different from the wearable device 10D according to the fifth embodiment in that it includes a temperature detection circuit 20E. Other configurations and processes of the wearable device 10E are the same as those of the wearable device 10D, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

[0105] The wearable device 10E includes a temperature detection circuit 20E. The temperature detection circuit 20E has a configuration in which a switch 25 is added to the temperature detection circuit 20D.

[0106] The switch 25 is connected in series with the resistance element 22. The switch 25 may be arranged on the side of the resistance element 22 rather than the nodes of the switch 24i, the switch 24o, and the A / D circuit 23.

[0107] The switch 25 is controlled to be in an open state when off information is generated or when temperature detection is not performed immediately after the startup of the wearable device 10E. The switch 25 is controlled to be in a conductive state when temperature detection is performed. Such control of the switch 25 is performed by, for example, the control circuit 32. The switch 25 corresponds to the "detection voltage control switch" of the present invention, and the control circuit 32 corresponds to the "detection voltage control circuit" of the present invention.

[0108] Thereby, the wearable device 10E exhibits the same operational effects as the wearable device 10D and can suppress false detection at the startup of the wearable device 10E. Further, the wearable device 10E can further suppress unnecessary power consumption. For example, when no information such as music is input from the RF circuit, the wearable device 10E determines that it is not operating, does not measure the temperature, and when music is playing, it determines to measure the temperature, thereby suppressing battery consumption.

[0109] [Seventh Embodiment] The wearable device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the above-described embodiments, a mode of detecting detachment from the ear in one wearable device has been shown. However, in the present embodiment, using the temperatures detected by each of the pair (two) of wearable devices, it is detected that one of the wearable devices has detached from the ear.

[0110] FIG. 16(A) and FIG. 16(B) are flowcharts showing a detachment detection method for a wearable device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16(A) is a basic flowchart, and FIG. 16(B) is a derivative flowchart of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16(A).

[0111] The pair of wearable devices has the same configuration as the wearable device according to the first embodiment described above, and a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0112] (Basic processing) As shown in FIG. 16(A), the pair of wearable devices detects their respective temperatures (S11). The pair of wearable devices transmits the detected temperatures respectively.

[0113] The pair of wearable devices receives the temperature detected by the other wearable device in the pair (pair device detection temperature ("pair temperature" of the present invention)) (S71).

[0114] The pair of wearable devices calculates the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the own device (own device detection temperature) and the pair device detection temperature (S72).

[0115] If the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value (fourth threshold value) (S14: YES) and the own device detection temperature is lower than the pair device detection temperature (S73: YES), the pair of wearable devices transmits off information (S15).

[0116] The wearable device that has transmitted the off information controls the power off after transmitting the off information (S16).

[0117] If the temperature difference is less than the determination threshold value (fourth threshold value) (S14: NO), the pair of wearable devices repeats the process of calculating the temperature difference from the temperature detection.

[0118] If the detected temperature of the own device is higher than the detected temperature of the paired device (S73: NO) and off information is received from the paired wearable device, the off information is emitted as sound to notify the wearer.

[0119] (Derivative process) As shown in FIG. 16(B), the derivative process differs from the basic process shown in FIG. 16(A) in that step S74 is added. Other processes in the derivative process are the same as those in the basic process, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

[0120] If the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value (fourth threshold value) (S14: YES) and the detected temperature of the own device is higher than the detected temperature of the paired device (S73: NO), an off control request is transmitted to the paired wearable device (S74).

[0121] By performing such a process, even if a wearable device that has come off the ear is misjudged, the power supply of this wearable device can be controlled to the off state.

[0122] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an aspect of using a thermistor has been shown. A chip-type electronic component is generally used as the thermistor here. However, the thermistor in the present application may be one whose electrical characteristics change according to the ambient temperature, and more specifically, one whose electrical characteristics change according to the temperature within the body temperature range of an animal.

[0123] In addition, the configurations and processes of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and the effects corresponding to each combination can be achieved.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0124] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10L, 10R: Wearable device 11: Main body housing 12: Mounting member 20, 20D, 20E, 20i, 20i1, 20i2, 20o: Temperature detection circuit 21, 21i, 21i1, 21i2, 21o: Thermistor 22, 22i, 22i1, 22i2, 22o: Resistive element 23, 23i, 23i1, 23i2, 23o: A / D circuit 24i, 24o, 25: Switch 31, 31B, 31C: Arithmetic circuit 32, 32B, 32C: Control circuit 33: Power supply IC 34: RF circuit 35: D / A circuit 36: Amplifier 37: A / D circuit 90: Mobile terminal 310: Memory 330: Battery ANT: Antenna MIC: Microphone SP: Speaker

Claims

1. A speaker, a first temperature detection circuit for detecting a first temperature of a wearing member on the ear, a receiving circuit for receiving a paired temperature detected by another wearable device that forms a pair, an off information generation unit that generates off information indicating detachment from the ear using a temperature difference between the first temperature and the paired temperature, a transmission circuit for transmitting the off information to the outside, A wearable device comprising:

2. The off information generation unit, generates the off information when the temperature difference between the first temperature and the paired temperature is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value and the first temperature is lower than the paired temperature. The wearable device according to claim 1.

3. Comprising a power control unit that turns off the power after transmitting the off information, The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Further comprising a microphone, The transmission circuit, transmits the sound collection signal of the microphone when transmitting the off information. The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Further comprising a sound collection signal level suppression unit that suppresses the level of the sound collection signal of the microphone when generating the off information. The wearable device according to claim 4.

6. A microphone, a sound collection signal level suppression unit that suppresses the level of the sound collection signal of the microphone when generating the off information, Further comprising: The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. Comprising an ear tip of an elastic body attached to the wearing side of the ear in the wearing member, At least a part of the thermistor constituting the first temperature detection circuit is disposed on the ear tip. The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2, and a terminal that communicates with the wearable device and transmits a signal for the wearable device to emit sound to the wearable device, Comprising: The wearable device transmits the off information to the terminal. A wearable system.

9. Regarding the wearable device as a first wearable device, Comprising a second wearable device different from the first wearable device, The terminal transmits the off information to the second wearable device. The wearable system according to claim 8.

10. Regarding the wearable device of claim 1 or claim 2 as a first wearable device, As another wearable device that forms the pair, it includes a second wearable device having a speaker and a receiving circuit capable of receiving the off information. The transmission circuit transmits the off information to the receiving circuit of the second wearable device and the terminal as the external. A wearable system.

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