Electronic device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel technology for displaying given content as entertainment according to the amount of activity of a user. [Solution] Provided is an electronic device 1500 which can be carried by a user and which includes a detection unit 1553 capable of detecting an activity amount when the user performs a predetermined activity. If an operation part 1510 is operated using a predetermined operation method after the activity amount detected by the detection unit 1553 satisfies a predetermined condition, the electronic device 1500 can perform control information change control including control for adding a change to control information for displaying the content.

Description

electronic equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a user-portable electronic device.

[0002] Exercises and activities such as walking, jogging, running, tai chi, and rope skipping (hereinafter collectively referred to as "activities") are beneficial for maintaining health and are popular among people of all ages and genders. A typical example of a device that detects activity levels is the pedometer. Some pedometers not only detect the number of steps taken, but also measure calories burned and distance traveled.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for an electronic device that uses step count information to progress through a game. When a user sets a starting point and a destination on a map, the device sets a walking route connecting the starting point and the destination. The device then calculates the number of steps based on the detection results of a walking sensor, calculates the location on the walking route, and displays the location on the map in a game-like format. The game progresses as the user progresses, entertaining the user.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-175690

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, entertainment can be provided according to the number of steps taken by the user. However, there are various problems, such as the user having to set the starting point and the ending point on the map, having to set the point again each time the user completes a walk, and what to do if the walking route is too long. Furthermore, there has been a demand for new entertainment other than the walk described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a new technology for displaying given content as entertainment according to the activity level of a user.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that can be carried by a user, comprising: a detection unit capable of detecting an amount of activity when the user performs a predetermined activity; an operation unit; a display unit that displays content based on given control information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs control information change control, including control to make a change to the control information, when the operation unit is operated in a predetermined operation method after the amount of activity detected by the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0008] The detection unit may be capable of detecting an amount of activity accompanying movement of the user.

[0009] The control unit may determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the amount of activity.

[0010] The display unit may also display the accumulated value.

[0011] The control unit may also count the number of possible operations each time the predetermined condition is satisfied, and perform the control information change control by subtracting the number of possible operations each time an operation is performed using the operation method.

[0012] The display unit may also display information indicating the number of times the operation can be performed.

[0013] Further, the display mode of the display unit may include a detection status display mode that displays the detection status by the detection unit, and the control unit may determine whether the specified condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the activity amount, and the display unit may display an indication of the accumulated value in the detection status display mode.

[0014] In addition, the display mode of the display unit may include a lottery mode, and the control unit may execute, in the detection status display mode, a specific operation acceptance control that accepts operations using the operation method and an update execution control that updates the control information, and, in the lottery mode, a setting execution control that executes settings related to the lottery mode, the specific operation acceptance control, and the update execution control based on the setting contents in the setting execution control.

[0015] The control information may include ownership information of characters that can appear in the content, and the update execution control may include control to update the ownership information.

[0016] The display modes of the display unit may include a collection mode, and the control unit may execute display control of owned characters based on the ownership information in the collection mode.

[0017] The characters may be grouped in association with groups, and the setting execution control may include a group selection control that accepts an operation to select the group.

[0018] In addition, the control unit may, in the lottery mode, execute the update execution control to include updating the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the group selection control, and in the detection status display mode, execute the update execution control to include updating the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the previous group selection control.

[0019] The operation unit may also have a rotary handle for performing an operation according to the operation method.

[0020] The device may further include a container having a transparent cover, and the detection unit, the display unit, and the control unit may be provided inside the container.

[0021] The transparent cover may be dome-shaped, and the display may be provided in the approximate center of the dome.

[0022] The container may be substantially spherical, and the transparent cover may constitute substantially half of the container.

[0023] The transparent cover portion may be colorless and transparent, and the container portion may have an approximately spherical shape resembling a capsule, with the other half of the approximately half formed by the transparent cover portion being a predetermined color.

[0024] The operating unit may have a rotary handle for performing an operation using the operating method, and the rotary handle may be provided on the opposite side of the container unit from the transparent cover unit.

[0025] The rotary handle may have a linear grip portion that can be rotated by the user.

[0026] According to the present invention, a new technique can be provided for a device that displays given content as entertainment according to the activity level of a user.

[0027] 16 is a perspective external view of the electronic device as viewed diagonally from above front right. FIG. 17 is a perspective external view of the electronic device as viewed diagonally from below rear left. FIG. 18 is a side external view of the electronic device as viewed from the right. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of carrying the electronic device. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining display modes. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a detection status display screen when activity is detected. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a specific operation. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display in lottery mode. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display in lottery mode. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display in collection mode. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display in collection mode. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a program and data stored in the control unit. Flowchart for explaining the flow of processing. Flowchart continuing from FIG. 15. Flowchart continuing from FIG. 16. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a modified example.

[0028] An example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiment. Note that the three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z shown in the drawings indicate directions, with the positive direction of the X axis indicating forward, the positive direction of the Y axis indicating rightward, and the positive direction of the Z axis indicating upward.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied, and is a perspective external view seen from diagonally above the front right, Fig. 2 is a perspective external view seen from diagonally below the rear left, and Fig. 3 is a side external view seen from the right.

[0030] Electronic device 1500 is portable and has a generally spherical container 1501. Approximately the front half of container 1501 is made of a transparent cover 1502 made of a colorless, transparent resin, and approximately the rear half is made of a rear half body 1504 made of a resin of a specific color.

[0031] The transparent cover 1502 is a structural part that forms an internal space. The shape of the transparent cover 1502 can be described as, for example, a dome shape, a substantially hemispherical shape, or a similar hollow convex shape. The diameter of the transparent cover 1502 (outer diameter as viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis) is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the electronic device 1500 as viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0032] The rear body portion 1504, in the area close to the transparent cover portion 1502, forms a spherical surface (a surface with approximately the same curvature as the curvature of the outer surface of the transparent cover portion 1502) that is smoothly connected to the outer surface of the transparent cover portion 1502, and as it extends rearward from there, the diameter gradually narrows.

[0033] A locking portion 1508 is provided at the upper part of the rear half body 1504. The locking portion 1508 is a portion to which an auxiliary device for carrying the electronic device 1500 can be attached and detached. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the user 7 can attach a locking device 8, such as a strap, a key holder, or a belt clip, to the locking portion 1508 and fasten the locking device 8 to the user's pants, thereby walking or jogging with the electronic device 1500 hanging from their waist.

[0034] Seen overall, container 1501 has a generally spherical shape that resembles a capsule with one half transparent and the other half colored, which is used in lottery machines that dispense capsules containing toys. Because the diameter of transparent cover 1502 is generally the same as the outer diameter of electronic device 1500 as viewed from the positive direction of the X axis, when electronic device 1500 is viewed from the front or from a slightly oblique front, it reminds the user of a capsule dispensed from the lottery machine.

[0035] The electronic device 1500 includes a display unit 1506 , an operation unit 1510 , a control unit 1550 , and a battery 1590 .

[0036] The display unit 1506 is an electronic device capable of displaying various images under the control of the control unit 1550, and is realized by, for example, a small flat panel display. The display unit 1506 is provided in approximately the center of the front end surface of the rear half body 1504. The display unit 1506 is provided in approximately the center of the front of the hemispherical space covered by the dome shape of the transparent cover unit 1502, with the image display surface facing forward.

[0037] The operation unit 1510 receives operation input from the user and outputs an input signal to the control unit 1550. The operation unit 1510 has a first push switch 1511 and a second push switch 1512 provided on the left and right sides of the container unit, and a rotation handle 1513 provided at the rear end of the container unit 1501.

[0038] The rotation handle 1513 has a linear grip portion 1514 that can be rotated by the user, a rotation shaft 1515, a rotation sensor 1516, and a ratchet 1517 (see FIG. 3). The rotation shaft 1515 faces the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) and is supported inside the rear body portion 1504. The rotation sensor 1516 detects the rotation direction and changes in the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 1515 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 1550. The ratchet 1517 creates a feeling of operation similar to that of turning the handle of a lottery machine that dispenses capsules when the user rotates the knob.

[0039] The control unit 1550 is housed inside the container 1501 together with the battery 1590, specifically in the rear half body 1504.

[0040] The control unit 1550 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC (Integrated Circuit) memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, a detection unit 1553, an interface IC 1557, and the like.

[0041] The interface IC 1557 controls input of operation input signals from the first push switch 1511, the second push switch 1512, and the rotation sensor 1516, output of display signals to the display unit 1506, and the like.

[0042] These elements mounted on the control unit 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals. Part or all of the control unit 1550 may be configured using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System-on-a-Chip).

[0043] The control unit 1550 stores in the IC memory 1552 programs and various data for realizing the functions of the electronic device 1500. The CPU 1551 executes predetermined programs to realize the various functions of the electronic device 1500.

[0044] The detection unit 1553 can detect the amount of activity when the user engages in a predetermined activity. "Capable of detecting the amount of activity" means that measurements can be made to calculate the amount of activity. The "amount of activity" is a quantity according to the type of activity. For example, if the type of activity is walking or running, the number of steps, distance traveled (walking distance, running distance), and speed of movement can be considered as the amount of activity. If the type of activity is jumping rope, the number of jumps and movement speed (for example, times per minute) are relevant. If the activity is push-ups, sit-ups, or squats, the number of jumps and movement speed are relevant. Regardless of the type of activity, the amount of activity can also include the continuous activity time, calories burned, and the like.

[0045] Specifically, the detection unit 1553 includes a three-axis acceleration sensor 1554 and a gyroscope 1555. The control unit 1550 determines that the user is engaged in a predetermined activity when a change or a pattern of the change in the values ​​measured by the detection unit 1553 satisfies a predetermined activity determination condition. Then, the control unit 1550 calculates the amount of activity from the measured values.

[0046] In the following description, the predetermined activity is assumed to be walking, and the number of steps is counted and accumulated as the amount of activity.

[0047] 5 is a diagram illustrating the display modes. The display modes of the electronic device 1500 include a "detection status display mode," a "lottery mode," and a "collection mode." A predetermined mode switching operation is assigned to each mode, and the mode is switched in response to a user operation.

[0048] The "detection status display mode" is a mode that displays the detection status by the detection unit. The "lottery mode" is a mode that displays a lottery as entertainment provided by the electronic device 1500. A character is selected in the lottery. A character that is selected in the lottery is considered to be owned by the user, and the ownership information is stored in the electronic device 1500.

[0049] The "collection mode" is a mode in which the user can view and appreciate characters owned by the user. These modes realize entertainment content provided by electronic device 1500.

[0050] In the detection status display mode, the control unit 1550 displays the detection status display screen 10. The detection status display screen 10 includes a detection status display 12, an activity amount accumulation display 14, and a coin accumulation display 16.

[0051] The detection status display 12 indicates whether or not activity has been detected. When no activity has been detected by the detection unit 1553, the detection status display 12 is an image of two shoes standing still. When activity has been detected, an animation of shoes walking is displayed as the detection status display 12b, as shown in the detection status display screen 10b in FIG. 6 .

[0052] The activity amount accumulation display 14 displays the current accumulated value of the activity amount. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, a bar graph is used for the display, but other types of graphs may also be used. When the activity amount is expressed as calories burned, the accumulated amount may simply be displayed as a numerical value.

[0053] The coin accumulation display 16 displays the amount of accumulated coins. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the amount is displayed numerically, but it may also be displayed as a graph.

[0054] The "coin" is a virtual unit that indicates that the user has the right to perform a specific operation for performing entertainment provided by the electronic device 1500. In other words, the coin accumulation display 16 displays the number of times that the specific operation can be performed.

[0055] The "specific operation" is a predetermined operation method, which is an operation of gripping the grip portion 1514 of the rotary handle 1513 and rotating it in a predetermined direction, as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the electronic device 1500 does not have a locking mechanism for switching the rotary handle 1513 between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state. Even if the number of remaining operations is "0," the rotary handle 1513 can still be rotated physically, but if the number of remaining operations indicated by the number of coins is "0," this is not treated as a specific operation in the internal processing of the control unit 1550. Therefore, it can be said that the coin accumulation display 16 indicates the remaining number of times that the specific operation is considered valid.

[0056] The control unit 1550 determines whether a predetermined condition is met based on the accumulated value of the amount of activity, and increments the number of possible operations each time the predetermined condition is met, while resetting the accumulated value or subtracting a predetermined value. For example, one coin is counted for every 1,000 steps of accumulated activity, and the accumulated coin value is incremented by one. The accumulated activity value is then reset to zero or subtracted by 1,000. The user can operate the rotation handle 1513 once for one coin, allowing for a lottery operation.

[0057] 8 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the displays in the lottery mode. In the lottery mode, the control unit 1550 displays a group selection acceptance display 20 shown in Fig. 8, a specific operation acceptance display 22 shown in Fig. 9, a lottery effect display 24 shown in Fig. 10, and a lottery result notification display 26 shown in Fig. 11.

[0058] The group selection reception display 20 allows the user to select which lottery type to hold from among the lottery types prepared in advance. The number and content of the lottery types can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the lottery type is a group of multiple characters that can be won in the lottery, and the lottery type will be referred to as a group in the following description.

[0059] Different groups have different compositions of characters that can be won. When comparing these groups with lottery machines that dispense capsules, the groups can be said to be different types of lottery machines. Selecting a group can be said to be selecting the lottery machine that will draw the lottery.

[0060] The control unit 1550 accepts a predetermined selection operation while the group selection acceptance display 20 is displayed, and stores the "usage group name" of the group selected by the user.

[0061] The specific operation reception display 22 in FIG. 9 is displayed after a group is selected, and indicates a state in which a specific operation (operation of turning the rotary handle 1513) by the user is awaited.

[0062] The control unit 1550 executes a lottery when the number of coins (number of possible operations) is "1" or more and a specific operation is input. The lottery effect display 24 in Fig. 10 indicates to the user that a lottery is being executed. For example, an image showing the capsules inside moving as the lottery machine that dispenses capsules is operated, an image showing the capsules falling toward the discharge port, and an image showing the capsules being dispensed from the discharge port are displayed.

[0063] 11 shows the result of the lottery. For example, a character image 27 of the winning character is displayed. The control unit 1550 changes the ownership information of the winning character to one owned by the user.

[0064] When the electronic device 1500 is viewed from the front, the display part 1506 is located at approximately the center inside the transparent cover part 1502, so when the electronic device 1500 is viewed from the front while the lottery result notification display 26 is displayed, the user can feel as if he or she is holding a capsule ejected from a lottery machine.

[0065] Even in the detection status display mode, if the number of coins (number of possible operations) is "1" or more and a specific operation is input, the control unit 1550 executes the lottery by omitting the group selection acceptance display 20 and the specific operation acceptance display 22. At this time, the input of the group selection operation related to the group selection acceptance display 20 is omitted, but as described above, the control unit 1550 stores the "used group name" of the group previously selected by the user, and applies this to execute the lottery process. Then, the lottery performance display 24 and the lottery result notification display 26 are displayed.

[0066] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing display examples in collection mode. In collection mode, the control unit 1550 displays the viewing screen 40 of FIG. 12. The viewing screen 40 displays an ownership status display 42 for each character that the user can own. The ownership status display 42 for a character that the user already owns displays the character image 27, causing the character to appear in the content. The ownership status display 42 for a character that the user has not yet owned does not display a character image, but displays a predetermined image indicating that the character is not owned (a question mark image in the example of FIG. 12).

[0067] The ownership status display 42, which cannot be displayed on one screen of the viewing screen 40, can be displayed by scrolling the screen.

[0068] In collection mode, the user can view detailed information about characters they own. The control unit 1550 accepts a detailed display target switching operation while the viewing screen 40 is displayed. The detailed display target switching operation can be, for example, an operation of the first push switch 1511 or the second push switch 1512. Specifically, one of the ownership status displays 42 is set as the detailed display target and in a selected state, and is clearly displayed on the viewing screen 40. When the control unit 1550 detects that the first push switch 1511 or the second push switch 1512 has been short-pressed, it switches the detailed display target so as to select the ownership status displays 42 in order.

[0069] When a long press of the first push switch 1511 or the second push switch 1512 is detected, the control unit 1550 determines that a detailed display target confirmation operation has been performed. The control unit 1550 executes display control of the owned character based on the ownership information for the character in the ownership status display 42 currently set as the detailed display target. As a result, a detailed display 44 of the character corresponding to the currently selected ownership status display 42 is displayed, as shown in FIG.

[0070] In the detailed display 44, the character image 27 is displayed together with the character's rarity 45, character explanatory text 46, character ability values ​​47, and the like.

[0071] 14 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the control unit 1550. The control unit 1550 stores in the IC memory 52 a program 501, group definition data 510, an activity amount accumulation value 530, the number of owned coins 532, the last used group name 534, the type of applied display mode 536, and ownership information 540. Of these, the activity amount accumulation value 530, the number of owned coins 532, the last used group name 534, the type of applied display mode 536, and the ownership information 540 are control information that describes the latest state of the electronic device 1500 and controls its operation. Note that the control unit 1550 may also store programs and data other than these.

[0072] Group definition data 510 is content data related to entertainment provided by electronic device 1500. Group definition data 510 is prepared for each group. One group definition data 510 includes a unique group name 512 and character definition data 520 prepared for each character belonging to the group. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0073] Each piece of character definition data 520 includes a unique character name 522, character image data 524, character detail information 526, and winning probability 528. The character image data 524 is data for displaying a character image 27. The character detail information 526 is data for displaying a character's rarity 45, character description text 46, and character ability score 47.

[0074] The initial values ​​of the activity amount accumulation value 530 and the number of owned coins 532 are both "0".

[0075] The ownership information 540 is information indicating which characters the user owns. Each piece of ownership information 540 stores an associated owned character name 542 and an owned number 544. In the initial state of the electronic device 1500, ownership information 540 is prepared for all characters, but all of the owned numbers 544 are set to "0." As described above, on the viewing screen 40 in collection mode (see FIG. 12), character images 27 are displayed in the ownership status display 42, and characters owned by the user appear in the content. Therefore, the ownership information 540 can be said to be information on characters that can appear in the content.

[0076] A predetermined group is set as the initial setting for the last used group name 534. The applied display mode type 536 indicates the current display mode. The initial value is the detection status display mode.

[0077] 15 to 17 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing that is realized by the control unit 1550 reading and executing the program 501. FIG.

[0078] 15 , the control unit 1550 starts calculating and accumulating the amount of activity (step S22). Specifically, if a change in the values ​​measured by the detection unit 1553 or a pattern of the change satisfies a predetermined activity certification condition, the control unit 1550 determines that the user is engaged in a predetermined activity. Then, the control unit 1550 calculates the amount of activity from the accumulated measured values ​​and adds and accumulates the amount of activity to the activity amount accumulation value 530.

[0079] The control unit 1550 determines whether a predetermined condition is met based on the accumulated value of the activity amount, and if the predetermined condition is met (YES in step S24), adds "1" to the number of coins owned 532 (step S26) and subtracts a predetermined value from the accumulated value of the activity amount 530 (step S24).

[0080] If the display mode is the detection status display mode (YES in step S40), the control unit 1550 starts display control of the detection status display screen 10 (step S42). The control unit 1550 starts accepting specific operations (step S44). If the input of a specific operation of turning the rotary handle 1513 is detected (YES in step S46), the process proceeds to step S72 in FIG. 16 .

[0081] As a result, when the user looks at the detection status display screen 10b (see FIG. 6) while walking and sees that the number of possible operations is "1" or more, the user can immediately enjoy the lottery without having to go through the trouble of switching modes to lottery mode and selecting a group. In this case, as will be described later, the lottery is performed using the group indicated by the last-used group name 534, which is easy to operate and is useful, for example, when the user is aiming to complete the collection of characters in that group.

[0082] On the other hand, if no specific operation input is detected (NO in step S46) and a predetermined mode switching operation input to switch to lottery mode is detected (YES in step S50), the control unit 1550 changes the applicable display mode type 536 to lottery mode (step S52).

[0083] Next, the control unit 1550 starts display control of the group selection acceptance display 20 (see FIG. 8) (step S54) and performs group selection acceptance control to accept an operation to select a group (step S56). Then, as setting execution control to execute settings related to the lottery mode, the control unit 1550 updates the previously used group name 534 with the group name of the selected group (step S58), and starts specific operation acceptance control to display the specific operation acceptance display 22 (see FIG. 9) (step S60).

[0084] 16, when the input of the specific operation of turning the rotary handle 1513 is detected (YES in step S70), the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the control unit 1550 refers to the number of owned coins 532, and if the number of owned coins 532 is "0" (NO in step S72), a predetermined operation impossible notice is displayed (step S74), and the process returns to step S24.

[0085] If the coin possession count 532 is equal to or greater than "1" (YES in step S72), the control unit 1550 subtracts "1" from the coin possession count 532 (step S76), executes a lottery process (step S78), and displays the lottery effect display 24 (see FIG. 10) (step S80).

[0086] In the lottery process, the group definition data 510 of the group indicated by the previously used group name 534 is referenced, and a random lottery is performed applying the winning probability 528 for each character in the group.

[0087] Next, the control unit 1550 performs update execution control to increment the possession count 544 of the winning character's possession information 540 (see FIG. 14) by "1" based on the setting content (last-used group name 534) set in the setting execution control in step S58 (step S82), and then causes the lottery result notification display 26 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed (step S84).

[0088] Next, if there is no mode switching operation to the detection status display mode (NO in step S86), the process returns to step S72. If there is a mode switching operation to the detection status display mode (YES in step S86), the control unit 1550 changes the applicable display mode type 536 to the lottery mode (step S86), and the process returns to step S24.

[0089] 17, if a mode switching operation to the collection mode is detected (YES in step S100), the control unit 1550 changes the applicable display mode type 536 to the collection mode (step S102), starts displaying the viewing screen 40 (see FIG. 12) (step S104), initializes the detailed display target, and accepts the detailed display operation (step S106).

[0090] When the control unit 1550 detects the input of a detailed display switching operation (YES in step S110), it switches the detailed display target (step S112).When the control unit 1550 detects the input of a detailed display target confirmation operation (YES in step S114), it displays the owned character detailed display 44 (see FIG. 13) based on the ownership information 540 of the character currently selected as the detailed display target (step S116).

[0091] If the input of a predetermined operation to return to the viewing screen is detected (YES in step S118), the process returns to step S104.

[0092] If a mode switching operation to the detection status display mode is detected while the viewing screen 40 is displayed (YES in step S120), the control unit 1550 changes the applicable display mode type 536 to the detection status display mode (step S122) and returns to step S24.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, a new technique can be provided for displaying given content as entertainment according to the amount of activity of a user.

[0094] When a user carries electronic device 1500 and exercises, such as walking, electronic device 1500 automatically calculates and accumulates the amount of activity. The accumulated amount of activity is then automatically converted and accumulated as a lottery ticket (a ticket for operating rotary handle 1513) for entering a lottery for character collection-type content. The latest information on this is displayed on detection status display screen 10, which can also be considered the main screen.

[0095] From the user's perspective, the more they continue walking, the more characters they can collect, which provides a strong motivation to continue walking. It is especially effective to set the characters for children, as this increases the motivational effect.

[0096] The form of the electronic device 1500 and the configuration consisting of the colorless and transparent cover part 1502 and the colored rear body part 1504 are designed to look like capsules dispensed by a lottery machine. The rotating handle 1513 also resembles the handle of the lottery machine. The specific operation for executing the lottery is the rotation of the rotating handle 1513.

[0097] Lottery machines that dispense capsules are widely known and are a typical example of lottery entertainment. The external configuration of electronic device 1500 motivates users to want to play with electronic device 1500.

[0098] Even in the detection status display mode, if the number of possible operations is 1 or more, the user can enjoy the lottery by turning the rotary handle 1513 on the spot. This is easy to use because it eliminates the need to switch the display mode to the lottery mode and select the group to use.

[0099] [Modifications] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above examples, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0100] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the specific operation was to turn the rotary handle 1513, but the content of the specific operation can be set as appropriate. The configuration of the operation unit 1510 that accepts the specific operation can also be changed as appropriate. For example, the electronic device 1500B shown in FIG. 18 also functions as a push button 1513B that can be operated by pressing the rotary handle 1513. The specific operation in this configuration is to hold the electronic device 1500B in the hand and rotate the arm up and down while pressing the push button 1513B.

[0101] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which one lottery was executed for each specific operation. However, multiple lotteries may be executed consecutively with one specific operation. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which consecutive lotteries are executed for the number of times that a specific operation can be performed with one specific operation. In this case, steps S76 and S78 in FIG. 16 may be replaced with "execute lottery processing consecutively for the number of times that a specific operation can be performed."

[0102] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, content in which characters are collected by lottery has been exemplified as an example of content, but the content is not limited to this. For example, an electronic picture book in which a predetermined scenario progresses each time a specific operation is performed may be used. In an electronic picture book, the character lottery process may be omitted. As another example, the content may be a virtual creature raising game in which food, care tools, etc. for the virtual creature are acquired through a lottery triggered by a specific operation.

[0103] [Summary] The disclosure of the present specification according to the above-described embodiments and modifications can be summarized as follows.

[0104] The first aspect is an electronic device that can be carried by a user, and includes a detection unit that can detect the amount of activity when the user performs a predetermined activity, an operation unit, a display unit that displays content based on given control information, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs control information change control, including control to make a change to the control information, when the operation unit is operated in a predetermined operation method after the amount of activity detected by the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0105] According to a first aspect, an electronic device includes a detection unit capable of detecting an amount of activity when a user performs a predetermined activity, and when an operation unit is operated in a predetermined operation manner after the amount of activity detected by the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the electronic device can execute control information change control, including control for changing control information for displaying content.

[0106] Therefore, a new technology can be provided that displays given content as entertainment according to the user's activity level. The content provided by the electronic device motivates the user to continue activities such as walking.

[0107] A second aspect is the electronic device of the first aspect, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting an amount of activity accompanying movement of the user.

[0108] According to the second aspect, it is possible to realize an electronic device suitable for activities involving movement of the user, such as walking.

[0109] A third aspect is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the amount of activity.

[0110] According to the third aspect, the electronic device can determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the amount of activity.

[0111] A fourth aspect is the electronic device according to the third aspect, wherein the display unit displays the accumulated value.

[0112] According to the fourth aspect, the electronic device can display an accumulated value of the amount of activity to the user.

[0113] A fifth aspect is an electronic device of any of the first to fourth aspects, in which the control unit counts the number of possible operations each time the specified condition is satisfied, and performs the control information change control by subtracting the number of possible operations each time an operation is performed using the operation method.

[0114] According to the fifth aspect, the electronic device counts the number of possible operations each time a predetermined condition is satisfied, and can perform control information change control in response to an operation in exchange for the number of possible operations.

[0115] A sixth aspect is the electronic device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the display unit displays a message indicating the number of times the operation can be performed.

[0116] According to the sixth aspect, the user can visually recognize the remaining number of operations.

[0117] A seventh aspect is an electronic device of any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the display mode of the display unit includes a detection status display mode that displays the detection status by the detection unit, the control unit determines whether the specified condition has been satisfied based on an accumulated value of the activity amount, and the display unit displays an indication of the accumulated value in the detection status display mode.

[0118] According to the seventh aspect, the user can visually recognize the detection status and the accumulated value of the amount of activity.

[0119] An eighth aspect is an electronic device of the seventh aspect, in which the display mode of the display unit includes a lottery mode, and the control unit, in the detection status display mode, executes a specific operation acceptance control that accepts operations using the operation method and an update execution control that updates the control information, and in the lottery mode, executes a setting execution control that executes settings related to the lottery mode, the specific operation acceptance control, and the update execution control based on the setting contents in the setting execution control.

[0120] According to an eighth aspect, in the lottery mode, a setting execution control for setting the settings related to the lottery mode, a specific operation acceptance control, and an update execution control are executed, whereas in the detection status display mode, the specific operation acceptance control and the update execution control are executed without the need for the setting execution control.

[0121] A ninth aspect is the electronic device of the eighth aspect, wherein the control information includes ownership information of characters that can appear in the content, and the update execution control includes control to update the ownership information.

[0122] According to the ninth aspect, the electronic device can provide the user with content such as character collection.

[0123] A tenth aspect is the electronic device of the ninth aspect, wherein the display mode of the display unit includes a collection mode, and the control unit executes display control of owned characters based on the ownership information in the collection mode.

[0124] According to the tenth aspect, the electronic device can allow a user to view characters owned by the user.

[0125] An eleventh aspect is an electronic device of the ninth or tenth aspect, in which the characters are associated with and grouped into groups, and the setting execution control includes a group selection control that accepts an operation to select the group.

[0126] A twelfth aspect is the electronic device of the eleventh aspect, wherein, in the lottery mode, the control unit executes the update execution control to include updating the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the group selection control, and in the detection status display mode, the control unit executes the update execution control to include updating the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the previous group selection control.

[0127] According to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, it is possible to improve the interest of the content.

[0128] A thirteenth aspect is the electronic device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the operation unit has a rotary handle for performing an operation according to the operation method.

[0129] According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to realize operation in a predetermined operation method by operating the rotary handle.

[0130] A fourteenth aspect is an electronic device of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a container portion having a transparent cover portion, and the detection portion, the display portion, and the control portion are provided inside the container portion.

[0131] A fifteenth aspect is the electronic device of the fourteenth aspect, in which the transparent cover portion is dome-shaped, and the display portion is provided in approximately the center of the dome shape.

[0132] A sixteenth aspect is the electronic device of the fifteenth aspect, wherein the container portion is substantially spherical, and the transparent cover portion constitutes substantially half of the container portion.

[0133] A seventeenth aspect is the electronic device of the sixteenth aspect, in which the transparent cover portion is colorless and transparent, and the container portion has an approximately spherical shape imitating a capsule shape, with the other half of the approximately half formed by the transparent cover portion being a predetermined color.

[0134] According to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, the user can view the content displayed on the display unit through the transparent cover, which can provide the user with the enjoyment of visually checking what is inside the capsule.

[0135] An 18th aspect is an electronic device of the 16th or 17th aspect, in which the operating unit has a rotating handle for operating using the operating method, and the rotating handle is provided on the opposite side of the transparent cover unit in the container unit.

[0136] According to the eighteenth aspect, when the electronic device is viewed from the transparent cover side, the rotary handle is made difficult to see, thereby creating the effect of drawing attention to the display unit installed inside the capsule.

[0137] A nineteenth aspect is the electronic device of the eighteenth aspect, wherein the rotary handle has a linear grip portion that can be rotated by the user.

[0138] According to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to configure a rotary handle that is easy to operate.

[0139] 7...User 10...Detection status display screen 12...Detection status display 14...Activity amount accumulation display 16...Coin accumulation display (display of number of times operation is possible) 20...Group selection acceptance display 22...Specific operation acceptance display 24...Lottery performance display 26...Lottery result notification display 27...Character image 40...Viewing screen 42...Ownership status display 44...Detailed display 510...Group definition data 520...Character definition data 530...Activity amount accumulation value 532...Number of owned coins 534...Last used group name 536...Applicable display mode type 540...Ownership information 1500...Electronic device 1501...Container part 1502...Transparent cover part 1504...Rear hind body part 1506...Display part 1510...Operation part 1513...Rotating handle 1514...Grip part 1550...Control part 1553...Detection part 1554...3-axis acceleration sensor 1555...Gyroscope

Claims

1. An electronic device portable by a user, comprising: a detection unit capable of detecting an amount of activity when the user performs a predetermined activity; an operation unit; a display unit that displays content based on given control information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs control information change control, including control to change the control information, when the operation unit is operated in a predetermined operation method after the amount of activity detected by the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting an amount of activity accompanying the movement of the user.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the amount of activity.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the display unit displays the accumulated value.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of possible operations each time the specified condition is satisfied, and performs the control information change control by subtracting the number of possible operations each time an operation is performed using the operation method.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the display unit performs a display showing the number of times the operation can be performed.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display mode of the display unit includes a detection status display mode that displays the detection status by the detection unit, the control unit determines whether or not the specified condition is satisfied based on an accumulated value of the activity amount, and the display unit performs a display showing the accumulated value in the detection status display mode.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the display mode of the display unit includes a lottery mode, and the control unit, in the detection status display mode, executes specific operation acceptance control that accepts operation using the operating method and update execution control that updates the control information, and, in the lottery mode, executes setting execution control that executes settings related to the lottery mode, the specific operation acceptance control, and the update execution control based on the setting contents in the setting execution control.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes ownership information of characters that may appear in the content, and the update execution control includes control for updating the ownership information.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the display mode of the display unit includes a collection mode, and the control unit, in the collection mode, executes display control of owned characters based on the ownership information.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the characters are associated with and grouped into groups, and the setting execution control includes a group selection control that accepts an operation to select the group.

12. The electronic device described in claim 11, wherein the control unit, in the lottery mode, executes the update execution control to update the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the group selection control, and, in the detection status display mode, executes the update execution control to update the ownership information of the characters associated with the group selected in the previous group selection control.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit has a rotary handle for performing an operation according to the operation method.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a container having a transparent cover, wherein the detection unit, the display unit and the control unit are provided inside the container.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the transparent cover portion is dome-shaped, and the display portion is provided in approximately the center of the dome shape.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the container portion is substantially spherical, and the transparent cover portion constitutes substantially half of the container portion.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the transparent cover portion is colorless and transparent, and the container portion has an approximately spherical shape imitating a capsule shape, with the remaining half of the approximately half formed by the transparent cover portion being a predetermined color.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the operation unit has a rotating handle for performing an operation using the operation method, and the rotating handle is provided on the opposite side of the container unit from the transparent cover unit.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the rotating handle has a linear grip portion that can be rotated by the user.

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