Wearable device, control method of same, and program

Abstract

The present invention realizes a state that is appropriate in accordance with a situation.　A wearable device (1) includes a magnetic sensor (31), a switch (32), a power supply (33), a measurement unit (34), and an MCU (35). The magnetic sensor (31) outputs a low signal when detecting a magnetic force, and outputs a high signal when no magnetic force is detected. The switch (32) turns on the wearable device (1) by connecting the power supply (33) to the MCU (35) and supplying electric power thereto in response to a high signal being input from the magnetic sensor (31). The MCU (35) makes the wearable device (1) to be in an always-usable state by fixing a signal output from the magnetic sensor (31) to the high signal, in response to detecting that a user is wearing the wearable device (1) that is in a usable state from a measurement value of the measurement unit (34).

Description

Wearable device, control method thereof, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program, and in particular to a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a program that can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0002] The present applicant has developed a wearable device that detects heatstroke by detecting whether core body temperature has remained above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Patent Document 1 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In the above-described wearable device, an activation pin is provided on the side of the device body, and the user presses the activation pin to insert it into the wearable device, thereby turning on an internal switch on the circuit board and activating the device.

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 218520

[0005] The above-mentioned activation pin, once inserted into the wearable device, is mechanically difficult to remove, which has the advantage of preventing the user from accidentally turning it off and ensuring waterproof performance. However, once the wearable device is turned on, it is difficult to turn it off again, so activation cannot be confirmed in the completed state and complex quality control is required. Therefore, conventional wearable devices have the problem of being costly to assemble and inspect.

[0006] Furthermore, there have been problems such as the user forgetting to press the activation pin, causing the wearable device to not start up, or the activation pin not being inserted properly, which can impair the waterproof performance.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a wearable device that can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation, a control method for the same, and a program.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a wearable device (1) according to a first aspect of the present invention is a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, and is characterized by comprising: a signal output unit (31) that, in response to a first condition being satisfied, changes the signal to be output from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level, thereby making the wearable device (1) usable; and a control unit (35) that, in response to a second condition, different from the first condition being satisfied, makes the wearable device (1) usable at all times.

[0009] In the above-described wearable device (1), when the control unit (35) detects that the user is wearing the wearable device (1) that is in a usable state, it may determine that the second condition is met and make the wearable device (1) in a usable state at all times.

[0010] The wearable device (1) may further include a fixed switch (11), and the control unit (35) may be configured to, when the user turns on the fixed switch (11) of the wearable device (1) that is in the usable state, determine that the second condition is met and make the wearable device (1) in a usable state at all times.

[0011] In the above-described wearable device (1), the signal output unit (31) may be a magnetic sensor that outputs the first level signal when detecting magnetic force, and outputs the second level signal when the magnetic force is no longer detected, assuming that the first condition is met.

[0012] The wearable device (1) may further include a magnetic sticker (5) attached near the signal output unit (31), and the signal output unit (31) may output the second level signal when the sticker (5) is peeled off and the magnetic force from the sticker (5) is no longer detected.

[0013] The wearable device (1) may be inserted into a package (6), the package (6) having a magnetic portion near the signal output unit (31) of the inserted wearable device (1), and the signal output unit (31) may output the second level signal when the wearable device (1) is removed from the package (6) and no longer detects the magnetic force from the package (6).

[0014] The wearable device (1) may further include a power source (33) that supplies power, and a switch (32, 112) that, in response to input of the second signal from the signal output unit (31), connects the power source (33) to the control unit (35) to supply the power, thereby turning on the wearable device (1) and making it usable.

[0015] In the above-described wearable device (1), the control unit (35) may determine whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal, and if it determines that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal, may make the wearable device (1) available for use at all times in response to the second condition being met.

[0016] In the above-described wearable device (1), the control unit (35) may fix the signal output from the signal output unit (31) to the second level signal in response to the second condition being satisfied, thereby making the wearable device (1) in the usable state usable at all times.

[0017] The wearable device (1) may further include a measurement unit (34) that measures biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device (1), and the control unit (35) may detect that the user is wearing the wearable device (1) from the measurement value of the measurement unit (34).

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, a control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, characterized in that a signal output unit (31) changes the signal to be output from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level in response to a first condition being satisfied, thereby putting the wearable device (1) into a usable state, and a control unit (35) puts the wearable device (1) into a constantly usable state in response to a second condition different from the first condition being satisfied.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, and in response to a first condition being satisfied, changes the signal to be output from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level. The program causes a computer of the wearable device (1) to execute the following steps: determining whether a signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level; and, when it is determined that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is a signal of the second level, in response to a second condition different from the first condition being satisfied, making the wearable device (1) available for use at all times.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wearable device that can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation, a control method for the wearable device, and a program.

[0021] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wearable device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the circuit configuration of the device main body according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of a magnetic sensor; (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body when magnetic force is not detected before the device is worn by a user, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body when magnetic force is detected before the device is worn by a user; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the state of the wearable device at the time of shipment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the state of the wearable device at the time of shipment; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body after the device is worn by a user; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the circuit configuration of the device main body according to Modification 1; and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing executed by the device main body according to Modification 1. (a) is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the device main body according to Modification 2, and (b) is a side perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the device main body according to Modification 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the circuit configuration of the device main body according to Modification 2. and FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the device main body according to Modification 2.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] First, the configuration of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The wearable device according to this embodiment is wearable by a user and is configured, for example, by an electronic device such as a wristwatch, for example a smartwatch.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of a wearable device according to this embodiment.

[0026] 1, the wearable device 1 includes a band 2 and a device main body 3. In this embodiment, when the wearable device 1 is worn, the surface of the device main body 3 that comes into contact with the user's wrist is referred to as the back surface, the opposite surface (the surface with the touch screen) is referred to as the front surface, the contact surfaces between the band 2 and the device main body 3 are referred to as the top and bottom surfaces, and the remaining surfaces are referred to as side surfaces.

[0027] The band 2 is used to wear the wearable device 1. The user can wear the wearable device 1 by wrapping the band 2 around the wrist with the back surface of the device body 3 facing inward.

[0028] The device main body 3 is composed of electronic devices including various sensors, a touch screen, wireless communication devices, operation buttons, a speaker, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), etc. Under the control of the MCU, the device main body 3 measures biological information such as the user's core body temperature and blood pressure using sensors, displays the information on the touch screen, and wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the device main body according to this embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the device main body 3 includes a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 32, a power supply 33, a measuring unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0031] The magnetic sensor 31 is made of materials such as a Hall element, a magnetic impedance element, and a coil.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the magnetic sensor.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(a), the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a low-level (first level) signal (hereinafter referred to as a "low signal") while the magnet 4 is nearby and the magnetic sensor 31 is detecting magnetic force from the magnet 4, and as shown in Figure 3(b), in response to the magnet 4 moving away and the magnetic force being no longer being detected (the first condition being met), the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a high-level (second level) signal (hereinafter referred to as a "high signal").

[0034] When the magnetic sensor 31 receives a fixing signal from the MCU 35, the magnetic sensor 31 fixes the signal it outputs.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(c), when the magnetic sensor 31 is outputting a high signal, if a fixed signal is input from the MCU 35, the signal it outputs is fixed to a high signal, and then, as shown in Figure 3(d), even if the magnet 4 approaches and magnetic force is detected, the signal it outputs does not become a low signal but remains a high signal.

[0036] The switch 32 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), a bipolar transistor, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistor, or a SiC (Silicon Carbide) transistor, a relay switch, a regulator, or the like.

[0037] The switch 32 does not connect the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 while a low signal is being input from the magnetic sensor 31, i.e., while the magnet 4 is near the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 is detecting magnetic force from the magnet 4.

[0038] Thereafter, when a high signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31, that is, when the magnet 4 moves away from the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 no longer detects magnetic force, the switch 32 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35.

[0039] The power supply 33 is configured by, for example, a battery such as a general-purpose primary battery or secondary battery. The power supply 33 is connected to the MCU 35 by the switch 32 and supplies power to the MCU 35. This starts up the wearable device 1 and turns it on.

[0040] In this way, when the magnet 4 moves away from the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 no longer detects magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a high signal, the switch 32 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35, and the wearable device 1 is turned on. In other words, when the wearable device 1 is on, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal.

[0041] The measurement unit 34 is a sensor unit that includes, for example, a general-purpose temperature sensor composed of a thermistor whose resistance value changes with temperature, or a general-purpose heat flow sensor composed of a Peltier element, and measures biological information such as the temperature of the body surface of the user wearing the wearable device 1 and the heat flow from deep within the user's brain, organs, etc.

[0042] The MCU 35 is powered by power supplied from the power supply 33, uses RAM (Random Access Memory) as work memory, and controls various operations of the device main body 3 by appropriately executing various programs stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) and the memory unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the MCU 35 determines whether the user is wearing the wearable device 1 based on the temperature, heat flow, and the like (measured values) measured by the measurement unit 34. If the MCU 35 determines that the user is wearing the wearable device 1, it supplies a fixation signal to the magnetic sensor 31 to fix the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31.

[0044] When the fixation signal is supplied from the MCU 35 to the magnetic sensor 31, the wearable device 1 is naturally on, and therefore the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is always a high signal. Therefore, when the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is fixed by the fixation signal, it is always fixed at a high signal. This ensures that the wearable device 1 remains on at all times until power is no longer supplied from the power source 33 due to a dead battery or other reason, and that the wearable device 1 will not be turned off due to environmental noise, such as the user accidentally approaching a magnetic object such as the magnet 4, and will remain usable at all times.

[0045] After the wearable device 1 is in a state where it can be used at all times, the MCU 35 executes a measurement process. Specifically, the MCU 35 measures the user's core body temperature based on the temperature, heat flow, etc. measured by the measurement unit 34, measures the user's blood pressure based on the measurement value of the optical sensor included in the measurement unit 34, and displays the user's core body temperature, blood pressure, and other biological information obtained by the measurement on the touch screen or wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0046] Next, the operation of the wearable device having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 4(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body before the user wears it and when magnetic force is not detected, and FIG. 4(b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body before the user wears it and when magnetic force is detected.

[0048] 4(a), after the wearable device 1 is completed and before it is shipped, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 is not fixed because the user has not yet worn it. In this case, if the magnet 4 is far enough away that the magnetic force of the magnet 4 cannot be detected by the magnetic sensor 31, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a high signal, and the wearable device 1 turns on.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4( b ), when the magnet 4 is brought close enough that the magnetic force can be detected by the magnetic sensor 31 , the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a low signal, and the wearable device 1 is turned off.

[0050] This allows an inspection process to be set up at the factory after the wearable device 1 is completed and before it is shipped, in which the magnet 4 is moved closer and further away to check whether the wearable device 1 switches on and off normally and whether the wearable device 1 starts up normally.

[0051] In this way, unlike conventional wearable devices that are turned on by pressing an activation pin that is difficult to pull out, wearable device 1 can be inspected in its completed state to determine whether it activates normally.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a wearable device at the time of shipment.

[0053] If normal startup is confirmed in the above inspection process, a sticker (hereinafter referred to as a "magnetic sticker") 5 having magnetic force similar to that of the magnet 4 is affixed to the wearable device 1 near the magnetic sensor 31 of the device body 3, as shown in Figure 5, and the wearable device 1 is then turned off and shipped. In this case, when a user obtains the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, they peel off the magnetic sticker 5, and the wearable device 1 turns on and becomes usable because the magnetic sensor 31 can no longer detect the magnetic force from the magnetic sticker 5.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the state of the wearable device at the time of shipment.

[0055] 6, wearable device 1 is inserted into package 6 with magnetic sticker 5 attached to a portion that will be near magnetic sensor 31 when inserted, and is then turned off before being shipped. In this case, when a user obtains wearable device 1 and begins to use it, they remove wearable device 1 from package 6 with magnetic sticker 5 attached. As magnetic sensor 31 can no longer detect the magnetic force from package 6, wearable device 1 turns on and becomes ready for use.

[0056] In this way, after obtaining the wearable device 1, when the user starts to use it, the user can turn on (receive power to) the wearable device 1 through natural actions such as peeling off the magnetic sticker 5 and removing it from the package 6 to which the magnetic sticker 5 is attached, so the user will never forget to start up the wearable device 1.

[0057] Furthermore, wearable device 1 can be turned on (power received) by an external magnetic switch function, such as by moving away from magnetic objects such as magnetic sticker 5 or package 6, and therefore, unlike conventional wearable devices, there is no need to provide a start pin. This allows wearable device 1 to maintain waterproof performance both before and after use by the user, thereby achieving improved waterproof performance compared to conventional wearable devices.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the device main body after the user wears it.

[0059] Then, in response to detecting that the user is wearing the wearable device 1 in a usable state (the second condition being met), the MCU 35 supplies a fixation signal to the magnetic sensor 31, as shown in Figure 7, and fixes the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 to a high signal.

[0060] This internal circuit configuration allows the wearable device 1 to be constantly operational, preventing it from turning off due to environmental noise, such as the user accidentally approaching a magnetic object such as the magnet 4, and allowing the wearable device 1 to continue measuring biometric information such as the user's core body temperature and blood pressure until power is no longer supplied from the power source 33 due to a dead battery, etc., thereby improving the user experience (UX).

[0061] As described above, the wearable device 1 according to this embodiment can be worn by a user and includes a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 32, a power source 33 for supplying power, a measurement unit 34 for measuring biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device 1, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0062] The magnetic sensor 31 outputs a low signal (a signal of a first level) when detecting a magnetic force, and outputs a high signal (a signal of a second level different from the first level) when it no longer detects a magnetic force. That is, in response to no longer detecting a magnetic force (the first condition being met), the magnetic sensor 31 changes the signal it outputs from a low signal to a high signal. This causes the magnetic sensor 31 to turn on the wearable device 1 and make it ready for use.

[0063] Specifically, in response to receiving a high signal from the magnetic sensor 31, the switch 32 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 to supply power, thereby turning on the wearable device 1 and making it ready for use.

[0064] As an example, when the wearable device 1 is shipped from the factory, it further includes a magnetic sticker (magnetic sticker) 5 attached near the magnetic sensor 31. That is, when the wearable device 1 is shipped from the factory, it is turned off. When a user obtains the wearable device 1 and starts using it, the magnetic sticker 5 is peeled off, and the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a high signal when it no longer detects the magnetic force from the magnetic sticker 5. This turns on the wearable device 1 and makes it available for use.

[0065] As another example, when the wearable device 1 is shipped from the factory, it is inserted into a package 6. The package 6 has a magnetic portion (a portion to which the magnetic sticker 5 is attached) near the magnetic sensor 31 of the inserted wearable device 1. In other words, when the wearable device 1 is shipped from the factory, it is turned off. When a user obtains the wearable device 1 and begins to use it, the wearable device 1 is removed from the package 6, and the magnetic sensor 31 outputs a high signal when it no longer detects magnetic force from the package 6. This turns on the wearable device 1 and makes it available for use.

[0066] Then, in response to detecting that the user is wearing the wearable device 1, which is in a usable state (the second condition is met), the MCU 35 fixes the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 to a high signal, thereby keeping the wearable device 1 always on and in a usable state. Specifically, the MCU 35 detects that the user is wearing the wearable device 1 from the measurement value of the measurement unit 34.

[0067] In this way, wearable device 1 can be switched on / off until it detects that it is being worn by a user, so that after completion and before shipping, it can be inspected at the factory to check whether it operates normally. On the other hand, once it detects that it is being worn by a user, wearable device 1 is fixed to a constantly on state, so it will not be turned off by environmental noise such as the user accidentally approaching a magnetic object such as magnet 4, and can continue to measure biological information such as the user's core body temperature and blood pressure until power is no longer supplied from power source 33 due to a dead battery or the like.

[0068] This allows the wearable device 1 according to this embodiment to be set in an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Modifications of the above-described embodiment that can be applied to the present invention will be described below. [Modification 1]

[0070] In the above embodiment, the device main body 3 is described as including the switch 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the device main body does not necessarily have to include the switch 32.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a device main body according to the first modification.

[0072] The same components as those of the device body 3 according to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, the device main body 8 according to this modification includes a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a power supply 33, a measuring unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0074] In this modification, the power supply 33 is different from the above embodiment in that it is directly connected to the MCU 35 and constantly supplies power to the MCU 35 .

[0075] In this modification, the MCU 35 changes the state of the wearable device 1 in accordance with the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31. Specifically, when the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal, the MCU 35 puts the wearable device 1 into a power-saving state (sleep state) in which power consumption is reduced, and when the signal is a high signal, the MCU 35 puts the wearable device 1 into a normal operating state (usable state).

[0076] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process executed by the device main body according to the first modification.

[0077] In the control process shown in FIG. 9, the MCU 35 determines whether the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal or a high signal (step S91).

[0078] If the MCU 35 determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal (step S91; No), it puts the wearable device 1 into a power-saving state (sleep state) in which power consumption is reduced (step S92) and returns to step S91.

[0079] On the other hand, if the MCU 35 determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal (step S91; Yes), it places the wearable device 1 in a normal operating state (usable state) (step S93).

[0080] After the wearable device 1 becomes usable, the MCU 35 determines whether the user is wearing the wearable device 1 based on the temperature, heat flow, etc. (measured values) measured by the measurement unit 34 (step S94).

[0081] If the MCU 35 determines that the user is not wearing the wearable device 1 (step S94; No), the MCU 35 returns to step S91.

[0082] On the other hand, if the MCU 35 determines that the user is wearing the wearable device 1 (step S94; Yes), it maintains the usable state regardless of the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 (step S95).

[0083] The wearable device 1 is always available because the MCU 35 maintains the available state regardless of the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31. In this way, when the wearable device 1 is in the available state and detects that the user has put on the wearable device 1 even once, the wearable device 1 remains available without going into sleep mode until power is no longer supplied from the power source 33 due to a dead battery or the like.

[0084] After the wearable device 1 is in a state where it can be used at all times, the MCU 35 executes a measurement process (step S96). Specifically, the MCU 35 measures the user's core body temperature based on the temperature, heat flow, etc. measured by the measurement unit 34, measures the user's blood pressure based on the measurement value of the optical sensor included in the measurement unit 34, and displays the user's core body temperature, blood pressure, and other biological information obtained by the measurement on the touch screen or wirelessly transmits it to an external computer such as a smartphone.

[0085] As a result, the wearable device 1 according to this modification can achieve the same effects as the wearable device 1 according to the above embodiment, and can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the second condition is satisfied when it is detected that the wearable device 1 is being worn by a user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second condition may be satisfied when the user turns on a fixed switch provided on the wearable device 1.

[0087] 10A is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a device main body according to Modification 2, and FIG. 10B is a side perspective view showing the example of the configuration of a device main body according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG.

[0088] Note that the same components as those of the wearable device 1 according to the above embodiment and modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the device main body 10 according to this modification has a fixed switch 11 on its side surface.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a device main body according to the second modification.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, the device main body 10 includes a fixed switch 11, a magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 31, a switch 112, a power supply 33, a measuring unit 34, and an MCU (control unit) 35.

[0092] Unlike switch 32, switch 112 does not connect power supply 33 to MCU 35 while a high signal is being input from magnetic sensor 31, i.e., while magnet 4 is far from magnetic sensor 31 and magnetic sensor 31 is not detecting magnetic force.

[0093] Thereafter, when a low signal is input from the magnetic sensor 31 , that is, when the magnet 4 approaches the magnetic sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 31 detects a magnetic force, the switch 112 connects the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 .

[0094] Since the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are not connected until the user turns on the fixed switch 11, the wearable device 1 can be switched on / off by moving the magnet 4 closer or farther away. When the user turns on the fixed switch 11, the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, so the wearable device 1 remains on even if the user moves the magnet 4 closer or farther away.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the device main body according to the second modification.

[0096] 12 , the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are not connected until the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1 (step S121; No), so if the magnet 4 is moved far enough away that the magnetic sensor 31 cannot detect its magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a high signal (step S122; Yes), and the wearable device 1 turns off (step S123). On the other hand, if the magnet 4 is close enough that the magnetic sensor 31 can detect its magnetic force, the signal output from the magnetic sensor 31 becomes a low signal (step S122; No), and the wearable device 1 turns on (step S124).

[0097] When the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1 (step S121; Yes), the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, so that the wearable device 1 is always on and ready for use (step S125). After the wearable device 1 is ready for use, the MCU 35 executes a measurement process (step S126).

[0098] In this modified example, when the user turns on the fixed switch 11 of the wearable device 1 that is in a usable state, the MCU 35 determines that the second condition is met, and the power supply 33 and the MCU 35 are connected, keeping the wearable device 1 always on and in a usable state.

[0099] As a result, the wearable device 1 of this modified example can achieve the same effects as the wearable device 1 of the above embodiment and modified example 1, and can be set to an appropriate state depending on the situation.

[0100] In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the signal output unit has been described as a magnetic sensor 31 that outputs a first level signal when detecting a magnetic force and outputs a second level signal different from the first level when the magnetic force is no longer detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any change can be made as long as the signal output unit changes from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level in response to the first condition being satisfied.

[0101] In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the magnetic sensor 31 is described as outputting a low signal when detecting magnetic force and outputting a high signal when magnetic force is no longer detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any device may be used as long as it outputs signals of different levels when detecting magnetic force and when not detecting magnetic force. For example, the magnetic sensor 31 may output a high signal when detecting magnetic force and output a low signal when magnetic force is no longer detected. In this case, in the above embodiment, the switch 32 may turn on the wearable device 1 by connecting the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 and supplying power when the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal. In Modification 1, the MCU 35 may place the wearable device 1 in a normal operating state (a usable state) when it determines that the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a low signal. In the above-mentioned variant example 2, the switch 112 is only required to turn on the wearable device 1 by connecting the power supply 33 to the MCU 35 and supplying power when the signal input from the magnetic sensor 31 is a high signal.

[0102] In the above embodiments and variants, the programs executed by the MCU have been described as being stored in advance in a ROM, a memory unit, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and a program for executing the above-mentioned processing may be applied to an existing general-purpose computer to function as the device main body 3 related to the above embodiments and variants.

[0103] Such a program may be provided in any manner, for example, by storing it on a computer-readable recording medium (such as a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM) and distributing it, or by storing the program in storage on a network such as the Internet and providing it by downloading it.

[0104] Furthermore, when the above processing is performed by sharing the work between an OS (Operating System) and an application program, or by cooperation between the OS and the application program, only the application program may be stored on a recording medium or storage. It is also possible to superimpose the program on a carrier wave and distribute it over a network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a network and distributed over the network. The program may then be started and executed under the control of the OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above processing to be performed.

[0105] It should be noted that the present invention is susceptible to various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0106] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030340 filed on February 29, 2024. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030340 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Wearable device 2 Band 3, 8, 10 Device body 4 Magnet 5 Magnetic sticker 6 Package 11 Fixed switch 31 Magnetic sensor (signal output unit) 32, 112 Switch 33 Power supply 34 Measuring unit 35 MCU (control unit)

Claims

1. A wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, comprising: a signal output unit (31) that, in response to a first condition being satisfied, changes the output signal from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level, thereby putting the wearable device (1) into a usable state; and a control unit (35) that, in response to a second condition, different from the first condition being satisfied, puts the wearable device (1) into a constantly usable state.

2. The wearable device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit (35) detects that the user is wearing the wearable device (1) that is in the usable state, it determines that the second condition is met and puts the wearable device (1) in a state where it can be used at all times.

3. The wearable device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed switch (11), wherein the control unit (35) determines that the second condition is met when the user turns on the fixed switch (11) of the wearable device (1) that is in the usable state, and puts the wearable device (1) in a state where it can be used at all times.

4. The wearable device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the signal output unit (31) is a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal of the first level when detecting magnetic force, and outputs a signal of the second level when the magnetic force is no longer detected, assuming that the first condition is met.

5. The wearable device (1) according to claim 4, further comprising a magnetic sticker (5) attached near the signal output unit (31), wherein the signal output unit (31) outputs the second level signal when the sticker (5) is peeled off and the magnetic force from the sticker (5) is no longer detected.

6. The wearable device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the wearable device (1) is inserted into a package (6), the package (6) has a magnetic part near the signal output unit (31) of the inserted wearable device (1), and the signal output unit (31) outputs the second level signal when the wearable device (1) is removed from the package (6) and no longer detects the magnetic force from the package (6).

7. The wearable device (1) of claim 1, further comprising: a power source (33) that supplies power; and a switch (32, 112) that, in response to the second signal being input from the signal output unit (31), connects the power source (33) to the control unit (35) and supplies the power, thereby turning on the wearable device (1) and making it usable.

8. The wearable device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (35) determines whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal, and when it determines that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal, in response to the second condition being met, makes the wearable device (1) in a state where it can be used at all times.

9. The wearable device (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (35) fixes the signal output from the signal output unit (31) to the second level signal in response to the second condition being met, thereby making the wearable device (1) in the usable state usable at all times.

10. The wearable device (1) of claim 2, further comprising a measurement unit (34) that measures biometric information of the user wearing the wearable device (1), and the control unit (35) detects that the user is wearing the wearable device (1) from the measurement value of the measurement unit (34).

11. A control method for a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user, characterized in that a signal output unit (31), in response to the establishment of a first condition, changes the signal to be output from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level, thereby putting the wearable device (1) into a usable state, and a control unit (35), in response to the establishment of a second condition different from the first condition, puts the wearable device (1) into a constantly usable state.

12. A program for causing a computer of a wearable device (1) that can be worn by a user and that changes the signal it outputs from a first level signal to a second level signal different from the first level in response to the establishment of a first condition, to execute the following steps: determining whether the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal; and, when it is determined that the signal input from the signal output unit (31) is the second level signal, in response to the establishment of a second condition different from the first condition, making the wearable device (1) ready for use at all times.

Images