User device, external device, and method for controlling user device

Abstract

This user device comprises: a body; an electromagnet that is built into the body and that generates a suction force between the electromagnet and an external device that can be attached to a finger of a user; and a control unit that supplies power to the electromagnet when at least the state of the user device is a state in which the user device can be used by the user.

Description

User device, external device, and method for controlling user device

[0001] The present invention relates to a user device, an external device, and a method for controlling a user device.

[0002] Conventionally, finger rings for mobile terminals such as smartphones are fixed to the back surface of the mobile terminal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a finger ring including a base plate attached to the back surface of the mobile terminal and a ring member rotatably connected to the base plate.

[0003] Special table 2014-503160 publication

[0004] However, the finger ring of Patent Document 1 requires the user to put their finger through the finger ring every time they use the mobile device. Furthermore, when the finger ring is attached to the mobile device, the finger ring may interfere with wireless charging. Therefore, a finger ring that can be easily attached and detached from the mobile device is desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a user device that allows easy attachment and detachment of a finger ring.

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a user device comprising: a main body; an electromagnet that is built into the main body and generates an attractive force between the main body and an external device that can be worn on a user's finger; and a control unit that supplies power to the electromagnet at least when the user device is in a state that allows it to be used by the user.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling a user device, which determines whether the state of the user device is such that it can be used by at least a user, and if the state of the user device is such that it can be used by at least the user, supplies power to an electromagnet that is built into the main body of the user device and generates an attractive force between the electromagnet and an external device that can be worn on the user's finger.

[0008] According to the user device of the present invention, the finger ring can be easily attached and detached.

[0009] 15 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a user device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user device of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is an external appearance of a finger ring according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which a user wearing a finger ring on his / her finger is holding the user device. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device of FIG. 2. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an external appearance of a finger ring according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the finger ring of FIG. 7. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a first positional relationship between the user device and the finger ring. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a second positional relationship between the user device and the finger ring. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device of FIG. 6. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of a finger ring according to the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of the finger ring of FIG. 13 in a state in which the shielding member of the shielding device is in an open position. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the finger ring of FIG. 13. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device of FIG. 15.

[0010] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, the configuration of a user device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] 1.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment 1.1.1. Configuration of the User Device FIG. 1 is an external view of a user device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a rear view and a side view of the user device 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user device 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the user device 10 is a smartphone. Note that the user device 10 includes devices that are held by a user and used, such as a tablet device or a small game device. The user is an example of a user.

[0012] 1 and 2, the user device 10 includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and a suction device 16. The elements included in the user device 10 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0013] 1, the display device 14 and the input device 15 are disposed on a front surface 101 of the main body 100. The communication device 13 and the suction device 16 are disposed on a rear surface 102 of the main body 100.

[0014] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire user device 10 and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0015] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0016] The storage device 12 stores a control program PR1 to be executed by the processing device 11 and a plurality of programs including an application program for controlling the suction device 16. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing device 11. The control program PR1 is a program that controls the entire processing device 11.

[0017] The communication device 13 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE 1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0018] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images and text information under the control of the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel are suitably used as the display device 14.

[0019] The input device 15 accepts operations from a user. For example, the input device 15 is configured with a touch panel. The input device 15 configured with a touch panel also serves as the display device 14. The input device 15 may also be configured to include a pointing device such as a keyboard, a touchpad, or a mouse.

[0020] The user's operations on the user device 10 are performed using the input device 15. The user's operations on the user device 10 include a release operation for changing the user device 10 from an unavailable state to an available state, and an input operation for inputting instructions to various application programs of the user device 10. The user-available state is a state in which the user device 10 accepts the user's input operation.

[0021] The attraction device 16 is a device that uses magnetic force to generate an attraction force that attracts ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, nickel, and ferrite. The attraction device 16 is composed of, for example, an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. The attraction device 16 generates a magnetic force when a current flows through the coil. The attraction device 16 is an example of an electromagnet.

[0022] The processing device 11 functions as a control unit 111 and a display control unit 112 by, for example, reading and executing a control program PR1 from the storage device 12. The control program PR1 is a program that controls the processing device 11 as a whole.

[0023] When the user unlocks the screen in a locked screen state of the user device 10, the control unit 111 controls whether to supply power to the suction device 16 or stop the supply of power. Here, the screen locked state refers to a state before user authentication is performed by inputting a passcode, a personal identification number (PIN), or biometric authentication. In the locked screen state, the home screen of the user device 10 is not displayed on the display device 14, and the user device 10 is not in a state to accept input operations from the user.

[0024] Therefore, the screen lock state is a state in which the user device 10 cannot be used by the user. Releasing the screen lock state means changing the user device 10 from an unusable state to an usable state.

[0025] The control unit 111 may, for example, change the voltage applied to the suction device 16 to change the current flowing through the coil of the suction device 16, thereby changing the magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the suction device 16. The control unit 111 causes the suction device 16 to generate a first magnetic force by setting the voltage applied to the suction device 16 to a first voltage. The control unit 111 causes the suction device 16 to generate a second magnetic force greater than the first magnetic force by setting the voltage applied to the suction device 16 to a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The control unit 111 sets the suction force of the suction device 16 to zero by stopping the supply of power to the suction device 16.

[0026] The control unit 111 may set the voltage applied to the suction device 16 to any voltage other than the first voltage and the second voltage. The control unit 111 may also control the value of the current flowing through the suction device 16.

[0027] When the screen is unlocked, the control unit 111 may control whether to supply power to the suction device 16 or stop the supply of power in response to a user operation on an application program installed in the user device 10. The screen is unlocked as an example of a state available to the user. For example, the application program for controlling the suction device 16 provides a user interface such as a switch for selecting whether to supply power to the suction device 16 or stop the supply of power, and a switch for adjusting the suction force.

[0028] The display control unit 112 causes various types of information to be displayed on the display device 14. For example, when the screen is locked, the display control unit 112 causes the display device 14 to display an operation screen for unlocking the screen of the user device 10. Furthermore, when the screen is unlocked, the display control unit 112 may cause the display device 14 to display an operation screen for instructing the suction device 16 to start or stop supplying power.

[0029] 1.1.2. Configuration of the Finger Ring FIG. 3 is an external view of the finger ring 20 according to the first embodiment. The finger ring 20 is a device having a ring-shaped structure. The finger ring 20 can be worn on a user's finger. The finger ring 20 includes a permanent magnet 29 inside a main body 200. The main body 200 is made of metal, resin, ceramic, or the like. If the main body 200 is made of metal, it is desirable to fill the radial portion of the main body 200 outside the permanent magnet 29 with resin or the like instead of metal material. The surface of the permanent magnet 29 may be exposed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 200. The finger ring 20 is an example of an external device.

[0030] The permanent magnet 29 is made of a hard magnetic material such as ferrite and constantly generates a magnetic force. The permanent magnet 29 generates an attractive force between the permanent magnet 29 and the suction device 16 when the suction device 16 is operating. The outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet 29 may be exposed to the outer circumferential surface of the main body 200. Also, in FIG. 3 , the permanent magnet 29 is provided on a portion of the main body 200 in the circumferential direction, but multiple permanent magnets may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the main body 200, or an annular permanent magnet may be provided inside the main body 200.

[0031] 1.2. Operation of the User Device According to the First Embodiment 1.2.1. Operation of the User Device 10 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a user wearing the finger ring 20 on his / her finger UF is holding the user device 10. In the state shown in Fig. 4, when the user performs an operation to unlock the screen of the user device 10 using the input device 15, the user device 10 becomes available for use by the user, and the control unit 111 supplies power to the suction device 16.

[0032] When power is supplied to the suction device 16, the suction device 16 generates a magnetic force, which acts on the finger ring 20, causing the finger ring 20 to be attracted to the main body 100.

[0033] 1.2.2 Operation of the Processing Device 11 Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device 11 in Figure 2. The operation of the processing device 11 will be described below with reference to Figure 5. The routine in Figure 5 is started, for example, when the processing device 11 is started, and is executed every time a certain amount of time has passed.

[0034] In step S11, the processing device 11 functions as the control unit 111 to determine whether the screen of the user device 10 is unlocked.

[0035] If the screen lock of the user device 10 is unlocked, that is, if the judgment result in step S11 is positive, the processing device 11 functions as the control unit 111, thereby supplying power to the suction device 16 in step S12, and temporarily terminating this routine.

[0036] On the other hand, if the screen lock of the user device 10 has not been released, that is, if the judgment result in step S11 is negative, the processing device 11 functions as the control unit 111, stops supplying power to the suction device 16 in step S13, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0037] 1.3. Advantages of the First Embodiment As described above, the user device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 100, a suction device 16, and a control unit 111. The suction device 16 is built into the main body 100 and generates a suction force between the suction device 16 and the finger ring 20. The finger ring 20 can be worn on a user's finger UF. The control unit 111 supplies power to the suction device 16 when the user device 10 is in a state where at least the screen is unlocked.

[0038] According to this aspect, when a user wearing the finger ring 20 on their finger UF unlocks the screen of the user device 10, the control unit 111 supplies power to the suction device 16, and the finger ring 20 is sucked into the suction device 16. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is easy for the user wearing the finger ring 20 on their finger UF to attach and detach the finger ring 20 from the user device 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the control method for the user device 10 according to the first embodiment determines whether the state of the user device 10 is at least a state in which the screen is unlocked, and if the state of the user device 10 is at least a state in which the screen is unlocked, supplies power to the suction device 16. The suction device 16 is built into the main body 100 and generates a suction force between itself and a finger ring 20 that can be worn on a user's finger UF.

[0040] According to this aspect, it becomes easy for a user who wears the finger ring 20 on his or her finger UF to attach or detach the finger ring 20 from the user device 10 .

[0041] 2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the configurations of a user device 10A and a fingering 20A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 11. Note that in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted. Also, in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0042] 2.1. Configuration of the Second Embodiment 2.1.1. Configuration of the User Device FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a user device 10A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the user device 10A includes a processing device 11A, a storage device 12A, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and a suction device 16. The elements included in the user device 10A are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information. The user device 10A differs from the user device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a processing device 11A and a storage device 12A.

[0043] The processing device 11A is a processor that controls the entire user device 10A and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11A is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 11A may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 11A executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0044] The storage device 12A is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11A. The storage device 12A includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0045] The storage device 12A stores a control program PR1A to be executed by the processing device 11A and a plurality of programs including an application program for controlling the suction device 16. The storage device 12A also functions as a work area for the processing device 11A.

[0046] The communication device 13, the display device 14, the input device 15, and the suction device 16 have the same configuration as the communication device 13, the display device 14, the input device 15, and the suction device 16 in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations are omitted.

[0047] The processing device 11A, for example, reads and executes a control program PR1A from the storage device 12A, thereby functioning as a control unit 111A, a display control unit 112, a transmitting unit 113, and a receiving unit 114. The control program PR1A is a program that controls the entire processing device 11A.

[0048] Even if the screen of the user device 10A is not unlocked, the control unit 111A supplies power to the suction device 16 when a connection is established between the fingering 20A and the user device 10A via short-range wireless communication. A state in which the screen of the user device 10A is unlocked is an example of a state in which the user can use the device, and a state in which the screen of the user device 10A is not unlocked is an example of a state in which the user cannot use the device.

[0049] The display control unit 112 has the same configuration as the display control unit 112 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The transmitter 113 transmits a connection request signal to the fingering ring 20A by short-range wireless communication via the communication device 13. In this embodiment, the communication device 13 communicates with the fingering ring 20A using, for example, a reader / writer mode of short-range wireless communication. Note that the communication device 13 may also communicate with the fingering ring 20A using a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication mode.

[0051] The receiving unit 114 receives, for example, a signal instructing power supply to the suction device 16 from the fingering ring 20A by short-range wireless communication via the communication device 13. The power supply instruction signal is a response signal to the connection request signal.

[0052] 2.1.2. Configuration of Finger Ring Fig. 7 is an external view of the finger ring 20A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the finger ring 20A of Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the finger ring 20A has a ring-shaped structure, similar to the finger ring 20 according to the first embodiment, and is a device that can be worn on a user's finger UF.

[0053] 7 or 8, the finger ring 20A includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, and a permanent magnet 29. The processing device 21, the storage device 22, and the communication device 23 are connected to one another by one or more buses for communicating information. The finger ring 20A differs from the finger ring 20 according to the first embodiment in that the main body 200 includes the processing device 21, the storage device 22, and the communication device 23 in addition to the permanent magnet 29. The finger ring 20A is an example of an external device.

[0054] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire fingering 20, and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0055] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0056] The storage device 22 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2 to be executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21.

[0057] The communication device 23 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE 1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0058] The permanent magnet 29 has the same configuration as the permanent magnet 29 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The processing device 21 functions as a transmitting unit 211 and a receiving unit 212 by, for example, reading and executing a control program PR2 from the storage device 22.

[0060] The transmitter 211 transmits the unique ID of the fingering 20, a signal instructing the suction device 16 to supply power, and the like via the communication device 23.

[0061] The receiving unit 212 receives a connection request signal from the user device 10 via the communication device 23 .

[0062] 2.2. Operation of the User Device According to the Second Embodiment 2.2.1. Operation of the Processing Device 11A Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a first positional relationship between the user device 10A and the fingering 20A. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second positional relationship between the user device 10A and the fingering 20A. In Figs. 9 and 10, the user device 10A is placed on a table with the back surface 102 facing up.

[0063] 9, the fingering ring 20A is located outside the communication range ZC of the short-range wireless communication by the communication device 13 of the user device 10A. In this case, the control unit 111A does not supply power to the suction device 16 of the user device 10A because short-range wireless communication is not established between the communication device 23 of the fingering ring 20A and the communication device 13 of the user device 10A.

[0064] 10, the finger ring 20A is located within a communication range ZC of short-range wireless communication by the communication device 13 of the user device 10A. In this case, short-range wireless communication is established between the communication device 23 of the finger ring 20A and the communication device 13 of the user device 10A, and therefore the control unit 111A supplies power to the suction device 16 of the user device 10A.

[0065] As a result, a magnetic force is generated from the suction device 16, and an attractive force Fa acts on the finger ring 20A.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device 11A of Fig. 6. The operation of the processing device 11 will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. The routine of Fig. 11 is started, for example, when the processing device 11A is started, and is executed every time a certain time period has elapsed.

[0067] In step S21, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A to determine whether or not short-range wireless communication has been established between the fingering 20A and the user device 10A.

[0068] If short-range wireless communication is established between the finger ring 20A and the user device 10A, that is, if the judgment result in step S21 is positive, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A, and in step S12, supplies power to the suction device 16, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0069] On the other hand, if short-range wireless communication is not established between the finger ring 20A and the user device 10A, that is, if the judgment result in step S21 is negative, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A, stops supplying power to the suction device 16 in step S13, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0070] 2.3 Advantages of the Second Embodiment According to the above description, in the user device 10A according to the second embodiment, the fingering ring 20A and the user device 10A are capable of short-range wireless communication. The control unit 111A supplies power to the suction device 16 when a connection is established between the fingering ring 20A and the user device 10A via short-range wireless communication, even when the screen of the user device 10A is locked.

[0071] According to this aspect, even if the user does not unlock the screen of the user device 10A, by bringing the finger ring 20A close to the communication range ZC of the short-range wireless communication, the control unit 111A supplies power to the suction device 16, and the finger ring 20A is sucked into the suction device 16. Therefore, for the user who wears the finger ring 20A on his finger UF, it is easy to attach and detach the finger ring 20A from the user device 10A.

[0072] 3. Third Embodiment The configuration of a user device 10 and fingering according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 16. Note that, in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted. Also, in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0073] 3.1. Configuration of the Third Embodiment 3.1.1. Configuration of the User Device Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a user device 10B according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the user device 10B includes a processing device 11B, a storage device 12B, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, and a suction device 16. The elements included in the user device 10B are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information. The user device 10B differs from the user device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a processing device 11B and a storage device 12B.

[0074] The processing device 11B is a processor that controls the entire user device 10B and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11B is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 11B may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 11B executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0075] The storage device 12B is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11B. The storage device 12B includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0076] The storage device 12B stores a control program PR1B to be executed by the processing device 11B and a plurality of programs including an application program for controlling the suction device 16. The storage device 12B also functions as a work area for the processing device 11B.

[0077] The communication device 13, the display device 14, the input device 15, and the suction device 16 have the same configuration as the communication device 13, the display device 14, the input device 15, and the suction device 16 according to the first and second embodiments, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The processing device 11B, for example, reads and executes a control program PR1B from the storage device 12A, thereby functioning as a control unit 111B, a display control unit 112, a transmitting unit 113, and a receiving unit 114. The control program PR1B is a program that controls the entire processing device 11B.

[0079] When the user unlocks the screen of the user device 10B in a screen locked state, the control unit 111B controls whether to supply power to the suction device 16. Even when the screen of the user device 10B is not unlocked, the control unit 111B supplies power to the suction device 16 when a connection is established between the fingering 20B and the user device 10B via short-range wireless communication.

[0080] 3.1.2. Finger Ring Configuration FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a finger ring 20B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the finger ring 20B of FIG. 13 with the shielding member 241 of the shielding device 24 in the open position. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the finger ring 20B of FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13 or 14, the finger ring 20B has a ring-shaped structure, similar to the finger ring 20 according to the first embodiment, and is a device that can be worn on a user's finger UF. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the finger ring 20B includes a processing unit 21B, a storage unit 22B, a communication unit 23, a shielding device 24, and a permanent magnet 29.

[0081] The processing device 21B, the storage device 22B, the communication device 23, and the shielding device 24 are connected to one another by one or more buses for communicating information. The fingering ring 20B differs from the fingering ring 20A according to the second embodiment in that it includes the processing device 21B, the storage device 22B, and the shielding device 24. The fingering ring 20B is an example of an external device.

[0082] The processing device 21B is a processor that controls the entire fingering 20B and is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21B is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Note that some or all of the functions of the processing device 21B may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 21B executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0083] The storage device 22B is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21B. The storage device 22B includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0084] The storage device 22B stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2B to be executed by the processing device 21B, and also functions as a work area for the processing device 21B.

[0085] The communication device 23 has the same configuration as the communication device 23 according to the second embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The shielding device 24 includes a shielding member 241 and a moving mechanism 242. The shielding member 241 shields the magnetic field. The shielding member 241 is a plate-shaped member. The shielding member 241 is made of, for example, a ferromagnetic material. The moving mechanism 242 is composed of a motor (not shown) and two guide rails arranged parallel to each other in the circumferential direction. The shielding member 241 is movable in the circumferential direction along the two guide rails. The moving mechanism 242 is configured to be able to move the shielding member 241 by the driving force of the motor between two positions that provide different degrees of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29.

[0087] In the state shown in Fig. 13, the shielding member 241 is in the closed position and covers the entire permanent magnet 29. In this case, the degree of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29 is maximized. The state in which the shielding member 241 is in the closed position is also referred to as the closed state. In the state shown in Fig. 14, the shielding member 241 is in the open position and does not cover the permanent magnet 29 at all. In this case, the degree of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29 is minimized. The state in which the shielding member 241 is in the open position is also referred to as the open state.

[0088] In this way, the degree of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29 when the shielding member 241 is in the open position is smaller than the degree of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29 when the shielding member 241 is in the closed position. In other words, the open position is a position where the degree of shielding of the magnetic field is smaller, and the closed position is a position where the degree of shielding of the magnetic field is larger. Note that the movement control unit 213 may arbitrarily change the degree of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29 by moving the position of the shielding member 241 to any position between the open position and the closed position.

[0089] The processing device 21B functions as a transmitting unit 211, a receiving unit 212, and a movement control unit 213, for example, by reading and executing a control program PR2B from the storage device 22B.

[0090] The functions of the transmitter 211 and receiver 212 are similar to those of the transmitter 211 and receiver 212 according to the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] When the user unlocks the screen of the user device 10B in a locked screen state, the movement control unit 213 moves the shielding member 241 using the movement mechanism 242. Even if the screen of the user device 10B is not unlocked, the movement control unit 213 places the shielding member 241 in the open position when a connection is established between the user device 10B and the fingering 20B via near-field wireless communication.

[0092] 3.2. User Device and Fingering Operations According to Third Embodiment 3.2.1. Operations of Processing Device 11B The flowchart showing the operations of the processing device 11B is similar to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 3.2.2 Operation of the Processing Device 21B Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device 21B in Figure 15. The operation of the processing device 21B will be described below with reference to Figure 16. The routine in Figure 16 is started, for example, when the processing device 21B is started, and is executed every time a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0094] In step S31, the processing device 21B functions as the mobility control unit 213 to determine whether communication with the user device 10B has been established.

[0095] If communication with the user device 10B has been established, i.e., if the judgment result in step S31 is positive, the processing device 21B functions as the movement control unit 213, and in step S32, places the shielding member 241 in the open position, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0096] On the other hand, if communication with the user device 10B has not been established, i.e., if the judgment result in step S31 is negative, the processing device 21B functions as the movement control unit 213, and in step S33, places the shielding member 241 in the closed position, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0097] 3.3. Advantages of the Third Embodiment As described above, the finger ring 20B according to the third embodiment includes a main body 200, a permanent magnet 29, a shielding member 241, a movement mechanism 242, and a movement control unit 213, and can be worn on a user's finger UF. The permanent magnet 29 is built into the main body 200 and generates an attractive force between itself and the user device 10B. The shielding member 241 shields magnetic fields. The movement mechanism 242 enables the shielding member 241 to move between an open position and a closed position, which have different degrees of shielding from the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 29. When the user device 10B is in a state where it can be used by the user, the movement control unit 213 uses the movement mechanism 242 to position the shielding member 241 in the open position.

[0098] According to this embodiment, when the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 29 is not required, the shielding member 241 is placed in the closed position, and is placed in the open position only when the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 29 is required. This makes it easier to attach and detach the finger ring 20B to and from the user device 10B. Furthermore, because the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 29 is applied only when necessary, it is possible to prevent inadvertent effects on magnetic cards and the like.

[0099] Further, the user device 10B and the fingering ring 20B are capable of short-range wireless communication. When a connection is established between the user device 10B and the fingering ring 20B via short-range wireless communication, the movement control unit 213 places the shielding member 241 in the open position.

[0100] According to this aspect, when the user device 10B and the fingering 20B approach each other, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 29 acts, making it easier to attach and detach the fingering 20B to and from the user device 10B.

[0101] 4. Modifications The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more modifications selected from the following examples may be combined. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be combined in any manner as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0102] 4.1. Modification 1 In each of the above embodiments, when the user device 10, 10A, or 10B is in a sleep state, the power supplied to the suction device 16 may be increased so that the suction force in the sleep state is greater than the suction force in a state that is not in a sleep state.

[0103] The sleep state is a state in which the display device 14 of the user device 10, 10A, or 10B is turned off. In the sleep state, power consumption in the user device 10, 10A, or 10B is reduced, and user operation errors, unintended malfunctions, and the like are prevented. When the user operates the input device 15 in the sleep state, the display device 14 turns on, and the user device 10, 10A, or 10B returns from the sleep state. The sleep state can be considered one aspect of a state in which the user device 10, 10A, or 10B is unavailable. A modified example of the processing device 11A according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0104] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing another operation of the processing device 11A of Fig. 6. Hereinafter, the other operation of the processing device 11A will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The routine of Fig. 17 is started, for example, when the processing device 11A is started, and is executed every time a certain time period has elapsed.

[0105] In step S21, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A to determine whether communication with the fingering 20A has been established.

[0106] If communication with the fingering 20A is established, i.e., if the judgment result in step S21 is positive, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A and judges in step S41 whether the user device 10A is in a sleep state.

[0107] If the user device 10A is not in a sleep state, i.e., if the judgment result in step S41 is negative, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A, supplies the first power to the suction device 16 in step S42, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0108] On the other hand, if the user device 10A is in a sleep state, i.e., if the judgment result in step S41 is positive, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A, and in step S43, supplies a second power greater than the first power to the suction device 16, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0109] If communication with the finger ring 20A is not established, i.e., if the judgment result in step S21 is negative, the processing device 11A functions as the control unit 111A, and in step S13, stops supplying power to the suction device 16 and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0110] The sleep state of the user device 10, 10A, or 10B means that the user has not operated the user device 10, 10A, or 10B for a certain period of time. In this case, it is expected that the user's attention to the user device 10, 10A, or 10B will decrease, and the user's grip on the user device 10, 10A, or 10B will weaken. Therefore, according to this aspect, when the user is not operating the user device 10, 10A, or 10B, the suction force of the suction device 16 is increased, which is effective in preventing the user device 10, 10A, or 10B from falling.

[0111] 4.2. Modification 2 In each of the above embodiments, the main body 200 of the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B has a built-in permanent magnet 29. However, instead of the permanent magnet 29, an electromagnet may be built-in.

[0112] 4.3. Modification 3 In each of the above embodiments, the main body 200 of the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B has a built-in permanent magnet 29. However, instead of the permanent magnet 29, a soft magnetic material such as iron may be built-in.

[0113] 4.4. Modification 4 In the third embodiment, when the user device 10B and the fingering 20B are connected via short-range wireless communication, the movement control unit 213 places the shielding member 241 in the open position. However, the movement control unit 213 may place the shielding member 241 in the open position in response to an input operation by the user using the input device 15 of the user device 10B.

[0114] 4.5. Modification 5 Although the finger ring 20 according to the first embodiment is a device in which the permanent magnet 29 is simply provided on the main body 200, the finger ring 20 may also be a device in which the permanent magnet 29 is provided on a so-called smart ring. Smart rings are known as wearable devices that can be linked to user devices such as smartphones. For example, smart rings have functions such as message notification, voice call response, health management, payment, and NFC tagging. The finger ring 20A according to the second embodiment and the finger ring 20B according to the third embodiment may also have the functions of a smart ring.

[0115] 4.6. Modification 6 In each of the above embodiments, the shape of the body 200 of the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B is rotationally symmetric, but is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the body 200 where the permanent magnet 29 is provided may be flat. The width of the body 200 at the portion where the permanent magnet 29 is provided may be wider than the width of the body 200 at other portions. Here, the width of the body 200 refers to the length of the body 200 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0116] 4.7. Modification 7 In each of the above embodiments, an example is disclosed in which a user uses the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B while wearing the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B on the user's finger UF. However, the manner in which the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B is used is not limited to this. The user may pinch the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B and attach it to the user device 10, 10A, or 10B, and then attach the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B to the finger UF. Alternatively, the user may bring the user device 10, 10A, or 10B close to the finger ring 20, 20A, or 20B to attach it to the user device 10, 10A, or 10B.

[0117] 5. Others (1) In the above-described embodiment, storage device 12, storage device 12A, storage device 12B, storage device 22, and storage device 22B are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but other suitable storage media may also be used, such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, and other suitable storage media. Furthermore, the programs may be transmitted from a network via telecommunications lines. Furthermore, the programs may be transmitted from a communications network (NET) via telecommunications lines.

[0118] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0119] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0120] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value (0 or 1) represented using one bit, a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0121] (5) The order of the exemplary procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0122] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 17 is realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. A functional block may be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0123] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0124] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0125] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0126] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0127] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the user devices 10, 10A, and 10B may be mobile stations (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In this disclosure, terms such as "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0128] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0129] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0130] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining something that is considered to be a "determining." Also, "determining" and "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and so on. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0131] (14) In the above embodiments, when the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0132] (15) In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the nouns following these articles being plural.

[0133] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0134] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0135] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0136] 10, 10A, 10B...user device, 16...suction device, 20, 20A, 20B...finger ring, 29...permanent magnet, 100...main body, 111, 111A, 111B...control unit, 200...main body, 213...movement control unit, 241...shielding member, 242...movement mechanism, Fa...suction force, UF...finger

Claims

1. A user device comprising: a main body; an electromagnet built into the main body that generates an attractive force between itself and an external device that can be worn on a user's finger; and a control unit that supplies power to the electromagnet at least when the user device is in a state that allows it to be used by the user.

2. The user device of claim 1, wherein the external device and the user device are capable of short-range wireless communication, and the control unit supplies power to the electromagnet when a connection is established between the external device and the user device via short-range wireless communication, even if the user device is in a state where it is unavailable to the user.

3. The user device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the power supplied to the electromagnet when the user device is in a sleep state compared to when the user device is not in the sleep state.

4. An external device comprising: a main body; a permanent magnet built into the main body that generates an attractive force between itself and a user device; a shielding member that shields a magnetic field; a movement mechanism that enables the shielding member to move between at least two positions that provide different degrees of shielding of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet; and a movement control unit that, at least when the user device is in a state that can be used by the user, uses the movement mechanism to position the shielding member at one of the at least two positions that provides the least degree of shielding.

5. The external device according to claim 4, wherein the user device and the external device are capable of short-range wireless communication, and the movement control unit, when a connection is established between the user device and the external device via short-range wireless communication, positions the shielding member at the position with the least degree of shielding among the at least two positions.

6. A method for controlling a user device, comprising: determining whether a state of the user device is at least usable by the user; and, if the state of the user device is at least usable by the user, supplying power to an electromagnet that is built into the main body of the user device and generates an attractive force between the electromagnet and an external device that can be worn on the finger of the user.

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