U.S. patent application number 14/424951 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for electronic apparatus and program.
The applicant listed for this patent is ASICS Corporation, SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.. Invention is credited to Tomohiro Ihashi, Hiroshi Shimizu, Ryota Shinayama, Takehiro Tagawa, Akira Takakura, Keisuke Tsubata.
Application Number | 20150226763 14/424951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50183220 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150226763 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takakura; Akira ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND PROGRAM
Abstract
A wristwatch (100) includes: a storing unit (103) that stores
relational data indicating a relationship between a traveling
pitch, which is the number of steps taken per predetermined amount
of time, and a traveling speed which is a running speed or a
walking speed; and a processing unit (101) that calculates a
traveling speed of a user from a measured traveling pitch of the
user based on the relational data stored in the storing unit (103)
which indicates the relationship between the traveling pitch and
the traveling speed.
Inventors: |
Takakura; Akira; (Chiba-shi,
JP) ; Shimizu; Hiroshi; (Chiba-shi, JP) ;
Ihashi; Tomohiro; (Chiba-shi, JP) ; Tsubata;
Keisuke; (Chiba-shi, JP) ; Tagawa; Takehiro;
(Kobe-shi, JP) ; Shinayama; Ryota; (Kobe-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
ASICS Corporation |
Chiba-shi
Kobe-shi |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
50183220 |
Appl. No.: |
14/424951 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
August 8, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2013/071515 |
371 Date: |
February 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01P 21/02 20130101;
G01C 22/006 20130101; G01P 3/00 20130101; G01B 21/22 20130101; G01P
3/50 20130101; G01P 3/64 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01P 3/00 20060101
G01P003/00; G01B 21/22 20060101 G01B021/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2012 |
JP |
2012-193255 |
Sep 3, 2012 |
JP |
2012-193256 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a storing unit that stores
relational data indicating a relationship between a traveling
pitch, which is the number of steps taken per predetermined amount
of time, and a traveling speed which is a running speed or a
walking speed; and a speed calculating unit that calculates a
traveling speed of a user from a measured traveling pitch of the
user based on the relational data stored in the storing unit.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
storing unit stores a plurality of the relational data, and the
speed calculating unit switches the relational data according to a
predetermined condition to calculate the traveling speed.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
predetermined condition is a traveling status of the user, and the
storing unit stores the relational data corresponding to each
traveling status.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration;
and a traveling detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of
the user based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration
sensor, wherein the speed calculating unit determines the traveling
status of the user based on the traveling pitch measured by the
traveling detection unit, and calculates the traveling speed of the
user from the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit, based on the relational data corresponding to the
determined traveling status.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration;
and a traveling detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of
the user based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration
sensor, wherein the speed calculating unit determines the traveling
status of the user based on the acceleration detected by the
acceleration sensor, and calculates the traveling speed of the user
from the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit, based on the relational data corresponding to the
determined traveling status.
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration;
and a traveling detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of
the user based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration
sensor, wherein the speed calculating unit calculates the traveling
speed of the user from the traveling pitch, which is measured by
the traveling detection unit, based on an arbitrary piece of the
relational data, determines the traveling status of the user based
on the calculated traveling speed, and calculates the traveling
speed of the user from the traveling pitch, which is measured by
the traveling detection unit, based on the relational data
corresponding to the determined traveling status.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, further
comprising: an input unit that receives an input of a body height
or information relating to the body height, wherein the speed
calculating unit uses the body height or the information relating
to the body height, whose input is received by the input unit, to
determine the traveling status.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an input unit to which the traveling status of the user
is input, wherein the speed calculating unit calculates the
traveling speed of the user from the measured traveling pitch based
on the relational data corresponding to the traveling status which
is input to the input unit.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
predetermined condition is a gender, the electronic apparatus
further comprises an input unit to which the gender is input, the
storing unit stores the relational data corresponding to each
gender, and the speed calculating unit calculates the traveling
speed of the user from the measured traveling pitch based on the
relational data corresponding to the gender which is input to the
input unit.
10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a traveling distance calculating unit that calculates a
traveling distance, which is a running distance or a walking
distance of the user, based on the traveling speed calculated by
the speed calculating unit.
11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a pace calculating unit that calculates a traveling
pace, which is a walking pace or a running pace of the user, based
on the traveling speed calculated by the speed calculating
unit.
12. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
storing unit stores table data indicating a relationship between
the traveling pitch and the traveling speed.
13. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
speed calculating unit calculates a traveling pace, which is a
running pace or a walking pace of the user, instead of the
traveling speed of the user.
14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an input unit that receives an input of a body height
or information relating to the body height, wherein the storing
unit stores the relational data indicating a relationship between a
body height or information relating to the body height, a traveling
pitch which is the number of steps taken per predetermined amount
of time, and a traveling speed which is a running speed or a
walking speed, and the speed calculating unit calculates the
traveling speed of the user from the body height or the information
relating to the body height, whose input is received by the input
unit, and the measured traveling pitch of the user based on the
relational data stored in the stored unit.
15. A program causing a computer to execute the following steps of:
reading relational data corresponding to a predetermined condition
from a storing unit that stores a plurality of the relational data
indicating a relationship between a traveling pitch, which is the
number of steps taken per predetermined amount of time, and a
traveling speed which is a running speed or a walking speed; and
calculating a traveling speed of a user from a measured traveling
pitch of the user based on the read relational data.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and
a program.
[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2012-193255, filed Sep. 3, 2012 and Japanese Patent Application No.
2012-193256, filed Sep. 3, 2012, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
RELATED ART
[0003] In the related art, a mobile electronic apparatus to which
an acceleration sensor and the like are mounted to calculate a
running speed or a walking speed of a user is known (for example,
refer to Patent Document 1). Such an apparatus includes timekeeping
means and step number measuring means, in which an average speed of
the use is calculated based on a set step length, a kept time, and
the number of steps, and the calculated average speed is notified
to the user.
REFERENCE DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Utility Model
Application, First Publication No. H2-59419
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it
is necessary to input a unique step length value of the user in
advance. When the user does not know his/her own step length value,
the user cannot input the step length value. Therefore, an
operation of detecting the step length value of the user using a
method is required. In addition, the step length value may vary
depending on the traveling status (whether the user walks or runs,
and the speed thereof), and thus an error is likely to occur in the
speed calculated based on only step length data.
[0006] Therefore, according to some aspects of the present
invention, an electronic apparatus capable of calculating a
traveling speed of the user with high accuracy, and a program
therefor can be provided.
Methods for Solving the Problem
[0007] According to some aspects of the present invention, there is
provided an electronic apparatus including: a storing unit that
stores relational data indicating a relationship between a
traveling pitch, which is the number of steps taken per
predetermined amount of time, and a traveling speed which is a
running speed or a walking speed; and a speed calculating unit that
calculates a traveling speed of a user from a measured traveling
pitch of the user based on the relational data stored in the
storing unit.
[0008] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, in the electronic apparatus, the storing unit stores a
plurality of the relational data, and the speed calculating unit
switches the relational data according to a predetermined condition
to calculate the traveling speed.
[0009] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, in the electronic apparatus, the predetermined condition
is a traveling status of the user, and the storing unit stores the
relational data corresponding to each traveling status.
[0010] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes: an
acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration; and a traveling
detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of the user based
on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, in which
the speed calculating unit determines the traveling status of the
user based on the traveling pitch measured by the traveling
detection unit, and calculates the traveling speed of the user from
the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection
unit, based on the relational data corresponding to the determined
traveling status.
[0011] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes: an
acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration; and a traveling
detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of the user based
on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, in which
the speed calculating unit determines the traveling status of the
user based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor,
and calculates the traveling speed of the user from the traveling
pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit, based on
the relational data corresponding to the determined traveling
status.
[0012] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes: an
acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration; and a traveling
detection unit that measures the traveling pitch of the user based
on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, in which
the speed calculating unit calculates the traveling speed of the
user from the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit, based on an arbitrary piece of the relational data,
determines the traveling status of the user based on the calculated
traveling speed, and calculates the traveling speed of the user
from the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit, based on the relational data corresponding to the
determined traveling status.
[0013] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes: an input unit
that receives an input of a body height or information relating to
the body height, in which the speed calculating unit uses the body
height or the information relating to the body height, whose input
is received by the input unit, to determine the traveling
status.
[0014] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes: an input unit
to which the traveling status of the user is input, in which the
speed calculating unit calculates the traveling speed of the user
from the measured traveling pitch based on the relational data
corresponding to the traveling status which is input to the input
unit.
[0015] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, in the electronic apparatus, the predetermined condition
is a gender, the electronic apparatus further includes an input
unit to which the gender is input, the storing unit stores the
relational data corresponding to each gender, and the speed
calculating unit calculates the traveling speed of the user from
the measured traveling pitch based on the relational data
corresponding to the gender which is input to the input unit.
[0016] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes a traveling
distance calculating unit that calculates a traveling distance,
which is a running distance or a walking distance of the user,
based on the traveling speed calculated by the speed calculating
unit.
[0017] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes a pace
calculating unit that calculates a traveling pace, which is a
walking pace or a running pace of the user, based on the traveling
speed calculated by the speed calculating unit.
[0018] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, in the electronic apparatus, the storing unit stores
table data indicating a relationship between the traveling pitch
and the traveling speed.
[0019] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, in the electronic apparatus, the speed calculating unit
calculates a traveling pace, which is a running pace or a walking
pace of the user, instead of the traveling speed of the user.
[0020] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic apparatus further includes an input unit
that receives an input of a body height or information relating to
the body height, in which the storing unit stores the relational
data indicating a relationship between a body height or information
relating to the body height, a traveling pitch which is the number
of steps taken per predetermined amount of time, and a traveling
speed which is a running speed or a walking speed, and the speed
calculating unit calculates the traveling speed of the user from
the body height or the information relating to the body height,
whose input is received by the input unit, and the measured
traveling pitch of the user based on the relational data stored in
the stored unit.
[0021] In addition, according to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a program causing a computer to
execute the following steps of: reading relational data
corresponding to a predetermined condition from a storing unit that
stores a plurality of the relational data indicating a relationship
between a traveling pitch, which is the number of steps taken per
predetermined amount of time, and a traveling speed which is a
running speed or a walking speed; and calculating a traveling speed
of a user from a measured traveling pitch of the user based on the
read relational data.
Effects of the Invention
[0022] According to some aspects of the present invention, the
relational data indicating a relationship between the traveling
pitch and the traveling speed is stored in advance, and the
traveling speed of the user is calculated from the measured
traveling pitch of the user based on the relational data. As a
result, a change in step length caused by a variation in traveling
pitch is absorbed, and the traveling speed can be calculated with
higher accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
wristwatch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating plot data indicating a
relationship between a traveling pitch and a traveling speed
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure
and a data example of a relational data table which is stored in a
storing unit according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating a
traveling speed from a traveling pitch according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating a
traveling speed from a traveling pitch according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a speed
calculating process which is executed by a wristwatch according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure
and a data example of a relational data table which is stored in a
storing unit according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a speed
calculating process which is executed by a wristwatch according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0031] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings. In the
embodiment, an example of a wristwatch will be described as an
example of an electronic apparatus. FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating a configuration of a wristwatch 100 according to the
embodiment. The wristwatch 100 is an electronic watch that measures
a traveling pitch of the user, calculates a traveling speed of the
user from the measured traveling pitch, and displays the calculated
traveling speed. The traveling pitch is the number of steps taken
per predetermined amount of time (for example, 1 minute). The
traveling speed is a running speed or a walking speed. In the
example illustrated in the drawing, the wristwatch 100 includes a
processing unit 101 (speed calculating unit, traveling distance
calculating unit, pace calculating unit), a display unit 102, a
storing unit 103, a power supply 104, a traveling detection unit
105, an acceleration sensor 106, an input switch 107 (input unit),
a divider unit 108, and a quartz oscillator unit 109.
[0032] The processing unit 101 is a central processing unit that
controls each unit included in the wristwatch 100. For example, the
processing unit 101 calculates a traveling speed of the user from a
traveling pitch of the user, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit 105, based on relational data stored in the storing
unit 103. The relational data is the data indicating a relationship
between the traveling pitch and the traveling speed. In addition,
the processing unit 101 calculates a traveling distance of the user
based on the calculated traveling speed. The traveling distance is
a walking distance or a running distance. In addition, the
processing unit 101 calculates a traveling pace based on the
calculated traveling speed. The traveling pace is a walking pace or
a running pace and is the inverse number of the traveling speed. In
addition, the processing unit 101 displays information relating to
traveling on the display unit 102. Examples of the information
relating to traveling include a traveling time, the number of
steps, the traveling pitch, the traveling speed, the traveling
distance, and the traveling pace. The traveling time is a walking
time or a running time.
[0033] Further, the processing unit 101 may realize a speed
calculating function, which is a function of the wristwatch 100, by
executing a program for calculating the traveling speed.
Specifically, the program for calculating the traveling speed may
be stored in the storing unit 103 or a memory (not illustrated),
and the processing unit 101 may realize the speed calculating
function by reading and executing the program. In this case, it can
be considered that the wristwatch 100 includes the speed
calculating unit that calculates the speed.
[0034] Further, the processing unit 101 may realize a traveling
detection function, which is a function of the wristwatch 100, by
executing a program for measuring the traveling pitch and detecting
the traveling. Specifically, the program for measuring the
traveling pitch and detecting the traveling may be stored in the
storing unit 103 or a memory (not illustrated), and the processing
unit 101 may realize the traveling detection function by reading
and executing the program. In this case, it can be considered that
the wristwatch 100 includes the traveling detection unit that
measures the traveling pitch and detects the traveling.
[0035] Further, the processing unit 101 may realize a traveling
distance calculating function, which is a function of the
wristwatch 100, by executing a program for calculating the
traveling distance based on the traveling speed. Specifically, the
program for calculating the traveling distance based on the
traveling speed may be stored in the storing unit 103 or a memory
(not illustrated), and the processing unit 101 may realize the
traveling distance calculating function by reading and executing
the program. In this case, it can be considered that the wristwatch
100 includes the traveling distance calculating unit that
calculates the traveling distance based on the traveling speed.
[0036] Further, the processing unit 101 may realize a pace
calculating function, which is a function of the wristwatch 100, by
executing a program for calculating the running pace or the walking
pace based on the traveling speed. Specifically, the program for
calculating the running pace or the walking pace based on the
traveling speed may be stored in the storing unit 103 or a memory
(not illustrated), and the processing unit 101 may realize the pace
calculating function by reading and executing the program. In this
case, it can be considered that the wristwatch 100 includes the
pace calculating unit that calculates the running pace or the
walking pace based on the traveling speed.
[0037] The display unit 102 is, for example, a liquid crystal
display and displays the clock time, information relating to the
traveling, and the like. The storing unit 103 is configured of a
ROM (Read Only memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores
relational data indicating a relationship between the traveling
pitch and the traveling speed. The power supply 104 supplies
electrical power to each unit included in the wristwatch 100.
[0038] The acceleration sensor 106 detects an acceleration. The
traveling detection unit 105 measures the traveling pitch of the
user based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor
106. For example, the traveling detection unit 105 measures the
traveling pitch of the user based on the acceleration (for example,
information relating to landing) which is generated by a body
movement of running or walking. Specifically, from the acceleration
detected by the acceleration sensor 106, the traveling detection
unit 105 detects a vibration of the body during walking or running
to measure the number of steps. In addition, the traveling
detection unit 105 measures the traveling pitch based on the
measured traveling time and the measured number of steps.
[0039] The input switch 107 is configured of a switch capable of
being manipulated from the outside and is the input unit that
receives an input. For example, the input switch 107 receives an
input of a traveling status (whether to be walking or running) of
the user. In addition, the input switch 1.07 receives an input of a
gender of the user. The quartz oscillator unit 109 outputs a signal
having a predetermined frequency. The divider unit 108 divides the
frequency of the output signal of the quartz oscillator unit 109 at
a predetermined division ratio and outputs a reference clock signal
for the processing unit 101 or a clock signal for timekeeping. The
processing unit 101, the divider unit 108, and the quartz
oscillator unit 109 are the timekeeping units for keeping the time.
The timekeeping unit realizes a stopwatch function for keeping the
traveling time of the user or a clock function for displaying the
present clock time.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating plot data indicating a
relationship between the traveling pitch and the traveling speed.
From the plot data 201 between the traveling pitch and the
traveling speed illustrated in this drawing, it can be seen that
there is a correlation between the traveling pitch and the
traveling speed. For example, in general, when a person walks or
runs, there are the following tendencies: the traveling pitch
increases during a fast running (or walking) movement; and the
traveling pitch decreases during a slow running (or walking)
movement. Therefore, by preparing a predetermined relational
expression, the traveling speed can be obtained from the traveling
pitch. Accordingly, the storing unit 103 according to the
embodiment stores relational data indicating a relationship between
the traveling pitch and the traveling speed in advance.
[0041] Next, the relational data indicating the relationship
between the traveling pitch and the traveling speed, which is
stored in the storing unit 103, will be described. FIG. 3 is a
schematic diagram illustrating a data structure and a data example
of a relational data table which is stored in the storing unit 103
according to the embodiment.
[0042] As illustrated in the drawing, the relational data table is
the two-dimensional data table including rows and columns, and
includes columns of the respective items including the gender, the
traveling status, and the relational expression. Each row of this
table is present for each set of the gender and the traveling
status. The gender refers to the gender of the user which is female
or male. The traveling status refers to the traveling status of the
user which is walking or running. The relational expression refers
to the primary expression "Traveling Speed
V=(Gradient).times.Traveling Pitch P-(Offset)" for calculating the
traveling speed from the traveling pitch. For example, in a
relational expression corresponding to the gender "Male" and the
traveling status "Walking", a gradient is a.sub.m1, and an offset
is b.sub.m1. In addition, in a relational expression corresponding
to the gender "Male" and the traveling status "Running", a gradient
is a.sub.m2, and an offset is b.sub.m2. In addition, in a
relational expression corresponding to the gender "Female" and the
traveling status "Walking", a gradient is a.sub.f1, and an offset
is b.sub.f1. In addition, in a relational expression corresponding
to the gender "Female" and the traveling status "Walking", a
gradient is a.sub.f2, and an offset is b.sub.f2.
[0043] Next, a method in which the processing unit 101 according to
the embodiment calculates the traveling speed from the measured
traveling pitch will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating
a method of calculating the traveling speed from the traveling
pitch according to the embodiment. In a graph of this drawing, the
horizontal axis represents the traveling pitch, and the vertical
axis represents the traveling speed. In this drawing, a straight
line 301 represents a relational expression corresponding to
walking. In this drawing, a straight line 302 represents a
relational expression corresponding to running. The processing unit
101 determines the traveling status (whether to be walking or
running) of the user based on the traveling pitch detected by the
traveling detection unit 105, and calculates the traveling speed
based on the relational expression corresponding to the detected
traveling status. Specifically, when the measured traveling pitch
is less than a threshold value .alpha., the processing unit 101
determines that the user walks, and calculates the traveling speed
from the measured traveling pitch based on the relational
expression corresponding to walking. In addition, when the measured
traveling pitch is the threshold value .alpha. or more and a
threshold value .beta. or less, the processing unit 101 calculates
the traveling speed by substituting .alpha. for the traveling pitch
of the relational expression corresponding to walking. That is, the
processing unit 101 maintains a fixed value while the measured
traveling pitch is in the range from the threshold value .alpha. to
the threshold value .beta.. In addition, when the measured
traveling pitch is more than the threshold value .beta., the
processing unit 101 determines that the user runs, and calculates
the traveling speed from the measured traveling pitch based on the
relational expression corresponding to running.
[0044] For example, the threshold value .alpha. may be stored in
the storing unit 103 in advance, or may be obtained from an input
of the user or obtained from the outside of the wristwatch 100
using communication means (not illustrated). In addition, for
example, the threshold value .beta. can be calculated by executing
the following Step 1 to Step 4. [0045] (Step 1) A traveling speed A
at an spm value of the threshold value .alpha. is calculated using
the relational expression "Traveling Speed (m/min)
V=a.sub.m1.times.Traveling Pitch P-b.sub.m1)" in which the
traveling status is "Walking". [0046] (Step 2) A traveling speed B
at the spm value of the threshold value .alpha. is calculated using
the relational expression "Traveling Speed (m/min)
V=a.sub.m2.times.Traveling Pitch P-b.sub.m2)" in which the
traveling status is "Running". [0047] (Step 3) When the speed B is
slower than the speed A, an spm value at the traveling speed of the
threshold value .alpha. is calculated using the relational
expression "Traveling Speed (m/min) V=a.sub.m2.times.Traveling
Pitch P-b.sub.m2)" in which the traveling status is "Running", and
this spm value is stored as an spm value of the threshold value
.beta.. [0048] (Step 4) When the speed B is equal to or faster than
the speed A, the spm value of the threshold value .alpha. is stored
as the spm value of the threshold value .beta. as it is. In this
case, the threshold value .alpha. and the threshold value .beta.
have the same value (threshold value .gamma.).
[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating the
traveling speed from the traveling pitch when the threshold value
.alpha. and the threshold value .beta. have the same value
(threshold value .gamma.) in the embodiment. In a graph of this
drawing, the horizontal axis represents the traveling pitch, and
the vertical axis represents the traveling speed. In this drawing,
a straight line 501 represents a relational expression
corresponding to walking. In this drawing, a straight line 502
represents a relational expression corresponding to running.
Specifically, when the measured traveling pitch is the threshold
value .gamma. or less, the processing unit 101 determines that the
user walks, and calculates the traveling speed from the measured
traveling pitch based on the relational expression 501
corresponding to walking. In addition, when the measured traveling
pitch is more than the threshold value .gamma., the processing unit
101 determines that the user runs, and calculates the traveling
speed from the measured traveling pitch based on the relational
expression 502 corresponding to running.
[0050] Next, a speed calculating process in which the wristwatch
100 according to the embodiment calculates the traveling speed from
the traveling pitch will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart
illustrating the procedure of a speed calculating process which is
executed by the wristwatch 100 according to the embodiment.
[0051] (Step S101) The processing unit 101 displays the gender
(male or female) on the display unit 102 to be selectable and
receives an input of the selection of the gender. The user selects
the gender through the input switch 107. Next, the process proceeds
to Step S102.
[0052] (Step S102) The processing unit 101 determines whether or
not an instruction to start the measurement is input from the input
switch 107. When the instruction to start the measurement is input,
the process proceeds to Step S103. When the instruction to start
the measurement is not input, the process returns to Step S102.
[0053] (Step S103) The processing unit 101 starts to measure the
traveling time using the stopwatch function. Next, the process
proceeds to Step S104.
[0054] (Step S104) The processing unit 101 starts to measure the
number of steps using the traveling detection unit 105. Next, the
process proceeds to Step S105.
[0055] (Step S105) The processing unit 101 determines whether or
not a calculation timing is reached. The calculation timing is the
preset timing at which information relating to running is
calculated, and is, for example, per second. When the calculation
timing is reached, the processing unit 101 proceeds to Step S106.
On the other hand, when the calculation timing is not reached, the
processing unit 101 proceeds to Step S114.
[0056] (Step S106) The traveling detection unit 105 calculates the
traveling pitch by dividing the measured number of steps by the
measured traveling time. Next, the process proceeds to Step
S107.
[0057] (Step S107) The processing unit 101 compares the traveling
pitch calculated in Step S106 to a predetermined threshold value.
When the traveling pitch is less than the threshold value .alpha.,
the processing unit 101 proceeds to Step S108. In addition, when
the traveling pitch is the threshold value .alpha. or more and the
threshold value .beta. or less, the processing unit 101 proceeds to
Step S109. In addition, when the traveling pitch is more than the
threshold value .beta., the processing unit 101 proceeds to Step
S110.
[0058] (Step S108) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the traveling pitch, which is calculated in Step S106,
using the relational expression corresponding to walking.
Specifically, the processing unit 101 reads the gender input in
Step S101 and the relational expression corresponding to the
traveling status "walking" from the storing unit 103, and
substitutes the calculated traveling pitch into the read relational
expression to calculate the traveling speed. Next, the process
proceeds to Step S111.
[0059] (Step S109) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the threshold value .alpha. using the relational
expression corresponding to walking. Specifically, the processing
unit 101 reads the gender input in Step S101 and the relational
expression corresponding to the traveling status "walking" from the
storing unit 103, and substitutes the threshold value .alpha. into
the read relational expression to calculate the traveling speed.
Next, the process proceeds to Step S111.
[0060] (Step S110) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the traveling pitch, which is calculated in Step S106,
using the relational expression corresponding to running.
Specifically, the processing unit 101 reads the gender input in
Step S101 and the relational expression corresponding to the
traveling status "running" from the storing unit 103, and
substitutes the calculated traveling pitch into the read relational
expression to calculate the traveling speed. Next, the process
proceeds to Step S111.
[0061] (Step S111) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
distance by multiplying the calculated traveling speed by the
measured time. Next, the process proceeds to Step S112.
[0062] (Step S112) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
pace by calculating the inverse number of the calculated traveling
speed. Next, the process proceeds to Step S113.
[0063] (Step S113) The processing unit 101 displays information
relating to traveling on the display unit 102. The information
relating to traveling includes the measured number of steps, the
measured traveling time, the traveling pitch, the traveling speed,
the traveling distance, and the traveling pace. Next, the process
proceeds to Step S114.
[0064] (Step S114) The processing unit 101 determines whether or
not an instruction to end timekeeping is input from the input
switch 107. When the instruction to end the measurement is input,
the processing unit 101 ends the speed calculating process. On the
other hand, when the instruction to end the measurement is not
input, the processing unit 101 returns to Step S105.
[0065] As described above, in the embodiment, the storing unit 103
stores the relational data indicating the relationship between the
traveling pitch and the traveling speed in advance. The processing
unit 101 calculates the traveling speed from the traveling pitch,
which is measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based on the
relational data stored in the storing unit 103. As a result, the
traveling speed can be directly calculated from the measured
traveling pitch without using a step length which is a fixed value.
Therefore, the process highly corresponding to the running status
(or walking status) can be performed, and the traveling speed can
be calculated with few errors.
[0066] In addition, in the embodiment, the processing unit 101
switches the relational expressions according to a predetermined
condition (the gender of the user and the traveling status of the
user) to calculate the traveling speed. As a result, the relational
expression corresponding to the gender and the traveling status of
the user can be used, and thus the traveling speed can be
calculated with higher accuracy.
Second Embodiment
[0067] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings. A wristwatch 100
according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of
the wristwatch 100 according to the first embodiment. Different
points of this embodiment from the first embodiment are as follows.
In the embodiment, the traveling speed is calculated using a
relationship between the traveling pitch, a body height or
information relating to the body height, and the traveling speed.
In addition, in the embodiment, the body height or the information
relating to the body height is used to determine the threshold
value .alpha..
[0068] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure
and a data example of a relational data table which is stored in
the storing unit 103 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in
the drawing, the relational data table is the two-dimensional data
table including rows and columns, and includes columns of the
respective items including the gender, the traveling status, and
the relational expression. Each row of this table is present for
each set of the gender and the traveling status. The gender refers
to the gender of the user which is female or male. The traveling
status refers to the traveling status of the user which is walking
or running. The relational expression refers to the primary
expression "Traveling Speed y=(Gradient).times.Body
Height.times.Traveling Pitch P-(Offset)" for calculating the
traveling speed from the body height and the traveling pitch. For
example, in a relational expression corresponding to the gender
"Male" and the traveling status "Walking", a gradient is a.sub.m3,
and an offset is b.sub.m3. In addition, in a relational expression
corresponding to the gender "Male" and the traveling status
"Running", a gradient is a.sub.m4, and an offset is b.sub.m4. In
addition, in a relational expression corresponding to the gender
"Female" and the traveling status "Walking", a gradient is
a.sub.f3, and an offset is b.sub.f3. In addition, in a relational
expression corresponding to the gender "Female" and the traveling
status "Walking", a gradient is a.sub.f4, and an offset is
b.sub.f4. As the value used in the relational expression, the
information relating to the body height may be used instead of the
body height. Examples of the information relating to the body
height include an inseam length and a physical constitution (S, M,
L).
[0069] Next, a method in which the processing unit 101 according to
the embodiment calculates the traveling speed from the measured
traveling pitch will be described. A method of calculating the
traveling speed from the measured traveling pitch is the same as
that of the first embodiment. However, in the embodiment, the body
height or the information relating to the body height is used to
determine the threshold value .alpha.. For example, as the body
height increases, the threshold value .alpha. increases, and as the
body height decreases, the threshold value .alpha. decreases. In
addition, for example, the threshold value .alpha. may be
determined according to the traveling pitch and the body height or
the information relating to the body height. In addition, for
example, the threshold value .alpha. may be determined according to
the measured acceleration and the body height or the information
relating to the body height. In addition, for example, the
threshold value .alpha. may be determined according to the measured
traveling speed and the body height or the information relating to
the body height. The threshold value .alpha. may be determined to
increase as the body height increases.
[0070] Next, a speed calculating process in which the wristwatch
100 according to the embodiment calculates the traveling speed from
the traveling pitch will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart
illustrating the procedure of a speed calculating process which is
executed by the wristwatch 100 according to the embodiment.
[0071] (Step S201) The processing unit 101 displays a screen input
body height on the display unit 102 and receives an input of the
body height. The user inputs the body height through the input
switch 107. Next, the process proceeds to Step S202.
[0072] The processes of Step S202 to Step S208 are the same as
those of Step S101 to Step S107 in the first embodiment.
[0073] (Step S209) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the body height, whose input is received in the process
of Step S201, and the traveling pitch, which is calculated in Step
S207, using the relational expression corresponding to walking.
Specifically, the processing unit 101 reads the gender input in
Step S202 and the relational expression corresponding to the
traveling status "walking" from the storing unit 103. Next, the
processing unit 101 substitutes the body height, which is input in
the process of Step S201, and the traveling pitch, which is
calculated in the process of Step S207, into the read relational
expression to calculate the traveling speed. Next, the process
proceeds to Step S212.
[0074] (Step S210) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the body height, whose input is received in the process
of Step S201, and the threshold value .alpha. using the relational
expression corresponding to walking. Specifically, the processing
unit 101 reads the gender input in Step S202 and the relational
expression corresponding to the traveling status "walking" from the
storing unit 103. Next, the processing unit 101 substitutes the
body height, whose input is received in the process of Step S201,
and the threshold value .alpha. into the read relational expression
to calculate the traveling speed. Next, the process proceeds to
Step S212.
[0075] (Step S212) The processing unit 101 calculates the traveling
speed from the body height, whose input is received in the process
of Step S201, and the traveling pitch, which is calculated in Step
S207, using the relational expression corresponding to running.
Specifically, the processing unit 101 reads the gender input in
Step S202 and the relational expression corresponding to the
traveling status "running" from the storing unit 103. Next, the
processing unit 101 substitutes the body height, whose input is
received in the process of Step S201, and the traveling pitch,
which is calculated in the process of Step S207, into the read
relational expression to calculate the traveling speed. Next, the
process proceeds to Step S212.
[0076] The processes of Step S212 to Step S215 are the same as
those of Step S111 to Step S114 in the first embodiment. In the
process of Step S208, the threshold value .alpha. may be determined
based on the body height or the information relating to the body
height. In addition, the threshold value .beta. may be determined
based on the determined threshold value .alpha..
[0077] As described above, in the embodiment, the storing unit 103
stores the relational data indicating the relationship between the
body height or the information relating to the body height, the
traveling pitch, and the traveling speed in advance. The processing
unit 101 calculates the traveling speed from the input body height
or the input information relating to the body height, and the
traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit
105, based on the relational data stored in the storing unit 103.
As a result, the traveling speed can be directly calculated from
the measured traveling pitch without using a step length which is a
fixed value. Therefore, the process highly corresponding to the
running status (or walking status) can be performed, and the
traveling speed can be calculated with few errors.
[0078] In addition, in the embodiment, the processing unit 101
switched the relational expressions according to a predetermined
condition (the gender of the user and the traveling status of the
user) to calculate the traveling speed. In addition, the processing
unit 101 determines the threshold value .alpha. to switch the
relational expressions based on the body height or the information
relating to the body height. As a result, the relational expression
corresponding to the gender, the body height, and the traveling
status of the user can be used, and thus the traveling speed can be
calculated with higher accuracy.
[0079] A part or all of the functions of the respective units
included in the wristwatches 100 according to the first embodiment
and the second embodiment described above may be realized by
recording a program for realizing these functions on a
computer-readable recording medium and causing a computer system to
read and execute this program' recorded on the recording medium.
The "computer system" described herein includes OS and hardware
such as peripheral devices.
[0080] In addition, typically, the "computer-readable recording
medium" includes portable mediums such as a flexible disc, a
magneto-optic disc, a ROM, and a CD-ROM; and storages such as a
hard disc built into a computer system, but is not necessarily
limited thereto. Further, instead of the "computer-readable
recording medium", the following mediums may be used: mediums on
which a program is dynamically stored for a short period of time,
for example, a network such as the Internet or a communication line
such as a telephone line through which a program is transmitted;
and mediums on which a program is stored for a predetermined amount
of time, for example, a volatile memory which is built into a
computer system functioning as a server or a client. In addition,
the program may realize a part of the above-described functions or
may realize the above-described functions in combination with a
program stored in a computer system in advance.
[0081] Hereinabove, the plural embodiments of the present invention
have been described. However, the present invention is not limited
to the above-described plural embodiments, and various
modifications can be added within a range not departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0082] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the
processing unit 101 determines the traveling status of the user
(whether to be walking or running) based on the measured traveling
pitch, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, the processing unit 101 may determine the traveling status
of the user based on the degree of the acceleration detected by the
acceleration sensor 106. Specifically, when the acceleration
detected by the acceleration sensor 106 is less than a threshold
value g.sub.1, the processing unit 101 determines that the user
walks, and calculates the traveling speed of the user from the
traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit
105, based on the relational expression corresponding to walking.
In addition, when the acceleration detected by the acceleration
sensor 106 is more than a threshold value g.sub.2 which is the
threshold value g.sub.1 or more, the processing unit 101 determines
that the user walks, and calculates the traveling speed of the user
from the traveling pitch, which is measured by the traveling
detection unit 105, based on the relational expression
corresponding to running. In addition, the body height or the
information relating to the body height may be used to determine
the threshold value g.sub.1.
[0083] Alternatively, the processing unit 101 may calculate the
traveling speed of the user from the traveling pitch measured by
the traveling detection unit 105 based on an arbitrary expression
of the relational expressions, and may determine the traveling
status of the user based on the calculated on the traveling speed.
Specifically, first, the processing unit 101 calculates the
traveling speed of the user from the traveling pitch, which is
measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based on the
relational expression corresponding to walking. In addition, when
the calculated traveling speed is faster than a predetermined
value, the processing unit 101 determines that the user runs, and
calculates the traveling speed of the user from the traveling
pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based
on the relational expression corresponding to running. When the
calculated traveling speed is equal to or slower than the
predetermined value, the processing unit 101 determines that the
user walks. Alternatively, first, the processing unit 101
calculates the traveling speed of the user from the traveling
pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based
on the relational expression corresponding to running. In addition,
when the calculated traveling speed is slower than a predetermined
value, the processing unit 101 determines that the user walks, and
calculates the traveling speed of the user from the traveling
pitch, which is measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based
on the relational expression corresponding to walking. In this
case, when the calculated traveling speed is equal to or faster
than the predetermined value, the processing unit 101 determines
that the user runs. In addition, the body height or the information
relating to the body height may be used to determine the
predetermined value which is used to determine whether the user
walks or runs.
[0084] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the
processing unit 101 automatically determines the traveling status
(whether to be walking or running). However, the user may manually
input the traveling status. In this case, the input switch 107
receives an input of a traveling status (whether to be walking or
running) of the user. The processing unit 101 calculates the
traveling speed of the user from the traveling pitch, which is
measured by the traveling detection unit 105, based on the
relational expression corresponding to the traveling status which
is input through the input switch 107.
[0085] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the
relational expression indicating the relationship between the
traveling pitch and the traveling speed is the primary expression,
but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
relational expression indicating the relationship between the
traveling pitch and the traveling speed may be a quadratic equation
or a cubic expression.
[0086] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the storing
unit 103 stores the relational expression indicating the
relationship between the traveling pitch and the traveling speed,
but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as
the relational data, the storing unit 103 may store table data
indicating the relationship between the traveling pitch and the
traveling speed.
[0087] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the
traveling detection unit 105 calculates the traveling pitch based
on the traveling time and the measured number of steps, but the
present invention is not limited thereto. The traveling pitch may
be obtained using information relating to a running (or walking)
signal which is detected by the acceleration sensor 106. For
example, the traveling detection unit 105 may calculate the
traveling pitch by measuring an interval (time interval) between
steps.
[0088] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the
processing unit 101 calculates the traveling speed from the
measured traveling pitch, but the present invention is not limited
thereto. The processing unit 101 may calculate the traveling pace
from the traveling pitch instead of the traveling speed.
[0089] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the
wristwatch 100 has been described as an example of the electronic
apparatus. However, other electronic apparatuses such as a
pedometer, a mobile phone, and a smart phone may be used as long as
the user can carry them.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0090] The electronic apparatus according to the present invention
is applicable to a mobile electronic apparatus to which an
acceleration sensor and the like are mounted to calculate a running
speed or a walking speed of a user.
REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST
[0091] 100 Wristwatch
[0092] 101 Processing Unit
[0093] 102 Display Unit
[0094] 103 Storing Unit
[0095] 104 Power Supply
[0096] 105 Traveling Detection Unit
[0097] 106 Acceleration Sensor
[0098] 107 Input Switch
[0099] 108 Divider Unit
[0100] 109 Quartz Oscillator Unit
* * * * *