JP4228253B2 - Pedometer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pedometer having a voice storage function and a pedometer function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various electronic pedometers (so-called pedometers) that count the number of steps of a pedestrian and display the counted value as appropriate are provided.
For example, JP-A-5-332783 proposes a pedometer that automatically stores the number of daily walks in a memory.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, even if you want to take notes while taking a walk in the outdoors, you can't take notes instantly because you don't have a notepad or writing instrument in advance or carry a tape recorder. There is a case.
On the other hand, since the pedometer measures the number of steps per day, it is often carried all day, and even if you forget to carry a notepad or tape recorder, only the pedometer is carried. There are many cases.
[0004]
In addition to pedometers, when a multi-functional portable composite device is assumed, the usage rate is high because it is multi-functional compared to a portable device having individual functions, and it is used so that it is always carried. It can also take a form.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pedometer and a portable composite device that are convenient to carry and use as a voice recorder.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, when a pedestrian wears and walks, a pedometer mechanical unit that outputs a detection pulse for each step, and converts a pedestrian's voice into voice recorder input data. A voice input means for outputting, an operation button for inputting instruction input data for using a specific function by a pedestrian's operation, a semiconductor memory unit having a voice data storage area and a step count data storage area, CPU, ROM And a RAM, a step value counting operation mode for counting the detection pulses of the pedometer mechanism unit and storing the count value data in the step data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit, and voice recorder input data of the voice input means as a semiconductor A microprocessor for controlling the switching of the semiconductor memory to the voice recorder input storage operation mode to be stored in the voice data storage area of the memory. The microprocessor is configured to store the count value in the semiconductor memory unit and control the step value count operation mode by switching to the step value count operation mode when the step count is instructed by the operation button. Sometimes, when the voice recorder input storage operation mode is instructed by the operation button, the storage operation of the count value data for the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit is interrupted, and the subsequent count value data is stored and saved in the built-in RAM, Thereafter, when the instruction of the voice recorder input storage operation mode by the operation button is canceled, the count value data stored in the RAM is stored and supplemented in the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a pedometer and a portable composite device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a pedometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The pedometer 10 of this example includes a microcomputer 20, a pedometer mechanism 30, a microphone 40, operation buttons 50, a liquid crystal display 60, a speaker 70, a flash memory 80, a personal computer (external device) 90, Interface unit 100.
[0010]
The microcomputer (microprocessor) 20 controls the pedometer 10 as a whole and incorporates a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.
The pedometer mechanical unit 30 outputs step detection data for counting the number of steps of a pedestrian to the microcomputer 20. Details of the pedometer mechanism 30 will be described later with reference to FIGS.
The microphone 40 inputs audio, converts the analog audio signal into digital audio data via the amplifier 42 and the A / D converter 44, and inputs the digital audio data to the microcomputer 20.
[0011]
The operation button 50 is used to make various inputs to the pedometer 10 and is provided with a key for operation when instructing to use the voice recorder function, for example.
The liquid crystal display 60 performs various displays for the user from the pedometer 10, and displays, for example, step count data.
The speaker 70 outputs a sound, and outputs an analog sound signal output from the digital sound data output from the microcomputer 20 via the D / A converter 72 and the amplifier 74.
[0012]
The flash memory 80 is an example of an IC memory that stores various types of data. In particular, in this example, the flash memory 80 includes an area for storing audio data and an area for storing step count data.
The interface unit 100 is detachably connected to a signal line cable from the personal computer 90 so that the microcomputer 20 performs bidirectional communication with the personal computer 90. That is, when carrying the pedometer 10, the signal line cable from the personal computer 90 is removed and the pedometer 10 is carried.
[0013]
The microcomputer 20 includes a function of a storage unit that controls storage of data in the flash memory 80. When the voice recorder function is selected by operating the operation button 50, the microcomputer 20 automatically switches the access to the storage area for voice data, The voice input from the microphone 40 is stored in the voice data storage area.
Further, even when the playback function of the voice recorder is selected by operating the operation button 50, the access is automatically switched to the audio data storage area, and the audio data is read from the storage area and output from the speaker 70.
[0014]
In addition, even when a command for instructing the reading of audio data is input from the personal computer 90 via the interface unit 100, the microcomputer 20 automatically switches access to the audio data storage area, and from this storage area the audio data is read out. Data is read out and transferred to the personal computer 90 via the interface unit 100. In the personal computer 90, the voice data input from the pedometer 10 can be output from the speaker.
[0015]
In addition, the microcomputer 20 is set to access the step data storage area of the flash memory 80 when used as a normal pedometer. The microcomputer 20 inputs the step detection data from the pedometer mechanical unit 30 and calculates the step count. Count. Then, update data of the step value is accessed and stored in the step data storage area of the flash memory 80 at regular intervals.
When display of the step count is selected by operating the operation button 50, the microcomputer 20 accesses the step count data storage area of the flash memory 80, reads out the step count data stored therein, and displays it on the liquid crystal display 60. .
[0016]
When the voice recorder function is selected, the microcomputer 20 automatically switches to storing voice data and does not store the step count data in the flash memory 80. However, the count of the step count data itself is The step count data is stored in a RAM or the like in the microcomputer 20, and the step count data is appropriately stored in the flash memory 80 when the voice recorder function is not selected.
The microcomputer 20 has not only the pedometer function and the voice recorder function as described above, but also a calendar function for managing daily steps.
[0017]
2A and 2B are schematic configuration diagrams showing the structure and operation of the pedometer mechanical unit 30, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged configuration of the sensor unit of the pedometer mechanical unit 30. FIG.
The pedometer mechanism 30 includes a rotating body 111 that rotates about a support shaft 110, an elastic body 112 that is fixed to the support shaft 110 and the rotating body 111, a switch 113, and a stopper that controls the movement of the rotating body 111. 114, 115.
A magnet 117 is attached to the tip of the rotating body 111. The support shaft 110 can be rotated around a support point 118, and the force exerted on the rotating body 111 by the elastic body 112 fixed to the support shaft 110 can be adjusted.
[0018]
In addition, when the pedometer 10 is correctly worn, the direction of the arrow 116 is assumed to be the vertical (vertical) direction.
When the direction of the arrow 116 is in the up and down direction during calm, the strength of the elastic body 112 is adjusted by the support shaft 110 so that the rotating body 111 is at the position shown in FIG.
In addition, when the pedometer 10 is properly worn near the pedestal of the pedestrian and walked, the upward acceleration acts on the entire pedometer 10 at the moment when the foot is stepped down on the ground, but the rotating body 111 is inertial. For this reason, it moves to the position shown in FIG. 2B, stopped by the stopper 115, pushed back to the position shown in FIG. 2A by the elastic body 112, and stopped by the stopper 114. That is, every time one step is taken, the magnet 117 provided at the tip of the rotating body 111 approaches the switch 113 once by a series of these operations.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, two diamagnetic metal pieces 119 and 120 are arranged close to each other inside the switch 113. When the magnet 117 approaches there, the metal pieces 119 and 120 become magnetized in the directions of S and N shown in FIG. 3, and their tips are attracted to each other by magnetic force. Therefore, the two metal pieces 119 and 120 are in contact with each other and the switch 113 is turned on.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a switch 113 is inserted between the power source + V and the resistor R, and a circuit is configured to obtain a detection output from the connection point between the switch 113 and the resistor R. The switch 113 is turned on whenever 117 approaches, and a high pulse is output from the output terminal 121.
The high pulse obtained as described above is counted by the microcomputer 20 when the step count is instructed by the operation of the operation button 50, and the data is written to the flash memory 80 together with the time data at regular intervals. .
[0020]
Note that the step count data stored in the flash memory 80 can also be displayed on the liquid crystal display 60 as the number of steps walked from a certain time to a certain time by a specific operation from the operation button 50.
Alternatively, a method of displaying the time on the horizontal axis and displaying the number of steps taken on the vertical axis is also possible.
Further, the step count data stored corresponding to such time data is sent from the flash memory 80 to the personal computer 90 via the interface unit 100 as described above, and the step count data is analyzed in more detail and averaged every time. It is also possible to perform processing such as calculating the number of steps.
[0021]
On the other hand, by managing the step count data corresponding to the user on the personal computer 90 side, the target step count data is sent from the personal computer 90 to the pedometer 10 side, and this target step count is reflected on the display of the liquid crystal display 60 or the like. For example, it is possible to display a warning when the target is not reached.
In addition, it is also possible to use a method of taking a walk while listening to music by transferring information of favorite music from the personal computer 90 to the flash memory 80 and reproducing it with the speaker 70.
[0022]
In the above embodiment, the pedometer having the voice recorder function has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the voice recorder function and the pedometer function are simply combined, and is configured as a portable composite device having more functions. It is also possible to do.
For example, the above-described FIG. 1 is applied to a portable composite apparatus provided with a pager function for receiving a wireless call, a data receiving function for receiving various data wirelessly, a clock function for displaying the current time, and an alarm function for notifying a set time. The functions shown in FIG. 3 may be combined.
[0023]
Or a system that provides a data carrier function as a mobile station that oscillates personal ID information, etc., and manages the location of an individual like an entrance / exit system by performing wireless communication with a management station It is also possible to apply to.
Alternatively, a navigation function for displaying the current position on the map by combining GSP (Global Positioning System) and map information may be provided, for example, a system that provides route guidance on a walk course or jogging course.
[0024]
Alternatively, it may be provided with a function of receiving and playing a radio broadcast or the like, a function of attaching and playing a medium storing music, a mobile phone function, and a digital camera function.
By combining such a portable composite device with the functions shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, a very convenient multi-function device can be obtained.
Further, by consolidating such many functions into one portable device, there is an advantage that the inconvenience of carrying a large number of portable devices can be solved.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the voice recorder input storage operation mode is designated, the count value data storage operation for the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit is interrupted, and the count value data obtained thereafter is transferred to the micro data. Stored and saved in the RAM built in the processor, and thereafter, when the instruction of the voice recorder input storage operation mode was canceled, the count value data stored in the RAM was stored and supplemented to the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory. As a result, a pedometer that realizes the memory recorder / display operation of the voice recorder in addition to the original step count / display operation can be realized without specially increasing the memory structure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a pedometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the structure and operation of a mechanical unit of the pedometer shown in FIG.
3 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a structure of a sensor unit of a mechanical unit of the pedometer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Pedometer, 20 ... Microcomputer, 30 ... Pedometer mechanism, 40 ... Microphone, 50 ... Operation buttons, 60 ... Liquid crystal display, 70 ... Speaker, 80 ... Flash memory, 90 ... Personal computer, 100... Interface section.

Claims (4)

When a pedestrian wears and walks, a pedometer mechanism that outputs a detection pulse for each step, and
A voice input means for converting a pedestrian's voice into voice recorder input data and outputting it;
An operation button for inputting instruction input data for using a specific function by a pedestrian operation;
A semiconductor memory unit having an audio data storage area and a step count data storage area;
Built-in CPU, ROM, and RAM, counting the detection pulses of the pedometer mechanism unit, and storing the count value data in the step data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit, and the voice input A microprocessor for controlling the switching of the semiconductor memory unit to a voice recorder input storage operation mode for storing the voice recorder input data of the means in the voice data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit;
And the microprocessor is
When the step count is instructed by the operation button, the semiconductor memory unit stores the count value by switching control to the step value count operation mode,
In the step value counting operation mode, when the voice recorder input storage operation mode is instructed by the operation button, the storage operation of the count value data in the step data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit is interrupted and thereafter Store and save the count value data in the built-in RAM,
Thereafter, when the instruction of the voice recorder input storage operation mode by the operation button is canceled, the count value data stored and stored in the RAM is replenished in the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit.
Pedometer characterized by that. When an instruction to display the count value data stored in the step count data storage area of the semiconductor memory unit is given by the operation button, the microcomputer uses the step count information including the count value data as the instruction. Display on the display in the corresponding display mode
The pedometer according to claim 1. When the microcomputer is given an instruction to reproduce the voice recorder input data stored in the voice data storage area of the semiconductor memory by the operation button, the microcomputer reads voice memo information composed of the voice recorder input data. Discharge from output means
The pedometer according to claim 1. The microcomputer is connected to an interface unit connected to an external device, and performs an operation of transmitting / receiving voice input data between the external device and the semiconductor memory unit via the interface unit.
The pedometer according to claim 1.

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