JP7657655B2 - Wearable devices and body temperature regulation systems - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wearable device and a body temperature regulation system.

Various techniques for preventing heatstroke are known in the past. For example, cooling devices that reduce the rise in heat inside the clothes worn by the user are known. Such cooling devices, for example, are equipped with a fan that takes in outside air and blows it into the clothes, thereby reducing the rise in temperature inside the clothes.

JP 2020-006028 A

However, in conventional technology, cooling devices are generally controlled manually by the user, and in cases where the user has both hands full while working, it is difficult to appropriately control the cooling device in accordance with the user's surrounding environment.

A wearable terminal according to an embodiment includes a sensor, a computing device, a communication device , and a storage unit . The sensor acquires biometric information of a user and environmental information related to an environment surrounding the user. The storage unit stores a history of index values representing a state of the user. The computing device calculates an index value from the biometric information and the environmental information. The computing device also calculates a moving average value of the index values based on the history of the index values, and compares the moving average value of the index values with a first threshold. When the moving average value of the index values is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the communication device transmits a control signal to the cooling device to drive the cooling device worn by the user, and when the moving average value of the index values is less than the first threshold, transmits a control signal to the cooling device to stop the cooling device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a body temperature regulation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the wearable terminal and the body temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a heat stress level according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first heat stress level threshold according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the heat stress level and the output of the fan according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a body temperature adjustment process executed by the wearable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a method for calculating a heat stress level according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a fan control process executed in the body temperature regulation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second heat stress level threshold according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the current value and moving average value of the heat stress level and the output of the fan according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a body temperature adjustment process executed by the wearable terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions implemented by a computing device of a wearable terminal according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the current value and moving average value of the heat stress level and the output of the fan according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a body temperature adjustment process executed by a wearable terminal according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a fan control process executed in a body temperature regulation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a remaining battery charge value according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remaining battery charge threshold according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the timing at which an alarm is started to be issued to prompt a user to replace the battery according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a remaining battery capacity management process executed by a wearable terminal according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of a remaining battery charge notification process executed in a body temperature regulation device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water-cooling device according to the fifth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
1 is a diagram showing an example of a body temperature regulation system S according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the body temperature regulation system S includes a wearable device 1 and a body temperature regulation device 30.

The body temperature adjustment device 30 is attached to clothing 3 that can be worn by the user U. The clothing 3 is, for example, work clothes worn during work. The user U is, for example, a worker who works while wearing the clothing 3. The user U, for example, puts on the clothing 3 and wears the wearable device 1 at the start of work, and removes the clothing 3 and the wearable device 1 at the end of work. Note that the wearable device 1 may be worn by the user U continuously, not just during work hours.

The body temperature adjustment device 30 includes a main body 32 and a fan 31. The main body 32 and the fan 31 are connected by a cable 33. The body temperature adjustment device 30 is an example of a cooling device in this embodiment. The cooling device may also include clothing 3.

The fan 31 cools the inside of the garment 3 by taking in air from outside the garment 3 and blowing it to the inside of the garment 3. The fan 31 may be an example of a cooling device in this embodiment.

The main body 32 includes a communication device (not shown) and a battery (not shown). The communication device of the main body 32 communicates with the wearable device 1 via wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The wearable device 1 is a device that can be worn by the user U. In this embodiment, the wearable device 1 has a watch-type or wristband-type shape that can be worn on the arm or wrist of the user U. In FIG. 1, the arm of the user U is exposed for the purpose of explanation, but when the user U is wearing the clothing 3, the wearable device 1 is covered by the clothing 3.

The wearable device 1 includes, for example, a main body 10 and a belt 20. The belt 20 can be worn on the user's body. For example, the belt 20 has plasticity and can be fixed to the user's arm. The belt 20 is an example of a wearing member in this embodiment. The main body 10 includes fixing parts 21a and 21b that fix the belt 20.

The belt 20 may be detachable from the main body 10. The belt 20 may not be included in the wearable device 1. In this case, the main body 10 is referred to as the wearable device 1. Alternatively, the belt 20 may be formed integrally with the main body 10.

Note that the shape of the wearable device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is just an example, and other shapes are also acceptable as long as the device can be worn on the user's body.

The main body 10 of the wearable device 1 includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, and a communication device (not shown). The communication device of the wearable device 1 communicates with the body temperature adjustment device 30 via wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The main body 10 also includes various sensors (not shown).

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wearable device 1 and the body temperature adjustment device 30 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, the belt 20 and the fixing parts 21a and 21b of the wearable device 1 and the cable 33 of the body temperature adjustment device 30 are omitted from the illustration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 of the wearable device 1 includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, a temperature sensor 13a, a humidity sensor 13b, an acceleration sensor 13c, a pulse sensor 13d, a computing device 14, a memory 15, a communication device 16, a motor 17, and a speaker 18.

The display 11 is a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, etc., and displays various information under the control of the computing device 14.

The operation unit 12 is a button or a touch panel that can accept operations by the user U. If the operation unit 12 is a touch panel, the wearable terminal 1 may be equipped with a touch screen that includes the display 11 and the operation unit 12. If the wearable terminal 1 has a voice recognition function, the operation unit 12 may be a microphone that can input voice commands from the user U.

The temperature sensor 13a, humidity sensor 13b, acceleration sensor 13c, and pulse sensor 13d are collectively referred to simply as sensor 13. Sensor 13 acquires biometric information of user U and environmental information related to the environment surrounding user U. In this embodiment, sensor 13 performs measurements at a predetermined time period, for example, at one-minute intervals, and sends the measurement results to calculation device 14.

More specifically, the temperature sensor 13a measures the temperature of the air around the user U. When in use, the wearable device 1 is covered by the clothing 3, and therefore the air around the user U is the air inside the clothing 3. Note that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13a is also referred to as the ambient temperature when distinguished from general air temperature or room temperature. The temperature sensor 13a may also measure the exoskeleton temperature, such as the skin temperature or body surface temperature, of the user U.

The humidity sensor 13b measures the humidity of the air around the user U. Note that the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 13b is also referred to as the ambient humidity when distinguished from general outdoor humidity or indoor humidity.

The acceleration sensor 13c measures the acceleration caused by the movement of the user U. For example, the acceleration sensor 13c is a three-axis acceleration sensor that measures acceleration in three directions, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Note that in this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 13c is not essential.

Pulse sensor 13d measures the pulse wave and pulse rate of user U. Pulse sensor 13d is, for example, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor that detects pulse waves associated with the heart rate by measuring changes in the blood volume in arteries and capillaries that correspond to changes in heart rate. Note that the method of measuring pulse waves and pulse rate is not limited to this.

The temperature and humidity are examples of environmental information in this embodiment. The acceleration caused by the movements of the user U and the pulse rate of the user U are examples of biometric information of the user U in this embodiment. The wearable device 1 may further include other sensors.

The computing device 14 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the entire wearable device 1.

The memory 15 is a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a flash memory. The memory 15 also stores various programs executed by the arithmetic unit 14 and data used in processing. The memory 15 is an example of a storage unit in this embodiment. Note that while FIG. 2 illustrates the memory 15 as a single configuration, multiple storage devices may be provided. For example, the memory 15 may be divided into a main storage device realized by a RAM or the like, and an auxiliary storage device realized by a flash memory or the like.

The communication device 16 is a device capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the body temperature adjustment device 30 via wireless communication. The wireless communication standard is not particularly limited. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be adopted. The communication device 16 may also transmit and receive information via wireless communication with devices other than the body temperature adjustment device 30, such as information processing devices such as a PC (Personal Computer), a server device, or a smartphone. The communication device 16 is an example of a first communication device.

Motor 17 is a driving device used for the vibrator function and vibrates the wearable device 1.

The speaker 18 outputs voice, alert sounds, etc. under the control of the computing device 14.

The display 11, motor 17, and speaker 18 are examples of an alarm device in this embodiment.

The body temperature regulation device 30 includes a fan 31 and a main body 32. The main body 32 includes a communication device 321 and a control device 322.

The communication device 321 is a device capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the wearable device 1 via wireless communication conforming to standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication device 321 receives a control signal related to control of the operation of the fan 31 transmitted from the wearable device 1. The communication device 321 is an example of a second communication device.

The control device 322 is a device that controls the supply of power to drive the fan 31, and includes a battery 323. The control device 322 controls the operation or stopping of the fan 31 based on a control signal received from the wearable device 1 via the communication device 321. The control device 322 is an example of a control unit in this embodiment. For example, the control device 322 includes a switch that switches the power supply from the battery 323 to the fan 31 on and off. The control device 322 switches the switch on and off in response to the control signal to drive or stop the fan 31. Note that the method of controlling the fan 31 is not limited to this.

Next, we will explain the functions realized by the computing device 14 of the wearable device 1.

2, the arithmetic device 14 includes a calculation unit 101, a comparison unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a vibration control unit 105. The program executed by the arithmetic device 14 of the wearable device 1 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (calculation unit 101, comparison unit 102, communication control unit 103, display control unit 104, and vibration control unit 105). In terms of actual hardware, the arithmetic device 14 reads and executes the program from the memory 15, loading the above-mentioned units onto the main storage device, and the calculation unit 101, comparison unit 102, communication control unit 103, display control unit 104, and vibration control unit 105 are generated on the main storage device.

The calculation unit 101 calculates a heat stress level that represents an estimated result of the state of the user U from the bio-information and environmental information measured by the sensor 13. In this embodiment, the heat stress level is a numerical value that is estimated to correspond to the state of the user among numerical values that are graded according to the level of physical stress that the user U experiences due to the environment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat stress level is expressed in five stages from "0" to "5". The heat stress level is an example of an index value in this embodiment.

The calculation unit 101 of this embodiment calculates the heat stress level from the current values of the biological information and environmental information measured by the sensor 13. The current value refers to the most recent measurement value at the time of the calculation process by the calculation unit 101. The method of calculating the heat stress level will be described in detail later.

The comparison unit 102 compares the heat stress level calculated by the calculation unit 101 with a first heat stress level threshold. The first heat stress level threshold is stored, for example, in the memory 15. The first heat stress level threshold is an example of the threshold and the first threshold in this embodiment.

The communication control unit 103 controls the communication device 16 to transmit a control signal to the body temperature adjustment device 30 according to the comparison result between the heat stress level by the comparison unit 102 and the first heat stress level threshold.

For example, when the heat stress level calculated by the calculation unit 101 exceeds the first heat stress level threshold, the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to drive the fan 31 of the body temperature adjustment device 30 worn by the user U. In addition, when the heat stress level is equal to or lower than the first heat stress level threshold, the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to stop the fan 31 of the body temperature adjustment device 30.

The display control unit 104 displays various information on the display 11. For example, the display control unit 104 alerts the user U by displaying a heat stress level on the display 11.

The vibration control unit 105 controls the motor 17 to vibrate the wearable device 1, thereby issuing an alert to the user U.

Next, we will explain how to calculate heat stress levels.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a heat stress level according to the first embodiment. Functions 101a to 101e shown in Figure 3 show details of the functions realized by the calculation unit 101 of the calculation device 14.

As shown in function 101a, the calculation unit 101 calculates a value equivalent to WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13a and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 13b. Note that the calculation target is not limited to a value equivalent to WBGT, and may be any heat index based on at least both temperature and humidity.

Then, as shown in function 101b, the calculation unit 101 compares the calculated WBGT equivalent value with a predetermined threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value. The threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value is stored, for example, in the memory 15. The threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value is, for example, 31°C, but is not limited to this.

In addition, as shown in function 101c, the calculation unit 101 compares the pulse measured by the pulse sensor 13d with a pulse threshold. The pulse threshold is stored in the memory 15, for example.

As shown in function 101d, the calculation unit 101 also calculates a blood circulation index from the pulse wave measured by the pulse sensor 13d. The blood circulation index is an index equivalent to the reciprocal of the change in the velocity of the blood of the user U, and is also called a blood flow value or blood circulation value. A publicly known method can be used to calculate the blood circulation index. Generally, the higher the blood circulation index, the better the blood circulation and the greater the amount of sweating is estimated to be. Generally, the greater the amount of sweating, the greater the risk of heat stroke because more water is lost from the body.

As shown in function 101e, the calculation unit 101 determines the heat stress level based on the result of comparing the calculated WBGT equivalent value with the threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value, the result of comparing the measured pulse with the pulse threshold, and the hemodynamic index. For example, it is assumed that a table is stored in the memory 15 that associates the heat stress level with combinations of whether or not the WBGT equivalent value exceeds the threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value, whether or not the measured pulse exceeds the pulse threshold, and the magnitude of the hemodynamic index. The calculation unit 101 searches the table for the heat stress level value corresponding to the result of comparing the calculated WBGT equivalent value with the threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value, the result of comparing the measured pulse with the pulse threshold, and the hemodynamic index.

In this embodiment, the heat stress level is expressed in five levels from "0" to "4". The higher the value, the higher the heat stress level of the user U is estimated to be. Level 4 indicates a state in which it is better to stop exposure to heat. Note that the heat stress level calculation method and the heat stress level value shown in FIG. 3 are examples and are not limited to these. Furthermore, the calculation unit 101 may further calculate the heat stress level by taking into account the acceleration of the user U measured by the acceleration sensor 13c.

In general, the possibility of developing heat stroke varies not only with temperature and humidity, but also with the amount of activity and sweating of the user U. For this reason, in this embodiment, the heat stress level based on the user U's heart rate, rather than simply the temperature or humidity, is used as the condition for starting and stopping the fan 31 of the body temperature adjustment device 30. For example, even under the same temperature and humidity conditions, if the user U is moving vigorously, the heat stress level will be higher than if the user U is stationary.

The calculation unit 101 calculates the heat stress level at a predetermined interval. The calculation interval for the heat stress level is, for example, one minute, but is not limited to this.

In the process shown in FIG. 3, the comparison of the calculated WBGT equivalent value with the WBGT threshold value and the comparison of the measured pulse with the pulse threshold value may be functions of the comparison unit 102.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first heat stress level threshold according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first heat stress level threshold (L) is set to "0". Note that this value is merely an example and is not limited to this. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, when the heat stress level is "0", the output of the fan 31 is turned off, and when the heat stress level is greater than "0", the output of the fan 31 is turned on.

When the output of the fan 31 is on, it means that the fan 31 is operating. When the output of the fan 31 is off, it means that the fan 31 is stopped. Hereinafter, the on and off of the output of the fan 31 will simply be referred to as the on and off of the fan 31.

When the heat stress level calculated by the calculation unit 101 is "0", the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to turn off, i.e., stop, the fan 31. Also, when the heat stress level is greater than "0", the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to turn on, i.e., drive, the fan 31. The relationship between the first heat stress level threshold and the output of the fan 31 may be stored in the memory 15 as a table as shown in FIG. 4, or may be incorporated into the program as a judgment condition.

The fan 31 may be switched on and off manually by the user U. For example, when the operation unit 12 receives an operation by the user U to drive or stop the fan 31, the communication control unit 103 may transmit a control signal corresponding to the operation.

Next, we will explain the relationship between heat stress level and fan 31 output.

Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the heat stress level and the output of the fan 31 according to the first embodiment. In the graph shown in Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the calculation period of the heat stress level, and the vertical axis represents the heat stress level and the output level of the fan 31.

The output level of the fan 31 represents the magnitude of the output of the fan 31. In FIG. 5, the output level of the fan 31 is expressed as a percentage (%) of the maximum output of the fan 31. The output level when the fan 31 is at maximum output is "100%", and the output level when the fan 31 is stopped is "0%". Note that the method of expressing the output level is not limited to this.

More specifically, the magnitude of the output of the fan 31 is the magnitude of the air volume (m ³ /min) blown by the fan 31. The air volume of the fan 31 is proportional to the rotation speed of the fan 31. That is, when the output level of the fan 31 is "100%, " the fan 31 rotates at the maximum speed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fan 31 is always at maximum output when it is running, i.e., when it is on. For this reason, in FIG. 5, the output level when the fan 31 is on is represented as "100%," and the output level when the fan 31 is off is represented as "0%."

As described in FIG. 3, the heat stress level is expressed on a scale of "0" to "4". In this embodiment, when the heat stress level exceeds "0", the communication control unit 103 sends a control signal to turn on the fan 31, thereby turning on the fan 31. Also, the fan 31 blows outside air into the garment 3, thereby lowering the temperature and humidity inside the garment 3. As a result, when the heat stress level becomes "0", the communication control unit 103 sends a control signal to turn off the fan 31, thereby turning off the fan 31. Also, the heat stress level may become "0" when the user U stops moving, causing a decrease in the heart rate and amount of body movement. In this case, the communication control unit 103 sends a control signal to turn off the fan 31, thereby turning off the fan 31.

Next, we will explain the flow of the body temperature adjustment process executed by the body temperature adjustment system S of this embodiment configured as described above.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the body temperature adjustment process executed by the wearable device 1 according to the first embodiment. The process of this flowchart starts, for example, when the wearable device 1 is powered on.

First, the temperature sensor 13a, humidity sensor 13b, and pulse sensor 13d of the wearable device 1 measure the temperature, humidity, pulse rate, and pulse wave (S101).

Then, the calculation unit 101 calculates the heat stress level based on the measured temperature, humidity, pulse rate, and pulse wave (S102). Details of the heat stress level calculation process are shown in FIG. 7.

Next, the comparison unit 102 compares the calculated heat stress level with the first heat stress level threshold "0" (S103).

If the heat stress level exceeds "0" (S103 "Yes"), the communication control unit 103 generates a control signal to turn on the output of the fan 31 (S104) and transmits the control signal to the body temperature adjustment device 30 via the communication device 16 (S105).

Also, if the heat stress level is "0" (S103 "No"), the communication control unit 103 generates a control signal to turn off the output of the fan 31 (S106), proceeds to S105, and transmits the control signal to the body temperature adjustment device 30.

Then, the process returns to S101, and the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed while the power of the wearable device 1 is on.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a method for calculating a heat stress level according to the first embodiment. This flowchart shows the details of the process of S102 in Figure 6.

First, the calculation unit 101 calculates the WBGT equivalent value based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13a and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 13b (S1).

Then, the calculation unit 101 compares the calculated WBGT equivalent value with a predetermined threshold value for the WBGT equivalent value (S2).

The calculation unit 101 also compares the pulse of the user U measured by the pulse sensor 13d with the pulse threshold (S3).

The calculation unit 101 also calculates a blood circulation index from the pulse wave of the user U measured by the pulse sensor 13d (S4).

Then, the calculation unit 101 determines the heat stress level based on the result of comparing the calculated WBGT equivalent value with the WBGT equivalent value threshold, the result of comparing the measured pulse with the pulse threshold, and the hemodynamic index (S5). Here, the processing of this flowchart ends, and the process proceeds to S103 in FIG. 6.

Next, we will explain the processing flow of the body temperature regulation device 30.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of fan control processing executed by the body temperature regulation device 30 according to the first embodiment.

The communication device 321 of the body temperature adjustment device 30 receives a control signal from the wearable device 1 (S121).

If the control signal indicates that the output of the fan 31 is on (S122 "Yes"), the control device 322 drives the fan 31 (S123).

If the control signal indicates that the output of the fan 31 is off (S122 "No"), the control device 322 stops the fan 31 (S124). Then, the process returns to S121, and the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed while the power of the body temperature adjustment device 30 is on.

In this way, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a sensor 13 that acquires biometric information of the user U and environmental information related to the environment around the user U, and transmits a control signal to operate the fan 31 worn by the user U depending on the result of comparing the heat stress level calculated from the biometric information and environmental information with the first heat stress level threshold. Therefore, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, the fan 31 worn by the user U can be appropriately controlled depending on the state of the user U or the state of the environment around the user U.

For example, as a comparative example, in the case of work clothes equipped with a fan that can be manually switched on and off, if the user has both hands full, it may be difficult to manually switch the fan on and off. For this reason, with such work clothes, the on state may continue while the user is working, regardless of the actual risk of heat stroke. Also, in order to concentrate on their work, users often end up turning the fan on when they start working and turning it off when they finish. As a result, the fan may continue to run even when it cools down or when they move to a cooler place, wasting electricity. Also, batteries become larger in capacity to extend the continuous operation time of the fan, which may be a burden on the worker wearing it.

In contrast, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, the driving and stopping of the fan 31 is controlled at appropriate timing depending on the state of the user U or the state of the environment around the user U, so power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where the fan is continuously driven during work. Therefore, saving power consumption makes it possible to use the battery 323 for a long time or to make the battery 323 smaller. Generally, the battery of a fan-equipped work suit is large-capacity and heavy in order to operate the fan motor, so making the battery 323 smaller can reduce the burden on the user U. Furthermore, reducing power consumption can reduce the number of times the battery 323 needs to be charged, contributing to energy conservation and further extending the life of the battery 323.

The wearable device 1 of this embodiment also includes a main body 10 having a sensor 13, and fixing parts 21a and 21b that fix a wearable member that allows the main body 10 to be worn on the body of a user U. Therefore, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, the sensor 13 can be fixed to the body of the user U, and biometric information such as acceleration and heart rate generated by the movements of the user U can be obtained.

The wearable device 1 of this embodiment uses a heat stress level, which represents an estimated result of the level of physical stress that the user U receives due to the environment, as an index value used for the condition of turning the fan 31 on and off. The wearable device 1 of this embodiment calculates the heat stress level from the temperature and humidity around the user U, and the pulse wave and pulse rate of the user U. Therefore, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to control the driving and stopping of the fan 31 at appropriate timing according to the environment and physical condition of each individual user U. In general, even if the room temperature or air temperature conditions of the work place are the same, the heart rate, amount of sweating, degree of increase in body temperature, etc. differ depending on the work load. Therefore, as a comparative example, when the cooling device of the work clothes is switched on and off based on the room temperature or air temperature of the work place, depending on the worker, there is a possibility that the cooling may be insufficient or excessive. According to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of such overcooling and undercooling.

The wearable device 1 of this embodiment also compares the heat stress level calculated from the current values of the bioinformation and environmental information with a first heat stress level threshold, and transmits a control signal to drive the fan 31 when the heat stress level exceeds the first heat stress level threshold. The wearable device 1 of this embodiment also transmits a control signal to stop the fan 31 when the heat stress level is equal to or lower than the first heat stress level threshold. Therefore, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to control the driving and stopping of the fan 31 according to the current state of the user U or the state of the environment around the user U.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, the fan 31 is switched on and off based on the current value of the heat stress level. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the fan 31 is switched on and off based on a moving average value of the heat stress level.

The body temperature regulation system S of this embodiment includes a wearable device 1 and a body temperature regulation device 30, similar to the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, the wearable device 1 includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, a temperature sensor 13a, a humidity sensor 13b, an acceleration sensor 13c, a pulse sensor 13d, a calculation unit 14, a memory 15, a communication unit 16, a motor 17, and a speaker 18. The wearable device 1 also includes a calculation unit 101, a comparison unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a vibration control unit 105.

The body temperature adjustment device 30 is attached to the garment 3 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and includes a fan 31 and a main body 32. The main body 32 includes a communication device 321, a control device 322, and a battery 323.

The memory 15 of the wearable device 1 of this embodiment has the functions of the first embodiment and also stores the history of heat stress levels. For example, in this embodiment, the memory 15 stores the heat stress levels for at least the past five cycles.

The calculation unit 101 of this embodiment has the functions of the first embodiment and stores the calculated heat stress level in the memory 15. The calculation unit 101 of this embodiment calculates a moving average value of the heat stress level based on the history of the heat stress level. For example, the calculation unit 101 calculates a moving average value of the heat stress level for the past five cycles.

The comparison unit 102 of this embodiment has the functions of the first embodiment and compares the moving average value of the heat stress level with the second heat stress level threshold. Note that the second heat stress level threshold is an example of the threshold and the second threshold in this embodiment.

The communication control unit 103 of this embodiment has the functions of the first embodiment and transmits a control signal to drive the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level exceeds the second heat stress level threshold. The communication control unit 103 also transmits a control signal to stop the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level is equal to or less than the second heat stress level threshold.

The display control unit 104 and the vibration control unit 105 have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a second heat stress level threshold according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the second heat stress level threshold (L_ave) in this embodiment is set to "0.5". Note that this value is an example and is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to turn on, i.e., drive, the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level is equal to or greater than "0.5". In addition, the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal to turn off, i.e., stop, the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level is less than "0.5". In FIG. 9, as in FIG. 5, the output level when the fan 31 is on is represented as "100%", and the output level when the fan 31 is off is represented as "0%".

Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the current value and moving average value of the heat stress level and the output of the fan 31 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 10, the current value of the heat stress level is illustrated for reference, but the current value of the heat stress level is not directly related to whether or not the fan 31 is output. The change in the moving average value of the heat stress level changes more slowly than the change in the current value of the heat stress level. For this reason, in this embodiment, the fan 31 is rarely switched on and off continuously in a short period of time, and the driving period and the stop period each continue for a certain period of time.

For example, in the 2 minute cycle shown in FIG. 10, the current value of the heat stress level is "1", but since the moving average value of the heat stress level at this time is less than "0.5", the output level of the fan 31 is maintained at "0%". Also, in the 12th to 13th minute cycle, the current value of the heat stress level is "0", but since the moving average value of the heat stress level at this time is greater than or equal to "0.5", the output level of the fan 31 is maintained at "100%".

Next, we will explain the flow of the body temperature adjustment process executed by the body temperature adjustment system S of this embodiment configured as described above.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a body temperature adjustment process executed by a wearable device 1 according to the second embodiment.

The process from measuring temperature, humidity, pulse rate, and pulse wave in S101 to calculating the heat stress level in S102 is the same as in the first embodiment.

Next, the calculation unit 101 reads out the heat stress levels for the past five cycles stored in the memory 15, and calculates the moving average value of the heat stress levels for the past five cycles (S201).

Then, the comparison unit 102 compares the calculated moving average value of the heat stress level with the second heat stress level threshold value of "0.5" (S202).

If the moving average value of the heat stress level is equal to or greater than "0.5" (S202 "Yes"), the communication control unit 103 generates a control signal to turn on the output of the fan 31 (S104) and transmits the control signal to the body temperature adjustment device 30 via the communication device 16 (S105).

Also, if the heat stress level is less than "0.5" (S202 "No"), the communication control unit 103 generates a control signal to turn off the output of the fan 31 (S106), proceeds to S105, and transmits the control signal to the body temperature adjustment device 30.

Then, the process returns to S101, and the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed while the power of the wearable device 1 is on.

The processing performed by the body temperature regulation device 30 is similar to that of the first embodiment described in FIG. 8.

In this way, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment transmits a control signal to drive the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level is equal to or greater than the second heat stress level threshold. Also, the wearable device 1 transmits a control signal to stop the fan 31 when the moving average value of the heat stress level is less than the second heat stress level threshold. Therefore, according to the wearable device 1 of this embodiment, while providing the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise in the measurement value of the sensor 13 and stabilize the operation of the fan 31.

For example, the measurement value of the sensor 13 may temporarily become large or small due to some reason, and then immediately return to the original level. A moving average can reduce the impact that such abrupt fluctuations in the measurement value have on switching the fan 31 on and off.

Third Embodiment
In the first and second embodiments described above, the fan 31 has only two states, on and off. In this third embodiment, the wearable device 1 also controls the strength of the output when the fan 31 is on.

The body temperature regulation system S of this embodiment includes a wearable device 1 and a body temperature regulation device 30, similar to the first and second embodiments.

Furthermore, similar to the first and second embodiments, the wearable device 1 includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, a temperature sensor 13a, a humidity sensor 13b, an acceleration sensor 13c, a pulse sensor 13d, a computing device 14, a memory 15, a communication device 16, a motor 17, and a speaker 18.

The memory 15 of this embodiment has the functions of the first and second embodiments, and also stores the history of the operation time of the fan 31 and the output level the fan 31 was last operated at. The output level is a level that indicates the strength of the output of the fan 31. In this embodiment, the output level varies in 10% increments between 0 and 100%. However, the mode of the output level is not limited to this.

In addition, the memory 15 stores the length of the current operation time while the fan 31 is operating.

The body temperature adjustment device 30 is attached to the garment 3 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, and includes a fan 31 and a main body 32. The main body 32 includes a communication device 321, a control device 322, and a battery 323.

The control device 322 of this embodiment has the functions of the first and second embodiments, and further has a function of changing the strength of the output of the fan 31. The control device 322 of this embodiment increases the rotation speed of the fan 31 as the output level indicated by the control signal transmitted from the wearable device 1 increases.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the arithmetic device 14 of the wearable terminal 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the arithmetic device 14 includes a calculation unit 101, a comparison unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a display control unit 104, a vibration control unit 105, and a determination unit 106. The program executed by the arithmetic device 14 of the wearable terminal 1 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (calculation unit 101, comparison unit 102, communication control unit 103, display control unit 104, vibration control unit 105, and determination unit 106). As actual hardware, the arithmetic device 14 reads out and executes the program from the memory 15, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the calculation unit 101, comparison unit 102, communication control unit 103, display control unit 104, vibration control unit 105, and determination unit 106 are generated on the main storage device.

The calculation unit 101 of this embodiment calculates the moving average value of the heat stress level, similar to the second embodiment.

The comparison unit 102 in this embodiment, like the second embodiment, compares the moving average value of the heat stress level with the second heat stress level threshold.

The determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 based on the history of the operation time of the fan 31 and the output level when the fan 31 was last operated.

More specifically, when driving the fan 31 for the second or subsequent times, the determination unit 106 determines the current output level to be a value that is a predetermined value lower than the output level when the fan 31 was driven the previous time. Furthermore, if the same cooling effect as the previous time is obtained with an output level that is lowered by the predetermined value, the output level is further reduced by the predetermined value next time.

Furthermore, if the cooling effect is not equivalent to the previous time at an output level reduced by a predetermined value, the decision unit 106 increases the output level by a predetermined value. If the cooling effect is still not equivalent to the previous time, the decision unit 106 increases the output level in stages by the predetermined value.

The predetermined value is, for example, "10%", but is not limited to this. Whether or not a cooling effect equivalent to that obtained previously has been achieved is determined, for example, based on the time it takes for the moving average value of the heat stress level to fall below the second heat stress level threshold. For example, if the time it takes for the moving average value of the heat stress level to fall below the second heat stress level threshold is equal to or less than the time the fan 31 was driven previously, the determination unit 106 determines that a cooling effect equivalent to that obtained previously has been achieved.

The communication control unit 103 has the same functions as in the second embodiment and transmits a control signal indicating the output level determined by the determination unit 106 to the body temperature adjustment device 30.

The display control unit 104 and the vibration control unit 105 have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

Figure 13 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the current value and moving average value of the heat stress level and the output of the fan 31 according to the third embodiment. The initial value of the output level of the fan 31 in this embodiment is "100%". For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, the moving average value of the heat stress level becomes "0.5" or more for the first time in the 7th minute cycle, so the fan 31 is turned on for the first time at this point. In this case, the output level of the fan 31 becomes "100%", which is the initial value. Thereafter, in the 11th to 15th minute cycles, the moving average value of the heat stress level is less than "0.5", so the output level of the fan 31 becomes "0%", that is, the fan 31 is turned off.

In the 16th to 19th minute cycle, the moving average value of the heat stress level again becomes equal to or exceeds 0.5, but at this time the output level of the fan 31 is 10% lower than the output level of 100% during the previous drive, that is, the 7th to 10th minute cycle. In the 16th to 19th minute cycle, which is the second drive of the fan 31, the time from when the fan 31 starts to drive until the moving average value of the heat stress level becomes less than 0.5 is 4 minutes, which is the same length of time as the previous drive. Therefore, the next time the fan 31 drives, the determination unit 106 reduces the output level by a further 10% to 80%.

In this embodiment, the minimum value of the output level when the fan 31 is on is set to "10%". For example, if the output level is reduced by "10%" increments and the output level becomes "10%, the determination unit 106 maintains the output level at "10%". The minimum value is not limited to this.

In addition, during the 34th to 42nd minute cycle, which is the fourth drive of the fan 31, the moving average value of the heat stress level does not fall below "0.5" even if the fan 31 is driven for 4 minutes, which is the previous drive time, so the decision unit 106 increases the output level in stages of "10%" from the 39th minute cycle onwards.

Since the maximum output level is "100%", when the output level, which is increased stepwise by "10%", reaches "100%, the decision unit 106 will not increase the output level any further, but will maintain the output level at "100%" until the moving average value of the heat stress level falls below "0.5".

In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the fan 31 is controlled to be turned on and off according to the moving average value of the heat stress level. However, as in the first embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the fan 31 is controlled to be turned on and off according to the current value of the heat stress level.

Next, we will explain the flow of the body temperature adjustment process executed by the body temperature adjustment system S of this embodiment configured as described above.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the body temperature adjustment process executed by the wearable device 1 according to the third embodiment. At the start of the process of this flowchart, the output level of the fan 31 is initially set to "100%" and stored in the memory 15.

The processes from measuring temperature, humidity, pulse rate, and pulse wave in S101 to calculating the heat stress level in S102 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the processes of calculating the moving average of the heat stress level in S201 and comparing the calculated moving average of the heat stress level with the second heat stress level threshold value "0.5" in S202 are the same as those in the second embodiment.

Next, if the moving average value of the heat stress level is "0.5" or more and the current drive time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 is "0" (minutes) (S301 "No"), that is, if the fan 31 is currently stopped, the determination unit 106 adds one minute to the current drive time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 (S302). Note that in this embodiment, one cycle of the body temperature adjustment process is one minute, so the addition is made in one-minute units, but the added time differs depending on the cycle.

If the current drive of the fan 31 is the first drive (S303 "Yes"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be the initial setting of "100%" (S304). Whether or not it is the first drive can be determined based on whether or not the previous drive time is stored in the memory 15.

In addition, if the current drive of the fan 31 is the second or subsequent drive (S303 "No") and the value obtained by subtracting "10%" from the output level at the previous drive is greater than "10%" (S305 "Yes"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be the value obtained by subtracting "10%" from the previous output level (S306).

If the value obtained by subtracting "10%" from the output level at the time of the previous drive is equal to or less than "10%" (S305 "No"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be "10%" (S307). The determination unit 106 also stores the determined output level in the memory 15 as the previous output level.

Then, the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal indicating the output level determined by the determination unit 106 to the body temperature adjustment device 30 (S308). Then, the process returns to S101.

In addition, if the current drive time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 is longer than "0" (minutes) (S301 "Yes"), that is, if the fan 31 is currently being driven, the determination unit 106 adds 1 minute to the current drive time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 (S309).

Then, if the current drive time of the fan 31 is less than or equal to the previous drive time stored in the memory 15 (S310 "Yes"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be the previous output level (S311).

For example, in the 17th to 19th minute cycle of the graph shown in FIG. 13, the current drive time of the fan 31 is less than or equal to the drive time in the 7th to 10th minute cycle, so the output level of the previous cycle is maintained. Specifically, in the 17th minute cycle, the output level of the 16th minute cycle, "90%, " is maintained. Also, in the case of a drive time that continues from the first drive, such as the 7th to 10th minute cycle, the previous drive time is "0" minutes, so the output level of the first drive is maintained for the drive time that continues from the first drive. Specifically, in the 8th to 10th minute cycle, the output level of the 7th minute cycle, which is the first drive, i.e., the initial setting value of "100%, " is maintained.

In addition, if the current drive time of the fan 31 exceeds the previous drive time stored in the memory 15 (S310 "No") and the value obtained by adding "10%" to the previous output level is equal to or greater than "100%" (S312 "Yes"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be "100%" (S313).

In addition, if the value obtained by adding "10%" to the previous output level is less than "100%" (S312 "No"), the determination unit 106 determines the output level of the fan 31 to be the value obtained by adding "100%" to the previous output level (S314).

Then, the process proceeds to S308, where the communication control unit 103 transmits a control signal indicating the output level determined by the determination unit 106 to the body temperature adjustment device 30.

Furthermore, if the moving average value of the heat stress level is less than "0.5" and the current drive time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 is longer than "0" (minutes) (S315 "Yes"), the conditions for stopping the currently operating fan 31 are met. Therefore, the decision unit 106 records the drive time of the fan 31 up to now in the memory 15 as the "previous drive time" (S316). In this case, the decision unit 106 decides to set the output level of the fan 31 to "0%", that is, to turn off the fan 31 (S317).

Also, if the moving average value of the heat stress level is less than "0.5" and the current operation time of the fan 31 stored in the memory 15 is "0" (minutes) (S315 "No"), the fan 31 will continue to be stopped, so in this case too, the process proceeds to S317. Then, the process proceeds to S308.

Next, we will explain the processing flow of the body temperature regulation device 30 in this embodiment.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of fan control processing executed by the body temperature regulation device 30 according to the third embodiment.

The process of receiving the control signal in S121 is the same as in the first embodiment. Then, if the output level of the fan 31 indicated by the control signal is "0%", that is, the control signal instructs to turn off the fan 31 (S351 "Yes"), the control device 322 stops the fan 31 (S352).

Also, if the output of the fan 31 indicated by the control signal is other than off (S351 "No"), the control device 322 changes the output of the fan 31 according to the output level of the fan 31 indicated by the control signal (S353). Specifically, the control device 322 controls the air volume of the fan 31 by changing the rotation speed of the fan 31 according to the magnitude of the output level of the fan 31 indicated by the control signal. Then, the process returns to S121, and the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed while the power of the body temperature adjustment device 30 is on.

In this way, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment determines the output level of the fan 31 based on the history of the operation time of the fan 31 and the output level of the fan 31 the previous time it was operated. Therefore, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment has the effects of the first embodiment, and can appropriately adjust the output of the fan 31 according to past performance, thereby reducing consumption of the battery 323 compared to when the output is always fixed at maximum output.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the wearable device 1 displays the remaining charge value of the battery 323 of the body temperature regulation device 30 .

The body temperature regulation system S of this embodiment includes a wearable device 1 and a body temperature regulation device 30, similar to the first to third embodiments.

The wearable terminal 1 also includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, a temperature sensor 13a, a humidity sensor 13b, an acceleration sensor 13c, a pulse sensor 13d, a calculation unit 14, a memory 15, a communication unit 16, a motor 17, and a speaker 18, similar to the first to third embodiments. The wearable terminal 1 also includes, for example, functional units similar to those of the first embodiment (a calculation unit 101, a comparison unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a vibration control unit 105).

The body temperature adjustment device 30 is attached to the garment 3 in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments, and includes a fan 31 and a main body 32. The main body 32 includes a communication device 321, a control device 322, and a battery 323.

The control device 322 of this embodiment has the functions of the first to third embodiments, and further measures the remaining charge value of the battery 323. In addition, the communication device 321 transmits the remaining charge value measured by the control device 322 to the wearable device 1.

In this embodiment, the communication device 16 of the wearable device 1 receives the remaining charge value of the battery 323 transmitted from the body temperature adjustment device 30. In addition, the communication control unit 103 acquires the remaining charge value of the battery 323 via the communication device 16.

The display control unit 104 displays the remaining charge value of the battery 323 on the display 11.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the remaining charge value of the battery 323 according to the fourth embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the display control unit 104 causes the display 11 to display an image 111 representing the remaining charge value of the battery 323. Note that this display format is an example, and the remaining charge value of the battery 323 may also be displayed as a numerical value or text.

When the remaining charge value of the battery 323 is equal to or less than the remaining charge threshold, the display control unit 104 causes the display 11 to display a message M1 that prompts the user to replace the battery 323. The display of the message M1 is an example of an alert in this embodiment. The remaining charge threshold is an example of a third threshold in this embodiment.

In addition, the means for notifying the timing of battery 323 replacement is not limited to displaying message M1. For example, vibration control unit 105 may notify the timing of battery 323 replacement by driving motor 17 to vibrate wearable device 1.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the remaining capacity threshold of the battery 323 according to the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the remaining capacity threshold is "10%". In this case, when the remaining capacity value (R _Bt ) of the battery 323 becomes "10%" or less, an alert is issued. The remaining capacity threshold is stored in the memory 15, for example.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the timing t1 at which an alert is started to prompt the user to replace the battery 323 according to the fourth embodiment. The alert is started at the timing t1 at which the remaining charge value of the battery 323 falls below the remaining charge threshold value of "10%", and continues until the battery 323 is replaced. Note that the user U may be able to stop the alert by operating the operation unit 12.

Next, we will explain the flow of the remaining capacity management process for the battery 323 executed in the body temperature regulation system S of this embodiment configured as described above.

Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the remaining capacity management process of the battery 323 executed by the wearable device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed in parallel with the body temperature adjustment process that controls the operation of the fan 31. The body temperature adjustment process of this embodiment has already been explained in the first to third embodiments, so it is not shown in the figures. In this embodiment, any of the body temperature adjustment processes of the first to third embodiments may be adopted.

The communication device 16 of the wearable device 1 receives the remaining charge value of the battery 323 transmitted from the body temperature regulation device 30 (S401).

If the remaining charge value of the battery 323 is equal to or less than the remaining charge threshold value "10%" (S402 "Yes"), the display control unit 104 causes the display 11 to display a message M1 prompting the user to replace the battery 323 (S403). In this case, the vibration control unit 105 also drives the motor 17 to vibrate the wearable device 1 (S404).

Then, the display control unit 104 updates the display of the remaining charge value of the battery 323 on the display 11 (S405). For example, the display control unit 104 changes the image 111 representing the remaining charge value of the battery 323 according to the latest remaining charge value (S405). The display control unit 104 also updates the display of the remaining charge value of the battery 323 when the remaining charge value of the battery 323 is greater than the remaining charge threshold value of "10%" (S402 "No").

Then, the process returns to S401, and the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed while the power of the wearable device 1 is on.

Next, we will explain the processing flow on the body temperature regulation device 30 side.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the remaining battery charge notification process for the battery 323 executed by the body temperature adjustment device 30 according to the fourth embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed in parallel with the fan control process. The fan control process of this embodiment has already been explained in the first to third embodiments, so it is not shown in the figures. In this embodiment, any of the fan control processes of the first to third embodiments may be used.

The control device 322 of the body temperature adjustment device 30 measures the remaining charge value of the battery 323 (S421). Then, the communication device 321 transmits the remaining charge value of the battery 323 measured by the control device 322 to the wearable device 1 (S422). While the power of the body temperature adjustment device 30 is on, the processing of this flowchart is repeatedly executed.

In this way, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment issues a notification that the remaining charge value of the battery 323 is low when the remaining charge value of the battery 323 is equal to or less than the remaining charge threshold. Therefore, the wearable device 1 of this embodiment has the effects of the first embodiment, and allows the user U to recognize the decrease in the remaining charge value of the battery 323 of the body temperature adjustment device 30 and replace the battery 323 at an appropriate time.

Fifth Embodiment
In the first to fourth embodiments, an air-cooling method using the fan 31 is used as a method for cooling the inside of the garment 3. In the fifth embodiment, a water-cooling method is used instead of the fan 31.

The body temperature regulation system S of this embodiment includes a wearable device 1 and a body temperature regulation device 1030.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of a body temperature adjustment device 1030 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, the body temperature adjustment device 1030 is attached to clothing 3 that can be worn by a user U. The body temperature adjustment device 1030 of this embodiment is an example of a cooling device and a water-cooling device.

The body temperature adjustment device 1030 includes a main body 1032 and a water-cooling tube 34. The main body 1032 and the water-cooling tube 34 are connected by a cable 1033. Note that in FIG. 21, the main body 1032 is exposed to the outside of the garment 3 for the purpose of explanation, but the main body 1032 is also attached inside the garment 3. The water-cooling tube 34 may be attached to the inside of the work clothes, or to a vest or the like worn inside the work clothes.

A cooling liquid flows inside the water-cooling tube 34. The cooling liquid circulates between the water-cooling tube 34 and the main body 1032. The cooling liquid flows into the main body 1032 through the cable 1033, is cooled inside the main body 1032, and then returns to the water-cooling tube 34, thereby cooling the body of the user U.

The main body 1032 includes a communication device (not shown), a control device (not shown), a battery (not shown), a pump (not shown) that circulates the cooling liquid, and a cooling unit (not shown) that cools the cooling liquid. The control device switches the cooling function on and off by circulating or stopping the cooling liquid.

The body temperature adjustment device 1030 may be capable of changing the level of the cooling function, rather than just switching the cooling function on and off. For example, the level of the cooling function can be increased by increasing the circulation speed of the cooling liquid. For example, the level of the cooling function may be expressed as a percentage (%) of the circulation speed of the cooling liquid of the body temperature adjustment device 1030 relative to the maximum speed. The circulation speed of the cooling liquid varies depending on the rotation speed of the pump. The percentage of the circulation speed of the cooling liquid relative to the maximum speed is an example of an output level in this embodiment.

The cooling process flow by the body temperature adjustment device 1030 can be applied by replacing the control of the fan 31 in the processes of the first to third embodiments with the control of the circulation of the cooling liquid.

The wearable terminal 1 also includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, a temperature sensor 13a, a humidity sensor 13b, an acceleration sensor 13c, a pulse sensor 13d, a calculation unit 14, a memory 15, a communication unit 16, a motor 17, and a speaker 18, similar to the first to third embodiments. The wearable terminal 1 also includes, for example, functional units similar to those of the first embodiment (a calculation unit 101, a comparison unit 102, a communication control unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a vibration control unit 105).

The flow of the body temperature adjustment process by the wearable device 1 in this embodiment can be applied to the body temperature adjustment process in the processes of the first to third embodiments.

The body temperature adjustment device 1030 and wearable device 1 of this embodiment may also have the function of managing the remaining battery charge value in the fourth embodiment.

(Variation 1)
In the above-described embodiments, the clothing 3 is described as work clothes, but the use of the clothing 3 is not limited to this. For example, the clothing 3 may be sportswear or outdoor wear worn during exercise. Furthermore, the clothing 3 is not limited to clothing for the upper body, and may be pants, a pad that can be worn on the head, or the like.

(Variation 2)
In addition, a configuration in which some of the functions of the wearable device 1 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by a mobile device such as a smartphone may be adopted. For example, the body temperature adjustment system S may include the wearable device 1 including the sensor 13 and a mobile device including the calculation unit 101, the comparison unit 102, the communication control unit 103, etc.

(Variation 3)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the first heat stress level threshold and the second heat stress level threshold are determined in advance, but may be set by the user U or an administrator.

As described above, according to the first to fifth embodiments, the cooling device worn by the user can be appropriately controlled according to the state of the user or the state of the environment around the user.

The programs executed by the wearable terminal 1 and body temperature adjustment device 30, 1030 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM or the like. The programs executed by the wearable terminal 1 and body temperature adjustment device 30, 1030 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may also be provided by recording them in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

Furthermore, the programs executed by the wearable terminal 1 and the body temperature adjustment device 30, 1030 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Also, the programs executed by the wearable terminal 1 and the body temperature adjustment device 30, 1030 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 wearable terminal 3 clothing 10 main body 11 display 12 operation unit 13 sensor 13a temperature sensor 13b humidity sensor 13c acceleration sensor 13d pulse sensor 14 arithmetic unit 15 memory 16 communication unit 17 motor 18 speaker 20 belt 21a, 21b fixing unit 30, 1030 body temperature adjustment device 31 fan 32, 1032 main body 33, 1033 cable 34 water-cooling tube 101 calculation unit 102 comparison unit 103 communication control unit 104 display control unit 105 vibration control unit 106 determination unit 111 image 321 communication unit 322 control device 323 battery M1 message S body temperature adjustment system U user

Claims (8)

A sensor that acquires biometric information of a user and environmental information regarding an environment surrounding the user;
A computing device;
A communication device;
a storage unit that stores a history of the index value representing the state of the user ,
The computing device includes:
Calculating the index value from the biological information and the environmental information;
Calculating a moving average value of the index value based on the history of the index value;
Comparing the moving average value of the index value with a first threshold value;
The communication device includes:
When the moving average value of the index value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a control signal for driving a cooling device worn by the user is transmitted to the cooling device;
When the moving average value of the index value is less than the first threshold value, a control signal for stopping the cooling device is transmitted to the cooling device.
Wearable device. a main body having the sensor, the computing device, and the communication device;
The main body includes a fixing portion for fixing a wearable member that can be worn on the user's body.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 . The index value is a numerical value that is estimated to correspond to the state of the user among numerical values that are obtained by dividing the level of physical stress that the user receives due to the environment into stages,
the biological information is a pulse rate of the user,
The environmental information is temperature and humidity.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 or 2. The storage unit further stores a history of an operating time of the cooling device and an output level representing a magnitude of an output when the cooling device was previously operated,
The computing device includes:
determining an output level of the cooling device based on a history of an operating time of the cooling device and an output level of the cooling device when it was previously operated;
the communication device transmits a control signal indicative of the determined output level of the cooling device.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 . the communication device receives a remaining charge value of the battery of the cooling device from the cooling device;
The device further includes an alarm device that issues an alarm when the remaining battery charge value is equal to or less than a second threshold value.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 . The cooling device is a fan attached to clothing wearable by the user.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 . The cooling device is a water-cooling device attached to clothing wearable by the user.
The wearable terminal according to claim 1 . A wearable device that can be worn by a user and a body temperature adjustment device that can be worn by the user,
The wearable terminal includes:
A sensor that acquires biometric information of the user and environmental information regarding an environment surrounding the user;
A computing device;
A first communication device;
a storage unit that stores a history of the index value representing the state of the user ,
The computing device includes:
calculating an index value representing a state of the user from the biological information and the environmental information;
Calculating a moving average value of the index value based on the history of the index value;
Comparing the moving average value of the index value with a first threshold value;
The first communication device is
When the moving average value of the index value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a control signal for driving a cooling device worn by the user is transmitted to the cooling device;
When the moving average value of the index value is less than the first threshold value, a control signal for stopping the cooling device is transmitted to the cooling device;
The body temperature regulation device includes:
A fan or a water cooling device for cooling the inside of the garment;
a second communication device that receives a control signal for driving the cooling device and a control signal for stopping the cooling device, the control signal being transmitted from the wearable device;
A control unit that controls the fan or the water cooling device based on the control signal.
Temperature regulation system.

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