HK1027889B - Exercise support instrument - Google Patents

Description

Auxiliary meter for sports

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an auxiliary measuring device for exercise, and more particularly, to an auxiliary measuring device for exercise which can count the amount of exercise repeatedly performed by a user and can output count information.

In the past, a typical representative of such exercise-aid meters was the ten-thousand pedometer (pedometer).

Background

The original pedometer is a simple appliance with priority on functions, and can express the walking number (vibration number) per day through numerical values, signs or values converted into distance and calorie.

However, with this device only the number of walks per day can be known, and for situations especially engaged in long exercise activities, it will soon become unsatisfactory if it can only be used as a measuring device. Furthermore, even if the number of walking steps per day is known, it is difficult for the user to obtain a specific satisfaction (sense of achievement) after the user continues for, for example, one week. Particularly, when the exercise is carried out for a rest day, the satisfaction will be flushed and no storage exists after one week.

The original ten-thousand-step meter does not need to carry out resetting operation every day, and can also carry out measurement on the accumulated step number of days.

However, even if the cumulative number of steps over several days is known, the user cannot know whether the quota (target value) to be fulfilled by the decision is reached every day. To understand this, recording must be performed by other means, and therefore, complicated management tasks other than exercise activities must be performed.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the original pedometer can only use the quota value that the user has decided to complete.

However, the number of walks in a day may not be the same for each person due to differences in physical strength and lifestyle, among other things. Further, since the beginner often does not know how many steps he or she can walk in one day, when the target value is determined according to the intention of the beginner, the determined target value is often an unreasonable target value, and thus it is impossible to maintain the exercise activity for a long period of time. On the other hand, if the beginner wishes to be able to determine a reasonable target value, it is necessary to record the number of steps per day before use and analyze the record in detail, and thus it is also forced to bear considerable work.

Therefore, as described above, the conventional pedometer has only a single function of expressing the number of steps per day by numerical values or the like, so that it is difficult for the user to enjoy the exercise activity by it, and thus it is impossible for the apparatus to give appropriate help to the management of the exercise activity (fitness exercise) for a long time.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an exercise aid meter which enables a user to enjoy an exercise activity and which can provide appropriate assistance for the exercise activity (fitness exercise) over a long period of time.

The above problem can be solved by the constitution shown in fig. 1. In other words, the exercise assisting device according to the first aspect of the present invention may include an exercise amount counting unit configured to count an amount of exercise of repetitive exercise performed by a user; a memory for storing image information of an artifact belonging to a plurality of levels; a control part for evaluating the motion quantity obtained by counting by the motion quantity counting part to select the false creatures with corresponding grade; a display part for reading the image information of the selected false creature through the memory and displaying the image information on the picture.

If the exercise assisting meter constructed according to the first aspect of the present invention is used, the magnitude of the amount of exercise of the user's repetitive exercise can be displayed by the pseudo-biological image information belonging to several levels, so that the user is happy to perform the training and exercise activities regardless of the short time or the long time. For example, even if it is used in a short time (single time), it is possible to mark different levels by displaying turtles at 500 steps, humans at ten thousand steps, and angels at twenty thousand steps.

The amount of the repetitive exercise of the user may be the number of times of various reciprocating motions such as a walking motion, a lifting motion, a stretching motion, an abdominal muscle motion, etc., while the user is traveling. Therefore, the motion amount counting section may be constituted by, for example, a counter or the like, but does not include only a motion measuring device (vibration sensor or the like) that converts a motion behavior (walking or the like) into a reciprocating signal. Moreover, the artifact may be various real and only imaginary creatures (for example, animals, fishes, insects, plants, dinosaurs, angels, etc.) which can be displayed on the screen by computer processing. The level may be a level including a higher concept/a lower concept, or may be a certain division form only for different stages. In the former case (including the upper level concept/lower level concept), it is possible to design image information of an artifact belonging to the upper level concept (e.g., high level, healthy, happy, etc.)/lower level concept (e.g., low level, fat, sick, etc.) corresponding to the magnitude of the amount of exercise. In the latter case (only some form of division of the different phases), it is also possible to design image information of the artefact object corresponding to the magnitude of the movement, but independent of the level, only for the division of the different phases. In the latter case, the user may also be given unexpected pleasure and surprise.

The second aspect of the present invention provides a sports support meter, which is a more preferable sports support meter, wherein the storage device may further store image information of a plurality of levels, which is related to the type, shape, expression and/or movement of an artifact.

Such an exercise aid meter may also be used to store, for example, genres such as biped creatures, quadruped creatures, anetodle creatures, and the like; storage of morphologies such as health, obesity, and morbidity of human species; it is also possible to store expressions for expressing expressions such as smiling face, normal mood, moulting (depression), and the like of human species, and exercises (interesting actions) for expressing mood elevation, general mood, low mood, and the like of human species. Therefore, if the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the second aspect of the present invention is employed, the evaluation result of the amount of exercise can be displayed in a very rich presentation form not only by different species but also by the body shape, expression, and exercise, etc. of the species.

The exercise assisting device according to the third aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device in which the control unit manages a relative period from a reference time, and the selected artifact-generating species is evolved or grown as the relative period elapses.

Here, the reference time may refer to a reference day such as when an exercise activity starts or the like; the relative period from the reference day may refer to a first period day (first day), a second period day (second day), and the like, which are counted from the reference time (reference day). If the exercise aid meter constructed according to the third aspect of the present invention is used, it is possible to not only simply count daily performances but also to feel fun from the state of evolution and growth of a pseudomorphic living being when a long exercise activity is performed.

Further, the exercise assisting device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device in which the control unit stores a target value of the amount of exercise reached in one relative period and evaluates the amount of exercise counted by the amount of exercise counting unit in each relative period based on a result of determination of the target/non-target reaching.

Here, one relative period may refer to one day. The target value can be set manually or automatically. If the exercise assisting meter according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is used, the daily target achievement rate can be known in detail when a long-time exercise activity is performed, and the judgment of the exercise result can be made by achieving/failing to achieve the target, so that the user can easily remember, and the user can set the daily target value at a position which can be simply achieved, so that encouragement can be obtained from the exercise activity. Moreover, this goal/goal achievement judgment is not the same as in the past, it is not a subjective judgment result, but an objective and rigorous result given by mechanical means (by evaluation by a third party). Therefore, the user (user) can obtain a greater satisfaction when the goal is reached, and can give a notice to the next round when the goal is not reached, so as to promote the user to continue the exercise.

Further, the exercise assisting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device in which the control unit counts the accumulated value of the amount of exercise for a predetermined period, and the target value is obtained by calculating the accumulated value x (one relative period/predetermined period).

In the exercise assisting meter constructed according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is also considered that the beginner may have difficulty in determining his/her own target value, so that it can perform automatic setting of the target value. The user may not be able to make a determination of the daily target value, but may conveniently decide to perform an exercise (such as walking, etc.) at the appropriate time of day.

If the relative period is taken as one day and the predetermined period is taken as three days, the user can know the information. If, for example, the user can get the cumulative value 32000 steps based on the sum of the walking results of 3 hours (12000 steps) on the first day, 2 hours (8000 steps) on the second day, and 3 hours (12000 steps) on the third day. Therefore, the target value 32000 × (1/3) — 10666 steps, and 10000 steps after omitting the mantissa can be taken.

Thus, the user can perform the exercise within the simply calculated range of motion, and can set an exercise target value that is reasonable in fitting. In this case, although a relatively high exercise rate may be set if the mood is high and a relatively low exercise rate may be set if the mood is low, the user can appropriately adjust the exercise activity according to the feeling of tension or relaxation when the user is engaged in the exercise activity. The predetermined period (for example, three days) may be shorter than the predetermined period (for example, one day), and may be, for example, half a day. In this case, the target value is equal to the half-day integrated value x (1/0.5), and the target value can be obtained in a short time.

Further, the exercise assisting device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device in which the control unit manages the vital signs for controlling the selection of the type or form of the artifact, and increases or decreases the vital signs in the next round based on the result of the determination of the achievement/non-achievement of the goal obtained in each relative period.

If the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is used, the past performance can be reflected in the current vital sign, and the experience of the exercise activity can be represented by a time curve. Further, since the selection of the kind or form of the artificial creature can be controlled according to the vital energy index, the artificial creature (cyber pet) appearing on the display screen can be evolved into a biped creature (human creature) or changed/grown into a healthy form (physique) by the effort of one day. If not tried every day, it will evolve to be either an apathy organism or change/grow to an obese and morbid form (body shape). If effort is given for a while and not for a while, species and morphology will vary to the extent possible. Therefore, the result of the long-time exercise activity can be displayed in a rich form by the evolution status, the growth status, the body shape change, etc. of the cyber pet and according to the time curve. For such a case, the progress of the exercise activity can be well expressed by the growth condition of the cyber pet.

Further, an exercise assisting device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a preferable exercise assisting device in which the control unit stores one or more target achievement rates that are pushed back from the current time point, increases the target value of the next round when the one or more target achievement rates are greater than 1 and exceed the first predetermined threshold, and decreases the target value of the next round when the one or more target achievement rates are less than 1 and are lower than the second predetermined threshold.

Generally, although there is an advantage in that the exercise rate cannot be changed once set, when an excessively high rate is set, the cyber pet on the screen may gradually weaken even if the cyber pet tries to make a strong effort, and when an excessively low rate is set, the cyber pet on the screen may grow healthily even if the cyber pet does not try to make a strong effort, which is not in accordance with the subjective assumption of the user and is a cause of the user not being able to keep exercising for a long time. Therefore, in the exercise assist meter according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is also possible to evaluate the target achievement rate for, for example, two consecutive days, and to change the target value according to the degree of effort. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the inconsistency with the subjective consciousness of the user, and even if the user feels dissatisfied or unhappy at the start of the exercise activity, it is possible to feel appropriate pleasure in the subsequent exercise activity, so that it is possible to give appropriate help to the exercise activity (fitness exercise) for a long time with such a gauge.

The exercise assisting device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device in which the control unit stores one or more target achievement rates that are pushed back from the current time point, and performs sudden change so as to select the artifact of the next round as the upper-level species when the one or more target achievement rates are greater than 1 and exceed a third predetermined threshold.

If the exercise aid meter according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen is suddenly changed if the user continuously tries during the exercise, so that even some lazy persons can have an opportunity to evolve to a species belonging to the previous class. Moreover, if the user greatly changes the amount of exercise during the exercise activity, the subject can also track the change in the amount of exercise through a reasonable and rich presentation.

Further, an exercise aid meter according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the exercise aid meter according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the memory stores image information indicating that the dummy living body is asleep, and the control unit manages the actual time, and displays the image information indicating that the dummy living body is in the wake-up state, instead of the image information indicating that the dummy living body is in the wake-up state, between the first scheduled time of yesternight and the second scheduled time of the morning.

If the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen can not only grow and evolve, but also can get up in the morning and go to sleep at night similarly to the user, so that the cyber pet can live together with the user, and the user can feel that the cyber pet grows together, thereby giving a sense of familiarity when engaged in an exercise.

The exercise assisting meter according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting meter in which the memory stores image information showing a virtual living habit, the control unit manages actual time, and the image information showing a living habit is inserted or superimposed on the screen at an appropriate timing when the amount of exercise equal to or more than a predetermined value is detected during a predetermined time in late night.

When the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen can not only grow and develop, but also generate an appropriate image concerning a living habit (warning) when it is detected that the user walks around at night, etc., thereby promoting the user to exercise healthily for a long time.

Further, the exercise auxiliary meter according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is a preferable exercise auxiliary meter, wherein the control unit stores information on an adaptation index corresponding to the year, month and day of birth and season of the user and/or a power index corresponding to a specific time, and manages an emotional weather schedule for selecting an expression or exercise of a pseudo organism displayed on the screen, and the power index and the random number corresponding to the actual time are calculated from the current time and/or the yesterday target achievement rate based on the evaluation result of the current time and/or the yesterday target achievement rate, a biorhythm corresponding to the current year, month and day, a comfort index corresponding to the actual month and day, and the power index and the random number corresponding to the actual time, and performing combined weight evaluation once or more than two times, and further solving a proper time period index for the emotional weather chart.

If the exercise assisting meter constructed according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen can not only make changes such as evolution, growth, etc. but also make changes in body shape corresponding to the indicators of vitality of life, and also change the expression and exercise (interesting action) of the cyber pet through an appropriate time curve according to the emotional weather chart indicating the mental state of the cyber pet.

The emotional weather chart is mainly determined by weight through evaluation of short-term target achievement rate and is not directly related to life vitality index for determining the body shape of the electronic pet. Therefore, even in a state of being in a healthy physique (vital indicator), if yesterday does not make an effort, today is represented without spirits in the morning. On the contrary, even if the physique (vital signs) is in an obese and morbid state, it is vigorous today at night as long as it is tried today.

Moreover, the biological rhythm of the user, the comfort index corresponding to the season and day, and the mood index corresponding to the time (morning and evening) can be superimposed on the emotional weather chart, so that the expression and attitude of the electronic pet can be closer to the current mood of the user. For such a case, the cyber pet seems to be in the same place (living environment) as the user, and lives in the same environment.

Moreover, a plurality of random numbers can be superposed on the emotional weather chart, so that the mood (expression, mental state of inspiration and the like) of the electronic pet can be changed in some parts. For such a case, the cyber pet may be as it is or may be as it is by others.

In addition, when the selection control is performed on the expression of the artificial living being displayed on the screen, only a part of the expression of the form (cyber pet) displayed on the screen may be replaced, or all of various different expression forms (cyber pets) may be selected. Therefore, if the exercise assisting meter constructed according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is used, it is possible to continue the exercise by enjoying the cyber pet, which is rich in expression and mental state, from the exercise activity for a long time.

The exercise auxiliary meter according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention may further include a dialogue button for dialogue with the virtual creature, the memory stores a plurality of pieces of image information that abstractly indicate the happiness, the disavowal, and the like of the virtual creature, and the control unit stores related information of an adaptation index corresponding to the birth year, the year, and/or a strength index corresponding to a specific time of the user, manages an emotional weather schedule for controlling the actual time, the actual year, and selection of the dialogue response screen, and manages a biorhythm, and a duration of the current year, and the yesterday based on the evaluation result of the target achievement rate of the current time and/or the yesterday, And performing one or more combined weight evaluations on the comfort index corresponding to the actual year, month and day, the strength index corresponding to the actual time, and the random number, solving an emotional weather chart when the dialog key input is present, and displaying image information, which abstractly represents the mental state corresponding to the emotional weather chart, on the dialog response picture.

If the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen may not only change in evolution, growth, etc., but also change in body shape according to the indicators of vitality of life, and may display image information abstractly indicating that the cyber pet is in a happy or unhappy state according to the emotional weather chart indicating the mental state of the cyber pet when the interactive buttons for interacting with the cyber pet are pressed.

The abstract image is an image composed of, for example, abstract facial expressions, regardless of the kind and shape of the cyber pet, and thus, even on a screen having a limited size, various mental states (vigorous, happy, angry, fear, sadness, oppression, laziness, fatigue, depression, sickness, etc.) of the cyber pet can be expressed abstractly and easily. But also can represent various mental states of the electronic pet by abstract moving images (such as simple animation mode and the like).

Moreover, the exercise auxiliary meter according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a preferable exercise auxiliary meter, which is provided with a dialogue key for dialogue with a phantom creature, and the memory stores an intelligence conversion chart corresponding to image information related to a case where an evaluation result such as a season, a year, a month, a day, a time and/or a current time and/or a yesterday target achievement rate is criticized, encouraged and/or raised as various conditions; the control unit manages the actual time and the actual year, month and day, and extracts the corresponding image information from the information conversion chart and displays the image information on the dialogue response screen, based on the evaluation result of the current year, month and day, and/or the current and/or yesterday target achievement ratio, by inputting the information through the dialogue button.

If the exercise assisting meter according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is used, the cyber pet on the screen may not only change in evolution, growth, etc., but also change in body shape according to the life activity index, and when a dialogue button for dialogue with the cyber pet is pressed, image information related to criticism, encouragement, and/or approval is outputted to the screen (and also to a speaker as necessary) according to the target achievement rate evaluation result at the present time, the actual time (morning, daytime, night, etc.), the season, and the actual year, month, and day (calendar information), etc. Thus, in this manner, the user can also experience the enjoyment of the conversation with the electronic pet, such as "today is an emotive! "blessing of the like.

The exercise assisting device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device, wherein the exercise assisting device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention may further comprise a predetermined button, and the control unit may set the counting operation of the exercise amount counting unit to an activated state or a deactivated state in accordance with an input result of the predetermined button.

For example, if the main body is used as a pedometer, if the user is riding on a train or a car, the shaking motion of the train or car is detected by the main body and counted as the amount of motion, although the user is not walking. Therefore, in the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is also possible to put the counting operation of the movement amount counting section in the activated state or the inactivated state by a simple key operation.

The exercise assisting meter according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting meter in which the exercise amount counting unit detects a signal generation time interval related to the amount of exercise of the reciprocating motion of the user, evaluates the time interval based on a predetermined threshold, and counts different signals belonging to different time intervals as the amount of exercise of the item.

If, for example, the subject is used as a pedometer, it cannot distinguish between slow walking and fast walking regardless of whether the user is walking, and thus cannot make a correct assessment of the amount of motion. Therefore, in the exercise assisting device constructed according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the time interval of the exercise that occurs continuously is also detected, the time interval is evaluated based on the magnitude of the time interval and the threshold value, and the signals belonging to different time intervals are counted as the amount of exercise of different items (for example, slow walking or fast walking). It can perform correct evaluation of the user's quantity of motion.

The meter for aiding exercise according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise meter for aiding in exercise, wherein the controller has a predetermined game processing function, and the life activity index or the emotional weather chart of the user is improved when the user wins the game.

The improvement of vitality indicators and emotional weather charts can basically only be achieved by achieving the daily goal. However, this alone is too rigid, too rigid for long exercise activities, and lacks variability. Therefore, the auxiliary meter for exercise constructed according to the present invention can play games in the interval of exercise activities, and can increase the vitality index or emotional weather chart (the necessary target achievement rate) as a reward for the user to win the game. So that the game can be played with a rest on a certain day without performing exercise activities.

The exercise assisting device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a predetermined key, wherein the control unit comprises a plurality of personal data files for managing a relative period, a target value, and a vital sign of the user, and switches the personal data file to be used in accordance with an input operation of the predetermined key.

If such personal data files are provided, it is also possible to manage the exercise activities of several persons (say A, B) in parallel using a low-priced body, making A, B enjoyable in competition. If for example a body can be used today to switch from a to personal data file a, an update can be performed on the personal data file belonging to a. In this process, the running of the personal data file belonging to B is stopped, and B can be prepared for tomorrow. The next day, B is switched to the personal data file B and the agent is used to update the personal data file belonging to B. In the process, the running of the personal data file belonging to a is stopped, and a can also be prepared for tomorrow.

And if for example, for a that does not move three days per week, it is also possible to switch to the personal data file a and use the subject only on the day of the outgoing exercise, with the personal data file B that is not used as the virtual personal data file. In this way, the personal data file belonging to a, although not performing the exercise activities in order for three days per week, may be updated as if it were performed continuously every day.

The exercise assisting device according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably an exercise assisting device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, and may further include a signal input unit connected to an exercise measuring device provided at an external portion by a wired, optical, or wireless connection, for inputting a detection signal relating to an amount of exercise repeatedly performed by a user, the detection signal being detected by the external exercise measuring device.

If, for example, the body is used as a pedometer, a simple vibration sensor may be incorporated in the body. However, the exercise performed by the user may not only be walking, but also various reciprocating motions (for example, a motion for strengthening a chest muscle, etc.) using various machines at a place such as a sports center, etc. In this case, even if a complex motion is performed by using a plurality of types of motion machines, the motion can be converted into a reciprocating pulse signal similar to that of the vibration sensor and can be conveniently output to the outside as long as the motion is reciprocated.

Therefore, in the exercise assisting meter constructed according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the detection signal relating to the amount of repetitive exercise of the user, which is detected, can be inputted also at the exercise metering device provided externally through the signal input means, and further the same processing can be carried out as a ten-thousand-step meter. When walking in one step, the amount of exercise may not be comparable to that when performing one chest muscle strengthening exercise, but the user may take at least all exercises during one day as exercise evaluation subjects without omission. However, it can be used from the beginning as a device for managing the strengthening exercise of the muscles of the chest. Further, since the chest muscle strengthening exercise performed by the exercise machine can be converted into the corresponding number of steps and output as the pulse signal, it is possible to perform the combination calculation of the walking exercise and the chest muscle strengthening exercise and to accurately evaluate the entire exercise amount.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the principles of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic external view showing an auxiliary meter for exercise (a health-preserving pedometer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an exercise auxiliary meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a data file for exercise activity as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining the form of an electronic pet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing a main process in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing a motion counting process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic flowchart (1) showing a date change process in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic flowchart (2) showing a date change process in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a schematic flowchart (3) showing a date change process in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a schematic flowchart (4) showing a date change process in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart (1) showing an electronic pet dialogue processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart (2) showing the electronic pet dialogue processing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing another control process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a life conversion chart in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining an emotional weather chart as one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a dialogue output extraction chart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a schematic explanatory view (1) for explaining a display screen in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a schematic explanatory view (2) for explaining a display screen in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a graph for showing a change in body weight of an electronic pet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic time chart (1) for explaining a health-preserving pedometer as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic time chart (2) for explaining a health-preserving pedometer as an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a schematic explanatory view (1) for explaining a use mode of the exercise auxiliary meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a schematic explanatory view (2) for explaining a use mode of the exercise auxiliary meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Fig. 2 is a schematic external view showing an exercise aid meter (health care pedometer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2(a) shows the dimensions of the main body 10 in one practical application, namely, the width W is about 50 mm, the height H is about 30 mm, and the thickness D is about 10 mm. An instrument portion (for example, a liquid crystal display 27, a key switch, or the like) is provided on the surface thereof, a connection socket 36 as described later is provided on the side surface thereof, and a mounting tool (not shown) for mounting to a belt or the like is provided on the inner surface thereof. The external shape of the main body 10 is not limited to the rectangular shape as shown in the drawings, but may be in various shapes such as a circle that can be worn on a belt, etc., within a range that does not impair the mechanical and operational performance of the main body 10.

Fig. 2(B) shows by way of example a standard scale 10 which may be carried in use by hanging (or winding) an internally located mounting device on a belt 50.

Fig. 2(C) shows another type of meter 10, which is structured such that an installation adapter (cover-shaped member) 10A is disposed in a freely openable and closable manner at the surface of the main body 10 by means such as a hinge member 41 and the like. In use, carrying may be carried by hanging a mounting device (not shown) located at the interior of such an adapter 10A on the belt 50. Generally, the main body 10 can also be latched at the adapter 10A for use (during movement) by a latching member 42 (e.g., a latching mechanism or a magnet, etc.), and the main body 10 can also be opened when it is desired to perform observation of the operation meter portion.

Fig. 2(D) shows still another type of meter 10, which has a handle-like member 43 mounted at a substantially central portion of the upper side of the main body 10, and has a structural configuration (key-seat type structural configuration) that can be used by hanging it on the belt 50 with a cord (or a button lock) 44 in a loop shape using such a handle-like member 43.

Instead of the above-described grip-like member 43, a hole having a shape indicated by an arrow p or q may be directly provided in the main body 10.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a structure of an exercise auxiliary meter according to an embodiment.

In fig. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a meter casing (main body) 11, reference numeral 12 denotes a printed circuit board, reference numeral 21 denotes a central processor for performing main control of the main body 10, reference numeral 22 denotes a crystal oscillation element, reference numeral 23 denotes a Real Time Clock Unit (RTCU), reference numeral 24 denotes a common bus for the central processor 21, reference numeral 25 denotes a read only memory, reference numeral 26 denotes a random access memory, reference numeral 27 denotes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), reference numeral 28 denotes a control unit (LCDC) for the liquid crystal display, reference numeral 29 denotes a Speaker (SPK) formed of, for example, a piezoelectric vibrating plate or the like, reference numeral 30 denotes a fundamental frequency processing unit (BBC) for converting acoustic data into acoustic signals (sound), reference numeral 31 denotes a vibration detector for detecting motion (e.g., walking) or the like, reference numeral 32 denotes a component (PIO) for input and output of peripheral devices for the central processor 21, reference numeral "←" denotes a left key, reference numeral "→" denotes a right key, reference numeral "OK" denotes a OK (select) key, reference numeral "R" denotes a reset key, reference numeral 33 denotes a button-type Battery (BAT) such as 3 volts or the like, reference numeral 34 denotes a Power Switch (PSW), reference numeral 35 denotes an external bar-type component (e.g., a coupling bar or the like) used when the power of the main body is temporarily cut off, reference numeral 36 denotes a connection socket, and reference numeral 37 denotes a communication Component (CU).

The central processor 21 has a function of performing reception on the external insertion signals I1, I2 given by the real-time clock assembly 23 and the vibration detector 31, and the internal insertion signals generated in accordance with the internal action (timing function, etc.) of the central processor 21. The read-only memory 25 stores a common data file 25a (for example, various pet patterns shown in fig. 5, various data charts shown in fig. 15 to 17, and fig. 20, and the like), control programs shown in fig. 6 to 14, various screen configuration information shown in fig. 18 and fig. 19, and the like, as shown in fig. 4 (C). In the random access memory 26, a common data file 26a shown in fig. 4(a), personal data files 26B, 26c shown in fig. 4(B), and other variable data information and the like are stored.

The real-time clock component 23 divides the master clock signal MCK output by the central processor 21, and generates the real-time clock insertion signal RTC at a rate of, for example, once every 10 milliseconds. The central processor 21 manages information on the real time (actual time) in the random access memory 26a based on this real time clock insertion signal RTC. Of course, a central processor with a real-time clock function may be used.

Fig. 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing a structural configuration of the vibration detector 31 as an embodiment.

In fig. 3(a), reference numeral 31a denotes a hollow housing, reference numeral 31b denotes a spherical weight contact point member made of metal, reference numeral 31c denotes a support member used for the weight contact point member, and reference numeral 31d denotes a fixing member made of an insulating material for fixing and holding the support member 31c to the housing 31 a. The case 31a is made of a metal material or a material in which at least the inner surface of the hole is covered with a metal covering surface, and the metal covering surface is configured as a ground connection point for grounding a ground portion in the printed circuit board 12. The support member 31c may be composed of a spring material in a form such as a bar, a plate, a coil, or the like, and has an appropriate elastic coefficient and damping coefficient that can perform soft support on the weight contact point member 31b having a predetermined weight. With this configuration, the weight contact point member 31b will not come into contact with the housing 31a under the condition of vibration (acceleration) such as 1/2 cycles or less, and follow-up vibration will not be generated for vibration (acceleration) of 5 cycles or more. The contact signal output from the weight contact point member 31b may be input to the schmitt trigger circuit ST through the load resistor R1, so that the noise resistance may be increased. Further, such output signal S is also input to the external plug-in signal interface path I2 in the central processor 21 through the connection jack 36.

The connection socket 36 has a spring contact 36a and a fixed contact 36b and is generally used to transmit the output signal S of the vibration detector 31 to the central processor 21. However, when the connector pin of the cable 10B is inserted from the outside, the front end of the pin presses the spring contact point 36a, thereby disconnecting the vibration detector 31 from the central processor 21 and simultaneously inputting the signal output from the cable 10B to the central processor 21. The spring contact 36a is biased to + V by a load resistor R2, and the spring contact 36a is also connected to an open-output collector-type drive circuit (e.g., schmitt trigger circuit, etc.). The case where the cable 10B is used will be described below with reference to fig. 23 and 24.

Such a vibration detector 31 may be constituted by a piezoelectric element, and a commercially available vibration detector may be employed as such a vibration sensor. The communication module 37 may be omitted as necessary, and the mode of use in this case will be described with reference to fig. 23.

Fig. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a data file for use in an exercise activity as one implementation form. Fig. 4(a) shows a common data file, in which the contents are stored in registers of the random access memory 26 a. Here, a general explanation is employed, in which "actual year, month and day" indicates year, month and day of actual use, "actual time" indicates time (hour, minute and second) of actual use, "conversation clock" indicates a clock for generating a time base curve of conversation between the electronic pet and the user, "clock" indicates a general clock, and "personal data file identifier" indicates an identifier component for selecting the personal data files 26b and 26c as described later.

The "actual year, month, day" and "actual time" may be matched with the current year, month, day, hour, minute, second, etc. input by the user at the beginning by a time matching process as described later. If, for example, the "actual time" can be managed in units of 10 ms, the last bit in the actual time information is stepped by +1 to update the time, minute, and second when the real-time clock insertion signal RTC is generated at intervals of 10 ms. And if necessary, updating of "actual year, month and day" may be performed based on calendar information and the like.

The processing flow used in the "dialogue clock" is not shown in the figure, but the dialogue processing routine B shown in fig. 12(B) may be performed once when the clock external insertion signal (or internal insertion signal) is generated at a predetermined or random period. If, for example, a hardware clock counter (not shown) inside the central processor 21 sets the "dialogue clock" to 10 minutes, the counter steps back the count value at intervals of 10 milliseconds, and generates an insertion signal for ending the count time when the content in the counter is "0". By this reception processing, it is also possible to reset the chronograph clock counter to 10 minutes (this value may also be changed in the counter), and to shift the subsequent control processing to the conversation processing B. Further, such a "dialogue clock" may be used in such a manner that an actual time insertion signal is sequentially generated at a predetermined time or a random time in a day.

Here, the explanation is given by taking an example of inserting signal processing at an actual time. When the reception process is performed on the real-time clock insertion signal I1, this "actual time" is compared with a predetermined time, and when the "actual time" and the predetermined time match, the date change process shown in fig. 8 to 11 is performed.

Fig. 4(B) shows a personal data file associated with an exercise activity (training), in which the contents are stored in registers of the random access memory 26B.

Here, the general description is used, in which "screen" indicates the instruction number of the basic screen normally displayed during the exercise activity, "name" indicates the name (i.e., the name of the person or the love of the cyber pet, etc.) inputted by the user, "date of birth" indicates the year, month, and day of birth of the user, "relative date" indicates the relative date with respect to the exercise activity start date, "target achievement flag" indicates the mark for achieving the target/not achieving the target, "target value" indicates the target value (fixed amount) of the movement during the day, the target value may be set by the user, or may be automatically set by the main body 10 based on the result of measurement performed on the movement of the user for, for example, three days, and "current time" indicates the time when the vibration detector 31 detects the vibration of this time, "previous time" indicates the time when the previous vibration was detected by the vibration detector 31, "slow walking count value" indicates the number of steps that the user has walked slowly, "fast walking count value" indicates the number of steps that the user has walked quickly, "evaluation temporary storage value" indicates the total amount of movement (converted to the number of steps) stored for the user to walk slowly and fast during one day, "accumulation temporary storage value" indicates the amount of movement accumulated during the first three days from the start of the exercise activity (measurement period) until the end of the exercise activity, "yesterday achievement rate" indicates the target achievement rate for yesterday, "current achievement rate" indicates the target rate of current achievement, "yesternight count value" indicates the number of steps at the time of yesterday night (for example, from 2 to 4 am), and "present walking count value" indicates the number of steps at the time of today (for example, from 2 to 4 am) The number of lines, the "cyber pet" is an indication serial number for indicating that the form of the living body (cyber pet) is assumed, the "bedtime flag" is an indication that the cyber pet is in sleep, the "life vitality index" is an index for indicating the form (body shape, life) and the like of the cyber pet according to the health state of the cyber pet, "emotional weather chart" is an index for indicating the expression, movement and the like according to the mental state (mood, strength, vitality and the like) of the cyber pet, "pause index" is an index for indicating whether or not to actually count the amount of exercise, "biorhythm" is a biorhythm obtained according to the year, month and day of birth of the user, "time period index" is an index for indicating the change in strength (daytime type, night type and the like) of the cyber pet (i.e., the user) during one day, and "sound index" is an index for indicating whether or not to control the output of sound.

Further, it is also possible to adopt a plurality of (for example, two) personal data files 26b and 26c and manage training situations of two persons by switching operation of the user.

If, for example, two users use the main body 10 alternately during the day, a first person can manage his training situation by means of the first personal data file 26b, while a second person can manage his training situation by means of the second personal data file 26 c. In a state where two persons compete, training results for each of the two persons (30 days per person on average) can be obtained after two months.

Of course, both personal data files may also be used by one person. For this situation, the first personal data file 26b may be used during weekdays (e.g., monday to friday) and the second personal data file 26c may be used during holidays (e.g., saturday and sunday), so that targets may be set for each of a plurality of training menus (training modes) of a person in a manner consistent with different liferhythms.

It is also possible to take the first personal data file 26b for actual use and the second personal data file 26c for virtual use. When a sudden illness occurs (for example, when a cold, a belly pain, or the like), or when a business trip or the like occurs, the life rule of which is different from the normal daily life rule, the second personal data file 26c is switched to, and the first personal data file 26b is temporarily put to a rest state during the time. The use of such personal data files can also be implemented in a wide variety of other ways of use.

Fig. 4(C) shows the common data file without other changes, and is stored in the read-only memory 25 a. Here, the general description is adopted, in which the "life variation graph" indicates a graph (see fig. 15) for determining the evolution status, morphological status (health, obesity, etc.) of the electronic pet based on the life vitality index of the electronic pet, the "calendar graph" indicates a graph having calendar information for a week, a season, a holiday, a christmas, an olympic festival, etc. corresponding to an actual year, month, and day, the "season index" indicates an index (see fig. 16) for a life condition index (comfort index, discomfort index, etc.) corresponding to a season, the "conversation output extraction graph" indicates a graph (see fig. 17) for maintaining the image and information intelligence of the electronic pet extracted at the time of a conversation with the electronic pet, and the "weight variation graph" indicates a graph for converting the growth status and the life vitality index of the electronic pet into a graph for reusing the electronic pet (see fig. 20), the "cyber pet pattern" indicates various image information on the species status, the evolution status, the morphological status (growth, body shape, etc.), the expression, the movement (activity), whether the cyber pet is in sleep, the living habit, etc. of the cyber pet (see FIG. 5).

Fig. 5 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a form of an electronic pet as one embodiment of the present invention.

Various pet images are stored in the rom 25 in advance in a time series of birth → evolution (juvenile time) → growth (juvenile time, adolescent time) → final state (angels). And various electronic pet patterns can be read by the indication serial number "s-ahf".

The first letter "s" indicates the class to which the cyber pet belongs, wherein "N" indicates clay-like amorphous organisms (protists), "T" indicates bipod organisms, "F" indicates tetrapod organisms, and "Z" indicates podium organisms (animals in this embodiment). The second letter "a" indicates a time period for the cyber pet to be in each time stage of birth, evolution, growth, etc., wherein "0" indicates a birth period, "1" indicates an evolution period (a childhood period), "2" indicates a teenage period, "3" indicates a teenage period, and "4" indicates a final state (an angel). The third letter "h" indicates the health status (body shape, etc.) of the cyber pet, wherein "4" indicates health, "3" indicates normal, "2" indicates obesity, "1" indicates morbid status, and "0" indicates death. The health status of the electronic pet is determined according to the life vitality index. The fourth letter "f" indicates the emotional state of the cyber pet, wherein "4" indicates excitement, "3" indicates normality, "2" indicates unhappy, "1" indicates anxiety. The emotional state of the electronic pet is mainly determined according to an emotional weather chart.

It is possible to specify specific image information on the biological species, the evolution status, the growth status, the health status, and the emotional status (including interesting actions) through different combinations of the respective indication serial numbers "s", "a", "h", and "f" and to apply various information to the indication serial number "s-ahf" as the exercise activity progresses, so that it can be integrated with the user in a sense that the user can dynamically feel the progress status of the exercise activity from the outside and the inside (spirit) through the electronic pet at a different position from the user and can express it through a rich form.

Fig. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing a main process as an embodiment of the present invention.

When the power is connected to the main body 10 (for example, the button battery 33 is inserted, or the power switch 34 is switched from the off state to the on state), the main processing procedure is entered. In the process step S1, an initial setting process is performed. If, for example, a public data file 26a, a personal data file 26b, 26c, etc. is made at the random access storage 26 and the required parameters are set to the omitted values.

In a process step S2, the time clock matching picture is displayed on the liquid crystal display 27. Sound data is also output to the speaker 29 when necessary. Fig. 18(a) shows an example of a time clock matching picture. In step S3, the user can input the calendar year, month, day and current time by pressing keys, and the central processor 21 writes the input year, month, day and time into the "actual year, month and day" and "actual time" in the random access memory 26a, respectively. The process step S4 displays a target setting screen. Fig. 18(B) shows an example of the target setting screen. In step S5, the user inputs his/her name (or the love of the cyber pet), his/her birth year, month, and day, and also inputs a target value (number of steps in one day) as necessary. The central processor 21 writes the input name, year of birth, month, and day in the random access memory 26b at the "name", "year of birth, month, and day", respectively.

The user may not set the target value at this time. If the user does not set the target value, the "relative date" can be set to, for example, -3 days by the process step S6. For the case where the target value is set, the input target value is set at the "target value" in the random access memory 26 by the process step S7, and the "relative date" is set to 0 by the process step S8. The process step S9 sets the serial number of the preparation screen in the "screen" of the random access memory 26 b.

In the output editing process performed in the program step S10, the display (and notification) information necessary for the screen display is selected and edited based on the instruction number in the "screen" of the ram 26b, and the selected and edited information is output to the liquid crystal display control unit 28 and the baseband processing unit 30 for subsequent processing. The edit information is displayed on the liquid crystal display 27 in the process step S11, and also the sound data can be output to the speaker 29 as needed.

On the first day of turning on the power to the main body, the "screen" in the process step S9 is the preparation screen, and therefore the preparation screen is displayed first in the process step S11. Fig. 18(C) shows an example of the preparation screen. Information such as date of today, actual time, actual number of steps (contents located in the evaluation buffer) and the like is selectively displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display. Here, the display content of the actual number of steps may be a value obtained for each step +1 in turn when the user walks, or may be a value increased at a ratio of the number of steps x (1.5 to 2.0) when the user walks at a high speed. Also during this preparation process, the user can freely use the main body 10, thereby being able to sufficiently exercise the use pattern of the main body at the start of the exercise activity.

In the present embodiment, since the user does not set the target value, the relative date to the start of training is-3 days, and the next day (-2 days) is the detection time (total of 3 days) for starting the target setting. When the user sets the target value, the displayed relative date is 0 day, and training is started from the next day (day 1).

The process step S12 judges whether or not there is a key input, and if there is no key input, the process returns to the process step S10. If a walk is in progress during this period, the contents of the "slow walk register" will be incremented, followed by updating the number of steps shown in the program step S11 in real time. When the judgment result of the process step S12 shows that there is a key input, the process step S13 analyzes the key input information and performs a corresponding key input process. Such processing corresponding to key input will be explained below. If, for example, the "reset" key is pressed during use of the main body 10, the process returns to step S4, and the processes of name input and target setting, etc. are performed.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing a motion counting process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the output signal S of the vibration detector 31 changes from "0" to "1", a detection insertion signal I2 is generated and the routine proceeds to a vibration detection insertion signal processing routine. This insertion signal can be processed with the highest priority by the central processor 21.

In step S71, the "current time" in the random access memory 26b is set using the "actual time" in the random access memory 26 a. In this way, the detection time at which the current vibration is detected can be saved from the "current time". The process step S72 determines whether the "current time" is within a time range of, say, 2 to 4 am. If the time is not within the time range, the process proceeds to step S73, where it is determined whether or not a "pause flag" is 1 (in a pause state). In the case of the pause state, the motion is not counted, so this processing returns to the processing before the insertion signal processing. When a user rides a car or the like, the user is subjected to oscillations (swaying or the like) other than the movement of the user, and the "pause flag" can be set/reset as necessary so that the main body 10 does not count them, and thus only the actual amount of movement in daily life can be counted.

When the state is not in the pause state, oscillation counting processing is performed. In other words, in the program step S74, the vibration time interval T from the previous time to the current time is determined by the time interval T being "current time" - "previous time". Here, "previous time" indicates the stored detection time when the previous vibration was detected. The program step S75 determines whether a is equal to or greater than T and less than b according to the solved time interval T. If, for example, a here can be taken as 0.2 seconds and used as a recognition threshold for recognizing whether the feet are simply making a click-flick or the like, or making a regular fast walk. The vibration detector 31 may have a function of eliminating such oscillation output. If for example b can be taken to be 0.5 seconds and used as a recognition threshold for performing recognition on a regular fast walking motion and a regular slow walking motion. For the case where the determination result in the program step S75 is a ≦ T < b, the program step S76 steps the "fast walk register" by +1, and for the case where the determination result in the program step S75 is not a ≦ T < b, the corresponding processing in the process step S76 is skipped.

The program step S77 determines whether or not T is greater than or equal to b and less than c according to the solved time interval T. If c here is taken to be 2 seconds, for example, and serves as a recognition threshold for recognizing conventional slow walking movements and other vibrations that occur occasionally, for example, over a relatively long period of time. For the case where the determination result in the program step S77 is b ≦ T < c, the program step S78 steps the "slow travel register" by +1, and for the case where the determination result in the program step S77 is not b ≦ T < c, the corresponding processing in the process step S79 is crossed. With this configuration, it is possible to count not unnatural vibrations but only vibrations generated due to natural motions of slow walking, fast walking, and the like.

The process step S79 stores the value obtained by { "slow walk counter value" + α × "fast walk counter value" } in "evaluation temporary value". Here, α is a coefficient for converting the number of steps of fast walking into the number of steps of slow walking, and if, for example, α is 1.5 to 2.0. In the process step S80, a decision is made as to whether or not the "target realization flag" is 1, and if the "target realization flag" is 0, the process proceeds to a process step S81, where a decision is made as to whether or not the "evaluation temporary value" is equal to or greater than the "target value".

In this embodiment, the initialization may be performed by setting the previous "target value" to FFFFH (where H denotes a hexadecimal number) which is manually or automatically set, so that the "evaluation temporary value" is not equal to or greater than the "target value" at this time. Therefore, the processing in this period will advance to the process step S84. On the other hand, the setting is performed for the "target value" when the "relative date" is after the first day. In this case, when the determination result in the process step S81 is "evaluation temporary value" ≧ target value ", the process step S82 sets the determination result in" target realization flag "to 1. The program step S83 implements temporary display of a screen for the object, and outputs a signal such as a wula (フアンフア - ル) or the like to the speaker 29. Thus, the user can know this in real time at the instant the goal is reached.

The process step S84 solves for "current arrival rate" ("evaluation temporary value"/"target value"). Such "current achievement rate" may be updated in real time by continuing the solution until the target is reached (for example, when the determination result in the process step S81 is N) or after the target is reached (for example, when the determination result in the process step S80 is Y). The program step S85 sets the "current time" in the random access memory 26b at the "previous time" in the random access memory 26 b.

In the case where the determination result in the process step S72 is that the "current time" is within the time range of 2 o 'clock to 4 o' clock in the morning, the process step S86 steps the "current step count value" by +1, and proceeds to the process step S85. In the present embodiment, the filtering process is not performed in the process steps S75 and S77 for the vibrations in this period of time, so that the conventional slow walking, fast walking, the movement of the two feet in the rattle, etc., irregular disco dances, etc., are counted as the single night walk, and are not stored as the exercise activities. Moreover, the vibrations during this period are independent of the "bedtime flag", i.e. they are unconditionally counted, thus promoting the user to maintain a sound life-pattern.

In the above-described embodiment, the vibration time interval T is obtained by making the time interval T equal to "current time" - "previous time", but the present invention is not limited to this. A similar hardware timing loop may also be provided, if for example, to count the pulse intervals output by the vibration detector 31. Such a timing loop counts the time until the next vibration detection, starting with the time at which the vibration is detected each time. The time insertion signal is generated when the time count time T is a.ltoreq.T < c, and is not generated when the time count time T is other than a. Therefore, when such a hardware timer circuit is provided, it is possible to simplify the vibration detection insertion signal processing shown in fig. 7 and to perform high-speed processing. Further, registers for "current time" and "previous time" in the random access memories 26b and 26c may be omitted.

Fig. 8 to 11 are schematic flowcharts (1) to (4) showing a date change process according to one embodiment. When the "actual time" in the random access memory 26a is at the end of the day (for example, at 23 o 'clock and 59 o' clock), the process proceeds to the date change processing routine.

As shown in fig. 8, the routine step S20 executes the branching processing with respect to the "relative date" in the random access memory 26 b. When the "relative date" is-3 days, the process proceeds to step S21, and the "screen" in the random access memory 26b is set as the target implementation screen. The process step S22 performs reset processing on the "slow walking count value", the "fast walking count value", the "night walking count value", the "evaluation temporary value", and the like. In step S23, the "relative date" is stepped by +1, and the process returns to the actual process before the date change process is performed. Fig. 18(D) shows an example of a screen for target implementation. On the screen, there are displayed main information such as actual year, month and day, actual time, relative date (-2) from the start of the exercise activity, number of steps of today ("contents in evaluation buffer"), and target achievement.

Referring again to fig. 8, in the case where the "relative date" is-2 days, -1 day, the content of the day in the "evaluation buffer" is superimposed on the "accumulation buffer" in the process step S24, and the process proceeds to the process shown in the process step S22 for each day.

For the case of "relative date" of 0 days, it is late night before the exercise activity begins. The program step S25 sets the "screen" as the image for birth, and the program step S26 sets the "cyber pet" as an amorphous creature (protist). Subsequently, the "life vitality index" is set to the initial value (for example, to 6) by the process step S27, and the "emotional weather chart" is set to the initial value (for example, to 7) by the process step S28.

The process step S29 determines whether or not there is a "target value" ≠ FFFFH, and if "target value" ≠ FFFFH, it indicates that the user has manually set the target value, and the process proceeds to a process step S22. In the case of "target value" ffffffh, it means that setting has not been performed, and the process proceeds to step S30, where the content in "evaluation buffer" on the third day is superimposed on "accumulation buffer". The "target value" is solved by the program step S31 as [ integrated value/3 ].

Here, reference numeral "[ ]" denotes a process of carrying out a carry to 1000 steps or a round to 0 step for a non-integer number of digits of 100 or less. In carrying out such processing, it is preferable to perform processing in conjunction with the relationship between "actual year, month and day" in the random access memory 26a and "calendar" information in the read-only memory 25. For example, in the case where "actual year, month and day" is a season suitable for sports (for example, 3/month 1 to 5/month 31 and 9/month 1 to 11/month 30), carry processing is performed on the non-integer digits, and round processing is performed on the other cases. Therefore, for example, if the average value of three days is 5326 steps, the "target value" may be 6000 steps or 5000 steps, corresponding to the season. Then proceed to the first day of the exercise activity (training). Fig. 18E shows an example of a display screen (basic image) showing the birth of the cyber pet. On this screen, the target value, the relative date, the electronic pet (protist), the life activity index (heart mark), and the like are displayed.

In the output editing process (step S10 in fig. 6) after the birth of the cyber pet, the "bedtime flag" in fig. 4 may be called, and in the case where the "bedtime flag" is 0 (at the time of getting up), the cyber pet with lively and pleasant behavior is displayed so that the screen reciprocates, and in the case where the "bedtime flag" is 1 (at the time of sleeping), the image showing that the cyber pet is in the sleeping state as shown in fig. 19F may be displayed without displaying the image as described above. The control routine of the "bedtime flag" will be described below with reference to fig. 14. Further, in the case where the "pause flag" is set to 1 (at the time of pause), the letter "P" is displayed in a part of the screen, and the user can know that the screen is currently in the pause state. In the case where the "pause flag" is 0 (when not in pause), the letter "P" is not displayed on the screen.

The routine then proceeds to the routine shown in fig. 9, and when the "relative date" is 1 to 27 days (in this example, the last day is 27 days), it is determined by the routine step S35 whether or not the "target achievement flag" is 1, and when the target achievement flag is 0 (that is, the target is not reached), the routine step S36 decrements the "vital energy index" by-1, and when the target achievement flag is 1 (that is, the target is reached), the routine step S37 increments the "vital energy index" by + 1. The "target implementation flag" is reset by the program step S38. In other words, the "life activity index" can be changed by the target arrival/target non-arrival regardless of the number of walks on the day, and thus the main body 10 is an exercise assistant measure in which the weight setting is performed according to the target arrival or non-arrival.

It is determined in step S39 whether or not there is a "relative date" of 3 days, and in the case of 3 days, the "life activity index" is evaluated in step S40. This allows the evaluation result to be obtained on the third day after the exercise activity is started (when the cyber pet is evolving). The program step S41 sets an evolutionary status number corresponding to the "cyber pet" based on the evaluation result of the "life vitality index" by using a life transformation chart described below.

Fig. 15 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a life conversion chart as an embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a schematic view showing a life conversion chart used when the cyber pet is under the evolution condition. If, for example, the common protist has evolved to a normal biped juvenile organism up to this point when the "life vigor index" is 8, and to a normal quadruped juvenile organism when the "life vigor index" is 7. The following can be analogized. Here, regardless of the magnitude of the target setting value setting, various evolutionary forms are shown according to the difference in the target arrival/target miss on each day three days after the start of the exercise activity. Thus, if exercise activities are performed on a real-world basis every day, and are lazy, evolution to humans is not possible. Moreover, once the evolution of organisms belonging to the lower species (quadrupeds/podded organisms) is determined, even with little effort, there is no sudden change to organisms belonging to the higher species, so users who exhibit laziness during this period will gain a very conscious awareness of the importance of achieving the goal each day. Fig. 18(F) shows an example of a display image for representing the evolution status. As shown in this picture, the two-footed juvenile creatures with ten feet of primordial qi are moving back and forth, and when the "life vitality index" is 8, the corresponding eight heart-shaped markers will be lit. The target value and the current step number can be displayed together as needed. After the fourth day, the form (health state) of the cyber pet changes day by day according to the "life vitality index". And the expression and the action of the electronic pet can also be changed according to the 'emotional weather chart'.

Fig. 15(B) is a life conversion chart showing the use in the growth period (after the fourth day after the exercise activity is started). For example, if the "life activity index" is 8, it means that n (where n is 2, 4, none) podites are growing healthily, and if the "life activity index" is 7-6, it means that the growth condition of n podites is normal. The result without active effort is that the "life activity index" is 3, i.e., the cyber pet is in a sick state, and when the "life activity index" is 0, the cyber pet is in a dead state.

Subsequently, returning to fig. 9, it is judged by the program step S42 whether or not there is a "relative date" of 13 days, and for the case of 13 days, the program step S43 sets "cyber pet" as the n-legged creatures, and sets the sound data as a signal indicating a growth pleasure. And if the cyber pet is sleeping during this period of time, a picture indicating a growing situation and a pleasant sound are given in the next morning. For the case where "relative date" ≠ 13 days, these procedures are crossed. Fig. 18(G) shows an example of a display image showing a teenager as it grows. The user can obtain the reality that the exercise activity increases day by day through the growth condition of the electronic pet on the picture.

It is judged by the process step S44 whether or not there is a "relative date" of 23 days, and if it is equal to 23 purposes, the process step S45 sets "cyber pet" to n-legged youth and sets sound data to a signal indicating growth pleasure. For the case where "relative date" ≠ 23 days, these procedures are crossed. Fig. 18(H) shows an example of a display image showing the growth of young people. However, if the user does not make an effort during this period, the cyber pet may appear fat and show an untidy appearance during the day.

Subsequently, the routine proceeds to the routine shown in fig. 10, and it is determined by the routine step S46 whether or not there is a "relative date" of 5 to 27 days (final day), and in the case of 5 to 27 days, the routine step S47 evaluates the target achievement rates between the current time and the day immediately before, and it is determined by the routine step S48 whether or not there is an evaluation result > a. If for example, for the case where "yesterday achievement" ≧ 150% and "current achievement" ≧ 150%, the evaluation result > A is taken. In this case, the "cyber pet" is suddenly mutated (changed to a creature belonging to the previous level) in the process step S49. In the case where the organism is the highest-class organism, the mutation of the organism species is not performed. When a sudden change in biological species is implemented, the form (health state) of the cyber pet may be located in the lowest stage (disease state) of the previous biological species, however, in this embodiment, the change is implemented according to the "life activity index" at this time. Of course, it is also possible to make the cyber pet suddenly mutate to an organism belonging to the next species, but this form is not provided in the present embodiment. Therefore, if the user does not pay attention to the effort, the cyber pet will die if it cannot be kept above a certain level, so that the cyber pet can attract more attention than a person with sudden variation.

In the case where the evaluation result in the process step S48 is not the evaluation result > a, it is further determined whether there is an evaluation result > B by the process step S50. If for example, for the case where "yesterday achievement" ≧ 120% and "current achievement" ≧ 120%, the evaluation result > B is taken. For this case, the "target value" can be changed from the current value to, for example, 1.1 times in the process step S51. In this way, it is possible to automatically raise the target value (quota) set by the user or subject during the course of the exercise activity even when the target value is low.

In the case where the evaluation result in the process step S50 is not the evaluation result > B, it is determined by the process step S52 whether or not there is an evaluation result < C. If for example, for the case of "yesterday achievement" < 80% and "current achievement" < 80%, the evaluation result < C is taken. For this case, the "target value" can be changed from the current value to, for example, 0.9 times in the process step S53. In this way, it is possible to automatically lower the target value (quota) set by the user or subject, even when the target value is relatively high, during the course of the exercise activity. Since the quota can be changed during the exercise in this way, it may not feel monotonous when doing exercise activities.

If the evaluation result in the process step S52 is not "C", it is determined whether or not there is "life activity indicator" equal to 0 in the process step S54. And in the case that the 'life vitality index' is 0, the electronic pet is killed. The "picture" is set as an image about death and the sound data is set as a signal indicating sadness by the process step S55. The cyber pet shown in this case is a dead n-podded creature. Fig. 19(a) shows an example of a display image showing death of a biped living organism. However, in order to avoid directly indicating the failure of the exercise activity, i.e., the death of the cyber pet, the failure may be indicated in an indirect manner, for example, by leaving a note and leaving away from home, or the like. The program step S56 disables the date change process, i.e., the "relative date" can no longer be subsequently processed, causing the picture to be frozen to indicate that the exercise activity has substantially ended. Moreover, when the exercise activity is finished due to death of the cyber pet, the user obtains a very timid, not very healthy cyber pet. When the determination result of the step S46 is that the "relative date" is a date other than 5 to 27 days, the above determination process is not performed.

The routine then proceeds to the routine shown in fig. 11, and it is determined in step S61 whether or not there is a "relative date" of 27 days (final day). When the "relative date" is 27 days, the program step S62 sets the "screen" as the end image, and the program step S63 disables the date changing process. It is determined in step S64 whether or not the "life vitality index" is 8, and in the case where the "life vitality index" is 8, step S65 sets the "cyber pet" to be the n-legged angel. Fig. 19(B) shows an example of a display image showing a two-footed juvenile creature in its final form. The feathers on the angel are swinging as if they were complimentary to the achievements obtained by the user. Thus, when the exercise activity is finished in the form of an angel, the user obtains a very healthy cyber pet full of achievements. For the case where the "life vitality index" ≠ 8, this exercise activity will be ended in the form of n-legged youth organisms. When the determination result in the program step S61 is "relative date" ≠ 27 days, it steps over the above-mentioned processing.

The "current arrival rate" in the random access memory 26 is set at "yesterday arrival rate" by the program step S66, and a reset process is performed on the "current arrival rate". The "walking this night count value" is set at the "walking yesternight count value" by the program step S67, and the reset process is performed on the "walking this night count value". The "evaluation buffer" is superimposed on the "accumulation buffer" by the process step S68, and the process returns to the process described by the process step S22 in fig. 8.

However, the respective processes as described in the process steps S50 to S53 in fig. 10 may be omitted. For such an occasion, it will not be possible to change the "target value" during the course of the exercise activity. It goes without saying that this is more suitable for users who are used to exercise activities.

Also, the respective processes as described in the process steps S54 to S56 may be omitted. For such a case, even if the cyber pet has died, the cyber pet can be regenerated by a subsequent hard effort, and the exercise activity can be continued until the final day. This is clearly more appropriate for beginners.

Fig. 12 and 13 are schematic flowcharts (1) and (2) showing a dialogue process with an electronic pet according to one embodiment. Basically, the living condition of the electronic pet in the picture and the like cannot be directly controlled. However, for the basic picture showing the activity of the cyber pet and the like, when the "OK" button is pressed, the expression of the cyber pet is changed according to the emotional weather chart of the cyber pet, and the character information and the voice can be outputted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a dialogue processing A, which can be entered by pressing an "OK" button when a basic screen of the cyber pet activity is displayed.

The procedure step S91 is used to update the weather chart

Fig. 16 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining an emotional weather chart as an embodiment.

The "emotional weather chart" is an index for expressing the emotional state (mood, strength, vitality, etc.) of an electronic pet (i.e., user) in 10 grades, and may exhibit subtle changes according to various factors as described below.

Fig. 16(a) shows a "biorhythm" of the user, which can be obtained from the "year, month, and day of birth" of the user, and a portion corresponding to the "actual year, month, and day" (for example, 3 months and 23 days) is stored in the random access memory 26. The biorhythm is constituted by various periodic curves representing creativity, emotion, and the like, and for example, a curve representing emotion is used here. Of course, each curve may be analyzed to generate a new emotional state curve.

The "seasonal index" in fig. 16(B) is a comfort index indicating the season, and a portion corresponding to the "actual year, month, day" can be read from the read-only memory 25. Spring (3-5 months) and autumn (9-11 months) are considered to be comfortable and the climate is cool. In winter (12-2 months), the people are cold, the people are at home for a long time, the people do not have the chance to go out, and the people do not feel comfortable to go out. The weather of plum rain in the 6 th month, the summer heat in the 7 th month and the summer heat in the 8 th month are not finished, the index of life discomfort is higher, and the willpower is eliminated (sunstroke), so the power is insufficient.

The "time period index" in fig. 16(C) indicates the variation of vitality (strength) at different times of the day, the curve in days is stored in the ram 26, and the portion corresponding to the "actual time" can be read from the ram 26. This "time period index" generation method is not shown in the figures, however, if for example, analysis, generation can be easily carried out by means of analysis of the daily activity state diagrams (such as the respective histograms of "slow number of walks" and "fast number of walks" per hour) of the user during the detection period, in particular during the subsequent exercise activity period. In the present embodiment, the user tends to have relatively little activity in the morning and relatively much activity at night, i.e., the user is configured as a night time curve as shown in the figure. In addition, a simpler mode can be adopted, namely, a target setting picture and the like can be utilized, and the user can select the curves representing the day type and the night type according to the intention.

Fig. 16(D) shows the target achievement rate for each day, and "yesterday achievement rate" for yesterday and "current achievement rate" for today are stored in the random access memory 26b, respectively. Further, in fig. 16(E), the "night walk count value" for each day is shown, and the "yesternight walk count value" for each yesterday and the "this night walk count value" for each today are stored in the random access memory 26 b.

In general, the "emotional weather chart" can be solved based on the weight evaluation of the respective values of the "biorhythm", "seasonal index", "time index", and "target achievement rate evaluation".

Here, a first weight in the weight evaluation is applied to the target achievement rate evaluation, if for example, the evaluation can be performed from a large aspect such as "yesterday achievement rate" and "current achievement rate" for the target achievement rate evaluation.

This evaluation method is specifically described below with reference to fig. 16 (D). Since today's exercise activities were not performed until noon today (day 23), the "current achievement rate" was only around 40%. In this case, if "yesterday achievement" (22 days) is 100% or more, the target achievement rate evaluation (emotional weather chart) is also high, so that the cyber pet is mentally adept from the morning. However, in the example shown in the figure, "yesterday's reach" is only around 60%, so the cyber pet will have little spirit today in the mid-afternoon. Since the yesterday's goal is not reached, the mood of the user is also expressed in the expressions and actions of the cyber pet. Thus, the user will today perform the second half of the exercise activity with double effort. Thus, the "current arrival rate" will rise straight, and when it is close to 100% beyond "yesterday arrival rate", the "emotional weather meter" will also rise, thereby restoring the vitality of the electronic pet.

If for example, a second weight of the weight evaluation may be applied on the "biorhythm". If the target achievement rate is evaluated to be higher and the 'biorhythm' curve is also higher, the 'emotional weather chart' is also higher, namely, the electronic pet is in a superexcellent state. On the other hand, if the result of the evaluation of the target achievement rate is high and the "biorhythm" curve is low, the "emotional weather chart" will not be as high as above, and the cyber pet will not be as spiritual as described above. In contrast, if the evaluation result of the target achievement rate is low and the "biorhythm" is high, the "emotional weather chart" will not be likely to be high, and the cyber pet will also show the appearance of being angry without reaching the yesterday target.

If for example a third weight of the weight evaluation can be applied to the "time period index" so that the force profile of the user in the day can be superimposed on the "emotional weather chart". If, for example, a night-time person is less mentally motivated in the morning. In this case, even if the evaluation result of the target achievement rate is high, the cyber pet should not be in a state of excellence in the morning, but in the afternoon, it is similar to the user and the mental status will rise.

If for example, a fourth weight of the weight evaluation may be applied to the "seasonal index". In this way, the seasonal feeling can be superimposed on the 'emotional weather chart'. For example, in the rainy season and the summer season, the condition is not necessarily the best.

Furthermore, a random number may be added as a fifth weight in the weight evaluation. If random numbers are added, the 'emotional weather chart' will change irregularly, so that the electronic pet has a few minutes of life.

A "life vitality index" may also be added to the "emotional barometer" assessment. However, the shape of the electronic pet can be in a healthy state without picking up the essence, or in an obese state without discouraging but with mental delight, etc., with reference to the actual life of the human being. In the present embodiment, the "emotional weather chart" and the "life vitality index" are subjected to the exfoliation treatment. In other words, the health state corresponding to the result of target achievement/target non-achievement accumulated over a considerable period of time can be expressed by the "life activity index", but on the other hand, the "emotional weather chart" weight can be superimposed on the "yesterday achievement rate" and the "current achievement rate" so that the emotional change state over a short period of time can be expressed.

The "nighttime walk count value" in fig. 16(E) as described above may be expressed by the vitality of the cyber pet or may be expressed by a parameter for evaluating the lifestyle of the cyber pet. If, for example, the "yesternight walk count value" or the "tonight walk count value" exceeds 200 steps, the electronic pet can be considered to be in a state of bad life habits. Even if today's performance is still, if you wander for a long time yesternight, this evaluation result of bad lifestyle habits cannot be directly eliminated.

Subsequently, returning to fig. 12, the process step S92 extracts output information for the dialogue response. The output information for dialogue response includes not only the cyber pet but also text information.

Fig. 17 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a dialogue output extraction chart according to an embodiment.

First, one or two or more pieces of related information satisfying the "condition" are obtained by the output information extraction processing in the above-described program step S92 based on the "judgment elements" in this graph, and selection and output are performed based on a predetermined priority order (for example, a round-robin priority order in which the output is placed last and is sequentially circulated after one output) or in a random manner. The "judgment element" may include the updated "emotional weather chart".

The output information extraction processing in step S92 will be specifically described below. First, based on the "judgment elements" in the graph, information satisfying the "conditions" is extracted, for example:

"Current Rate of attainment" ≧ 100% → "quota reached! "(text message)

"yesternight walk count value" ≧ 200 steps → "electronic pet image in poor lifestyle"

n3 ≦ cumulative temporary storage value ≦ n4 → walking from Japan bridge to Kyoto- "

"the current moment" → "getting deeper and deeper in the night" (greeting in the night)

"actual year and month" → "spring coming from spring at one step" (seasonal greeting)

Unconditional → "03-1234-

Unconditional → "refuelling" (power or encouragement text messages)

Returning subsequently to fig. 12, the "quota reached!is first selected by the program step S93! "and displaying the information on the liquid crystal display screen. For the case of voice data, a corresponding signal is also output to the speaker 29 at the same time. The process of step S94 waits for a subsequent key input, and when a key input is made, the process proceeds to step S95 to determine whether or not the key input is an additional key input. An additional key such as an "OK" key or the like is displayed on the dialog response screen. If there is an additional key input, the process returns to step S93 after the selection of the output information is changed in step S96. In the present embodiment, the process step S93 then displays an image representing a "bad-living-habit electronic pet". When gaining excitement, it will look happy even if walking around at night. The subsequent processing is similar thereto. If the determination result in the step S95 is that no additional key input is made, the processing steps are skipped.

Fig. 19(C) to 19(E) are schematic explanatory views for explaining a dialogue response processing display screen as an example.

In this embodiment, in order to reflect the inherent vitality and lifestyle of the cyber pet more abundantly and give a deep impression, the cyber pet image on the response screen is displayed not only in the type and form (body form and growth condition) of the cyber pet on the basic screen but also in a more free (abstract) form. But also enables the electronic pet to do various activities with respect to the mental state.

Fig. 19(C) shows a state where the "emotional weather chart" is 7 (happy). The electronic pet is happy and happy like a butterfly dancing back and forth. The heart-shaped symbol also corresponds to the "emotional weather chart".

Fig. 19(D) shows a state in which "the weather table of emotion" is 4 (lazy). The cyber pet does not excite in the period, frequently dozes off, and frequently shows a sad appearance. When the cyber pet is in the dozing state, vibration is applied to the main body 10, and it wakes up to jump. This control processing manner is not shown in the drawing, but can be easily implemented by detecting an increase condition of the "evaluation temporary value" during the dozing process.

FIG. 19E shows a state where the cyber pet is in a "bad lifestyle" state. Electronic pets on the screen wear black clothes, wear sunglasses, and sit in a manner of being largely grinned, and also smoke. The user can be reminded of bad performance of the electronic pet, for example, the user can make a decision to correct bad habits of walking during night wandering, and the user can not walk during night wandering from the next day, and the like.

Such a conversation process a is not basically performed for a case where the cyber pet in the screen is asleep (the "bedtime flag" is 1). However, it is also possible to adopt a constitution capable of carrying out such a conversation process A, for which the user is as if the user had a conversation in dream with the sleeping cyber pet.

According to the flowchart of the dialogue processing B shown in fig. 12(B), such dialogue processing can be performed while the time signal given by the "dialogue clock" in the random access memory 26a is turned off.

The dialogue processing B is independent of whether the user operates the 'OK' button, and can update the 'emotional weather chart' in a proper time by using an internal 'dialogue timing clock', extract one or more than two output messages meeting the conditions, and add character information on the electronic pet displayed in the basic picture or automatically change the expression and the activity of the displayed electronic pet corresponding to the change of the 'emotional weather chart'.

The process step S97 is similar to the process step S91, and updates the "weather chart", and the process step S98 is similar to the process step S92, and extracts output information. In this case, the dialogue signal output extraction chart shown in fig. 17 may be used, or an dialogue output extraction chart dedicated for performing such processing may be used, which is provided according to a specific application. The process step S99 is to select the current output information from the extracted information and update the expression form of the cyber pet.

If, for example, the cyber pet on the basic screen may be added with a program such as "just bad! Then add a stiffness! "and so on. And, if desired, an acoustic signal representing the stimulus may also be output simultaneously by the speaker 29. On the other hand, for a case where the "emotional weather chart" is lowered, the expression of the cyber pet is changed to a dark expression, and a message such as "do you have obesity recently? "and so on.

Therefore, the electronic pet in the basic picture can not only change the picture according to the form (body type) and the like related to the evolution state, the growth state, the life vitality index (health state) and the like, but also generate expression change according to the current 'emotional weather chart' to perform various activities (interesting actions), so that the electronic pet looks like a real living being and can make the user feel excited and inspired. When the bedtime flag is 1, the electronic pet is in a sleep state.

Fig. 13 shows a flow chart showing the processing for a game, if for example, the "→" button is pressed while in the base picture, i.e., the processing required for entering such a game (for example, a game such as a slot and the like). When the electronic pet (i.e., the user) shows a low emotion, the emotion can be improved by playing the game. A screen representing a game such as a slogan is displayed by the process step S101. Fig. 19(G) shows an example of a picture representing such a game as a slot and the like. The apple and the banana are arranged side by side in the picture, and the other is positioned outside the picture. When three apples are arranged in a row, a game win is obtained. The heart-shaped symbol at this time represents "emotional weather chart" or "life vitality index".

The process step S102 waits for a key input, and when a key input is generated, the process step S103 determines whether it is a control key. In a screen for a game such as a slot, the "→" button is constituted as a control button. For the case where there is a control button for input, an operation is performed on a game such as a slogan or the like by the program step S104 based on the odds and probabilities. If, for example, the probability of winning the game is higher when the "emotional weather chart" is higher and lower when the "emotional weather chart" is lower. Since such "emotional weather chart" is closely related to the evaluation result of the target achievement rate, in the case of obese persons, the "emotional weather chart" is low, and many games cannot be implemented, and a game win cannot be obtained even if the games are implemented. However, for the assiduous, if today's exercise activities are first performed to improve the "emotional weather chart," the winning probability of the game can be increased. The time of play is important since the "emotional weather chart" can vary subtly for other reasons, such as time index, random number, etc.

The process step S105 judges whether or not the game such as the slogan and the like is won. For the game winning occasion, the "life vitality index" (which may also be an "emotional weather meter") is stepped by +1 by the program step S106. If the exercise activity goal for the current day has been reached, the "life vitality index" is stepped through by +2 in total. For other cases, these processes are overridden. The process step S107 is performed to display the result of the operation of the game such as the slogan. In the other cases, a screen of another content is displayed, and the process returns to step S102 to perform further processing. And play such as a slot and the like is immediately performed in either state once the control key is pressed. When a winning game is obtained, a screen showing a winning game is displayed in step S107. And can output cheering sound at the same time for the occasion of winning the game. Fig. 19(H) shows an example of a winning game screen. Here, three apples are arranged in a row, and the "life vitality index" rises from 4 to 5.

Returning to fig. 13, if the judgment result in the step S103 is that no control key is pressed, these processes are skipped.

Fig. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing another control process according to an embodiment.

The electronic pet in the basic picture normally lives according to the rules of getting up at regular time (for example, between 5 and 7 am) and sleeping at regular time (for example, between 9 and 10 pm).

Fig. 14(a) shows a flowchart for the bed lifting processing, and the flow proceeds to the bed lifting processing routine when the "actual time" is 5: 0. The "bedtime flag" is set to 0 (getting up state) by the process step S111, and returns to the control state before the insertion of the signal processing.

Fig. 14(B) shows a flowchart for the light-off process, and the routine may be entered into this light-off process routine when the "actual time" is 21-point 0. The "bedtime flag" is set to 1 (sleep state) by the process step S112, and returns to the control state before the insertion of the signal processing.

And the electronic pet can still be in the dozing state after the user gets up.

Fig. 14C shows a flowchart for cold (ill) processing for the cyber pet, and if for example, the cyber pet enters the ill processing program by pressing the "←" button and the "→" button at the same time when the base screen indicating that the cyber pet is in the process of getting up (the "bedtime flag" ═ 0). The "bedtime flag" is set to 1 (sleep state) by the process step S113, and the processing routine is ended.

And when the user goes to bed, the electronic pet can still be in the getting-up state

Fig. 14D is a flowchart showing the wake-up process for the cyber pet, and the process proceeds to the wake-up process by pressing the "←" button and the "→" button at the same time, for example, when the basic screen showing the cyber pet being in the process of going to bed (the "bedtime flag" ═ 1). The "bedtime flag" is set to 0 (wake-up state) by the process step S114, and the processing routine is ended.

In the case where the main body 10 is installed so that the dream conversation with the cyber pet in the sleep state cannot be performed, the cyber pet in the sleep state can be awakened by installing the awakening program so that the conversation shown in FIG. 12A can be performed.

Further, the user can put the vibration counting process in an OFF state by the main body 10 at any desired time. Fig. 14E shows a flowchart for pause setting processing, and if the "→" button and the "OK" button are pressed together in a state where the "pause flag" is 0 (not paused), the flow proceeds to this pause setting processing routine. The process step S115 sets the "pause flag" to 1 (pause), and ends the processing procedure.

Further, the user can put the vibration counting process in an ON (non-pause) state by the main body 10 at any desired time. Fig. 14(F) shows a flowchart for releasing the pause setting processing, and if the "→" button and the "OK" button are pressed together in a state where the "pause flag" is 1 (pause), the flow proceeds to this release pause processing routine. The "pause flag" is set to 0 (not paused) by the process step S116, and the processing routine is ended.

Although not shown in the figure, the electronic pet may generate an extremely unpleasant face color and output a whining sound when no vibration is generated for two or more hours continuously from 9:00 a morning to 6:00 a evening. Further, it is also possible to implement the screen display and the required operation processing as described below by a specific key operation manner using a flowchart not shown in the figure.

The "name", age, "vitality index", weight, and the like of the user (or the electronic pet) may be displayed in text on the "status screen". The age can be determined from "year, month and day of birth", and the weight can be determined from the form information of the electronic pet.

FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory view showing a graph for showing a weight change of the electronic pet as an embodiment.

Generally, the conversion can be performed so that the number of n-legged babies (protists) is 20 g and the number of n-legged young healthy organisms is 35 g, respectively. Units may also be taken in kilograms. The rest of the processing is similar. The actual displayed weight can be obtained by randomly superimposing ± 1 on this transformed result. Since not only the form of the cyber pet but also the weight value can be obtained, the growth state, health state, and the like of the cyber pet can be confirmed numerically.

Moreover, the "current achievement rate" and the number of days until the quota is reached, the number of days not reaching the quota, and the like can be displayed numerically in the "quota screen". These days to quota and days to under quota are accumulated in a register (not shown) of the random access memory 26. The number of days of quota reached, the number of days of quota not reached, etc. up to now can also be used as the evaluation result of the long-time exercise activity.

On the "time screen", there may be displayed "actual time" and calories consumed so far, and the like. Instead of a clock, the "actual time" may be represented in numerical form. The calories consumed can be solved by "evaluation buffer" and "accumulation buffer". The former represents calories consumed per day, and the latter represents calories consumed in total since the start of the exercise activity (including the measurement period).

The "time clock matching screen" indicates the result of the time matching process performed during the exercise activity.

Further, the "user switching screen" may be changed to the "personal data file" as shown in fig. 4(a) by a specific key operation, so that switching to the personal data file to be used is possible.

Further, the ON/OFF of the "voice flag" can be controlled by a specific key operation. When the "sound flag" is 0(OFF), no sound signal is output to the speaker 29, and when the "sound flag" is 1(ON), a sound signal is output to the speaker 29. When the "sound flag" is 1, a musical score curve can be displayed on the right end of the screen, and the user can see the sound.

Fig. 21 and 22 are schematic time charts (1) and (2) showing a health-preserving pedometer as an embodiment, wherein fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the cyber pet does not change suddenly.

The target value is automatically set to 9000 steps by the result of the test 3 days before the start of the exercise activity. The user does not need to go several steps every day, and can simply utilize the time flow list to automatically set the ordinary slow walking (or fast walking) as the target value, so the use is very convenient. Of course, the user who is used to the exercise activity may set the target value manually.

The first day after the start of the exercise activity, the protist (life activity index 6) comes out and the following three days will evolve into a certain organism, which is rather interesting. When the daily target is reached, the "life vitality index" rises to 7, 8. The "life vitality index" was 8 as the highest, and the "life vitality index" could not be stored. It is not without reason to consider the past, but it is more important that the goal must be reached every day.

If the quota is faithfully reached within three days, the situation evolves to a two-legged, healthy organism on day four (life vitality index 8). After that, if the goal is not reached only on day eight, its juvenile period can be generally well over-run.

On the fourteenth day, it will grow into a two-legged common organism (life vitality index ═ 7). If the mind starts to relax from this day, the "vitality index" will decrease day by day. The "life vitality index" goes back to-1 in steps no matter when the target achievement rate is 99% or when the target achievement rate is 30%. The user is not wonderful during this period of time, and therefore does not perform physical and mental exercises except for the time necessary for life (work, school, etc.). And the electronic pets with bad living habits can be randomly displayed on the picture due to the life style of wandering walking at night and the like. Also when the goal is reached on the seventeenth day by hard effort and the game, such as the slogan, works well and wins, the total number in the "life vitality index" on that day will step by + 2. If efforts are continued, then on the twenty-fourth day, a two-legged young healthy organism will grow (life vitality index 8). This exercise activity will eventually end up as a two-legged adolescent being if further efforts are subsequently made.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a case where the cyber pet suddenly changes.

Protists are born on day one and subsequently, if undertried, will evolve to be a nauplius juvenile organism on day four. If there is no effort thereafter, the cyber pet grows in a manner of fat creatures → diseased creatures → general creatures in the immature period even if the user makes a great effort in the latter half of the period. On the fourteenth day, the user will grow into a healthy, non-juvenile organism, and the user with increased physical strength will easily go through the exercise activities up to now, and not be satisfied with such exercise activities.

Thus, by the efforts of the fifteenth and sixteenth days, the ration can be continuously over 1.5 times the ration, and the cyber pet will suddenly mutate (mutate) to a four-footed healthy organism belonging to the previous species at the seventeenth day. At the same time, the quota is doubled, so that the environment of the exercise activity is more strict. Subsequently, although some fatigue is felt, physical strength is further enhanced and the pleasure of the mutation is not forgotten. After a subsequent effort of 1.5 times the time quota by the twentieth and the twenty-first days, the cyber pet will be mutated again from the quadruped obese juvenile organism to the bipedal obese juvenile organism belonging to the previous species. At the same time, the quota will be doubled again, making the environment of the exercise activity more strict. However, since only a few days remain, if the user makes a decision and continues to make an effort, the exercise activity may end up in the form of a two-footed adolescent life.

Fig. 23 and 24 are schematic explanatory views (1) and (2) for explaining a use mode of the exercise assisting meter according to one embodiment.

As shown in fig. 23(a), the user can carry the main body 10 at the waist to perform a walking exercise.

Also, as shown in fig. 23(B), the user can carry the main body 10 at the waist, perform exercise using the running machine 100 at a sports center (health club) or the like. Such exercise activity may be effectively detected by the subject 10 and reflected in a "life vitality index".

Also, as shown in fig. 23(C), the user who has exercised on the treadmill 100 can move to the chest muscle (back muscle) strengthening exercise device 101 to exercise the muscles at the wrist, chest, shoulder, and the like.

However, the exercise device 101 may also have an auxiliary meter for exercise such as the main body 10 to perform a connection service function, and when the user pulls the bar of the exercise device to move with two wrists within a predetermined time interval, a built-in sensor (such as a switch) may detect it and generate a pulse signal corresponding thereto (or convert the amount of exercise of the user into the number of steps). Such a pulse signal may be transmitted to the main body 10 provided at the adaptor 10A through the cable 10B having the universal connector, and then input to the central processor 21 through the connection socket 36 on the main body 10. The subject 10 can therefore perform effective detection not only of walking movement but also of a wide variety of complex exercise activities, and reflect this in the "vital signs". Therefore, various repetitive motions performed by the user can be detected as the evaluation target of the main body 10.

Fig. 24(a) is a schematic explanatory view of the user when going out while riding a bicycle. The bicycle 102 is provided with a detection unit (tachometer) 60 and a measurement unit 70 of a motion meter, and the measurement unit 70 converts the amount of movement of pedaling the bicycle by the user into the amount of movement of slow walking or fast walking and outputs the converted amount of movement as a pulse signal. The main body 10 carried by the user can receive the pulse signal given by the metering section 70 through the cable 10B and take it as a movement amount evaluation object.

Fig. 24(B) shows a configuration of a motion meter.

The detection unit 60 is provided with a disk 61, and a plurality of slits 62 are formed on the circumference of the disk 61. The disc 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow a by a frictional rotation mechanism, not shown, with the wheel during the travel of the bicycle. An optical coupler 63 is also provided at the slit 62, and an amplifier 64 amplifies the detection signal passing through the slit and performs pulse shaping. Such a pulse signal will vary in frequency with the speed of the bicycle, increasing in frequency as the speed (i.e., the amount of user's exercise) increases, and decreasing in frequency as the speed (i.e., the amount of user's exercise) decreases.

In this state, the pulse rate conversion unit 71 counts the number of pulses per unit time and generates a rate signal corresponding to the counted number of pulses. The speed signal is displayed in digital form on the metering section 73. On the other hand, the pulse step number conversion unit 72 divides the input pulse signal train, and outputs the input signal as the output signal S at a rate at which the M input signals are equal to one. The division ratio M can be appropriately selected. For example, when the bicycle 102 is traveling at a low speed (for example, 20 km/h or less), the output signal S may be generated such that the pulse period is 0.5 seconds or more, and when the bicycle is traveling at a high speed (for example, 20 km/h or more), the output signal S may be generated such that the pulse period is 0.5 seconds or less. The main body 10 may step the "slow walking count value" or the "fast walking count value" by +1 corresponding to the pulse period when receiving the output signal S.

Therefore, the daily exercise amount of the user can be collected and comprehensively evaluated in a seamless manner by carrying and using the main body 10.

As shown in fig. 3, a communication unit 37 for performing communication by a metal wire, a light beam (infrared ray, etc.) or an electromagnetic method may be disposed on the main body 10. For this case, it is also possible to perform reception of useful digital information provided on the pulse signal from a mechanical device or the like provided at the outside through such a communication module 37. If, for example, the highest level of information may have been received by the machine beforehand (say the highest record of exercise activity being performed on the machine is 100 times, etc.), the user may then challenge the machine with the actual exercise activity and receive the actual sensed information. The main body 10 can perform evaluation in, for example, 10 grades based on the received actual detection information (number of times), and perform output of the electronic pet image of the corresponding grade and the required information.

Further, in the embodiments described above, the operations are described based on specific numerical values, conditions, images (screens), and the like, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these numerical values, conditions, images (screens), and the like. The exercise activity time period may also be set to 60 days, 120 days, etc., if for example.

Further, in the embodiments described above, an auxiliary meter for exercise (a health-preserving pedometer) fully equipped with the respective characteristic technical components constructed according to the present invention is described as an example, but it goes without saying that auxiliary meters for exercise in various forms can be obtained by a structural configuration and a control manner having only one or two or more characteristic technical components in the embodiments described above.

Also in the embodiment described above, the "life vitality index" is stepped by +1 when winning a game in a game such as a slogan, however, it may be considered that the current day's quota is reached under the condition that, for example, the "current achievement rate" is equal to or greater than 80% and when winning a game in a game such as a slogan.

In the embodiment described above, although sudden variation occurs when the target achievement rate evaluation results are more than 150% between two days, the conditions for the sudden variation may be arbitrarily changed as needed. If, for example, it is also possible to generate sudden variations when more than half of the set quota is exceeded for two consecutive days.

Also in the embodiment described above, the signal constituted by the beep sound and the jingle sound and the like is outputted to the speaker 29, however, the sound synthesized by the computer may be outputted by the sound synthesizing means.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, and it is apparent that those skilled in the art can modify the structural configuration, control method, and combination of the respective components in various forms without departing from the subject and scope of the present invention.

The exercise aid meter according to the present invention as described above can manage the relative period from the reference time and count the amount of exercise of repetitive exercise of the user in each relative period, and can display the corresponding continuous evaluation result by the artificial biological image information (electronic pet) belonging to several levels, so that the user does not feel monotonous and can feel fun by the exercise (training).

Moreover, for a long-time exercise activity, for example, the evolution status and the growth status of the electronic pet can be changed along with the time, the shape (health status, body shape and the like) of the electronic pet can be changed according to the achievement of the goal/achievement of the goal every day, and the expression and the activity (interesting actions) of the electronic pet can be changed according to the assessment result of the achievement rate of the goal every day and the like, so that the electronic pet can feel happy even if the electronic pet is engaged in the long-time exercise activity, thereby providing proper help for the health management of the user, and further providing great help in the aspects of the exercise strengthening, the health management and the like of the user.

Claims (1)

1. An auxiliary meter for exercise, which is characterized in that the auxiliary meter is provided with an exercise amount counting part for counting the exercise amount of repetitive exercise of a user; a memory for storing image information including the type and shape of the artifact and related to the expression and/or motion in a plurality of levels; a life vitality index for controlling the selection of the type or morphology of the artefact organism; continuously managing each relative period from the reference time and evolving or morphologically growing the selected artifact producing species as the relative period elapses, and each of the motion amounts obtained by the motion amount counting section for each relative period is continuously evaluated based on the judgment of the achievement of the goal/the achievement of the goal with respect to the target value set in advance, performing an increase or decrease on the next round's life activity indicator, and for the case where one or more target achievement rates, which are extrapolated forward from the current time, are greater than 1 and exceed a first predetermined threshold, a control part for implementing sudden variation in a manner of selecting the artifact organisms of the next round as the upper-level species; a display part for reading the image information of the selected false creature through the memory and displaying the image information on the picture.