Title of Invel~tion
ELECTRONIC DEVICE, INFORMA'rION PROCESSING METHOD, AND
5 INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM
Technical Field
[OOOl]
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, an information
10 processing method, and an infor~iiationp rocessing system.
Background Art
[0002]
An electronic device that is worn on a human body and obtains various
15 kinds of information is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a
~nomentumm eter including an acceleration sensor.
Citation List
Patent Literature
20 [0003]
Patent Literature 1 :
Sutnniary of Invention
Technical Problem
25 [0004]
In the electronic device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 or the like, since a
plurality of sensors and an analog to digital (AD) converter connected thereto are
used to obtain ample inforniation, tliere is a problem in that electric power consullied
in tlie electronic device is increased.
30 [0005]
It is an object of tlie present disclosure to provide an electronic device, an
inforniation processing method, and an information processing syste~n, which are
capable of solving the above problem.
Solutio~tlo Problem
5 [0006]
To solve the above described problem, for example, the present disclosure
provides an electronic device including: a power generating unit configured to
generate electric power according to a surrounding environment; a state transition
unit configured to cause a state to twnsition according to the electric powver supplied
10 from the power generating unit; and an output unit configused to output
predetermined information according to the ttansition of the state of the state
transition unit.
[0007]
For example, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including:
15 a power storage unit configured to accumulate a first energy; a state tratlsition unit
configured to cause a state to transition according to the first energy; a conve~ting
unit configured to convert the first energy into a second energy; and an output unit
configured to output predetermined information using the second energy, the second
energy being supplied according to the transition of the state of the state transition
20 unit.
[OOOS]
For example, the present disclosure provides an illformation processing
method in at1 electronic device, the information processing method including:
generating, by a power generating unit, electric power according to a surrou~lding
25 environtnent; causing, by a state transition unit, a state to transition according to the
electric power supplied from the power generating unit; and outputting, by an output
unit, predetermined itlformatio~l according to the transition of the state of the state
transition unit.
[0009]
30 For example, the present disclos~ure provides an information processillg
system i~~cludinga :f irst electronic device; and a second electronic device. The first
electronic device includes a poxver generating unit confignred to generate electric
power according to a surrounding enviro~unent,a state transition unit configured to
cause a state to transition according to the electric power supplied from the power
generating unit, and at1 output unit configured to output predetermined infor~nationto
5 the second electronic device according to the transition of the statc of the state
transition unit. The second electronic device includes an acquiring unit configured
to acquire the predetermined information output from the first electronic device.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
10 [OOlO]
According to at least one embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic
device in which power consumption is small. The effect described herein is not
necessarily limited, and any effect described in the present disclosure may be
included. Further, the content of the present disclosure should not be iuterpreted as
-
15 limited by the exemplified effect.
Brief Description of Drawings
roo1 11
[FIG. 11 FIG. 1 is a block diagram for describing an example of a configuration of an
20 electronic device.
[FIG. 21 FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing an example of a configuration of a
module in an electronic device according to a first embodiment.
[FIG. 31 FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an example of a system using an
electronic device.
25 [FIG. 41 FIG. 4 is a flowcl~arti llustrating an example of the flow of a process of the
electronic device according to the first emnbodilnent.
[FIG. 51 FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a modified exanlple of the flow of the
process of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 61 FIG. 6 is a flo~vchart illustrating a modified example of the flow of the
30 process of tlle electrot~icd evice according to the first embodirrtent.
[FIG. 71 FIG. 7 is a block diagram for describing an example of a configuration of a
module in an electronic device according to a second embodiment.
[FIG. 81 FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a process of the
electronic device according to the second embodiment.
[FIG. 91 FIG. 9 is a block diagram for describing an exan~pleo f a configuration of a
5 module in an electronic device according to a third embodiment.
[FIG. 101 FIG 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a process of the
electronic device according to the third enlbodiment.
[FIG. 111 FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of an external appearance of
an electronic device.
10 [FIG. 121 FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an exanlple of an internal configuration
of a housing of an electronic device.
[FIG. 131 FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a physical configuratiot~
of an electronic device.
[FIG. 141 FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an example of an extension module.
15 [FIG. 151 FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a main commutlication nlodule as an
example of an extension module.
[FIG. 161 FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing an example of a configuration of a
communication system.
[FIG. 171 FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing another example of a configuration of a
20 cotnmunication system.
[FIG. 181 FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing another exatnple of a configuration of a
communication system.
[FIG. 191 FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing another example of a configuration of a
co~nmunicationsy stem.
25 [FIG. 201 FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing another example of a configuratiotl of a
cotnn~unications ystem.
[FIG. 211 FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing an application example of an electrotlic
device.
[FIG. 221 FIGS. 22A to 22D are diagrams for describing apl~licatione xanlples of an
30 electronic device.
[FIG. 231 FIGS. 23A to 23D are diagrams for describing application examples of an
electronic device.
[FIG. 241 FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing a n~odificde xample.
[FIG. 251 FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing a modified example.
Description of Embodiments
[00121
Hereinaftel; a plurality of ernbodi~~~eonft st he present disclosure will be
described with reference to the appended drawings. The description \vill proceed in
10 the following order.
4-1. First embodiment>
4-2. Modified exatnple of first embodiment>
Q. Second embodiment>
<3. Third embodiment>
15 <4. Content common to embodiments>
<5. Application examples>
<6. Modified examples>
Embodiments which will be described below are exemplary examples of the
present disclosure, and the content of the present disclosure is not limited to the
20 following embodiments.
[0013]
First of all, at1 exatnple of a configuration of an electronic device according
25 to the first embodiment will be described. For example, the electronic device is a
device that deals with a power generation state as sensing inforniation. For
example, an electronic device according to the e~ilbodi~lleinst a snlall device that can
be worn on at1 organism such as a person or an animal. Of course, an electronic
device according to the enlbodiment tilay be a stationary device or one installed in
30 various kinds of devices.
[00 141
FIG. 1 illustrates an cxa~nplco f a schematic configuration of tile electronic
device according to the first embodiment. An electronic device 1 includes, for
example, one or more of modules. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1
includes, for example, four modules (a inodule 10a, a tnodule 2023, a module 30a, and
5 a module 40a). The modules include at least a power generating unit that generates
electric power according to a surroundi~ig environment, a state transition unit that
causes a state to transition according to the electric power supplied fiom the power
generating unit, and an output unit that ou~tputsp redetermined information according
to the transition of the state of the state transition unit.
10 [0015]
The power generating unit generates electric power based on energy existing
in a su~~ouuidinegn virot~ment. The power generating unit, for example, generates
electric power based on vibrations or motion of the user of the electronic device.
For example, an electrostatic type, an electromagnetic type, an inverse
16 tnagnetostrictive type, or a piezoelectric type may be used as a power generation
method, and there is no preference for a power generation method. The power
generating unit may generate electric power based on light (for example, an indoor
electric bulb or sunlight. The power generating unit may be a thermoelectric
conversion element (for example, an element that generates electric power using a
20 Seebeck effect or a Tllomson effect, a thernloelectric power generation element, or
an element that performs thernnornagnetic power generation) that generates electric
power using a temperature difference. The power generating unit may be an
enzyme battery cell (also referred to as a "bio-battery cell") that generates electric
power using sugar. The power generating unit may generate electric power using
26 capacity coupling or electron~agnetic coupling by any one or a combination of
inductance, capacitance, and reactauce (LCR) components, a capacitor, an antenna, a
rectenna, and the like, for example, using a radio wave. The power generating unit
may perform near electrotnagnetic field power generation, that is, may generate
electric power based on energy obtained by getting the electronic device close to a
30 predetermined device. A known schc~nesu ch as a magnetic field resonauce scheme,
an electrolnagnetic induction schcmc, electrolytic coupling, or an electric field
resonance scheme may be applied as a near electric filed power generation sche~ne.
In addition to the exenlplified clcnlents, any other known power generation elenlent
nlay be applied as the power generating unit.
[0016]
5 The modules of the electronic device 1 nnay include one or more power
storage elements. The power storage element is used, for example, according to the
purpose of storing the electric power generated by the power generating unit. As
the power storage element, in addition to various kinds of secondary battery cells
such as a lithium-ion secondary battery cell, an electric double layer capacitol; a
10 lithium-ion capacitor, a polyacene-based organic semiconductor (a polyacenic
semiconductor (PAS)) capacitol; a Nanogate capacitor ("Nanogate" is a registered
trademark of Nanogate Aktiengesellschaft), a ceramic capacitor, a film capacitor, an
alun~inu~enle ctrolytic capacitor, a tantalum capacitor, or the like may be used. A
combi~lationo f po\ver storage elements may be used according to the purpose.
15 [0017]
The state transition unit causes its state to transition according to the electric
power supplied from the power generating unit. The electric power supplied from
the power generating unit may be supplied to the state transition unit directly or
through the power storage element. The electric power generated by the power
20 generating unit may be appropriately increased or decreased and then supplied to the
state transition unit.
[0018]
The state transition unit is configured with, for example, an integrated
circuit (IC) including one or more elements. Examples of the state transition unit
25 include a switching element such as a transistor, a diode, a reset IC, a regulator IC, a
logic IC, and various kinds of ope~.ation circuits. A circuit configuration in an IC
may be appropriately changed as long as the function of the state transition unit call
be imnplemented. In the following description, a reset IC is assumed to be used as
the state trausition unit.
30 [0019]
For example, the state transition unit transitions between twvo states of ON
and OFF according to the electric power supplied fion~th e power generating unit.
For example, the state transition 1111it tra~lsitio~flrso nn an OFF statc to an ON state
when tllc powcr generation atnoutnt output fro~om the power generating unit is a
predetermined a~nlount or tnore. For exannple, the power generatio11 amount is
6 specified by any one of a voltage, an electric current, electric power and electric
energy or a combination thereof. Further, \vhen the electric powver of the power
generating unit is supplied to the state transition unit through the power storage
element, the state transition unit tra~lsitio~nfrso m the OFF state to the ON state when
the power generation amount charged in the power storage element is the
10 predetermined amount or inore.
[0020]
The state transition unit may transition atnorlg three or more states: The
state transition unit preferably stores a state after transition by holding the state, but
the state tra~nsitio~unl it may neither hold nor store the state due to a reset or the like.
15 [0021]
The output unit outputs the predetermined information depending on the
state the state transition unit transitions to. For exanlple, the output unit includes a
comnlunication ~lnodule and an antenna for perfornling comn~mnication with an
external device different fionn the electrot~icd evice 1, and perforr~lsc onu~lunication
20 based on a predetermined comtnunication standard to output the predeternlined
information to the external device. The state transition unit and the communication
module may be connected to a control unit, and the co~mn~ut~icatimonod ule may
operate according to control by the control unit. The comtnunication module may
be configured to include the control unit.
25 [0022]
The comnn~unication performed by the communication module may be
wireless or wired colllmunication. The wireless com~~~~nicatmioayn be
communication using an electromagnetic wave (including infrared rays) or
conl~lnunicatio~uls ing an electric field. As a specific scl~enle,a co~~~m~u~nication
30 using a band of several ln~~adredosf megahertz (MI-Iz) to several gigahertz (GHz)
such as "Wi-Fi (a registered trademark)," "Zigbee (a registered trademark),"
"Bluetooth (a registered trademark),'' "Bluetooth low energy," "ANT (a registered
trademark)," "ANT+ (a registered tradenlark)," or "Enocean (a registered
trademark)" may be used. Near field co~lnnunication( NFC) may bc used.
[0023]
5 For exanlple, when the state transition unit transitions to the ON state, the
output unit operates, and connnunication is perfomled. The predetermined
infor~nationo utput by the output unit is, for example, an identifier (ID) allocated to
each module. 111 addition to the identifier, the predeternlined information may be
information of one bit (0 or 1 as a logical meaning) corresponding to the state of the
10 state transition unit. For example, when tlie modules include different power
generating units, the allocation of the identifier to each nlodule has an equivalent
meaning to the allocation of an identifier to each power generating unit.
[0024]
The identifier allocated to the module may be an identifier that is allocated
15 in advance or may be an identifier that is allocated each time. For example, \vhen
the electronic device 1 establishes a connllunication connection with another device,
the identifier may be allocated to each module so that the allocated identifier is used.
[0025]
In this example, the communication modules of tlie respective niodules are
20 configured to perform con~munication independently. Thus, it is unnecessary to
control, for example, a timing at which each comniunication module performs
cotnn~unication.
[0026]
5 FIG. 3 illustrates an cxat~lpleo f a system using the electronic device. As
described above, tlie electronic device 1 perfornls conl~llunicationx vitlith an external
device using the con~munication nodules of the respective modules. An external
device is, for example, a database device DBI, a database device DB2, or a personal
computer PC connected to the electronic device 1 via a network NT. The external
10 device may be a device used in a company or a device used by an individual. The
external device may be a device connected to the electronic device 1 via a cable.
[0045]
The electronic device 1 [nay perform comnlunication with the external
device via a relay device. A smartphone SH that is owned by the user and located
15 at a relatively close position to th~electronicd evice may be used as the relay device.
The relay device may be a tablet comptiter or a laptop personal computer in addition
to a smartphone or may be one electronic device I when there is a plurality of
electronic devices 1. The relay device is also the external device. A specific
example (an applicatiotl example) of the system using the electronic device ~villb e
20 described later.
[0046]
An example of tlie flow of a process of the modules in the electronic device
I will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 4. The followi~ig
25 description will proceed with an example of the flow of a process of the module 1Oa.
The flows of processes of the other modules are substantially the same as that of the
module 10a, but there nlay be a difference according to the co~lfiguratioo~f ~t he
module. For example, the processes of the respective ~llodulesa re independently
performed.
30 [0047]
In step STlO, the po\t7er generating unit 100 (it1 this example, the solar
power generating unit 11) geuerates electric power. For esa~uplc, when the user
\\caring the electronic device 1 goes outside under fine \\leather, the power
generating unit 100 is irradiated wit11 sunlight, and thus the power generating unit
100 generates electric power. Of course, when the outdoor weather is rainy or
5 cloudy, the power generating unit 100 does not generate electric power or generates
slight electric powel: Then, the process proceeds to step ST1 1.
[0048]
In step ST11, the electric power generated by the power generating unit 100
is supplied to the capacitor 105 serving as one of the power storage ele~nentsth rough
10 the regulator IC 101 or the like. Then, the capacitor 105 is charged, and the voltage
of the capacitor 105 is increased. Then, the process proceeds to step ST12.
[0049]
In step ST12, it is determined whether the voltage of the capacitor 105 is the
reference voltage or higher. When the voltage of the capacitor 105 is smaller than
15 the reference voltage, the process returns to step ST12. When the voltage of the
capacitor 105 is the reference voltage or highel; the process proceeds to step ST13.
[0050]
In step ST13, as the voltage of the capacitor 105 becomes the reference
voltage or higher, the reset IC 106 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state.
20 Further, as the voltage of the capacitor 105 becomes the refereuce voltage or higher,
the state of the reset IC 106 transitions, and the determillation process of step ST12 is
not performed by a certain functional block. As the reset IC 106 transitions to the
ON state, the output voltage of the capacitor 105 is supplied to the MPU 107. Then,
the process proceeds to step ST14.
25 [0051]
In step ST14, the MPU 107 operates using the electric power supplied from
the capacitor 105 as a po\lrer source. For esatnple, the MPU 107 reads a program
stored in the ROM lO8a, and performs a process according to a code described in the
program. Then, the process proceeds to step ST15.
30 [0052]
In step ST15, the MPU 107 supplies the electric power to the
co~~m~unicatmioond ule 109 and controls the co~ml~unicatiomno dule 109. In other
words, the MPU 107 instructs the conun~~nicationtn odule 109 to start
coi~ununicationa nd to transmit, for example, the identifier of the module 10a to an
external device. Then, the process proceeds to step ST.16.
5 [0053]
In step ST16, the com~nnnication niodule 109 perforlns co~ntuunication
according to the control by the MPU 107. The cotnmunication module 109
transmits, for example, the identifier allocated to the module 10a to the external
device according to a predetermined communication scheme. The external device
10 that has received the identifier of the module 10a can recognize that, for example, the
solar power generating unit 11 including the modale 10a has generated an energy
amount for operating all or a part of the system.
[0054]
Although not illustrated, as the MPU 107 operates, the voltage of the
15 capacitor 105 is decreased, and thus the reset IC 106 transitions from the ON state to
the OFF state. As the power supply to the MPU 107 is interrupted, the operations
of the MPU 107 and the communication module 109 are suspended. For example,
when the power generation of the solar power generating unit 11 is continued, the
above process is repeated.
20 [0055]
The above process is performed as the power generating unit generates a
predetermined amount or more of electric power. In other words, for example,
when a minimum electric power for operating the MPU and the communication
module is generated or charged, syste~n (module)-specific information may be
25 generated and output. The user of the electronic device need not perform a special
operation. In the electronic device, the power generation state of the power
generating unit is used as sensing information. In other words, the power
generating unit fi~nctionsa s a sensor and a power source. Thus, it is unnecessary to
install a unique configuration (for example, a sensor such as an acceleration sensor, a
30 gyro sensol; a temperature sensol; or a geo~nagnetics ensor) for obtaining the sensing
infor~nation.
[0056]
Since the sensor aid an AD converting unit for processing the sensing
itiforniation need not be installed, it is unnecessary to nlount a large battery cell for
supplying electric powel; and thus the size of the electronic device can be reduced.
5 Since the size of tlie electronic device can be reduced, for example, tlie user does not
feel discomfort even when the user wwrears the electrotiic device. Further, since the
size of the electronic device can be reduced, the electronic device can be easily
incorporated into another device. In the electronic device according to the
embodiment, it is possible to prevent its operatioti from being suspended by a dead
10 battery that may occur in small electronic devices.
[0057]
4-2.M odified example of first embodiment>
The process of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodinlent can
be modified, for example, as illustrated in a flowchart of FIG. 5. The followitlg
15 description will proceed with different points from the above pr&cess.
[OOSS]
Tlie process of step ST10 to step ST13 has been described above and thus
will be described briefly. As the voltage equal to or higher than the reference
voltage is charged in the capacitor 105, the reset IC 106 transitions from the OFF
20 state to the ON state. Then, the process proceeds from step ST13 to step ST20.
[0059]
As the reset IC 106 transitions to the ON state, the MPU 107 starts its
operation. Tlie MPU 107 stores information indicating that the reset IC 106 has
transitioned to the ON state in tlie RAM 108b. The MPU 107 stores, for example,
25 the identifier of the module lOa in the RAM 108b. Then, the MPU 107 reads the
identifier of the module 1Oa stored it1 the RAM 108b, and instructs the
coniniunication module 109 to transmit the identifier to an external device. The
process of step ST15 and step ST16 has been described already, atid thus a duplicate
description thereof will be omitted.
30 [0060]
Further, infortnation different frotii the identifier of the nlodule 10a may be
stored in the storage unit 108. For exatnple, a counter majr be installed in the
storage unit 108, and tlie nurnber of transitions of tlie reset IC 106 fiotn the OFF state
to the ON state may be stored. Then, the t~utiibero f transitions of the tiiodnle 10a to
the ON state may be transmitted to the external device together with the identifier of
5 the module 10a.
[0061]
Further, when the MPU 107 stores the identifier of the module 10a or the
like in the RAM 108b, process of step ST22, step ST23, and step ST24 in a flowchart
of FIG. 6 majr be performed.
10 [0062]
In step ST22, tlie MPU 107 determines whether there is a storage capacity
of tlie RAM 108b when a recording process is performed. When there is a storage
capacity of the RAM 108b in step ST22, the process proceeds to step ST23. In step
ST23, the MPU 107 perforn~sth e recording process on the RAM 108b. When there
15 is not a storage capacity of the RAM 108b in step ST22, the process proceeds to step
ST24.
[0063]
In step ST24, since there is no storage capacity of the RAM 108b, the
recording process is perfonned on an external memory. As will be described later
20 in detail, an extension module having various functions may be added to the
electronic device. When the extension module has a storage function, the identifier
of the tnodule 10a or the like may be stored in the extension module. The MPU 107
may determine whether the extension niodule has the storage function and perfor111
the recording process on the extension niodule when the extension module has the
25 storage function. Further, when there is no storage capacity of the RAM 108b, an
overwriting process map be performed.
[0064]
<2. Second embodiment>
Next, a second e~nboditnent will be described. In the description of the
30 second enibodiment, a duplicate description of the same conlponents as in the first
enlbodin~entw ill appropriately be omitted. An electronic device according to tlie
second embodiment may be configured to output time information indicating a time
at which the state of the state transition unit transitions.
[0065]
5 The electronic device according to the second embodinlent (referred to
approl~riately as an "electronic device 2") includes one or more of modules, similarly
to the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment, The electronic device
2 includes, for example, a module lob, a module 20b, a module 30b, and a module
40b. Each of the n~odules includes, for example, a power generating unit, a power
10 storage clen~enta, state transition unit, and a com~nunicationm odule.
[0066]
An example of a specific configuration of the module .in the electronic
device 2 will be described in connection with an example of the module lob. For
example, configurations of the other modules in the electronic device 2 arc the same
15 as the configuration of the n~odule lob, but there may be a difference in a
configuration between the modules.
[0067]
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a specific configuration of the module lob.
Similarly to the module 10a in the electronic device 1, the module lob has a
20 configuration including, for example, a power generating unit 100, a regulator IC 101,
a charger 102, a secondary battery cell 103, a capacitor 104, a capacitor 105, a reset
1C 106, an MPU 107, a storage unit 108, and a comniunication tnodde 109. The
storage unit 108 has a configuration including, for example, a ROM 108a and a
RAM 1OSb.
25 [0068]
The module IOb includes a real time clock (RTC) 150. The RTC 150 is
connected to the MPU 107, and supplies time infonnation to the MPU 107. For
example, a year, a month, and a date may be appropriately set to the time information.
Tllc MPU 107 may be configured to include the RTC therein.
30 [0069]
Although not illustrated, a power source device for driving the RTC 150 is
installed in the electronic device 2. For exalnplc, a secondary battery cell such as a
lithium-ion battery cell or a primary battery cell may be used as the power source
device. Since power consumption of tlie RTC 150 is small, a coin type small
battery cell may be used. The electric power charged in the secondary battery cell
5 103 may be suppliedto the RTC 150. As the reset IC 106 transitions from the OFF
state to the ON state, the MPU 107 supplies the time information supplied frollltlie
RTC 150 to the connnutiication nodule 109 together with the identifier of the
module lob. The cotinnunication tnodule 109 outputs tlie identifier of the module
lob and the time information to an external device through comnlunication.
10 [0070]
An example of the flow of a process of the modules in the electronic device
2 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 8. Tlie following
description will proceed with an example of the flow of a process of the module lob.
15 The flows of processes of the other modules are substantially the same as that of the
module lob, but there may be a difference according to the configuratiott of the
module. For example, the processes of the respective modules are independently
performed.
[0071]
20 In step ST30, the power generating unit 100 (in this example, the solar
power generating unit 11) generates electric power. For example, when the user
wvearing the electronic device 2 goes outside under fine weather, the power
generating unit 100 is irradiated with sunlight, and thus the power generating unit
100 generates electric power. Of course, when the outdoor weather is rainy or
25 cloudy, the power generating unit 100 does not generate electric power or generates
slight electric power. Then, the process proceeds to step ST3 1.
[0072]
In step ST3 1, the electric power generated by the power generating unit 100
is supplied to tlie capacitor 105 serving as one of the power storage eletnents throng11
30 the regulator IC 101 or the like. Then, tlie capacitor 105 is charged, and the voltage
of the capacitor 105 is increased. Tllen, the process proceeds to step ST32.
[00731
In step ST32, it is determined wvhether the voltage of the capacitor 105 is the
reference voltage or higher. When the voltage of the capacitor 105 is srnaller than
the reference voltage, the process returns to step ST32. When the voltage of the
5 capacitor 105 is the reference voltage or higher, the process proceeds to step ST33.
[0074]
In step ST33, as the voltage of the capacitor 105 becornes the reference
voltage or highel; the reset IC 106 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state.
Furtheel; as the voltage of the capacitor 105 becomes the reference voltage or higher,
10 the state of the reset IC 106 transitions, and the deternlination process of step ST32 is
not perfo~med by a certain functional block. As the reset IC 106 transitions to the
ON state, the output voltage of the capacitor 105 is supplied to the MPU 107. Then,
the process proceeds to step ST34.
[0075]
15 In step ST34, the AlIPU 107 operates using the electric power supplied from
the capacitor 105 as a power source. The MPU 107, for example, reads a program
stored in the ROM 108a, and performs a process according to a code described in the
program. Then, the process proceeds to step ST35.
[0076]
20 In step ST35, the MPU 107 supplies the electric power to the
co~nmunication module 109 and controls the conmlunication module 109. The
MPU 107 supplies, for examnple, the identifier of the module lob stored in the ROM
108a and the time information supplied from the RTC 150 to the comrnunicatio~l
module 109, and gives an instruction to output the infor~nation. Then, the process
25 proceeds to step ST36.
[0077]
In step ST36, the con~munication module 109 performs co~mnunication
according to the control by the MPU 107. The communication module 109
transmits the identifier allocated to the module lob and the time infor~nationto the
30 external device according to a predetermined co~n~nunicatioscnh eme. For example,
the external device cau recognize the power generation of the solar power generating
unit I I arranged in the nlodule 10b and a power generation timing of the solar power
generating unit 11. Furtheel; when the external device receives the identifier of the
nodule 10b and the time infor~nationa gain, the external device can recognize time
intervals at which the state transition unit transitions to the ON state, that is, power
6 generation intervals of the solar power generating unit 11 without using the titne
information at an external device side or without generating the time infonnation.
[0078]
The MPU 107 may store the time infortnation indicating a time at which the
reset IC 106 transitioned to the ON state in the RAM 108b. Tlms, for exanlple,
10 even when communication is performed in a state in which infortnation is
accutnulated instead of performing con~tnunicatione ach time, a notification of the
time information related to the state transition can be given to the external device
side.
[0079]
15 Although nit illustrated, as the MPU 107 operates, the voltage of the
capacitor 105 is decreased, and thus the reset IC 106 transitions from the ON state to
the OFF state. As the power supply to the MPU 107 is interrupted, the operations
of the MPU 107 and the comnunication module 109 are suspended. For example,
when the power generation of the solar power generating unit 11 is continued, the
20 above process is repeated.
[0080]
<3. Third embodinlent>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Itt the descriptio~lo f the third
embodiment, a duplicate description of the same cotnponents as in the first
25 etnbodiment will appropriately be omitted.
[OOX 11
The electronic device according to the third emboditnetlt (referred to
appropriately as an "electronic device 3") includes one or more of n~oduless, imilarly
30 to the electrotlic device 1 according to the first embodiment. The electronic device
3 includes, for example, a inodule IOc, a nlodule 20c, a mnodule 30c, and a module
40c. Each of the modules includes, for exanxple, a poxves generating unit, a power
storage element, a state transition unit, and a cornm~~nicatiomno dule.
[0082]
An example of a specific configuration of the module in the electronic
5 device 3 will be described in connection with an example of the module 10c. For
example, configurations of the other n~odulesi n the electronic device 3 are the same
as the configuration of the module 10c, but there may be a difference in a
configuration between the modules.
[0083]
10 FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a specific configuration of the lilodule 1Oc.
Similarly to the module 10a in the electronic device 1, the module 10c has a
co~lfigurationin cluding, for example, a power generating unit 100, a regulator IC 101,
a charger 102, a seconda~yb attery cell 103, a capacitor 104, a capacitor 105, a reset
IC 106, an MPU 107, a storage unit 108, and a commonication module 109. The
15 storage unit 108 has a configuration including, for example, a ROM 108a and a
RAM 108b.
[0084]
The nlodule 10c further includes a clock generating unit 160. The clock
generating unit 160 generates a clock, for example, with a predetermined cycle.
20 When the clock generated by the clock generating unit 160 becomes a predetermined
set value, the clock generating unit 160 performs control such that the output voltage
of the capacitor 105 is supplied to the reset IC 106. For example, a switch is
installed between the capacitor 105 and the reset IC 106, and when the clock
becomes the predetermined set value, the clock generating unit 160 svlitches the
25 switch fiom the OFF state to the ON state. The clock generating unit may be
installed in a device different fiotn the electronic device 3, and control may be
perfolmed by the clock generating unit outside the electronic device 3.
[0085]
The electric power is supplied fiom the capacitor 105 to the clock
30 generating unit 160. The clock genesating unit 160 operates using the electric
power supplied fiom the capacitor 105. A power source device for operating the
clock generating unit 160 may be installed. For example, a secondary battery cell
such as a lithium-ion battery cell or a primary battery cell may be used as the power
source device. Since the power consuniption of the clock generating unit 160 is
small, a coin type small battery cell may be used. The electric power charged in the
5 secondary battery cell 103 may be supplied to the clock generating unit 160.
[0086]
An example of the flow of a process of the niodules in the electronic device
3 will be described with reference to a flolvchart of FIG. 10. The following
10 description will proceed with an example of the flow of a process of the module 1Oc.
The flows of processes of the other modules are substantially the same as that of the
module 10c, but there may be a difference according to the configuration of the
module. For example, the processes of the respective nodules are independently
perfornied.
15 [0087]
In step ST40, the power generating unit 100 (in this example, the solar
power generating unit 11) generates electric pourer. For example, when the user
wearir~g the electronic device 3 goes outside under fine weather, the power
generating unit 100 is irradiated with sunlight, and thus the power generating unit
20 100 generates electric power. Of course, when tlie outdoor weather is rainy or
cloudy, the power generating unit 100 does not generate electric power or generates
slight electric power. Then, the process proceeds to step ST41.
[OOSS]
hl step ST41, the electric power generated by the power generating unit 100
25 is supplied to the capacitor 105 serving as one of the power storage elements through
the regulator IC 101 or the like. Then, the capacitor 105 is charged, and the voltage
of the capacitor 105 is increased. Then, the process proceeds to step ST42.
[0089]
In step ST42, the electric power of the capacitor 105 is supplied to the clock
30 generating nnit 160. Tlle clock generating unit 160 operates using the supplied
electric power. Then, the process proceeds to step ST43.
[0090]
In step ST43, the clock generating unit 160 determines whether the clock
generated by the clock generating unit 160 has become a set value. When the clock
has not beconle the set value, the process returns to step ST43. When the clock has
5 become the set value, the clock generating unit 160 performs control such that the
voltage of the capacitor 105 is supplied to the reset IC 106. Then, the process
proceeds to step ST44.
[0091]
In step ST44, it is determined whether the voltage of the capacitor 105 is the
10 reference voltage or higher. When the voltage of the capacitor 105 is neither the
reference voltage nor higher, the process returns to step ST43. Then, it is
determined again whether the clock generated by the clock generating unit 160
becomes the set value. When the voltage of the capacitor 105 is the reference
voltage or higher, the process proceeds to step ST46.
-
15 [0092]
In step ST46, the MPU 107 operates using the electric power supplied from
the capacitor 105 as a power source. The MPU 107 supplies the electric power to
the co~nmunicationm odule 109, and controls the cotntnunication module 109. The
MPU 107 supplies, for example, the identifier of the module lob stored in the ROM
20 108a to the communication module 109 and gives an instruction to output the
infornlation. Then, the process proceeds to step ST47.
[0093]
In step ST47, the co~nmunication nodule 109 performs comilunication
according to the control by the MPU 107. The cotnmunication module 109
25 transmits the identifier allocated to the nodule 10h to an external device according to
a predetermined connnnnication scheme.
[0094]
Sinlilarly to the modified example of tlie first embodiment, the h4PU 107
may perform the recording process on the RAM 108b. Sinlilarly to the second
30 embodiment, the time infornlation indicating a time at wlvhich the reset IC 106
transitioned to the ON state may be output fro111 the RAM 108b to the external device.
[0095]
Although not illustratcd, as the MPU 107 operates, the voltage of the
capacitor 105 is dccreased, and thus the reset IC 106 transitions fron~th e ON state to
the OFF state. As the power supply to the MPU 107 is interrupted, the operations
5 of the MPU 107 and the comn~unication n~odule 109 are suspended. For example,
when the power generation of the solar power generating unit 11 is co~itinued, the
above process is repeated.
[0096]
<4. Content common to embodiments>
10 The configuration and operation of the electro~~idce vice of the present
disclosure have been described using the electronic device 1, the electronic device 2,
and the electronic device 3 as examples. Next, content that can be applied to the
electronic devices in common will be described using the electronic device 1 as an
example.
15 [0097]
Since the electronic device 1 can be reduced in size, the electronic device 1
can be incorporated into another device or at1 accessory as an accessory, easily worn
on an organism such as a person, an anitnal, or aa outdoor tree, and ca~ried.
Examnples of the accessory include a bracelet, a pendant, a ring, an easring, a hair
20 band, and armot The electronic device 1 may be attached to glasses, a hat, shoes, a
bag, or the like usually used by the user. Of course, the electronic device 1 is not
limited to one that is worn on an organism and carried. The electronic device 1 map
be placed on a desk or nlay be placed on a thing (for example, a vehicle) other than
an organism.
25 [0098]
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a housing in which the module (for
example, the module 10a) in the electronic device 1 is accommodated. A housing
201 has, for example, a cross section of an elliptical shape. The size of the housing
201 can be appropriately set. As an exan~plet,h e size of the housi~~2g01 is set to a
30 size of about a fingertip. Tile housing 201 is n~adeo f a light transmissi\re member
such as glass or plastic so that the power generating unit accotnn~odated in the
housing 201 is irradiated with sunlight or indoor light,
[0099]
FIG. 12 an example of a simplified internal configuration of the housing 201.
The respective conlponents of the module 1Oa are accommodated in the housing 201.
5 For exatllple, a substrate 210 is accommodated in the housing 201, and the respective
components of tlie module 10a are mounted on either or both of the surfaces of the
substrate 210. The periphery of the module 10a may be molded by resin or the like.
For example, the solar power generating nut 11, the power storage element 12, the
state transition unit 13, and the communication module 14 inclnding the MPU 107
10 are mo~utted on the substrate 210. In FIG. 12, for the sake of convenience of
description, the housing 201 can be divided in two, but the housing 201 tilay be
integrally molded not to be divided.
[OlOO]
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the respective components of the module 20a are
15 accommodated in a housing 202 having the same shape of tlie Iiousing 201. The
respective components of the module 30a are acconnmodated in a housing 203
having the same shape of the housing 201. The respective components of the
module 40a are accommodated in a housing 204 having the same shape of the
housing 201. In other words, in this example, the electronic device 1 includes the
20 housings 201,202,203, and 204 in \vhich the respective components of the modules
are accon~modated.
[OlOl]
For example, by connecting the housings 201, 202, 203, and 204 in a circle
using a lace or a chain and putting them around the neck of the user, the electronic
25 device 1 can he used like a necklace. Further, by connecting the housings 201,202,
203, and 204 using a circular band, the electronic device 1 can be used like a
wristband. By further reducing the liousings 201, 202, 203, and 204 in size and
attaching the downsized housings to a ring-like nietallic member, the electronic
device 1 can be used like a ring. Of course, these use forn~sa re exatilples and are
30 not limiting.
[O 1021
Further, an arrangement position of tlie power generating unit in the housing
may be set according to characteristics of the power generating nnit. For example,
wheu the power generating uuit is the solar power generating unit, it is desirable to
arrange the solar power generatittg unit at a surface side of the inside of the housing
5 so that lights falls on tlie solar power generating unit. For example, when the power
generating unit is the vibration power generating unit, it is desirable to arrange the
vibration power getierating unit near tlie center of the inside of the housing in order
to reduce influence of noise. For example, when tlie power ge~~eratin~gm iti s
configured wit11 a piezoelectric element, it is desirable to arrange the piezoelectric
10 element at the surface side of the inside of the housing.
[0 1031
The function of the electronic device 1 can be extended, for example, using
an exteusion module. As illustrated in FIG. 14, an extension module includes a
15 housing 205 having &e same shape as the housing 201, for example. A
configuration for implementing the extension niodule is accommodated in the
housing 205.
[O 1041
For example, by arranging a memory and a driver for performing a
20 recording and reproducing process on the memory in the housing 205, it is possible
to cause the extension module to function as a storage device. For example, by
arratlging an electronic paper or the like in the housing 205, it is possible to cause the
extension modnle to fi~nctioua s a display. For example, by installiug a switch or a
button on the surface of the housing 205 and electrically connecting tlie housing 205
25 with the respective modules, it is possible to cause the extension modnle to furlctio~i
as a device that supplies some triggers to the respective modules.
[0105]
For example, by arranging a clock generating device in the housing 205 and
electrically connecting the l~oousing2 05 with the respective modules, it is possible to
30 cause tlie extension module to function as a device that provides a clock to the
respective niodules. For example, by installing an MPU in the housiug 205 and
electrically connecting the llousing 205 with the respective mod~~leist ,i s possible to
cause the extension 11lodule to function as a control device that controls the
respective n~odules.
[0 1 061
5 For exanlple, by arranging a battery cell in the housing 205, it is possible to
cause the extension nlodule to fi~nctiona s a battery cell that supplies electric power
to the respective modules. For example, by arranging a configuration imnplementing
a clocking fi~nctiona nd a display function in the housing 205, it is possible to cause
the extension module to filnction as a clocking device. For example, by arranging a
10 speaker in the housing 205, it is possible to cause the extension nlodule to fi~nctiona s
a speaker device. The extension module majr be configured as a universal serial bus
(USB) memory. For example, by forming a terminal of a predeter~l~inesdh ape in
the housing 205, it is possible to cause the extension module to function as a terminal
for connecting the electronic device 1 with another device.
15 [0107]
For example, the inside of the housing 205 may be hollow or may be filled
with resin or the like. It is possible to cause the extension module to function as an
adjustr~lenmt ember for adjusting the size of the electronic device 1 to be suitable for
the size of a neck or a hand, for example, when a plurality of n~odulesa re connected,
20 and the electronic device 1 is used as an accessory. As described above, the
electronic device 1 may be configured to include the extension module in addition to
the modules. Further, a plurality of extension ~llodules may be used in the
electronic device 1.
[0108]
25 By arranging a comnlunication n~odulea nd a power source for driving the
co~llmunication illodale in the housing 205, it is possible to cause the extension
module to function as a main connnunication module. The term "main" in the main
cotnmunication module is an expression for co~lvenienceo f description to distinguish
it from the communication module in the module 10a or the like, and it does not have
30 a special meaning.
[0 1091
As illustrated in FIG. 15, for example, the respective modules (the nodule
10a, the module 20a, the tnodule 30a and the nodule 40a) and the maill
co~mnunicationtn odule (referred to appropriately as a "main co~n~nu~iicatmioord~ul e
50") perform wired or wireless communication with one another. For example,
5 NFC of several tens of centimeters is performed. Each of the modules transmits the
allocated identifier or the like to the main communication module 50 as the state
transition unit transitions to the ON state. The main communication module 50
transmits information of the identifier received froom the modules to an external
device such as the smartphone SH.
10 [OllO]
As described above, the co~nmu~~icatwiointh the external device may be
performed through the main communication module. Here, an example of a
co~umunications ystem const~uctedb y the electronic device and the external device
will be described. In the above description, in order to facilitate a description, an
15 illustration of the power storage element, the state transitiotiunit, and the like will
appropriately be omitted.
[Olll]
FIG. 16 is an example of a commu~lication syste~il constructed by the
electronic device 1 and an external device AU. The example illustrated in FIG. 16
20 is an exa~nplec orresponding to the above embodiment, and the main comtnunication
module is not used. In other words, the example illustrated in FIG. 16 is an example
in which the con~municatiom~~od ule of each module independently perfornls
co~ilmunicationw ith the external device AU.
[0112]
25 FIG. 17 illustrates another example of the conimunication systetn
constructed by the electronic device 1 and the external device AU. The example
illustrated in FIG. 17 is an example corresponding to the cotntnunication system
described with reference to FIG. 15. Each module transmits the identifier of the
module or the like to the 1nai11c o~lin~~nicat~ioinlo d~5l0e t1110ugIi NFC. 'rhe main
30 communication inodule 50 transmits inforinatiot~r eceived fro111 the modules to the
external device AU. Since it is desirable that the co~nrnu~licatmioo~d~u le of each
module pcrfornl, for example, NFC, the size of the conl~nu~iicationnl odule or the
atitelula can be reduced. Further, since energy consumption for a series of
cotnmunication operations is suppressed, a communication frequency can be
increased. This corresponds to an itnprovement in sensitivity in sensor and
5 tenlporal resolution, for exanlple. Since the main conln~unicationm odule 50 needs
a certain size but does not need a power generating unit or tlie like, it is possible to
prevent the main cotn~nunicatiom~o~d ule 50 from being increased in size.
[0113]
Further, the power generating units in the electronic device 1 tnay be
10 grouped, and a conimunication module may be installed for each group. For
example, the solar power generating unit 11 of the module 10a and the temperature
difference power generating unit 21 of the module 20a are grouped as illustrated in
FIG. 18. A com~nuuicationm odule (a conununication module 60) corresponding to
the group is installed. In other words, tlie n ~ o d ~1~0lae an d the module 20a share tlie
15 co~nmunication module 60. The present embodilllent is not limited to the
cotnmunication module, and one state transition unit corresponding to the group Inay
be installed.
[0114]
In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, it is necessary to check
20 whether the communication nodule 60 is being used by perforn~ingc ommunication
between tlie MPU of the module 10a and the MPU of tlie module 20a. For example,
the MPU of the tnodule 1Oa inquires to the MPU of the module 20a whether the
cotn~nunicationm odule 60 is being used. Here, wvhen the state transition unit of the
module 20a is in the OFF state, and the MPU is not in an activated state, there is no
25 response to the inquiry. Thus, the MPU of the module 10a controls the
comtnunication module 60 such that the identifier allocated to the module 10a or the
like can be transmitted to the external device AU.
[0115]
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 19, a co~mnunicationm odule (for example, the
30 communication tnodule 60 in FIG. 18) shared by a plurality of modules may perfornl
cotnn~unicationw ith the main co~n~nunicationnio dulc 50. For exanlple, NFC may
be perfonned between tlie cotn~nunication module 60 and the niain commu~~ication
module 50.
[OI 161
Fu~the~as; illustrated in FIG. 20, the conununication module of each module
5 may be configwed to function as a main comnlunication system according to
circumstances. For example, the co~nmunicationm odule of the module having the
power generating unit having the largest power generation amount is allocated as the
main connnunication module. For exaniple, the power generation amount is
specified by any one of a voltage, an electric culuent, electric power and electric
10 energy or a co~nbination thereof. Comnunication is performed betweeti the
communication module decided as the main cotnniunication module and atiotlier
communication module. The niain conxnunication nlodule transmits inforniation
received from another communication module to the external device.
[0117]
15 I11 the configuration of the co~nmunications ystem illustrated in FIG. 20, it is
necessaly to monitor the power generation atnount of each power generating unit.
To this end, for example, it is desirable to monitor the power generation amount of
the power generating unit atid itistall an extension module (a control. device) that
controls whether any one cotn~nunication module functions as tlie main
20 communication module according to the tnonitoring result. However, it is
unnecessary to install the main coniniunicatio~i module as the extension module.
The example of tile conxnunication system is not limited to the exemplified exatnple
atid can be appropriately changed.
[0118]
25 4. Application examples>
Next, application exatnples of tlie electronic device will be described. Of
course, content of the present disclosure is not liniited to application examples which
will be described below.
[0119]
30 As illustrated in FIG. 21, the electronic device 1 (the electronic device 2 or
the electronic device 3) outputs predetermined inforriiation to a second electronic
33/63
device tluough cotnmunication or the like. For esa~nple, the predcter~nined
infornlation is the identifier allocated to each module or the time infor~nation. The
second electronic device includes a receiving unit that receives the predetermined
information transtnitted from the electronic device 1 as an example of an acquiring
5 unit. The second electronic device generates various information based on the
predetermined infor~nationtr ansmitted from the electronic device 1.
[O 1201
Examples of the second electronic device include a game machine G, a
health management device H, and an analysis device. For exan~ple,t he analysis
10 device is a position infornlation identification device P. The electronic device 1
may perform communication wit11 the second electronic device via a relay device (a
third electronic device) such as a smartphone. For example, the second electronic
device already has information about a configuration of a power generating unit
arranged in a module corresponding to the identifier. For this reason, for example,
15 when the identifier of the module 10a is transmitted from the electronic device 1, the
second electronic device can recognize that the solar power generating unit 11 of the
module 1Oa has generated a predetermined amount or more of electric power.
[0121]
20 First, an application example of a game systetii in which the second
electronic device functions as the game nlachine G will be described with reference
to FIGS. 22A to 22D. The gatlie machine G includes a control device such as a
central processing unit (CPU) for implementing a function described below, a storage
device that stores the number of receptions of the identifier of the module during a
25 certain period of time, and the like. In this example, the game device may be a
device having a game function such as a smartphone serving as an exatnple of the
relay device. In FIG. 22A to FIG. 22D, a bar graph schetnatically indicates a pattern
of the number of receptions of the identifier of the n~odule.
[O 1221
30 In an example illustrated in FIG. 22A, the nutnber of receptions of the
identifier of the module 10a including the solar power generating unit 11 is largest,
and the number of receptio~ls of the identifier of the nodule 30a including the
vibration power generating unit 31 is next largest. Thc ~lu~nboefr receptions of the
identifier of the module 20a including the temperature difference power generating
unit 21 is a predetern~ined number of times, and the nu~nber of receptions of the
5 identifier of the module 40a including the radio wave power generating unit 41 is
smallest.
[0 1231
In an example illustrated in FIG. 22B, the number of receptions of the
identifier of the module 10a including the solar power generating unit 11 and the
10 number of receptions of the identifier of the module 30a including the vibration
power generating unit 31 are large. The number of receptions of the identifier of
the rnodule 20a including the temperature difference power generating unit 21 is
large as well. The number of receptions of the identifier of the module 40a
including the radio wave power generating unit 41 is also the predetermined number
15 of times or more.
[0 1241
In an example illustrated in FIG. 22C, the number of receptions of the
identifier of the module 10a including the solar power generating unit 11 and the
number of receptions of the identifier of the module 30a including the vibration
20 power generating unit 31 are small. The nuulber of receptions of the identifier of
the module 20a including the temperature difference power generating unit 21 and
the nunlber of receptions of the identifier of the module 40a including the radio wave
power generating unit 41 are the predetermined number of times or more.
[0125]
25 In an example illustrated in FIG. 22D, the number of receptions of the
identifier of the module IOa including the solar power generating unit 11 and the
number of receptions of the identifier of the nodule 30a including the vibration
pomrer generating unit 3 1 are the predetermined number of times or more. On the
other hand, the number of receptions of the identifier of the module 20a including the
30 tenlperature difference power generating unit 21 and the number of receptions of the
identifier of the module 40a including the radio \vaxle ponrer generating unit 41 are
larger than the aumber of receptions of the identifier of the nlodtlle 10a.
[0 1261
The game maclii~~Ge analyzes behavioral characteristics of the user of the
electronic device 1 using this information. For example, in the case of the pattern
5 of FIG. 22A, since the ~iumber of receptions of the identifier of the module 10a is
large, the solar power generating unit 11 frequently generates electric powel: In
other words, the user of the electronic device 1 is inferred to have an outdoor activity.
On tlie other hand, since the number of receptions of the identifier of the lllodule 40a
is small, the radio wave power generating unit 41 generates little electric power. In
10 other words, the user of the electronic device 1 is inferred to have an activity in a
region (for example, a mountain) which a radio wave hardly reaches.
[0127]
Meanluhile, sirice the number of receptions of the identifier of the module
20a and the number of receptions of the identifier of the module 30a are at a norn~al
15 level, the temperature difference power generating unit 21 and the vibration power
generating unit 3 1 generate a normal level of electric po\ver. In other words, the
user is inferred to have an activity such as walking. Thus, in tlie case of the pattern
of FIG. 22A, a behavioral characteristic of "frequently enjoying outdoor activities" is
determined.
20 [0128]
In the case of the pattern of FIG. 22B, since the nunlber of receptions of tlie
identifier of the module 10a is large, the solar power generating unit 11 frequently
generates electric power. I11 other words, the user of the electronic device 1 is
inferred to have an outdoor activity. Further, since the nutnbcr of receptions of the
25 identifier of the nmddule 20a and the number of receptions of the identifier of the
module 30a are also large, the temperature difference power generating unit 21 and
the vibration power generating unit 31 frequently generate electric power. In other
words, the user of the electronic device 1 is inferred to have a vigorous activitj~.
Thus, in the case of the pattern of FIG. 22B, a behavioral characteristic of "frequently
30 taking part in spoi-ts" is determined.
[0 1291
In the case of the pattern of FIG. 22C, since the number of receptions of the
identifier of the module 10a and the number of rcceptions of tlie identifier of the
niodule 30a are small, the solar power generating unit 11 and the vibration power
generating unit 31 generate little electric power. In other words, the user of tlie
5 electronic device 1 is inferred to stay indoors and not to have a vigorous activity.
Thus, in the case of the pattern of FIG. 22C, a behavioral characteristic of "often
staying indoors" is determined.
[0130]
In the case of the patten1 of FIG. 22D, since the number of receptions of the
10 identifier of the module 20a is slightly large, the temperature difference power
generating unit 21 generates electric power. It1 other words, the user of the
electro~~dicev ice 1 is inferred to Ilave a slightly vigorons activity. Furthel; since the
number of receptions of the identifier of the module 40a is large, the radio wave
power ge~leratingu nit 41 frequently generates electric power. In other words, the
15 user of the electronic device 1 is inferred to stay in a place (for exatnple, an urban
area) which a radio wave reaches well. Thus, in the case of the pattern of FIG. 22D,
a behavioral characteristic of "freqoently having fun on the town" is deternlined.
[0131]
The game machine G generates information related to a game, such as
20 characters used in a game, based on the determined behavioral characteristic. For
example, \vlen the behavioral characteristic of "frequently enjoying outdoor
activities" is determined, for example, a "character living in a mountain" brining an
outdoor activity to mind is generated by reflecting the behavioral characteristic. For
example, when the behavioral characteristic of "frequently taking part in sports" is
25 detennined, for exanlple, a "character of a tough \varriorU is generated by reflecting
the behavioral cl~aracteristic.
[0132]
For esanlple, when the behavioral characteristic of "often staying indoors"
is determined, for example, a "cllaracter of an intelligent magician" brining an image
30 of enjoy studying or acquisition of kno\vledge to mind is generated by reflecting the
behavioral characteristic. For example, when the bellavioral characteristic of
"frequently having fi~no n the towvn" is determined, for cxample, a "character of a
nlischievous elf' brining a character liking to play to tnind is generated by reflecting
the behavioral characteristic.
[0133]
5 The game machine G is set so that the generated character can be used in the
gatne. Tlie game machine G may transniit data of the generated character to a
snla~tplloneo f the user or the like. As described above, it is possible to generate the
infomnlation related to the game using the infornlation transtilitted from the electronic
device 1. Further, the information may be used for an avatar of an application or
10 the like other than a game.
[0134]
Next, an example in which the electronic device 1 is applied to a health
management system will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A to 23D. The
15 electronic device 1 transmits the information such as the identifier of the module to
the health management device H. The health management device 1-1 includes, for
example, a control device such as a CPU for implementing a fut~ction described
below. The health management device H generates information related to health,
for example, advice contributing to health management using the predetermined
20 information transmitted from the electronic device 1.
[0135]
FIG. 23A illustrates an exatnple of a change in the number of receptions of
the identifier of the nlodule 10a during one day. Tlie number of receptions is set to,
for example, five levels, and the respective levels are indicated by different hatchings.
25 A time zone indicated by a high level hatching indicates that the number of
receptions of tlie identifier of the module 10a is large. As illustrated in FIG. 23A,
the number of receptions changes to a relatively high level from about 8:00 am to the
evening. The health management device H atialyzes that the solar power generating
utiit 11 frequently generates electric power since the user of tlie electrotiic device 1
30 frequently goes out based on tlie change in the number of receptions. The health
lnanagenlent device H generates advice for health matlagenlent according to the
analysis result. For exanlplc, the health ~nanagement device H gellerates the advice
of "be careful about ultraviolet rays."
[0136]
FIG. 23B illustrates an example of a change in the iiu~nbero f receptiolls of
5 the identifier of the module 20a during one day. A time zone indicated by a high
level hatching indicates that the number of receptions of tlie identifier of the niodule
20a is large. As illustrated in FIG. 23B, in the morning and the evening, the number
of receptions changes to a relatively high level. The health nianageme~lt device H
analyzes that the temperature difference power generating unit 21 generates electric
10 power since the user of the electronic device 1 comes and goes between the outdoors
and indoors in which there is a big tetiiperatnre difference to commute or study
during the summer or the winter based on tlie change in the nnlllber of receptions.
The health nlanagement device H generates advice for health management according
to the analysis result. For example, tlie health management device H generates the
15 advice of "be careful about body tenlperature adjustment."
[0137]
FIG. 23C illustrates an example of a change in the nntnber of receptions of
the identifier of the module 30a during one day. A time zone indicated by a high
level hatching indicates that the number of receptions of the identifier of the module
20 30a is large. As illustrated in FIG. 23C, excluding a period from the night to the
moniing, the number of receptions changes at a relatively high level. The health
nianagetnent device 1-1 analyzes that the vibration power generating unit 31
frequcr~tlyg enerates electric power since the user of the electroi~icd evice 1 takes pal?
in vigorous activities based on the change in the ~lunlbero f receptions. The health
25 management device H generates advice for health manageme~it according to the
analysis result. For example, the health ri~anagementd evice H generates the advice
of "let's take a rest."
[0138]
FIG. 23D illustrates an exainple of a change in the ~lu~nboefr receptions of
30 the identifier of the module 40a during one day. A time zone indicated by a high
level hatching indicates that the iiutilber of receptions of the identifier of the nlodule
40a is large. As illustrated in FIG. 23D, the g number of receptions changes at a
relatively lug11 level during daylight. Thc health tnarlagemeut device 1-1 analyzes
that the radio wave power gellcratii~g unit 41 frequently gcnerates electric power
using a radio wave generated from a personal computer since the user of the
5 electronic device I works on the personal computer during daylight based on the
change in the number of receptioas. The health matlagelllent device H generates
advice for health management according to the analysis result. For exatnple, the
health management device H generates the advice of "let's relax eyes."
[0139]
10 For example, the health management device H transmits the generated
advice to an address of an e-mail which is registered in advauce. The user cat1 get
the advice for health managemet~t. The advice generated by the health management
device H may be transmitted to the user by mail or the like.
[0 1401
15
Next, an example in which the electronic device 1 is applied to the
authentication system will be described. For example, the authentication system
includes the electronic device I, an authentication information determination system
Y, and a key Z that is at least one of a physical key and a logical key. The
20 authentication information determination system Y it~cludesa control device such as
a CPU for implementing a fi~nctiorld escribed below. The electro~~idce vice 1
generates at least one of ide~~tificatioinllf ormation identifying an individual on which
the electronic device 1 is mounted or installed and identification information
identifying a group serving as a set of individuals on which the electronic device 1 is
25 rnouuted or installed.
[0141]
The authentication infom~atiorld etermit~ations ystem Y includes a database.
The database stores a feature of information identifying an itldividual transmitted
fron~th e electronic device 1 for each individual, each group, or each condition. For
30 example, as described above it1 the example of the health management system,
according to an' enviroru~~ein~ ~\vth ich a target (referred to appropriately as a
"tnouating/i~~stallationta rget") on \vhicli the electronic device 1 is mounted or
installed is placed, the electronic device 1 indirectly generates infor~nationi ndicating
a feature of the ~mou~iting/installatiotna rget. In other words, even though it is
sufficie~lot r insufficient in defining information specifying the ~uounting/installatiotl
5 target or a specific condition to be satisfied, information generated fiom various
kinds of energy which the electronic device 1 obtains from the surrounding
environtnent of the tnounting/installatiorl target as effective information, is used as
authentication infornlation A.
[0 1421
10 Further, by intentiotially applying input energy to the electronic device 1
through the tno~mting/installationt arget using a certain pattern, it is possible to cause
the electronic device 1 to generate information specific to the mounting/installation
target. In other words, for example, it is possible to intentionally generate feature
information by repeating an action of blocking sunlight from reaching the electronic
15 device 1 that generates information when receiving sunlight during a certain period
of time at a certain timing with a hand. This feature quantity can be used as
information that can be detected by only the mounting/installation target that has
generated it or information defining a certain condition to be satisfied. Thus, even
though it is sufficient or insuficient in defining information specifying the
20 mo~~nting/installatitoa~rgl et or a specific condition, information which the electro~c
device 1 generates as effective information is used as authentication information B.
[0 1431
The authentication irlfornlation A, the authentication information B, or a
combination of the authentication infornlation A and B may be stored in the database
26 as authentication infonnation. Fui?l~er, as the infoilnation specifiing the
mounting/installation target or the information defining a specific condition to be
satisfied, a cornbination of infortuatiou that is not generated by the electronic device
1 and infornlation that is generated by the electronic device 1 may be used. In other
words, there is a featnre quantity specific to the nlounting/installation target, for
30 example, a physical feature quantity (a fingerprint, a voiceprint, an iris, a vein, DNA,
a contour of a face or a body, or the like) in the case of a human being, ID
infortnation such as a character string, itlforlnation related to an interest or a
preference, and the like, and a combination of authentication infortnation C obtained
therefrom and either or both of the authetlticatio~iln fortnation A and B obtained from
the electronic device 1 cat1 be used as authentication inforn~ationD .
5 [0144]
For example, one or tnore of the aothelltication information A, B, C, and D
is registered in the database tvitli ~vhichth e authentication information deterlnination
system Y is- equipped, and by comparing the registered authentication information
with the information generated by the electronic device 1 or additional infor~nation
10 generated fiom the inforniation generated by the electronic device 1, tlie physical or
logical key z opens or closes.
[O 1451
A form of the key Z is not consequential, for example, the key Z may be a
door that is pl~~~sicalollcyk ed, a contact point that is locked by an electric signal or
15 the like, a variable used for access control from a certain program to another Fogram,
or the like. As a more specific example, when an attribute value, an occupation, or
tlie like is allocated to the mounting/installation target through information from the
electronic device I mo~intedo r installed on the n~our~tin~installattiaorng et as it1 the
application example of the game system, a zone on a game program which only a
20 certain specific attribute or occupation is allowed to enter may be set, and entrance
may be limited in a real space other than a game program.
[0146]
Further, for example, a bracelet-like accessory form made by partially using
tlie electronic device 1 may be used to change according to a specific condition, for
25 example, such that a vibration/motion power generation device installed in the
electronic device 1 generates electric power in a specific power generation pattern,
for example, by rotating the accessory, and a fortn in which power generation based
oti sunlight is performed once or tnore per second or a color is changed. It may be
used for controllitlg the ~llo~uititig/installatiot~alr get, for exatnple, an event intended
30 only for the mounting/instailation target satisfying a specific co~iditioti may be
performed.
As in the application exanlplc of the health manage~nent systenl, a health
condition of the mounting/installation target nlay be detected according to
information from the electronic device 1 mounted or installed on the
5 mounting/installation target. Then, grouping tilay be perfornled according to the
health condition of the niounting/i~istallationta rget, and, for example, an access zone
of a l~ospital ward may be classified according to the group, or an accessible
nledicine case may be controlled according to the group.
[0148]
10
Next, an exaniple in which the electronic device 1 is applied to the position
inforniation identification system wil be described. The position infonnation
identification system includes, for exatnple, the electronic device 1 and a position
inforniation identification device P. The position information identification device
15 P includes a control device such as a CPU for iniplementitig a fitnction described
below.
[0 1491
The position information identification device P includes a database. The
database stores a feature of information transmitted from the electronic device 1 for
20 each region. For exanlple, a region A is assunled to be a region in which the
weather is nlostly fine, a teniperature difference is small, and reception of a radio
mrawre is not fine. In this region, since the solar power generating unit 11 frequently
generates electric power, the number of receptions of the identifier of the module 10a
tends to be large. On the other hand, since the temperature difference power
25 generating unit 21 arid the radio ws7ave power generating unit 41 generate little
electric powel; the number of receptions of the identifiers of the module 20a and the
module 40a tends to be stiiall.
[0150]
Further, for example, a region B is assunled to be a region in which the
30 weather is mostly rainy, a temperature difference is large, and a road is chaotic. In
this region, since the solar power generating unit I I generates little electric power,
the ntunber of receptions of the identifier of the module 1Oa tends to be snlall. 011
the other hand, since the tetnpcrature difference power geiierating unit 21 and the
vibration power generating unit 31 are likely to generate a relatively large amount of
electric power, the number of receptions of the identifiers of the tnodule 20a and the
5 module 30a tends to be large.
[0151]
The position inforlnation identification device P searches for a region
having a tendency which is identical or similar to the tendency of the number of
receptions of the identifier of the module transmitted from the electronic device 1
10 from information accumulated in tlie database. Then, a region in which the
electronic device 1 is located is determined based on the search result.
[0152]
Information usable in a plurality of websites may be generated according to
15 predetermined information transmitted from the electronic device 1. Furthel;
information related to a power generation capacity of the power generating unit may
be generated. For example, demonstration data indicating an amount of electric
power that can be generated by the solar power generating unit, the radio wave
power generating unit, or a newly developed power generating unit may be generated.
20 For example, the demonstration data may be provided to a company that has
developed the power generating unit or an electric utility conlpan).
[0153]
Further, secondary information obtained by estimating a power generation
capacity (an electric energy, average electric powel; an average voltage, or tlie like)
25 of the power generating unit of the module may be generated using the number of
receptions of the identifier of the module or a reception time interval. Furthermore,
tertiary inforliiation such as an at~~ouonft sunlight when the poltier generating init of
the nlodule is the solar power generating unit, a temperature or a ~netabolicc alorie
when the power generating unit of the module is the temperature difference power
30 generating unit, acceleration or mom en tun^ when the power generating unit of the
tnodule is the vibration power generating unit, or radio wave strength when the
power generating unit of the module is the radio waxre power generating unit may be
generated using the secondary infom~ation.
[0 1 541
Instead of the number of receptions of the identifier of the module, the
5 identifier of the module and the time infor~llation transnlittcd from the electronic
device 1 may be used. The game machine G or the like can deternline that the
power generating unit of the module frequently generates electric power when the
interval of the time information is short.
[0155]
10 <6. Modified examples>
The embodiments of the present disclosure have specifically been described,
but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various kinds
of modifications can be made based on the technical spirit of the present disclosure.
[0 1.561
15 In the above embodiments, the state transition unit of the electronic device
is configured to cause the state to transition based on the electric energy, but the
etnbodinnent is not limited thereto. The state transition unit causes the state to
transition based on different energy (a first energy) from electric energy. In this
case, the first energy is converted into electric energy sewing as an example of a
20 second energy, the state of the state transition unit transitions, and then electric
energy is supplied to an output unit (for example, the co~nnlunicationm odule). The
output unit outputs the predetermined information to an external device using the
supplied electric energy. A specific example of the predeter~nined information has
been described above in the first enlbodiment, and thus a duplicate description will
25 be omitted.
[0 1571
FIG. 24 illustrates an exanlple of a configuration of a nlodule (referred to
appropriately as a "tnodule 10d") of the electronic device according to a modified
example. In FIG. 24, the flow of the first energy is indicated by a dotted line, and
30 the flow of the second energy or a signal or a co~llnlandb ased on the second energy
is indicated by a solid line to be distinguished. The same conlponents as those in
the module 10a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate
description will appropriately be omitted.
[0158]
The 111odule 10d includes a thermal storage unit 250 that accu~llulates
5 thermal energy serving as an example of the first energy, a power generating unit 251
serving as an example of a com~erting[ unit, and a bimetal 252 senling as an example
of a state transition unit. The module 10d further inclodes an MPU 107, a storage
unit 108, and a connnunication modole 109.
[0159]
10 The thermal storage unit 250 accu~~lulatethse thermal energy, and sopplies
the thermal energy to the power generating unit 251 and the bimetal 252 at an
appropriate timing. The power generating unit 251 is a device that converts the
thermal energy supplied fronl the thermal storage unit 250 into electric energy, and a
know~7n device may be applied. The bimetal 252 is a switch that is configured with a
15 bimetal obtained by joining metals having different thermal expansions and a contact
point, and supplies or interrupts electricity as the bimetal expands due to a
temperature change to operate the contact point. For example, the bimetal 252
transitions between two states of ON and OFF, arid when the bimetal 252 is in the
ON state, the bimetal 252 is electrically connected to the MPU 107.
20 [0160]
An example of an operation of the module 10d will briefly be described.
Though a thermal storage operation of the thermal storage unit 250, the thermal
storage unit 250 accumt~latest he thernlal energy. The thermal energy is supplied
from the thermal storage unit 250 to the power generating unit 251 and the bimetal
25 252. The power generating unit 251 generates electric power by converting the
supplied thermal energy into electric euergy. The temperature of the bimetal 252
increases according to the supplied thermal energy, and a state in which the
temperature thereof becomes a predetermined temperature or more is the ON state.
As the bimetal 252 enters the ON state, the bimetal 252 is electrically co~~nectetdo
30 the MPU 107.
[0161]
'fie bi~netal 252 may be used for ON/OFF s\vitcl~ingo f a tl~eenalc ontact
point instead of ONIOFF switching of an electric contact point. In other words,
wl~enth c bimetal 252 enters the ON state with the increase in the telnperature of the
tl~ermal storage unit 250, the bimetal 252 is thermally connected to the power
5 generating unit 251, and the ther~nal energy is conducted from thc tl~eennal storage
unit 250 through the bimetal 252. The power generating unit 251 may be
configured to generate electric power according to the inflow ther~nale nergy at this
time.
[0 1621
10 As the bimetal 252 is electrically connected to the MPU 107 or as the power
generating unit 251 is directly connected to tlie MPU 107, the electric power
generated by the power generating unlit 251 is supplied to the MPU 107. The MPU
107 supplies tlie electric power to the storage unit 108 and the commut~icatio~i
module 109, and perfortns control such that the communication module 109
15 performs a predetermined operason. The communication module 109 operates
according to the control by the MPU 107, and the conununication module 109
transmits, for example, the identifier of the module 10d to an external device. A
power storage element such as a capacitor may be installed between the MPU 107
and either the bimetal 252 or the power generating unit 251, and the electric power
20 generated by the power generating unit 251 may be stored in the power storage
element.
[0 1631
Another example will he described. FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a
configuration of a module (referred to appropriately as a "modale 10e") of the
25 electronic device according to a modified example. In FIG. 25, the flow of the first
energy is indicated by a dotted line, and the flow of the second energy or a signal or a
cotnrnatid based on the second energy is indicated by a solid line to be distinguished.
The same co~nponentsa s those in the inodule 10a are denoted by the same reference
nu~ileralsa, nd a duplicate description will appropriately be omitted.
30 [0164]
Tlie module 10e includes a spiral spring 300 and a power generating unit
301 serving as an example of a converting unit. The nlodule 10e furtl~erin cludes an
MPU 107, a storage unit 108, and a communication nlodule 109. The spiral spring
300 functions as a power storage unit that accumulates kinetic energy applied from
the outside and functions as a state transition unit that transitions between a state in
5 which the accun~ulated kinetic energy is accunlulated and a state in wvllich the
accumulated kinetic energy is released. The state in which the kinetic energy is
accunlulated refers to, for example, a state in which the spiral spring 300 is
sufficiently wound up, and the state in which the kinetic energy is released refers to,
for example, a state in wl~ich the wvoutd spiral spring 300 perfornls a rewinding
10 operation. Further, for example, vibration of the user wearing the electronic device
1 is supplied to the spiral spring 300 as the kinetic energy.
[0 1651
Tl~epo wer generating unit 301 is, for example, a mechanism that includes a
magnet and a coil and performs electromagnetic induction power generation. As
15 one of the magnet and the coil of the power generating unit 301 rotates according to
the kinetic energy supplied from the spiral spring 300, electric power is generated.
The electric power generated by the power generating unit 301 is supplied to the
MPU 107.
[0166]
20 An example of an operation of the module 10e will briefly be described.
Througl~th e vibration of the user or the like, the spiral spring 300 is wound up, and
the kinetic energy is accumulated in the spiral spring 300. Then, after the spiral
spring 300 is sufficiently wound, the spiral spring 300 enters the release state, and
thus the kinetic energy is supplied to the power generating unit 301. Due to the
25 kinetic energy supplied by the spiral spring 300, for example, the magnet of the
power generating unit 301 rotates, and the power generating unit 301 generates
electric power. The electric power generated by the power generating unit 301 is
supplied to the MPU 107.
[0 1671
30 The MPU 107 supplies the electric power to the storage unit 108 and the
communication lnodule 109, and performs control such that the co~nnn~nication
module 109 perfortns a predetentnined operation. The commn~~nicatiotnn odule I09
operates according to the control by the MPU 107, and the co~~~municatiilo~no dule
109 transmits, for example, the identifier of the module 10e to an ester~iald evice.
Further, a power storage element such as a capacitor may be installed between the
5 power generating unit 301 and the MPU 107, and the electric power generated by the
power generating unit 301 may be stored in the power storage element.
[OI 681
In addition to the above examples, a light storage material that accumulates
optical energy may be used as an element that stores energy in a non-electric form.
10 In this case, an ,energy co~lverting device that converts optical energy into electric
energy is used.
[O 1 691
In the above embodiments, when the state transition unit transitions to the
ON state, the identifier of the module or the like is transmitted to the external device,
15 but only the recording process may be perfornled by the MPU when the state
transition unit transitions to the ON state. For exanlple, the number of times in
which the state transition unit transitions to the ON state is stored in the storage unit
of the electrot~icd evice. For example, the information stored in the storage unit of
the electronic device is output to a persor~al computer when the electronic device is
20 connected to the personal computer.
[0 1701
The present disclosure may be implemented by a method, a program, a
system, or the like without being limited to a device. For example, the program
may be provided to the user via a network or a portable memory such as an optical
25 disk or a setniconductor menlory.
[0171]
In this case, a form of the progiam is not consequential as lo11g as a function
of the program is inlplemented, for exa~nple,t he program may be an object code, a
program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, or the like. As a
30 method of supplying a progratn using wired or wireless co~mnunication,a method of
storing a computer progratn for i~nplementingc ontent of the present disclosure or a
data file (a program data file) serving as a computer program for inlplen~enting
contellt of the present discloswe on a clicnt cotuputer such as a con~pressed file with
an auton~atic installation fi~nction in a server on a computer network and
do~vnloadingth e program data file to a co~ulectedc lient conlputer may be used. In
5 this case, the program data file may be divided into a plurality of segment files, and
the seg~nenfti les nlay be arranged in different servers.
[0 1721
The configurations and the processes of the e~~~bodirl~aennd ttsh emodified
examples nlay be appropriately combined within the scope in which no technical
10 contradiction occurs. The order of the processes in the flow of the process may be
appropriately co~nbinedw ithin the scope in which no technical contradiction occurs.
[0 1731
The present disclosure can be applied to a cloud system in which the abovedescribed
processes are distributed and performed by a plurality of devices. The
15 present disclosure can be implemented as a device in which at least some of the
above-described processes are performed in a system in which the above-described
processes according to the embodiments and the modified example are performed.
[O174]
Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
20 (1)
An electrotlic device, including:
a power generating unit configured to generate electric power according to a
surrounding environment;
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to transition according to
25 the electric pourer supplied from the power generating unit; and
an output unit configured to output predeternlined illfor~llationa ccording to
the transition of the state of the state transition unit.
(2)
The electronic device according to (I), including:
a recording unit configured to record the predetermined inforn~ation,
\vllerein the output unit reads the recorded predetermined information and
then outputs the predetermined infor~ilation.
(3)
The electronic device according to (1) or (2),
wherein, according to the tra~lsitiono f tlie state of tlie state transition unit,
5 tlie electric power generated by tlie powver generating unit is supplied to the output
unit.
(4)
Tlie electronic device according to (3), including:
a control unit connected to tlie state transition unit arid tlie output unit,
10 wherein, according to the transition of the state of the state transition unit,
the electric power generated by the power generating unit is supplied to the control
unit, and
the output unit outputs the predetermined information according to coi~trol
by the control unit.
15 (5)
Tlie electronic device according to ally of (1) to (4),
wherein the electric power generated by the power generating unit is
supplied to tlie state transition unit via one or more power storage elements.
(6)
20 The electronic device according to any of (1) to (S),
wherein it is determined whether the state of the state transition unit has
transitioned with a predetermined cycle.
(7)
The electronic device according to ally of (1) to (6),
25 wliereiti the predetermined information is an identifier allocated to the
power generating unit.
(8)
The electrot~icd evice according to (7),
wherein the identifier is allocated to the power generating unit when
30 cornniunication with an external device is established.
(9)
The electronic device according to any of (I) to (S),
wherein the predeter~nined inforliiation includes the identifier and time
information wlien the state of the state transition unit has transitioned.
(1 0)
5 The electronic device according to any of (I) to (9),
n~herein the output unit outputs the predetermined information tl~rough
wired or wireless con~n~unicatioi~.
(11)
The electronic device according to any of (I) to (lo), including:
a n~aino utput unit,
wherein communication is performed between the output unit and the main
output unit, and
the main output unit outputs the predetermined information transmitted fro~n
the output unit to an external device.
15 (12)
The electronic device according to (1 I),
wherein wired con~tiiunicationis performed between the output unit and the
main output unit.
(13)
The electronic device according to (1 I),
wherein near field co~i~n~unicaitsi op~erif ormed between the output unit and
the main output unit.
(14)
The electronic device according to any of (I) to (13),
25 wherein the electronic device is configured to be worn on a l~u~iiabnod y or
an animal and be portable.
(15)
The electronic device according to ally of (1) to (14),
wl~ereinth e power generating unit generates electric po\I1er by energy based
30 on any one of light, heat, vibrations, a radio \?rave, and an enzyme or energy obtained
by getting close to a predetermined device.
(16)
The electronic device according to any of (1) to (1 5),
xvherein the state transition unit is a circuit or an element that transitions
from an OFF state to an ON state when a power generation amount output from the
5 power generating unit is a predetermined amount or more.
(17)
The electronic device according to (16),
wherein the power generation amount is specified by any one of a voltage,
an electric current, electric power and electric energy or a combination thereof.
10 (18)
The electronic device according to any of (1) to (17), including:
a plurality of the power generating units.
(19)
The electronic device according to (1 S),
15 wherein the state transition unit and the output unit are installed for each of
the plurality of power generating units.
(20)
The electronic device according to any of (1) to (19),
wherein the output unit that performs con~munication with an external
20 device is decided according to a power generation amount of each of the plurality of
power generating units.
(21)
The electronic device according to (20),
wherein the power generation anlount is specified by any one of a voltage,
25 an electric current, electric power and electric energy or a combination thereof.
(22)
The electronic device according to (20) or (21),
wherein comtnunication is perforlned between the decided output unit and
another output unit, and the decided output unit outputs the predetermined
30 infornlation transmitted from the another output unit to the external device.
(23)
The electronic device according to any of (18) to (22),
\vherein the plurality of power generating units are grouped, and
the state transition unit and the output unit are installed for each group of the
pom7crg e~ieratingu nits.
5 (24)
The electronic device according to any of (1) to (23), including:
a housing configured to accom~nodateth e power generating unit therein,
wherein a position of the power generating unit in the l~oousing is set
according to a characteristic of the power generating unit.
10 (25)
The electronic device according to any of (1) to (24),
wherein the electronic dewdce is configured to have at least one of a clock
function, a display function, and a ternlinal function.
(26)
15 An electronic device, including:
a power storage unit configured to accumulate a first energy;
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to transition according to
the first energy;
a converting unit configured to convert the first energy into a second energy;
20 and
an output unit configured to output predetermined information using the
second energy, the secolid energy being supplied according to the transition of the
state of the state transition unit.
(27)
25 An information processing method in an electronic device, the information
processing method including:
generating, by a po\trer getieratit~g unit, electric po\trer according to a
surrounding enwlironnient;
causing, by a state transition unit, a state to transition according to the
30 electric power supplied fso~om the powver generating unit; and
outputting, by an output unit, predetermined information according to the
transition of the state of the state transition unit.
(28)
An infornlation processing system, illcluding:
a first electronic device; and
a second electronic device,
wherein the first electronic device i~lcludes
a power generating unit configured to generate electric power
according to a surrounding environment,
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to tra~lsition
10 according to the electric power supplied from the power generating unit, and
an output unit configured to output predetermined information to
the second electronic device according to the transition of the state of the state
transition unit, and
the secor~de lectronic device includes
15 an- acquiring unit configured to acquire the predetermined
information output from the first electronic device.
(29)
The information processi~lgs ystem according to (28), including:
a third electronic device configured to perform communication with the first
20 electronic device and the second electronic device,
wherein the predetermined information outp~rt fro111 the first electronic
device is supplied to the second electronic device through the third electronic device.
(30)
The information processing system according to (28) or (29),
25 wherein the second electronic device generates information based otl at least
one of a fsequeticy at which the predetem~ined infornlation is supplied and an
interval at which the psedetertnined infor~nationis supplied.
(3 1)
The informati011p rocessi~igs ystem according to any of (28) to (30),
30 wherein the second electronic device getierates any one of information
usable in a plurality of uebsites, infor~~~atrieolante d to a game, inforlnation related to
health, infornlation related to authentication, infor~nation related to a position at
which the first electronic device stays, aud infom~ationr clated to a power generation
capacity of the power generating unit, based on at least one of a frequency at \vIvhich
the predeternlined information is supplied and an interval at which the predetenilined
5 infor~iiationis supplied.
Reference Signs List
[0 1751
1 electronic device
10 10a, lob, 10c, 10d, 10e module
11 solar power generating unit
2 1 temperature difference power generating unit
3 1 vibration power generating unit
41 radio wave power generating unit
15 13, 23, 33,113 state transition unit
14, 24, 34,44 connilunication module
100,201,301 pourer generating unit
106 reset IC
107 MPU
20 108 storage unit
109 coni~rnunication~lio dule
200 thermal storage unit
202 bimetal
300 spiral spring
CLAIMS
Claitn 1
An electronic device, comnprising:
a power generating unit configured to generate electric power according to a
5 surrounding environmellt;
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to transition accorditlg to
the electric power supplied from the power generating unit; and
an output unit configured to output predetermined infornlation according to
the transition of the state of the state transition unit.
10
Claim 2
The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising:
a recording unit configured to record the predetermined ittforniation,
wherein the output unit reads the recorded predetermined information and
15 then outputs the predetermined information.
Claim 3
The electronic device according to claim 1,
wherein, according to the transition of the state of the state transition unit,
20 tlie electric power generated by tlie power generating unit is supplied to the output
unit.
Claim 4
The electronic device according to claim 3, comprising:
a control unit connected to the state transition unit and the output unit,
wherein, according to the transition of the state of the state transition unit,
the electric power generated by the power generating unit is supplied to the control
unit, and
the output unit outputs the predetermined information according to control
30 by the control unit.
Claim 5
The electronic device according to claitn 1,
wherein the electric power generated by the power generating unit is
supplied to the state transition unit via one or Inore power storage ele~nents.
5
Claitn 6
The electronic device according to claim 1,
wherein it is determined whether the state of the state transition unit has
transitioned with a predetertnined cycle.
10
Claim 7
The electronic device according to clairn 1,
wherein the predetermined information is an identifier allocated to the
power generating unit.
~-
15
Claim 8
The electronic device according to claim 7,
wherein the identifier is allocated to the power generating unit when
communication with an external device is established.
20
Claim 9
The electronic device according to claim 7,
wherein the predetermined information includes the identifier and time
information when the state of the state transition unit has transitioned.
25
Claim 10
The electronic device according to claim 1,
tvherein the output unit outputs the predetermined inforn~ation through
wired or wireless con~tnunication.
30
Claim 11
The electronic device according to clainl 1, comprising:
a iliain output unit,
wl~erein con~munication is performed between the output unit and the main
output unit, atld
6 the maill output unit outputs the predctern~ined information transmitted from
the output unit to an external device.
Claim 12
The electronic device according to claim 11,
10 wherein wired communication is performed between the output unit and the
main output unit.
Claim 13
The electronic device according to claim 11,
15 wherein near field communication is performed between the output unit and
the main output unit.
Claitn 14
The electronic device according to claim 1,
20 wherein the electronic device is configured to be worn on a human body or
an animal and be portable.
Claitn 15
The electronic device according to claim 1,
25 wherein the power generating unit generates electric power by energy based
on any one of light, heat, vibrations, a radio \+lave, and an enzyme or energy obtained
by getting close to a predetermined device.
Claim 16
The electronic device according to clainl 1,
~vl~ereitnhe state transition unit is a circuit or an element that transitions
from an OFF state to an ON state when a po\trer generation atnount output fxom the
power generating unit is a predetermined anlount or more.
Claim 17
5 The electronic device according to claim 16,
wherein the power generation an~ountis specified by any one of a voltage,
an electric current, electric power and electric energy or a conlbination thereof.
Claim 18
10 The electronic device according to claitl~1 , comprising:
a plurality of the power generating units.
Claim 19
The electronic device according to claim 18,
15 wherein the state transition unit and the output unit are installed for each of
the plurality of power generating units.
Claim 20
The electronic device according to claim 18,
20 wherein the output unit that performs cornnlunication with an external
device is decided according to a power generation amount of each of the plurality of
power generating units.
Claim 21
The electronic device according to clain~2 0,
u~hereint he power generation anlount is specified by any one of a voltage,
an electric current, electric power and electric energy or a conlbination thereof.
Claitu 22
The electronic device according to claim 20,
wherein communicatiot~ is performed between the decided output unit and
another output unit, and the decided output tmit outputs the predeternlined
infonnation transmittetl from tlie another output unit to the external device.
Claitn 23
5 The electronic device according to claim 18,
wherein the plurality of power generating units are grouped, and
tlie state transition unit and the output unit are installed for each group of the
power generating units.
10 Claim 24
The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising:
a housing configured to accomlnodate the power generating unit therein,
wherein a position of the power generating unit in the housing is set
according to a characteristic of the power generating unit.
-
15
Claim 25
The electronic device according to claim 1,
wherein the electronic device is configured to have at least one of a clock
function, a display function, and a terminal function.
20
Claim 26
An electronic device, comprising:
a power storage unit configured to accunlulate a first energy;
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to transition according to
25 the first energy;
a converting unit configured to convert the first energy into a second energy;
and
an output unit configured to output 1)redetermined information using the
second energy, the second energy being supplied according to the transition of the
30 state of the state transition unit.
An information processing method in an electronic device, the information
processing method conlprising:
generating, by a power generating unit, electric power according to a
5 surrounding envirolunent;
causing, by a state transition unit, a state to transition according to the
electric power supplied from the power generating unit; and
outputting, by an output unit, predetermined infortnation according to the
transition of the state of the state transition unit.
10
Claim 28
An information processing system, comprising:
a fist electronic device; and
a second electronic device,
wherein the first electronic device includes
a power generating unit configured to generate electric power
according to a surrounding environment,
a state transition unit configured to cause a state to transitior~
according to the electric power supplied from the power generating unit, and
20 an output unit configured to output predetermined information to
the second electronic device according to the transition of the state of the state
transition unit, and
the second electronic device includes
an acquiring unit configured to acquire the predetermined
25 information output from the first electronic device.
Claim 29
The inforn~ationp rocessing system according to claim 28, comprising:
a third electronic device configured to perfor111 con~municationw ith the first
30 electronic device and the second electro~~diecv ice,
\vherein the predetermined information output from the first electronic
devicc is srrpplietl to the second electro~~diecv icc tltrough tlle tl~irde lectronic dcvicc.
Clailn 30
The inforlllation j~rocessings ystem according to claim 28,
$ \\'herein the second electronic device generates information based on at least
one of a freque~lcy at ~vllich the pretletemined information is sl~pplied and an
interval at \vIiich the predetemitled itlformation is suppiied.
Claim 3 1
The illforll~ationp rocessing systeln according to claitll28,
~vlierein the second electro~iic device generates any one of ioforrilation
usable in a plurality of websites, information related to a game, inforlnatiolr related to
health, infor~nation related to authentication, infor~nation related to a position at
~vl~icthhe first electroluc device stays, and information related to a power generation
15 capacity of the power ge~ieratingu nit, based on at least one of a frequency at wvhicll
the predetel-tilined inforlliation is s~tl~plieandd an interval at \vluch tlie predetermined
infor~llatioi~sl s upplied.