JP2003279676A - Radio wave correcting timepiece and method of controlling radio wave correcting timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio wave correcting timepiece capable of automatically correcting the time in each region by receiving various standard radio waves, saving energy by efficiently performing receiving operation, and achieving high operability. <P>SOLUTION: This radio wave correcting timepiece 1 is provided with a reception selecting means 60 for selecting a standard radio wave reception station, a receiving frequency switching means 57 for switching a tuning circuit 221 to the frequency of the selected reception station, a received radio wave determining means 56 for determining the success in reception of the standard radio wave, a time correcting means 55 for correcting the present time on the basis of the time information of the standard radio wave, and a selecting order storing means 70 for storing the selecting order of the reception station. The reception selecting means 60 is provided with a first reception station selecting receiving part 61 for selecting and receiving the first reception station, and a reception station successive selecting receiving part 62 for successively selecting the reception station in accordance with the selecting order stored in the selecting order storing means 70 and receiving the radio wave. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece and a control method for the radio-controlled timepiece.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, a radio-controlled timepiece that receives a radio wave (long-wave standard radio wave) including time information and automatically corrects and displays the time based on the time information has come into use. In particular, in the conventional radio-controlled timepiece, a clock (table clock or wall clock) is mainly used, but in recent years, it has been incorporated in a portable watch (wristwatch or the like). By the way, there are two standard longwave radio waves available in Japan: the standard radio wave output station of Okakado and Mt. Operated at different frequencies. On the other hand, overseas, services are provided by standard radio waves having frequencies of 77.5 kHz in Germany, 60 kHz in the United Kingdom, and 60 kHz in the United States.

The conventional radio-controlled timepiece is constructed so that it can receive only the standard radio waves of each country, that is, only one type of standard radio wave. However, in recent years, a radio-controlled timepiece having a built-in multi-reception function capable of receiving standard radio waves of a plurality of countries and regions is being commercialized. For example, in Japan, with the start of operation of a standard radio wave output station with a transmission frequency of 60 kHz, not only the conventional standard radio wave of 40 kHz but also 60 kH
Since radio-controlled timepieces that are compatible with the standard radio wave of z are being commercialized, and reception is possible all over Japan and convenience is increasing, the interest of users is also improving.

Further, a radio-controlled timepiece capable of supporting standard radio waves of 40, 60, 77.5 kHz can be received not only in Japan but also in the United States and central Europe, so that it can be used for overseas business trips. The probability that the time adjustment is unnecessary becomes very high, and a great advantage can be provided to the carrier of the radio-controlled timepiece.

[0005]

By the way, the most serious problem in developing a radio-controlled timepiece having such a multi-reception function is the problem of energy consumption during reception. That is, it is the reception operation of the radio wave that consumes the most energy in driving the radio-controlled timepiece. Therefore, in a radio-controlled timepiece with a built-in multi-reception function,
All standard radio waves that can be received at the time of reception of standard radio waves are processed to receive the radio waves with the best reception conditions, for example, the electric field strength of radio waves, and the appropriate standard radio waves are automatically selected. To be able to do so is not preferable in terms of energy saving. Especially, the standard radio wave that can be received is 2
If it is a type, the energy consumption at the time of reception is not so large because it requires only two receiving operations. However, there is a problem that the wristwatch is shortened in duration.

On the other hand, a method in which the user selects a country (Japan, Germany, the United States, United Kingdom, etc.) or area (East Japan, West Japan, etc.) to receive in advance and receives only the standard radio wave of the selected area is also conceivable. However, in this case, the user has to select the reception area, which is a problem in terms of operability.

An object of the present invention is to receive standard radio waves of different types and automatically adjust the time in each area.
An object of the present invention is to provide a radio-controlled timepiece capable of efficiently performing a receiving operation to save energy and having high operability, and a control method thereof.

[0008]

A radio-controlled timepiece according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a clock means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the present time, and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information. , Reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from among the standard radio wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats, and the reception frequency of the reception means is selected by the reception selection means. The reception frequency switching means for switching to a frequency according to the receiving target station, the reception radio wave determining means for determining whether the reception of the standard radio wave is successful, and the reception radio frequency determining means for determining whether the reception of the standard radio wave is successful. A time correction means for correcting the current time of the timekeeping means based on time information included in a standard radio wave; and a selection order storage means for storing the selection order of the reception target station, The signal selecting means fails to receive the radio wave at the first receiving station selecting and receiving section which selects the first receiving target station stored in the selection order storing means and receives the electric wave, and the first receiving station selecting and receiving section. When it is determined that the reception target stations are sequentially selected until the standard radio wave is successfully received according to the selection order stored in the selection order storage unit or all the stored reception target stations are completely selected. And a receiving station sequential selection receiving unit for receiving radio waves.

According to the present invention as described above, the reception selection means selects the first reception target station set in the selection order storage means, and the reception frequency switching means receives the standard radio wave of the reception target station. The frequency of the receiving means is switched so that it is possible. For example, if the standard radio wave output station of "Otakado Yama" in eastern Japan is selected as the first reception target station, the reception frequency is set to 40 kHz and an attempt is made to receive radio waves.

If the radio-controlled timepiece is in an area where the standard radio wave of 40 kHz can be received, the standard radio wave is received by the receiving means, and the received radio wave determining means determines whether or not the reception is successful. Note that the success of radio wave reception is determined by whether or not a radio wave with a predetermined electric field strength was received, and by analyzing the time information included in the standard radio wave based on the time information format of each standard radio wave, the time information is the current time. Is determined by whether or not is correctly specified. Specifically, if a standard radio wave that outputs time information (1 frame) for each minute is received for a plurality of frames and the time information of each frame is data at 1-minute intervals, accurate data is obtained. It is determined that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. On the other hand, if the radio wave with the prescribed electric field strength could not be received, or if the received radio wave data does not correspond to the time information format of the selected receiving target station, the time of each consecutively received frame If the information is not at 1 minute intervals, it is determined that the reception of the standard radio wave has failed.

Then, only when the radio wave reception is not successful in the first reception target station, the second reception target station is selected and the standard radio wave is tried to be received, and the second reception target station receives the radio wave. Only when it fails, the third reception target station is selected and the reception of the standard radio wave is attempted, so that other reception target stations are sequentially selected only when the reception fails. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the reception processing of all the reception target stations as in the conventional case, so that energy consumption can be minimized and energy saving can be achieved. Further, since the receiving target station is automatically selected, the user does not need to perform the time adjustment operation, and the convenience can be improved. Also, the first receiving target station is
Since the station etc. that received last time is set, there is a high possibility that the station can receive the standard radio wave. In many cases, the first station succeeds in receiving the radio wave. The current consumption can be reduced accordingly. If all the reception target stations fail to receive the radio wave, reception may be sequentially repeated from the first reception target station after a predetermined time has elapsed. It should be noted that this predetermined time may be set to about 2 to 3 hours normally, but the radio wave reception is limited to 1 day.
In the case where the schedule is scheduled once, the setting may be performed 24 hours later.

A radio-controlled timepiece according to a second aspect of the invention is a timepiece means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the present time.
Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information; reception selecting means for selecting a receiving target station from each standard radio wave output station for outputting various standard radio waves having at least one of frequency and time information format different from each other; A reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the means to a frequency corresponding to the reception target station selected by the reception selection means, a reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the reception of the standard radio wave is successful, When it is determined that the reception is successful, a time correction unit that corrects the current time of the time measuring unit based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, and a selection order memory that stores the selection order of the reception target station. A first receiving station selecting and receiving section for selecting the first receiving target station stored in the selection order storing means and receiving a radio wave; When it is determined that the receiving station selection reception unit has failed to receive the radio wave, the reception target stations that receive the standard radio waves of the reception target stations other than the first reception target station are sequentially received, and the reception conditions of the radio waves are the best. It is also characterized in that it comprises an optimum station detecting section for detecting the following, and an optimum station selecting and receiving section for selecting the reception target station detected by this optimum station detecting section and receiving radio waves.

Also in the present invention, similarly to the first invention, the reception by the first receiving target station is attempted, and only when the reception is not successful, the standard radio waves of other receiving target stations are received. Then, the reception condition of the radio wave is detected. The radio wave reception condition is a condition (state) at the time of radio wave reception such as electric field strength and reception sensitivity of the radio wave, and this detection is a reception time (generally 1 minute) for acquiring actual time information. ) Can be performed in a very short time compared to. Then, since the reception target station with the best reception condition is selected to receive the radio wave, there is little possibility that the reception of the standard radio wave will fail, and the radio wave can be efficiently received. In particular, since the optimum receiving target station is detected only by the receiving condition, the time required to find a receivable station can be shortened compared to the first invention even if all stations are received. Is high and the current consumption can be reduced. Also, 1
As in the first invention, the reception of the radio wave by the second reception target station allows the radio wave reception process to be performed in a short time and the current consumption to be reduced. If no station having a better reception condition than the first reception target station is found, or if the reception target station having a good reception condition fails to receive the radio wave, after a predetermined time has passed, as in the first invention, Reception may be sequentially repeated from the first reception target station.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, at least one of a frequency and time information format, a time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the present time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information, and at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from among the standard radio wave output stations that output different standard radio waves, and switching the reception frequency of the reception means to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selection means Based on the time information included in the standard frequency when it is determined that the reception frequency switching unit, the reception of the standard radio wave, and the reception of the standard radio wave, and the reception of the standard radio wave are successful. The reception selecting unit includes a time correction unit that corrects the current time of the clocking unit and a selection order storage unit that stores the selection order of the reception target station. A first reception station selection receiving unit that receives radio waves to select the first reception target station stored in,
An optimum station detection unit that sequentially receives standard radio waves of reception target stations other than the first reception target station and detects the reception target station with the best radio wave reception conditions, and the reception detected by this optimum station detection unit A first receiving station setting unit for setting the receiving target station as the first receiving target station of the selection order storage means when the receiving condition of the target station is better than that of the first receiving target station. It is characterized by.

In the present invention, periodic radio wave reception is
It is performed only in the first receiving target station. On the other hand, in addition to this regular radio wave reception process, radio wave reception of another reception target station is performed at regular time intervals, constant frequency radio wave receptions, or the like, and the radio wave reception conditions are detected. If there is a station whose reception condition is better than that of the first station, the selection order storage means 1
The second reception target station is replaced with that station, and the next periodic radio wave reception is performed by the updated new first reception target station.

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the radio wave is periodically received only by the first station, the processing can be performed in a short time, and the current consumption can be reduced accordingly. Further, the first station is replaced by the best one in the reception condition investigation separately from the regular reception, so that the regular radio wave reception is usually performed by the station with the best reception conditions. , The possibility of successful reception of radio waves can be increased. Further, the radio wave reception for investigating the reception condition may be a short-time reception process as in the second aspect of the invention. It can be shortened and the increase in current consumption can be suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, at least one of frequency and time information format is provided with a time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information. Reception selection means for selecting the reception frequency when receiving the standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs different standard radio waves, and reception frequency for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means A switching unit, a reception radio wave determining unit that determines whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and the timekeeping based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. The reception selecting means includes a time correction means for correcting the current time of the means, and a selection order storage means in which the selection order of the frequencies is stored. A first frequency selection receiving unit that selects the selected first frequency to receive radio waves, and is stored in the selection order storage unit when it is determined that the first frequency selection receiving unit has failed to receive the radio waves. According to the selected order, until the standard radio wave is successfully received or all the stored frequencies are selected, a frequency sequential selection receiving unit that sequentially selects reception frequencies and receives radio waves is provided. It is what

According to the present invention as described above, the reception selection means selects the first frequency set in the selection order storage means, and the reception frequency switching means selects the frequency of the reception means corresponding to the selection. Switch. If the radio-controlled timepiece is in an area where the standard radio wave of that frequency can be received, the standard radio wave is received by the receiving means, and the received radio wave determining means determines whether or not the reception is successful. Since the standard radio waves of a plurality of reception target stations may exist at the same frequency, the received radio wave determining means includes (A) whether or not a radio wave having a predetermined electric field intensity can be received, and (B) the standard radio wave. The time information format of the standard radio wave of the receiving station to which the received time information corresponds, (C) As a result of analyzing the time information based on the format, whether the time information correctly specifies the current time If all of the conditions of whether or not to satisfy are satisfied, it is determined that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. It should be noted that the judgment as to whether the time is correct is made by, for example, receiving a plurality of standard radio waves that output time information (1 frame) for each minute every 1 minute, and the time information of each frame is data at 1 minute intervals. It can be judged by whether it is. On the contrary, if any of the above three conditions is not satisfied, it is determined that the reception of the standard radio wave has failed.

Then, only when the radio wave reception is not successful at the first frequency, the second frequency is selected and an attempt is made to receive the standard radio wave, and only when the radio wave reception is not successful at the second frequency. The other frequencies are sequentially selected only when there is a failure such that the third frequency is selected and the reception of the standard radio wave is attempted. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the reception processing of all the reception target stations as in the conventional case, so that energy consumption can be minimized and energy saving can be achieved. Further, since the radio waves are received by switching the frequency, the radio waves of the receiving target station that outputs the standard radio waves of the same frequency can be detected at one time.
In other words, due to the nature of standard radio waves, each reception target station is installed in a different area, and even if the radio waves of each reception target station have the same frequency, the radio wave that can be received at a certain point is the radio wave of one reception target station. Is. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify the receiving target station by performing reception at the frequency and analyzing the format of the time information when the radio wave is received. Therefore, if there is a reception target station that uses the standard radio wave of the same frequency, the number of frequencies that must be switched and received is smaller than the number of reception target stations. Therefore, compared to the first to third inventions, the present invention can be performed with a small number of receptions even when detecting radio waves of all target reception target stations, and energy saving can be promoted accordingly. Further, similarly to the first invention, since the frequency is automatically selected, the user does not need to perform the time correction operation, and the convenience can be improved. further,
Since the first frequency is set to the previously received frequency, etc., it is highly possible that the standard radio wave can be received at that frequency, and in many cases, the radio wave at the first frequency is successfully received. Radio wave reception processing can be done in a short time,
The current consumption can also be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, at least one of frequency and time information format is provided by a time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the present time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. Reception selection means for selecting the reception frequency when receiving the standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs different standard radio waves, and reception frequency for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means A switching unit, a reception radio wave determining unit that determines whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and the timekeeping based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. The reception selecting means includes a time correction means for correcting the current time of the means, and a selection order storage means in which the selection order of the frequencies is stored. When it is judged first and the first frequency selection receiving unit that receives a radio wave by selecting a frequency that is, to have failed to receive radio waves at a first frequency selection receiving unit, 1
The standard frequency signal other than the second frequency is sequentially received, and the optimum frequency detection unit that detects the frequency with the best reception condition of the radio wave and the frequency detected by this optimum frequency detection unit are selected to receive the radio wave. And an optimum frequency selection receiving unit for performing.

Also in the present invention, similarly to the fourth invention, the reception at the first frequency is attempted, and only when the reception is unsuccessful, the standard radio waves of other frequencies are received, and The reception condition of the radio wave is detected as in the case of the second aspect. Then, since the radio wave is received by selecting the frequency with the best reception condition, there is little possibility that the reception of the standard radio wave will fail, and the radio wave can be received efficiently. In particular, since the optimum frequency is first detected only by the reception condition, it is highly possible that the time required to find a receivable frequency can be shortened as compared with the fourth invention even when all frequencies are received. The advantage is that the current consumption can be reduced.
In addition, by receiving at the first frequency, the radio wave reception process can be performed in a short time and the current consumption can be reduced, and since the frequency is switched rather than the receiving target station, the number of times of reception can be reduced and energy can be saved. The points are the same as in the fourth invention. If no frequency having a better reception condition than the first frequency is found, or if the radio wave reception fails even at a frequency having a good condition, as in the first, second, and fourth inventions, after a predetermined time has passed, Reception may be sequentially repeated from the first reception target station.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, at least one of a clock means for receiving a standard signal including a time signal by inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and a frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs different standard radio waves, and a reception frequency for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means A switching unit, a reception radio wave determining unit that determines whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and the timekeeping based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. The reception selecting means includes a time correction means for correcting the current time of the means, and a selection order storage means in which the selection order of the frequencies is stored. The first frequency selection receiver that selects the selected first frequency to receive radio waves and the standard radio waves with frequencies other than the first frequency are sequentially received, and the frequency with the best radio wave reception conditions is detected. And an optimum frequency detecting section for performing the first frequency setting in the selection order storing means when the receiving condition of the frequency detected by the optimum frequency detecting section is better than the first frequency.
And a frequency setting unit.

In the present invention, periodic radio wave reception is
Only at the first frequency. On the other hand, in addition to the regular radio wave reception processing, radio wave reception of another frequency is performed at regular time intervals, constant frequency radio wave receptions, or the like, and the radio wave reception conditions are detected. If there is a frequency whose reception condition is better than the first frequency, the selection order storage means 1
The th frequency replaces that frequency, and the next periodic reception of radio waves takes place at the updated new first frequency. According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the periodic radio wave reception is performed only for the first frequency, the processing can be performed for a short time, and the current consumption can be reduced accordingly. Furthermore, since the first frequency is replaced with the best one in the reception condition investigation separately from the regular reception, the regular radio wave reception is normally performed at the frequency with the best reception condition. , The possibility of successful reception of radio waves can be increased. Also, the radio wave reception for investigating the reception condition may be a short-time reception process as in the fifth aspect of the invention. It can be shortened and the increase in current consumption can be suppressed.

Here, in the first to third inventions, the received radio wave determining means analyzes the time information of the received radio wave based on the time information format of each standard radio wave output station corresponding to the selected reception target station. However, it is preferable to judge the success or failure of the reception of the standard radio wave depending on whether or not the correct time information is obtained. Similarly, in the fourth to sixth inventions, the received radio wave determining means analyzes the time information of the received radio wave based on the time information format of each standard radio wave output station corresponding to the selected frequency, and correct time information is obtained. It is preferable to judge the success or failure of the reception of the standard radio wave based on whether or not is obtained.

According to this structure, when analyzing the received radio wave in the received radio wave judging means, it is possible to narrow down the time information format of the target standard radio wave output station according to the selected reception target station or frequency. So it can be done quickly when parsing in that format.
For example, if the standard radio wave output station corresponding to the selected frequency is 1
If there is only a station, the time information only needs to be analyzed based on the time information format of that station, so that it can be analyzed in a very short time.

In the first and second aspects of the invention, when the standard radio wave is successfully received by a reception target station other than the first reception target station, the selection order storage means selects the reception target station that succeeded in the reception. It is preferable to reset the first receiving target station. In the fifth and sixth inventions, when the standard radio wave is successfully received at a frequency other than the first frequency, the selection order storage means resets the successfully received frequency to the first frequency. Is preferred.

According to this structure, the first reception target station and frequency are always set to the station and frequency that were able to receive the standard radio wave last time, so that the first reception target station and frequency can be received. As a result, the standard radio wave can be received efficiently. Especially, the standard radio wave output station and frequency are
In Japan, it does not change unless you move between East Japan and West Japan, and it does not change unless you move between countries other than Japan, so it is only when you are on a business trip or traveling that you receive radio waves of different stations and frequencies. Yes, and very infrequently. Therefore, in most cases, it is sufficient to receive the same station and the same frequency as the previous time, and the processing efficiency can be improved accordingly.

In the first to third aspects of the present invention, the reception target station and its order set in the selection order storage means may be set by the user. In the fourth to sixth inventions, the frequencies set in the selection order storage means and the order thereof may be set by the user.

As described above, the standard radio wave reception target station and frequency are changed during business trips and travels. Therefore, if each user can set the order of receiving stations and frequencies according to his / her business trip pattern, the standard radio wave can be efficiently received.

In the first to third inventions, the receiving target station and its order set in the selection order storage means may be set based on the past reception history.
In the fourth to sixth inventions, the frequencies set in the selection order storage means and the order thereof may be set based on past reception history.

If the stations to be received and the order of frequencies are set in the descending order of the number of receptions in the past, it is possible to set according to the business trip pattern of each user, etc., and the standard radio wave can be received efficiently.

In the first to third inventions, the receiving target station set in the selection order storage means and its order are 1
The reception target station may be set in the order of the reception target station closest to the second reception target station.

The change of the receiving target station is likely to be close in distance. For example, when the standard radio wave of East Japan is normally received and the standard radio wave of East Japan cannot be received, it is highly possible that the standard radio wave of West Japan can be received. Similarly, when the standard radio wave of Germany is normally received but cannot be received, it is highly possible that the standard radio wave of Britain can be received at a short distance. Therefore, if the setting order is set to be closer to each other in terms of distance, it is highly possible that the second to third signals can be received immediately when the first signal cannot be received, and the radio waves can be efficiently received.

In the fourth to sixth inventions, the order of frequencies stored in the selection order storage means is set in the order of the number of standard radio wave output stations of the frequency other than the first frequency. You can use any

If the number of output stations (reception target stations) that output that frequency is large, the probability of successful radio wave reception at that frequency is high, and if the first radio wave cannot be received, then 2
There is a high possibility that the third to third signals can be received immediately, and the radio waves can be received efficiently.

In each of the inventions, it is preferable to provide a display means for displaying the reception target station that has successfully received the standard radio wave. If such a display means is provided, the user can easily understand which station (country) the currently displayed time is, and the convenience can be improved. Even if this display means is not available, it is usually necessary to refer to other clocks in the airport or town, and to display the current country time correctly depending on the sun position, sunset, sunrise, etc. You can judge whether or not.

The first control method of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the invention is the first preset reception from the standard radio-wave output stations which output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. The first station receiving step of receiving the standard radio wave of the target station, and when the standard radio wave reception fails in the first station receiving step, the standard radio wave reception succeeds or all the reception target stations prepared in advance. Until you finish selecting, the other station receiving step that sequentially receives the standard radio waves of other receiving target stations in a preset order, and the receiving target station when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the other station receiving step. 1
When the standard radio wave is successfully received in the first station setting step for setting the second reception target station and the first station reception step or the other station reception step, the current time of the time measuring means for displaying the time is set to the standard time of the standard radio wave. And a time correction step of correcting the time based on the time information.

In the second control method, the standard radio wave of the first receiving target station preset from among the standard radio wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats is selected. The first station receiving step of receiving, and when the standard wave reception fails in this first receiving step, the standard wave reception of other receiving target stations is sequentially performed in a preset order, and the reception condition of the radio wave is received. The optimal station detection process that detects the best reception target station, the optimal station reception process that receives the standard radio wave of the reception target station detected in the optimal station detection process, and the reception of the standard radio wave in this optimal station reception process When the reception of the standard radio wave succeeds in the first station setting step of setting the reception target station to the first reception target station when the above is successful and the reception of the standard radio wave in the first station reception step or the optimum station reception step For displaying time A time correction step of correcting, based the time on the time information of the standard radio and is characterized in that it comprises.

Further, the third control method is to set the standard radio wave of the first reception target station preset from among the standard radio wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. A first station receiving step of performing reception, an optimum station detecting step of sequentially receiving standard radio waves of other receiving target stations in a preset order, and detecting a receiving target station having the best radio wave reception condition, A first station setting step of setting the reception target station as the first reception target station when the reception condition of the reception target station detected in the optimum station detection step is better than that of the first reception target station; When the standard radio wave is successfully received in the one-station receiving step, a time adjusting step of correcting the current time of the time measuring means for displaying the time based on the time information of the standard electric wave is provided. is there.

According to these first to third radio wave correction timepiece control methods, the same operational effects as the first to third inventions can be obtained.

[0041]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a front view of a radio-controlled timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment. The radio-controlled timepiece 1 is a pointer type timepiece (analog timepiece) provided with an hour hand 2, a minute hand 3 and a second hand (not shown). The dial 5 of the timepiece 1 is provided with an area indicator 8 including a scale 6 indicating selectable reception target stations and a pointer 7 indicating the currently selected reception target station by pointing the scale 6. Has been.

FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece 1. The radio-controlled timepiece 1 includes an antenna 21 for receiving a long-wave standard radio wave on which time information is superimposed, and a receiving circuit 22 as a receiving means for processing the long-wave standard radio wave received by the antenna 21 and outputting it as time information (time code). ,
A data storage circuit 23 that stores the time information output from the reception circuit 22, a control circuit 24, a motor drive circuit 25 that controls the driving of a stepping motor that drives the hands 2 and 3, and the needle positions of the hands 2 and 3. A needle position detection circuit 26 for detecting the position and a battery 27 as a power source for driving each circuit.

The antenna 21 is composed of a ferrite antenna in which a coil is wound around a ferrite rod or the like. The receiving circuit 22 is a tuning circuit 22 including a tuning capacitor and the like.
1 and is configured so that the antenna 21 receives a radio wave having a frequency set by the tuning circuit 221. Also,
The reception circuit 22 includes an amplification circuit, a bandpass filter, a demodulation circuit, a decoding circuit, etc., which are not shown, and time information (time code) composed of digital data from the received radio wave.
Is taken out and stored in the data storage circuit 23.

Here, the time information (time code) is configured according to a predetermined time information format (time code format) for each country. That is, FIG.
In the Japanese standard radio wave (JJY) time code format shown in (1), one signal is transmitted every second, and one record is formed in 60 seconds. That is, one frame is 60-bit data. The data items include the minute of the current time, the hour, the total day from January 1 of the current year, the year (the last two digits of the year), the day of the week, and the "leap second". The value of each item is composed of a combination of numerical values assigned for each second.
F is determined from the type of signal. In FIG. 3, “M” indicates a marker corresponding to a minute (0 second per minute), and “P1 to P5” indicates a position marker, the position of which is predetermined. Signal. The signal indicating the marker is a signal having a pulse width of about 0.2 ms, and the signal indicating ON (binary 1) in each item is a signal having a pulse width of about 0.5 ms and OFF (binary 0). ) Is a signal having a pulse width of about 0.8 ms. In Japan, long-wave standard radio waves (JJY) are 40 kHz (East Japan) and 60 kHz as described in the background art.
Although it is transmitted in (West Japan), the time code format of each radio wave is the same.

On the other hand, the German standard radio wave (DC
In F77) time code format, minutes, hours,
Data items for day, day of the week, month, and year are set. Data does not exist until the 15th second, and therefore the positions of the position markers P1, P2, P3 and the marker M are also different from JJY in FIG. Further, before each time item, "R: use of spare antenna", "A1: notice of change of normal time and daylight saving time", "Z1, Z2: display of normal time and daylight saving time", "A2: display of leap second" , "S: Start bit of time code" and the like are set.

The standard radio wave (M
(SF) timecode format is year, month, day,
The data items of day of the week, hour, minute, minute synchronization code are set. In addition, there is no data until the 17th second, and the presence or absence and position of each position marker P or marker M are different from those of JJY and DCF77 in FIGS. Although not shown, the time code format of the American standard radio wave (WWVB) is also different from that of other countries, and the standard radio wave of which output station the standard radio wave depends on the format (data) of the received time information (time code). It is possible to determine whether it is a thing.

The time information stored in the data storage circuit 23 is processed by the control circuit 24. The configuration of the control circuit 24 is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. The control circuit 24 includes an oscillator circuit 51, a frequency divider circuit 52, a time counter 53, and a comparison circuit 5.
4, a time correction control unit 55, a reception radio wave judgment unit 56, a reception frequency switching unit 57, a reception selection unit 60, a selection order storage unit 70, and a reception target station information storage unit 80.

The oscillation circuit 51 oscillates the reference oscillation source 50 such as a crystal oscillator at a high frequency, and the frequency dividing circuit 52 divides the oscillation signal and outputs it as a predetermined reference signal (for example, a signal of 1 Hz). The time counter 53 counts this reference signal and measures the current time. Therefore, each of these circuits 51, 52 and the counter 53 constitutes the time measuring means of the present invention. Then, each time the counter 53 counts up by 1, a drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 25 to drive the display unit 28 including the hands 2, 3 and the stepping motor. The positions of the hands 2 and 3 are detected by the needle position detection circuit 26 and output to the comparison circuit 54.

The reception selection means 60 is the selection order storage means 7
The first receiving station selection receiving unit 61 that selects the standard radio wave output station set as the first reception target station to 0 and instructs reception of the standard radio wave, and receives the standard radio wave at the first reception target station. When it is not possible, it is provided with a reception station sequential selection reception unit 62 that sequentially selects reception target stations according to the selection order stored in the selection order storage unit 70 and performs a reception operation. The reception selection unit 60 instructs the switching of the reception frequency by starting the reception circuit 22 and controlling the tuning circuit 221 via the reception frequency switching unit 57 so that the standard radio wave of the selected reception target station can be received. .

The selection order storage means 70 stores the order in which the reception selection means 60 selects each reception target station. In this embodiment, three types of orders are set as the storage method of the selection order. That is, the selection order storage unit 70 is set with three types of storage units: a user setting order storage unit 71, a distance order storage unit 72, and a history order storage unit 73.

As shown in FIG. 7, the user setting order storage unit 71 stores the receiving target station and the setting order thereof in correspondence with the setting input by the user. In the example of FIG.
The first receiving station is eastern Japan, and the second is western Japan.
The third is the United States, the fourth is the United Kingdom, and the fifth is Germany. These orders are usually set by the user according to his / her own behavior pattern and the like.

In the distance order storage unit 72, as shown in FIG. 8, the order mainly according to the distance between countries is set. This setting order is not only for geographical distance,
The travel distance and travel time (distance from the viewpoint of time) are also taken into consideration for the setting. Specifically, the setting order of each reception target station when each reception target station is set as the starting point is stored. Although this data is preset as an initial value, the data can be changed by the user.

In the history order storage unit 73, as shown in FIG. 9, the reception history of standard radio waves, specifically, the respective receiving target stations are set in the order of the number of receptions. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, West Japan, which received the previous radio wave, is set as the first, and the second and subsequent ones are "East Japan,
America, Germany, United Kingdom ".

The reception selecting means 60 is provided in each of these storage units 7.
1 to 73 among the storage units 71 to 7 selected by the user
It is configured to select the receiving target station based on the data (order) of No. 3. When the distance order storage unit 72 is selected, which reception target station is used as the starting point (first
It is necessary to specify whether or not it is a station. This identification may be specified by the user, but normally the last reception target station is the first station.

Here, in the present embodiment, three types of orders (storage units 71 to 73) are configured to be selectable, but any one or only two can be selected and set. You may comprise. In the following description of the present embodiment, the case where the distance order storage unit 72 is selected and East Japan (JJY, 40 kHz) is selected as the starting point station will be described as an example.

The reception target station information storage means 80 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, at least the frequency of the standard radio wave in each reception target station and the code format of its time information are stored.

Next, the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece 1 having such a configuration will be described. The radio-controlled timepiece 1 automatically receives the standard radio wave at predetermined intervals, such as once a day, based on schedule setting information (not shown). In addition, the user can also perform manual forced reception by operating an external operation member such as a crown.

The standard radio wave reception operation is executed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when the receiving operation is started, the variable n representing the selection order is set to the initial value 1 (step 1, hereinafter the step is abbreviated as "S"). Subsequently, the first receiving station selection receiving unit 61 of the reception selecting unit 60 is operated to select the first receiving target station stored in the distance order storage unit 72 of the selection order storage unit 70, that is, East Japan. , The standard radio wave reception processing is executed (S
2). Specifically, the first reception station selection reception unit 61 of the reception selection unit 60 operates the reception circuit 22, and receives the frequency information of the standard radio wave corresponding to the selected reception target station, the reception target station information storage unit 80. Then, based on the frequency information, the tuning circuit 221 is controlled via the reception frequency switching means 57 to switch the reception frequency and execute radio wave reception.

Then, the first receiving station selecting and receiving section 61 determines whether or not the standard radio wave of the first receiving target station has been received (S3). Specifically, first, the receiving circuit 22 detects the electric field strength and the receiving sensitivity of the radio wave, and the first receiving station selection receiving unit 61 determines whether the radio wave of a predetermined level or more is received based on the detection result. When a radio wave of a predetermined level or higher is received, the time information is stored in the data storage circuit 23, so that the received radio wave determining means 56 sets the time information in the time code format of the first reception target station. It is determined whether they match and whether the time information is correct data, and the result is also notified to the first receiving station selection receiving unit 61. Whether or not the data is correct is determined in the same manner as data determination in a normal radio-controlled timepiece, for example, in a plurality of consecutive frames (data for one minute).
However, it may be determined depending on whether each represents the time every one minute. Here, it is determined that the radio wave reception is successful (reception OK) only when it is determined that the time is in conformity with the predetermined format and represents the correct time (S3). If there is none, if the data is different from the time code format of the first receiving station even if there is radio wave reception, and if the format is correct but there is an error in the actually received time information, It is determined that it has failed (reception NG) (S3).

When the first reception target station succeeds in receiving the radio wave, the reception selecting means 60 stops the receiving circuit 22 to end the receiving operation, and the time adjustment control section 5 which is the time adjusting means.
The time adjustment process (S10) according to No. 5 is executed.

On the other hand, if the reception is unsuccessful, the reception selecting means 60 operates the receiving station sequential selection receiving section 62. Specifically, 1 is added to the variable n to set “n = 2” (S
4), "n>5", that is, since only five receiving target stations are set in this embodiment, the selection order is 5
It is determined whether it is the following (S5). If n is 5 or less, the receiving station sequential selection receiving unit 62 is activated to select the nth reception target station (the second reception target station if n = 2) and receive the standard radio wave. The same method as that for the first reception target station is executed (S6).

Next, it is determined whether the reception at the nth reception target station has succeeded (S7). This determination method is also the same as the determination processing (S3) in the first reception target station. If the reception is unsuccessful, the processes of S4 to S7 are repeated until the reception is successful. That is, the selection of the third to fifth reception target stations and the radio wave reception processing are repeated. Then, when the radio wave is successfully received by any of the second to fifth reception target stations (S7),
The reception target station that has been successfully received is set as the first reception target station (S8). When the distance order storage unit 72 is used, the data of the reception target station starting point is selected.

Then, the reception selecting means 60 sets the display of the area indicator 8 to the updated first reception target station by aligning the pointer 7 with the scale 6 of the first reception target station (S9). Further, time correction processing is performed based on the time information of the received radio wave (S10). The time adjustment process may be performed in the same manner as a normal radio-controlled timepiece. For example,
The comparison circuit 54 compares the time information determined to be correct by the received radio wave determination means 56 with the current needle position information, outputs a pulse corresponding to the difference from the time adjustment control unit 55, and outputs the value of the time counter 53. And the positions of the hands 2 and 3 of the display unit 28 are also changed by the motor drive circuit 25 to correct the time.

If "n>5" is determined in S5, it means that the standard radio wave could not be received even if the first to fifth reception target stations were sequentially switched.
The reception process ends without updating the reception target station. In this case, the reception process may be performed again after a preset time, for example, two hours later, or the reception based on the regular schedule may be skipped once and the next regular reception time (for example, one day later). It suffices to perform reception. The above processing is executed during the regular reception processing that is automatically performed and during the manual reception processing when the user operates the crown or the like.

When the user setting order storage unit 71 is selected in the selection order storage means 70,
The processing may be performed in the set order. In this case, when the first reception target station is changed to the actually received target station (S8), the original first reception target station and the subsequent stations may be moved backward. Further, even when the history order storage unit 73 is selected, the processing may be performed in the set order. In this case, when the first reception target station is changed to the actually received target station (S8), the second to fifth reception target stations may be arranged in descending order of the number of receptions. On the other hand, when the history order storage unit 73 is selected, the first reception target station is not immediately changed to the target station that was able to actually receive the radio wave, but the reception frequency is updated including the reception. , May be arranged in descending order of the number of times. That is, in the example of FIG. 9, even if the United States is received, the number of times of reception is still higher in East Japan, so the display of the area indicator 8 is switched to the received United States (US), but the first reception target station, that is, the next reception East Japan may be left as the station for which reception is first performed when receiving a radio wave.

According to such a first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) During the standard radio wave reception processing, the selection order storage means 7 is made by the first reception station selection reception section 61 of the reception selection means 60.
The first reception target station set to 0 is selected to receive the radio wave, and at this time, only when the correct radio wave reception cannot be performed, the reception station sequential selection reception unit 62 selects another reception target station. Since the reception is performed, it is not necessary to perform the reception processing of all the reception target stations as in the conventional case, energy consumption can be minimized, and energy saving can be achieved. In particular, even when another receiving target station is selected by the receiving station sequential selection receiving unit 62, the second receiving target station is first selected to try to receive the standard radio wave, and the second receiving target station receives the radio wave. Only when it fails, the third reception target station is selected and the reception of the standard radio wave is attempted. For example, only when it fails, the other reception target stations are sequentially selected, and the radio wave reception succeeds. It is possible to reduce the number of receptions up to, and it is possible to further save energy.

(2) As the first receiving target station, the station that was successfully received last time is set, and there is a high possibility that the receiving target station can receive the standard radio wave again in normal use. Since the first radio wave receiving station succeeds in receiving the radio wave, the radio wave receiving process can be performed in a short time, and the current consumption can be reduced accordingly.

(3) Receiving station sequential selection The user can appropriately select the order of selecting other receiving stations by the receiving unit 62 from the three types of storage units 71 to 73 in which different order of setting method is set. Since it is possible, you can select each receiving target station in the order that suits the user of the clock 1, and even if you fail to receive the radio wave at the first time, there is a high possibility that you can receive the radio wave as early as the second or third time. The number of receptions can be reduced.

(4) In addition, the user setting order storage unit 7
If 1 is used, the selection order can be set according to the action pattern of the user of the timepiece 1 and the like, so that the standard radio wave can be efficiently received.

(5) Further, since the movement of the user is more likely to occur when the distance is short, if the setting order is set to be closer to the distance using the distance order storage unit 72, the first order is set. Even if the signal cannot be received, it is highly possible that the second to third signals can be received immediately, and the radio waves can be received efficiently. Further, since data is set in the distance order storage unit 72 by default, it can be used easily without the user inputting data like the user setting order storage unit 71. Further, if the distance order storage unit 72 is selected as the initial mode and a predetermined starting point (for example, “East Japan”) therein is set, forced reception is performed even when the radio-controlled timepiece 1 is first used. Since this function can be used by performing an operation, it is possible to execute radio wave reception and set the first reception target station with a very simple operation.

(6) Further, if the history order storage unit 73 is used, the selection order can be automatically set according to the action pattern of the user of the clock 1, so that the standard radio wave can be received efficiently. it can. In addition, unlike the case where the user setting order storage unit 71 is used, the data input operation by the user is not required, and therefore, it can be used very easily.

(7) According to the present embodiment, the receiving target station is automatically selected. Therefore, the user can select the receiving target station and determine which receiving target station has the good reception condition. There is no need to make a judgment, and convenience can be improved. Especially in Japan, both radio waves can be received in the middle area (Kyoto) etc. of each east and west receiving target station, but which radio wave is more suitable for receiving is the place where the clock is (mountain or building is It is difficult to judge because it depends on which side etc.) However, in the present embodiment, since the receiving target station is automatically selected, the user does not need to make a particular judgment, can be easily used and installed, and can move with the user like a wristwatch. However, since the optimum station at the moving place is automatically selected, it is possible to reliably receive the radio wave and adjust the time.

(8) Since the area indicator 8 for displaying the receiving station that received the standard radio wave is provided, the user can easily grasp which station (country) the displayed time is. It is possible to improve convenience.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a radio-controlled timepiece 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In each of the following embodiments, the same or similar components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals,
Description will be omitted or simplified. In this embodiment, the first
The embodiment is that an optimum station detection unit 63 and an optimum station selection reception unit 64 are provided instead of the reception station sequential selection reception unit 62 of the reception selection unit 60, and the selection order storage unit 70 according to the change. 1st station and other station search order storage unit 7
The difference is that only No. 5 is provided, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first station / other station search order storage unit 75 stores the search order of the station set as the first receiving target station (East Japan in FIG. 13) and the other receiving target stations. The setting order is 2) or later) is set. The optimum station detection unit 63 searches for a reception target station according to this search order. That is, the radio wave of each station is received for a short time, the electric field strength of the radio wave, the receiving condition such as the receiving sensitivity are obtained, and the station having the best condition is detected. At this time, it is not necessary to separately search each station having the same frequency because only the reception condition of the radio wave needs to be obtained. For this reason, in the first station and other station search order storage unit 75, the reception target stations having the same reception frequency are set in the same order. Note that the order for each frequency may be set based on the user setting, the reception history, and the order of frequencies closer to the frequency of the first reception target station, as in the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, The frequencies are set in descending order of the number of reception target stations corresponding to each frequency. The optimum station selection reception unit 64 selects a station (frequency) that is optimum by the optimum station detection unit 63 and receives a radio wave.

The reception process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Similar to the first embodiment, when the receiving process is started regularly or manually, the first receiving station selection receiving section 61 of the reception selecting means 60 is driven to make the first order of the selection order storing means 70.
The first reception target station stored in the station and other station search order storage unit 75, that is, East Japan, is selected, and the standard radio wave reception processing is executed (S21). The specific receiving process is the same as in the first embodiment.

Then, it is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment whether or not the standard radio wave of the first reception target station has been received (S2).
2). If it is determined that the radio wave has been successfully received (reception OK) (S3), the time adjustment process (S28) is executed. On the other hand, if the reception fails, the reception selection means 60
Activates the optimum station detector 63. Optimal station detection unit 63
Receives a radio wave from a station other than the first reception target station for a short time, and detects the optimum reception condition (S23).

Specifically, the optimum station detecting section 63 first switches via the receiving frequency switching means 57 to the receiving frequency (60 kHz) of West Japan which is set in the second order to perform radio wave reception, and the electric field at that time is received. Reception condition information such as strength and reception sensitivity is received from the reception circuit 22 and stored. Then 60k
German reception frequencies other than Hz (7
(7.5 kHz) to obtain the reception condition information. In this embodiment, radio waves of different frequencies are not set other than that, but if they are set, the frequencies are sequentially switched to obtain the reception condition. If a station other than the first reception target station has the same frequency as that of the first reception target station, it may be received again at that frequency, or the first reception target station may be received without performing the reception process again. Reception processing at the receiving station (S2
The reception condition at the time of performing 1) may be used as it is.
Then, the optimum station detection unit 63 detects a station (frequency) having the optimum reception condition among these, and notifies the optimum station selection reception unit 64 (S23).

The optimum station selection receiving unit 64 selects a station (frequency) having the detected optimum reception condition, and again performs radio wave reception processing at the reception frequency (S24). Then, it is determined whether or not the radio wave reception at the frequency (optimal receiving station) has succeeded (S25). At this time, similarly to the first embodiment, the time code format of the received data and whether or not the data are correct are also determined. For example, the processing is performed as follows. In other words, the number of stations that output radio waves at the reception frequency is 1.
If there is only a station, the format of that station may be used for the determination. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of stations such as 60 kHz, as described above, the time code formats of the stations are different from each other. It may be determined based on the format.

When the optimum reception station succeeds in receiving the radio wave (S25), the reception target station that has succeeded in the reception is set as the first reception target station (S26). Then, the reception selecting means 60 sets the display of the area indicator 8 to the updated first reception target station by aligning the pointer 7 with the scale 6 of the first reception target station (S27). Further, time correction processing is performed based on the time information of the received radio waves (S28).
Since the method of the time adjustment process is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

On the other hand, if the optimum receiving station also fails to receive the radio wave (S25), the receiving process is terminated without performing the time correction or updating the first receiving target station. In this case as well, the reception process may be performed again after a preset time, for example, two hours later, or the reception based on the regular schedule may be skipped once and the next regular reception time (for example, one day later). The reception should be performed. Each processing S21 to 2 described above
8 is executed during the radio wave reception operation.

Also in the second embodiment as described above, the same operational effects as (1), (2), (7) and (8) of the first embodiment can be obtained. (9) Further, since the optimum station detection unit 63 detects the station (frequency) having a good radio wave reception condition and then receives the radio wave, the radio wave reception is highly likely to be successful, and the reception condition is the best. It is possible to detect a target receiving station in a short time. That is,
If it is only for checking the reception conditions, reception can be performed for a very short time compared to reception of time information, so even if the radio waves of all stations other than the first reception target station are received, The reception process can be processed in a very short time. Since only the receiving target station with the best reception condition actually receives the time information, even if the radio wave reception process for confirming the reception condition is being performed, the radio wave reception can be performed in a short time as a whole. Can be successful. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate an unnecessary long-time reception operation as in the conventional art, and it is possible to further increase the effect of reducing current consumption.

(10) Since the optimum station detecting unit 63 can check the reception condition for the reception target station of the same frequency by one reception, even if there are five reception target stations, there are three types of frequencies. Since there is only one, it is sufficient to check the radio wave reception conditions of all stations up to three times, and the radio wave reception time can be shortened correspondingly, and the current consumption can be further reduced.

[Third Embodiment] Next, the radio-controlled timepiece 1 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the first receiving station setting unit 65 is used instead of the optimum station receiving unit of the reception selecting means 60.
Is provided, and the difference is that the processing at the time of radio wave reception is different depending on the change, as shown in FIG. 16, and since the other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. .

In the third embodiment, the standard radio wave is always received only by the first reception target station, and the first reception target station receives the first reception signal every fixed time such as when the first reception target station receives the set number of times.
The optimum station for setting the receiving target station is selected. Therefore, the first station and other station search order storage unit 75 of the selection order storage unit 70 is the same as in the second embodiment.
A first receiving station selection receiving section 61 in the reception selecting means 60,
The optimum station detection unit 63 is the same as that of the second embodiment, and in addition to that, a first reception station setting unit 65 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiments.

The receiving process in the third embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Similar to the second embodiment, when the receiving process is started periodically or manually, the first receiving station selection receiving unit 61 of the reception selecting unit 60 is driven to drive the first station and other units of the selection order storing unit 70. The first reception target station stored in the station search order storage unit 75, that is, eastern Japan, is selected, and the standard radio wave reception processing is executed (S31). The specific receiving process is the same as in the second embodiment.

Then, it is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment whether or not the standard radio wave of the first reception target station has been received (S3).
2). If it is determined that the radio wave has been successfully received (OK) (S32), the time adjustment process (S33) is executed and the display of the area indicator 8 is set to the receiving station (first receiving target station) ( S34). Note that, in general, the same first reception target station continues to be received, so in reality, the
The actual instruction of the indicator 8 is not changed unless the processing by the station setting unit 68 is performed.

After the processing, or when it is determined that the reception has failed in S32, it is determined whether the reception execution number at the first reception target station has been performed the specified number of times (S35). For example, if reception is performed once a day and the specified number of times is set to 5 (5 days), the following processing will be performed every 5 days.

If it is determined in S35 that the predetermined number of times has been carried out, the optimum station detection unit 63 is activated, and similarly to the second embodiment, the radio waves of stations other than the first receiving target station are received for a short time, The station (frequency) with the optimum reception condition is detected (S3
6).

Then, the first receiving station setting unit 65 determines whether or not there is a receiving condition that is better than that of the first receiving station among these receiving conditions for each frequency (S37). If there is a good reception condition, the receiving station with that optimum condition is the first
The station and other station search order storage unit 75 is set as the first reception target station (S38). Therefore, in the next radio wave reception process,
The station newly set as the first reception target station is selected and the reception process is executed (S31). At that time, if the reception is successful, the time adjustment process (S33) is performed, and the area indicator is changed to the first reception target station (S3).
4). In addition, when the number of times has not reached the specified number in S35,
If there is no station with good reception conditions in S37, the first
The receiving station is not changed. Each processing S31-
35 are respectively executed at the time of radio wave reception operation, and S36-
S38 is performed at regular time intervals (for example, every 5 days).

Also in the third embodiment as described above, the same operational effects as (1), (2), (7), (8) and (10) of each of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. (11) Furthermore, the optimum station detection unit 63 periodically detects a station (frequency) with good radio wave reception conditions and updates the first reception target station to a station with optimum conditions, so a more reliable time is obtained. Information can be easily obtained. That is, the first,
In the second embodiment, when the first reception target station succeeds in receiving the radio wave, the first reception target station is not changed. For this reason, although the probability is low, if there is a similar error in the received time information and it happens that the reception time information is one minute intervals, and if it is determined that the reception was successful, an accurate time cannot be obtained. there is a possibility. Such a state has a high probability of occurring especially when receiving a weak radio wave. That is,
Since the weak signal has a low S / N ratio and the signal margin against diving noise is small, the error rate of the acquired time information is higher when the weak signal is received than when the strong signal is received. This is because. Therefore, even if the radio wave is successfully received, it is preferable to receive the radio wave if the stronger radio wave can be received. Further, in the present embodiment, even if the first reception target station succeeds in receiving a weak radio wave, the optimum reception target station is periodically detected and the first reception station is updated. Radio waves can be received, the probability of reception can be improved, the error rate can be reduced, and accurate time information can be reliably obtained.

(12) Further, the detection of the optimum station and the setting of the first receiving station are performed not at every reception but at a few receptions, so that the current consumption is further reduced. can do.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a radio-controlled timepiece 1 of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is largely different in that the first embodiment is selected for each reception target station, whereas the selection is performed for each standard radio wave frequency unit. That is, there are some receiving target stations that output radio waves of the same frequency, and even if radio waves of the same frequency have different time code formats, each station can be identified by the received time information. Focusing attention, the reception process itself is performed in frequency units.

Therefore, the reception selecting means 60 of this embodiment is used.
Is provided with a first frequency selection reception unit 161 corresponding to the first reception station selection reception unit 61 of the first embodiment, and a frequency sequential selection reception unit 162 corresponding to the reception station sequential selection reception unit 62. The selection order storage means 70 includes a user setting order storage unit 171, a frequency-based order storage unit 172,
History order storage unit 173, reception target station number order storage unit 174
Is provided.

The user setting order storage unit 171, the frequency order order storage unit 172, the history order storage unit 173, and the reception target station number order storage unit 174 group the reception target stations by frequency and set the order. The difference is that it is different from the first embodiment. That is, the user setting order storage unit 171
As shown in FIG. 18, the user sets the setting order for each reception frequency. In the example of FIG. 18, the frequency is 40 kHz.
z (East Japan) is set first, 60 kHz (West Japan, United States, United Kingdom) second, and 77.5 kHz (Germany) third. In the frequency-specific order storage unit 172, frequencies closer to the frequency currently set as the first (starting point), that is, the second and subsequent orders are set in the order of frequencies having a small difference from the starting point frequency. That is, in the example of FIG. 19, when 40 kHz (East Japan) is the first, 60 kHz and 77.5 kHz are set in this order. Similarly, when 60 kHz is the first (starting point) and when 77.5 kHz is the first (starting point), they are set in the order shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, the history order storage unit 173 obtains the number of times of reception for each frequency, and arranges them in the order of the highest number of times. In the reception target station number order storage unit 174,
The frequencies are arranged in the order of the number of receiving target stations for each frequency. This is because if the number of reception target stations is large, there is a high possibility that radio waves can be received when receiving at that frequency.

The reception process in the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG.
This will be described based on the flowchart of No. 23. Similar to the first embodiment, when the reception process is started regularly or manually, the variable n indicating the selection order is set to the initial value 1 (S41). Next, the first frequency selection receiver 161
The first frequency is selected from any one of the preselected storage units 171 to 174, and the tuning circuit 221 is controlled via the reception frequency switching means 57 based on the selected frequency to execute radio wave reception ( S42). Here, in the receiving circuit 22, it is judged whether or not a predetermined receiving condition such as electric field strength is satisfied (S43). It is determined which of the receiving target stations belongs and whether the received time information is correct (S4).
4). At this time, since the frequency is specified, the received radio wave determining means 56 can determine which station the radio wave is by comparing the time code format of the reception target station that outputs the radio wave of that frequency with the reception information. Whether or not the reception time is correct may be determined by receiving data of a plurality of frames as in the first embodiment. Here, if the correct time information can be received, it is determined that the reception is OK (S4
5) Then, the area indicator is changed to the reception target station (S46), and the same time adjustment process as in each embodiment is performed (S47).

On the other hand, if the reception condition of the radio wave is bad in S43, or if the reception is judged to be NG in S45, the frequency sequential selection receiving section 162 is executed to execute the frequency sequential selection reception process (S50). Be seen. In the frequency sequential selection reception process, first, as shown in FIG.
Is added to set “n = 2” (S51), and it is determined whether “n> 3”, that is, since only three types of reception frequencies are set in the present embodiment, the selection order is 3 or less. Yes (S52). Then, if n is 3 or less, the frequency sequential selection receiving unit 162 selects the nth frequency (the second frequency if n = 2) from the selection order storage means 70, and receives the standard radio wave as the first frequency. The same method as that for the frequency is executed (S53).

Next, it is determined whether or not the predetermined reception condition is satisfied at the nth frequency (S54). Here, when the reception condition is not satisfied, the processes of S51 to S54 are repeated until the condition is satisfied or n> 3. That is, the selection of the third frequency and the radio wave reception process are repeated. When the predetermined reception condition is satisfied at any of the second to third frequencies (S54), the reception radio wave determination means 56 determines which reception target station the radio wave is, and the received time information is correct. (S55). The process here is the same as S44. If accurate time information can be received, reception is judged to be OK (S56), and the reception target station of the detected radio wave is set as the first reception target station (S5).
7), the display of the area indicator 8 is set to the receiving station (first receiving target station) (S58), and time correction processing is performed (S5).
9). On the other hand, if it is determined in S56 that the reception has failed, the above S
The process returns to step 51 and the process is repeated.

Also in the fourth embodiment as described above, the same operational effects as (1) to (4) and (6) to (8) of the first embodiment can be obtained. (13) Further, since the frequency is selected and the radio wave reception is switched, the radio wave reception of all stations is performed as compared with the first embodiment in which the reception target station is selected similarly to the effect of the above (10). Even when the condition is confirmed, the number of times of reception can be reduced, and the radio wave reception time can be shortened accordingly, and the current consumption can be further reduced. (14) Further, in the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of reception target stations of the same frequency, it is necessary to determine which reception target station the received radio wave is, but the determination is the reception time. Since it is the confirmation of the format of the information data, software processing is sufficient, the determination can be made in a very short time, and the burden on the timepiece 1 does not increase. In particular, in order to convert the actually received time information into time data used for time adjustment, format-based analysis is required. The number of receptions can be reduced, so that energy saving can be promoted and the duration of the timepiece 1 can be lengthened.

The present invention is not limited to the respective embodiments, but can be modified within a range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved.
Improvements and the like are included in the present invention.

For example, in the fourth embodiment, the reception target station selection of the first embodiment is replaced with the frequency selection, but similarly, the reception target station selection of the second and third embodiments is changed to the frequency selection. May be replaced. That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the reception selection means 60 includes the first frequency selection reception unit 16
In addition to 1, the optimum frequency detection unit 163 and the optimum frequency selection reception unit 164 are provided, and when the radio wave cannot be received at the first frequency, the optimum frequency detection unit 163 causes the first frequency &
Similar to the second embodiment, the frequency is sequentially switched using the other frequency search order storage unit 175 to detect the frequency with the optimum reception condition, and the optimum frequency selection reception unit 164 selects and receives the frequency. May be controlled.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the reception selecting means 60 is provided with an optimum frequency detecting section 163 and a first frequency setting section 165 in addition to the first frequency selecting and receiving section 161.
When the radio wave cannot be received at the frequency, the optimum frequency detection unit 163 sequentially switches the frequencies using the first frequency & other frequency search order storage unit 175 to detect the frequency having the optimum reception condition, If the reception condition of is better than that of the first frequency, the same control as in the third embodiment may be performed by updating the first frequency in the first frequency setting unit 165. In each of these timepieces 1, the same effects as those of the second and third embodiments can be obtained, and also the effects of (13) and (14) of the fourth embodiment can be achieved. Note that the first frequency & other frequency search order storage unit 175 may be the same as the first station and other station search order storage unit 75, as long as the selection order is set for each frequency.

As the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention, a combination of the controls of the above embodiments may be used. For example, in addition to the control of the first and second embodiments, detection of the optimum station executed at predetermined intervals of the third embodiment and update of the first reception target station based on the detection may be performed. Similarly, when selecting a frequency, in addition to the control shown in the fourth embodiment and FIG. 24, detection of the optimum frequency in FIG. 25 and updating of the first frequency based on the detection may be performed. With such a configuration, the effects of each embodiment can be obtained.

The format of the area indicator 8 is not limited to the one using the pointer 7 as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the lamps shown in each area (reception target station) are turned on or the reception station is displayed by using the liquid crystal display unit. Other formats such as displaying names may be adopted. Furthermore, the area indicator 8 is not always essential, and it is not necessary to provide only a lamp that indicates a radio wave reception state or to provide anything that displays nothing.

In the first and fourth embodiments, the selection order storage means 70 is provided with three or four storage units. However, at least one storage unit may be provided. Whether or not to provide it may be appropriately set at the time of implementation.

Further, each circuit and means in the control circuit 24 are
A computer including a CPU (central processing unit), a memory (storage device) and the like is provided in the timepiece 1 without being limited to the hardware configured by various logic elements and the like, and a predetermined program or data (each (Data stored in the storage unit) may be incorporated to realize each unit. For example, the radio-controlled timepiece 1 is provided with a CPU and a memory so as to function as a computer, and a predetermined control program and data are recorded in the memory such as a communication means such as the Internet, a CD-ROM, a memory card and the like. It suffices to install the program through a medium and operate the CPU or the like with the installed program to realize each unit such as the reception radio wave determining unit 56 and the reception selecting unit 60. To install a predetermined program or the like in the radio-controlled timepiece 1, a memory card, a CD-ROM or the like may be directly inserted into the timepiece 1, or a device for reading these storage media may be externally attached. 1
You may connect to. Further, a LAN cable, a telephone line or the like may be connected to the timepiece 1 to supply and install the program or the like by communication, or the program may be supplied and installed wirelessly because the antenna 21 is provided. .

If the control program provided by such a recording medium or communication means such as the Internet is incorporated into the radio-controlled timepiece 1, the functions of the above inventions can be realized only by changing the program. The user can also select and incorporate the desired control program. In this case, since various radio-controlled timepieces 1 having different control formats can be manufactured only by changing the program, parts can be shared and the manufacturing cost at the time of developing variations can be significantly reduced.

The function as the radio-controlled timepiece, that is, the respective components such as the time measuring means, the receiving means, the time adjustment means, etc. are not limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and each means of the conventionally known radio-controlled timepiece can be used. . Further, in the above-described embodiment, five reception target stations are configured to be selected, but the number of selectable reception target stations and a specific country (region) are as follows.
It may be set appropriately for implementation. Also in this case, since the contents of the selection order storage unit 70 and the reception target station information storage unit 80 only have to be rewritten, the user can easily set the contents.

The radio-controlled timepiece 1 of the present invention is not limited to an analog timepiece, but may be a digital timepiece or a timepiece having a pointer and a liquid crystal display section. Furthermore, radio-controlled timepiece 1
The present invention can be applied to various watches such as portable watches such as watches and pocket watches, and installed watches such as wall clocks and table clocks.

[Other Aspects of the Present Invention] A radio-controlled timepiece control method according to a first aspect of the present invention corresponds to each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. A first frequency receiving step of receiving a standard radio wave having a preset first frequency from among the receiving frequencies, and succeeding in receiving the standard radio wave when the reception of the standard radio wave fails in the first frequency receiving step. Or, until all frequencies prepared in advance have been selected, another frequency reception process that sequentially receives standard radio waves of other frequencies in a preset order and succeeded in reception of standard radio waves in the other frequency reception process. At that time, the time is displayed when the standard frequency wave is successfully received in the first frequency setting step of setting the frequency to the first frequency and the first frequency receiving step or the other frequency receiving step. Characterized in that it and a time correction step of correcting, based on the standard radio time information current time of the timekeeping means that.

The control method of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second aspect is preset from among the reception frequencies corresponding to the standard radio-wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. The first frequency receiving step of receiving the standard radio wave of the first frequency and the reception of the standard radio wave of another frequency in a preset order when the reception of the standard radio wave fails in the first frequency receiving step. The optimal frequency detection process that sequentially performs the optimal frequency detection process to detect the frequency with the best radio wave reception conditions, the optimal frequency reception process that receives the standard radio wave of the frequency detected in the optimal frequency detection process, and the standard frequency wave in the optimal frequency reception process When the reception of the signal is successful, the first frequency setting step of setting the frequency to the first frequency and the standard frequency in the first frequency receiving step or the optimum frequency receiving step. Upon successfully received, characterized in that it comprises a time correction step of correcting, based the current time of the clock means to time information of the standard radio to display time, a.

The control method of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the third aspect is preset from among the respective reception frequencies corresponding to the respective standard radio-wave output stations which output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. Optimum to detect the frequency with the best radio wave reception condition by first receiving the standard radio wave of the first frequency and receiving the standard radio wave of other frequencies sequentially in a preset order A frequency detecting step, a first frequency setting step of setting the frequency to the first frequency when the receiving condition of the frequency detected in the optimum frequency detecting step is better than the first frequency, and the first frequency receiving step When the standard radio wave is successfully received in the step, a time adjustment step of correcting the current time of the time measuring means for displaying the time based on the time information of the standard radio wave. And it features.

The control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the fourth aspect includes a clock means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the present time and a receiving means for receiving the standard radio wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with a reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves having at least one of frequency and time information formats, and the reception means. Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, and reception of the standard radio wave. Time correction means for correcting the current time of the timekeeping means based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the reception target station First reception station selective reception, which functions as selection order storage means in which the selection order is stored, and causes the reception selection means to select the first receiving target station stored in the selection order storage means to receive radio waves. Department,
When it is determined that the first receiving station selective receiving unit has failed to receive the radio wave, the standard radio wave has been successfully received in accordance with the selection order stored in the selection order storage unit, or all the reception target stations stored. It is characterized by functioning as a reception station sequential selection reception unit that sequentially selects reception target stations and receives radio waves until selection is completed.

The control program for the radio-controlled timepiece according to the fifth aspect includes a clocking means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the current time and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with a reception selection unit for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio-wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves having at least one of frequency and time information format, and the reception unit. Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, and reception of the standard radio wave. Time correction means for correcting the current time of the timekeeping means based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the reception target The selection order storage means for storing the selection order, and the reception selection means selects the first receiving target station stored in the selection order storage means to receive a radio wave A receiver,
When it is determined that the first reception station selection reception unit has failed to receive the radio wave, the standard radio waves of the reception target stations other than the first reception target station are sequentially received, and reception with the best reception condition of the radio wave is performed. It is characterized in that it functions as an optimum station detection unit that detects a target station and a reception target station that is detected by this optimum station detection unit and that functions as an optimum station selection reception unit that receives radio waves.

The control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the sixth aspect includes a time-measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time and a receiving means for receiving a standard time-wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with a reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves having at least one of frequency and time information formats, and the reception means. Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, and reception of the standard radio wave. Time correction means for correcting the current time of the timekeeping means based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is determined that the reception target The selection order storage means for storing the selection order, and the reception selection means selects the first receiving target station stored in the selection order storage means to receive a radio wave A receiver,
An optimum station detection unit that sequentially receives standard radio waves of reception target stations other than the first reception target station and detects the reception target station with the best radio wave reception conditions, and the reception detected by this optimum station detection unit When the reception condition of the target station is better than that of the first reception target station, the reception target station is caused to function as the first reception station setting unit for setting the first reception target station of the selection order storage means. Characterize.

The control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the seventh aspect includes a clocking means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the current time and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with reception selecting means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves in which at least one of frequency and time information format is different, Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the receiving means to the frequency selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and reception of the standard radio wave When it is determined that the time is adjusted based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, the time adjustment means for adjusting the current time of the time measurement means and the selection of the frequency. A first frequency selection receiving unit that functions as a selection order storage unit that stores an order, and that causes the reception selection unit to select the first frequency stored in the selection order storage unit to receive radio waves; When it is determined that the 1 frequency selective reception unit has failed to receive the radio wave,
A frequency sequential selection receiving section that sequentially selects reception frequencies and receives radio waves until the standard radio waves are successfully received or all the stored frequencies are selected in accordance with the selection order stored in the selection order storage means. It is characterized by making it function as.

The control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the eighth aspect includes a clock means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the present time and a receiving means for receiving the standard radio wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with reception selecting means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves in which at least one of frequency and time information format is different, Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the receiving means to the frequency selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and reception of the standard radio wave When it is determined that the time is adjusted based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, the time adjustment means for adjusting the current time of the time measurement means and the selection of the frequency. A first frequency selection receiving unit that functions as a selection order storage unit that stores an order, and that causes the reception selection unit to select the first frequency stored in the selection order storage unit to receive radio waves; When it is determined that the 1 frequency selective reception unit has failed to receive the radio wave,
The optimum frequency detection unit that sequentially receives standard radio waves of frequencies other than the first frequency and detects the frequency with the best radio wave reception conditions, and selects the frequency detected by this optimum frequency detection unit It is characterized in that it functions as an optimum frequency selection reception unit for reception.

The control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the ninth aspect includes a clocking means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to clock the current time and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. A computer incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece provided with reception selecting means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs various standard radio waves in which at least one of frequency and time information format is different, Reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the receiving means to the frequency selected by the reception selecting means, reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and reception of the standard radio wave When it is determined that the time is adjusted based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, the time adjustment means for adjusting the current time of the time measurement means and the selection of the frequency. The reception selecting means functions as selection order storing means in which the order is stored, and the reception selecting means selects a first frequency stored in the selection order storing means and receives a radio wave; The standard frequency signal other than the second frequency is sequentially received, and the optimum frequency detection section that detects the frequency with the best radio wave reception condition and the reception condition of the frequency detected by this optimum frequency detection section are the first When the frequency is better than the frequency, the frequency is made to function as a first frequency setting unit that sets the frequency to the first frequency of the selection order storage means.

The recording medium of the tenth aspect is characterized in that it is a computer-readable recording medium recording the control program of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the fourth to ninth aspects.

[0121]

As described above, according to the radio-controlled timepiece and the control method thereof of the present invention, standard radio waves of different types can be received and the time can be automatically adjusted in each region, and the receiving operation can be performed efficiently. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved, and operability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a radio-controlled timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a timepiece according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a time code format of long wave standard radio wave (JJY).

FIG. 4 is a time code format of a long wave standard radio wave (DCF77).

FIG. 5 is a time code format of standard long wave (MSF).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user setting order storage unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of a distance order storage unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of a history order storage unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of a reception target station information storage unit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of a first station and another station search order storage unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user setting order storage unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a data structure of a frequency-based order storage unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data structure of a history order storage unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a data structure of a reception target station number order storage unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second modified example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... radio-controlled clock, 2 ... hour hand, 3 ... minute hand, 5 ... dial,
6 ... Scale, 7 ... Pointer, 8 ... Area indicator, 21 ... Antenna, 22 ... Reception circuit, 23 ... Data storage circuit, 24
... Control circuit, 25 ... Motor drive circuit, 26 ... Needle position detection circuit, 27 ... Battery, 28 ... Display unit, 50 ... Reference oscillation source,
51 ... Oscillation circuit, 52 ... Frequency divider circuit, 53 ... Time counter, 54 ... Comparison circuit, 55 ... Time correction control section, 56 ... Received radio wave judging means, 57 ... Reception frequency switching means, 60 ... Reception selecting means, 61 ... First receiving station selection receiving unit, 62 ... Receiving station sequential selection receiving unit, 63 ... Optimal station detecting unit, 64 ... Optimal station selection receiving unit, 70 ... Selection order storage means, 71 ... User setting order storage unit, 72 ... Distance Order storage unit 73 ... History order storage unit 75 ... First station and other station search order storage unit, 8
0 ... Reception target station information storage means, 161 ... First frequency selection receiving section, 162 ... Frequency sequential selection receiving section, 163 ... Optimal frequency detecting section, 164 ... Optimal frequency selecting receiving section, 171
... user setting order storage unit, 172 ... frequency order storage unit, 173 ... history order storage unit, 174 ... reception target station number order storage unit, 175 ... first frequency & other frequency search order storage unit, 221 ... tuning circuit.

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A standard means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selection means Means for determining whether or not reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, and, when it is determined that reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, the timekeeping means based on time information included in the standard radio wave. And a selection order storage unit in which the selection order of the reception target station is stored, and the reception selection unit is described in the selection order storage unit. It was 1
The first receiving station selection receiving unit that selects the th reception target station to receive the radio wave, and stores the selection order storage unit when it is determined that the first receiving station selection receiving unit fails to receive the radio wave. A reception station sequential selection receiving unit that sequentially selects reception target stations and receives radio waves until the standard radio wave is successfully received in accordance with the selected selection order or all the stored reception target stations are completely selected, A radio-controlled timepiece characterized by comprising. 2. A time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selection means Means, a reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and the time measuring means based on the time information included in the standard radio wave when it is judged that the standard radio wave has been successfully received. And a selection order storage unit in which the selection order of the reception target station is stored, and the reception selection unit is described in the selection order storage unit. It was 1
The first receiving station selection receiving unit that selects the th reception target station to receive the radio wave, and the first reception target station when it is determined that the first reception station selection receiving unit fails to receive the radio wave Select the optimum station detection unit that sequentially receives the standard radio waves of the reception target stations other than, and detects the reception target station with the best radio wave reception conditions, and the reception target stations detected by this optimum station detection unit. A radio-controlled timepiece, comprising: an optimum station selection receiving unit that receives radio waves. 3. A standard means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave containing time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception target station from each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to a frequency according to the reception target station selected by the reception selection means Means for determining whether or not reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, and, when it is determined that reception of the standard radio wave has succeeded, the timekeeping means based on time information included in the standard radio wave. And a selection order storage unit in which the selection order of the reception target station is stored, and the reception selection unit is described in the selection order storage unit. It was 1
The 1st receiving station selection receiving unit that selects the 1st receiving target station to receive the radio wave and the standard radio wave of the receiving target stations other than the 1st receiving target station are sequentially received, and the radio wave reception condition is the best. The optimum station detection unit that detects the appropriate reception target station, and if the reception condition of the reception target station detected by this optimum station detection unit is better than the first reception target station, the reception target station is selected in the order. A radio-controlled timepiece, comprising: a first receiving station setting unit which is set in the first receiving target station of the storage means. 4. A time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the present time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means , A reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and, when it is judged that the standard radio wave has been successfully received, based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, A time correction unit that corrects time, and a selection order storage unit that stores the frequency selection order, wherein the reception selection unit is stored in the selection order storage unit. 1
A first frequency selection receiving unit that selects the th frequency to receive radio waves, and a selection order stored in the selection order storage unit when it is determined that the first frequency selection receiving unit has failed to receive the radio waves. According to the radio wave, the radio wave is provided with a frequency sequential selection receiving unit that sequentially selects the reception frequency and receives the radio wave until the standard radio wave is successfully received or all the stored frequencies are selected according to Modified clock. 5. A time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means , A reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and, when it is judged that the standard radio wave has been successfully received, based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, A time correction unit that corrects time, and a selection order storage unit that stores the frequency selection order, wherein the reception selection unit is stored in the selection order storage unit. 1
The first frequency selection receiver that selects the th frequency to receive the radio wave, and the standard radio wave of a frequency other than the first frequency when it is determined that the first frequency selection receiver fails to receive the radio wave. An optimum frequency detection unit that sequentially receives the radio waves and detects the frequency with the best radio wave reception conditions; and an optimum frequency selection reception unit that selects the frequency detected by the optimum frequency detection unit and receives the radio waves. A radio-controlled timepiece characterized by comprising. 6. A time measuring means for inputting a reference signal from a reference signal source to measure the present time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and various standards different in at least one of frequency and time information format. Reception selection means for selecting a reception frequency when receiving a standard radio wave of each standard radio wave output station that outputs a radio wave, and reception frequency switching means for switching the reception frequency of the reception means to the frequency selected by the reception selection means , A reception radio wave judging means for judging whether or not the standard radio wave has been successfully received, and, when it is judged that the standard radio wave has been successfully received, based on the time information included in the standard radio wave, A time correction unit that corrects time, and a selection order storage unit that stores the frequency selection order, wherein the reception selection unit is stored in the selection order storage unit. 1
Optimum frequency that detects the frequency with the best radio wave reception conditions by sequentially receiving the standard radio wave of frequencies other than the first frequency and the first frequency selection receiving unit that selects the th frequency to receive the radio wave The detection unit and the first frequency setting unit that sets the frequency to the first frequency of the selection order storage unit when the reception condition of the frequency detected by the optimum frequency detection unit is better than the first frequency. And a radio-controlled timepiece characterized by comprising: 7. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the received radio wave judging means is based on a time information format of each standard radio wave output station corresponding to the selected reception target station or frequency. A radio-controlled timepiece, characterized in that it analyzes the time information of the radio wave received by the receiver, and judges whether the reception of the standard radio wave is successful or unsuccessful depending on whether the correct time information is obtained. 8. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the selection order storage means is a reception target station or frequency other than the first reception target station or frequency. A radio-controlled timepiece characterized in that, when the standard radio wave is successfully received, the reception target station or frequency that has been successfully received is reset to the first reception target station or frequency. 9. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reception target station or frequency set in the selection order storage means and the order thereof are set by the user. A radio-controlled watch that is characterized by that. 10. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the reception target station or frequency set in the selection order storage means and its order are set based on past reception history. A radio-controlled watch that is characterized by being. 11. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the reception target station set in the selection order storage means and the order thereof are close to the first reception target station in terms of distance. A radio-controlled timepiece that is set in the order of target stations. 12. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 4, wherein the order of frequencies stored in the selection order storage means is 1.
A radio-controlled timepiece that is set in order of the number of standard radio wave output stations of that frequency among frequencies other than the second frequency. 13. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising display means for displaying a reception target station that has successfully received a standard radio wave. 14. The first station reception for receiving the standard radio wave of the first receiving target station preset from among the standard radio wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. When the reception of the standard radio wave fails in the process and the first station reception process, the standard radio wave is received in succession or until all the prepared target stations have been selected. Other station receiving step of sequentially receiving the standard radio wave of the target station of reception, and the first station that sets the receiving target station as the first receiving target station when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the other station receiving step A setting step, and a time adjustment step of correcting the current time of the timekeeping means for displaying the time based on the time information of the standard radio wave when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the first station reception step or the other station reception step. Be equipped with A method of controlling a radio-controlled timepiece characterized by. 15. The first station reception for receiving the standard radio wave of the first receiving target station preset from among the standard radio wave output stations that output various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. When the reception of the standard radio wave in the step and the first reception step fails, the standard radio wave of other reception target stations is sequentially received in a preset order, and the reception target station having the best radio wave reception condition is received. The optimum station detection process for detecting the optimum station, the optimum station reception process for receiving the standard radio wave of the reception target station detected in the optimum station detection process, and when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the optimum station reception process,
A first station setting step of setting the reception target station to the first reception target station; and a time measuring means for displaying time when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the first station reception step or the optimum station reception step. A time correction step of correcting the current time based on the time information of the standard radio wave, the control method of the radio wave corrected timepiece. 16. The first station reception for receiving the standard radio wave of the first receiving target station preset from among the standard radio wave output stations for outputting various standard radio waves having different frequency and / or time information formats. Process and the optimum station detection process that sequentially receives the standard radio waves of other reception target stations in a preset order to detect the reception target station with the best radio wave reception conditions, and the optimum station detection process. The receiving condition of the receiving target station is 1
A first station setting step of setting the reception target station to the first reception target station when it is better than the second reception target station; and when the standard radio wave is successfully received in the first station reception step,
A time correction step of correcting the current time of the time measuring means for displaying time based on the time information of the standard radio wave.