JP2004012228A - Timer unit and laser pointer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a timer unit capable of notifying lapse of time instantaneously, and capable of notifying detailed clocking, and a laser pointer with the timer. <P>SOLUTION: This laser pointer 10 with the timer is provided with a plurality of LEDs 12a-12d for notifying the remaining time or the like in the timer by a light emitting mode on a pointer body 10a surface, a laser emitting key 14, and a key board 15 (setting means), and is provided with a display part 24 having a matrix face constituted of a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a ROM 23 and an LCD, a key board 25 provided with the laser emitting key 14 and respective keys 15a-15f, and a laser output circuit 26, on the inside. The CPU 21 divides a set time of the timer in response to the number of the plurality of LEDs 12a-12d, and notifies the remaining time in the timer by lighting on or out the respective LEDs 12a-12d sequentially, for every lapse of the divided set time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a timer device and a laser pointer for measuring a set time, and more particularly to an improvement of a laser pointer with a timer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to give an instruction on a large screen at a meeting or a lecture, a laser pointer that gives an instruction by projecting a laser beam onto a screen or the like by hand-held operation has been proposed.
Laser pointers have become a popular alternative to finger sticks used during presentations. Unlike finger sticks, inconveniences such as being able to point to a desired position without approaching a screen such as an OHP, and shadows created by the finger sticks on the surface of a projection screen, etc., making certain parts of the screen invisible are eliminated. It is convenient. In recent years, laser pointers that can display not only dots but also lines and circles are commercially available.
[0003]
Further, Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 303942 has a function of notifying the time by a vibrator function having a built-in timer in a laser light emitting device.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-90291 discloses a device in which a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used as timers to sequentially turn off lights from a set time, and when the time is over, a device is turned off. ing. In addition, the set time is turned off at a predetermined time or at a predetermined rate to notify time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the prior art, there is an integrated laser pointer and timer function that notifies time by a vibration function. In the vibration function, the notification can be known by vibration each time, but the elapsed time cannot be known by visual recognition. A laser pointer is often used as a point instruction for a lecture or the like using a projector or the like. At this time, there are many occasions in which the user turns off the light and it is difficult to check the time using a clock or the like. In such a case, it is required that the notification of the time can be instantaneously confirmed visually.
[0005]
Further, the timer device described in JP-A-56-90291 uses an LED as a remaining amount display or a cumulative display, and does not use it as a notification after a lapse of time. Further, the set time is reported by turning off the LED according to a predetermined time or ratio, and the set time is not automatically divided equally and reported. For this reason, when a plurality of LEDs are sequentially turned off or turned on, the display changes instantaneously, and it is difficult to grasp the details of time notification if the time is missed.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a timer device and a laser pointer with a timer capable of notifying instantaneously the passage of time and notifying a finer time measurement. And
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timer device and a laser pointer with a timer, which can realize time notification at a lecture, a presentation, or the like, and can confirm time even in a dark place.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A timer device according to the present invention is a timer device for measuring a set time, in which a plurality of light-emitting display elements (for example, LEDs) and the plurality of light-emitting display elements emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern to notify the remaining time of the timer. And a notifying means.
[0008]
The notifying unit may sequentially turn off the plurality of light emitting display elements in the lighting state in accordance with the remaining time of the timer, or sequentially turn on the plurality of light emitting display elements in the off state in accordance with the remaining time of the timer. The remaining time of the timer may be notified by a pattern.
[0009]
Further, the notifying unit may blink the corresponding light emitting display element prior to turning off the lighting state or turning on the light from the turning off state.
When the remaining time of the timer reaches a predetermined time (for example, 0), the notifying unit turns on and off the n-th (n is an arbitrary natural number) light-emitting display element, and then, the (n + 1) -th light-emitting display element The notification may be performed by turning on.
[0010]
In addition, the set time of the timer is divided according to the number of the plurality of light emitting display elements, and the notifying unit sequentially turns off or on the light emitting display elements each time the divided set time elapses. Alternatively, the remaining time may be notified.
Further, the notifying unit blinks the light emitting display element before turning off or lighting the light emitting display element due to the elapse of the divided set time, so that the residual set for each of the light emitting display elements is set. The time may be notified in advance.
Further, the apparatus may further include setting means for setting a set time of a timer corresponding to the number of the plurality of light emitting display elements.
[0011]
A laser pointer according to the present invention includes a laser output means and a lens in a case, and a laser pointer for projecting a laser beam through the lens, wherein the timer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used. It is characterized by having.
[0012]
The timer device and the laser pointer configured as described above are equipped with a plurality of LEDs, emit light according to a predetermined light emission pattern, and notify the remaining time of the timer, so that the time can be instantaneously confirmed, and the time in a dark place or the like can be confirmed. You can know the time for lectures and other occasions. In addition, for example, in a lecture or the like, the time allotted (set time) often varies from several minutes to several hours depending on the content, and the elapsed time can be automatically divided evenly to report the elapsed time. Further, in order to know the elapse of the time in detail, a function is provided in advance by flashing an LED every time the set time or the divided time elapses. By changing the number of time divisions, it can be widely used for lectures and the like.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a timer device and a laser pointer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a timer device and a laser pointer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The timer device is an example applied to a laser pointer with a timer.
[0014]
In FIG. 1, a laser pointer 10 with a timer includes a main body 10a (case), a display 11 formed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a timer, and a plurality of LEDs (here, LEDs 12a to 12a to 12c) informing the remaining time of the timer according to the light emission mode. A light emitting display element (LED) 12 for a timer, a light emitting display element (LED) 13 for checking a laser output, a laser irradiation key 14 as a laser output execution key, a power ON / OFF key 15a, and a display 11 And a keyboard 15 (setting means) including a backlight key 15b, a timer setting key 15c, a time change key 15d for setting a timer, a clear key 15e, and a timer execution / stop key 15f.
[0015]
A lens, a laser light source, a laser output circuit (laser output means), a switch, a battery, and the like (all not shown) are housed inside the laser pointer body 10a with a timer. When the circuit is connected to the laser light source, the laser light from the laser light source is emitted from the laser irradiation outlet 10b at the tip of the main body 10a through the lens.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the laser pointer 10 with a timer.
In FIG. 2, a laser pointer 20 with a timer includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a display unit 24 having a matrix screen composed of an LCD, a keyboard 25 having a laser irradiation key 14 and the keys 15a to 15f, and a laser output circuit. 26.
[0017]
The CPU 21 is a control unit that controls the entire apparatus, and executes various processes such as a timer execution process using a memory storing data to be used for calculation in accordance with a program on the ROM 22.
Further, the CPU 21 controls the functions of the laser pointer 10 with a timer, such as a key reading process, a control process of the laser output circuit 26, a display process, a timer setting process, and a timer execution process, in accordance with a program on the ROM 22.
[0018]
In particular, in the timer function of the laser pointer 20 with a timer, the CPU 21 has a function as a notifying unit for notifying the remaining time of the timer by causing the plurality of LEDs 12a to 12d to emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. In this case, the setting time of the timer is divided according to the number of the plurality of LEDs 12a to 12d, and each time the divided setting time elapses, each LED 12a to 12d is sequentially turned off or turned on to notify the remaining time. . Further, prior to turning off or turning on the LEDs 12a to 12d due to the lapse of the divided set times, the corresponding LEDs are blinked, thereby performing notification control for notifying the remaining time set for each of the LEDs 12a to 12d in advance.
[0019]
The ROM 22 is a read-only semiconductor memory that stores programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 21, fixed data such as control data, CG for display, and the like.
The RAM 23 is used as a so-called working memory that temporarily stores data related to timer notification, data used for calculation, calculation results, and the like. The RAM 23 stores data necessary for the timer operation in a flag and a work area (described later with reference to FIG. 3).
[0020]
A part of the RAM 23 is composed of an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) which is an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, and changes various specifications of the laser pointer 10 with a timer by changing a program to be written in the EEPROM. be able to.
[0021]
The display unit 24 includes a timer LCD display and its driving circuit 24a, a timer LED and its driving circuit 24b, a laser output confirmation LED and its driving circuit 24c, and the like. The status is indicated.
[0022]
The keyboard 25 has a timer setting key 15c, a time change key 15d, a clear key 15e, a timer, in addition to a power OFF / ON key 15a and a laser irradiation key 14 used for operating functions of the electronic device 1 such as laser irradiation. A run / stop key 15f is provided, and the user operates these keys. With these key operations, the user can arbitrarily set the elapsed time of each LED for time division in the quantity of the plurality of LEDs 12a to 12d.
The laser output circuit 26 is a drive circuit that drives a laser light source, and receives a laser irradiation signal from the CPU 21 to drive and output laser light.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of flags and work areas held in the RAM 23.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 30 denotes an alarm value array held in the work area. The flash start time and the light-off time of each LED, which are automatically calculated at the start of the timer or set by the user, are stored in the array. . In the flowchart described later, this alarm value array is described as T (I).
[0024]
Reference numeral 31 denotes the number I of the array, which position of the alarm value array 30 is currently set during the alarm setting, or which position of the alarm value array 30 in the alarm value array 30 is being executed during the timer operation. Is shown.
Reference numeral 32 denotes a timer minute / second, which is a current minute / second during the timer operation or a value to be set during the timer setting.
Reference numeral 33 denotes an alarm minute / second, which stores the minute / second for changing the operation state of the next LED during the timer operation.
Reference numeral 34 denotes a timer operation flag, which becomes 1 while the timer is operating and becomes 0 while the timer is set.
Reference numerals 35 and 36 denote works T1 and T2, which have digits of minutes and seconds and are used when calculating the time for automatically turning on and off the LED.
Hereinafter, the operation of the laser pointer with a timer configured as described above will be described.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a key input branching process of the laser pointer with a timer, which is executed by the CPU 21. In the figure, S indicates each step of the flow.
After a reset or power-on, the key input branching process starts. First, in step S1, a display is provided on a timer liquid crystal display (LCD) (display 11 in FIG. 1) to inform the user of the current device state. .
[0026]
At step S2, key input is waited, and at step S3, key input is checked. That is, if any key is pressed, one second has elapsed, or the laser irradiation key 14 has been released, branching is performed in accordance with the detected content. Wait at.
[0027]
When it is detected that the laser irradiation key 14 is pressed, a laser output ON process for turning on the laser output is performed in step S4. The light emitting display element (LED) 13 for checking the laser output is also turned on. In this case, since the liquid crystal display (LCD) 11 for the timer and the light emitting display element (LED) 12 for the timer are not affected, the process returns to the step S2.
[0028]
If it is detected that the laser irradiation key 14 has been released, a process of turning off the laser output is performed in step S5. The laser output confirmation light emitting display element (LED) 13 is also turned off. Also in this case, the process returns to the step S2 because the timer liquid crystal display (LCD) 11, the LED 12, and the like are not affected.
[0029]
If a signal after one second has elapsed is detected, a process that is automatically executed every one second in step S6 is performed, and the process returns to step S2. If the timer operation is in progress, a timer count operation is executed, and if it is time to change the state of the timer light emitting display element (LED) 12, the state of the timer light emitting display element (LED) 12 is switched. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0030]
In the case of other keys, a process corresponding to each corresponding key is performed in step S7, and the process returns to step S1. As an example of other key processing, the details of a set key processing in which the user sets the LED extinguishing time will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, and details of a start key processing for starting the timer operation will be described later with reference to FIG.
As described above, the time notification by the laser light emitting function and the timer light emitting display element (LED) 12 is executed in the same key branch processing, so that the notification of the remaining time of the timer is performed by the light emitting state of the plurality of LEDs. And can be done independently.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the one-second signal processing for the one-second signal, and corresponds to the processing in step S6 in FIG.
When the one-second signal processing is started, first, in step S11, it is determined from the state of the timer operation flag 34 (see FIG. 3) whether the timer is currently operating or is being set. If the timer is operating, the process proceeds to step S12 to update the timer minute / second 32. If the timer is being set, there is no process to be automatically executed every second, so this process ends.
[0032]
In step S12, the timer minute / second 32 is updated. If the count is up, 1 is added to the second, if the count is down, 1 is subtracted from the second, and if the minute has a carry, carry is performed.
In step S13, the timer determines whether or not the timer light emitting display element (LED) 12 has finished blinking. If the timer minute / second 32 is a time after the predetermined excess time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S14 because the blinking of the plurality of LEDs is ended. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S15 to determine another timing.
In step S14, all the LEDs are turned off to stop the blinking of the plurality of LEDs, and the process proceeds to step S20 to change the LCD display.
[0033]
In step S15, it is determined whether or not the timer is the alarm time. If the timer minute / second 32 reaches “0” (during countdown) or a scheduled time (during countup), it is time to start blinking a plurality of LEDs, so the process proceeds to step S16. Otherwise, the other timing is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S16, the blinking of the plurality of LEDs is started, and the process proceeds to step S20 for changing the LCD display. The actual blinking of the plurality of LEDs is performed by an interrupt process of the CPU 21, a shift circuit, or the like.
[0034]
If the timer minute / second 32 is the same as the alarm (notification time: the same applies hereinafter) minute / second 33 in step S17, it is time to blink or turn off each LED with respect to the divided time. Proceed to S18. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S20 for changing the LCD display. Here, when the timer starts, the switching time of blinking and extinguishing of the timer light emitting display element (LED) 12 is set by the user's hand, or is automatically calculated and stored in the alarm value array 30. At the time of start, the first time to change the LED state is set in advance to an alarm (notification time) minute second minute second 33.
[0035]
In step S18, the operation of the light emitting display element (LED) 12 for the timer is changed according to the number I of the array (for example, lighting → blinking → off). In other words, up to which value of the alarm value array 30 the processing has proceeded is set in the number I31 of the array, so referring to this value, which LED 12a to 12d performs blinking and extinguishing, and also blinks Or whether the light is turned off, and executes the operation.
[0036]
Next, in step S19, the next LED state switching time is extracted from the alarm value array 30, and set to the alarm (notification time) minute / second 33 (alarm minute / second ← T (I)). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I-1).
In step S20, the display of the minute and second on the LCD is updated, or the LCD blinks, and the flow is terminated.
[0037]
In the above-described signal processing flow, the above-described steps S13 to S16 are processes for repeatedly informing that a plurality of LEDs are sequentially turned on and off one by one when the remaining time of the timer becomes zero. is there.
Also, in the above-mentioned steps S17 to S19, the set time of the timer is divided by the number of the plurality of LEDs, and each LED is turned off every time the divided time of each of the plurality of LEDs elapses. When the remaining time of the timer of each LED reaches the set time (scheduled time) for the notification of the remaining time by moving, and for the time divided into each of the plurality of LEDs, the LED blinks. This is a process for informing the remaining time set for each LED in advance.
[0038]
Further, the value of the number I31 of the array at the time of the timer start varies according to the number of values stored in the alarm value array 30. Can be set arbitrarily.
[0039]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the set key process in which the user sets the LED extinguishing time, and corresponds to an example of another key process in step S7 in FIG. In this process, the set key is pressed in a state where the time to turn off the LED is stored in the timer minute / second 32.
[0040]
First, in step S21, since the current timer minute / second 32 is the time to turn off the LED, it is stored in the alarm value array 30 (T (I) ← timer minute / second). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I + 1).
Next, in step S22, the minute and second obtained by adding the pre-bell time in which the LED is to be blinked from the current timer minute and second 32 is the time to start blinking the LED, and this time is stored in the alarm value array 30 (T (T ( I) ← timer minute second + preliminary bell time). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I + 1).
This is the case of a countdown timer. If the timer is a countup timer, the alarm value array 30 stores minutes and seconds obtained by subtracting the time required to blink the LED from the current timer minutes and seconds 32 before the step S21. Add processing steps.
[0041]
In the above-described setting process, step S21 is a normal setting process. Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to step S21, by executing step S22 of setting the pre-bell time, the remaining time of the timer of each LED is set to the set time (scheduled time) with respect to the divided time. In this case, the LED blinks, so that the remaining time set for each LED can be notified in advance. Also, the number of values stored in the alarm value array 30 and the value of the array number I31 at the time of the timer start vary depending on the number of times the set key 15c (see FIG. 1) is pressed. Regarding the division of time into minutes, the elapsed time of each LED can be set arbitrarily.
[0042]
Further, the LED state may be changed with a predetermined value. For example, in the case of a countdown timer in which the last LED is turned off at 0 minutes and 0 seconds, and the last LED starts blinking one minute before that as a bell, these times are predetermined.
These times are stored in the alarm value array 30 in advance at the time of reset, when the power is turned on, or when the setting of an alarm (notification time) is started.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a start key process for a user to start a timer operation, and corresponds to an example of another key process of step S7 in FIG. In this processing, the timer start time is stored in the timer minute / second 32 when the start key 15f (see FIG. 1) is pressed. In addition, it is assumed that the user has two types of operations, that is, a case where the user determines the LED extinguishing time using the set key and a case where the user automatically calculates and determines the LED extinguishing time.
[0044]
First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the value of the number I of arrays is an initial value. If the value of the number I31 of arrays is the initial value, it means that the user has not set anything in the alarm value array 30, and the LED is blinked or turned off based on the automatically divided time. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S32. Otherwise, it is the case where the user has already set the LED extinguishing time in the alarm value array 30 with the set key, and the process proceeds to step S37.
[0045]
In the case of automatic division, the work for dividing time calculation is initialized in step S32, and the minute and second per LED to be divided into the work T1 (35) are calculated (T1 ← timer minute / second / n). N of the flow is the number of divisions, and n = 4 for four divisions. Also, 0 is inserted into the work T2 (36) (T2 ← 0).
[0046]
Next, in step S33, the value of the work T1 (35) is added to the work T2 (36) (T2 ← T2 + T1). Thereby, the value obtained by automatically dividing the LED extinguishing time is obtained for the work T2 (36).
Next, in step S34, the current work T2 (36) is stored in the alarm value array 30 because it is time to turn off the LED (T (I) ← T2). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I + 1).
[0047]
Next, in step S34, the minutes and seconds obtained by adding the pre-bell time for performing the LED blinking from the current work T2 (36) are the times at which the LED blinking should be started, and this time is stored in the alarm value array 30 (T (I) ← T2 + preliminary bell time). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I + 1).
This is the case of the countdown timer. If the timer is of the countup type, the alarm value array 30 stores minutes and seconds obtained by subtracting the time required for the LED to blink the LED from the current work T2 (36) before step S34. Processing steps to be performed.
[0048]
In step S36, it is determined whether or not the number I of arrays is equal to or more than (n-1) × 2. If all the values for n divided times are stored in the alarm value array 30 from this value, I ≧ (n−1) × In the case of 2, it is determined from the value of the array number I31 that all the values for the n divisions have been stored in the alarm value array 30, and the process exits the loop and proceeds to step S37. If the number of times of the n divisions has not been reached (when I <(n−1) × 2), the process returns to the step S33 to store the next time.
In step S37, the first LED state switching time is extracted from the alarm value array 30 and set to the alarm minute / second 33 (alarm minute / second ← T (I)). The number I31 of arrays is also updated (I ← I-1).
[0049]
Next, in step S38, 1 is set to a timer operation flag indicating that the timer operation is being performed (timer operation flag ← 1).
Next, in step S39, a process of lighting the number of LEDs corresponding to the number I31 of the array and other timer start processes are executed, and the present process flow ends.
[0050]
In the above-described start key control processing flow, the above-described steps S32 to S36 divide the set time of the timer by the number of the plurality of LEDs, and elapse time with respect to the divided time for each of the plurality of LEDs. This is a process for notifying the remaining time by turning off each of the LEDs at each time. Also, in addition to the normal setting process of step S34, by executing step S35 of setting the pre-sling time, the remaining time of the timer of each LED becomes the set time (scheduled time) with respect to the divided time. If this happens, the LED blinks, so that the remaining time set for each LED can be notified in advance. In addition, according to the path from step S31 to step S37, in which the number I31 of the array is not a fixed value but the number set by the user, the elapsed time of each LED can be set arbitrarily for the division of time in the quantity of a plurality of LEDs. Can be set to
By executing each of the above flows, the following timer notification operation is specifically realized.
[0051]
8 to 11 are diagrams showing actual examples of use.
8 and 9, for example, a timer is set to 120 minutes. The timer is a countdown method. When the operation is actually started, the set time of 120 minutes is automatically and equally divided into four, that is, the four LEDs 12a to 12d are turned off every 30 minutes to notify the lapse of time. In addition, the LED blinks one minute before the LEDs 12a to 12d are turned off, and notifies the user one minute before the end of each divided time in advance. When the set time reaches "0", the LEDs 12a to 12d blink one by one in sequence to notify that the time has been exceeded.
[0052]
This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8A, the timer is set to 120 minutes and the timer is operated. At this time, all of the LEDs 12a to 12d are turned on. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), one minute before the elapse of the set time equal to 120 minutes / 4 equal to 120 minutes / 4 = 30 minutes, that is, 29 minutes after the start of the start (the remaining time is 91 minutes), one LED is set. Starts blinking, and it is notified in advance that the first divided LED 12a is about to end. As shown in FIG. 8 (c), when the first divided into four, that is, 30 minutes (start time 90 minutes) from the start, the first LED 12a is turned off and one-quarter of the whole is completed. Notify.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 8 (d), the second LED 12b blinks and the second (overall time) is 1 minute before the second end time divided into four, that is, 59 minutes after the start of the start (remaining time 61 minutes). Half) is nearing to end.
As shown in FIG. 8 (e), when the second divided into four, that is, at the start of 60 minutes (remaining time of 60 minutes), the second LED 12b is turned off, and half of the whole, that is, 2/4 has elapsed. Notify what you did.
[0054]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9F, the third LED 12c blinks and the third LED 12c blinks one minute before the end time of the third divided four times, that is, 89 minutes after the start of the start (the remaining time 31 minutes). (3/4 of the whole) is notified that it is almost finished. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (g), at the third of the four divisions, that is, at the start of 90 minutes (remaining time of 30 minutes), the third LED 12c is turned off and 3/4 of the entire time has elapsed. Notify that.
Then, as shown in FIG. 9H, the fourth (final) LED 12d is turned into the fourth divided into four, that is, one hundredth of a minute before the set time and 119 minutes (one minute remaining time) from the start of the start. Flashes to notify that the set time is about to end.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 9 (i), when the set time 120 minutes is completed, that is, when the set time reaches “0”, the first LED 12a blinks (lights and turns off), and the first LED 12a turns off and the second LED 12b blinks at the same time. Similarly, the third LED 12c blinks, the fourth LED 12d blinks, and the first LED 12a blinks and the LEDs 12a to 12d repeat blinking for one minute to notify that the set time has ended and elapsed.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the advance notification is made one minute before, but this is an example, and another advance notification time may be used. For example, if it blinks in half of 1/4 division, that is, 1/8 without being limited to one minute before, it becomes possible to divide into 8 with 4 LEDs, and it is also possible to report a further elapse of time. It is. Furthermore, if the blinking interval is appropriately changed, it is possible to notify a fine time lapse by a multiple of four.
Another example of the actual use example will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0057]
This example is a use example in which the four LEDs 12a to 12d are not automatically divided into four equal parts, but are set arbitrarily and divided into three parts. For example, in a lecture of 60 minutes, it is assumed that the setting is divided into three so that the user first knows half of the whole 30 minutes, and then knows the last 5 minutes to summarize the talk. At this time, a display number (setting number) for setting is provided on the liquid crystal display unit and synchronized with the LED. A total of 60 minutes is set, and then the 1.2th LED 12a and LED 12b are set at the same time so that the same movement occurs 30 minutes after the start (the remaining 30 minutes). Next, the third LED 12c is turned off 55 minutes after the start (the remaining 5 minutes). The fourth, or last, LED 12d is always fixed at "0" with the entire end time remaining.
[0058]
This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
Set the above and operate the timer. In FIG. 10A, the timer is set to 60 minutes and the timer is started. At this time, all four LEDs 12a to 12d are turned on. The LED display number 1.2.3.4 is displayed on the timer liquid crystal display (LCD) 11.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 10B, one minute before the 1.2 minute set 30 minutes elapses, that is, 29 minutes after the start of the start (31 minutes remaining time), the 1.2th LED 12a and LED 12b are simultaneously turned on. Blinking is started, and it is notified in advance that the end of the 1.2th set time is about to end. As shown in FIG. 10C, when the time set at the 1.2nd time, that is, the start start time is 30 minutes (the remaining time is 30 minutes), the 1.2th LED 12a and the LED 12b are simultaneously turned off and 30 minutes have elapsed. Notify what you did. At this time, the display number 1.2 of the timer liquid crystal display (LCD) 11 also disappears at the same time.
[0060]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10D, when the third set time is 55 minutes after the start of the start (the remaining time is 5 minutes), one minute before the end time, that is, 54 minutes after the start of the start (the remaining time is 6 minutes). The third LED 12c flashes to notify that the end is near. Further, as shown in FIG. 10E, when 55 minutes (5 minutes remaining time) have elapsed after the start of the third set start, the third LED 12c is turned off, and it is notified that the time has come to be put together.
[0061]
FIGS. 11F and 11G are omitted because they are the same as the above-described automatically divided motions of FIGS. 9H and 9I.
With such a method, it is possible to divide the number of LEDs into three without being limited to four. Further, as another example, if 1.2.3rd is set at the same time, it is also possible to divide into two, and a dividing method according to the contents of a lecture or the like can be adopted. Further, in this embodiment, in any case described above, the number indicated by the LED is displayed on the left side of the timer liquid crystal display (LCD) 11, so that the timer of the timer by the LED 12 is also displayed on the LCD 11. Remaining time is possible.
[0062]
As described above, the laser pointer 10 with a timer according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of LEDs 12a to 12d for notifying the remaining time of the timer and the like on the surface of the main body 10a in a light emission mode, a laser irradiation key 14, and a keyboard 15 (setting). And a display unit 24 having a matrix screen composed of a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an LCD, a laser irradiation key 14, and a keyboard 25 including the above keys 15a to 15f, and a laser output circuit 26. The CPU 21 divides the set time of the timer in accordance with the number of the plurality of LEDs 12a to 12d, and sequentially turns off or turns on each LED 12a to 12d every time the divided set time elapses. Notify time and elapse of set time Prior to turning off or turning on the LEDs 12a to 12d, the corresponding LED is blinked to perform notification control for notifying the remaining time set for each of the LEDs 12a to 12d in advance. It is possible to automatically divide the time and instantly report the elapsed time, and to report a more detailed timekeeping by prior notification.
[0063]
In addition, a notification function using an LED is provided after the time is over, so that a time notification that is very effective for a lecture or a presentation can be realized. Furthermore, since the division method is changed without being limited to the number of LEDs, it can be used for various presentation methods and the like, and the effect of time confirmation can be further enhanced. Further, by using a small-sized and high-brightness LED as the light-emitting display element, it is possible to obtain an effect that time can be instantaneously confirmed in a place where it is difficult to confirm time such as a dark place.
[0064]
Although the above embodiment is an example in which the timer device is applied to a laser pointer with a timer, the present invention can be applied to any device having a timer function for measuring a set time. Further, the computer according to the present embodiment may be incorporated as an extended function of a portable information terminal or a personal computer such as a timer device and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) having a laser pointer with a timer.
[0065]
Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting display elements are four LEDs, but are not limited to LEDs, and may have any number, shape, color, or the like. For example, the last color of the plurality of light emitting display elements may be different from the other elements, and the end of the set time can be more easily recognized by the difference in the light emission color.
Further, the respective circuit units constituting the timer device and the laser pointer, for example, the type and number of LEDs, the type and number of keys, the lighting / light-off pattern, the laser irradiation mechanism, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiments.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to instantaneously report the passage of time and to report a more detailed timekeeping.
In addition, time information can be realized in lectures and presentations, and time can be confirmed even in a dark place. The timer device having such excellent features is suitably applied to, for example, a laser pointer with a timer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a timer device and a laser pointer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a timer device and a laser pointer according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a flag and a work area held in a RAM of a timer device and a laser pointer according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a key input branch process of a timer device and a laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one-second signal processing for a one-second signal of the timer device and the laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a set key process for setting an LED extinguishing time of a timer device and a laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a start key process for starting a timer device and a timer operation of a laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of actual use of the timer device and the laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of actual use of the timer device and the laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of actual use of the timer device and the laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of actual use of the timer device and the laser pointer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10,20 Laser pointer with timer
10a Body (case)
10b Laser irradiation exit
11 Display
12,12a-12d Light-emitting display element (LED) for timer
13. Light emitting display (LED) for laser output confirmation
14 Laser irradiation key
15, 25 keyboard (setting means)
15a Power ON / OFF key
15b backlight key
15c Timer setting key
15d time change key
15e Clear key
15f Timer execution / stop key
21 CPU (notification means)
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 Display
26 Laser output circuit (Laser output means)
30 Alarm value array T (I)
31 Number of arrays I
32 timer minutes and seconds
33 alarm minutes and seconds
34 Timer operation flag
35, 36 Work T1, T2

Claims (9)

In the timer device that measures the set time,
A plurality of light-emitting display elements,
A timer device for notifying the plurality of light emitting display elements according to a predetermined light emission pattern to notify the remaining time of the timer. The notifying unit is configured to sequentially turn off the plurality of light emitting display elements in the lighting state in accordance with the remaining time of the timer, or to emit the plurality of light emitting display elements in the unlit state sequentially in accordance with the remaining time of the timer by a light emitting pattern. 2. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein the timer notifies the remaining time of the timer. 3. The timer device according to claim 2, wherein the notifying unit blinks the corresponding light emitting display element before turning off the light-on state or turning on the light-off state from the off state. 4. When the remaining time of the timer reaches a predetermined time, the notifying unit turns on and off the n-th (n is an arbitrary natural number) light-emitting display element, and then turns on the (n + 1) -th light-emitting display element. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein the timer is performed. Dividing the set time of the timer according to the number of the plurality of light emitting display elements,
2. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the remaining time by sequentially turning off or turning on each of the light emitting display elements every time the divided set time elapses. The notifying unit blinks the light emitting display element prior to turning off or lighting the light emitting display element due to the elapse of the divided set time, thereby setting the remaining time set for each of the light emitting display elements. The timer device according to claim 5, wherein the timer is notified in advance. The timer device according to claim 5, further comprising a setting unit configured to set a timer setting time corresponding to the number of the plurality of light emitting display elements. The timer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light emitting display element is an LED. A laser pointer including a laser output means and a lens in a case, and projecting a laser beam through the lens,
A laser pointer comprising the timer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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