JP2005098955A - Time signal time-piece - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a time signal time-piece for enabling even an infant who cannot understand a timepiece or an alarm clock to learn the absolute pitch continuously and unconsciously in a daily life rhythm. <P>SOLUTION: This wall clock 10 outputs time signals wherein each scale is heightened by a semitone at every correct time through a speaker 21. A scale name is displayed on a liquid crystal element 16 during output of the time signal, and reading output of the time is performed following time signal output. When setting a high class mode by operating a mode setting switch 17, the reading output of the time is stopped to thereby heighten a learning load. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention displays not only clocks, table clocks, watches, but also keyboard instruments, electronic metronome, tuners, mobile phone and other built-in clock functions. The present invention relates to a time signal clock that outputs a different time signal.

  Attempts have been made to incorporate the piano and sound recording materials into childcare for infants and family education for preschool children so that they can acquire absolute pitch. Absolute pitch is the ability to instantly determine the coincidence / mismatch, high / low of scales between memorized sounds and memorized sounds and listening sounds. It is said that the frequency of training should be habitual and unconscious. Absolute pitch is the ability to judge the pitch of all sounds that can be understood not only to the tone of the instrument but also to the everyday sounds. It becomes the basis of the ability to associate the fingering of the instrument operation instantly from the melody.

Patent Document 1 discloses a time signal clock that outputs a time signal of a scale that is raised by a semitone every hour. According to this time signal clock, every day, the time scale of the clock is repeatedly and unconsciously sent to the infants and schoolchildren in 1 octave and 12 steps, and the 12 steps are stored according to their daily rhythm and time. Can be made.
Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic time signal clock that divides a reference clock to prepare different scale sounds and outputs different time scale and melody time signals every hour. According to this time signal clock, a time signal clock that outputs a time signal of a different scale at every hour can be configured electronically.
Patent Document 3 shows an alarm clock equipped with a keyboard switch. When a set time is reached, one of a plurality of types of scale alarm sounds prepared in advance starts to be selected at random, and a key of the same scale is pressed. The scale alarm sound can be stopped. According to this alarm clock, the relationship between the scale and the keyboard can be learned at each set time.
Patent Document 4 discloses an alarm clock provided with a CD reader, and reproduces different music data as a time signal every hour read from a CD. According to this alarm clock, time signals of various tones and melodies can be used by exchanging the CD and replacing the sound data of the time signal.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-35309 JP 56-67785 A JP 2001-21673 A JP 2000-278889 A

  Sound education using piano and recorded teaching materials requires a certain amount of knowledge and experience, and strong will and passion are necessary to sustain sound education for a long period of time. It does not last long in an ordinary family. It's not easy to keep the interests of crisp infants, and it's painful for parents to continue to forcibly educate schoolchildren who don't like them. I'm sure I'm tired of it and throw it out.

In the time signal clocks disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to understand the relationship between the time and the scale by looking at the clock, and an infant who cannot read the clock cannot store the scale in association with the time.
According to the alarm clock disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is possible to learn the coincidence / disagreement between the alarm and the scale of the keyboard, but it is used by infants who have only one or two learning opportunities a day and do not know the meaning of the alarm clock. I can't.
According to the alarm clock shown in Patent Document 4, a time signal clock can use a time signal with high sound quality and a large amount of data, but the difficulty of scale learning remains constant, and the learning load can be changed according to the proficiency level of the sound. Lacks in flexibility.

  The present invention is a time signal clock that allows even an infant who cannot understand the clock and the alarm clock to learn the absolute pitch by storing the scale corresponding to the daily rhythm of the day and the time name (scale name). The purpose of the present invention is to provide a time signal clock in which the time signal clock disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-35309 is specialized in sound education to ensure the flexibility of learning load and the educational effect is further enhanced.

The time signal clock of the present invention is a time signal clock that displays the time every moment and outputs a time signal in which the scale is changed at every hour, and outputs the time, scale name, or frequency by voice output following the time signal. It is.
The time signal clock of the present invention is a time signal clock that displays the time every moment and outputs a time signal in which the scale is changed at every hour, and is provided with a display element that visually displays the time scale of the time signal, such as a frequency display. The scale of this time signal is visually displayed through the display means during the output of.
The time signal clock of the present invention is a time signal clock that displays the time every moment and outputs a time signal in which the scale is changed every hour, and outputs a long time signal of the same scale following a short time signal.
The time signal clock of the present invention is a time signal clock that displays the time every moment, and outputs a time signal that raises or lowers the scale by a semitone every hour, and arbitrarily sets the scale of the 12 o'clock time signal from predetermined options. Setting means is provided.

In the time signal clock of the present invention, the time or scale name is read out and output as a voice following the time signal. Therefore, even if the clock is not understood, even if the clock is not understood, the time signal scale is associated with the time name (or scale name). Can be stored. If the scale judgment of the time signal is unclear, the judgment can be confirmed / corrected by listening to the read-out voice output. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the learning load step by step in accordance with the proficiency level of the absolute pitch, thereby enhancing the training effect of reflexive and unconscious scale judgment.
In the time signal clock of the present invention, the scale is visually displayed during the output of the time signal, so that the judgment heard by the ear can be visually confirmed / corrected. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the learning load step by step in accordance with the proficiency level of the absolute pitch, thereby enhancing the training effect of reflexive and unconscious scale judgment. When a scale name or frequency is displayed by occupying a display element for displaying a date only for a short time, it is not necessary to add a new display element and the date display is not disturbed.
In the time signal clock of the present invention, after making a reflective and unconscious scale judgment with a short time signal, a judgmental and conscious scale judgment is made with a long time signal of the same scale, and both judgments are compared. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the learning load step by step in accordance with the proficiency level of the absolute pitch, thereby enhancing the training effect of reflexive and unconscious scale judgment.
In the time signal clock of the present invention, the 12 hour time signal up to 11 o'clock is raised by raising or lowering the time signal's scale by a semitone at 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock and every hour, starting from the 12 o'clock scale selected and set. To go through the scale of one octave (not including overtones) in order. Therefore, if you switch to a scale when you are not familiar with the time signal, you can enjoy new stimuli and changes, and adjust the learning load step by step according to the degree of proficiency in absolute pitch, making it reflective and unconscious. The training effect of the simple scale judgment increases. Here, the scale at 12 o'clock may be switched between C sound (do) and A sound (la), or an arbitrary scale may be set.

  By providing a switch to enable / disable reading voice output and arranging time reports of the same scale in the order of single to long, the learning load can be adjusted step by step according to the level of mastery of absolute pitch.

1 is a front view of the wall clock of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the wall clock, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a time signal, FIG. 4 is a time chart of the time signal, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of control of the wall clock, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a time signal.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall clock 10 of the first embodiment has 12 hours on the dial 11 on which the numbers 1 to 12 are printed. The long hand 12 takes 60 minutes and the short hand 13 takes 12 hours. An analog clock with a period. A 6-digit liquid crystal element 16 is arranged by cutting out a part of the dial plate 11, and a solar cell 23 is arranged in the upper half space of the dial plate 11. The liquid crystal element 16 displays the English month name (JAN, FEB, MAR,... DEC) and date (1, 2, 3,... 31) in the upper row, and the setting mode in the lower row. (Advanced / Beginner), scale setting at 12 o'clock (C4 / A4) and presence / absence of mute are displayed. Note that the date and scale settings are displayed by an 8-segment element, and the setting mode and mute are displayed by erasing the black characters printed on the glass with the black segment of the liquid crystal.
Inside the wall clock 10, a circuit board 14 that controls driving of the clock and output of a time signal, a power supply circuit 23, and a battery 15 are housed, and a time signal is output forward through a speaker 21 fixed to the circuit board 14.

The integrated circuit 25 attached to the circuit board 14 is a general-purpose one-chip IC developed for use as a melody clock, and includes an input / output unit 26, a memory unit 27, a calculation unit 28, and a D / A unit 29. The voice data written in the unit 27 can be used for time signals and alarms.
The memory unit 27 can write various data, setting contents, programs, and the like in a nonvolatile manner. The input / output unit 26 drives the liquid crystal 16 and the motor 30 to latch and read setting operations through various setting switches 17 to 20. The calculation unit 28 includes a RAM element and executes necessary calculations and control according to a program written in the memory unit 27.

The arithmetic unit 28 drives the motor 30 in pulses through the input / output unit 26. The rotation of the motor 30 is decelerated through the gear unit 31, and the long hand 13 is rotated at a speed of 1 rotation / 60 minutes, and the short hand 12 is rotated at a speed of 1 rotation / 12 hours. The calculation unit 28 operates the liquid crystal 16 through the input / output unit 26 and causes the liquid crystal 16 to display the date and various setting contents. The arithmetic unit 28 selects hourly audio data from the data stored in the memory unit 27 every hour, and reproduces the audio digital signal in synchronization with the clock signal.
The D / A unit 29 converts the audio digital signal into an analog signal. The analog signal is amplified by the transistor 32 and drives the speaker 21. The volume 22 is manually operated to adjust the base current of the transistor 32 and adjust the reproduction volume of the speaker 21.

The solar cell 22 converts part of the light incident on the dial 11 into current. The power supply circuit 24 charges the battery 15 with the output of the solar battery 23, detects the illuminance of the outside world, makes a determination in three stages, and inputs a determination signal to the input / output unit 26.
The arithmetic unit 28 reproduces the time signal at a normal volume when the outside world is bright, and also reads out the time when the beginner mode is set. However, when it is dark, the time signal is played at the lowest volume, and even if the beginner mode is set, the time is not read out. In the intermediate brightness range, the time signal is reproduced at an intermediate volume, but the time-to-speech reading is omitted even if the elementary mode is set.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the scale of the 12 o'clock time signal is set to C4 through the setting switch 18 (C4 mode), the scale of the time signal from 12 o'clock to 11 o'clock rises by a semitone from C4. At 12 o'clock, 11 o'clock, exactly 1 octave (excluding C5 strictly). The hourly time signal is output for 1 second after a short time signal of 0.1 second, and a long time signal of 2 seconds is output.
The liquid crystal element 16 displays the scale name and frequency instead of the normal date display during the output of the time signal of the scale. In addition, when the elementary mode is set through the mode setting switch 17, the time is read out by voice following the time signal.
In addition, a time signal every 30 minutes on the hour is output as a short time signal of 0.1 second according to a scale 30 minutes later after a time signal of 0.3 seconds after a time signal of 0.1 seconds according to a scale 30 minutes before. A long time signal of 2 seconds in total is output for every second in the scale 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the second space. Then, after that, a speech reading of ~ 30 minutes is executed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the calculation unit 28 controls the wall clock 10.
In step 111, it is determined whether or not the level setting switch 17 has been operated. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 112 to change the current level, and the level display on the liquid crystal display 16 is also inverted. In the beginner mode, as shown in FIG. 4, a short time signal is followed by a long time signal, and then the time is read out. In the advanced mode, the short time signal is similarly followed by the long time signal, but the time is not read out.

  In step 113, it is determined whether or not the setting switch 18 has been operated, and if it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 114 to change the current mode and display the scale name of the 12 o'clock time signal set on the liquid crystal display 16. To do. If the C4 mode is set, as shown in FIG. 3, it rises by a semitone from C4 from 12:00 to 11:00. On the other hand, if it is set to A4 mode, it goes up from the A4 by a semitone from 12:00 to 11:00 and becomes G5 sharp at 11:00.

In step 115, it is determined whether or not the mute setting switch 19 has been operated. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 116, where the current mute state is changed and the presence or absence of mute is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. If mute is set, the time signal output and time reading are stopped, and the scale name and frequency in the time signal output period are not displayed. That is, it looks like an ordinary wall clock without a scale learning function.
In step 117, it is determined whether or not the time setting switch 20 has been operated. If the time setting switch 20 has been operated, the routine proceeds to step 118, where the motor 30 is rotated at a high speed and the long hand 12 and the short hand 13 are rapidly rotated.

  In step 119, it is determined whether or not the setting switches 17 to 20 have been operated for the past one second. If not, the normal timepiece operation and the time signal output set are executed.

According to the time signal clock of the first embodiment, the time is read out and output following the time signal, so even if the sound level is immature, even if the clock is not seen, or the clock cannot be understood, it is associated with the time name and life rhythm. Memorize the scale of the time signal. When the pitch is acquired, the mode changeover switch 17 is operated to set the advanced mode so that the dependence on the reading is cut off and the pitch learning for the serious game can be performed.
Since the scale name and frequency are displayed on the liquid crystal element 16 while the time signal is being output, the scale can be confirmed by paying attention to the dial 11 if the judgment is doubtful by listening to the time period or the time signal. Since the date display is performed except when the time signal is being output, the number of liquid crystal elements 16 is saved, and a large and conspicuous display can be performed within the limited area of the dial 11.
In addition, since the time signal at each hour outputs a long time signal following the short time signal, after making a reflective and unconscious scale judgment with the short time signal, the long time signal is thoughtful, The practice of making conscious scale judgments and comparing both judgments is repeated unconsciously. And if the sound is mastered, the scale name will be instantly recalled with a short time signal.
In addition, since the scale at 12 o'clock can be selected in two ways, C4 and A4, by operating the scale setting switch 18, if you are familiar with the scale based on C4, switch to the scale based on A4 to create new stimuli and changes Can be added.
Accordingly, the learning load is adjusted stepwise according to the proficiency level of absolute pitch, and the training effect of reflexive and unconscious scale judgment is enhanced.

In addition, the volume 22 is provided so that the volume of the time signal output can be adjusted manually, so that the volume can be adjusted in detail according to the distance between the wall clock 10 and the infant's bed, the size of the room, the level of noise, and the presence of visitors. A comfortable and effective learning environment.
In addition, since the ambient brightness is detected from the output of the solar battery 23 and the volume is lowered in the bright case than in the dark case, an effective learning environment suitable for the temporal noise level can be prepared. It saves battery output and prevents power outages. When the predetermined brightness is interrupted, the time signal output is stopped, so that the time signal is kept vacant in an unattended room and the battery is not completely discharged and does not prevent sleep at night.
In addition, since the mute setting switch 19 can be provided to stop the pitch learning function, it can be used as an ordinary wall clock when there is an important visitor or when you get tired of scale learning.
In addition, since the charging circuit 24 stores the output of the solar battery 23 in the battery so that the battery can cover power consumption, there is no need for resource saving, energy saving, and a troublesome power cord, and battery replacement is unnecessary.

  Further, since a general-purpose melody clock IC is used as the integrated circuit 25, it is easy to change the recording data, and it is possible to construct the wall clock 10 which is inexpensive and light weight, has high design priority and high commercial value.

In the first embodiment, the time signal is output with a single sound, but the time signal may be output with a chord as shown in FIG. In this case, the bass sound is raised by one semitone from 12 o'clock to 11 o'clock and is changed to 12 steps and 1 octave, and the scales of 2 degrees above and 3 degrees above are placed on the bass sound. Even such chords can be easily realized by forming music data by recording or synthesizing and writing it into the integrated circuit 25.
In the first embodiment, the time signal is turned off by the mute setting switch 19, but it may be switched to a normal time signal of a certain pattern.
In the first embodiment, the scale at 12 o'clock is switched alternately to one of the C sound (do) and the A sound (la), but an ascending or descending scale starting from an arbitrary scale can be set. May be.
In the first embodiment, the adjustment of the learning difficulty level based on the presence or absence of reading of the time or the scale name has been described. However, the learning difficulty level may be changed by changing the tone of the time signal. For example, the scale change caused by a tuning fork is used as an introductory mode, increasing the difficulty of listening to piano, guitar, shakuhachi, orchestra, suzumushi, etc., so that the time signal can always be received with a humble feeling while maintaining freshness.

FIG. 7 is an external view of a table clock according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the table clock.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the table clock 40 of the second embodiment is supplied with power from the alkaline battery 45 and displays the time of one cycle for 24 hours on the liquid crystal element 46. Then, starting from the time signal of the scale at 0 o'clock, time signals of different different scales are output at every hour, and 24 types of scales of exactly 2 octaves are covered in 24 cycles until 23:00.

The upper part of the liquid crystal element 46 displays the time, and the lower part displays the date and various mode settings (not shown) as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, during output of the time signal, the time signal scale name and the time signal frequency are displayed instead of the date.
The level setting switch 47 is an elementary / advanced setting switch. When the elementary level is set, a scale name is read out and output following a short time signal and a long time signal, and in the advanced level, reading of a scale name is omitted.

  The scale setting switch 48 is used to set the scale of the hour signal at 0 o'clock, and can be set by sequentially feeding 24 types of scales from C4 to B5 to the liquid crystal element 46. When the scale of the hour signal at 0:00 is set, the scale of the hour signal at each hour is set in the order corresponding to the scale. For example, when C4 is set, C4 to B5 increase in semitones every hour, and when B5 is set, B5 to C4 decrease by semitones every hour.

The mute setting switch 49 stops the pitch learning function. When the mute mode is selected, the mute setting switch 49 can function as an ordinary alarm clock without a time signal.
The time setting switch 50 is used to set the time by fast-forwarding the time display of the liquid crystal element 46, and the time counting as a clock is resumed one second after the pressing operation is stopped.
The volume setting switch 51 is used to set the volume of the time signal, and the reading volume of the scale name is set using the digital volume function of the integrated circuit 55.

  The integrated circuit 55 is a general-purpose one-chip IC developed for use as a melody clock, and includes an I / O unit 56, a memory unit 57, a calculation unit 58, and a D / A unit 59 therein. The computing unit 58 operates in accordance with the program written in the memory unit 57, and selects and reproduces one of the 24 kinds of scale-reading data written in the memory unit 57 every hour. The I / O unit 56 drives the liquid crystal element 46, selects a time signal through the transistors 44 and 53, and turns on / off the audio output. The I / O unit 56 latches the operation contents of the setting switches 47 to 51 and sends it to the arithmetic unit 58. Read it.

  The clock circuit 42 generates an operation clock for the integrated circuit 55 and generates a basic clock signal for generating time signals of various musical scales. The 24 frequency dividers 43 generate 24 octave analog sine wave signals from a square wave clock signal. When one of the 24 transistors 44 is selected and turned on every hour, an analog signal from the connected frequency dividing circuit 43 is supplied to the speaker 41 and reproduced as a time signal. The I / O circuit 52 obtains a 5-bit signal from the I / O unit of the integrated circuit 55 and drives the 24 transistors 44.

  According to the table clock of the second embodiment, since it has 24 sound sources composed of the clock circuit 42 and the 24 frequency dividing circuits 43, various scale tones and chords can be obtained by changing the program that drives the 24 transistors 44. And melody can be played.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid crystal element of the third embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a time signal clock of the third embodiment. The time signal clock of the third embodiment has almost the same appearance as the table clock of the second embodiment, and the circuit display in FIGS. 7 and 8 is replaced with the liquid crystal display 60 in FIGS. Configured to go. In the circuit diagram of FIG. 10, the same components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display 60 includes a time display 62, a seconds display 63, an am / pm display 64, a date display 65, and a scale setting display 61 at 12:00 using 8 segments. Is displayed.
As shown in FIG. 10, the frequency dividing circuit 43A divides and shapes the basic clock signal of the clock circuit 42 to generate 21 types of sine wave signals for each semitone from C4 (262 Hz) to G5 sharp (831 Hz). To do. C4 (262 Hz) to B4 (494 Hz) are assigned to C4 mode, and A4 (440 Hz) to G5 sharp (831 Hz) are assigned to A4 mode.
The integrated circuit 55 controls the liquid crystal display 60 to display the time, and in the 12 positive hours from 12 o'clock to 11 o'clock, controls the 21 transistors 44 and the transistor 53 to select the sound source, and from the speaker 41. Output hourly time signal.

As shown in FIG. 9, A4 character is displayed (61) in the A4 mode in which 12:00 is set to A4 (440 Hz), and C4 is displayed (66) in the C4 mode in which 12:00 is set to C4 (262 Hz). The In the morning / afternoon display 64, M is expressed by a fixed character, and A and P are switched and displayed by 7 segments and 1 digit.
The date display 65 during the output of the time signal is replaced with the scale description of the time signal. The scale name 67 is displayed using 1 digit of 9 segments of month name and the number of days and 5 digits of 7 segments, and the frequency 69 is displayed using 4 digits of 7 segments of the year. The 9-segment 1-digit and 7-segment 2-digit of the day name display the frequency unit Hz. The nine segments are wide digits obtained by adding two vertical center line segments for displaying uppercase letters M and W to the seven segments displayed numerically.

  When set to A4 mode, the hour signal of A4 sharp (466 Hz), B4 (494 Hz), and C5 (523 Hz) is output in semitones at 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and 3 o'clock on the right, and A4S (sharp) and 466 Hz respectively. , B4 and 494 Hz, and C5 and 523 Hz are displayed as characters. At 2:30, B4 (494 Hz) at 2 o'clock and C5 (523 Hz) at 3 o'clock are continuously output in the form of switching in the middle. The scale name 67 (B4 / C5) and frequency 69 (alternating between 494 Hz and 523 Hz) are displayed in text on the date display 65 for 10 seconds from the start of the time signal output.

According to the time signal clock of the third embodiment, the scale name 67 and the frequency 69 are displayed on the liquid crystal element 60 for 10 seconds from the start of the time signal output. 67 and frequency 69 can be confirmed.
Also, since the front and rear hour scales are output continuously at 30 minutes on the hour, the melody rises by a semitone on the way, and it is not necessary to be confused with the hourly time signal of a flat melody.
In addition, at 30 minutes on the hour, if one of the preceding and following scales can be heard, the time can be estimated to estimate the scale that could not be heard.
Moreover, since the frequency is displayed during the output of the time signal, the relationship between the scale name and the frequency can be learned.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid crystal element of the hourly clock of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the hourglass of the fourth embodiment. The time signal clock of the fourth embodiment is obtained by replacing the time display of the time signal clock of the first embodiment with the numerical display of the liquid crystal element 70 from the display of the hands of the analog dial, and in the circuit diagram of FIG. Elements are denoted by common reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal element 70 displays a time display 77 including AM / PM display and various setting contents using a dot matrix. In addition, a piano keyboard 74 that visually displays the scale of the time signal is displayed below the liquid crystal element 70. The keyboard 74 has individual electrodes (75, 76, 77, etc.) and an independent electrode for the scale name display 79 so that black and white can be displayed individually.
As shown in FIG. 12, a one-chip type integrated circuit 25A developed for a watch application having a large capacity memory and an analog voice recording function is mounted on a circuit board 14A. The integrated circuit 25A controls the dot matrix of the liquid crystal element 70 through the driver 70A to perform time display 77 and the like. However, at the hour, the time signal data is read from the memory unit 27 to reproduce the audio signal and drive the speaker 21. To do.
The memory unit 27 stores 21 types of time signal data recorded using 3 types of musical instruments (flute, piano, violin). Further, as in the first embodiment, reading data of time, scale name, and frequency is also recorded.
The 21 types of time signal data are 21 scales for each semitone from C4 (262 Hz) to G5 sharp (831 Hz), as in Example 3, and C4 mode, A4 (from C4 (262 Hz) to B4 (494 Hz). 440 Hz) to G5 sharp (831 Hz) are assigned to the A4 mode.
The selection of the musical instruments is switched in order when the switch 17 is kept pressed for 1 second or longer. The scale at 12 o'clock switches alternately when the switch 18 is kept pressed for 1 second or longer. When the switch 18 is pressed for 1 second or less and released, all the time signals of the set scale mode are continuously output in the order from 12:00 to 11:00. The sound level setting is switched in order when the switch 19 is kept pressed for 1 second or longer. The switch 20 is used for time adjustment.
During output of the time signal, the integrated circuit 25A controls the scale display by the piano keyboard 74 below the liquid crystal element 70, and displays the keys (75, 76, 78) of the same scale as the time signal by blinking (repeating black and white reversal). To do.

As shown in FIG. 11, on the liquid crystal element 70, a musical instrument display 71, a scale display 72 at 12:00, and a pitch level display 73 are displayed in a dot matrix. Here, the instrument display 71 is set to piano, the scale display 72 at 12 o'clock is set to A4, and the sound level display 73 is set to beginners. In addition, flute and violin can be selected as the instrument, and the instrument name is displayed in English. As for the scale at 12:00, C4 can be selected as in the third embodiment, and A4 or C4 is displayed.
In addition to the beginner level, the sound level can be selected from intermediate level, advanced level, advanced level, and professional level.
In the beginner mode, a short time signal, a long time signal and a scale name are output by voice at each hour, and then a long time signal of the same scale is output twice in succession.
In intermediate level mode, short time signal, long time signal and scale name are output by voice.
In the expert mode, a short time signal and a long time signal are output as audio, and the scale name is omitted. The scale name display 79 on the keyboard 74 is also turned white.
In the superlative mode, only a short time signal is output as audio. The scale name display 79 on the keyboard 74 is also turned white.

According to the time signal clock of Example 4, training with an optimal learning load is possible by changing the difficulty of listening to beginner, intermediate, advanced, and advanced level according to the skill level of the trainee's pitch. It can be performed. In particular, at the beginner level, since the time signal of the scale is heard after the scale name, the sound can be memorized smoothly.
In addition, because you can select instruments, you can train the listening ability (pitch) of frequencies that do not depend on instruments, and if you get tired of one instrument sound and lack concentration, you can select another instrument and change your mood. It also helps maintain the concentration and interest of trainees. Since the instrument name is displayed on the liquid crystal element 70, the setting of the instrument that the user does not want to hear can be changed quickly without having to listen to the first time signal.
Further, a piano keyboard 74 is displayed on the liquid crystal element 70 in such a manner that the key 75 is displayed at 12 o'clock in the C mode, the key 76 at 1 o'clock, and the key 78 at 12 o'clock in the A mode. 75, etc.) are displayed in a blinking manner, so that if the time scale cannot be recognized, the liquid crystal display 70 can be immediately viewed and the sound of the time signal can be stored in correspondence with the key (75, etc.) on the keyboard 74.
Also, since the position of the flashing key moves for each time signal, it becomes image training for piano operation, and it is possible to sensibly memorize where the time signal is in an octave scale configuration.

In the time signal clock of the fifth embodiment, a one-chip integrated circuit 25A developed for a clock application having a recording function is adopted, and recording data is stored in the memory unit 27 built in the integrated circuit 25A. An independent large-capacity memory device may be employed to increase the capacity of individual recorded data, thereby improving the sound quality of the time signal. Such an independent memory element may be replaced with a reading device (media reader) that detachably holds a semiconductor memory device such as a compact flash.
Further, the piano keyboard 74 may be replaced with a musical notation with musical notes as shown in FIG. For example, it is possible to adopt a notation liquid crystal in which electrodes are arranged for each note, so that notes of the same scale as the time signal being output can be flashed and displayed instead of keys (such as 75). In order to display the performance state, instead of inverting the color of the key, the lamp may be turned on or a finger or a demon picture may be displayed in an overlapping manner.
Further, instead of manually operating the switch 20 to adjust the current time, a radio clock function may be installed to automatically adjust the current time.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a time signal clock according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram of the time signal clock according to the fifth embodiment. The hourly timepiece of Example 5 is configured by connecting an independent speaker housing and a display housing in order to ensure acoustic performance.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the hourly clock 80 includes a liquid crystal display 82 provided with a touch panel 81, and displays an image of an analog clock on the liquid crystal display 82. The liquid crystal display 82 displays various setting contents 88 such as a sound source type (instrument name, etc.), a sensation level, a scale of 12:00, and operation buttons 87 for performing setting change and time setting through the touch panel 31. The

A speaker 83 is disposed below the hourly clock 80, and an insertion hole 89 for attaching a protective cover of the speaker 83 is formed.
Between the liquid crystal display 82 and the speaker 83, a tray 84 of the CD reader 97, its eject button, a system power switch, and the like are arranged. A CD 85 on which time signal data is recorded is set on the tray 84.

As shown in FIG. 14, the system of the time signal clock 80 of the fifth embodiment includes a read-only memory circuit 94, an arithmetic circuit 95, an arithmetic memory circuit 96, a CD reader 97, an interface circuit 91, a video circuit 92, and an audio circuit 93. Connected with a common bus line. The read-only memory circuit 94 records a processing program and basic data relating to time display and time signal output. The arithmetic circuit 95 and the arithmetic memory circuit 96 perform arithmetic operations according to the processing program read from the read-only memory circuit 94, and control the CD reader 97, the interface circuit 91, the video circuit 92, and the audio circuit 93.
The CD reader 97 reads hourly time data from the CD 85 every hour. The interface circuit 91 converts the input through the touch panel 81 and sends it to the arithmetic circuit 95. The video circuit 92 converts the calculation result of the calculation circuit 95 into an image signal and drives the liquid crystal display 82. The audio circuit 93 drives the speaker 83 by converting the calculation result of the calculation circuit 95 into an audio signal.

The CD 85 stores a large number of time-recorded recording data in which recording tracks are created in association with the type of sound source (instrument name, etc.) and time. The recorded data includes voice data of short time signal, long time signal, time reading, and frequency reading. There are a plurality of types of reading, such as male, female, child, actor, voice synthesis, and echo.
The arithmetic circuit 95 activates the CD reader 97 several seconds before the hour, and sets the musical instrument (sound source), the set scale of 12 o'clock, the set reader, and the corresponding recording track from the time of the hour. And time signal data is read from CD85. Then, at the time of the hour, the time signal data is reproduced according to the skill level of the set tone.
In addition, by inputting a test start command through the touch panel 81, all hourly time signals based on the setting are continuously reproduced in the order from 12:00 to 11:00.

According to the time signal clock of the fifth embodiment, since the time signal data is read from the CD 85, it is possible to use various types of recorded data with a large capacity. Since the speaker 83 and the audio circuit 93 having excellent acoustic characteristics are employed to ensure the reproduction sound quality of this large volume of recorded data, high-quality and realistic time signal reproduction is possible.
In addition, since a virtual clock image 86 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 82, various time displays can be realized by changing image data and programs such as digital / analog, modern / classic, church / city hall / papal temple / sundial / karakuri, etc. it can.
For example, a virtual audio spectrum graph and an equalizer volume may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 82, the volume of each frequency band of the time signal may be adjusted individually by touching the equalizer volume, and the sound quality of the time signal may be adjusted.
Also, since the time signal data is read from the CD 85, if the CD 85 is exchanged, the time signal by another instrument, time signal structure, reading language, and actor can be reproduced, and the interest and concentration can be maintained and the learning effect can be maintained for a long time.

In the fifth embodiment, CD85 is used as a recording medium for time signal data, but other removable recording media (such as a compact flash memory device) may be used.
Further, instead of reading the time signal data from the CD 85 at every hour, a hard disk device may be added to copy the entire time signal data of the CD 85 first.
Further, instead of assembling a dedicated system for the time signal clock by connecting the speaker case and the display case, the system may be configured by installing a time signal clock program in a general-purpose notebook computer. At this time, a time signal clock may be provided to society by a CD-ROM equipped with time signal data, time display image data, and a time signal clock program.

  In addition to wall clocks and table clocks listed in the embodiments, the present invention includes not only wristwatches, but also accessory clock functions built into keyboard instruments, electronic metronome, tuners, mobile phones, etc. It can be used for a device that outputs a time signal with a different scale every hour.

  1 is a front view of a wall clock according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (Example 1)   It is a circuit diagram of a wall clock. (Example 1)   It is explanatory drawing of a time signal. (Example 1)   It is a time chart of a time signal. (Example 1)   It is a flowchart of control of a wall clock. (Example 1)   It is explanatory drawing of the time signal by a chord.   It is explanatory drawing of the table clock of Example 2. FIG. (Example 2)   It is a circuit diagram of a table clock. (Example 2)   It is explanatory drawing of the liquid crystal element of the time signal timepiece of Example 3. FIG. Example 3   6 is a circuit diagram of a time signal timepiece according to Embodiment 3. FIG. Example 3   It is explanatory drawing of the liquid crystal element of the time signal timepiece of Example 4. (Example 4)   6 is a circuit diagram of a time signal timepiece according to Embodiment 4. FIG. (Example 4)   FIG. 10 is an external view of a time signal clock according to a fifth embodiment. (Example 5)   FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a time signal clock according to a fifth embodiment. (Example 5)

Explanation of symbols

10 Clock 11 Dial 12 Long hand 13 Short hand 14, 14A Circuit board 15 Battery 16, 46, 60, 70 Liquid crystal element 17, 47 Mode setting switch 18, 48 Scale setting switch 19, 49 Silence setting switch 20, 50 Time setting switch 21 41 Speaker 22 Volume 23 Solar cell 24 Power supply circuit 25, 25A, 55 Integrated circuit 26, 56 Input / output unit 27, 57 Memory unit 28, 58 Calculation unit 29, 59 D / A unit 30 Motor 31 Gear unit 32, 44, 53 Transistor 40 Clock 42 Clock circuit 43, 43A Frequency divider 45 Alkaline battery 51 Volume setting switch 52 I / O circuit 61, 66, 72 Scale display 62, 77 Time display 63 Seconds display 64 Am / pm display 65 Date display 67 Scale name display 69 Frequency display 71 Musical instrument display 73 Degree display 74 time 75,76,78 key 79 scale name display 70A driver 80 Times watch 81 touch panel 82 liquid crystal display 83 speaker 84 tray 85 CD (removable recording media)
86 Clock image 87 Operation button 88 Setting content 89 Insertion hole 91 Interface circuit 92 Video circuit 93 Audio circuit 94 Read only memory circuit 95 Arithmetic circuit 96 Arithmetic memory circuit 97 CD reading device (reading device for removable recording media)

Claims (25)

  A time signal clock that displays hourly time and outputs a time signal with different scales every hour, and outputs a time signal, hourly time scale name, or time signal frequency before or after time signal output. .   2. A time signal timepiece according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for selecting and setting a basic mode in which time, time signal scale name, or time signal frequency is output in sound and an advanced mode in which sound is not output.   2. A time signal clock according to claim 1, further comprising a test operation start switch, wherein when the switch is operated, all hour signals are output in order of time.   In a time signal clock that displays the hourly time and outputs a time signal with different scales at every hour, a display element that can visually identify the scale is provided, and the scale of the time signal is visually displayed through the display element during time signal output Time signal clock characterized by being displayed on.   5. The time signal clock according to claim 4, wherein the display element is for displaying characters, and the date is displayed on the display element in a normal time, while the display element that is outputting the time signal has a scale name or a scale frequency instead of the date. A time signal clock that displays characters.   5. A time signal clock according to claim 4, wherein the time signal clock is a display element for displaying a note position or a musical instrument performance state, and a time signal output note element or a performance state is displayed on a display element that is outputting a time signal. .   7. A time signal clock according to claim 6, wherein a piano keyboard is displayed on a display element capable of displaying an operation state for each key, and a key of a time signal is displayed separately from other keys on a display element which is outputting a time signal. A time signal clock characterized by   5. A time signal timepiece according to claim 4, wherein a test operation start switch is provided, and when this switch is operated, visual display of all the correct scales is executed in order of time.   A time signal clock that displays an hourly time and outputs a time signal with a different scale every hour, and outputs a long time signal of the same scale following a short time signal.   A time clock that displays hourly time and outputs a time signal that raises or lowers the scale by a semitone every hour from 12:00 as the base point. Setting to arbitrarily set the scale of the 12 o'clock time signal from predetermined options Time signal clock characterized by providing means.   10. A time signal timepiece according to claim 9, wherein a display element capable of displaying characters is provided, and the set scale name of the time signal at 12 o'clock is always displayed as characters.   A time signal clock that displays hourly time and outputs a time signal with different scales at every hour, equipped with a data holding device that holds recorded data of time signals from multiple types of sound sources or instrument sounds, and optionally a sound source or instrument A time signal clock that can be selected to set the tone of the time signal output.   13. The time signal timepiece according to claim 12, wherein a display element capable of visually displaying a sound source or a musical instrument is provided and the selected sound source or musical instrument is always displayed visually.   In an hourly clock that displays hourly time and outputs a time signal with different scales every hour, at the middle time of 30 minutes on the hour, two hourly time signals sandwiching the intermediate time are output continuously. Time signal clock characterized by that.   In a time signal clock that displays the time every moment and outputs a time signal with different scales every hour, a reader that reads the recorded data while holding the recording medium of the recorded data associated with each time in an exchangeable manner, A time signal clock provided with a setting switch for setting a reproduction condition relating to a difficulty level of time scale judgment, and reproducing a time signal corresponding to the reproduction condition using recorded data read from a recording medium.   A recording medium on which recording data of 12 kinds of time scale recordings and reading-out recording data of scale names are associated with each time from 12:00 to 1 o'clock. In the time clock software that displays the time on the image display and outputs a time signal with different scales every hour from the speaker,
(1) Audio output of time, hourly scale name, or hourly scale frequency before or after time signal output.
(2) Time signal clock software for executing at least one of displaying a time signal sound scale name or a time signal sound scale frequency on an image display when outputting a time signal.   16. A time signal timepiece according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a volume of a time signal output.   19. The time signal timepiece according to claim 18, wherein the adjusting means is a manual volume.   19. A time signal timepiece according to claim 18, wherein the adjusting means detects the ambient brightness level to control the volume of the time signal output, and lowers the sound volume when it is darker than when it is bright.   19. The time signal timepiece according to claim 18, wherein the adjusting means detects the ambient noise level to control the volume of the time signal output, and lowers the volume when the noise level is low than when it is high.   19. The time signal timepiece according to claim 18, wherein the adjusting means detects ambient brightness to control the volume of the time signal output, and stops the time signal output when the predetermined brightness is interrupted.   16. A time signal timepiece according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the reproduction sound quality of the time signal output.   16. A time signal clock according to claim 1, further comprising a changeover switch capable of setting a normal time signal or no time signal of a predetermined pattern instead of the time signal having a different scale every hour.   16. A time signal timepiece according to claim 1, wherein a solar cell and a charging circuit for charging the battery with electric power of the solar cell are provided, and power consumption is covered by the output of the battery.

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