JP2005257486A - Clocking device, clocking system, and clocking method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily determine, in case that a clocked time is incorrect or the like, whether this is resulted from no acquisition of a standard time or from cut of the link between devices. <P>SOLUTION: The clocking device 11 receives a time standard radio wave or time correction information from a host device which received the time standard radio wave, corrects the time data of the own device on the basis of the received time standard radio wave or time correction information. This device comprises a display device for displaying whether or not the own device or the host device receives the time standard radio wave in a predetermined period, and whether or not the own device receives the time correction information from the host device in a predetermined period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a timing device and a timing system using the timing device, and more particularly to a timing device having a function of distributing time data, a timing system using the timing device, and a timing method.

  The parent clock transmits the reference time information wirelessly, such as radio waves, and the child clocks placed around it receive this and correct the time based on the reference time information of the parent clock to match the time of the parent clock A wireless parent-child clock system is known. The reference time of the parent clock is generated by receiving radio waves from an external standard time information source.

  In this wireless parent-child clock system, when the parent clock uses a relatively large output radio wave to transmit the reference time information, it is subject to legal restrictions and requires a procedure such as a license. In addition, a large-scale transmitter is required for the parent clock.

  For this reason, it is conceivable to transmit the reference time information from the parent clock to the child clock using a weakly output radio wave with lenient or no legal restrictions. However, in this case, the effective range of radio waves of the parent clock is limited. Therefore, the arrangement range of the child clock that can be covered by one parent clock is limited, and the child clock cannot be arranged so far away from the parent clock.

In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of clocks are hierarchized, and time information is sequentially transmitted from an upper hierarchy clock to a lower hierarchy clock to perform time correction. A possible watch system is disclosed.
JP 2002-148371 A

  The timekeeping system described in Patent Document 1 can construct a highly reliable timekeeping system with a simple configuration and power saving by mutually transmitting time information. However, even in such a highly reliable timing system, timing may not be possible. For example, when the time standard radio wave itself is stopped or the link (communication) between the clock devices is disconnected due to any cause, the whole or a part of the timing operation is stopped.

  In such a system, in such a case, it is not easy to specify a factor that hinders the timing operation or the link operation, and it may take time to investigate and recover the cause.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a timing device, a timing system, a timing method, and the like that can easily identify the cause when the timing is incorrect.
Further, the present invention is a timing device capable of easily determining whether the cause is the failure to acquire the standard time or the disconnection of the link between the devices when the timing time is incorrect. Another purpose is to provide a timing system, a timing method, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a time measuring device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A time measuring means for measuring time and acquiring time data;
Receiving means for receiving time standard radio waves or time correction information from a host device that has received the time standard radio waves;
Correction means for correcting time data by the time measuring means based on the time standard radio wave or time correction information received by the receiving means;
Based on the information received by the receiving means, notifying means for notifying whether or not the own device or the host device has received the time standard radio wave within a predetermined period;
It is characterized by providing.

  For example, it comprises a transmission means for transmitting time correction information based on time measurement data from the time measurement means, and the transmission means receives the time standard radio wave from the host device when the own machine is receiving the time standard radio wave. When the signal indicating that the time standard radio wave is received is received, information indicating that the time standard radio wave is received may be added to the time correction information to be transmitted.

  In addition, the notification unit includes, for example, a display unit having a plurality of segments, and sequentially displays the segments during the reception operation by the reception unit.

  The segments may be sequentially displayed during the transmission operation by the transmission means.

  A plurality of the above-described time measuring devices may be combined to transmit time correction information sequentially from the upper layer side to the lower layer side, and a time measuring system in which each time device is linked based on the time correction information may be configured.

In order to achieve the above object, a timing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is as follows:
Time is measured and time data is acquired.
Receive the time standard radio wave or time correction information from the host device that received the time standard radio wave,
Correct the time data by the time measuring means based on the received time standard radio wave or time correction information,
Based on the received time standard radio wave or time correction information from the host device that has received the time standard radio wave, the device itself or the host device notifies whether the time standard radio wave is received within a predetermined period.
It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the time standard radio wave can be received or whether a link is established with another device based on the display content.

  Hereinafter, a timepiece system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, a “clock” system will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to a so-called “clock” having a time display function, but is a device / element (IC (Integration Chip) or tag having a timekeeping function). And widely applicable to systems.

Clock system of this embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 1, the clock unit 11 ₀ Layer 0, a clock unit 11 ₁ of the layer 1, the clock unit 11 ₂ of the layer 2,. . . And a clock unit 11 _m of layer m, below, along with modifying its own time by receiving the standard time information in the clock unit 11 ₁ of the layer 0, the reference time information (time watch device 11 ₁ of successively lower layers 1 Correction information) is sequentially transmitted to correct the time so that the accurate time can be maintained and managed as a whole system.

When the long-wave radio waves (Coordinated Universal watch device 11 ₀ Layer 0, including a standard time information UTC, JJY (JST (40kHz) , JST (60kHz)) to receive, own clocked time (year, month, day, hour, minute, and second day of the week, etc.) the modified to fit the standard time. further, clock unit 11 ₀ is transmitted by the transmitting channel a arbitrarily selected shorter the reference time information of a format as illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reference time information includes layer information, transmission channel information, time information indicating year / month / day / hour / minute / second / day of the week, freshness information, station information, and other information.

The reference time information is information for specifying the layer in which the clock device 11 that has transmitted the reference time information is located, and has a range of, for example, 00 to 99. Since clock unit 11 ₀ This example is located at the 0th layer, a 00 showing the zeroth layer.

  The transmission channel information is information for specifying a communication channel through which the reference time information is transmitted. In this example, the transmission channel information is information for specifying A. For example, when 60 communication channels are prepared, for example, a value corresponding to the communication channel is set among the values of 00 to 59.

The time information is information indicating the time of year, month, date, hour, minute, second, day of the week, and the like.
The freshness information is information corresponding to an elapsed time since the time information is corrected using the standard time information, and indirectly indicates the reliability of the time information. This freshness information is, for example, data immediately after correction by the standard time information, incremented by +1 every time 1 hour thereafter, and has 99 as the maximum value (lowest freshness). If the time is adjusted manually (manual adjustment), it is automatically set to the lowest rank of 99.

  The station information is information indicating from which information source the time information has been corrected based on the standard radio wave. For example, UTC, JST (40 kHz; East / Fukushima Transmitting Station), JST (60 kHz, West / Kyushu Transmission) ) And manual adjustment).

  Further, as other information, for example, information for changing the transmission channel and information for specifying the communication channel after the change are arranged in the transmission channel area or the additional data area as necessary.

  Each communication channel for transmitting and receiving the reference time information is obtained by sharing a carrier of a specific frequency in a time-sharing manner.

Clock unit 11 ₁ of the layer 1 in FIG. 1 receives the reference time information from the clock unit 11 ₀ Layer 0, and modified to suit its own time to the reference time, further, the reference time information, own clocked generated based on the information, the clock unit 11 ₀ of the upper layer is transmitted by different transmission channel B transmission channel a being used.

Hereinafter, similarly, the clock device 11 _k of each layer k (k is an integer of 2 or more ₎ receives the reference time information from the clock device 11 _(k−1) of the layer (k−1), and receives its own time. Is adjusted to match the reference time, and the reference time information indicating its own clock time is transmitted through a transmission channel different from the transmission channel of the clock device 11 _(k-1) of the layer (k-1).

  Each layer 2, 3... M below layer 1 (m = 3 in FIG. 1) has a function of receiving the reference time information from the clock device 11 of the higher layer and correcting the time measurement data. However, the timepiece device 12 that does not have the function of transmitting the reference time information to a layer lower than itself is also appropriately arranged as necessary.

  Thus, the timepiece devices 11 and 12 constitute a time measuring system that measures and uses (not limited to display) an accurate time as a whole.

  Each timepiece device 11, 12 automatically selects and sets the layer in which it is located and the communication channel used for transmission / reception according to the arrival status of radio waves. In other words, the clock device 11 that can receive the radio wave standard signal is located in the highest layer 0 and functions as a master device, and the other clock devices 11 have the most accurate time (freshness information and the smallest layer; freshness information). Priority) Relay device that automatically determines the clock device 11, receives a reference time signal from the clock device 11, corrects its own clock data, and transmits the time reference signal to the clock device 11 lower than itself Alternatively, it functions as a slave device.

  The clock device 12 functions as a slave device that receives the reference time signal from the host device and corrects its own time measurement data.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each timepiece device 11 constituting the timepiece system includes a long wave receiving circuit 201, a power supply circuit 202, a connector 203, a main device 204, and a display device 205.

 The long wave reception circuit 201 receives and demodulates a long wave radio wave (UTC, standard radio wave signal JJY) of standard time information, and outputs digital reception information to the main device 204 via the connector 203.

  The power supply circuit 202 includes an AC (alternating current) adapter connection plug 211 and a battery 212, and supplies DC power from the AC adapter or the battery 212 to the main device 204 via the connector 203.

  The display device 205 includes a display panel having a segment configuration as shown in FIG. 4 (for example, a liquid crystal display panel), and displays information such as time information and radio wave transmission / reception status under the control of the main device 204.

  As shown in the figure, this display panel includes an AM display segment 221, an PM display segment 222, a TL mark segment 223, a time display segment 224, a separator segment 225, a minute display segment 226, a second display segment 227, a WAVE mark segment 228, W (West station) mark segment 229, E (east station) mark segment 230, antenna mark segment 231, reception level segment 232, battery mark segment 233, month display segment 234, day display segment 235, and day display segment 236.

  The morning / afternoon display segments 221 and 222 display whether the morning and afternoon are different when the time is displayed for 12 hours.

  The TL mark segment 223 is a display segment for displaying that a reference time signal can be received from a host device. In addition, by switching the display mode of the TL mark segment 223, it is displayed that it is being received and is being transmitted.

  The time display segment 224, the delimiter segment 225, the minute display segment 226, and the second display segment 227 display the current time in the format of hour: minute second.

A WAVE mark segment 228, and the W mark segment 229, and Higashikyoku segment 230, whether the clock unit 11 ₀ Layer 0 is receiving the standard radio wave signal within a predetermined time, if that received Indicates whether it is a west or east office. For example, when JST 40 kHz is received and used for time adjustment within 24 hours, WAVE mark segment 228 and east station segment 230 are lit, and JST 60 kHz is received and used for time adjustment. The WAVE mark segment 228 and the W mark segment 229 are turned on. When the UTC signal is received and used for time adjustment, the WAVE mark segment 228 is turned on.

The antenna mark segment 231 and the reception level segment 232 are segments for displaying the intensity of the received radio wave.
The battery mark segment 233 is a segment for displaying the voltage state of the battery 212.

  The month display segment 234, the day display segment 235, and the day of the week display segment 236 are segments for displaying the month, day, and day of the week.

  The main device 204 shown in FIG. 3 includes a voltage detector 213, a regulator 214, a switch group 215, an RF (high frequency) circuit 216, a crystal resonator 217, and a control unit 218.

  The voltage detector 213 detects the output voltage of the power supply circuit 202 and supplies the detected value to the control unit 218.

The regulator 214 stabilizes the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 202 and supplies it to the main device 204.
The switch group 215 includes a plurality of switches such as a reset switch RESET, a TRANS switch used for switching a transmission mode, a RECV switch used for switching a reception mode, and the like. Various information and instructions are supplied to the control unit 218 in accordance with the length of the off and on times.

The RF (Radio Frequency) circuit 216 receives and demodulates the reference time information (FIG. 2) from the clock device 11 _{(k−1) of the} higher layer under the control of the control unit 218 and controls the control unit 218. 2) The reference time information (FIG. 2) is transmitted to the clock device 11 _{(k + 1)} of the lower layer using a transmission channel different from the reception channel.

  The crystal resonator 217 oscillates at a predetermined oscillation frequency and supplies an oscillation signal to the control unit 218.

  The control unit 218 controls the entire operation of the timepiece device 11, and is roughly 1) a time measurement operation based on the oscillation signal of the crystal resonator 217, and 2) a reception signal of the long wave reception circuit 201 or the RF circuit 216. Time data correction operation based on (standard radio wave signal or reference time signal) 3) Transmission of reference time information based on the corrected time data via the RF circuit 216 4) Display control of various information on the display device 205 5) A process for responding to an operation input of the switch group 215 is performed.

  In order to perform these controls, the control unit 218 includes a register group 301, a processor 302, a display control unit 303, a timer unit 304, an encoder 305, a decoder 306, a key input unit, as shown in FIG. 307 and a voltage data input unit 308.

  The register group 301 includes a timing data register 311, a reception channel register 312, a transmission channel register 313, a layer register 314, a freshness data register 315, a continuous reception failure count register 316, and an error register 317.

  The time data register 311 stores the current month / day / hour / minute / second / day of the week which is being measured by the clock device 11.

  The reception channel register 312 stores reception channel designation data (for example, any one of the above-described values 00 to 59), received data, and the like that designate a communication channel that receives reference time information from an upper layer. In the case of the layer 0 timepiece device 11 in which there is no higher layer, the type of standard radio wave (UTC, JST East transmission station, JST West transmission station, etc.) is stored.

  The transmission channel register 313 stores transmission channel designation data (for example, any one of the above-described values 00 to 59) that designates a transmission channel for transmitting the reference time information to the lower layer. The channel designation data stored in the transmission channel register 313 is transmitted as information indicating the transmission channel in the reference time information in the format shown in FIG. When the transmission channel designation data is changed by a transmission channel changing operation described later, the transmission channel designation data can be transmitted at least once or twice as a change notice before the transmission channel is actually changed. Further, after the change, it is possible to transmit information indicating the change on the original transmission channel. In this way, the receiving side can increase the chance of detecting the update of the communication channel, and can more reliably follow the channel change on the transmitting side.

  The layer register 314 stores layer data (for example, any one of the above-described values of 00 to 99) indicating which layer of the plurality of layers (multi-layer) shown in FIG. .

  The freshness data register 315 indicates the elapsed time after the month, date, hour, minute, and second stored in the timekeeping data register 311 are corrected using the standard time information in the layer 0 master device. The freshness data indicated by (for example, any one of the above-mentioned values of 00 to 99) is stored. For example, when the processor 302 determines that one hour has passed since the last update timing, the processor 302 increments the stored data by one.

  The continuous reception failure number register 316 stores the number of times that the reference time information from the upper layer cannot be received continuously. In the case of the layer 0 timepiece device 11 in which no upper layer exists, the number of times that the standard radio wave signal cannot be continuously received is stored.

  The error register 317 stores error data indicating an error Δ (for example, 1.0 second per day; 1/24 per hour) of the time measuring operation by the time measuring unit 304 using the crystal resonator 217. The error data is set, for example, at the manufacturing / inspection stage of the timepiece device 11.

  The display control unit 303 controls the display device 205 to display various information under the control of the processor 302.

  The timekeeping unit 304 counts the oscillation signal from the crystal resonator 217, acquires timekeeping data at regular time intervals (for example, every 100 ms), and outputs a timekeeping interrupt signal to the processor 302.

The encoder 305 encodes data to be transmitted supplied from the processor 302, for example, reference time information, generates a baseband signal, and supplies the baseband signal to the RF circuit 216.
The decoder 306 decodes the reception signals of the long wave reception circuit 201 and the RF circuit 216, for example, demodulates a baseband signal of standard time information or reference time information, and supplies the demodulated signal to the processor 302.

The key input unit 307 decodes the on / off signal input in accordance with the operation of the switch group 215 illustrated in FIG. 3 and supplies the decoded signal to the processor 302.
The voltage data input unit 308 outputs the voltage value detected by the voltage detector 213 to the processor 302.

  The processor 302 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. A) Timekeeping operation, b) Update of various data accompanying timekeeping, c) Timekeeping data correction operation based on a received signal of the long wave receiving circuit 201 or the RF circuit 216, d ) Generation of reference time information based on the corrected timing data and transmission via the RF circuit 216, e) Display control of various information on the display device 205, f) Adjustment of link relation between the clock devices 11, g), etc. I do. Details of the control operation will be described later.

  Next, a description will be given of an operation for configuring the time measuring system as shown in FIG. 1 and performing the time measuring process by combining the timepiece device 11 having the above configuration with reference to FIGS.

  As a premise, a communication channel that shares a carrier in time division is used for communication between the timepiece device 11 and / or the time measuring device 12. Specifically, 60 communication channels of 1 second each are prepared, and 60 seconds from 30:00 to 31 minutes per hour are assigned to 60 channels as 1 channel 1 second. Therefore, for example, communication is performed between each hour 30 minutes and 01 seconds on the 0th channel, and communication is performed between each time 30 minutes and 01 seconds to 02 seconds on the first channel.

(Arrangement)
The user arranges a plurality of timepiece devices 11 constituting the timing system within a distance range in which communication by the RF circuit 216 is possible, and turns on the power.

(Initial operation)
Each timepiece device 11 starts processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 together with other initialization operations when the power is turned on, and specifies the position occupied by itself in the hierarchical structure shown in FIG.

  First, the processor 302 controls the long wave reception circuit 201 to receive a standard radio wave broadcast at 60 kHz from the JST Kyushu transmitting station for a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, and capture the received information (step S101). .

  Subsequently, the processor 302 controls the long wave receiving circuit 201 to receive a standard radio wave broadcast at 40 kHz from the Fukushima transmitting station for a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, and receives the received information and the like via the decoder unit 306. Information indicating the radio wave intensity is captured (step S102).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the standard radio wave of any frequency has been received (steps S103 to S105).

If both 60 kHz and 40 kHz standard radio waves can be received and a decoded signal can be obtained (step S103; Yes), one transmitting station is selected according to a predetermined standard (step S106).
On the other hand, when the standard radio wave of 60 kHz can be received but the standard radio wave of 40 kHz cannot be received (step S104; Yes), the west transmitting station (Kyushu) is selected (step S107).
In addition, when the standard radio wave of 40 kHz is received but the standard radio wave of 60 kHz cannot be received (step S105; Yes), the east transmission station (Fukushima) is selected (step S108).

  When the transmitting station is selected, the processor 302 sets the timing data based on the received standard radio wave in the time data register 311, and the reception channel register 312 stores information indicating that the time type is the standard radio wave and the east-west transmitting station. Then, layer 0 is set in the layer register 314, the freshness data register 315 is reset to set the freshness data to the minimum value “01”, and the continuous reception failure frequency register 316 is reset. Further, the display device 205 is controlled via the display control unit 303 to display information indicating the time data stored in the time data register 311, the reception state, and the battery state (step S 109). The display contents in this case are, for example, morning / afternoon display by segments 221, 222, year / month / day / hour / minute / second display by segments 224 to 227 and 234 to 236, WAVE mark segment 228, W or E mark segment 229, 230, the reception status of the standard radio wave by the reception intensity segment 232, the display of the power state based on the detection value of the voltage detector 213 taken in via the voltage data input unit 308, and the like.

  On the other hand, when the standard radio wave cannot be received, UTC from a GPS satellite or the like is received (step S110). If the UTC is received (step S111; Yes), the time data based on the received UTC is set in the time data register 311 in step S109, and the time channel information is shown in the reception channel register 312 as UTC. Is set, layer 0 is set in the layer register 314, the freshness data register 315 is reset to set the freshness data to "01", the continuous reception failure number register 316 is reset, and the corresponding display is performed (step S109). The display contents in this case are, for example, morning / afternoon display by segments 221, 222, year / month / day / hour / minute / second display by segments 224 to 227 and 234 to 236, standard radio wave by WAVE mark segment 228 and reception intensity segment 232, for example. Reception status display, power supply status display based on the detection value of the voltage detector 213 fetched via the voltage data input unit 308, and the like.

  On the other hand, when neither the standard radio wave nor UTC can be received (step S111, No), the processor 302 activates the RF circuit 216, performs a reception operation for a maximum of one hour, and the reference time information output by the other clock device 11 Is received (step S112).

This reception operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the processor 302 activates the RF circuit 216 (step S201) and waits for reception of a shortwave signal having a predetermined wavelength until a predetermined time, for example, 1 hour elapses (steps S202 and 203). Here, the reason why the predetermined time is set to 1 hour is that in this embodiment, a communication channel is arranged around 30 minutes per hour, and any communication can be received after waiting for 1 hour.

  If no reference time signal can be received for a predetermined time, a time-out process is executed (step S204), and for example, the user is notified that radio waves cannot be received.

  On the other hand, when the reference time signal from any of the clock devices 11 is received, the time measurement / display is started based on the received reference time signal (step S205). However, the reception state is continued for at least a predetermined time (1 minute in the present embodiment) corresponding to the period in which the communication channel is allocated (steps S206 and S207).

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S207), the clock device 11 having transmitted the received reference time signal and having the smallest freshness data and layer is selected as the higher-level device (step S208). That is, the clock device 11 having the small freshness data, that is, the data immediately after being updated using the long wave signal is selected and linked as the clock data (the reference time signal output by the clock device 11 is received). Such reception channel specifying data for specifying the reception channel is set in the reception channel register 312).

  Then, the time data received from the clock device 11 is set in the time data register 311. Also, reception channel designation data for specifying the transmission channel of the linked clock device 11 is set in the reception channel register 312. Further, the own layer is set in the layer register 314 as a value obtained by adding +1 to the layer (determined from the layer information included in the reference time information) of the linked clock device 11 (higher-order device). In addition, a transmission channel is randomly selected from communication channels (empty communication channels) other than one or a plurality of communication channels that have received the reference time signal, and is set in the transmission channel register 313. Further, the freshness data included in the received reference time signal (when the host device is the master device (layer 0), the received freshness data + 1) is set in the freshness data register 315 as the freshness data of this device. . Further, the type of the reference information signal is set in the freshness data register 315 for each of UTC, east transmitting station, and west transmitting station. Further, the continuous reception failure frequency register 316 is reset to 0 (step S209).

  Thereafter, the reference time signal is transmitted for a predetermined period, for example, 30 minutes, “one time every 60 seconds” in seconds corresponding to the transmission channel registered in the transmission channel register 313 (step S210). This is to form a link in a short time.

(Normal operation)
During a normal operation, the timekeeping unit 304 of each timepiece device 11 counts a timed interrupt signal for updating the timed time every time a certain time (for example, 50 ms) is measured using the oscillation signal of the crystal resonator 217. Is output to the processor 302. In response to this timing signal, the processor 302 starts the process shown in FIG.

  First, the processor 302 updates the current time information stored in the time measurement data register 311 (step S301). Further, it is determined whether or not one hour has passed since the previous update timing of the freshness data stored in the freshness data register 315. If one hour has passed, the freshness data is incremented by one (step S302). However, “99” is the upper limit.

Subsequently, processing such as updating of display information is executed (step S303).
The processor 302 repeats such processing, and always keeps the timekeeping time and display in an appropriate state.
The interrupt period is not limited to 50 ms and is arbitrary.

  In addition, the timekeeping unit 304 of each clock device 11 sends a timekeeping interrupt signal for receiving the reference time information to the processor 302 every time a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) has elapsed.

In response to this timing interrupt signal, the processor 302 starts the process shown in FIG.
First, the control processor 302 indicates whether or not the number of times that the reference time information from the host clock device 11 has not been received is a predetermined number of times (here, 6 times: 6 hours) or more continuously. It discriminate | determines from the content of 316 (step S311).

  If it is determined that the number of times is less than six (step S311; No), it is determined whether or not the timing corresponds to the reception channel specified by the reception channel designation data stored in the reception channel register 312 (step S311; No). Step S312). If it is the timing (step S312; Yes), the reference time signal from the host device is received (step S313).

  If normal reception is possible, the time freshness stored in the received reference time signal is smaller (fresh) than the freshness data stored in its own freshness data register 315, and the host clock device 11 that has received the reference time signal It is determined whether or not the current layer is higher than the self layer by comparing the content of the reference time signal with the information stored in the self register group 301 (step S314). If the received reference time information is fresher and is in an upper layer (step S314; Yes), a) the time measurement data (time data) stored in the time measurement data register 311 is included in the received reference time information. B) update the freshness data and type / station data stored in the freshness data register 315 to the received freshness data, type / station data, and c) the number of consecutive reception failures. The continuous reception failure data stored in the register 316 is reset to 0 (step S315).

  On the other hand, when the freshness of the received reference time information or the layer is lower than the freshness data of the timekeeping data held by itself or the own layer (step S314; No), the timekeeping data is not updated. In this case, the reception period may be sequentially extended by “one communication channel period” to receive the reference time information transmitted on the next communication channel. If a plurality of communication channels are detected, the clock device 11 is linked to the freshness data and the layer with the smallest layer (the timing data is fresh and the layer is higher). When data is detected within the reception period, the last data is received and a determination is made. Furthermore, if the reception channel is the same as its own transmission channel, it is ignored.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S311 that the number of times the reference time information has not been received from the host device is consecutively greater than or equal to the predetermined number (here, 6 times), the reception time of 1 second is usually The reception timing is corrected by enlarging by n seconds (step S316). This is because there is a possibility that a time difference is caused by the time measuring unit 304 during a period in which the reference time signal cannot be continuously received, and the reference time signal is received by complementing the time difference.

  The processor 302 obtains the product Δ · T of the error per unit time stored in the error register 317 and the period T during which the reference time signal from the host device cannot be received, and this Δ · T (= n) Increase the channel period back and forth. For example, for a channel between the hour 30 minutes 15 seconds and 16 seconds (the 16th channel), the channel period is 30 minutes 15 seconds-Δ · T to 30 minutes 16 seconds + Δ · T.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S312 and subsequent steps. As a result, the reference time signal can be reliably received regardless of the error of the crystal resonator 217.

  On the other hand, when the current time comes to the start timing of the communication channel specified by the transmission channel designation data stored in the transmission channel register 313 (step S317), the processor 302 combines the reference time information shown in FIG. Transmission is performed from the RF circuit 216 via 305 (step S318). As a result, the reference time signal can be transmitted to the timepiece device 11 that is lower than the timepiece device 11.

  Note that the correction of the reception timing in step S316 can also be performed based on the freshness data. For example, the freshness data S indicating the approximate elapsed time from the correction of the timekeeping data based on the standard radio wave, and the time difference Δ measured by the crystal unit 217 per unit time are read from the freshness data register 315 and the error register 317. May be used to obtain the amount of time difference n = S · Δ, and the start time of each communication channel may be advanced by n and the end time may be delayed by n.

  Note that the interrupt period of the process in FIG. 8B is not limited to 500 ms, and may be arbitrary, and may be the same as the interrupt period of the process in FIG.

(Transmission channel automatic change operation to prevent interference)
Each processor 302 receives transmission data of each communication channel once a day, for example, in a time zone in which a communication channel of a predetermined time is set randomly or pseudo-randomly, and is used by itself. It is determined whether or not there is a clock device 11 that is transmitting using the same communication channel as the channel. The random data generation means is arbitrary, but for example, the reception operation of the RF circuit 216 may be performed at a predetermined time to determine a random value from the reception data. Each clock device 11 can perform this process at a timing determined based on a certain standard (for example, every day).

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the processor 302 refers to the freshness data register 315 and the error register 317 to obtain a product S · Δ of the freshness data S and the error Δ (step S401). This S · Δ is an amount that is expected to be shifted in time due to an error of the crystal resonator 217.

  Next, the RF circuit 216 and the decoder 306 are connected between “start time−S · Δ” and “end time + S · Δ” in the time zone in which the communication channel is set (30:00 to 21:00). Receive data via At this time, not only the carrier is detected, but all or a part of the data is received / decoded to detect (search) a transmission channel actually used as a transmission channel for the reference time signal (step S402).

  Next, when data is detected on the same communication channel as the transmission channel set in its own transmission channel register 313, an arbitrary one of the communication channels (empty channels) from which no data is detected is randomized. Alternatively, it is arbitrarily selected by generating a pseudo random number (step S403).

  In the slave mode (layer 1 or higher) (step S404: Yes), the freshness data and the upper clock device 11 having the lowest layer are re-linked (step S405). That is, the clock data register 311 is updated based on the time information, the transmission channel is set in the reception channel register 312, the freshness data and the time type / station information are set in the freshness data register 315, and the continuous reception failure frequency register 316 is reset.

  With such a configuration, a channel that collides with a channel used by another device is gradually moved to an empty channel, and interference can be prevented.

  In addition, when the transmission channel is changed in step S403, “changed transmission channel” and “specified transmission channel after change” in the transmission channel before the change several times (for example, 2 to 3 times) after the change. To send data. As a result, the clock device 11 linked to the clock device 11 whose transmission channel has been changed in step S403 (having received the reference time signal output by the clock device 11) can recognize the transmission channel after the change, The receiving channel can be changed.

  In addition, before changing the transmission channel, in the reference time information shown in FIG. 2, changing the transmission channel, the changed transmission channel, the change timing, etc. are transmitted in advance, and the processor 302 on the receiving side. It is also possible to receive this information and change the reception channel at the notified timing.

(Display control operation)
The processor 302 executes the display control process shown in FIG. 10 by, for example, a periodic interrupt process every 500 ms.
First, as usual, information such as AM / PM, year / month / day / hour / minute / second, day of the week, etc. is displayed on the display device 205 via the display control unit 303 (step S501).

  Subsequently, it is determined by referring to, for example, the continuous reception failure frequency register 316 whether or not the reference time information is received from the higher-order clock device 11 within a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours (step S502). If the reference time information can be received within 24 hours (step S502; Yes), the TL mark 223 is turned on via the display control unit 303 (step S503). If the reference time information has not been received within 24 hours (step S502; No), the TL mark 223 is turned off by skipping step S503.

  Subsequently, by determining the contents of the freshness data register 315, it is determined whether the freshness data is 24 or less (step S504). As described above, since the freshness data is counted up by one per hour, the fact that the freshness data is 24 or less means that the standard radio wave can be received within approximately 24 hours. Therefore, if it is determined in step 504 that the freshness data is 24 or less (step S504; Yes), the WAVE mark segment 228 is turned on. When the west station of JJY is received, the W mark segment 229 indicating “west” is turned on. When the east station of JJY is received, the E mark segment 230 indicating “east” is lit, and the UTC In this case, only the WAVE mark segment 228 is turned on (step S505).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 504 that the freshness data is greater than 24 (step S504; No), step S505 is skipped to turn off the WAVE mark segment 228, W mark segment 229, and E mark segment 230.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, when a normal (accurate) time display cannot be performed due to a combination of turning on / off of the TL mark segment 223, the WAVE mark segment 228, the W mark segment 229, the E mark segment 230, and the like Therefore, it can be easily determined whether the standard radio wave itself is not obtained or the link between the timepiece devices 11 is not established. It is also possible to determine the reception state at that time.

Further, the processor 302 executes the process shown in FIG. 11A when the RF circuit 216 is performing a receiving operation in accordance with the notification from the RF circuit 216, and as shown in FIG. The display is driven so as to flow from 223 to the left (step 601), and is repeated until the reception process is completed (step S602). Further, when the RF circuit 216 is performing a transmission operation in accordance with the notification from the RF circuit 216, the processor 302 executes the process shown in FIG. 11B, and as shown in FIG. The display is driven so as to flow from 223 to the right (step 611), and is repeated until the transmission process is completed (step S612).
With such display driving, it can be determined that transmission processing and reception processing are being performed.

In the case of transmission display, the processor 302 or the display control unit 303 may display the transmission state when the RF circuit 216 is actually outputting a carrier by a transmission control signal from the RF circuit 216. Good.
On the other hand, the processor 302 or the display control unit 303 detects not only that the RF circuit 216 detects the carrier but also that the decoded data matches the format shown in FIG. 2 based on the reception control signal from the RF circuit 216. The reception display may be performed only when it is performed.

(Manual timing process)
As shown in FIG. 12, the timepiece devices 11 and 12 of this embodiment can adjust the time by operating the switch group 215 in the same manner as a normal timepiece device (steps S701 and S702). In this case, the processor 302 sets time data corresponding to the input operation in the time data register 311. However, in this case, the processor 302 sets the freshness data (99) of the lowest rank in the freshness data register 315 (step S703). Thereby, the situation where the other timepiece devices 11 and 12 are linked to the timepiece device 11 manually adjusted can be prevented. However, processing such as transmission of reference time information is performed in the same manner as the above-described processing.

  In the timepiece system configured as described above, when each timepiece device 11, 12 reaches, for example, a predetermined time (about 3 to 4 times a day), the standard radio wave reception process (step S 101-1) similar to the process of FIG. 6 is performed. It is desirable to execute the process of receiving the reference time information (step S112) when the process cannot be received after executing (S111). The radio wave reception status changes depending on the day / night, weather, ambient environment, etc., so by trying standard radio wave reception operation at such a frequency, the reception probability of standard radio waves improves, and accurate timekeeping is possible. It becomes possible. In this case, the selection of the transmitting station in step S107 is preferably, for example, the station selected immediately before.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, by properly arranging the timepiece device 11, the timepiece device 11 itself receives standard radio waves (UTC, JJY, etc.) or links with other timepiece devices 11. To form a hierarchical network. In addition, even when the configuration changes or some devices fail, an appropriate link network can be formed. Moreover, interference can be prevented. Furthermore, by devising the display, it is possible to easily determine whether the reason why the accurate time cannot be measured is the reception of the standard radio wave or the problem with the link.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible.

  For example, the freshness data update method can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is also possible to add date / time / minute / second in which time data is corrected using standard radio waves to the freshness data, and to update the freshness data every time a certain period elapses from this date / time / minute / second.

In the above embodiment, the freshness data corresponding to the elapsed time after the correction is used as the data indicating the reliability of the time data. However, other data can be used. For example, it is possible to use an integral value of a product of the corrected elapsed time and the error data Δ.
For example, after M0 time has elapsed in the layer 0 timepiece device 11 with error Δ0, the reference time signal is transmitted to the layer 1 device with error Δ1. If M1 time has elapsed, Δ0 · M0 + Δ1 · M1 It is also possible to use such data as data indicating the degree of error.

  The type of carrier shown in the actual form can also be arbitrarily changed. For example, the long wave is exemplified as the communication carrier for the standard signal and the short wave is exemplified as the communication carrier between the timepiece devices 11, but radio waves of other arbitrary frequencies can be used. Furthermore, it is possible to use light as a carrier for wireless communication, and reference time information and the like may be exchanged by communication using light modulation that is generally known.

  It is also possible to perform the above processing by connecting the clock device 11 with a wired cable. That is, the present invention can be applied to any configuration in which a signal transmitted from an arbitrary timing device 11 can be transmitted to other timepiece devices 11 within a certain range and can sequentially transmit signals from upstream to downstream.

  Further, the data format, the number of communication channels, the frequency, the interrupt cycle, etc. are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The slave dedicated device can be easily manufactured by removing the long wave receiving circuit 201 from the connector 203 shown in FIG. 3, for example. For the reception-only device, the function of the transmission part may be removed from the function of the control unit 218.

  Further, as described above, the present invention is not limited to the timepiece device, and the data format, the number of communication channels, the frequency, the interrupt cycle, and the like are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed.

  Furthermore, as described above, the timepiece devices 11 and 12 are shown as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the timepiece, and the device has a function of measuring and correcting the date and time, regardless of whether or not the timepiece is displayed. It can be widely applied to systems, devices and elements.

It is a lineblock diagram of the timepiece system in an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a format and communication channel of the reference time information (time correction information) transmitted between the timepieces shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the timepiece device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of power activation. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a reception operation in the RF circuit of FIG. 6. (A) Timekeeping processing at normal time, (b) is a flowchart for explaining processing for time correction. It is a figure for demonstrating the transmission channel setting process for preventing interference. It is a figure for demonstrating a display control process. It is a figure for demonstrating a display control process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a manual timing process.

Explanation of symbols

11… Clock device (with transmission function)
12 ... Clock device (without transmission function)

Claims (6)

A time measuring means for measuring time and acquiring time data;
Receiving means for receiving time standard radio waves or time correction information from a host device that has received the time standard radio waves;
Correction means for correcting time data by the time measuring means based on the time standard radio wave or time correction information received by the receiving means;
Based on the information received by the receiving means, notifying means for notifying whether or not the own device or the host device has received the time standard radio wave within a predetermined period;
A time measuring device comprising: Transmission means for transmitting time correction information based on the time measurement data by the time measurement means,
When the transmitting device receives the time standard radio wave or receives a signal indicating that the time standard radio wave is received from the host device, the transmission means transmits the time standard radio wave to the time correction information to be transmitted. Give information that you are receiving,
The time measuring device according to claim 1. The notification means includes a display means having a plurality of segments, and the segments are sequentially displayed during the receiving operation by the receiving means.
The time measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The notification means includes display means having a plurality of segments, and the segments are sequentially displayed during the transmission operation by the transmission means.
The time measuring device according to claim 2.   It is comprised combining two or more time measuring devices in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4, transmits time correction information sequentially from the upper hierarchy side to the lower hierarchy side, and each time measuring device is linked based on time correction information. Timekeeping system characterized by that. Get time data by counting time,
Receive the time standard radio wave or time correction information from the host device that received the time standard radio wave,
Correct the time data by the time measuring means based on the received time standard radio wave or time correction information,
Based on the received time standard radio wave or time correction information from the host device that has received the time standard radio wave, the device itself or the host device notifies whether the time standard radio wave is received within a predetermined period.
Timekeeping method characterized by that.

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